DIRTcar officials have announced a new points fund distribution has been established for the 38th edition of the DIRTcar Summer Nationals in an effort to "reward Late Model drivers for their commitment to racing as much of The Hell Tour as possible."

The entire 2023 Late Model championship points fund will be distributed part-by-part every week, with a sum of $125,500 paid out in total, awarded to the top 10 finishers in each week's points standings.

All Late Model drivers will start from zero points at the beginning of a new week of racing and need to contest all events scheduled for that week, weather permitting. Officials will track overall points standings through all five weeks and crown a 2023 champion following the season's conclusion in Fairbury, Illinois. 

The DIRTcar Summer Nationals featuring Late Models and Modified classes launched Wednesday, June 14, in Peoria, Illinois. 

For more information, visit the DIRTcar announcement here or visit dirtcarsummernationals.com.

 

2023 DIRTcar Summer Nationals Schedule (subject to change)

Week #1

Wednesday, June 14 | Peoria Speedway| Peoria, IL

Thursday, June 15 | Kankakee Co. Speedway | Kankakee, IL

Friday, June 16 | Tri-City Speedway | Pontoon Beach, IL

Saturday, June 17 | Fairbury Speedway | Fairbury, IL

Sunday, June 18 | Sycamore Speedway | Maple Park, IL (Late Models only)
 

Week #2

Tuesday, June 20 | Moberly Motorsports Park | Moberly, MO

Wednesday, June 21 | Davenport Speedway | Davenport, IA (Late Models only)

Thursday, June 22 | Spoon River Speedway | Canton, IL

Friday, June 23 | Fayette Co. Speedway | Brownstown, IL

Saturday, June 24 | Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 | Pevely, MO

Sunday, June 25 | Lincoln Speedway | Lincoln, IL
 

Week #3

Tuesday, June 27 | Springfield Raceway | Springfield, MO (Late Models only)

Wednesday, June 28 | Adams Co. (IL) Speedway | Quincy, IL

Thursday, June 29 | Benton Speedway | Benton, MO

Friday, June 30 | Paducah Int’l Raceway | Paducah, KY

Saturday, July 1 | Clarksville Speedway | Clarksville, TN

Sunday, July 2 | Lake Cumberland Spdwy | Burnside, KY
 

Week #4

Tuesday, July 4 | Tri-City Speedway | Pontoon Beach, IL

Wednesday, July 5 | Red Hill Raceway | Sumner, IL

Thursday, July 6 | Macon Speedway | Macon, IL

Friday, July 7 | Farmer City Raceway | Farmer City, IL

Saturday, July 8 | Highland Speedway | Highland, IL

Sunday, July 9 | Tri-State Speedway | Haubstadt, IN
 

Week #5

Wednesday, July 12 | Shadyhill Speedway | Medaryville, IN

Thursday, July 13| Butler Motor Speedway | Quincy, MI

Friday, July 14 | Hartford Motor Speedway | Hartford, MI

Saturday, July 15 | Oakshade Raceway | Wauseon, OH

Sunday, July 16 | Wayne Co. Speedway | Orrville, OH
 

33rd annual Prairie Dirt Classic (Modifieds only)

Friday, July 28 | Fairbury Speedway | Fairbury, IL

Saturday, July 29 | Fairbury Speedway | Fairbury, IL

The iconic Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is returning to the streets of Nashville, Tennessee, August 4-6, and PRI and SEMA Business and Individual Members can save big on tickets for being a valued part of our community (more details below).

The three-day event is just one of five street course races on the NTT IndyCar Series schedule. It will also feature five additional series--Indy NXT, SRO GT America, SRO GR Cup, Trans AM TA2, and Stadium Super Trucks--for back-to-back racing action. 

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix holds the title of the longest straightaway in IndyCar racing (3,578 ft.) and is the only race that crosses a body of water as part of the 2.17 mile, 11-turn course across the Nissan Stadium property, the KVB Bridge and Cumberland River, and around downtown Nashville. 

Of course, Nashville's Music City event features live music and will culminate with a headliner concert on Friday and Saturday nights. 

PRI Business and Individual Members can access these exclusive discounts for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, valid May 1 through May 31, 2023, through their Membership portal. 

• 20% Off 3-Day Grandstand Seats
• 10% Off East Club Tickets
• BOGO 3-Day General Admission Tickets (Limited number available).

Visit your PRI Membership portal to claim your benefits and unique promo code today! Three-day packages are limited, so take advantage of this opportunity before they're gone!

For more information, follow the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix social media platforms at @musiccitygp (links on their website) and visit musiccitygp.com. 

For more information on this exclusive benefit, contact membership@performanceracing.com.

As part of her final legacy, the late Jody Deery has recognized two "new owners" of the family-owned Deery Properties, operator of Rockford Speedway, the 76-year-old banked oval track in Loves Park, Illinois.

Deery, who passed away in June last year, recognized St. James Catholic Church and the Catholic Diocese of Rockford with an ownership stake in Deery Properties in her will. 

"They're my ninth and tenth siblings I never knew I had," Brad Deery joked to Rock River Current. Brad is one of eight in the Deery family, which includes PRI Race Track Ambassador Tom Deery.

The announcement comes after Loves Park city officials designated Forest Hills Road—between Harlem Road and Illinois State Highway 173—the Jody Deery Way in honor of the late promoter and business owner.   

In addition, Rockford Speedway will host its final season in 2023, the Deery family has announced, citing increased property taxes and the need for up to $3 million in improvements and upkeep. The "last lap" season features Saturday night racing with special events, like the 76th NASCAR season opener on Saturday, May 6; the Import Face Off drifting and car show on Sunday, May 21; and the Salute to Military Night on Saturday, May 27. The season closes with the 58th National Short Track Championships on September 28-October 1. 

For more information, visit rockfordspeedway.com.

K&N Engineering has announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility and warehouse in Grand Prairie, Texas, which will serve as the company's primary manufacturing and distribution center.

The state-of-the-art facility covers more than 500,000 sq. ft. and is equipped with the latest technology in manufacturing and distribution equipment. The facility currently manufactures more than 5,000 part numbers within the K&N catalog, including engine air filters and air-intake systems, but will also be equipped for manufacturing HVAC home air filters and industrial filters for data centers. 

"This facility will enable us to increase our production capacity and meet the growing demand for our products. Additionally, we are proud to create over 300 jobs in the area and support the local economy," said Humberto Mare, vice president of manufacturing for K&N Engineering. 

Additionally, the warehouse has a capacity of more than 15,000 pallet locations and will allow K&N to better serve customers with faster and more efficient delivery times, a company rep stated.

For more information, visit knfilters.com.

“At Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, we recognize the impact our founders and company have had at the roots of American racing,” said Heather Tausch. “We recognize PRI as an important resource for this community and see it as our duty to support its efforts in improving the health of our industry.” 

This legendary brand is fighting to keep innovation alive by denouncing overregulation while simultaneously continuing its long-standing partnerships throughout the racing community.

Stripped to its basics, the notion is that too many people outside the world of motorsports are trying to determine how the industry should be run, not always with the best level of knowledge. While expressing enthusiasm for the future of the racing business, very much in keeping with the company co-founder’s undying optimism and unstoppable energy, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels in Stow, Ohio, believes the world of motorsports is better off when outsiders aren’t trying to cramp it with overzealous regulation and oversight. 

“Overregulation of motorsports is a concern that affects our entire industry and has far-reaching consequences, even in tires and wheels,” Senior Marketing Director Heather Tausch said. “Many innovations that automotive manufacturers rely on today began at the race track. Aluminum-alloy wheels found on most cars today was technology first deployed by Bugatti in its Type 35 race car in 1924. Even today, much of the technology found in Mickey Thompson’s on-road tires was developed using insight from off-road racing, rock crawling, drag racing, and more. Limiting the ability for racers and enthusiasts to enter into motorsports through stricter regulations will ultimately stifle innovation within the entire automotive space.”

One can almost hear the voice of the company’s late co-founder, one of the true immortals in the universe of American speed. Mickey Thompson was a pioneering innovator in dragster design, the construction of land speed record cars, and the operation of drag strips when he and Goodyear chief designer Gene McMannis teamed up in 1963 to create Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, with the intention of developing highly specialized wheel-and-tire combinations for Thompson’s constantly evolving racing needs. Thompson was already the first driver to exceed 400 mph in a wheel-driven vehicle when he branched out to establish SCORE, the off-road racing sanctioning organization, and to essentially invent the sport of stadium off-roading, a clear predecessor to today’s global rallycross action.

The new firm “allowed the rest of the racing community to also access the fruits of this partnership: the latest tire innovations developed through a partnership with highly skilled racers in demanding real-world environments,” Tausch said, adding that this principle is “a core tenet of the company that continues to this day.”

M/T, as it’s commonly known for short, is in the business of producing specialty tires, largely for off-road applications, although M/T also produces and markets full lines of drag tires, tires for street performance vehicles, and an array of custom wheels. For all the company’s recent fame in the off-road world, M/T has a broad product array and a thick catalog of offerings, which Tausch said must constantly be managed amid strong demand that’s been a fixed part of M/T’s recent history.

“As many performance companies will tell you, the past several years have been a time of increasing demand and growth within our industry,” she said. “While we welcome the increased demand for our products, we have had to prioritize manufacturing differently and reorganize our catalog to meet the needs of our customers. We remain committed to delivering a superior product to meet these needs.”

That initiative, going forward, focuses on new lines of products that M/T plans to bring online in the coming year. “Mickey Thompson works closely with racers and enthusiasts to innovate and develop technology based on extreme real-world situations,” Tausch said. “One of our most exciting initiatives to come in 2023 will be the availability of our Baja Boss M/T tires in 42-inch sizes for 17-inch and 20-inch wheels, and a 44-inch tire for 20-inch wheels. This development came from working closely with an extensive network of off-road enthusiasts and race teams and was designed to allow them the additional ground clearance, sidewall flex, and traction needed to push the limits off-road.

“Additionally, with the increased cost of glue and other supply-chain issues leading to disruptions in track prep and maintenance throughout the drag race community, Mickey Thompson is excited to announce three new ET Drag tires based on our popular 28/10.5-15 size lineup, with compounds better suited to these variable track conditions,” she continued. “These tires will allow racers to keep the traction performance they have come to expect from Mickey Thompson even in unpredictable track situations.”

Ensuring that the motorsports industry remains vibrant, even in the face of ongoing regulatory efforts, is why Mickey Thompson enjoys its status as a PRI Founding Member. The advocacy that PRI represents to the racing parts industry is vital in today’s environment, Tausch said. 

“At Mickey Thompson, we recognize the impact our founders and company have had at the roots of American racing,” Tausch explained. “Even today, our innovation and reputation are derived from having a close relationship with the motorsports community. We recognize PRI as an important resource for this community and see it as our duty to support its efforts in improving the health of our industry. We believe our history and reputation mean something to our community and are proud to add our voice to supporting PRI.”

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 new legislation designed to prevent internal combustion engine (ICE) bans across the nation, a new law designed to help race tracks in West Virginia, and more. 

Bill Introduced In CONGRESS THAT WOULD Prevent ICE Bans  

US Representative John Joyce (R-PA) has introduced H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their cars. The bill—which was introduced in response to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035—would restrict the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new vehicles with ICE. If enacted into law, this bill would stop CARB’s plans to ban ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive federal preemption provisions in the Clean Air Act for California’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate to take effect.

“While electric vehicle (EV) technology has its place in motorsports, so does the internal combustion engine. PRI will continue to advocate on behalf of the industry that has helped make ICE vehicles a reliable, affordable, and clean option for millions,” said Eric Snyder, PRI/SEMA Senior Director, Federal Government Affairs.   

It is critically important that the EPA does not permit CARB’s ZEV regulations, as they could lead to 17 other states that have followed all or part of California’s previous clean-car rules to adopt similar proposals. California requires 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold to be zero-emissions starting in 2026, increasing to 68% in 2030, and 100% in 2035. 

We need your help. Voice your support for allowing the American people to determine the technology that powers their vehicles instead of government officials by sending a pre-written letter to your US Representative, which can be found at sema.org/vehicle-choice. For more information, contact Snyder at erics@sema.org. 

Multiple States Pledge To Support ICE Sales

Motorsports members and performance enthusiasts across the nation may soon have something to celebrate. Colorado officials have finalized the state’s draft 2023 Colorado Electric Vehicle (EV) Plan, which, once approved, will permit the sale of new internal combustion engine-powered vehicles—a surprising move in the California Air Resources Board-following state. The state is expected to formally adopt the draft later this year. 

Similarly, the New Hampshire House of Representatives recently voted to defeat a PRI- and SEMA-opposed bill that would have required the Granite State to adopt California’s low- and zero-emissions vehicle standards and ban the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars starting in 2035. 

Lawmakers in both Iowa and Texas, meanwhile, have introduced PRI-supported legislation to ensure consumer choice of vehicle powerplants and fuel. The bills would prevent a county or city from limiting access to certain types of power sources. Under current law in both states, sales of new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles may be threatened if narrow energy policies are adopted. To contact Iowa lawmakers in support of the bill, visit https://p2a.co/3onxsPK. Texas lawmakers may be contacted at https://p2a.co/6xVzCqm. 

“We believe racers and race teams, not the government, should be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves them at the race track,” said Christian Robinson, PRI/SEMA Senior Director, State Government Affairs & Grassroots. For more information, contact Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

Support Needed For PRI-Opposed Legislation In Rhode Island 

Lawmakers in Rhode Island have introduced PRI-opposed legislation (H. 6055) which would adopt California’s low- and zero-emission standards and ban the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered motor vehicles starting in 2035.  

We need your help to contact lawmakers and request their opposition to this bill. Send a pre-written letter in a few clicks by visiting https://p2a.co/L9ArnSC. 

Pro-Motorsports Legislation Signed Into Law

After representatives from PRI and SEMA and motorsports community members recently traveled to Charleston, West Virginia, to raise awareness for pro-motorsports legislation, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice signed into law PRI-supported legislation to establish the Motorsport Responsibility Act. The new law defines areas of responsibility and assumed risks by participants for recreational and commercial motorsports facilities. 

The Act will reduce liability insurance premiums and allow racing venues to invest the savings—for example, for promotional purposes, and will increase tourism and create more jobs in the state.  

Oklahoma Republican Named Co-Chair Of Motorsports Caucus

US Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) has been named co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. Sen. Mullin, a former competitive rock crawler and car collector, is a longtime advocate for racing and motorsports parts businesses.

Sen. Mullin joins Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and US Reps. Bill Posey (R-FL) and Sanford Bishop (D-GA) as co-chairs of the Caucus, which includes 14 senators and 45 House members. By raising the industry’s profile on Capitol Hill and in the eyes of the public, the PRI- and SEMA-supported honorary caucus recognizes the critical roles racing and vehicle modification play in the lives of millions of Americans.

PRI Track Ambassador Raises Awareness Of Promoter Helpline

PRI track ambassador Tom Deery continues to attend industry events—including promoter meetings in Michigan and Wisconsin—to bring awareness to PRI’s advocacy efforts, with a focus on the Race Track Promoter Helpline available to track owners, operators, promoters, sanctioning body officials, and related motorsports professionals. Industry members can contact 202-847-6593 and PRILegalHotline@performanceracing.com for access to relevant legal resources, peer-to-peer discussions, grassroots campaigns, lawyer referrals, and more.

BorgWarner—the American automotive supplier based in Auburn Hills, Michigan—has announced its plan to invest $42 million into the expansion of its Seneca, South Carolina, production facility. The investment will be allocated for the development of new manufacturing lines to launch the production of 3GWh of annual battery module capacity, contributing to the growth of the company's battery module and pack production in the US.

Over the course of three years, the expansion is expected to create approximately 122 jobs, including production, technical support, manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, and supporting function positions. To aid in the expansion, BorgWarner is working closely with the State of South Carolina and Oconee County. Development of the facility is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2023, with an expected completion date in the first half of 2024.

For more information, visit borgwarner.com.

Lubrication Specialties (LSI)—the Mt. Gilead, Ohio-based manufacturer of Hot Shot's Secret brand of additives, oils and fluids—has announced the addition of Bud Prenatt to the company's marketing team. Prenatt, with product marketing experience in the heavy-duty transportation industry, first joined LSI in February.

Formerly the product marketing manager for an Ohio-based company focused on truck and off-highway markets, Prenatt will oversee and develop a strategy to promote the Hot Shot's Secret brand of performance additives and lubricants across multiple channels--direct, online and retail and diverse markets. 

"Hot Shot's Secret is a brand widely known in the heavy-duty industry. Our initial product, Stiction Eliminator, was developed to reduce issues related to injectors sticking or failing in semi-trucks. Bud's background fits squarely with our goals to capitalize on his heavy-duty industry knowledge and his ability to recognize unrealized potential in new markets," said Brett Tennar, LSI president. 

For more information, visit lsichemical.com and hotshotsecret.com.

Motion Industries--the distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts and industrial technology solutions headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama--has announced the promotion of Patrick Cummings to senior vice president and chief financial officer (CFO). 

Cummings first joined Motion in 2012 as AVP of Corporate Compliance. He held the position of U.S. Controller from 2014-2019, before becoming VP of Financial Planning & Analysis, until he was asked to serve as interim CFO after Greg Cook, Motion's previous CFO, moved to the U.S. Automotive Group at Genuine Parts Company (GPC).

"Patrick will become a vital part of the Motion executive team, leading Motion to achieve our financial goals in the coming years," said Motion President Randy Breaux. 

Cummings will report to Breaux and will also work closely with Bert Nappier, EVP and CFO of GPC. 

For more information, visit motion.com.

Santa Ana, California-based ProMedia has announced promotions and additions to its Holley NMRA Ford Nationals series and Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals series events teams.

Gene Bergstrom has been promoted to NMRA/NMCA senior director of racing operations, while Michael Washington has been promoted to NMRA/NMCA racing operations manager. Bob Fairey joins the team as NMRA/NMCA chief starter. 

Jim Bailey takes on the role of NMCA assistant tech director, working on Stock, Super Stock, and Factory Super cars. Ray Williams Sr. joins the NMCA team as a starter in the staging and track prep departments. 

Jim McConnel has been promoted to NMRA/NMCA power mall manager. Wade Mooney joins NMRA/NMCA as event coordinator, timing, and scoring. Ron Conner joins NMRA/NMCA in the staging, starting line, tech and track prep departments. 

Joining the Pit Control team are Jacob Segars and Zachary Slayton as NMRA/NMCA fire/safety captains. Also joining Pit Control is Ron Turransky as event coordinator of True Street and HEMI Shootouts.

For more information, visit nmradigital.com and nmcadigital.com.