The NASCAR Foundation recognized four NASCAR fans dedicated to volunteer support for local children’s organizations as finalists for the 13th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The announcement highlighted the volunteers’ commitment to improving the lives of children across the country.
“These four volunteers are representative of the generosity of our NASCAR fan base. Their efforts have made an important impact on improving the lives of children, an endeavor shared by Betty Jane France,” The NASCAR Foundation Chairman Mike Helton said. “Darla, Jennifer, Molly and Sandy each exemplify an unparalleled commitment to serving children in their communities and are an inspiration to us all. We encourage our fans to learn more about these finalists’ stories and vote for this year’s award winner.”
The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, named in honor of the foundation’s late founder and chairwoman Betty Jane France, recognizes NASCAR fans who volunteer for children’s causes in their local communities. Each finalist receives a minimum $25,000 donation for their organization, with the overall winner receiving a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to further their efforts.
The 13th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalists include:
• Darla Crown of Rapid City, S.D., a volunteer with Youth & Family Services, a non-profit organization that helps support children and their families to become capable, caring, and contributing members of the community. Through Darla’s participation with numerous organizations, she connects families in need with services provided by Youth & Family Services. Darla is also a 41-year veteran of the South Dakota National Guard.
• Jennifer Gage of Phoenix, Ariz., founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix, a local chapter of a national non-profit organization that serves children and adults with Down Syndrome by helping them find support, network with other families and navigate their diagnosis. Jennifer, whose daughter has Down Syndrome, saw a need for these services in her community.
• Molly Moran of Walpole, Mass., a volunteer with Comfort Zone Camp, a non-profit organization that operates camps across the country that empower children experiencing grief to fully realize their capacity to heal, grow and lead more fulfilling lives. Molly has been volunteering as a camp counselor and mentor for nine years.
• Sandy Stanley of Dalton, Ga., a volunteer with City of Refuge Dalton, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for family and community advancement. Sandy has volunteered as part of the hot meal feeding program and food bank, where she packs and delivers food boxes to the area’s most vulnerable children.
The winner will be determined by an online vote open to fans through Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. E.T., with the overall winner being announced during the NASCAR Awards on Thursday, Nov. 30 in Nashville.
To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and the 2023 finalists, visit their website here.
The 2024 ARCA Menards Series schedule is comprised of 20 races at 19 tracks, with the season opener taking place at Daytona International Speedway (Florida) and, for the third consecutive year, the finale taking place at the series' home track, Toledo Speedway (Toledo, Ohio).
Eighteen tracks from last season's schedule are back in 2024, while Dover Motor Speedway (Dover, Delaware) has been added for the first time in series history.
For more information, visit the ARCA announcement or view the 2024 ARCA Menards Series schedule (subject to change) below.
Graphic courtesy of ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Racing. Schedule subject to change.
More than 1,000 of the world's premier motorsports companies, brands, race sanctioning bodies and manufacturers will showcase their newest products and technology when the motorsports industry gathers in Indianapolis at the 35th annual PRI Show, December 7-9, 2023.
Taking place at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, the motorsports industry's annual trade gathering is a must-attend event for businesses and professionals from across the automotive racing spectrum.
"The motorsports industry is constantly evolving, and the PRI Show supports that growth through cutting-edge activations," said PRI General Manager Jim Liaw. "The 2023 Show will take a holistic approach to industry support with programs that address the needs of entry-level racers all the way through to experienced professionals."
The PRI Show continues to evolve to meet the needs of members by curating a mix of programs that reflect the latest industry trends combined with annual traditions and popular events.
New for the 2023 Show:
PRI Esports Arena Powered by SRO
PRI is embracing and showcasing sim racing/Esports beyond individual exhibitors for the first time through activations with several sim racing equipment makers and e-racing series, including SRO/GT America, Screenworks, Williams F1 Esports, Podium 1 Racing, SimGear Motion Simulators, Asetek SimSports, Advanced SimRacing and Extreme SimRacing.
PRI Ekarting Classic presented by Top Kart USA
PRI is creating a karting track inside Lucas Oil Stadium in partnership with Top Kart USA that will feature all-star racing on Thursday with pros from various racing disciplines, "fastest lap" contests for media on Friday, and racing for regional youth organizations on Saturday.
Other features of the 2023 Show include:
Grand Opening Breakfast: The iconic event, this year featuring Indy 500 champ Tony Kanaan and hosted by Ralph Sheheen kicks off the 2023 Show.
PRI Paddock & Podcast Studio: located at the Capital Cube entrance, features the iconic PRI hanging car, ground-level display racing machine and a podcast studio to host industry podcasters filming and broadcasting, including Drag Illustrated, V8 Speed Shop, Women Take the Wheel and many others. For the full schedule, visit the PRI Paddock & Podcast Studio on the PRI Show planner.
EV & ATL Racing: the EV performance zone will evolve to incorporate cutting-edge technology related to alternative forms of racing propulsion and renewable fuels. The area will feature activations from Indy Autonomous Challenge, Electric Drag Racing Association, Burromax, Omni Powertrain Technologies and eFlexFuel, among others and feature display vehicles.
PRI Happy Hour & Ekarting Classic All-Star Finale: Thursday's Happy Hour will feature the final pro race of the Ekarting event.
PRI Education: Education sessions have been curated for the Show under three tracks: Business, Technical and EV & ATL Racing. All sessions can be found on the PRI Show planner.
Featured Products Showcase: Relocated this year to the ICC Capitol Connector, the Featured Products Showcase highlights the newest and most popular motorsports products.
T. O.P.S. HQ: Formerly the TOPS Workroom & Lounge, this area will feature such programming as Road Course Racing Industry Roundtable, Sprint Car Roundtable, Race Tire Update, Updates in Timing & Scoring Technology.
Additional features: Network receptions, Machinery Row, Trailer Exhibits, and more.
"This year's Show programming will be dynamic and bring a high energy level to the Show," said Karin Davidson, PRI Trade Show Director. "The additional content will also add more value to the time our members spend in Indianapolis."
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 NHRA has released the category schedule for all racing classes that will compete at NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events during the 2024 season.
The 2024 season opens with the 55th annual NHRA Gatornationals, kicking off what will be the 73rd season of racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will race at all 21 events. Pro Stock Motorcycle will compete at 16 events.
After an impressive debut in 2023, the new NHRA Factory X presented by Holley category will see action at eight events next season, beginning its first full season in Gainesville.
High Limit Racing, founded and owned by NASCAR champion Kyle Larson and five-time World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet, is expanding in 2024. The formerly named High Limit Sprint Car Series is adding events and increasing driver payouts while broadening its partnership with FloSports. The midweek race series will evolve into a 50-plus race night schedule across the country and increase driver payouts to more than $5 million.
To support the series, High Limit Racing entered a multi-year media agreement with FloSports, which has taken a minority equity stake in the new venture and will continue to stream live race events while also producing original content on FloRacing.
The new season will reward drivers with bigger payouts and unprecedented flexibility with no restrictions on the amount of non-High Limit races they can compete in. The series will also set dedicated off-weekends, allowing teams to continue to participate in sprint car racing's crown jewel events.
Nitrocross, the American rallycross racing series created by global iconTravis Pastrana, has introduced the Nitrocross NEXT EVO, the latest vehicle in the series' dynamic development ladder. With a sustainable design integrating components from existing NEXT series vehicles, the Nitrocross NEXT EVO serves as an ideal platform to nurture the next generation of champions.
Developed by First Corner, the NEXT EVO isbased on the company's FC2 concept andupcycles components from existing NEXT cars. The vehicle also significantly reduces costs for teams by also offering teams the opportunity to gain a return on their investment via an investment reduction program, where redundant components are resold via a dedicated online portal, the first of its kind in motorsport.
This latest model combines the existing Nitrocross NEXT series' chassis, transmission and differentials with all-new state-of-the-art bodywork, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, enhanced suspension and chassis reinforcements, ensuring heightened performance and reduced operational expenses, all generated from First Corner's FC2-Kit approach.
"Through the refurbishment of existing cars, we are meeting all the targets set by the Series at a fraction of the cost. These upcycled cars are set to become one of the most intriguing developments in this tier of motorsport, and I anticipate witnessing the next generation of talented drivers competing in these highly capable vehicles," said Chip Pankow, general manager of Nitrocross.
The new internal combustion engine generates 450 hp, which can be boosted up to 550 hp using Nitro Boost push-to-pass technology. Notably, it runs exclusively on 100% eco fuel, aligning with Nitrocross's commitment to sustainable practices. The fossil-free fuel emits 80% less CO2 than conventional fuel and contains zero ethanol.
For more information, including steering and suspension upgrades, visit the Nitrocross announcement or visit nitrocrossracing.com.
Founded in 2004 by partners John Morris and Brad Rambo, Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club is a 933-acre state-of-the-art racing facility and exclusive motorsports country club located just 55 miles west of downtown Las Vegas.
With over nine miles of challenging race track and an array of resort-style amenities, Spring Mountain boasts not only the longest road course in North America, but also delivers a world-class motorsports experience to driving enthusiasts of all levels.
The newest addition to the track is its 3.2-mile premier racing circuit, Charleston Peak. All 18 corners were designed to provide an exhilarating racing experience that is unique and challenging, paired with an oversized paddock area, rentable garages, a four-story viewing tower and more upgrades on the horizon.
This 40-ft. wide, pro-level track has several elevation changes throughout the course, including a 40-foot drop with a 5-foot off-camber, and four main straights ranging in length from 1,000 feet to 1,240 feet, all built to FIA Grade 3 standards.
All this and more makes Charleston Peak a fantastic track rental location for racing events, track days, car clubs, media events, corporate events and everything in between.
No need to keep searching for that thrill-seekers' paradise--Spring Mountain truly has it all! Come visit the Spring MountainBooth #3042 at the 2023 PRI Show, December 7-9, in downtown Indianapolis, to learn more in person!
Spring Mountain's Charleston Peak
4767 S Highway 160 Pahrump, NV 89048 (55 Miles West of Downtown Las Vegas) racespringmountain.com 800-391-6891
The 10R80 transmission is a 10-speed longitudinal automatic transmission designed to improve high-horsepower engine fuel economy in the Ford Mustang, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco and Ford Ranger. The Ford 10R80 was conceived in a collaboration between Ford and GM and was initially introduced in the model-year 2017 F-150. Engine power is improved during acceleration with miniscule gear ratio steps, while fuel efficiency is improved by a wide gear ratio that lowers the engine speed when the vehicle reaches speeds above 60 mph.
The 10R80 transmission has been put to the test on the drag strip time and time again since its initial release. Stock clutch failure has been a common occurrence as horsepower has been increased and the limits have been pushed. Raybestos Powertrain is proud to have been first to market in 2019 with the first set of 10R80 performance clutches. These stock-thickness GPZ friction clutch plates combined with high-quality steel clutch plates have been proven to handle increased horsepower and have helped produce dozens of sub-8-second quarter-mile track times.
SAE transmission dyno testing reveals that Raybestos Powertrain GPZ friction material boasts a significantly higher static and dynamic coefficient, resulting in higher torque capacity than OE and competitor performance friction material. GPZ also achieves greater torque transfer capabilities with less change in its already higher coefficient as energy increases. GPZ's high torque capacity, great torque transfer capabilities and enhanced durability have enabled the 10R80 to handle upwards of 1,000 horsepower without increasing the clutch capacity by using additional friction surfaces.
The 10R80 transmission platform is now more than five years old. Luckily for Mustang and F-150 racing enthusiasts, Raybestos Powertrain did not stop its 10R80 innovations at enhancing the friction material alone. Drag racers continue to put their 10R80 transmissions to the test and are pushing into the 1,500-horsepower range. Raybestos Powertrain engineers have continued analyzing clutch failures as horsepower and torque have increased and identifying 10R80 OE design limitations. Throughout this time, the weakest clutches within the 10R80 transmission have proven to be found in the D, E, and F clutch drums.
Exploded views from left to right of the Raybestos Powertrain 10R80 D Clutch (RTK-10R84), E Clutch (RTK-10R85), & F Clutch (RTK-10R86) Torqkits.
The engineering team not only sought out to simply design a solution for these clutch drums, but also to solve the problem in a way that proves to be efficient and more cost-effective to transmission rebuilders. As a result, Raybestos Powertrain has chosen to provide drop-in increased-capacity clutch pack solutions for the D, E, and F clutch.
Savvy 10R80 transmission rebuilders have spent countless hours making machined modifications to the transmission drums to achieve increased clutch capacity by adding friction and steel clutch plates in each drum. On top of this time-consuming effort, some builders have also chosen to machine down the thickness of the steel clutch plates to aid in the fitment of additional friction clutch plates. Machining steel clutch plates will certainly help achieve the desired goal of fitting additional clutch plates into the D, E and F clutch drums; however, this often causes harm to the friction clutch plates. Machining steel clutch plates can cause an abrasive steel surface finish that is unseen to the naked eye. This abrasive machined steel surface causes premature wear to the friction clutch plate that it sits against.
10R80 Transmission E Clutch drum loaded with the Raybestos Powertrain RTK-10R85 Torqkit.
Raybestos Powertrain's aftermarket new product development team has combined all the performance benefits of GPZ friction material with cleverly redesigned D, E and F clutch packs to provide 10R80 transmission rebuilders with a drop-in increased-capacity solution. It can sound like a daunting task to completely redesign and change a clutch pack in a 10-speed transmission; however, Raybestos Powertrain engineers are more than capable with over 120 years of manufacturing and designing clutch frictions. Raybestos Powertrain has brought many redesigned clutch packs to the aftermarket over the last two decades, including clutch pack redesigns for the 4L60E, 6L80, 6R80 and Allison 1000 transmissions. Raybestos Powertrain also draws on its experience of collaborating on numerous original clutch pack designs with OE manufacturers over the years.
Raybestos Powertrain 10R80 E Clutch Torqkit featured on the left with six (6) GPZ frictions and seven (7) steels versus OE stack up with five (5) frictions and five (5) steels.
Raybestos Powertrain's initial examinations deduced that 10R80 E clutch failure at increased horsepower was the most common, even ahead of the all-too-common D and F clutch failures. The engineering team first hit the ground running and released the 10R80 GPZ E Clutch Torqkit in 2021, while the GPZ D Clutch and F Clutch Torqkits will be released in early 2024. Raybestos Powertrain's 10R80 GPZ E Clutch Torqkit is a performance upgrade beyond the OE design that features an increased clutch count with six (6) GPZ frictions, seven (7) higher quality than OE steels with a full 15 tooth count to increase durability and towing capacity.
The Raybestos Powertrain 10R80 E Clutch Torqkit steel on the left features steel clutch plates made from a higher quality steel than OE with a full 15 tooth count compared to the OE steel clutch plates.
Raybestos Powertrain's 10R80 GPZ D Clutch Torqkit design completely throws the OE design out the window. The D Clutch Torqkit is a single-sided clutch pack design. Each clutch plate within the clutch pack in a single-sided design has a friction surface on one side and a steel surface on the other side, as opposed to the OE double-sided friction and double-sided steel design. The GPZ D Clutch Torqkit single-sided design allows for increased friction surfaces and reduces the propensity for hot-spotting. This design features seven (7) OD-splined full tooth count GPZ frictions, seven (7) ID-splined full tooth count GPZ frictions, one (1) bump plate, and one (1) stepped backing plate. Raybestos Powertrain also incorporated thick waffle grooves on the GPZ friction surface to improve cooling and lubrication. In addition, the GPZ F Clutch Torqkit features increased clutch capacity and reduced hot-spot propensity with a single-sided design that uses five (5) OD-splined GPZ frictions, and five (5) ID-splined GPZ frictions.
Each Raybestos Powertrain 10R80 Torqkit is a drop-in replacement performance solution and comes with a complete set of installation instructions. All components within each Torqkit are made in the USA and each Torqkit can be purchased through Raybestos Powertrain's network of domestic and international transmission parts distributors. Each 10R80 Torqkit will also fit the GM 10L80 transmission.
Following a public nomination process, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) has announced that 15 new members will be inducted during the Hall's annual Gala Induction Ceremony in Toronto, Canada, in February.
Twelve individuals and one racing duo will be inducted in the Competitors/Motorsport Builders/Race Support Participants category, while two veteran Canadian motorsports journalists will be honored in the Media category.
"We're excited to announce this year's new inductees to the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. We appreciate everyone who took the time to research and submit nominations. And we applaud the contributions of those who will be inducted, as well as all of those who were put forward for consideration," said CMHF Chair Peter Lockhart.
The new members of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Class of 2024 are:
COMPETITORS/BUILDERS/RACE SUPPORT PARTICIPANTS:
• The late Claude Aubin (Bois-des-Fillions, QC)
• Jeremy Dale (Toronto, ON)
• Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON)
• James Hinchcliffe (Oakville, ON)
• Ernie Jakubowski (Oakville, ON)
• Norman Jennings (Toronto, ON)
• Brad Moran (Toronto, ON)
• Patrick Richard (Squamish, BC)
• Didier Schraenen (Mont-St-Hilaire, QC)
• Frank & Dan Sprongl (Georgetown, ON)
• William (Bill) Vallis (Welland, ON)
• John Waldie (Stratford, ON)
• Kuno Wittmer (Brossard, QC)
MEDIA:
• The late John Massingberd (Burlington, ON)
• J. Wally Nesbitt (Port Perry, ON)
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson; Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) veteran Willy T. Ribbs; and NASCAR, CART and off-road team owner Calvin Wells III are among six first-time nominees under consideration for induction into the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame (WCSCMHoF) in 2024, according to HoF officials.
The inaugural nominees are:
Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 83-race premier series winner.
Willy T. Ribbs, nine-time Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am winner and first Black American to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.
Jan Quackenbush, race team owner, sponsor and safety coordinator.
Ted Stofle, three-time NASCAR State of California champion and 110-race winner.
Ron Strmiska, 1978-79 Stockton 99 Speedway late model champion.
Calvin (Cal) Wells III, team owner with wins in NASCAR, CART and off-road racing and current CEO of Legacy Motorsports Club.
Nominated again after appearing on previous ballots are Austin Cameron, Dick Cobb, Ken Boyd, Ernie Cope, Mike David, Davey Hamilton, Eric Holmes, Lance Hooper, Tony Hunt, Jeff Jefferson, Brad Noffsinger, Greg Pickett, Boris Said and Sean Woodside.
Five inductees will be named in early 2024, following two rounds of voting by the organization's Board of Directors.
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