Officials from Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) have confirmed plans for a new, six-event series for current and previous-generation Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) race cars beginning in 2024.

The series will be known as the HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA.

Events will be operated by HSR with oversight from IMSA, the license rights-holder for LMP3 racing in the United States and Canada.

"LMP3 continues to be a valuable IMSA platform for a variety of reasons," said IMSA President John Doonan. "It provides an entry-level opportunity to prototype racing for drivers, teams and crew members and can be a catalyst for a career in endurance sports car racing. As part of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, which utilizes current-generation LMP3 machines, competitors are able to hone their racecraft in single-driver, 45-minute sprint races."

The six-event calendar opens with a two-hour race on the weekend of March 8-10 at Sebring International Raceway (Sebring, Florida) as part of the HSR Spring Fling event, followed by a two-hour event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta (Braselton, Georgia) as part of The Mitty event weekend on April 25-28. The series will conclude at Sebring a three-hour event as part of the Classic 12 Hour, December 4-8.

All cars in the HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA will ride on Michelin tires and use VP Racing Fuels. Ligier and Duqueine plan to have representatives onsite for technical support at each event.

Each race will feature a timed pit stop. Teams will have the option of one- or two-driver lineups with no minimum drive times.

For more information, visit the IMSA announcement or imsa.com.

Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) has announced a new series for 2024, TA2 Club, which will serve as the first step on the ladder to the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli's Big Machine Vodka SPIKED Coolers TA2 Series. The SVRA-sanctioned TA2 Club will provide drivers wishing to participate in Trans Am's TA2 Series with a place to hone their skills, with shorter races, smaller fields and lower entry fees of $1,500 per weekend.

TA2 Club will serve as a development series with a similar rules package to the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli's Big Machine Vodka SPIKED Coolers TA2 Series. 

The 2024 TA2 Club champion will receive free entry to run in the Big Machine Vodka SPIKED Coolers TA2 Series race at Circuit of The Americas on October 31-November 3, 2024, as well as free Trans Am TA2 Series entry fees for the entire 2025 season.  

2024 TA2 Club Schedule (All Doubleheaders)

March 7-10, Eagles Canyon Raceway (Decatur, Texas)
April 26-28, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, Ohio)
May 16-19, Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wis.)
June 13-16, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Speedway, Ind.)
July 19-20, Lime Rock Park (Lakeville, Conn.)

For more information, read the announcement or visit gotransam.com.

Attendees from around the world find numerous benefits to engaging with companies and experts at the PRI Show, such as extensive networking, discovering the hottest power parts, and learning new racing tricks at the seminars.

As the owner of a one-man engine shop, Paul Tester knows how to maximize available resources. So when he attends the PRI Show this December 7–9, in Indianapolis, Indiana, he’ll plan a full schedule and meet with his favorite suppliers, attend a couple of tech seminars, check out the newest speed parts, and maybe even close a deal on Machinery Row.

Tester operates Tester Motorsports out of Oak Ridge, New Jersey, where he has all the necessary equipment in-house. He doesn’t farm out any work. Over the years he has attended numerous PRI shows and always has a list of go-to industry contacts with whom he has developed long-term relationships. Like most of the other thousands of Show attendees, his objective is to see the newest parts and learn the latest racing advancements that will help his operation.

“I’ll see Tom Molnar at Molnar Technologies,” said Tester. “I do a lot of business with him. He’s very knowledgeable about crankshafts and connecting-rod design. I also look up Chris Straub [of Straub Technologies], as he often helps me out with cylinder heads. And CP-Carrillo is another company I always see. Probably 95% of my engines have CP pistons.”

While networking takes up a good part of his time, Tester always reviews the seminar schedule to catch up on the latest technologies and business practices. “My favorite was one that CWT Industries put on for engine balancing,” said Tester. “That was very informative.”

Machinery Row is also a priority for any shop owner, and Tester has been a regular customer. “Last year I purchased a product from Ultrasonic LLC. I was looking for cleaning equipment, and it’s helped tremendously. You put the parts in, set a timer and go do something else,” said Tester. “I’ve also talked to the guys at Sunnen about diamond hones. I have a CK10 that I’ve adapted diamonds to. Robins is another. I bought a valve-guide machine and valve grinder from them.”

There’s hardly any time for rest during the three days of the PRI Show, given that more than 1,000 exhibitors are expected to fill the entire Indiana Convention Center and the adjacent Lucas Oil Stadium. Tens of thousands of attendees will be onsite, including racers, fabricators, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, track owners, safety personnel, and many more motorsports buyers.

“For me, it’s being able to put a face to the people that bring us the products we use and seeing the new products being developed. At PRI, you can see everything in one area. It helps you to pre-plan your race program for the next year,” explained Jason Ostrem of Ostrem Racing, Cave Creek, Arizona, who said that visiting Precision Turbo & Engine’s booth is always a priority. “I race a Honda Civic in Import Face-Off events. They always release their new turbos at PRI, so I get to see them physically for the first time there.”

Attendees new to the Show are especially eager to share in the benefits of PRI, including those visiting from other countries. Shane Elphinstone of Elphinstone Racing in Western Australia has attended the SEMA Show in the past, but 2023 will be his first PRI Show.

“Hopefully we’ll find a leading edge with a few products that I can introduce to off-road racing here,” said Elphinstone. “I know the SEMA Show opened my network to suppliers, so hopefully PRI will open up more.”

Elphinstone added that he’s interested in seeing the latest advances from MoTeC and any new race-grade hardware. “Contacts are the key,” he said. “Australia is a very small market, so it’s difficult to have answers at times unless you have a name and email. We will be trying to cover as much as we can with my list of key exhibitors.”

Another first-time attendee is Gary Templeton of Steel2Designs in Weatherford, Texas. His shop offers powder coating, metal fabrication, and laser engraving. While he’s a racing enthusiast, his focus at PRI is networking. “We’re trying to get our name out there to get more automotive work,” said Templeton. “We’re a small operation, and our overhead is very low. I worked in aerospace for 35 years before starting this shop.”

Templeton has worked with numerous motorcycle owners and performed laser engraving on control panels for Victor Racing in nearby Austin. “Race teams are good for us because they don’t need hundreds of thousands of a part. They just need whatever gets them through a season,” noted Templeton.

All Types of Racing

All types of racing can be found at the Show. Some may think that only dirt-track products or only drag-racing gear are featured, but making power, going fast, and winning are goals that stretch across many competition venues. And safety is a primary concern for all racers.

“Last year I was looking at head-and-neck restraints,” recalled Scott Knick, who runs Knick Racing out of Tipp City, Ohio, and drives his Corvette in various Time Attack-style races and Gridlife-sponsored events in addition to helping with autocross competitions for his local Corvette club. “I bet I visited six different manufacturers, talked to them, tried them on, and did end up settling on one based on those visits.”

For this year, Knick has different priorities. “I’m building new motors, so I’ll be looking for engine components and dry-sump systems,” he said. “And I always look at safety equipment. Fire suppression will be big for me this year.

“Seeing and touching the parts really helps, but it’s also important to see and meet people there and get their contact information,” added Knick. “Many times, I’ll have two- or three-minute conversations at the Show and then have follow-ups with the people I met in the next few weeks. For me, just getting to network and make the contacts is as big as anything. Also, it’s a chance to meet friends around town for dinner or go go-karting with them after the Show.”

At the Show, big-ticket items always require careful consideration, and having the experts as well as the products in one location is a clear shopping advantage for these buyers.

“We’re looking to upgrade to a new SuperFlow dyno,” said Gary Schuelke of Sturdy Engines, Milbank, South Dakota, who attends the Show about every other year. “We also look to keep up with our suppliers like Crower and Brodix.”

Sturdy Engines specializes in dirt-track engines, including the WISSOTA spec platform, but Schuelke will also set aside time to attend engine-related seminars. “Especially those seminars involving cylinder heads,” he said. “We also like to visit the Featured Products Showcase section. Last time we even went to look over the EV dragsters. There’s always a lot of cool stuff at the Show.”

Show Events & Activations

The EV market will again be showcased along with vehicles using hydrogen and other alternative fuels that are making inroads in the racing industry in the EV & Alternative Fuels area in Lucas Oil Stadium. This special section will feature innovations in electric-motor designs, new controller technologies, and the latest in batteries. Plus, other advancements in alternative fuels will be showcased, including renewable fuels.

New for this year will be live eKart races in Lucas Oil Stadium. Electric karts from Top Kart USA will be driven by professional drivers from NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA on Thursday, complete with practice and qualifying heats, leading to the main event—the Ekarting Classic Presented by Top Kart USA—during the traditional Happy Hour. Attendees will be able to watch the race from Lucas Oil Stadium’s seating. Media and influencers will race all day Friday in hot-lap sessions, then youth racers will compete on Saturday.

Many of the events and activities familiar to PRI attendees will return to the 2023 PRI Show, including the can’t-miss Grand Opening Breakfast. Headlining this year is 2013 Indy 500 champion Tony Kanaan. He will be joined onstage with Speed Sport’s Ralph Sheheen and will share stories of his illustrious motorsports career, earning him the title of “Ironman.”

Once the Show is open, many attendees will converge on the Featured Products Showcase, which has been relocated from Lucas Oil Stadium to the Capitol Connector in the Convention Center. This spot will be easy to find under the traditional hanging race car that is suspended from the ceiling.

The new location is in a high foot-traffic area and close to the PRI Paddock and Podcast Studio, where influencers and the media will share their experiences and hopefully keep up with all the activities available at the Show.

“We go for all three days, but time isn’t always on our side,” said Tom Hestness of R&S Racing, Albert Lea, Minnesota, who has attended the Show more than 15 times. “With the retail and connections, we try to look at every little thing throughout the entire Show. That’s why we may not make it to Machinery Row until the last few hours, because the Show has gotten bigger and bigger.”

Hestness is shifting the emphasis of his operation from service to more of a performance retail and machine shop. “I have a revolving list to do every year, but we have certain products, certain salespeople that we want to see and talk with—mostly to answer technical questions,” he said. “Also, we’ll look for specials. One year I bought an ultrasonic cleaner.”

The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national championship competition returns this year where high school teams that are sponsored by aftermarket companies qualify at regional tournaments, then gather in Indy for the finals. Teams tear down and rebuild engines on the clock and in front of judges. Show attendees can watch and cheer on their favorite students.

Those putting on races will have a dedicated area to connect and discuss topics important to the industry. The TOPS HQ, located adjacent to the Yellow Hall, will be an exclusive area for track operators, promoters, and sanctioning body officials. It is sponsored by MyRacePass, which works with numerous promoters to help with website development, race management, online ticket sales, and fan apps.

There will also be displays from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway showcasing historic vehicles, and many well-known race vehicles will be shown as part of the Goodyear and Mickey Thompson Racing Experience. That doesn’t include the large number of race vehicles that will be on display in exhibitor booths throughout the Show, including some from outside the US.

PRI’s global reach is evident in the number of foreign attendees and exhibitors. International participants have access to interpreters as well as the International Center. Attending this year’s Show for the third time is Mike Coughlan from England, although it will be his first with Bill Shepherd Automotive out of Byfleet, which is southwest of London.

“Our focus is road-course racing in the UK with old Fords, like the Mustang, Galaxie, Thunderbird Battlebird, and AC Cobras,” said Coughlan. “There are innumerable suppliers for parts there that are simply not available in the UK, and they’re all under one roof at the Show, such as intake manifolds for big block Fords and rear-axle designs with cambered hubs and drum brakes.”

Coughlan’s visit will be his first since the pandemic cancelled the PRI Show in 2020 as racing venues were shut down or had their schedules severely reduced. During that downtime, simulated—or sim racing—experienced significant growth.

A number of exhibitors will be featuring sim products this year, and SRO Motorsports Group will be promoting a sim racing competition at the Show. Numerous “sleds” will be set up in an eSports section of the Lucas Oil Stadium along with a huge LED screen so spectators can watch professional drivers qualify and race. Additional sim sleds will be set up for attendees to take a hot lap around a designated course.

Education Seminars

Even with busy schedules on the Show floor, attendees often try to find time to attend the many education seminars available that cover topics of interest to racers, manufacturers, and speed merchants.

“I went to marketing seminars to learn more about Internet possibilities,” recalled Jim Martin of Jim’s 4 Speeds in Raleigh, North Carolina. “I haven’t started a website yet, but I got my son to start one. I’ll probably be developing one on my own soon.”

Topics for this year’s PRI Education program that may interest Martin will include digital advertising and graphic design and branding. Other business-related topics include getting sponsorships, developing business plans, and increasing sales. But since he serves racers at area dirt tracks, Martin could also be interested in seminars on dirt late model technology and dirt late model setup—both delivered by Mike Nuchols of Warrior Race Cars.

Tech topics are always heavily attended, and this year’s schedule includes seminars on materials for optimum chassis performance, aerodynamics, modern performance tuning, and the interaction between bearings and crankshaft.

Racing’s changing landscape will be highlighted by seminars on EV powertrains and alternative fuels. Women in Motorsports is a seminar topic that addresses how women are making a difference in motorsports, both on and off the track. Once again moderated by Jeanette DesJardins of CarChix, she will be joined by panelists Mattie Graves, the fastest 1/8-mile drag racer (at press time) and social media and PR pro Courtney Enders.

Finally, a trio of popular presenters will talk about how the surface textures of camshafts, cylinder bores, and other metal components hold the potential for significant improvements in horsepower and durability. Billy Godbold of Godbold Engineering Solutions, Lake Speed Jr. of Total Seal, and Ben Strader of EFI University will headline a seminar titled “More Than Skin Deep—How Performance Starts at the Surface.”

Through this seminar, Speed, Godbold, and Strader will guide attendees through the field of surface engineering and will demonstrate how surface measurement, honing, superfinishing, shot peening, nitriding, coatings, contour, chatter, and waviness all play critical roles in every component of a modern race engine. The seminar’s title can imply that the most important details lie underneath.

“However, in our rush to ‘dig down,’ perhaps we are all guilty of overlooking the fundamental importance of part surfaces,” summed up Godbold. “Recent improvements in cylinder-bore finish for ring seal is a great example, but surface enhancements are just as fundamental to performance valve springs, too!”

After Hours

When the Show closes at 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, don’t overlook the value of downtown Indianapolis, which serves as a hub of activity at night with numerous highly rated restaurants and holiday lights in Monument Circle. Turn to page 194 for our Guide to Indianapolis, which lists plenty of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and other activities to enjoy while in the Circle City. Attendees can also take advantage of the location and arrive early to visit nearby race shops or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

So much is available at the PRI Show and beyond, so plan your trip accordingly to make wise use of your time. If you haven’t already downloaded the PRI App, visit the Apple Store or Google Play to add this app to your mobile device. Schedule meetings with exhibitors, see the floor plan and seminar schedule, and much more.

We will see you there!

Centerforce--the Prescott, Arizona-based manufacturer of performance clutches and flywheels--has announced Bryan Wilson as the new president and CEO. Wilson will oversee company strategy and provide a renewed drive towards innovation and growth in the performance clutch market, a company official said.

Wilson brings nearly three decades of experience with the company to his new role, having joined Centerforce Clutches in 1995. Under his leadership as general manager, Centerforce has seen significant growth, including increased sales and the addition of several new products and applications, a company official said. Wilson takes over the position of CEO from his father, Pat Wilson, making him the third generation in Centerforce's 41 years of being a family-run business.

"I'm honored to be taking on this new leadership position," said Bryan Wilson. "Centerforce has a long history of serving the aftermarket enthusiast community, and I look forward to building upon what my family has accomplished over the past four decades. This is a position that I have been working towards for most of my life, and I hope to make our customers, employees and my family proud."

Wilson's appointment as president and CEO of Centerforce Clutches is effective immediately. For more information about Centerforce and its performance clutches, visit their website.

NHRA officials have announced that Mission Foods—a leading producer of tortillas and wraps—will be named the title sponsor of the NHRA’s premier professional series. Starting in the 2024 season, it will be known as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

The multiyear title series partnership begins next year as the NHRA celebrates its 73rd year in 2024 and comes after a successful first-year partnership between the two companies this season. Mission Foods and NHRA partnered together this year for the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, introducing competitive racing—as well as a bonus purse and bonus playoff points—to Saturday qualifying.

The overwhelming success of the current program helped lead to the expansion of the series title partnership for Mission Foods, which will include significant activation at the track and nearby store locations for all 21 national events.

The popular Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge will return in 2024 as part of the growing partnership, increasing to 14 regular-season events, including the two four-wide races, and offering an increased purse. The series title partnership and the challenge continue Mission Foods’ overall motorsports initiative to help racers and race teams.

“Mission Foods has already shown such great passion for NHRA Drag Racing and giving back to racers, and to now have them become our new entitlement sponsor is an incredibly exciting moment for the NHRA and our race teams,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “They were a tremendous partner last year, introducing the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge that changed the landscape of our race weekends, and we’re thrilled to see that relationship continue to grow on an even bigger level.”

As part of the title series partnership, Mission Foods will also be fully integrated at all NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events and will have a strong presence on the midway, on social media and digitally, and as part of every NHRA on FOX broadcast.

For more information about this partnership and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, see the full announcement here.

A new study by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute provides a comprehensive look at the annual economic activity generated by events and operations at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Researchers found that IMS contributes $1.058 billion to the Indiana economy, with over half that total – $566.4 million – attributed to the Month of May and the world-famous Indianapolis 500. The 2023 study addressed the direct and indirect economic contributions made by IMS between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023.

“The Racing Capital of the World is a marquee hub for economic development that directly benefits Central Indiana and the Hoosier State, triggering innovative activity and providing jobs and income for thousands of families,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The impact and value of IMS and its contributions to Indiana’s economy are invaluable and fuel us to further prioritize our role as a key driver of progress and impact moving forward.”

Notable statistics from the extensive study include:

• A contribution of $1.058 billion to the Indiana economy
  • Brickyard Weekend 2022 accounted for $117.2 million
  • Month of May 2023 accounted for $566.4 million
    • Visitors within 100 miles of the Speedway accounted for $86 million
  • Other events and activities accounted for $375.1 million
     
• Generation of 8,440 direct and indirect full-time equivalent jobs, totaling an estimated $360 million in labor income

The last economic impact study was conducted in 2013 and determined that IMS generated more than $510 million annually to the Indiana economy at that time. Over the last decade, the growth has been influenced by additional motorsports events and activities, as well as increased attendance at marquee events. The growth of race teams and motorsports-related businesses in the area also contributes to the increased impact.

For more details and to read the complete study, see the full announcement here.

 

Tracking legal, legislative, and regulatory developments impacting the racing and performance industry.

PRI’s Washington, DC-based legal and advocacy teams work continuously to protect and support motorsports venues, sanctioning bodies, and businesses around the nation. We are tracking several initiatives this month, including a longtime industry advocate’s visit to an Oklahoma performance manufacturer, how PRI Membership is uniting the industry with special events, and a look at the many benefits and perks available to PRI Members. As a reminder, an active PRI Membership is required to attend the PRI Show, December 7–9, in downtown Indianapolis.

Industry Advocate US Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) Visits DeatschWerks

When Congress was out of session for the month of August, US Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) used the time away from Washington, DC, to visit with his constituents throughout Oklahoma, including DeatschWerks, a PRI Member and longtime PRI Show exhibitor, at the company’s 36,000-square-foot headquarters in Oklahoma City.

As co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, Sen. Mullin enjoyed learning about DeatschWerks’ high-performance electronic fuel injection (EFI) fuel system solutions and speaking with the company’s leadership and employees during his visit.

“Sen. Mullin is an incredible advocate for automotive enthusiasts, racers, and over a million men and women who work in the specialty automotive aftermarket,” said Eric Snyder, PRI Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs. “We thank Sen. Mullin for his leadership on legislation to protect the specialty automotive aftermarket, for being a stalwart ally of the industry, and for his leadership on key issues that impact our Member companies and enthusiasts.”

Sen. Mullin is a longtime supporter of the specialty automotive aftermarket and motorsports. He is a former competitive rock crawler and an automotive enthusiast with a vehicle collection that includes a 1967 Shelby Cobra, 1972 Chevy C-10, and a 2021 Shelby GT500.

While a political career was never a part of his plans, Sen. Mullin ran for the US House of Representatives in Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District in 2012 in response to government overreach that threatened his business. During his five terms in the House, Sen. Mullin advocated for simplifying regulations on small businesses and helped to lead the fight to provide certainty to racers and motorsports parts businesses surrounding the conversion of street vehicles into race cars.

There is no better way for PRI Members to develop a relationship with their federal and state lawmakers than by inviting them to tour their businesses. PRI’s Washington, DC, team makes it easy for companies to develop relationships with their lawmakers through congressional site visits. If your company is interested in hosting your member of Congress, PRI can help you coordinate the meeting, prepare your employees for the event, provide talking points, and join the session to help make the most of it. If you would like to host your elected officials, please email Eric Snyder, PRI’s Director of Congressional Affairs, at erics@sema.org.

PRI Membership HQ Hosts Member Event to Kick Off NHRA US Nationals

The PRI Membership Headquarters, located on Main Street in Speedway, Indiana, recently hosted a meet-and-greet exclusively for PRI Members to help kick off the famed NHRA US Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.

Dozens of drag racing enthusiasts were able to get autographs from some of the sport’s most notable drivers, including Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle), Krista Baldwin (Top Fuel), Julie Nataas (Top Alcohol), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), and PRI Founding Member Antron Brown, who also secured his second, back-to-back Top Fuel win at the US Nationals that very weekend! Pedregon also treated the crowds by firing up his Funny Car in the PRI HQ parking lot.

Thank you to all of the PRI Members who joined the fun. Keep an eye on your PRI Member Monday email newsletter for similar industry events and gatherings.

For more information, including how to sign up for the Member Monday newsletter, contact PRI Membership at membership@performanceracing.com.

Log In to the PRI Member Portal and Access Racing Perks and Discounts

PRI Membership allows the racing community to showcase its passion and pride for the industry. By uniting motorsports professionals, PRI is actively addressing challenges and needs, such as providing support for race tracks to prevent them from closing, advocacy for the racing community against current legal threats, and educational programs that help businesses and racers succeed.

View the long list of companies and brands committed to boosting the performance and motorsports industry with special deals and discounts only available to PRI Members through the PRI Member portal (benefits.performanceracing.com). Note: Discounts vary based on Membership tier and are subject to change. Log in to the PRI Member portal for the most up-to-date list.

PRI Membership Benefits Partners

5.11 Tactical

AEM

Airaid

AutoRod Corporation (ARC)

COMP Cams

Costa

Courtyard by Marriott Speedway

Daytona Sensors

E3 Spark Plugs

Edelbrock

Fuel Air Spark Technology (FAST)

Fifth Third Bank

FiTech Fuel Injection

Flitz

Goodyear

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Speedway

Hemmings

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis

Hypertech

InsureOne

JMS Chip

K&N Filters

KTH Air Compressors & Air Dryers

Lunati

M1 Concourse Car Club

MyRacePass

Oakley

Performance Plus Global Logistics

PIT Instruction and Training

PRI Gear

RaceCals

RedTide Canopies

Russell

Spectre

SPEEDiagnostix

Spyderco, Inc.

Summit Racing Equipment

TCI Automotive

Trader Tim’s Tie-Downs

Trim Illusion

ZyCoat

As a reminder, an active PRI Membership is required to attend the PRI Show, December 7–9, in downtown Indianapolis. For more information, visit performanceracing.com/membership or check the PRI Member newsletter delivered to inboxes every Monday.

Does your company want to offer a discount to PRI Members? If so, reach out to PRI Membership Benefits Manager Mike Kirks at mikek@performanceracing.com.

This is a tender/main stacked-spring setup, with the tender spring above the main spring. This allows for tuning combinations throughout a night of racing, or slight changes from track to track. The dual rate provides a slightly lighter combined rate, while storing the energy of the compressed spring helps the vehicle transfer weight and build grip.

 

Developing an understanding of the various setup components and how they interact is crucial to determining the perfect balance.

 

Race car setup might seem like a straightforward task, but in reality, it’s an intricate process that requires a deep understanding of how various components work together to make the car perform at its best. We here at Eibach, Inc. often get calls from racers asking for “setup advice” to improve their performance without any other info given. The truth is, it’s not that simple.

Top-tier racing teams, like those in Formula 1 and NASCAR, employ teams of experts, including engineers, wind tunnel specialists, and simulator technicians to fine-tune their race car setups. They spend countless hours testing different combinations of springs, shocks, component angles, tire pressures, aero loads, and more to find the winning formula. It’s a science, and it takes a lot of work to get it right.

Why do some racers or car owners think it’s as easy to find the perfect setup for their cars as calling the local dealer who knows nothing about their team, cars, or drivers and asking for help? Or they might see someone dominating locally and assume that copying their setup will guarantee success. But racing is not a one-size-fits-all kind of sport. Each car, track, and driver combination is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. You see it regularly in NASCAR these days since the cars are nearly identical, yet the same teams aren’t always finishing together.

 

Tools Not In Your Toolbox

What exactly should racers be looking at when it comes to their car setup? There are numerous components that contribute to a winning setup. Choosing the right chassis; springs rates, lengths, and loads; shock valving; drive angles; wheel loads; weight transfer tools; aero tools, and more all play a role in how the car handles on the track. Understanding how each of these components works and how they interact with other parts is crucial to finding the perfect balance.

How do you learn about all of this? Trade shows like the PRI Show are a great place to meet people and learn. You have all the smartest people in the industry under one roof, so spend some time with them and pick their brains. Once you do that, take a minute and write down some notes. Three straight days of talking with people is hard to retain in your brain, trust me.

The Internet is also a powerful tool and probably should be your go-to most of the time. There are tons of online classes and seminars available at your fingertips without leaving the shop.

Manufacturers also regularly have seminars on their products in person as well. Any time you can be in the same place with other like-minded people you are guaranteed to learn a thing or two.

Another crucial aspect to the puzzle is data collection. Data is essential in today’s racing world and turns “feelings” into “facts.” It allows teams to visually analyze valuable information like travel measurements, spring and shock loads, geometry of suspension components, and dynamic aero positions. Surprisingly, some racers are hesitant to use data collection tools. Perhaps it’s seen as cheating or going against the spirit of grassroots racing, but in fact, this is already happening with the majority of the front-running teams. Travel indicators, wheel-load devices, temperature gauges, or even cameras are great ways to gather this info. You can also do the same with driver input to see throttle, brake, and steering positions, and really see how one is affecting the other. Please check with your sanctioning body first to see when and where you can use them.

Testing is another critical element of race car setup. On race day, there’s very little time to try new things. That’s why the saying, “Races are won in the shop” holds true. Successful teams spend as much time testing and fine-tuning their setups off the track as they do racing on it. Spring and shock dynos among other things are a must to be successful these days. Teams that have them spend hours upon hours trying different combinations looking for that edge. Those who don’t have them end up calling us and asking what the teams that do have them are doing.

Also, you need to have a plan of what you want to test once you get to the track. Don’t just show up and think you’re going to turn laps and see what happens—you do that already on race day. Again, remember to think like a professional, be prepared, and take notes like a professional.

In the end, the driver’s comfort and confidence behind the wheel are what truly matter. It’s not just about having the most expensive components or the latest gadgets. It’s about understanding how each one of these parts affects the other one and being able to make decisions based on “facts” not “feelings.” Ultimately a setup that makes the driver feel at ease and in control will lead to better performance on the track. 

 

David Cardey has been the National Sales Manager at Eibach for 12 years. Cardey has also competed in various racing series including USAC CRA, NASCAR West, and Skip Barber. Eibach specializes in high-quality aftermarket performance and suspension products and is best known for its springs on and off the track.

 

As the weight of race components becomes lighter, horsepower increases, rpm continues to rise, and oils become thinner, which leads to new challenges with bearings and engine harmonics. Hear from experts in the fields of engine bearings and crankshaft balancing at their PRI Education seminar at the December PRI Show.

 

As engine building becomes more complex with newer technologies, it is critical to learn what is happening inside the engine.

The PRI Education program at this year’s PRI Show will include “Bearing Trauma and Engine Harmonics,” presented by Randy Neal, president and owner of CWT Industries; Kimm Karrip, MAHLE head of NA Corporate Research; and Dan Begle, MAHLE aftermarket technical sales engineer. Begle’s previous experience includes working 27 seasons in NASCAR engine shops and nine years as the reliability specialist at Roush Yates Racing Engines.

We will discuss the engineering and fluid dynamics involved in creating a reliable, functioning engine, and what happens when the bearing capacity is exceeded. An engine bearing is not simply a stamped piece of metal. New issues resulting in crankshaft grinding chatter and polishing lobing can have detrimental effects on the bearing. Do you really know how much oil pressure you have? Galley oil pressure is important, but we seek to provide a better understanding of what bearing film pressure is, how this affects film thickness, and the breakdown of results when either is compromised.

We will explain bearing wear and failure with a diagnosis of what caused these problems. A comprehensive explanation will be discussed about engine forces and how they can change based on engine components. A deeper review of the function of engine bearings and the wear they show will provide a clearer understanding of what is happening inside the engine. It is important to remember that all parts have a story to tell. Understanding what they are “saying” will help build better quality engines.

In theory, crankshafts appear to be a robust solid connection to transmit the power from engine combustion to the flywheel. Have you ever thought about the flex on a crankshaft inside the engine and the effects it has on overall engine reliability and performance? All crankshafts will have an Achilles heel: harmonics. This affects the balance, power, and ability to properly transmit the power of the engine, as well as its reliability.

MAHLE will display FEA (finite element analysis) data to show what happens when an engine is operating and the impact of individual cylinders firing in a multiple-cylinder engine. An in-depth conversation on crankshaft balancing as it relates to multiple order vibrations and harmful harmonics will be covered by CWT (a leader in crankshaft balancing) and will include theories on proper balancing techniques and explanations of how improper balancing can create engine problems. Harmonic balancers can dampen the global torsions on the crankshaft, and an understanding of how the individual cylinder affects the front-to-rear torsion helps the engine builder create a more reliable and powerful product.

When an engine is operating, it creates its own harmonics or tone. Due to the technology changes, the overall harmonics shift how the engine components interact with each other. This educational presentation will aid in understanding the effects of harmonics in today’s engines and the resulting differences in performance. Issues such as main cap fretting on the main caps to block and/or fretting on the harmonic balancer to crankshaft can be seen. Some components, such as pushrods and valve springs, may not leave such visual indications, but they still are generating a frequency that can be detrimental.

We look forward to discussing these and more topics at “Bearing Trauma and Engine Harmonics,” on Friday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in ICC Meeting Rooms 234 and 235.

 

Maximize sponsorship dollars with expert advice from authority Alex Striler, who will be presenting two seminars on the topic at this year’s PRI Show.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just entering motorsports, there’s something undeniably essential that can make or break your racing career—sponsorships. We’ve curated two powerful sessions that will not only guide you on acquiring sponsorships but will also ensure you’re leveraging today’s digital tools to maximize value for your sponsors. Don’t miss these two educational seminars with one of our most popular sponsorship presenters, Sponsorship Summits host, and bestselling author of “Motorsports Marketing and Sponsorships,” Alex Striler, and his guests.

 

“Networking, Prospecting, and Meeting New Sponsors”

Friday, December 8: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

ICC Meeting Rooms 231 – 232

Everyone in racing understands the struggles. You’re out there giving your best performance on the track, burning rubber, and hitting those turns just right. But off the track, there’s another race—the daunting challenge of securing sponsorships.

No more shooting in the dark or waiting on unanswered emails. This is your chance to meet some influential sponsors up-close and in-person. Discover firsthand how to present yourself at events like the SEMA and PRI Shows or iconic races like the Chili Bowl, Daytona 500, and the Mint 400. Our panel, featuring seasoned marketing pros and sponsorship decision-makers, will give you the real talk on connecting with sponsorship decision-makers. It’s all about building trust and understanding before you make the big ask.

In Friday’s seminar, you’ll meet:

• Alex Striler, bestselling author and host of SponsorshipSummits.com

• Jacklyn Donahue, group marketing manager-Aftermarket, Nittera North America (NGK)

• Chris Dickerson, president, Horizon Hobby

• Julian Gill, CEO, Eibach Springs

• JR Twedt, president, K1 Race Gear

Striler will interview the executives who allocate funds and have heard thousands of pitches and received countless decks and proposals. These experienced pros will help you understand how to find and meet new sponsors. But securing a meeting is only half the battle. The real challenge is to make a good impression. The panelists will explain what catches their attention in a deck, what they value in a proposal, what they’re looking for, and the best ways to get that information to them.

In the world of sponsorships, one right move can set you on the path to success, while a single misstep can close doors. Equip yourself with the knowledge to always put your best foot forward.

Getting sponsors isn’t about cold calls, emails, or templated proposals. It’s about meeting the right people, building relationships, understanding needs, and customizing a win-win partnership for everyone involved.

Seats are limited and trust us, they fill up fast! Arrive early and buckle up for some mind-blowing insights. Stick around after; there’s a good chance you’ll get some one-on-one time with Striler and the panelists to answer your personal questions.

 

“Using Social Media & Technology to Create Value for Sponsors”

Saturday, December 9: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

ICC Meeting Rooms 240 – 241

The digital revolution is in full throttle. We’re in an era where social media isn’t just about posting your breakfast pics or vacation snaps. It’s the new-age race track, where visibility equals success, and your online brand persona can attract the sponsorships you dream about.

As the name suggests, this session is designed to make you a pro in the digital world. Sponsorship guru Alex Striler and social media coach Megan Meyer will unravel the latest digital tools, from algorithms to analytics. They will explore tools designed to catapult your online presence and create digital value. Discover how to increase your worth in the eyes of potential sponsors.

Social media isn’t just about follower count. It’s about impactful content and connecting with the right audience. Learn why expansive platforms are overshadowing restrictive ones, and how to strategically position yourself for maximum visibility. Your online reputation can resonate louder than the roar of a race car engine. Equip yourself to maximize the digital tools at your disposal. Go beyond generic posts. Create content that not only amplifies your brand but also showcases the immense value you offer to sponsors (and yourself).

If you don’t have a lot of social media followers, it doesn’t matter anymore. The new algorithms today reward content, not connections. As [YouTube star] Mr. Beast says, “Replace the word ‘algorithm’ with ‘audience,’ and that’s what makes your content go viral.” Give the audience something they want to see, and they will share it, which gets picked up by the algorithms.

Steer your racing career toward unparalleled success. Join us as we demystify sponsorships and navigate the fast-paced lanes of social media and technology. Together, let’s make your racing dream a well-funded reality with long-term sponsorship support.

Remember, in today’s world, racing isn’t just about speed—it’s about making the right connections, both online and off. After the session, grab the opportunity for a personal Q&A with Striler and Meyer. We look forward to seeing you there!

These two PRI Education seminars are not merely presentations, they’re transformative experiences. Your next big sponsor might just be a conversation away, or your online strategy might just need that one tweak to go viral.

Check out SponsorshipSummits.com and MotorsportsMarketingTips.com for more information.