For more than two decades, the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has celebrated the people who have shaped its legacy through the SCCA Hall of Fame, a place reserved not just for champions on track, but for innovators, leaders, and dedicated volunteers who helped build the Club from the ground up.

Each of the 130-plus Hall of Fame inductees represents a unique story of passion and contribution, forming a rich history that continues to inspire future generations. It's a never-ending history that needs your help in recognizing--but act fast, because the SCCA Hall of Fame nomination deadline is nearing.

The SCCA Hall of Fame is filled with individuals whose impact reaches far beyond the racetrack, and a handful of names help illustrate that extraordinary standard. Paul Newman brought global visibility to amateur road racing while proving himself a serious competitor; Roger Penske built one of the most successful racing empires in history while maintaining deep ties to SCCA roots; Carroll Shelby reshaped American performance engineering and motorsports culture; Phil Hill remains the only American-born Formula One world champion, elevating U.S. road racing on the global stage; and Lyn St. James broke barriers for women in motorsports while mentoring future generations.

Not every SCCA Hall of Fame inductee is a household name--many of the Club's greatest contributors worked tirelessly behind the scenes to shape what the Sports Car Club of America is today. Individuals like Sue Roethel, a cornerstone of early Club administration; John Timanus, who balanced competition with organizational leadership; Howard Duncan, who helped guide SCCA Solo into the modern era; and Donna Mae Mims, who championed participation and community growth, exemplify the quiet dedication that built SCCA from the inside out. Their efforts may not have made national headlines, but they were instrumental in the Club's long-term success.

Now it's your turn to help shape the future of the SCCA Hall of Fame by making a nomination.

Nominations must be submitted by the June 15, 2026, deadline by emailing SCCAHoF@scca.com, using the online submission form, or mailing a letter to:

SCCA Hall of Fame
6620 SE Dwight St.,
Topeka, KS 66619

Those submitting nominations for any member should include their own e-mail address, phone number, or mailing address in case they need to be contacted for more information about a nominee. And while the deadline for the 2027 SCCA Hall of Fame is approaching, members are encouraged to submit nominations throughout the year, regardless of the deadline.

Also, multiple independent nominations for a candidate will gladly be accepted, and while past nominations are always considered, it never hurts to nominate someone again even if they've been nominated in the past but not selected to join the SCCA Hall of Fame.

Image courtesy of SCCA

NTT has renewed its sponsorship of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, organization officials announced.

Under the renewed agreement, NTT has expanded its role beyond race analytics and fan engagement to provide advanced AI and data capabilities for Penske Entertainment and INDYCAR. This includes AI-driven operations, real‑time decision intelligence and emissions visibility across INDYCAR, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and marquee events within the Penske Entertainment portfolio.

In addition to the entitlement sponsorship, NTT, along with its subsidiary NTT DATA, will continue as the official technology partner for INDYCAR, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, IMS, the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Brickyard weekend.

"Our partnership has evolved from series‑level analytics into an enterprise‑wide AI and data intelligence collaboration," said Akira Shimada, president and CEO, NTT. "In addition to powering race‑day analytics and enabling AI‑driven intelligence that supports safety, sustainability and decision‑making, NTT is applying data and AI at scale with our clients and partners to create a more connected, resilient and responsible future."

During a typical race weekend, including the Indianapolis 500, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES generates billions of real‑time data points from cars, teams and track operations. NTT DATA provides actionable insights to inform race control, operations teams, broadcast partners and event planners to support faster, more precise decisions.

Penske Entertainment and NTT DATA are deploying AI to transform how fans experience INDYCAR – starting with "Up To Speed," a new AI‑powered feature delivering smarter, more dynamic race insights to fans, alongside expanded real‑time data, content and digital experiences coming online throughout this season. The new "Up To Speed" feature is available now on the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.

For more information, visit indycar.com.

Officials with the NHRA have shared that Toronto Motorsports Park––the drag strip and road course in Cayuga, Ontario, Canada––has hosted a successful NHRA Youth and Education Services (YES) Program, welcoming 675 area high school students to spend the day and learn about opportunities in trades, racing and life.

"Thanks to the hard work of Uli Bieri, Jessica Slikker, Mike Vanni, Neale Armstrong, NHRA's Glenn Grow, Bill Richards, and the staff at Toronto Motorsports Park, the event was a true success," an NHRA statement said. 

"More than 40 partners offered displays and hands-on activities for the students to try out," said the track's Jason Hardie. "The bingo cards that we used this year for the students allowed them to be better engaged with our partners, and our partners were impressed. They got some great questions from the students, and some of the students connected for some summer work placements with some of the companies. This is how lives are changed and pathways are created."

"The message of the day: Passion for what you do, and to blur the lines between work and play, do what you love! We can't wait to make next year even bigger and better," Hardie continued. 

For more information, visit nhra.com.

Images courtesy of NHRA

Mopar and Dodge have been named the title and powered by sponsors of the annual fall race at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The event again serves as the penultimate event of the 20-race season during NHRA's 75th anniversary campaign. The Mopar NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge takes place October 29-November 1 at the standout facility in Las Vegas and plays a pivotal role in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

It's the fifth of six races in NHRA's postseason, which means plenty of intrigue, excitement, and intensity at one of the biggest and most important races on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour.

"The NHRA Las Vegas Nationals has always been a standout race for the series, and Mopar and Dodge are proud to help continue the tradition as title and powered by sponsors," said Darren Bradshaw, senior vice president of Mopar North America. "This race embodies the performance standards and competitive spirit that define our brands, and we are thrilled to be part of the experience. From the pits to our interactive displays, we're bringing the kind of presence that reminds everyone why performance is in our DNA."

Mopar and Dodge continue to be heavily involved in the NHRA ranks, serving as a partner for Tony Stewart Racing and their star Top Fuel and Funny Car drivers, Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett, as well as racing legend Tony Stewart.

Pruett has impressed in her return to the Top Fuel ranks, while Hagan, the defending event winner in Las Vegas, is a four-time world champion and once again in the title hunt in 2026. Stewart, who won the regular-season championship a year ago, already has one Top Fuel win this season.

Mopar and Dodge will continue to have a strong presence in the midway in Las Vegas with an interactive fan display.

"It's exciting to have Mopar and Dodge as the sponsors for such a huge race in our Countdown to the Championship," said Brad Gerber, NHRA vice president and chief development officer. "This race always plays a huge role in the championship chase, and you can feel the energy at the track all weekend. Having amazing brands like Mopar and Dodge sponsor two of our Countdown to the Championship races, including the event at Martin, Mich., in September, only raises the excitement level, and we're proud to have their support for what will be another incredible event in Vegas."

Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Hagan (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) each won the fall race in Las Vegas last year. This season's race will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations on Sunday, November 1.

Pro Stock's Erica Enders has dominated The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway over the years, as her 10 wins at the fan-favorite facility are the most in NHRA history. Tony Schumacher's eight wins are the most in Top Fuel, with reigning champ Antron Brown right behind with six. Ron Capps' and Hagan's six victories in Funny Car are tied for the most at the track with John Force and Robert Hight. Reigning Pro Stock world champ Greg Anderson has eight wins at the standout facility.

The Mopar NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport's top drivers, and the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment E.T. Series Finals presented by Hoosier, where world champions will be crowned. The event also serves as the season finale in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.

To purchase tickets to the Mopar NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, please call 800-644-4444 or visit lvms.com.

Lead image courtesy of NHRA; background image courtesy of Shutterstock

Officials with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile have announced the 2026 season of the PZM Polish Digital Motorsport Championship (MPDM).

The season launched this month with a new format that offers drivers the opportunity to compete for championship titles, major prizes and a development pathway supporting progression onto the track.

The opening round of the championship was held at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben on the iRacing platform, the official technology partner of the championship.

After a hiatus, MPDM returns in 2026 as a nationwide digital motorsport series organized together with the Polish Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (PZM), aligned with the FIA vision for the future of sim racing and digital motor sport competition.

MPDM 2026 is the first stage of a three-year development program designed to create a professional pathway for sim racing drivers and build a real bridge between virtual racing and on-track motorsports.

Drivers compete in FIA F4 cars across four championship rounds, with up to 120 competitors divided into four splits. In addition to the official Polish Championship titles, prizes include Formula Renault 2.0 test sessions from Formula Drive, gift cards and DriveLab Coaching sim racing training.

Every MPDM round (Split 1 and Split 2) is broadcast live on MPDM-Polska channel on YouTube and features full commentary, stewarding and race control.

Further information about the season, registration, and schedule is available on the MPDM platform and on fia.com.

This 1/4-mile paved oval in Canada has implemented real programs that have seriously increased racer loyalty, with many traveling up to three hours to participate on race night.
 

Canadian sports fans are passionate about hockey, but in metropolitan Edmonton, Alberta, a segment exists that is just as enthusiastic about motorsports, especially the competitors who call Edmonton International Raceway (EIR) their racing home. This 1/4-mile paved oval, located in Wetaskiwin, has implemented a variety of programs that have resulted in racer loyalty. Many of them travel up to three hours to participate in various race classes, including NASCAR Late Models (feature division), Thunder Cars (mid-level division), and Pure Stocks (entry-level division); Future Stocks; Enduro; Stackers; IMCA Modifieds; Mini Cups, Hit To Pass; and Baby Grands. But they aren't drawn by a big payout. In fact, many of the track's classes don't even offer a purse for regularly scheduled events.

"What we've designed is a closer relationship with our racers," explained Loretta Thiering, who has owned the racetrack with her husband Ron for just over 30 years. "The racers do race without prize money at our track," but still receive trophies for first, second, and third place.

She continued, "For our racers, we keep their prices low. We keep the rules very simple. We don't allow the brand-new shocks that are out there for the Late Models. We take these old cars, and we give them a home at our racetrack so people can race using cars that are sometimes 10 to 15 years old."

EIR has developed a culture that is welcoming to fans, racers, and sponsors. Read on to find out how a non-traditional formula keeps this track in business, and how it remains a relevant destination point for the motorsports community.

NASCAR's Connection

EIR is the only NASCAR-sanctioned track in Alberta, Thiering said. Drivers must purchase a NASCAR license to participate with the sanctioning organization, which pays a points fund at the conclusion of the season. "The top five get a pretty decent purse," in American dollars, so the money goes further with the exchange rate to Canadian dollars. "That's been very good for us," she added.

"We pay a NASCAR sanction. NASCAR pays the racers back. So realistically, we are indirectly paying a purse by paying a sanctioning fee that goes toward the purse."

To promote local racers, Thiering works with NASCAR to create a "hometown heroes" campaign through social media and other promotional methods. This highlights these local NASCAR competitors and launches them into the media spotlight.

Thiering spoke very highly of working with NASCAR. "The winner [of each NASCAR class] gets a new race suit, new helmet, plus the purse at the end of the year. It's a very good program."

Redefining The Purse Structure

In addition to the payouts from NASCAR, EIR does offer its competitors financial rewards once a year, with one major special event for each class. These include a non-winner's purse and a winner's purse. Thiering explained that the lower non-winner's purse is for those who don't regularly support the track, while the higher winner's purse requires the race winner to attend a certain number of races at the track that season.

"That seems to work well," she explained. "There are guys who come with brand new tires and fresh cars, and these other drivers have been racing for five weekends already, and their cars are wearing out."

However, the remainder of the events do not offer any prize money. Transitioning from a weekly purse structure has been gradual for EIR. Surprisingly, its racers haven't balked at the change.

The previous purse structure was dependent on the number of cars that participated in a particular class. Thiering explained that if they ran a Late Model special, 12 cars might show up. "If you pay the first driver $5,000, the back gate doesn't even bring that in."

She added, "If there's a big purse, that doesn't seem to be the draw," especially keeping in mind that metropolitan Edmonton has an estimated population of around 1.5 million. That's a smaller pool to attract enthusiasts compared to other major markets.

Instead, the track provides greater value to racers in supplemental services and benefits.

To read the full article, plus hundreds of other articles like it for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio here.   

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "TOPS: Edmonton Int'l Raceway’s Unique Rewards Structure for Racers" here and additional coverage in the May/June 2026 issue here.

Engine builders can coax thousands of horsepower from today's race engines. But that work is all for naught if the power can't reach the wheels. Transmission manufacturers are doing everything they can to ensure that their products aren't a weak link in the racecar's driveline.

That holds especially true for companies that supply transmissions for race teams in top-tier series. Their strategies range from beefy components and liberal lubrication to "secret sauce" materials.

One thing they have in common: Personalization. Almost all the companies we spoke to build transmissions specific to each customer. There are very few off-the-shelf transmissions here.

"We like to develop a relationship with each racer," said Mike McCormick of Automatic Transmission Design (ATD), Germantown, Wisconsin. "Even if we do build the same unit back-to-back for multiple customers, it's important to us to develop the relationship so we understand what the customer needs, so that the performance meets their expectations."

That level of personalization comes with a cost—literally. "Obviously, the engineering can become substantially more involved," McCormick acknowledged. "For parts that are one-off, fewer shared features will increase the cost of the unit."

But for racers at the tip of the spear, spending thousands of dollars on a transmission is an investment that pays off.

"The main advantages [of using our sequential gearboxes] are shifting speed, as fast as 50 milliseconds, and the elimination of mis-shifts," said Vilius Saltenus of the Lithuanian transmission manufacturer Samsonas Motorsport. "This allows the driver to stop worrying about gear selection and focus entirely on speed and the racing line. Durability and the ability to handle very high-power engines, like in drift or drag cars, are also key. Those milliseconds add up to seconds where many shift changes occur, such as in rallying or circuit racing, and everyone knows what shifting speed means in drag racing."

What follows is a brief overview of what goes into top-tier racing transmissions, broken out by racing type.

Drag Race

A Turbo 400-based transmission for one of McCormick's Pro Mod customers, with a car "in excess of 3,000 horsepower," starts with an SFI-approved Reid Racing case. "It's a safety thing," he said. "That case is truly explosion-proof."

When it comes to selecting components, "big power leads to big shafts," McCormick said. Common oversize input shaft diameters range from 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 inches. Choice typically depends on the shaft size that fits the customer's torque converter.

Input shaft size also determines the pump and drum selection, as the three components "go together," he said. "For drag racing, we typically select billet aluminum drums because lighter accelerates faster. We're less concerned about the rigidity of the drums because we're not repeatedly accelerating and decelerating them throughout the race."

Gear ratio selection is determined by multiple factors, ranging from desired starting line ratio and shift rpm drop to track length. It's also affected by whether the driver wants a two- or three-speed transmission. "In the last few years, we've seen more close-ratio three-speeds in the top levels of drag racing than two-speeds," McCormick said. It boils down to driver preference, but the power adder also makes a difference.

"A turbo car can leave softer on the tire, so sometimes it can handle a little more ratio off the line than a big blower car. With a turbo, the power band prefers higher rpm, so three-speeds and turbos are a little more common."

A three-speed transmission can require a big main shaft at that level, McCormick said. "It's what transfers the energy from the input shaft and forward drum assembly into the gear train." That means upgrading "the gear set, the direct drum, and the center support. And the case has to have a provision for what we call center lube, or side oiling."

To read the full article, plus hundreds of other articles like it for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio here.   

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "What Does It Take to Make Top-Tier Transmissions?" here and additional coverage in the May/June 2026 issue here.

Kyle Busch looks on during the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 23, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Kyle Busch, a generational talent who rose to become a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of motorsport's greatest drivers, passed away on Thursday. He was 41.

Busch’s death, which was announced by the Busch family, NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing, marked a sudden, staggering blow to the motorsports community. His team had indicated earlier Thursday that Busch had been hospitalized with a severe illness.

Busch was in his 22nd full-time season in NASCAR’s top division, where he won two Cup Series titles (2015, 2019) and 63 races––a figure that ranks ninth on the circuit’s all-time win list. His numbers across the other two national NASCAR series are record-setting, with 102 victories in what is now called the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and 69 wins in the Craftsman Truck Series.

The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR made the following joint statement: "On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.

"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR's highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal 'Rowdy Nation.' Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle's family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.

"During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."

Busch drove for three Hall of Fame team owners in Cup, getting his start with Hendrick Motorsports as a heralded rookie in stock-car racing's big leagues in 2005. He joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008, establishing a long-running partnership that made him the face of Toyota's NASCAR endeavors. He spent the final stages of his career with Childress, arriving in 2023 and taking the reins of the No. 8 Chevrolet.

At each phase of his career, Busch was a polarizing figure among fans––intensely popular for his adoring supporters and booed loudly by his detractors. He entered the sport as a brash teenager with the nickname "Shrub" as the younger brother to Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, but the alias of "Rowdy"––a nod to one of the main characters in "Days of Thunder" and to his aggressive style––is what stuck with him.

Kyle Thomas Busch was born May 2, 1985, into a racing family in Las Vegas. His father, Tom, was a mechanic who raced locally after he and his wife, Gaye, relocated from Schaumburg, Illinois. His brother, Kurt, was seven years older and set a competitive benchmark for him to aspire to on the track.

Kyle Busch followed many of the same steps that his brother did in accelerating up the racing ladder––family go-karts on makeshift tracks in cul-de-sacs and parking lots, Legends Cars at the Vegas bullring before a move to full-bodied Late Model competition. Kurt hinted at the impact his brother would make in 2001: "You think I'm a pretty good race car driver? Wait until you see my brother. He's the best driver in the family."

Kyle Busch's path to NASCAR was also in line with his brother’s career arc, and Kyle joined his team when he signed with team owner Jack Roush as a 16-year-old junior in high school. That deal was derailed shortly after it began, when NASCAR raised its minimum age requirements to 18 for national-series competition in 2001.
 

Kyle Busch takes a bow after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 at Dover Motor Speedway on May 15, 2026, in Dover, Delaware.

The rule-mandated break from Roush also gave the younger Busch an opportunity to "step out of the shadow of Kurt," he said, to forge his own identity. "I need to be my own person and make my own way and show everybody that I can drive," he told the Associated Press in 2003, the same year he signed on to Rick Hendrick's organization.

Showing everybody his talent came quickly. Busch made his O'Reilly Series debut for Hendrick on May 24, 2003, finishing second to Matt Kenseth at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He made a splash when he entered the series full-time the next year, winning five races and finishing second overall to Martin Truex Jr.

As those victories began to accumulate, Busch created what would become a patented celebration, punctuating each win with a showman’s bow. The gesture served as a tribute to his roots as a Vegas native but also a flourish like a magician appearing from the smoke of another triumphant burnout.

Busch reached the Cup Series with a six-race audition in 2004 before a full-fledged rookie campaign the next year, paired with crew chief Alan Gustafson in the No. 5 Chevrolet. He became the premier series' youngest winner in his 31st Cup start, prevailing at Auto Club Speedway for the first of four wins he’d collect in his three full seasons with Hendrick.

Busch made what would become a pivotal move after Hendrick signed Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the 2008 season, aligning with Coach Joe Gibbs and Toyota in another blockbuster deal. Busch was already becoming an established Cup Series star, but the combination of his colorful No. 18 car with M&M's sponsorship became one of the sport's most recognizable.

His 15-year association with Joe Gibbs Racing was one of the sport’s most successful tenures, with at least one victory in each of those seasons. Busch scored 56 of his 63 Cup Series wins with the former NFL coach, adding 90 more O'Reilly wins and a series championship in 2009.

Busch also made his mark during that time as a team owner in the Craftsman Truck Series, fielding trucks for himself and a host of future Cup stars. His Kyle Busch Motorsports entries won 100 races from 2010 to 2023, adding two championships––one with Erik Jones in 2015 and another two years later with Christopher Bell.

Busch left JGR after the 2022 season and a series of drawn-out negotiations, starting a new chapter with Childress and joining the Chevrolet camp in the No. 8 Camaro. The agreement seemed to be a tenuous one, struck nearly a dozen years after Childress initiated a post-race physical altercation in the Kansas Speedway garage. The Hall of Fame team owner made it known that the bygones had passed, making a humorous reference to his "hold my watch" comment before their scuffle as he gave Busch his own timepiece as a welcoming gift.

Busch won three races in the No. 8 Chevy in the first half of the 2023 season but was mired in the longest dry spell of his career at the time of his passing. His final Cup Series win came June 4, 2023, at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

Kyle Busch is survived by his parents and his wife, Samantha, whom he married on New Year’s Eve in 2010, and two children––son Brexton, who turned 11 on Monday, and 4-year-old daughter Lennix.

PRI sends its condolences to the Busch family. 

Lead photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Second photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) announced that its 2026 season will be its final year of public motorsports events, according to a social media post shared by the track.

Located in Fountain, Colorado, the facility will close after more than 20 years of hosting national and local competitions. According to the post, the property is planned for future mixed-use redevelopment, though officials said plans remain in the early stages and more information is expected later in 2026.

All scheduled 2026 events will continue as planned, track officials said. The raceway also stated that the announcement does not necessarily mark the end of all PPIR events. Organizers said they are exploring opportunities to continue some of the venue's automotive lifestyle events and festivals at other locations, with additional announcements expected later in 2026.

For more information, visit ppir.com.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Felix Mizioznikov

The IHRA has appointed Dustin Farthing as its new president, the organization announced.

Farthing brings experience as both a racer and business leader with more than 30 professional championships to his credit across multiple disciplines, including personal watercraft, offshore racing, snowcross and Lamborghini Super Trofeo.

As president, Farthing will oversee the growth and strategic direction of the IHRA across all divisions, including drag racing, offshore powerboat racing, personal watercraft, stock car racing, pulling, snowmobile competition, concerts and future expansions, the sanctioning body said.

For more information, visit ihra.com.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | abitaev.art