2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson and three-time World of Outlaw NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Champion Brad Sweet have teamed up to become the new promoters of Silver Dollar Speedway—the historic dirt track in Chico, California. 

While Larson and Sweet remain focused on their respective full-time racing careers, Sweet will oversee day-to-day operations at Silver Dollar Speedway. A third member of the newly formed Sweet Larson Copeland (SLC) Promotions team is regional racer Colby Copeland of Roseville, California. He’ll serve as the liaison between the promoters, drivers, and fans. 

“I look forward to working with Brad, Kyle, and the staff at Silver Dollar Speedway,” said Copeland who recently promoted Outlaw Kart events.

The group announced plans to “turn up” its Gold Cup experience, along with plans to revamp the midway behind the main grandstands and upgrades to the facility. 

SLC Promotions replace the former promoter, Dennis Gage. 

“I am proud of what we’ve done at Chico, and also extremely excited to see how SLC Promotions takes the track into the future with all of their connections,” said Gage who confirmed that he’ll continue to manage and operate the nearby Marysville Raceway.

For more information, visit silverdollarspeedway.com.

Torqued Distribution—the creator of the Warehouse as a Service (WaaS) technology for racing and performance aftermarket businesses—has announced the recipient of its inaugural 2021 Dealer of the Year Award. MAPerformance will be honored during a special ceremony as part of the 2021 PRI Trade Show, Dec. 9–11, 2021, in downtown Indianapolis. 

“We have an amazing group of dealers who rely on us to run their business, but we wanted to highlight a dealer who this year most strongly embodies eCommerce Automation by using our robust WaaS technology to sync product data, receive real-time inventory, and do automated order processing and fulfillment,” Torqued Distribution CEO Tim Trampedach said. 

In addition, the first-time exhibitor will also be showcasing products, including a one-of-a-kind custom B6 Screamer FIA racing seat by Tillett Racing Seats and new products from the Sweden-based Nuke Performance and the German-based BOOST Products. 

For more information, visit torqueddistribution.com. To learn more about the PRI Show, visit PRI2021.com/TradeShow. To register for the 2021 PRI Show, visit PRI2021.com/Attend.  

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI), the manufacturer of Hot Shot’s Secret brand of performance additives and oils and custom lubricant solutions, has announced the expansion of its warehouse footprint with the addition of a 24,000 square foot facility located in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. 

The new distribution and shipping hub will help accommodate the 50-plus SKUs of Hot Shot’s Secret products and LSI Chemical products developed and shipped in bulk for international sales.

“The purchase of additional warehouse space and a dedicated distribution center became a necessity after the tremendous growth we’ve experienced over the past few years,” LSI President Brett Tennar said. “We will be able to keep more products in stock, improve shipping efficiencies and ultimately, take better care of our customers.”

For more information, visit lubricationspecialties.com.

Matt D’Andria, the accomplished host and automotive enthusiast, has been confirmed for PRI Trade Show, taking place Dec. 9–11, at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. 

The podcaster—known for CarCast, Shift & Steer, The Cars That Made America, and GQ’s Car Collectors—will interview a surprise guest on the brand-new PRI Headquarters stage on Friday, Dec. 10, from 10–11 a.m.

PRI HQ, located in the Yellow Hall in Booth #5101, is the hub for all things PRI. Learn about PRI Membership, the PRI Road Tour, PRI Magazine, PRI PAC, and more. A jam-packed lineup of special guests is also slated for appearances and autographs. More details will be announced later. 

CarCast, one of the most downloaded automotive podcasts in the world, has been a top-rated show on iTunes for over 12 years. 

To learn more about the PRI Show, visit PRI2021.com/TradeShow. To register for the 2021 PRI Show, visit PRI2021.com/Attend.  

Production Tesla Model S Plaids routinely run 9-second ETs at drag strips. Electric-powered cars routinely compete at drifting events. Electric SUVs will compete in the 2022 Race of Champions series. Electric powertrains are proving their performance. Although still in its relative infancy, the electric motorsports market is on the rise. Savvy professionals will be able to see key players in the EV racing and performance space, including OEMs, builders, and suppliers, by visiting the new EV Performance Zone at the 2021 PRI Trade Show.

Taking place December 9-11, 2021, at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis, the PRI Show will include for the first time an area dedicated to electric race and performance vehicles, specialty EV builders, and EV component suppliers.

“The PRI Show is about embracing new technologies and helping the industry stay ahead of trends,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, PRI President. “Electric vehicles are an important emerging trend in the performance and racing industries, and PRI Show attendees will be able to see firsthand the latest in EV tech and advanced electric-powered vehicles while at the Show in Indianapolis.”

Located in the Wabash Ballrooms 1-3, the EV Performance Zone will feature electric race vehicles and components, as well as experts from leading companies in the performance EV space.

“The EV Performance Zone will showcase a comprehensive collection of electric race vehicles and related products,” said Meyer. “This is going to be the best place to learn about the rising market segment and discover how your company can take advantage of it.”

The 2021 PRI Show marks the motorsports industry’s first and largest in-person business gathering since the pandemic. Exhibitors will showcase the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies, and trailers, for the racing industry in a single location. PRI encompasses all forms of motorsports and attracts attendees from all 50 states and all over the world, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers, and media.

To learn more about the PRI Show, visit PRI2021.com/TradeShow. To register for the 2021 PRI Show, visit PRI2021.com/Attend.  

Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) have shared a first look at the third-generation all-electric racing car that will race in Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The Gen3 was described by FIA President Jean Todt as: “a machine created at the intersection of high performance, efficiency and sustainability.”

Formula E manufacturers are set to take delivery of Gen3 cars in spring 2022 following further development and testing. 

The Gen3 cars  boast the following features, according to the series:

• The world’s most efficient racing car—at least 40% of the energy used within a race will be produced by regenerative braking during the race.
• The first formula car with both front and rear powertrains: a new front powertrain adds 250kW to the 350kW at the rear, more than doubling the regenerative capability of the current Gen2 to a total of 600kW.
• The first formula car that will not feature rear hydraulic brakes due to the addition of the front powertrain and its regenerative capability.
• An electric motor delivering up to 350kw of power (470BHP), capable of a top speed of 200mph (320km/h), with a power-to-weight ratio that is twice as efficient as an equivalent 470BHP internal combustion engine (ICE).
• Lighter and smaller than the Gen2 to enable faster, more agile wheel-to-wheel racing.

For more information, visit formulae.com.

The 2021 PRI Trade Show, Dec. 9–11, 2021, will offer several information-packed seminars dedicated to improving racing business operations during this year’s PRI Education program.   

On Thursday, December 9, 10–11:30 a.m. EST in Room 233, “Building Your Brand & Business Simultaneously” will cover how to build a level of influence and the process to become a trusted advisor in the industry. Learn the types of content, platforms, communication style, and more for higher retention and sustainable growth. 

On Thursday, December 9, 1–2:30 p.m. EST in Rooms 231-232, “Competing for Quality: Hiring & Employee Retention” will look at effective recruiting strategies across generations, the new recruiting framework in today's economy, and 11 key strategies to revamp your recruiting message, along with considerations when designing a pay structure, key retention, and motivation drivers, and why plans fail.  

On Thursday, December 9, 3–4:30 p.m. EST in Rooms 231-232, “Update: RPM Act & Emissions Compliance” will present the latest updates and need-to-know information on the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act), the bipartisan legislation protects Americans' right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars, and the motorsports parts industry's ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.  

On Friday, December 10, 8–9 a.m. EST in Room 236, “Shock Troops: The View From The Counter,” led by “Plumb Bob” Balderston, will cover selling systems, education throughout the sale, education of returns, how to compete with manufacturers, and more.  

On Friday, December 10, 10:30–11:30 a.m. EST in Room 233, “You’re Making Money, But Where’s The Cash?” by Tom Shay will cover creative ways of budgeting and planning your cash needs for a great year ahead. How is that “cash on hand” looking for your business? The No. 1 reason for closing is a lack of cash.  

On Friday, December 10, 2–3:30 p.m. EST in Rooms 231-231, “PRI Presents: The Presidents Panel,” will feature the heads of some of racing’s top brands, including Julian Gill of Eibach Springs, Kevin Miller of USAC, Chris Dickerson of Horizon Hobby, Jesse Spungin of Mechanix Wear, Alan Cerwick, President of VP Racing Fuels and PRI’s own Dr. Jamie Meyer. The session will cover issues at the forefront of leadership and management. 

On Saturday, December 11, 8–9 a.m. EST in Room 233, “Small Businesses Don’t Die, They Just Make Too Many Mistakes!” by Tom Shay will cover how your business can avoid becoming another unfortunate statistic. Reports from the US Census Bureau show that there are more and more new small businesses being started. Yet, some 95% will not be in business for five years, and only half of those will celebrate their 10th anniversary. 

On Saturday, December 11, 8–9 a.m. EST in Room 236, “MAP Pricing 101: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly” led by ACT’s Rich Barsamian will walk through the basics of pricing policies to avoid devaluing your products in the consumers’ eyes.  

On Saturday, December 11, 10:30–11:30 a.m. EST in Rooms 231-232, race teams will benefit from “Sponsorship 101: How To Write Proposals That Sell!” led by author Alex Striler. The session will cover how to write effective proposals that start with negotiation and end in sponsorship—and other useful advice—from the man who literally wrote the book on motorsports marketing and sponsorship. 

On Saturday, December 11, 1–2:30 p.m. EST in Rooms 231-232, “Engaging The Next Generation: Youth Motorsports Development 101”, led by racer and youth mentor McKenna Haase, will cover all aspects of youth motorsports at its core—safety, driving, character, sponsorship, and more. The objective is to engage in open dialogue about popular youth racing topics.  

Digital marketing and social media promotion will also be well-covered with the following seminars: 

• PRI’s Inaugural Social Influencer/Content Creation Panel 
• WTF is Content?!? 
• Why Your Performance Business DOES Need A Website 
• Converting Search Traffic Into Sales Traffic 
• Instagram Reality Check: Boosting Customer Engagement On A Budget 
• Facebook 2021: Build Your Reach Without Breaking The Bank 

These are just a few of the sessions set for the jam-packed PRI Education schedule. For the full slate and to add sessions to your schedule, visit the PRI 2021 Show Planner at pri2021.mapyourshow.com. There is still time to secure a badge for PRI 2021. Find out more information at performanceracing.com/trade-show/attend/attend-reg.  

An agreement has been reached between the International Race Group (IRG) and Dan and Shelly Crownhart’s 1320 Promotions to acquire the historic Cordova Dragstrip, the IHRA-sanctioned ¼-mile dragstrip in Cordova, Illinois. Closing is expected to occur before the end of the year. 

The Crownhart family has been involved in drag racing for generations on many levels. Dan, a native of Sterling, Illinois has experience on the track, racing both alcohol and jet funny cars, and will be taking over the day-to-day management of the race facility.  

“Cordova has always been a special place for racers and fans. We all have fond memories of our time at the track. I am confident we can celebrate the long history of Cordova and create a bright future simultaneously,” Dan Crownhart said. “In the spirit of past major events of the UDRA and IHRA being held in June, we are excited to announce that Funny Car Chaos will be a part of the return of the Summer Nationals contested June 17–18.”

The Crownharts are finalizing plans for facility upgrades, new events, and the sportsman racing series among other items. There will also be a meet and greet for racers and fans planned for early 2022. 

For more information, visit racecir.com. 

 
The Sports Car Club of America has announced an expanded operating agreement with Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) for SCCA Pro Racing, and the launch of SCCA’s new Enduro program. 
 
Already executing on long-term licensing agreements with PMH for the promotion and commercial rights management of the Trans Am Series, Formula 4 (F4) United States Championship, and Formula Regional Americas (FRA) series, SCCA has expanded the partnership to include the operation and staffing of all SCCA Pro Racing series activities. 
 
Under the expanded agreement, PMH will assume responsibility for the promotion, operating, staffing and commercial aspects of SCCA Pro Racing beginning in 2022, while sanction and FIA sporting oversight of the F4 U.S. and FRA Championships, and FIA International events, will remain with SCCA. 

With the shift, VP of Road Racing Eric Prill will now oversee both professional and amateur road racing activities for SCCA.  

Jon Krolewicz, current Sr. Manager of Time Trials/Track Events, will add endurance and regional-based road racing to his portfolio as the new Sr. Manager of Regional Track Program Development. 

SCCA Pro Racing General Manager Sydney Davis Yagel will transition to a senior management role with PMH at the end of the year, continuing to work closely with Prill on SCCA Pro Racing initiatives. SCCA Road Racing Director Deanna Flanagan’s role leading the Summit Racing Equipment SCCA Road Racing program, including the U.S. Majors Tour, Hoosier Super Tour, and National Championship Runoffs, remains unchanged. 

For more information, visit scca.com.  
 

Holley Performance Products, the automotive performance company based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has announced plans to establish a 111,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. The new hub also gives the option to expand an additional 80,000 square feet.

The company will receive local tax incentives for the $12.3 million expansion, which will bring 80 existing employees to the operation and also add 40 new jobs, according to reports. 

Holley offers nearly 70 brands including Detroit Speed, GearFX Driveline, Flowmaster exhaust, MSD Ignition, Holley EFI, Hurst Shifters, NOS, Simpson Racing, Stilo, and more. 

For more information, visit holley.com.