Officials with the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) have announced the 2024 racing calendar, which will once again be highlighted on ESPN's "Thursday Night Thunder."

SRX is the American stock car racing series founded by Tony Stewart, Ray Evernham, Sandy Montag and George Pyne.

More information on the 2024 drivers, tracks and additional details are expected at a later date.

2024 SRX Race Dates
*all on ESPN

• July 11
• July 18
• July 25
• August 1
• August 8
• August 15

For more information, visit srxracing.com.

GMS Racing officials have announced it will cease operations at the conclusion of the 2023 race season. GMS Fabrication, a separate entity that has operated alongside the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) race team, will also close its doors following the championship race at Phoenix Raceway.

"During the past nine years, GMS Racing has become one of the top teams in the Truck and ARCA Series garage. The people that made this happen have been the hard-working men and women at GMS Racing and GMS Fabrication. Every employee, new and old at GMS, has always strived to be the very best," said Maury Gallagher. "Without their effort and dedication, we would have never been able to win two Truck championships, three ARCA championships and 68 wins."

GMS Racing, or as it was formerly known as Gallagher Motorsports, was founded by entrepreneur and CEO of Allegiant Travel Company, Maury Gallagher, in 2012. Initially competing in the ARCA Menards Series with Gallagher's son, Spencer Gallagher, as the team's primary driver, the team grew to include part-time operations of a NCTS team. Mike Beam later joined as team president in 2015, a position he still holds today.

Gallagher announced in late 2021 that he would field a NASCAR Cup Series in 2022, purchasing controlling interest in Richard Petty Motorsports. The new team, Petty GMS, began competing in 2022 in tandem with the Truck Series teams. 

"While the ending of an era with the closing of the race team is undeniably a difficult circumstance, bright futures lie ahead. Heading into 2024, Legacy Motor Club Co-Owners Maury Gallagher and Jimmie Johnson look to strengthen the team on all fronts with their NASCAR Cup Series efforts to become a force to be reckoned with for years to come," said a team release, referencing the recent changes to the NASCAR Cup Series team.

For more information, visit the GMS Racing announcement or visit gmsracing.net.

 

Hundreds of new product announcements cross the desks of PRI editors each month. Following are our top picks for September.

 

Connect Battery Monitoring System

Odyssey

odysseybattery.com

A tow rig breaking down on the road before getting to a race is more frustrating than losing in the final round. But the new Odyssey Connect battery monitoring system can help avoid such a misfortune.

“The Odyssey Connect is for trucks and haulers, including those used to transport race cars,” said Alan Kohler. “It can be used to monitor the truck’s battery health while traveling back and forth to the track. No missed races due to downtime of the hauler.”

Users always have the battery information at hand because data collected through the system is communicated via Bluetooth to any Apple or Android smart device. The system actively tracks the battery state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) by checking voltage and temperature status throughout cranking and other events.

“Our feedback from fleets indicates the Connect system helps with a solution that was not previously addressed in the battery world,” added Kohler.

Drivers can view warning and safety notifications directly on their smart devices in addition to reviewing battery trends on a 24/7 basis. The system can highlight the previous six days of battery voltage and temperature data in a combined graph. Plus, from the first day of operation the system captures and analyzes battery operating history. —Mike Magda

 

EV Stub Axle Assembly

Mark Williams Enterprises

markwilliams.com

Given the massive torque potential of electric motors, it’s no surprise that heavy-duty driveline components will be necessary for competition EVs. Mark Williams Enterprises, already a well-known supplier of performance driveline equipment for racers, is now offering a new stub axle assembly specifically for the popular IDM-190 power module from Cascadia Motion.

“With an increase of EVs in competition applications, it warrants our attention,” explained Mark Williams.

The assembly facilitates use of the popular Series 15 constant velocity joint, which is commonly referred to as a Porsche 930 CV joint. Williams said the Cascadia high-torque power unit is the choice of many independent EV builders.

“As the torque output of EV power modules continues to increase, we see the need for developing heavy-duty driveline components for this burgeoning market,” added Williams.

The unit is manufactured from a 300M alloy steel forging and heat-treated to more than 300,000 psi tensile strength. It’s also double shot peened, and all exposed surfaces are treated to a Cerakote ceramic gray coating for rust protection. Included in the shaft assembly is a plated CV cup to retain grease, and an expand ring to locate the shaft to the axle gear. —Mike Magda

 

Jeep JL Single-disc Clutch

McLeod Racing

mcleodracing.com

Jeep JL and JT racers and performance users will appreciate the new single-disc clutch in the Adventure Series from McLeod Racing.

“This new clutch line is designed with performance and durability in mind,” said Will Baty. “The Max Mass steel flywheel with its extra mass provides additional energy to the engine that will help reduce stalling on obstacles or when using larger diameter tires.”

Each kit includes a high-clamp-load pressure plate, sprung hub disc, steel flywheel, billet hydraulic bearing, bleeder, and hardware.

“We added additional strength to the drive straps of the HD pressure plate to help eliminate strap failure during a hard deceleration or on any downhill where the vehicle’s weight is loading the drive straps,” explained Baty. “The friction disc is designed with a steel back lining to prevent any type of failure or explosion of the facing and withstand the additional heat that comes with spirited driving.”

The Jeep JL clutch and flywheel kits will be available in three stages. The Trail Pro is rated for 450 lbs.-ft. of torque, and the Super Trail Pro is rated for 510 lbs.-ft. of torque. The Trail Extreme is rated at 570 lbs.-ft. of torque. It can hold onto big engine modifications as well as increased vehicle weight with large tires. This kit is provided with a ceramic-lined disc. —Mike Magda

 

Victor CNC 12-degree BBC Cylinder Heads

Edelbrock

edelbrock.com

The new Edelbrock Victor CNC 12-degree cylinder heads are specifically designed for big block Chevrolet engines running naturally aspirated, nitrous injection, or boost in competition.

“Racing classes that take advantage of the larger displacement, 4.840-inch bore spacing engines, such as Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, and the 632 Grudge class, rely on these types of cylinder heads to maximize power,” said Jamie Wagner. “This head lends itself very well to engine displacements of 598 cubic inches and larger but can be used in other engine configurations wanting to maximize engine performance with this bore spacing.”

Nicknamed the Big Vic 12, the head is cast in the USA at Edelbrock’s state-of-the-art foundry using premium aluminum alloy that undergoes hot isostatic pressing (HIP) for a more stable and dense grain structure.

The heads feature 12-degree valve angles and large CNC-machined raised oval intake ports that measure 498cc and have been designed to maintain high airspeed through the valve, which generates a higher torque curve throughout the engine’s operating range. The exhaust ports are also raised from the stock location.

“All the feedback we have received from our customers state they are very happy with the overall performance of the Big Vic cylinder heads,” added Wagner.

Other features include copper intake and exhaust valve seats that are cut for 2.500-inch intake valves and 1.800-inch exhaust valves, and a conical combustion chamber design that measures 82cc. —Mike Magda

 

Lug-drive Rotor Adapter for Wide-5 Hubs

Wilwood

wilwood.com

A new floating rotor lug-drive system from Wilwood simplifies assembly with a single snap-ring in place of typical rotor bolts and safety wire. Also, the floating rotor eliminates heat distortion from thermal expansion for a more predictable pedal feel.

“It’s a complete bolt-on system for any wide 5 or 5x5 hub that maintains original rotor position without moving the caliper or space a hub,” explained Dave Brzozowski. “Our unique stainless-steel wear/float control clips ensure a long life on our 6061 aluminum Type-III hard anodized plates.”

Racers can expect improved pedal feel, float consistency, and longer life due to the new design that eliminates a traditional aluminum plate/hat coming into direct contact with the rotor. Drag and road race cars have used the Wilwood Lug-Drive system for years, and the wide 5 version was extensively tested in asphalt Late Model racing for over a year.

“We’ve had this system-on-hat setup designed for TransAm2 for the past three years, winning numerous events and championships in 2022,” said Brzozowski. “We have had the new wide 5/5x5 parts in the field for over a year on numerous cars before releasing them for production, and have had nothing but positive feedback, as mentioned.” —Mike Magda

 

Modular Intake Manifolds for Ford Coyote Engines

Holley

holley.com

Holley’s new line of modular intake manifold components for Ford Coyote engine platforms allows the user to choose between color, throttle body openings, and plenum volumes. The as-cast aluminum construction is offered in a Hi-Ram style or Ultra Lo-Ram (shown in photo).

The modular design offers different tops to support additional accessories.

“The new Holley Coyote Lo-Ram and Hi-Ram are cost-effective manifolds that perform. The Hi-Ram is designed to allow for water-to-air-intercooler bricks, nitrous plates, and more,” said Mark Gearhart. “The intakes already feature a refined port design with streamlined injector bosses for reduced turbulence. Different sizes and styles of throttle bodies can be used, and include a large oval or round monoblade, and the GM LS 4-bolt. Plenum volumes will vary between 9.8 liters, 8.4 liters, and 8.2 liters, depending on the top and throttle opening.

“Also, being a multi-piece cast manifold, it allows for easy porting, custom modifications, and more,” added Gearhart.

The intakes are offered in black and natural finish. Both styles have 9.20-inch runner lengths designed to improve mid- to high-rpm powerband. They fit bolt pattern OE heads found on the 2011–2023 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engines, including Voodoo and Predator. Kits include fuel rails for use with OEM-style fuel injectors, clips, mounting hardware, and O-ring gaskets. —Mike Magda

 

Purpose-built Marine Oil Pan

Milodon

milodon.com

A marine engine has different needs than a car engine, and the oil pan is a perfect example. Milodon doesn’t “adapt” its car pans to the boat market, but rather offers a line of true, purpose-built marine oil pans.

“Marine oil pans require extra heavy-duty steel construction, unique oil-control baffling, and large oil capacity that must also be controlled,” explained Steve Morrison. “Heavy-gauge steel construction is used so the pan can withstand the beating that a car will never see. Marine application pans also double up for the monster truck market as they see the same unique and severe loads.”

The pans are made in the USA, constructed from 16-gauge steel and TIG welded. Finally, Milodon’s signature gold finish has a zinc undercoating.

“Boat engines have to work harder turning the jet or prop drive, and that creates a lot of heat,” added Morrison. “The engine is in the hull, which does not allow for much airflow or cooling, so it tends to build excessive heat. Milodon marine pans have many provisions to help reduce heat and control the oil from sloshing.”

Marine pans are available for big block Ford, big block Chevy, small block Chevy, and Olds 455.
—Mike Magda

 

Hundreds of new product announcements cross the desks of PRI editors each month. Following are our top picks for August.

 

SJ-210 Upgrade Kit

Total Seal

totalseal.com

Total Seal, based in Phoenix, Arizona, has developed an upgrade for the Mitutoyo SJ-210 profilometer that provides full functionality to precisely map the surface finish of any cylinder bore. The kit includes a USB microscope, TraceBoss software, HatchView software, a laptop with pre-installed software, reference scans and a resource library. The complete kit gives the user more information and also makes it easier to find information.

“The combination of visual information and numerical data gives engine builders more insight into what their honing process is creating, which varies from engine to engine because of the differences in block/sleeve hardness,” said Lake Speed Jr. “The upgrade kit makes it easier to manage that data. Each scan can be saved with the touch of a button—no more writing down numbers. In fact, the surface finish measurement files can be emailed to anyone else with the upgrade kit so that they can see your data, which makes collaboration much easier.”

Basically, the upgrade kit provides both surface finish and cross-hatch measurements. “Making surface finish measurements visual instead of numerical just makes it easier,” added Speed. “Surface finish makes a huge difference in terms of horsepower and durability, so it needed to be easier, not harder, to measure.” —Mike Magda

 

ELocker Differential for 35-spline Axles

Eaton Vehicle Group

eaton.com

A new Eaton ELocker differential is now compatible with 35-spline axles found on the 2018 and newer Jeep Wrangler JL as well as the 2020 and up Jeep Gladiator JT.

“The new 35-spline Eaton ELocker has proven to be reliable and have quick engagement under harsh conditions,” said GenRight founder and King of the Hammers (KOH) veteran Tony Pellegrino. “As a KOH competitor, I like the simplicity of an electronic locker over an air locker, so the Eaton ELocker is a great choice.”

The ELocker is designed for hardcore off-road users and will work with upgraded aftermarket axles that are necessary for extreme use. With electronic locking, drivers have full control over the traction choices.

Featuring net-forged gears for extra strength, the ELocker sends all available torque equally to both wheels on the axle by simply pressing a dash switch. When on-road drivability and fuel economy are needed, the ELocker returns to an open differential. The ELocker is available for both front and rear applications.

This new 35-spline ELocker and other differentials in Eaton’s aftermarket portfolio (such as the Detroit Truetrac) can be easily installed with one of Eaton’s Master Differential Install Kits. Each kit contains all the components needed to properly install an Eaton differential and/or replace a ring and pinion. —Mike Magda

 

 

FOD-Razor MotoSweep Track-sweeping System

FOD Control Corp.

fodcontrol.com

Track owners with an asphalt racing surface can save time and money removing debris with the FOD-Razor MotoSweep motorsport sweeping system.

The friction sweeper is engineered with a series of narrow panels that are covered with nylon brushes. When towed behind a truck, this action pulls the debris under the panels and into durable thermoplastic scoops. There is a mesh cover over the scoops that traps the debris, which is later deposited for disposal.

“The FOD Control Corporation has been providing sweeping solutions to military and civilian airports for more than 40 years,” said Pete MacGregor, of the Garland, Texas-based company. “The MotoSweep is the culmination of more than 20 years’ experience with high-speed friction sweeping technology in those environments.”

FOD said there is a 95–98% capture rate in a single pass with the Razor, and it’s most efficient with small debris such as sand, safety wire, hardware, and pavement chunks. It is not designed for “bouncing” objects, such as soda cans.

A single Razor can cover just over a million square feet an hour when towed at 25 mph. The capacity can be doubled or even tripled with multiple Razors pulled behind a single truck. A typical Razor weighs around 60 pounds and can be rolled up for easy transportation and storage.

“These sweepers also do an amazing job with the collection of lug nuts on pit roads,” added MacGregor. —Mike Magda

 

F/R Sway-bar Kit for Third-Gen GM F-body

BMR Suspension

bmrsuspension.com

Designed to improve vehicle handling for competition purposes, this non-adjustable front/rear sway-bar kit from BMR Suspension in Seffner, Florida, for 1982–1992 third generation GM F-body vehicles will reduce body roll and increase cornering ability.

“This product is aimed at grassroots racers who want a bolt-on installation product that will maximize on-track performance,” said Kyle Briese. “So far all the feedback we have gotten from these parts has been positive all the way from the customers daily driving the car to the customers really pushing their cars in racing applications.”

Manufactured from heavy-duty 35-mm (front) and 25-mm (rear) DOM steel tubing, the bars are cold formed to better resist torsional fatigue and retain their memory longer than hot-formed bars. The bars are also CNC-formed to exact manufacturing tolerances, and thrust washers are welded to the front bar to prevent lateral movement.

“The large increase in sway-bar diameter combined with a lightweight hollow tube design allows for drastic changes in suspension stiffness without a huge increase in overall weight,” added Briese.

The sway bars attach to the F-body chassis with low-deflection, 88-durometer polyurethane bushings. Tests indicate that the front sway bar provides a 129% increase in rate, while the rear bar provides a 149% increase. The bars are available in black hammertone or red powdercoat. Installation time is two to three hours. —Mike Magda

Global music pioneer Steve Aoki has announced he will lead a new racing team to compete in the UIM E1 World Championship, the world's first all-electric race boat competition.

Aoki joins a lineup of team owners with five teams already announced, led by NFL superstar Tom Brady, tennis legend Rafa Nadal, F1 icon Sergio Perez, former Chelsea soccer star Didier Drogba and the Venice Racing team. Officials expect more will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Aoki has shared his passion for music around the world as a hugely successful DJ, music producer and entrepreneur. And now, he will follow in his father's footsteps. Rocky Aoki, the former wrestler who founded the popular Benihana restaurant chain, was also an offshore powerboat racer in the 1970s and 1980s. Rocky survived a near-fatal crash in 1979 under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

"The UIM E1 World Championship not only offers me a chance to continue my father's racing legacy on the water, but this time going electric! E1 is a great blend of adrenaline, sport, sustainability and fun, and I can't wait to develop our team to entertain fans with our racing and our parties, inspiring change and bringing people together," said Aoki. 

For more information, visit e1series.com.

King Engine Bearings, the global manufacturer of high-quality engine bearings, has announced the addition of Stacey Stone as a technical sales specialist. He will handle sales support, customer training and business development.

With over two decades of involvement in the automotive aftermarket, including nearly 20 years of experience in piston technical sales, Stone brings experience in the powertrain industry with a focus on engine parts. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Stacey Stone as a key member of our sales team," said Limor Karpatkin, VP of Sales at King Engine Bearings. "Stacey's extensive background in internal engine parts aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions to our customers."

Stone will provide support to customers, deliver training programs and foster strategic business partnerships. 

For more information, visit kingbearings.com.

Netflix, the subscription-based streaming service, has announced a new sports documentary series that tracks the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and championship race this fall.

Filming has begun as drivers fight to secure their spot in the NASCAR Playoffs, which begins Sunday, September 3 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina. The series will feature exclusive access to drivers and teams, bringing fans behind the scenes at and away from the track while exploring the physical and mental challenges of competing for a championship at the world's highest level of stock car racing.

The Netflix sports series is set to premiere in early 2024 with five 45-minute episodes. The series joins Netflix's lineup of sports programming, including recent releases like Formula 1: Drive To Survive, Full Swing, Break Point, Untold, Quarterback, Tour de France: Unchained and upcoming series following athletes in track and field, soccer and rugby. 

For more information, visit nascar.com.

Legacy Motor Club (Legacy M.C.) CEO Cal Wells III has announced two key executive promotions within the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing team based out of Statesville, North Carolina.

Bill Scott, formerly executive vice president and general counsel of Legacy M.C., has been named chief operating officer. He will oversee all the Club's business operations departments, including marketing, sales, human resources, licensing and accounting.

In addition, Amy Walsh-Stock was promoted from director of communications to vice president, communications. She was awarded the 2020 National Motorsports Press Association's Ken Patterson Helping Others Award and was a co-recipient of the 2022 Jim Chapman Award for PR Excellence.

Wells III was promoted to CEO of Legacy M.C. in late July of this year.

For more information, visit the Legacy M.C. announcement or visit legacymotorclub.com.

Photo of Mickey Rupp (driver) courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Mickey Rupp, who started the 1965 Indianapolis 500 but gained even more acclaim as a recreational vehicle (RV) and sport fishing equipment entrepreneur, has passed away. He was 87.

Rupp, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, qualified 15th and finished sixth in the No. 81 G.C. Murphy Gerhardt/Offy rear-engine car in 1965.

Rupp's IndyCar Series driving career saw five starts overall in 1964 and 1965. He finished in the top 10 in three of those five races, with a best result of fifth at Milwaukee a week after he finished sixth at Indianapolis.

Rupp started building kart kits in his basement in the late 1950s and then began manufacturing his designs that included innovations like step frames, improved braking systems and eventually four-wheel independent suspension. His Dart Karts became very popular and were produced through the late 1960s. His company, Rupp Manufacturing (which was renamed Rupp Industries), also produced popular mini-bikes, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles distinguishable by their performance and bright red color schemes.

For the complete details, visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announcement.

PRI manufacturers are invited to meet with media members who can promote their brand to mass audiences during the 2024 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, held January 30-February 1, 2024, at the Embassy Suites-Anaheim South in Southern California.

By exhibiting, manufacturers of racing and performance parts can meet with media in more than 40 private, 30-minute meetings over a span of three days--giving them the ultimate opportunity to develop quality relationships and share their latest news with established journalists, photographers and social media content creators.

The meetings are held in private suites and provide a convenient way for manufacturers to share detailed information about their products, hand out literature and give product demonstrations that can be used in the media's publications and content channels year-round.

"The Media Trade Conference is a worthwhile investment for PRI members who want to tailor their outreach and expand their footprint beyond what they are normally used to," said MPMC Director Marcy Yanus. "There's no other event that offers manufacturers the opportunity to generate so much media interest in under 72 hours, and we are confident that the event will produce unparalleled exposure opportunities for those that attend."

Manufacturers have until September 14 to sign up at sema.org/mtc. Questions can be directed to MPMC Director Marcy Yanus at marcyy@sema.org.