New Indiana-based Winged Sprint Series Set to Launch October 6

Submitted by laurap on Thu, 09/14/2023 - 16:45
Bloomington Speedway, Lincoln Park Speedway logo


Organizers have announced a new winged 410 sprint car series called the Honest Abe Roofing Winged Mavericks Sprint Car Series, led by roofing company president and CEO Kevin Newton and JS Promotions' Joe and Jill Spiker. 

The inaugural event will be held on Friday, October 6, at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, Indiana. A $32,000 purse will be posted with a $6,000 top prize for the winner of the 30-lap main event.

It is anticipated that the new winged 410 series will offer a 10- to 12-week schedule in 2024, with races slated at Lincoln Park Speedway and Bloomington Speedway in Bloomington, Indiana, with additional dates and venues to be determined. 

"We felt the time was right to move in this direction. We remain committed to traditional sprint car racing but see this as a natural landing spot for drivers interested in moving up from 305 wing sprint cars," said Jill Spiker. 

"I enjoy wing racing and our state doesn't have that," said Newton, who is an active competitor in winged and traditional sprint cars. "We are strong in the non-wing realm, and it will remain strong, but there is plenty of bandwidth for wing racing to have a spot here."

For more information, visit the Lincoln Park Speedway announcement or lincolnparkspeedway.com.

September 2023

Historic Indy Car Challenge Added to 2024 Long Beach Grand Prix Weekend

Submitted by laurap on Thu, 09/14/2023 - 16:25
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (GPLB) logo


Officials with the 2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (GPLB) have announced the Historic Indy Car Challenge will take place during the April 19-21 race weekend. 

The event will feature twin 20-minute races on Saturday, April 20, and will be sanctioned by the Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA). 

The 2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach race weekend will be led by the third rounds of the NTT IndyCar Series on Sunday, April 21 and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on Saturday, April 20. Support races will include two rounds of SRO America’s GT America, Robby Gordon's Stadium SUPER Trucks, the Super Drift Challenge on Friday and Saturday nights and the newly announced Historic Indy Car Challenge.

For more information, visit the GPLB announcement or visit gplb.com.

September 2023

United Autosports Relocates U.S. HQ from Florida to Mooresville, NC

Submitted by laurap on Thu, 09/14/2023 - 15:45
United Autosports Relocates U.S. HQ from Florida to Mooresville, NC


United Autosports is moving its Florida operations to a new 18,000-square-foot workshop located on the aptly-named Thunder Road in the motorsports hub of Mooresville, North Carolina.

The new facility will provide a headquarters for its IMSA operations, starting with preparations for the 2024 championship season.

"This is a really important step for United Autosports," said Zak Brown, United Autosports chairman and co-founder. "With this Mooresville workshop, we are building the foundations of a strong IMSA operation, making our ambitions clear for 2024 and beyond."

The new U.S. headquarters is located 700 miles north of its previous U.S. base in Florida. The space, currently home to IMSA LMP3 race team Jr III Racing, has state-of-the-art equipment and three 53-ft. race transporters.

The United Autosports IMSA squad will operate between its Normanton, United Kington and Mooresville facilities.

For more information, visit the United Autosports announcement or unitedautosports.com.

September 2023

Ford Announces New Track School for Owners of the Seventh-Generation Mustang

Submitted by laurap on Thu, 09/14/2023 - 15:37
Ford Mustang family


Owners of the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang will be able to enjoy a range of new experiences in 2024, from on-track driving courses led by some of the world's best high-performance driving instructors to new lifestyle events and an online portal to connect with Mustang owners from across the country.

"The Ford Mustang is all about two things: its community of passionate fans and racing. We're combining those qualities and giving owners the opportunity to learn some of the same skills our racing drivers will take to Daytona and Le Mans next year," said Matt Simpson, general manager for Enthusiast Vehicles. "And they'll do so alongside their fellow enthusiasts."

Mustang Dark Horse Track Attack at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be offered to owners of Mustang Dark Horse--the most track-capable and powerful 5.0 L V8 street-legal Mustang ever.

Boasting a near 3:1 attendee-to-instructor ratio, Mustang Dark Horse owners will receive personal attention on the skid pad, autocross and Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, and the experience comes included with the purchase of the Mustang Dark Horse (not including transportation and lodging).

In addition, Ford is offering a driving event at the Ford Performance Racing School at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which will give Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT owners the option to select from drift instruction, track driving, line-lock burnout classes, and more.

A new digital portal creates an online point of entry to the Mustang fandom, allowing owners to learn, engage and interact with fellow fans. A series of roving, cross-country events in 10 U.S. markets will include on major automotive, lifestyle and motorsports events. This will provide owners with an in-person opportunity to interact with other Mustang fans.

For more information, visit the Ford announcement or visit ford.com.

September 2023

Iowa HoF & Racing Museum Adds 19 to 2023 Class

Submitted by laurap on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 15:23
Iowa HoF logo


The Iowa Hall of Fame in Otho, Iowa, has announced the 19 inductees for its Class of 2023.

Emory "Em" Fretheim, Bob Hilmer, Butch Householder, Daniel Arthur Nesteby, Dick Schiltz, Jim Wyman and Ted Zieman will be inducted in the Pre-1990 Any Category.

Jeff Anderson, Ron Barker, Brian Birkhofer, Bobby Greiner Jr. and Danny Wallace will be inducted in the 1990-Present category.

Pat Fagen will be inducted in the Owner/Builder/Car Sponsor category, while Doug Clark and Everett Sather will represent the Promoter/Official/Media/Event/Series Sponsor category.

Edison Dye, Gavin Faith, Scotty Slawson and Carl Moyer will also be inducted in Motorcycle, Figure 8 and Drag Racing racing categories.

The inductees will be honored on Saturday, November 4 at the Briggs Woods Conference Center in Webster City, Iowa.

For more information, visit iowaracingmuseum.com/hall-of-fame.

September 2023

IndyCar to Host $1 Million Challenge in 2024 at Thermal Club

Submitted by laurap on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 15:09
IndyCar to Host $1 Million Challenge in 2024 at Thermal Club


The NTT IndyCar Series will bring its pulsating, wheel-to-wheel action to The Thermal Club in Riverside County, California for a unique, made-for-TV racing exhibition during the 2024 season. The special event from sunny Southern California will offer a $1 million prize to the winner, and will receive a network broadcast showcase on NBC.

Race Day for the $1 Million Challenge is set for Sunday, March 24, with an open test and qualifications to take place Friday and Saturday, March 22-23.

"The NTT IndyCar Series will add an incredible new event to our schedule with next year's spectacular racing showcase at The Thermal Club," said Penske Entertainment Corp. President & CEO Mark Miles. "This world-class venue just down the road from the world's premier entertainment market is the perfect place to bring our hyper-competitive racing and growing star power."

While championship points will not be on the line, the event will feature a multimillion-dollar purse. A draw party to begin the event will embed members of The Thermal Club with each race team and driver. The weekend format will include a qualifying session and two heat races, with the top six from each heat advancing to an All-Star showcase. The top five finishing teams will split their earnings with The Thermal Club members, including a $1 million prize awarded to the winner.

There will be a charitable component to the event that will be announced at a later date.

For more information, visit the IndyCar announcement or visit indycar.com.

September 2023

2023 National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame Class Revealed

Submitted by laurap on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 19:37
National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame logo


Chuck Gurney, Jim Hettinger, Larry Howard, Gene Pastor, Stevie Reeves and Roy Richter have been announced as the latest inductees into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

Gurney was a two-time winner of the Copper World Classic Midget race at Phoenix International Raceway in 1992 and 1994 as well as a two-time winner of the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ascot Park in 1988-89 and a one-time victor of the Belleville Nationals in 1989.

Hettinger won championships with the Wide World of Auto Racing (WWAR) in 1984, the National Alliance of Midget Auto Racing (NAMAR) in 1984 and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) in 1990. His career spanned a little over four decades, winning over 126 features.

Howard was one of the premier car owners between the late 1970s and early 1990s. His cars won six times in the Turkey Night Grand Prix between 1979-89 with Ron Shuman taking four-straight in 1979-80-81-82 and Chuck Gurney winning two in 1988-89. Howard also won the Bellville Nationals in 1989 with Gurney at the wheel.

After Pastor retired from driving in 1979, he became a well-respected official with the Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association (RMMRA) and the American Independent Midget Series (AIMS), serving as flagman, Director of Competition and was a member of their Board of Directors. He also worked with the Southwest Independent Midget Series (SWIMS) tour and the Belleville Nationals.

Reeves captured back-to-back USAC National Midget driving championships in 1992 and 1993. He won in his first ever USAC National Midget start in 1987 at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway, and in 1991, he scored three major wins at Phoenix International Raceway’s Copper World Classic, Angell Park Speedway’s Pepsi Firemen’s Nationals and the Terre Haute Action Track’s Hut 100.

Richter was the founder of Bell Helmets, which was the first safety-certified head protection in midget racing. He was an excellent fabricator, building and designing midgets driven by Sam Hanks and Freddie Agabashian to many victories. Richter was also a founding member of SEMA.

September 2023

Brandon Brown Named New General Manager at South Boston (VA) Speedway

Submitted by laurap on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 19:31
Brandon Brown, South Boston Speedway


Officials with South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Virginia, have appointed Brandon Brown as the new general manager.

"I am excited to introduce Brandon Brown as the next general manager of the historic South Boston Speedway," said Pocono Raceway and South Boston Speedway CEO Nick Igdalsky. "I'm confident Brandon's passion, vision and leadership will take SoBo to new heights, all while keeping the traditions and history alive."

A native of Gerrardstown, West Virginia, Brown led the marketing, communications, and digital content management efforts for North Wilkesboro Speedway's Racetrack Revival in 2022. 

In addition, Brown is also currently working with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Dirty Mo Media as a producer and with the CARS Tour as a digital media manager as he transitions into his full-time role as South Boston Speedway's general manager, effective January 1, 2024.

"When you think about legendary short tracks, South Boston Speedway is at the top of the list,” Brown said. “This is a special place, and it’s my honor to take on the role of general manager..." 

For more information, visit the South Boston Speedway announcement or visit southbostonspeedway.com.

September 2023

PPLUS Global Logistics Releases Essential Guide to Protecting Performance Engines

Submitted by laurap on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 19:23
PPLUS Global Logistics Releases Essential Guide to Protecting Performance Engines


PPLUS Global Logistics, the provider of custom freight solutions, has released an insightful guide on the proper crating and shipping of performance engines. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding these valuable components, the company has distilled its 30-plus years of expertise into a comprehensive guide, aimed at enthusiasts, mechanics and suppliers.

High-performance engines are the heart of powerful machines and require specialized care during transit. PPLUS Global's guide offers a step-by-step process to ensure that these engines reach their destinations without damage.

Key features of the guide include:

  • Assessment and Planning: A meticulous assessment of the engine to understand its unique characteristics and vulnerabilities.
  • Cleaning and Preparation: An in-depth look at how to properly clean and prepare the engine for transit.
  • Customized Crating Solutions: A focus on tailored crating solutions, including the choice of materials, cushioning, and protective barriers.
  • Insurance and Documentation: Insights into obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage and necessary documentation.


"Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our direct services to educating our community," said Gordon Steffens, a spokesperson for PPLUS Global Logistics. "This guide empowers individuals and businesses with the knowledge they need to ship performance engines safely. It reflects our dedication to quality and our belief in sharing expertise."

PPLUS Global's guide on crating performance engines is available now, providing readers with a valuable resource that aligns with industry best practices. The guide exemplifies the company's ongoing commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and excellence in freight management.

September 2023

Andretti Autosport to Rebrand as Andretti Global

Submitted by meredithb on Wed, 09/06/2023 - 11:17
Andretti Autosport Rebrands to Andretti Global

 

Andretti Autosport, a championship-winning motorsports organization, has announced a major rebranding initiative that will see the international organization adopt the branding of Andretti Global, the identity previously named as the parent company to the US-based race team.

As a brand that is built on a foundation of racing excellence, the new Andretti Global name will unite all aspects of the organization under a single identity, more closely aligning with the team’s already-established legacy. Andretti Global currently operates in eight motorsports platforms racing across six continents with a goal to expand its worldwide footprint into other major motorsports series.

Along with the name change, the current Andretti Autosport shield will be replaced with the Andretti Global logo. As each of the 2024 racing seasons get underway, fans can look forward to a new digital experience from the most trusted name in motorsports with the rebrand additionally bringing a new structure to the team’s social media presence.

Andretti Formula E will be the first of the Andretti Global teams to take on the new branding as the reigning Drivers’ World Championship team kicks off Season 10 with testing in October.

MICHAEL ANDRETTI, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, ANDRETTI GLOBAL
“I’m proud of what Andretti Autosport has accomplished over the years, and all the memories that have come with so many special moments. Just as proud as I am of our past, I’m equally excited about our future. As we continue to expand and build a global racing institution, our goal is to be engrained in the culture of our fans, teams and partners. This rebrand is a major milestone in our team’s journey, but we are only getting started. We are determined to achieve success and confident that there are big things in store for Andretti Global.”

DAN TOWRISS, PARTNER, ANDRETTI GLOBAL
“The words Andretti and motorsports are synonymous, and I’m impressed and excited by the worldwide fanbase and reach of the Andretti name. I’m proud to be working with Michael and his team to build that name and legacy into an even stronger brand that reflects our ambitions and values. We are committed to excellence, and I believe our work will benefit our fans and partners around the globe.”

September 2023