Trans Am Race Company officials have announced that its West Coast-based championship will be renamed the “Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Western Championship.” A new date and venue will also be added to the 2022 calendar. 

Thunderhill Raceway will now stage the Western Championship’s season opener as part of the Northern California Shelby Club Spring Sprint on April 9–10. The addition of the two-day event will expand the Western Championship schedule to eight rounds held at seven venues. 

“The renaming of the West Coast Championship to the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Western Championship is a welcome step,” said John Clagett, Trans Am Race Company President. “Since the championship’s development in 2017, we have expanded the schedule to include more venues in the West, like Utah Motorsports Campus and Circuit of The Americas. The new name will now truly reflect our championship format. 
 
“Several of the TA2 Western drivers requested a stop at Thunderhill. We take the feedback from our competitors seriously and wanted to add a round if we could fit it into the schedule,” Clagett continued. 

For more information, visit gotransam.com. 

2022 Trans Am West Coast Schedule 
April 9-10       Nor Cal Shelby Club Spring Sprint (Thunderhill Raceway) 
April 22-24     Trans Am SpeedFest(WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca) * 
April 30-May 1  Sonoma SpeedTour (Sonoma Raceway) * 
June 10-12     The Ridge SpeedTour (The Ridge Motorsports Park) 
July 15-17      Portland SpeedTour (Portland International Raceway) 
Oct. 14-16     Utah SpeedTour (Utah Motorsports Campus) ^ 
Nov. 4-6       Austin SpeedTour (Circuit of the Americas) * 
 
^{*Combined National and West Coast Event 
^Doubleheader} 

NASCAR has announced that Brad Moran has been promoted to NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director, and Seth Kramlich will transition to NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Managing Director. 

Most recently, Moran held the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Managing Director position. Kramlich moves to his new role after three years as NASCAR Xfinity Series Assistant Director. Moran, Kramlich, and NASCAR Xfinity Series Managing Director Wayne Auton will continue to be headquartered at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina, and report to Scott Miller, Senior Vice President of Competition. 

“Brad and Seth both share a racer’s mentality, and will bring knowledge, passion and strong relationships to these important roles,” Miller said. “We look forward to their leadership as they continue to help bring the best racing to our fans at both the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series levels.” 

For more information, visit nascar.com. 

Following more than 30 years of service to SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), President and CEO Chris Kersting will be stepping down at the end of January 2022 to enjoy retirement. The move comes as SEMA concludes a successful 2021, delivering two of the nation’s largest in-person trade shows since the start of the pandemic – the SEMA Show in Las Vegas and the PRI Show in Indianapolis. 
 
“Our mission at SEMA is to help our member companies succeed and prosper,” said Kersting. “Pursuing that mission has provided three decades of exciting and fulfilling work – engaging with the outstanding people in our industry to find new and better ways to help them thrive. Together with our talented SEMA team, we’ve built a truly innovative portfolio of services and benefits – and certainly one of the greatest trade shows in the world. You couldn’t ask for a better career.” 
 
Kersting joined SEMA in 1996 to lead the organization’s Washington, D.C., office as vice president of legislative and technical affairs. Kersting took the helm as SEMA’s CEO in 2002 and led the Association through two decades of growth. Milestones include launching the SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage and Emissions Lab, SEMA Ignited, the PRI acquisition, the SEMA Garage in Detroit, and developing the globally recognized SEMA Show. 
 
“Chris led SEMA through tremendously successful stretches, and also skillfully helped the association navigate the challenges of COVID-19, and the worldwide recession back in 2008,” said James Lawrence, SEMA Chairman of the Board. “On behalf of the SEMA Board, and millions of automotive enthusiasts everywhere, we wish Chris the best of luck in the next stage of his life.” 
 
Beginning Feb. 1, 2022, Kersting will transition into an advisory role through July 2022. SEMA executives Bill Miller (Senior Vice President of Operations) and Mike Spagnola (Vice President of OEM & Product Development Programs) will serve as interim co-CEOs. 
 
For more information, visit sema.org. 

Nissan Motor Corporation has announced plans to establish a new company through the integration of two affiliated companies, Autech Japan Inc. (Autech) and Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd. (NISMO). The new company—named Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co., Ltd.—is set to be established on April 1, 2022.

“The integration is aimed to better globally utilize Autech's know-how in developing and manufacturing customized vehicles and NISMO’s brand power built up through motorsports. Positioned as an important strategic subsidiary, the new company is expected to contribute to Nissan’s sustainable growth,” a company release stated. 

“Autech, with its wide range of expertise, is a pioneer of customized vehicles. NISMO, through motorsports and enhanced driving pleasure, is a symbol of the spirit of challenge in Nissan cars. We are confident that the integration of these two companies will bring us even closer to the pinnacle of exciting mobility we are aiming for,” Nissan Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta said. 

For more information, visit nissanusa.com.

iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations, the provider of the iRacing simulation gaming platform, has announced the acquisition of Orontes Games. 

Founded by Christian and Thorsten Folkers in 2016, Orontes Games released an Early Access version of the game DRAG in 2020 on the digital game distribution site Steam. The online racing game features high fidelity, next-generation graphics and advanced vehicle physics. 

Orontes Games lead developers Christian Folkers and Thorsten Folkers will join the iRacing team.

iRacing has also announced the acquisition of Monster Games, Inc (MGI). The Minnesota-based game development studio is behind the NASCAR Heat franchise and Tony Stewart’s Sprint Car Racing game. 

President and owner of MGI, Rich Garcia, will join the iRacing development team. He will be reunited with iRacing CEO and CTO Dave Kaemmer, who worked for Kaemmer’s former company, Papyrus Racing Games. 

Both acquisitions are standalone development studios and projects. 

For more information, visit iracing.com.

The Young Executives Network (YEN), a SEMA group dedicated to cultivating talent in the automotive aftermarket, is now the Future Leaders Network (FLN). The new name more accurately reflects the network’s 1,142 membership, which includes employees ranging from entry-level staff to managers, and trade workers, executives, and business owners.  

“The network supports talent and individuals who are aspiring to further their careers in the automotive aftermarket. The Future Leaders Network will continue to offer programs and resources that will help members advance their careers,” said FLN Chair Nick Caloroso.

Caloroso explains that the former Young Executives Network name did not accurately reflect the group’s membership. “More than half of our members do not fall into the executive category, and although we will retain the age requirement, the word ‘young’ is relative and implies inexperience. Regardless of the individual’s role, each member is aspiring to become a more effective and productive leader in the industry.”

The new Future Leaders Network name puts the focus on the group’s purpose and goal: Growing and supporting individuals to become successful leaders, regardless of their actual job title or position. Membership is open at no cost to all employees under the age of 40 who work for a SEMA member company.

Since 1989, the network has evolved and grown to include 1,142 members. In addition to year-round virtual and in-person mixers and gatherings, FLN hosts education sessions targeted at up-and-coming leaders. FLN also launched the Launch Pad product pitching competition to support emerging entrepreneurs and business owners. New this year, FLN teamed up with Dale Carnegie to provide members with exclusive professional development training.

To learn more about FLN or to sign up to become a member, contact FLN Director Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org.  

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced that Energy Systems Network, the organizer of the Indy Autonomous Challenge, will host a head-to-head, high-speed autonomous race car passing competition in conjunction with CES 2022. 

The Autonomous Challenge at CES will take place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Friday, January 7, 2022. 

The event follows the Indy Autonomous Challenge, the first high-speed autonomous race car competition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that took place on October 23. The Autonomous Challenge at CES will feature several of the university teams that competed in Indianapolis, including the winner of the competition (TUM Autonomous Motorsport) and two finalists (EuroRacing and PoliMOVE).

The goal is to advance technology that can speed the commercialization of fully autonomous vehicles and deployments of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Designed by university teams, these enhancements can lead to increased safety and performance in motorsports as well as all modes of commercial transportation. 

For more information, visit indyautonomouschallenge.com. 

IndyCar has announced a multiyear extension with chassis manufacturer Dallara. The contract runs parallel to the current agreements with engine manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda.

“This extension provides IndyCar and its teams continuity and a stable platform as we look well into the future,” IndyCar President Jay Frye said. 

Dallara, an Italian company, first supplied driver safety cells for the IndyCar Series in 1997 and has been the sole chassis supplier since 2008. In 2012, the manufacturer expanded its US operations by opening the Dallara IndyCar factory in Speedway, Indiana, where the company produces and assembles chassis for a variety of racing series.

Since 2015, production has included the chassis for IndyCar’s Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires and in 2018, Dallara began manufacturing the current universal body kit (AK-18) for the NTT IndyCar Series. This year marks the company’s 26th consecutive season with the racing organization.

The 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season opens Sunday, February 27, at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. 

For more information, visit indycar.com.

XS Power Batteries—based in Knoxville, Tennessee—has purchased a building in Knoxville, as reported by Knox News. XS Power Batteries owner Scottie Johnson oversaw the purchase of the Knox News property from the parent company Gannet.

XS Power Batteries is slated to move into the first-floor office space in 2023. Johnson also plans to build a nearly 50,000-square-foot facility for manufacturing on the property this year. 

The company is currently based out of two separate suites totaling 15,000 square feet for its 30 or so employees. Johnson stated that the move is expected to increase the XS Power Batteries workforce to nearly 100 employees within 18 months. Johnson also plans to lease out additional office space on the first and second floors, while all Knox News operations will continue at the facility. 

Those interested in leasing space within the building can contact info@xspowerbatteries.com. For more information, visit 4xspower.com. 

Performance Racing Industry (PRI), the motorsports industry’s leading professional organization, concluded its annual week of trade show-related activities in Indianapolis last month, marking the successful return of the industry’s largest in-person event for motorsports professionals. The 2021 PRI Show was one of the most impactful in the 35-year history of the organization with more events, activities, educational sessions, and Show features than ever before. 

More than 50,000 attendees—including media, industry influencers, enthusiasts, and professionals from nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies—gathered in the racing capital of the world for the event, widely known as Race Industry Week, which took place at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.

Legendary driver and team owner Roger Penske and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles kicked off the Show at the Grand Opening Breakfast on the morning of Dec. 9. Other highlights from the Dec. 9–11 Show included the unveiling of the Indianapolis 500 ticket design with four-time race winner Helio Castroneves, a special show tour with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Save Our Racecars Rally to support the PRI PAC with hundreds of supporters including motorsports influencer Cleetus McFarland, and a dedicated EV Zone to highlight future trends in motorsport.

“It was great to experience the excitement and camaraderie of being back in person at the PRI Show, catch up with friends and colleagues, take advantage of opportunities to capture business, and network with other motorsports professionals,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “The level of innovation and development for the motorsports industry on display at the Show was truly outstanding and a clear demonstration of the strength and growth of motorsports.”

While at the Show, racing manufacturers and service providers gained direct access to the worldwide racing marketplace. Exhibitors had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with buyers for hands-on sales presentations, and attendees enjoyed a wide variety of in-depth educational seminars, networking events, and conferences throughout the show.

“The PRI Trade Show was a huge success for our business. Our booth was busy throughout, and the crowds were enthusiastic about being back together in person,” said Dave Werremeyer, business development manager for Frankenstein Engine Dynamics. “Thanks to conversations and inquiries we may not have had if not for networking at the Show, we now have opportunities to expand our product lines into additional applications.”

“This year’s PRI Show was an amazing experience with a quality crowd of people clearly there to talk about racing, products, and the future of the industry,” added David Vasser, owner and president at Nitrous Outlet. “The halls looked great with tons to see for every attendee and lots of opportunities to network with other participants.”

The 2022 PRI Trade Show will take place December 8-10, 2022, in Indianapolis. For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com. Launched in 1988, the PRI Show encompasses all forms of racing while offering an unprecedented showcase for professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers, and more.