The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show team is looking forward to welcoming exhibitors to the 34th annual PRI Trade Show, Dec 8–10. We compiled a list of important deadlines and notes to help exhibitors prepare for the world’s largest gathering of motorsports professionals.

• Exhibitor Incentive Discount: The deadline is Thursday, November 10. Visit the Exhibitor Resources page on the PRI website for more information and to place booth orders prior to arriving in Indy. This is for your booth needs, such as Wi-Fi, electrical, carpet, A/V, furniture, banners, and so on. Visit the Exhibitor Resources page here.
• Exhibitor Badges Mailed to You: If you register your staff by Thursday, November 10, your badges will be mailed to you. Otherwise, they will need to be picked up at the Show. Register your staff here. 
• Announce Your Breaking News At PRI 2022: PRI’s dedicated Press Conference Center is available by reservation during all three days of the Trade Show. Or, host a session straight from your booth. Contact dellad@performanceracing.com for more details.
• Update Your PRI Virtual Showroom Today: Upload press releases, guest appearances, and Show specials on your Exhibitor Dashboard.
• Showcase Your Products In The Featured Products Showcase: This exclusive display of the hottest products from throughout the Show is a “must” destination for attendees and media. Note: Products do not have to be new to be entered into this program. Learn more here.

For questions, contact your sales representative or call 949-499-5413. We can’t wait to see you in Indy!

Billy Godbold, the former valvetrain engineering group manager at COMP Cams/Edelbrock Group, has announced a new venture, Godbold Engineering, based in Lakeland, Tennessee.

Godbold Engineering is a new motorsports engineering firm that uses applied physics, metallurgy, testing, and surface engineering to solve complex problems in motorsports. The firm incorporates a weekly contract model, but also offers seminars and single projects. 

“With this new venture, I get to work with some of my favorite people in the industry while focusing more on my passion, which has always been professional motorsports,” Godbold told PRI. “Godbold Engineering will be more of an industry support than an individual support. My services are better for the people that are members of PRI because I like going deeper. There’s no way to do a good job quickly. So for the end user, I’m very glad they’re in the industry, and I’m not abandoning them. But, I’m more of a commercial-level business, not a consumer-level.” 

Godbold Engineering is currently working with a professional race team and also as a consultant for COMP Cams and Edelbrock, among other clients. 

“You just can’t imagine the support that I’ve gotten from everyone at COMP Cams and Edelbrock. I am so thankful to Scooter Brothers, Ron Coleman, Chris Douglas, and the rest of the team. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders. To have a strong influence with COMP Cams as I go out on my own is just awesome, no other way to say it,” Godbold said.    

Yearly consulting plans offered by Godbold include a 24-week “anchor” contract, a six-week “major” contract, and a two-week “base” contract.

“I want the industry to know that if they need my help, I’m here. You might not need me today, but I’ll be available. There’s nothing better in this industry than seeing the people that trust you succeed.” 

Prior to starting the firm, Godbold was with COMP Cams for 27 years and nine months, first joining in an order entry position before moving up to technical services and later lead camshaft designer. 

For more information, contact Godbold at billy@godboldengineering.com and 901-355-4306. More information will be posted on godboldengineering.com in the coming weeks.

SEMA and PRI have launched a new, first-of-its-kind benefits program for the automotive and motorsports communities. Through SEMA and PRI Memberships, participants can now receive perks and save money on parts, services, apparel, logistics, education/training, travel, insurance, and more.

Since launching just last year, SEMA and PRI Individual Memberships have united and strengthened the automotive and motorsports communities. Unlike any other programs, the memberships support and celebrate the unique passion and pride found in the automotive community. With a combined participation of more than 15,000 members, SEMA and PRI Individual Memberships have been instrumental in strengthening legislative efforts to Save Our Racecars and protect enthusiasts’ automotive rights. The new benefits introduced today will provide greater value to members and help further attract and strengthen participation.

“In today’s inflation-ridden times, we’re pleased to offer SEMA and PRI Members such lucrative benefits,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “The industry and the community are stronger because of the members, and the money-saving discounts will help members to be more successful.”

Each membership category—SEMA Individual Members, SEMA Business Members, PRI Individual Members, and PRI Business Members—has its own unique discounts, as well as its own requirements for joining. Business membership typically offers discounts on services such as shipping and logistics, product development tools and support through the SEMA Garage, and business solutions. Individual membership includes discounts on auto parts, services, and apparel.

“Our goal is for the value of membership to greatly exceed the $40 fee,” said Meyer. “If SEMA and PRI Memberships can result in tangible discounts and members can save money on a new vehicle, parts for their builds, and lifestyle perks, then we’ve done our job.”

Benefits can be conveniently accessed through online membership portals. The SEMA Individual Membership portal launched today, and the PRI Individual Membership portal will launch in about a week.

For more information about the membership programs and a list of the benefits by category, visit www.performanceracing.com or www.sema.org. Companies interested in participating as a benefits partner can contact Mike Kirks, Benefits Manager, at mikek@performanceracing.com.

Scott Sulprizio, the longtime owner of United Engine & Machine (UEM), has announced Christopher Sulprizio has been named company president. Christopher had previously rejoined the family-owned and operated business in 2014 after an engineering career with Raytheon Missile Systems.

Scott will retain his position as UEM owner and will continue to stay engaged in the operational facets of the piston manufacturing business. Christopher will be based out of the UEM headquarters in Carson City, Nevada. 

“Christopher is the perfect individual to lead this company into the future,” Scott Sulprizio said in a company release. “Christopher has spent the last seven years immersed in every aspect of our piston business, bringing 21st-century technology to a 100-year-old company. His efforts to improve the customer interface experience with the company are paying huge dividends. He is not only the logical choice for president but has proven to be the best individual.

“It is also appropriate that on the 100-year anniversary of our family business, we can enlist the skills of a fourth-generation Sulprizio to successfully carry us forward.”

For more information, visit uempistons.com.

Honda Performance Development (HPD) has announced the expansion of its crate engine portfolio to include the Talon Crate Engine for off-road Talon racers.

The same engine that propelled the Honda off-road Factory Racing team to victory at the 2022 King of Hammers (UTV Stock NA Class) is now available to the public. 

The Talon Crate engine will come with a factory stock 999cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke engine with a Unicam cylinder arrangement, paired with Honda’s proven six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. Included is a comprehensive service manual to aid in the installation. 

“We at HPD are proud to be able to offer the Talon Crate engine. Honda has a long history of success in off-road competition, and the Talon Crate engine program is a great opportunity for racers to purchase a complete OEM replacement engine,” said John Whiteman, HPD Commercial Manager.  

The engines retail for $8,499.

For more information, including how to purchase an engine from an authorized dealer, visit the HPD announcement here or visit hpd.honda.com.

Officials with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour have announced 19 race dates for the 2023 schedule.

The season opens at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, for the second straight year. The Tour will join the track’s “World Series of Asphalt Stock Cars Racing” during NASCAR’s Speedweeks, racing under the lights on Saturday, February 11. 

In 2022, Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia, is hosting the Tour’s season finale for the first time in 30 years. And the Virginia short track will return as the season finale next year to crown the series champion on Thursday, October 26. 

The Whelen Modified Tour will then take on North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, for the first time in series history on Saturday, September 30. 

“NASCAR has been running a Modified series since its founding and it was important to honor that history in the Whelen Modified Tour schedule as NASCAR celebrates its 75th anniversary,” said Jimmy Wilson, Senior Director, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. “We’re excited to see our drivers put on a great show for fans at so many venues and cities that have played a large role in the success of NASCAR over the years.” 

For the complete 2023 schedule, see below. For more information, visit nascar.com/whelen-modified-tour/.

National Speedway Directory has announced the 11th annual Race Track Business Conference (RTBC) will be headlined by keynote speaker Lauri Eberhart of Apollo Sports & Entertainment Law Group.

Eberhart’s primary area of practice is sports law with a concentration on legal matters, business matters, and risk management. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Motorsports Association and North Carolina Motorsports Foundation, the May 20th Society, and Mecklenburg Trail of History. She is also a World Racing Group (WRG) Appeal Board Chairperson, a FASTRAK Appeal Board Member, and the Co-President of the Women in Sports and Events (WISE)- Charlotte Chapter.

Sports facilities, motorsports properties, sanctioning bodies, race teams, media companies, entrepreneurs, and racers will all benefit from Eberhart’s keynote discussion. 

In addition, officials have also announced an agenda for the one-day event at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Wednesday, December 7—the day before the 2022 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show on December 8–10.

Sessions include:

• New Events in Established Markets
• Track Related Real Estate Development
• Using Technology to Create Efficiency
• Off-Road Motorsports
• Post Shutdown - Where Has the Industry Learned
• Digital Monetization Opportunities
• Reaching and Engaging Race Fans
• Media

There is a $250 fee to attend the RTBC. For more information, visit racetrackbusinessconference.com or contact Tim Frost at 847-853-0294 or twfrost@speedwaysonline.com.

To register for the 2022 PRI Trade Show, visit performanceracing.com/trade-show/attend. 

Formula 1 has announced that the Mexico City Grand Prix will remain on the calendar until 2025 following an agreement with The Government of Mexico City and race promoters Corporación Interamericana de Entretenimiento (CIE).

The Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix presented by Heineken takes place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez race facility in Mexico City, Mexico. The first Mexico City race held under the contract extension will take place on October 27–29, 2023.

The Mexico City Grand Prix was held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez from 1962–1970 and 1986–1992 before returning again in 2015. 

“I am very pleased to announce that Formula 1 will continue to race in Mexico City for another three years under this new agreement. Every year the race attracts a large number of passionate fans, and the atmosphere is incredible, and I know everyone will be excited by this news,” Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said. 

For more information, visit the Mexico City Grand Prix website here.

Betsy Grindlay, Melissa Ward, and Erin Bond. Photos courtesy of Speedway Motors

Speedway Motors—the manufacturer, retailer and distributor of automotive parts and racing products—has announced three promotions within the Lincoln, Nebraska-based company.

Betsy Grindlay has been promoted to Vice President of People, Purchasing & Marketing. She was most recently Director of Marketing & People Operations. She first began with Speedway Motors as Ecommerce/Web Content Manager and was later promoted to Brand Marketing Manager. Her background includes a role at First National Bank of Omaha and FNBO Direct.

“Under her leadership, Betsy has successfully led a rebranding effort and a culture shift for the company,” said Speedway Motors Vice President Chris Chance. “We’re thrilled for her to continue to grow her area of responsibility, taking on our Purchasing team going forward.”

Melissa Ward has been promoted to Director of Marketing. In her new position, she will oversee all marketing efforts for the company, from research and planning to execution and analysis. Prior to joining the Speedway Motors team in 2018 as Creative Director, she led the design team at Firespring, a Lincoln-area marketing agency. 

Erin Bond has been promoted to Director of People Operations. Before joining Speedway Motors, she worked for the State of Nebraska for seven years, taking on various roles and advancing through the Human Resources department.

“Erin has all the accreditations a good HR function leader needs. SHRM-CP certification, she’s a part of LHRMA (Lincoln Human Resources Management Association),” Chance said. “But she adds the soft skills that make her so admired by our employees. Not to mention, she’s great at representing us in the community with her board work for the State of Nebraska and at [University of Nebraska-Lincoln] on their HRM & Strategic Leadership board.”

For more information, visit speedwaymotors.com.

Flatrock Motorsports Park and Motorclub in Westel, Tennessee, has announced a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate its first phase of construction.

The new motorsports and entertainment destination, with tracks designed by world-renowned Tilke Engineers & Architects, will feature a 3.50-mile private Member’s Club track and a 2.67-mile Grand Prix track. Combined, the complete circuit is almost six miles of challenging and unique driving, taking advantage of the natural topography and views. 

Located on 773 acres and less than a day’s drive from 75% of the US population, the park is scheduled to open in the spring of 2023.

Flatrock also announced plans to open a CIK Karting Track in the spring of 2023. This will be along with the Motorclub track and campus, including a state-of-the-art paddock, a luxurious clubhouse with a restaurant, lounge, and day spa, premium garages with rooftop viewing, trackside villas, a multipurpose pit building with race control, meeting spaces, and more.  

For more information, visit flatrockmotorclub.com.