The Amelia, a concours held annually at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island in Amelia Island, Florida, will honor Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, during the 2024 event. Hendrick is the winningest team owner in NASCAR Cup Series history.

Founded in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has accumulated 14 championships and 301 points-paying race victories at the NASCAR Cup Series level with drivers including Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Terry Labonte, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, Hendrick Motorsports now fields four cars in the Cup Series piloted by Alex Bowman, William Byron, Elliott and Larson.

"For my entire life, I've loved automobiles and racing. The Amelia is truly a celebration of both of those passions," Hendrick said. "The list of past honorees is filled with names I respect and admire, and it's incredibly humbling to be mentioned in the same breath. The wonderful success our organization has enjoyed has only been possible because of the many, many people who helped build it over the years. I look forward to experiencing The Amelia and sharing this very special honor with all of them."

For more information, visit ameliaconcours.com.

PRI is calling on the industry and its member companies to take action and oppose proposed changes to Proposition 65, a California law that requires warning labels on products containing chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. 

The proposed changes, recently announced by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), would significantly impact businesses in the motorsports industry, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers and out-of-state companies selling products in California. 

OEHHA is holding a public hearing on the proposed rules on December 13, 2023. The public comment deadline is December 20, 2023. Click here to submit comments to OEHHA in opposition to the proposed changes. 

Key Changes to Proposition 65:  

• Short-form warnings would be required to include at least one chemical on the label. This is a significant change from the current regulations, which allow businesses to use a generic short-form warning that does not identify any specific chemicals. 
• The size and shape restrictions for short-form warnings would be removed. This means that businesses would have more flexibility in labeling their products. 
• Short-form warnings would be allowed to be used on the internet and catalog sales. This is a welcome change for businesses that sell products online. 
• Businesses would be required to sell through existing inventory with current short-form warnings for two years after the new rules go into effect.  

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  
 

PRI is bringing leading experts and professionals to the PRI Show in Indianapolis Dec. 7-9, 2023, to share strategies and technical skills that help participants build their businesses and improve on-track performance.

“The PRI Show is the perfect opportunity for motorsports professionals to build the foundation for future success,” said PRI General Manager Jim Liaw. “The PRI Show’s education programming will help attendees stay current on industry best practices and provide the tools, knowledge and expertise needed to achieve measurable results.”

The PRI Education program will offer 22 sessions in three tracks: EV & Alt Fuels, Business, and Technical. In addition, more than 30 seminars and workshops devoted to racetrack and race series operations and promotions will be located in the T.O.P.S. HQ.

“Our education sessions are designed to support participant activities both on and off the track,” said Karin Davidson, PRI Trade Show Director. “The sessions cover a wide variety of topics, including alternative fuels, digital advertising, race car aerodynamics, social media and much more.”

Presenters scheduled to appear include:

• Jennifer Carrio (social media expert)
• Jeanette DesJardins (CarChix.com)
• Gavin Knapp (SEMA Market Research Director)
• Bob Morreale (The Tuning School)
• Randy Neal (CWT Industries) and Dan Begle (MAHLE, engine harmonics and bearing wear)
• Mike Nuchols (Warrior Race Cars, dirt late model technology)
• Tom Shay (Profits Plus Solutions, business management expert)
• Lake Speed Jr., Billy Godbold, and Ben Strader (seminar on surface texture from camshafts to cylinder bores)
• Alex Striler (marketing expert)

Women in Motorsports Panel

One of the most popular education programs on the schedule, the Women in Motorsports Panel takes place on Friday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. in rooms 231-232. Moderator Jeanette DesJardins of CarChix.com will interview four women in the motorsports industry who are making a difference both on and off the track.

This year’s lineup includes two drivers and two industry professionals:

• Courtney Enders followed her sister Erica’s footsteps into the drag racing world, racing in Juniors and multiple classes in the NHRA Lucas Oil Sportsman Series in her teenage and early adult years. When Erica transitioned into the professional Pro Stock category, Courtney moved to the business side of the sport, handling public relations, social media, content creation, team management and sponsor relations for her sister’s team, Elite Motorsports. Today she hosts two podcasts and serves as an on-camera broadcaster with FloRacing.
• Mattie Graves is a 21-year-old diesel motorsports racer from Hollywood, Md., with several accomplishments on her resume, including current world record holder for quickest diesel-powered vehicle to the 1/8th mile (3.94 at 190 mph), the only female in the Outlaw Diesel Super Series Pro classes, 2023 ODSS Pro Dragster champion and five-time ODSS event winner (Pro Dragster class).
• Kathi Lauterbach is a veteran motorsports communications professional. She is entering her 12th season as Vice President of Communications with the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team of the NTT INDYCAR and IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship Series.
• Samantha Tan is a professional race car driver and owner of Samantha Tan (ST) Racing. A BMW M Motorsport Ambassador, Tan and her team made history at the 12 Hours of Mugello in Italy, capturing her first win overall, the first outright win in the 24H SERIES for reigning Overall GT Teams’ champion ST Racing, the first outright win for a Canadian team, and the first overall series win for a GT BMW since 2011.

All Education sessions are free for 2023 PRI Show attendees. All sessions can be found online at Find Sessions - 2023 Performance Racing Industry (mapyourshow.com)

The 2023 PRI Show will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors and 3,600 booths showcasing the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies, and trailers for the racing industry in a single location. PRI encompasses all forms of motorsports and attracts attendees from all 50 states and all over the world, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media. To register, visit PRI2023.com/Attend.

The Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series has released its 30-race schedule for the 2024 season.

During the 2024 season, the series will visit 22 different tracks, including nine new venues, and will see the return of Appalachian Midget Week, a four-race stint in Pennsylvania, series officials said.

The season begins in March at the South Illinois Center at the Du Quoin Fairgrounds and concludes in October at the championship's new finale location, Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Illinois.

For the full 2024 Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series schedule, click here.
 

NASCAR's Canadian stock car series will be known as the NASCAR Canada Series beginning in 2024, the sanctioning body announced. Evirum and Pinty's will serve as Presenting Partners for the series. 

Additionally, longtime motorsports executive Alan Labrosse has been named general manager of NASCAR Canada. He will be responsible for growing and promoting NASCAR throughout Canada, which includes oversight of the NASCAR Canada Series.

Currently known as NASCAR Pinty's Series, the Canada Series is entering its 18th season in 2024 and will feature 13 races across six provinces.

"Canadian motorsports fans are incredibly passionate, and the new NASCAR Canada Series name appropriately captures their nationalistic pride," said Chad Seigler, NASCAR chief international officer. "The series features Canada’s biggest racing stars, competing at the top tracks across the country. With an influx of talented young drivers and a garage full of healthy and competitive teams, interest in the series is at an all-time high. We are excited to build off recent momentum and deliver great racing to fans across Canada."

For more information, visit the NASCAR Canada Series website.

Calico Coatings, a Denver, North Carolina-based provider of high-performance coatings, has formed a new joint venture with HEF Group, a French developer of surface engineering solutions. 
 
The partnership gives Calico Coatings access to resources for developing advanced and customized coating solutions for its customers, the company said.

HEF Group, with 90 locations in 21 countries, specializes in tribology, photonics and hydrogen technologies in the mobility, construction, defense and other industries.

“Our partnership with HEF allows us to provide our customers with even more advanced capabilities, including research and development, to give them the most cutting-edge solutions we can offer,” said Jennifer Jenkins, general manager of Calico Coatings.

For more information, visit calicocoatings.com or hefusa.net.

With just a few weeks until this year's PRI Show, December 7-9 in downtown Indianapolis, PRI's Washington, D.C. office wants to share an incredible opportunity for Showgoers to significantly impact our industry (and have fun while doing it)! 

At PRI, we understand the power of united action. Our industry thrives on innovation, performance and pushing the limits. But it also relies on a strong voice to protect our interests, advocate for our rights and drive positive change.  

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overreach, internal combustion engine bans and burdensome noise and zoning ordinances are happening around the nation as you read this. It's essential that PRI and the racing community have a voice in each of these fights.  

By becoming a PRI Political Action Committee (PAC) Member today, you can help the industry unite to protect motorsports and racing businesses. Plus, you'll receive these exclusive benefits at the 2023 PRI Show, December 7-9 in Indianapolis: 

• VIP Indy Karting Classic Happy Hour on Thursday, December 7 from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. EST. PRI is creating a karting track inside Lucas Oil Stadium in partnership with TopKart USA that will feature all-star racing with pros from various racing disciplines, "fastest lap" contests for media and racing for regional youth organizations. Valued PAC Members will have access to a private viewing area with premium catering and an open bar. 
• Private lounge and dining room access throughout the entirety of the PRI Show. Whether you need a quiet place to connect or want to swing by for lunch, which is included each day of the PRI Show, the lounge is a prime spot to get off your feet.  
• Exclusive networking opportunities with both industry leaders and PRI staff. Being a PAC member puts you in the room with racing's most iconic individuals.  

To learn more about the SEMA and PRI PAC and how you can support it, visit here or contact Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org. 

NASCAR and Rev Racing have named the 2024 class of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program.

The drivers were evaluated and selected after participating in the Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine. Andrés Pérez de Lara, Lavar Scott, Nathan Lyons, Regina Sirvent and Eloy Sebastián López Falcón, will be returning to the program next year. Lanie Buice, TJ DeCaire, Cassidy Keitt and LaQuan McCoy Jr. will be making their debut in 2024.

“Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program and we’re celebrating this milestone by welcoming a very talented group of drivers,” said Brandon Thompson, NASCAR’s vice president of Diversity and Inclusion. “We’re confident that next year’s group of drivers will continue elevating the depth of our talent pool and we’re thrilled to play a role in their development.”

The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program was created in 2004 to develop and train top drivers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, NASCAR said, and is operated by Rev Racing in Concord, North Carolina. Graduates of the program include Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suárez.

The 2024 class features the following drivers:

Andrés Pérez de Lara - ARCA Menards Series: The Mexico City, Mexico, native, 18, returns to Rev Racing for his third season after competing in the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR México Series.

Lavar Scott - ARCA Menards Series: From Carney’s Pointe, New Jersey, Scott, 20, returns to Rev Racing after competing in the ARCA Menards Series East in 2023.

Nathan Lyons - INEX Legend Car Series: Originally from Texas, Lyons most recently finished his first season in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Youth Driver Development Program with Rev Racing. Lyons secured the pole and win in a U.S. Legend Car during the Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway and received the 2023 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards Youth Racer Award.

Eloy Sebastián López Falcón - NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series: The 18-year-old concluded his first season in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Youth Driver Development Program in a U.S. Legend Car. In the NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series, Falcón secured three wins on three separate occasions this season, was the 2021 Rookie of the Year in the Trucks México Series and the 2022 Trucks México Series Champion.

Lanie Buice - NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series: From 2017 to 2020, Buice had 91 total wins in go karts, including 23 straight wins during her last season. Buice has also raced in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series.

TJ DeCaire - NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series: DeCaire earned three wins in Super Late Models, Pro Late Models and Truck Weekly Touring Series during the 2023 season.

Regina Sirvent - NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series: In the NASCAR México Challenge Series, the 20-year-old from Mexico City received the 2019 Best Driver Award for NASCAR México and was the recipient of the 2021 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards Young Racer. Sirvent was the first female to win in the Trucks México Series and placed 3rd in the 2020 Championship.

Cassidy Keitt - INEX Legend Car Series: Keitt earned two top 5s and five top 10s in U.S. Legend Cars at the Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. She is also the 2022 Young Lions Winter Heat Champion.

LaQuan McCoy Jr. - INEX Legend Car Series: McCoy collected a win and three top 5s across all five Bandolero races at the 2023 Citrus County Speedway Winter Nationals. He is the 2023 Charlotte Motor Speedway Winter Heat Champion and 2023 Winter Showdown Bandit Champion at Auburndale Speedway.

For more information, visit nascar.com.
 

World of Outlaws has released the 2024 schedule for its CASE Construction Equipment Late Models championship, the sanctioning body announced.

The series will stop at 33 different tracks during the 54-race schedule, including 16 new venues.

The 2024 season will begin in January at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida, and concludes in November with the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, North Carolina.

“We listened to our competitors, fans and our industry stakeholders and partners in building this highly competitive 2024 schedule,” said World of Outlaws Late Model Series Director Steve Francis. “We’ve been able to bring back some favorites and add multiple new events to the mix.”

For more information, including the full 2024 World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models schedule, visit worldofoutlaws.com.
 

The Amaury Sporting Organization (ASO) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), organizers of the annual Dakar Rally, have revealed the route for the 2024 edition of the endurance race. It will be the fifth Dakar Rally staged in Saudi Arabia.

Scheduled for Jan. 5-19, the Dakar Rally will traverse 4,954 miles (7,974 km) of Saudi terrain over 12 stages, 60% of which covers new territory, organizers said. The race is also the first round of the 2024 FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship.

The rally will begin with a Prologue stage on Jan. 5 in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, crisscrossing the country before concluding on Jan. 19 in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

For more information, visit the Dakar Rally Website.