VP Racing Fuels has acquired PRO ENERGY FUEL LIMITED, a European supplier of aviation gasoline, racing fuels, oils and related products.

The acquisition establishes VP Racing's European headquarters in Sligo, Ireland, with operations based in Wroclaw, Poland, and Rotterdam, Netherlands, including a distribution network throughout Europe, creating a permanent platform to support motorsports, aviation, and performance fuel markets across continental Europe while strengthening service in the United Kingdom.

This move enhances VP Racing's ability to support racing series, venues, teams, distributors, aviation customers and retail partners with improved logistics, technical expertise and product availability, the company said

VP Racing Fuels maintains a strong presence in European drag racing, including its role as Official Fuel of Santa Pod Raceway through the 2025–2026 seasons. With PRO ENERGY now part of VP Racing, the company is positioned to expand support across continental Europe with improved fuel availability, coordinated logistics and enhanced technical service, the company said.

Beyond drag racing, VP Racing continues to grow its footprint in road racing, rally, and karting, where fuel consistency and reliability are critical. The European hub enables closer collaboration with teams, series organizers and track operators across key markets.

VP Racing also continues to expand in two-wheel competition as the official fuel supplier for Yamaha and Honda OEM motocross programs, with the new hub improving local access and event-level support.

PRO ENERGY brings a 100% sustainable racing fuel that meets FIA and FIM Appendix requirements, providing an immediate solution for evolving regulatory demands without sacrificing performance.

"This acquisition gives VP Racing a true operational foundation in continental Europe," said VP Racing Fuels President and CEO Alan Cerwick. "ProEnergy's businesses align closely with our strategic vision and provide a strong foundation for accelerating the growth of the VP Racing brand. It strengthens our ability to support motorsports, aviation, and consumer fuel markets with the same service‑driven approach that has defined our success in the United States, while positioning us for long‑term growth, particularly in sustainable and renewable fuel technologies."

For more information, visit vpracingfuels.com.

Industry veteran Mark Beatty has officially joined the PDRA and Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series leadership team, the sanctioning body announced.

Beatty most recently served as brand manager at Red Line Synthetic Oil, the series' title marketing partner since the 2024 season. Beatty also brings experience from V. Gaines' Western Motorsports, Bandimere Speedway and more spanning a 30-plus year career in motorsports.

"I've been in this industry for the majority of my adult life," Beatty said. "Joining the PDRA team confirms the saying: saving the best for last. The PDRA family is made up of people who not only love racing, but they are also dedicated to taking care of partners, racers and fans at every level."

Beatty's introduction to the series will come at a rapid pace as the series kickstarts the back half of the 2026 season with a stop at Bristol Dragway, followed by a return to Darana Motorsports Park and Virginia Motorsports Park to finish out the championship tour for the season.

"I am excited about this next chapter for the PDRA series," said Tyler Crossnoe, series director. "We have made a habit of taking the slow and steady approach to several things over the years and trying to create a sustainable and consistent product that racers and fans can trust and rely on year after year. Adding a motorsports veteran like Mark to the team continues to strengthen the leadership core that will take another step forward to making the PDRA product and experience better for every racer, fan, marketing partner, vendor midway participant, media member, track partner and more."

For more information, visit pdra660.com.

SimCraft, a provider of advanced motion simulation systems for driver development and vehicle engineering, has partnered with INDY NXT team Abel Motorsports as the team expands its race preparation and engineering capabilities for the 2026 season and beyond.

As part of the collaboration, Abel Motorsports will take delivery of SimCraft's flagship APEX 6 GT professional full-motion racing simulator to support driver training, setup development and engineering workflows for the team's engineers and chief mechanic.

SimCraft's relationship with the Abel Motorsports program is further strengthened through its ongoing personal and professional connections with drivers Myles Rowe and Jordan Missig, both of whom have utilized simulation as a core component of their driver development pathways within the Abel Motorsports ecosystem, the team said.

"This program is built around people we know, trust, and have worked with closely," said SimCraft Director of Driver Development TJ Halsema. "Our relationships with Myles and Jordan, along with the engineering leadership under John Brunner, make this a natural fit. The APEX 6 GT gives the team a tool that supports both driver feel and engineering accuracy, which is exactly where modern race prep is heading."

For more information, visit simcraft.com.

One of the automotive industry's most popular enthusiast events is headed to the Midwest for the first time as TYPE S Night Lights rolls into Speedway, Indiana, on Wednesday, July 29, from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Presented by GAZOO Racing, the free, family-friendly event will take place on Main Street outside the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) headquarters at 1255 Main St., just steps from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Hosted by Larry Chen and Sung Kang, the Midwest debut is presented in partnership with Formula DRIFT and PRI, bringing together enthusiasts for an evening of incredible cars, special guests and a celebration of the automotive community.

The event will also feature an exclusive screening of the first seven minutes of the upcoming Drifter movie, followed by a live Q&A with Kang, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at one of the year's most anticipated automotive films.

Whether you drive a race car, tuner, truck, muscle car, exotic or daily driver, all vehicles are welcome, and admission is free. Organizers encourage attendees to help keep the event family-friendly by respecting the Speedway community, following event staff directions and helping create a great experience for everyone.

To help fans gear up for the event, TYPE S is offering 25% off select interior and exterior LED products through July 29 with promo code Indy25.

Set against the backdrop of one of motorsports' most iconic destinations, TYPE S Night Lights promises an unforgettable evening of cars, community and entertainment. Don't miss your chance to experience the series' first-ever Midwest stop in the heart of racing country.

In a high-profile elevation of the importance of protecting the American motorsports industry, Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling met with PRI during the Great American State Fair's "Horsepower Day" for a robust discussion of national efforts to protect the motorsports industry, help foster job opportunities, and enable small businesses nationwide to thrive. WATCH THE INTERVIEW.

SEMA and PRI caught up with acting United States Secretary of Labor @Sonderling47 who shared that motorsports plays a vital role in the nation’s workforce and generates almost $70 BILLION dollars for the American economy. ⁰⁰Motorsports provides a pathway to prosperity for… pic.twitter.com/vj1I7F1AyW

— SEMA Action (@semaaction) July 7, 2026

Secretary Sonderling was at the Great American State Fair to participate in the Horsepower of America panel with racing icon Richard Childress, NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell, Jim Campbell, GM's Vice president of performance and motorsports and NASCAR Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon.

While speaking with PRI, Secretary Sonderling expressed a real passion for motorsports, discussing policy issues that affect drivers, teams and racetracks, and how the Department of Labor is working to support businesses that rely on racing to provide for their families.

Noting how racing has been a vital part of American history and culture, Secretary Sonderling says the momentum behind the sport is only beginning to grow, citing increased media attention from fans and professional productions leading to a direct correlation in increased popularity for the sport.

Secretary Sonderling highlighted the vital role motorsports provides for the American labor market; a recent PRI study found that nearly 320,000 jobs depend on motorsports and drive a $69 billion annual economic impact.

When asked the opportunities motorsports provides for American labor, Secretary Sonderling noted "[The Department of Labor] is really pushing people to get into the automotive industry," adding, "the automotive industry is embracing the apprenticeship model, where you can start in high school working for Ford or General Motors, get a guaranteed job and graduate with zero student debt".

Questions? Contact PRI Director of Government Affairs for Racing Tierra Hubbard at tierrah@performanceracing.com.

Images courtesy of Department of Labor

Longtime Speedway Motorsports executive Jessica Fickenscher has been promoted to the role of general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, CEO Marcus Smith announced.

Additionally, Charlotte Motor Speedway President Greg Walter will expand his role, leading external affairs across federal, state, regional and local levels for both Charlotte Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway.

As general manager, Fickenscher will oversee daily operations at the Concord, North Carolina, facility. After starting as an intern in 1997, Fickenscher worked throughout the organization and touched nearly every facet of the fan experience, most recently serving as chief experience officer for Speedway Motorsports.

Fickenscher had served as acting general manager since April 2025, leading Charlotte Motor Speedway through one of the venue's busiest and most successful periods, while President Greg Walter recovered from heart transplant surgery.

As general manager, Fickenscher will oversee day-to-day operations for Charlotte Motor Speedway, including its calendar of NASCAR, NHRA, World of Outlaws and grassroots racing, concerts, festivals and special events, while continuing to enhance the guest experience across the world-class entertainment campus. She will also continue to serve as the senior leadership executive at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

In an expanded role as president, Walter will lead government and community relations and external affairs for Charlotte Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway. Serving as the company's senior executive voice with business leaders, community stakeholders and government officials, Walter will lead strategic advocacy and educational efforts on behalf of both speedways across federal, state, regional and local levels. He will also continue his service as a board member for the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Board and the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition, promoting in-state motorsports destinations to visitors from around the world.

For more information, visit speedwaymotorsports.com.

Images courtesy of Speedway Motorsports and Shutterstock | 4kclips

The road to the 2026 PRI Show––December 10-12, Indianapolis––is now more direct.

Badge registration opens on Tuesday, July 21, and it's now easier than ever to attend for qualified industry members.

With the new Direct-to-Badge registration process, qualified motorsports professionals can purchase their badge for the trade-only PRI Show directly without a PRI membership. No separate membership is required before registering or attending the 2026 PRI Show.

Mark Your Calendar: Registration Opens July 21

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 21, to take advantage of the simplified new registration process and secure your badge––at the lowest possible price––to join more than 40,000 other motorsports professionals and 1,000-plus exhibitors for three days of engagement, collaboration and innovation.

Why Attend?

This year's Show at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, promises an exciting mix of new experiences and returning favorites, all designed to deliver maximum value for the racing industry's leading professionals.

More than 1,000 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest motorsports products and innovations, giving attendees direct access to the brands actively innovating and investing in new technologies, competitive advantage and business expansion.

Want to know which brands will be in attendance? The 2026 PRI Show floorplan is already online.

But the thousands of parts and products on the Show floor are just a part of what makes the PRI Show a can't-miss event for motorsports professionals. Gearing up to be one of the biggest and most impactful PRI Shows yet, the three-day trade-only event will also offer world-class networking and educational opportunities, plus exclusive Show features you can't find anywhere else.

Among the major highlights for the 2026 PRI Show include:
 

• T.O.P.S. (Tracks, Operators, Promotions and Sanctions) HQ: This newer Show feature has grown exponentially throughout recent years. T.O.P.S. is the headquarters, meeting spot and take-a-break room for track and sanction officials, management, staff and officials.
• Motorsports Engineering Symposium: Bringing together engineers, designers and technical leaders from across the racing industry, this new Show feature is a focused program dedicated to advancing performance, innovation and applied engineering in motorsports. The symposium will provide a forum for sharing technical knowledge, exploring emerging technologies and highlighting the engineering breakthroughs shaping the future of racing.
• Machinery Row: Located in the Yellow Hall, this cornerstone of the PRI Show features cutting-edge CNC machining centers, welding and fabrication tools, dynamometers, engine building tech and more, all wired for live side-by-side demonstrations.
• Indoor Trailer Exhibit Area: Located on the Lucas Oil Stadium field, the trailer exhibit returns with dedicated display space for the latest haulers, motorhomes, toterhomes and race transporters.
• Media Center: Full-service press support for credentialed media, including interview rooms and workspaces. 

Don't miss your chance to be part of the world's largest gathering of motorsports professionals. For more information on attending the 2026 PRI Show, click below:

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC)––one of PRI parent company SEMA's nine councils and networks representing various segments of the aftermarket industry––is hosting a virtual Coffee and Conversation geared toward the motorsports industry on racecar setup fundamentals and suspension tuning strategies on Thursday, August 6, at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT.

WTSBC Coffee and Conversations are virtual events where members gather to network and exchange insights on industry challenges. Hear from Brian Bohlander, director of marketing––sports and partnership at Old World Industries, and other experts about practical knowledge for suspension tuning, racecar setup and performance optimization.

Topics include:  

• SCCA racing setups
• How low is too low?
• Calculating spring rates for coilover setups
• E-racing suspension setups
• Hidden suspension pitfalls
• Caster and camber setup

Unlike traditional webinars, Coffee and Conversations are centered on open dialogue. Attendees will connect with other experts in the wheel, tire, suspension and brake space while gaining practical takeaways in a relaxed, peer-driven environment.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has published an announcement regarding its Outlaw Nitro Series. Read the entirety of the announcement below:

IHRA regrets to announce that the remaining events of the 2026 IHRA Nitro Drag Racing Series will not be contested as originally scheduled.

This was an extremely difficult decision. Following last week’s schedule update, IHRA’s management team continued evaluating the operational requirements necessary to complete the season at the level our racers deserve. It became clear we could not deliver the quality, safety, and professionalism that define IHRA competition. Rather than lower our expectations simply to complete the schedule, we believe concluding the 2026 Nitro season is the most responsible decision.

This announcement applies only to the 2026 IHRA Nitro Drag Racing Series. IHRA-owned drag racing facilities, weekly bracket racing, sportsman competition, Team Finals, and the IHRA World Championship will continue as scheduled. Racers should continue following their individual series and track communications for updates.

"Our roots started in drag racing," said IHRA President Dustin Farthing. "The racers who fill the staging lanes every weekend are the foundation of IHRA. Our focus is on rebuilding from the ground up by investing in our member tracks, sportsman racing, and the grassroots racers who built this organization. We will not lower our event standards simply to say we completed a race."

"This isn't the end of national event drag racing; it's a reset. By strengthening our foundation first, we’ll build a stronger future for our racers, tracks, sponsors, and fans."

IHRA sincerely thanks its racers, teams, sponsors, volunteers, track operators, and fans for their continued support as we begin the next chapter of the organization.

For more information, visit the IHRA Facebook page or ihra.com.

Lauren Wilbor, national spokesperson for Driving Force Action and a member of PRI's Advocacy team, recently authored a guest opinion piece discussing Wisconsin's ongoing debate over racetrack protections and Right to Race legislation. 

The commentary examines Wisconsin's ongoing Right to Race debate, focusing on the economic impact of motorsports and the role local racetracks play in communities across the state. 

Image courtesy of World Racing Group | Trent Gower