The championship-winning Nissan NPT90 will be on display at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

Some of the most important race cars and motorcycles to emerge from Japanese brands will be assembled to honor Japanese motorsports history at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, August 12-15. 

The exhibition highlights the impact of Japanese manufacturers across disciplines ranging from Baja off-road racing and world rally competition to Formula 1, INDYCAR, endurance racing and premier motorcycle championships.

Some highlights include two 24 Hours of Le Mans overall winners together for the first time: The 1991 Mazda 787B, which was the first Japanese car to capture the crown, and the 2018 GAZOO Racing TS050 Hybrid that gave Toyota its first overall victory.

This special exhibition traces Japanese motorsports history through more than 40 historic cars and two dozen motorcycles from private collections, museums and automakers. It will be the largest showcase of Japanese racing accomplishments in the 52-year history of the historic racing event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Honda and Acura are also showcasing their motorsports vehicles from the early 1968 Honda S800 RSC and 1969 Honda N600 Baja to the Honda-powered Williams FW11 Formula 1 car driven by Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell, to its IMSA-winning Acura ARX Daytona Prototype.

Alongside the Le Mans-winning Toyota TS050 is the Toyota 7, its first full-fledged prototype race car developed with Yamaha, the AAR Toyota Celica and Eagle that dominated IMSA GTO and GTP racing, and the 2007 Toyota NASCAR Camry.

Rotary-engine enthusiasts will appreciate the Mazda 787B, but Mazda's history began earlier with the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport, and evolved with the 1991 Mazda RX-7 GTO and 1992 Mazda RX-792P. 

In honor of Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Grand Marshal and BRE founder Peter Brock, Nissan will feature a strong lineup ranging from the 1969 BRE Datsun 2000 Roadster and BRE Datsun 510 to the 1988 Nissan GTP ZX-T and championship-winning Nissan NPT-90.

Rally champion Subaru will showcase its rally pedigree through a trio of its iconic and highly competitive Subaru Impreza WRXs that have been driven to wins by Travis Pastrana, Colin McRae and Ken Block. 

Motorcycle racing will also be prominently featured with championship machines from Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. The collection includes bikes ridden by legends such as Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Freddie Spencer, and the Honda RC211V that Nicky Hayden captured back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006 at Laguna Seca, which led to his 2006 MotoGP world championship.

For more information, visit weathertechraceway.com/pages/rolex-monterey-motorsports-reunion.

Image courtesy of Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Tickets for Formula DRIFT's Final Round 8: Shoreline Showdown on the Streets of Long Beach are now on sale, and organizers have revealed it will now be an evening event, taking place under floodlights.

Following the closure of the legendary Irwindale Speedway in Southern California, the Final Round 8 moved from its traditional venue to a new home on the Streets of Long Beach in Long Beach, California.

And after a successful inaugural event in 2025, Formula DRIFT has decided to recreate some of the magic from those historic finales at Irwindale by moving from a daytime to an evening event.

"Building towards the next 'Irwindale' initially seemed like an almost impossible task. But after getting our own street event in 2025, the next logical step was to see if we could go into the night––to replicate the feeling and essence of what a Finals in October should feel like," said Ryan Sage, president of Formula DRIFT. "Fortunately, the City of Long Beach agreed, and our final round will mark another landmark not only for FD, but motorsports in general, by creating a second nighttime, four-wheel event in Super Drift and now Round 8's Shoreline Showdown. But since there's no outdoor stadium lighting at the venue, we will create the ambiance of what it would be like to drift in a downtown environment. And we expect to go out with a bang, if you know what I mean."

The annual Irwindale fireworks display was always a fan favorite, and Formula DRIFT is planning to incorporate fireworks into the proceedings for the finale, to add to the overall spectacle of the event.

TICKETS ON SALE

The Final Round of the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship has always seen a capacity crowd fill the grandstands, and fans are again encouraged to purchase early to avoid disappointment, says organizers. Tickets are available now at formulad.com/schedule.

Fans can select single-day or weekend ticket options as well as the popular Photo Experience, Autograph Experience, Track Walk and the event-specific FD Fan Pack while available.

For more information, visit formulad.com.

Photo by Larry Chen courtesy of Formula DRIFT

The event marks SCORE's return to Mexicali, a city that previously hosted the historic SCORE Mexicali 250 during the 1970s and 1980s.

SCORE International, the off-road racing organization based in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, has released details about the 2027 SCORE World Desert Championship.

The news was highlighted by the announcement that the BFGoodrich Tires 60th SCORE Baja 1000 will feature a legendary peninsula course starting in Ensenada, Baja California, and also mark the return of Mexicali, Baja California, as the host city for the King Shocks 40th SCORE Baja 250.

"SCORE International's legacy is inseparable from Mexico's culture, the passion of its fans and the country's one-of-a-kind terrain. For the 12th consecutive year, Mexico will host the entire SCORE schedule, highlighted by the 60th anniversary of the legendary SCORE Baja 1000, which will feature a peninsula run beginning in Ensenada, Baja California, and finishing at a destination that will be announced at a later date by SCORE officials," said a SCORE release.

The 2027 season will also mark SCORE International's 54th year as one of the world's premier off-road racing organizations, with a four-race championship that includes the King Shocks 40th Baja 250 in Mexicali, Baja California. The event marks SCORE's return to Mexicali, a city that previously hosted the historic SCORE Mexicali 250 during the 1970s and 1980s.

All four rounds of the 2027 SCORE World Desert Championship will feature qualifying for five of SCORE's premier racing divisions: SCORE Trophy Truck, SCORE Trophy Truck 2WD, SCORE Trophy Truck Legend, Class 1 and Trophy Truck Spec. Each race will also include SCORE's signature live broadcast production across its social media platforms, bringing the excitement of desert racing to millions of fans around the globe.

For the complete details, read the SCORE announcement or visit score-international.com.

Formula E Team Principal Cyril Blais has passed away at the age of 43. No cause of death was disclosed.

Blais was most recently the team principal for the Citroën Racing Formula E Team. He also spent time as a team principal, deputy team principal, chief engineer and race engineer with Maserati MSG Racing Formula E. Prior to that, Blais served as the race engineer for Mahindra Racing Formula E, and before that, he held roles within the Formula 2 and Formula 3 series.

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) released the following announcement on Sunday, July 19:

Monaco Sports Group (MSG), operator of the Citroën Racing Formula E Team, Citroën, Stellantis Motorsports, the FIA, and the entire Formula E community are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Team Principal Cyril Blais.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Cyril's family, friends, loved ones and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

"We are all so saddened to lose Cyril. Many of the team have known and worked with him for several years. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues throughout the paddock. Cyril believed so much in this team and we will respect his family's wishes to honour him in the best way we can, by continuing to race in his memory with the exact dedication and passion he instilled in all of us," said Beth Paretta, managing director of the Citroën Racing Formula E Team.

"We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague and friend, Cyril, and our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with his family, loved ones and all those who knew him. Cyril's passing is a devastating loss for his family, for MSG, Citroën Racing, and for our entire Formula E community. We have lost an extraordinary colleague, and someone many of us were proud to call a friend. The entire Formula E paddock is supporting one another through this incredibly difficult period. To honor his immense contribution to the sport, the Citroën Racing Formula E Team and the wider Formula E community will pay tribute to Cyril’s memory and incredible legacy during this weekend’s Tokyo E-Prix," said Jeff Dodds, the CEO of Formula E.

"It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Cyril Blais, Team Principal of MSG, Citroën Racing’s partner in Formula E. This loss is particularly painful for us, as Cyril played a major role in our Formula E program from the very beginning of our collaboration between MSG and Citroën Racing. During this difficult time, our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and all the colleagues at MSG, Stellantis Motorsport, and Citroën who had the privilege of working alongside him," said a joint statement from Xavier Chardon, the CEO of Citroën and Olivier Jansonnie the senior vice president of Stellantis Motorsport.

"The entire motorsport community is deeply saddened by this tragic news, and Cyril will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know and work with him. He was dedicated to our sport, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, competitors and friends across the paddock. His passion, determination and belief in his team were evident in all he did. Beyond his achievements on track, Cyril will be remembered for the integrity he brought to our sport. He made a lasting impression on everyone who worked alongside him, and his absence will be felt deeply. On behalf of myself and the FIA, I extend heartfelt condolences to Cyril’s family, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time," said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA.

No further comments will be shared out of respect for the family's privacy and wishes.

Image courtesy of Formula E and the FIA

Registration is now open for the 2026 PRI Show, the premier trade event for the global motorsports industry. Taking place December 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the PRI Show brings together the companies, professionals, and decision-makers driving the future of racing.

Qualified motorsports industry professionals can now register for the PRI Show without a PRI membership. The PRI Show remains a trade-only event for qualified industry professionals. New for 2026, attendee registration follows a tiered pricing structure, starting at $45 through October 2, increasing to $55 through December 9, and $65 during the Show.

More than 920 exhibiting companies have already secured more than 360,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space, creating a show floor packed with the latest racing technology, performance products, manufacturing equipment, simulation tools, trailers and business solutions. From grassroots racing to professional motorsports, the PRI Show remains the industry's most important marketplace for discovering new products, building relationships, and conducting business ahead of the racing season.

"The PRI Show is where the business of motorsports comes together," said PRI Managing Director Doug Bresnahan. "Every December, manufacturers, race teams, distributors, engine builders, fabricators, track operators, and industry leaders gather in one place to strengthen partnerships, discover new innovations, and create opportunities that move racing forward. We look forward to welcoming the industry back to Indianapolis."

The PRI Show continues to serve as a driving force behind an industry that generates more than $69.2 billion in annual economic activity, supports more than 318,000 American jobs, and produces more than $22.1 billion in wages and benefits, according to the PRI Motorsports Economic Impact Study. By bringing together every segment of the racing industry under one roof, the Show helps fuel innovation, investment, and long-term business growth.

New for 2026, the PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium will debut during the Show, bringing together race engineers, manufacturers, technical leaders, and university engineering programs for a full day of education and collaboration focused on advancing motorsports technology and performance.

The 2026 PRI Show will feature a wide range of experiences and activations, from networking opportunities such as the Grand Opening Breakfast and PRI Full Throttle Social to education programming, specialty exhibit areas, and product discovery destinations including T.O.P.S. HQ, the Trailer and Motorcoach Exhibits, PRI Paddock, Machinery Row, NextGen Connect, and more.

"The PRI Show continues to evolve alongside the racing industry," said PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. "Whether attendees are sourcing products, learning from industry experts, exploring new technologies, or connecting with business partners, the 2026 Show is designed to deliver meaningful value at every stage of their business."

Each year, the PRI Show welcomes attendees from all 50 states and around the world, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, manufacturers, fabricators, distributors, media, sanctioning bodies, and track operators. Early registration allows attendees to receive their credentials in advance beginning in October, helping them save time and get straight to business when they arrive in Indianapolis.

To register, book hotel accommodations, and learn more about the 2026 PRI Show, visit PRI2026.com/Attend.

For additional information or questions regarding registration, please contact PRI Show Manager Nicole Harless, at nicoleh@performanceracing.com. 

Prior to its arrival at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park for Round 5 of the Formula DRIFT (FD) PRO Championship, the Series is working closely with track officials to supplement the existing course with additional paving to create a unique layout at the Indianapolis venue.

ICYMI: Sung Kang, Larry Chen Team Up for TYPE S Night Lights Indy at PRI Headquarters

Indianapolis Raceway Park is one of three new tracks on the 2026 Formula DRIFT schedule, and following the enormous success of Round 4 at Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut, FD officials were eager to ensure fans witness another barnstorming round of both the PRO and PROSPEC Championship Rounds on July 30 and August 1.

The new FD Indy layout was developed in conjunction with Driver Liaisons Ryan Litteral, Ken Gushi and Matt Field as well as FD Judges Brian Eggert, Reese Marin, Robbie Nishida and Vernon Zvanevald, plus the Formula DRIFT Competition Department.

The driver liaisons took an extremely proactive approach to their role this year to bring a driver's perspective to course layout. In doing so, the suggestion was made to pave new sections of the existing track. The aim was to enhance the course layout and verify it through process of site visits and Drift SIM testing. This process had led to the unique situation of new asphalt being laid in preparation for FD Indy at the end of this month. 

"Being able to work closely with Formula DRIFT and the Judges allowed us to create something amazing by adding paving that certainly wasn't planned to occur," Gushi explained. "From a driver's perspective, we're focused on the ability to compete and put on a show for the fans, so to build on the incredible momentum from Connecticut and apply it to the race capital of America is something we're all really proud of."

"I'm excited about what we've been able to do at Indianapolis Raceway Park" said Ryan Sage, president of Formula DRIFT. "Bringing together our driver liaisons, judges and competition department to work with the Track Officials has enabled us to create something really special at a new venue. We're confident the changes will bring a new feel for the drivers and an extra layer of excitement for the fans at what we're confident will be an incredible addition to the Formula DRIFT schedule in the heart of the Midwest."

In addition to the structural changes, Formula DRIFT Indy is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend. Not only will there be on-track action from both the FD PRO and PROSPEC Championships, but fans can also attend the Type-S Night Lights event at PRI Headquarters in Speedway, Indiana. Presented by Larry Chen, he'll be joined by actor Sung Kang who will showcase an extended trailer for his Drifter movie and hold a special Q&A session. Access to Night Lights and the screening is free; all that's required is proof of ticket purchase to FD Indy.

For more information, visit formulad.com.

The three biggest business days in motorsports are calling! The world's largest gathering of racing professionals will roar back to downtown Indianapolis from December 10-12, and housing for the highly anticipated 2026 PRI Show is open.

ROOMS ARE FILLING QUICKLY, so book your accommodations as soon as possible through Visit Indy, the official housing provider for the PRI Show.

Booking through the official PRI hotel block will also unlock exclusive discounted rates, and offers a seamless, stress-free booking experience with guaranteed savings, prime hotel locations and added perks—all designed to make your trip easier and more affordable.

Secure your rate today and make the most of your PRI stay!

Book Here

Have Questions or Need Help?

Contact the Visit Indy Housing team:
📧 prihousing@visitindy.com
📞 317-262-8191 (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. EDT)
 

PRI Show Hotel Spotlight: Hotel Indy, Indianapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Experience downtown Indianapolis with a stay at Hotel Indy, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, where modern style meets Hoosier hospitality. Located in the heart of the city, the boutique hotel offers PRI Show attendees and exhibitors a comfortable home base just minutes from the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.

Featuring 90 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, Hotel Indy combines bold design, contemporary amenities and spacious accommodations to help guests recharge after a busy day on the PRI Show floor. Rooms offer inviting living areas, modern bathrooms and views of the Indianapolis skyline.

When it's time to unwind or connect with colleagues, guests can enjoy exceptional on-site dining, including a rooftop bar and lounge. A well-equipped fitness center makes it easy to stay on track with your workout routine.

Beyond the PRI Show, Hotel Indy places guests within walking distance of some of downtown's top attractions and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy Indianapolis after business hours.

Whether you're exhibiting, attending educational sessions or expanding your network, Hotel Indy offers a stylish, convenient stay in the heart of downtown, putting you close to everything the 2026 PRI Show has to offer.

Bowman Gray Stadium, the Winston-Salem, North Carolina, short track, will host the Kyle Busch Invitational on Friday, August 21, featuring U.S. Legends and Bandoleros races, that will honor the life and legacy of Kyle Busch.

All proceeds from the event will benefit The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund. It will be broadcast live on FloSports and the NASCAR Channel.

"It's an honor to host the Kyle Busch Invitational at Bowman Gray Stadium and celebrate the life and legacy of one of racing's most accomplished drivers," said Clay Campbell, president, Martinsville Speedway, and VP, NASCAR Mid-Atlantic Division. "This event brings together the passion of our fans, the rich history of the Madhouse, and an incredible cause through The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund. This will be a special night for our fans, our community and everyone involved."

The Kyle Busch Invitational will feature up to 51 Legend Cars and 18 additional Bandolero Cars competing at the historic quarter-mile oval.

Drivers will earn an automatic bid if they are in the top five of the 2026 Summer Shootout final point standings in Pro, Semi-Pro, Masters, and Young Lions. Any Pro, Semi-Pro, Masters, or Young Lions drivers with an A-Main Feature victory during the 2026 Summer Shootout who do not finish in the final top five in points will also receive an automatic bid.

"The Legend Car played an important role in Kyle's development on his path to becoming one of the greatest race car drivers of his generation," said G.E. Chapman, vice president of U.S. Legend Cars International and the INEX Racing Series. "To celebrate Kyle's life and legacy with a Legend Car and Bandolero event at Bowman Gray Stadium, while also recognizing the incredible impact he and Samantha have made through The Bundle of Joy Fund, is a tremendous honor. We're proud to be part of an event that celebrates both his accomplishments in motorsports and the lasting difference he continues to make off the race track."

Founded by Samantha and Kyle Busch in 2015, The Bundle of Joy Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to individuals and couples facing the challenges of infertility. Inspired by their own journey to parenthood, the fund awards grants for fertility treatments and helps families pursue their dream of having children.

For more information, visit bowmangrayracing.com.

Speedway Motorsports, led by CEO Marcus Smith, is joining the zMAX CARS Tour ownership group, the series announced.

The organization, which owns and operates 11 racing facilities, Performance Racing Network, U.S. Legends Car International and SMI Properties, joins Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Justin Marks as co-owners of the asphalt late model series.

"The CARS Tour has grown leaps and bounds the past few years and welcoming Marcus into the ownership group is just another step in our effort to bring the best Late Model racing in America to as many people as possible," said Marks. "Marcus' experience, perspective and business ecosystem will prove very valuable as the CARS Tour continues to establish itself as can't-miss short track racing."

"Since the creation of U.S. Legend Cars International in 1992, Speedway Motorsports has been committed to grassroots racing and developing the next generation of NASCAR drivers," said Smith. "This investment with the zMAX CARS Tour is a logical next step for us to help Legend Car drivers move to late models and then to NASCAR's national series, while continuing to maximize a fantastic marketing platform for our zMAX line of automotive additives."

For more information, visit carsracingtour.com.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has made the following announcement:

The IHRA has made the difficult decision not to proceed with the remaining 2026 IHRA Stock Car Series [schedule].

This decision was not made lightly. After a thorough review of our operations, resources and long-term objectives, IHRA believes the responsible course of action is to pause the series and dedicate our full attention to building a stronger, more sustainable stock car program for 2027.

Rather than present events that do not meet the standards our competitors, promoters, sponsors and fans deserve, we believe it is more important to take our time and invest our resources into creating a championship-caliber series that can return with a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future.

This is about making the right decision for the long-term health of the IHRA Stock Car Series... Our responsibility is not simply to put races on the schedule, it is to provide a professional, competitive and well-supported championship. We believe taking this time to reset and build the series properly will allow us to return in 2027 stronger than ever.

IHRA will spend the coming months working closely with racers, track owners, promoters and industry partners to develop a long-term plan that strengthens the Stock Car program and positions it for sustained growth.

We sincerely thank our racers, teams, sponsors, officials, track partners and fans for their continued support and patience during this transition. We look forward to sharing our vision for 2027 in the months ahead as we work to build a stronger future for IHRA Stock Car racing.

For more information, visit ihra.com.