Standard Drivetrain has acquired Precision Industries, a torque converter supplier based in Whiteville, Tennessee.

Founded by Terry Hedrick, Precision Industries is recognized for developing a multi-clutch performance torque converter and a one-piece billet back cover, the company said, and offers a full lineup of driveline products.

Standard Drivetrain, incorporated in Wilmington, Delaware, is led by Rob Boninfante and Chris Miller, and is associated with Jase Composites, Pure Drivetrain Solutions, Chris Miller Racing Productions, Sterling Auto Group, Boninfante Friction, ProTorque, Ultra Lite Brakes, BMF Engineering and Kenny's Diesel and Pullin'.

"With the acquisition of Precision Industries, Standard Drivetrain is poised to deliver on a new era of advancements. Precision Industries has exceptional manufacturing infrastructure and quality systems rarely seen in the aftermarket torque converter industry. The Whiteville, Tennessee, facility will allow the Standard Drivetrain family of companies to proudly grow its manufacturing capabilities here in the U.S.A. The innovation and legacy of Precision Industries align perfectly with our vision for the future here at Standard Drivetrain," said Miller and Boninfante.

For more information, visit standarddrivetrain.com.
 

Wharton Automotive Group, the parent company of McLeod Racing, FTI Converters and Silver Sport Transmissions, has launched FTI Performance Parts.

The new company, based near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will offer performance torque converter and automatic transmission parts. Greg Samuel, founder of FTI Converters, and Ken Kelly Jr. will lead the new brand.

Available components will include complete billet torque converter kits, billet stator assemblies, bolt-together and lock-up kits, as well as transmission components such as billet transbrake valve bodies, billet drums, billet shafts, complete aftermarket pump assemblies, SFI-approved cases and bell housings.

The company's website will launch on January 1, 2024.
 

IndyCar's new hybrid unit is expected to debut after the 108th Indianapolis 500 for the second half of the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season, the series announced.

The series is working with Chevrolet and Honda to develop the hybrid unit and has completed testing sessions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Milwaukee Mile, World Wide Technology Raceway, Road America, Barber Motorsports Part and Sebring.

Paired to a 2.2L twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the new hybrid power unit will provide additional horsepower and overtake options. Other updates for 2024 include lighter chassis components in preparation for the addition of the hybrid unit, including weight savings on the aeroscreen, bellhousing and gearbox.

Additional testing and continued development of the hybrid package will continue ahead of the first race in 2024. More information on the launch of the hybrid unit will be announced at a later date, IndyCar officials said.

For more information, visit indycar.com.
 

The FIA, Formula 1 and Extreme H, the off-road hydrogen motor racing championship set to launch in 2025, have announced plans to establish a joint Hydrogen Working Group.

The group, comprised of representatives from all three organizations including Mark Grain, extreme e technical director, Pat Symonds, F1 CTO, and Nikolas Tombazis, FIA single seater director, will evaluate developments and potential applications for hydrogen within motorsport and wider mobility.

The objective of the Hydrogen Working Group between Formula 1, the FIA and Extreme H is to monitor the progression and development of hydrogen technology – both for the fuel cells and battery systems which will be used in Extreme H’s first-generation racing chassis – as well as hydrogen technology within race site infrastructure, transportation, charging, storage and management and its safety implications, the group said.

For more information, visit extreme-e.com.
 

Formula E is expanding the FIA Girls on Track program at Formula E races for 2024.

The program for girls aged 12 to 18 will extend to all 11 race weekends in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in 2024, up from five race weekends in earlier seasons. More than 1,650 girls will take part at Formula E races in Mexico City, Diriyah, Hyderabad, Sao Paulo, Tokyo, Misano, Monaco, Berlin, Shanghai, Portland and London.

The program includes leading female figures from a range of professions across the Formula E paddock delivering inspirational and educational workshops.

Highlights of the newly enhanced program include:

• A participant of FIA Girls on Track being part of the ceremonies team and present on the victory podium following every race.
• An immersive work experience placement at the track during race week.
• A minimum of 100 girls involved in workshops at track with a further 50 involved in career talks in local universities in every race market.
• Resources on Formula E’s website that highlight necessary skills and career development opportunities within motorsport, including future FIA Girls on Track activations.
• A new and enhanced brand identity.
• Increased engagement with past participants. 

For more information, visit FIAFormulaE.com.

Dawn Burlew, former director of Corning Incorporated, has been named president of Watkins Glen International. She is the first woman to hold the position.

A lifelong New York resident, Burlew is taking on the new position after 40 years at Corning Inc., most recently serving as director of government affairs and director of business development.

Burlew is currently a member of the governing council of the International Motor Racing Research Center located in the Village of Watkins Glen, New York. She also serves as a board member of several other regional committees including the Business Council of New York State, Chemung County Chamber and Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council.

Burlew will assume her new responsibilities at Watkins Glen International on January 3, 2024.

"Part of my fabric is the community here in the Southern Tier and I’m proud to represent the region as the next president of Watkins Glen International," said Burlew. "My personal and professional lives have often brought me to The Glen, including when Corning was involved with the ownership of the track. I have a tool chest of skills that I know will be beneficial to WGI and NASCAR, allowing me to contribute to the team from day one."

For more information, visit theglen.com.
 

Velocity Capital Management, a New York-based private equity firm specializing in sports, media and entertainment, has acquired Parella Motorsports Holdings, the owner and operator of the SpeedTour event series.

"I’ve been seeking the right partner to help me realize my vision for Parella Motorsports Holdings and I am thrilled to be collaborating with the Velocity team," said Tony Parella, CEO of PMH. "I feel like we finally have the right recipe to achieve our true potential and I’m excited to lead PMH through this next chapter of growth. With Velocity’s support, we have exactly what we need to grow both organically and through acquisitions. The 2024 season is going to be fun."

In addition to the acquisition, Parella Motorsports Holdings also announced a 24-event calendar for SpeedTour's 2024 season. Spanning 17 states and two countries, the SpeedTour will include on-track action from the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Prototype Sprint Series Association presented by Hankook (PSSA), Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) and Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.).

The 2024 season will also mark the launch of the new TA2 Club class, a feeder series for drivers seeking a spot in the Trans Am TA2 series, and the Ligier JS F4 Series, a new class featuring the first-generation Ligier JS F4 chassis following the introduction of the new Ligier JS F422 chasis into FIA-certified F4 U.S. competition.

For more information, visit speedtour.net.
 

A longtime supporter of the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, Chevrolet Performance has confirmed its commitment to grassroots competition by signing a new three-year deal, continuing as a major sponsor with the national event series dedicated to Detroit Iron.

"We're proud to have Chevrolet Performance as a major sponsor and contingency supporter of our series," said NMCA President and CEO Steve Wolcott. "Chevrolet Performance has long supported our dedication to homegrown performance, and this new agreement cements that backing for years to come."

In addition to its presenting sponsorship of NMCA through 2026, Chevrolet Performance continues as the presenting sponsor of several core classes, including LME Street King, Proform Rumble and the all-new Scoggin Dickey Street Warrior 10.10.

Chevrolet Performance also retains its position as title sponsor of the COPO Camaro Shootout in Norwalk, Ohio, the LSX Shootout in Madison, Illinois, and the presenting sponsor of the NMCA World Finals in Indianapolis.

Additionally, Chevrolet continues as the "Official Truck" and "Official Tow Vehicle" of the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, having recently delivered a pair of Sterling Gray Metallic '24 Silverado 3500 High Country trucks that serve as racing support and safety vehicles for every NMCA event as well as clients.

For more information, visit NMCAdigital.com and Chevrolet.com/performance-parts.

Virginia-based DRP Performance Products has acquired the Accu-Force Spring Smasher product line from Accu-Force Dynos and Testers of Millersburg, Ohio.

The acquired product line includes the Standard II and Automated Touch Screen Spring Smasher models, along with the Gen II Spring Loader.

“Accu-Force Spring Smashers are a natural fit with our set-up equipment product lines. Bringing a respected brand like Accu-Force into the DRP family was an awesome opportunity," said Lynnie Doughton, chief steward of DRP Performance Products. "Keith [Berner] has done an incredible job of developing a first-class piece of equipment and backing it up with customer-focused service. We are excited to build on the work that Keith has done and help even more teams find speed through better set-up.”

Keith Berner, former owner of the Accu-Force brand, will assist with the transition, the companies said, and will join the DRP Performance Products team at the PRI Show in booth #2125, along with Accu-Force Spring Smashers.

Accu-Force Dynos and Testers will rebrand as AfterBurner Performance and will remain under Berner’s ownership in Millersburg, Ohio. The newly branded company will continue to offer the Torsion Bar Dyno, High-Torque Shock Dyno and Fill Machine to customers. The shock service portion of the business will continue under the new company as well, Berner said.

For more information, visit drpperformance.net.

Image courtesy of Spire Motorsports

Spire Motorsports has named NASCAR industry executive Doug Duchardt as its president.

Duchardt comes to Spire Motorsports from Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) where he's spent the last six years, first as COO and most recently as executive consultant. Prior to his time at CGR, Duchardt spent 12 years with Hendrick Motorsports, where he was vice president of development before transitioning to executive vice president and general manager, directing all phases of competition.

In his new role, Duchardt will be responsible for oversight across the organization including competition, personnel and business operations.

For more information, visit spire-motorsports.com.