Dunlop Tires North America (DTNA), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., has hired Robert Liu as assistant vice president of product management.

With a strong background in the tire and automotive industries, Liu brings more than 30 years of experience to help steer both Dunlop and Falken brands into their next phase of product innovation and growth.

Liu began his career as a simulation engineer at General Motors, then spent the next 27 years at Continental Tire. His extensive tenure at the company spans roles in Product research and development, sales and product management. Notably, Liu spent five years in Shanghai as an expat, leading product management and research and development for the Asia-Pacific region. Most recently, he led research and development for the American region, focusing on replacement Passenger Light Truck (PLT) tires.

In his new role at DTNA, Liu will spearhead product development to ensure Dunlop and Falken provide the market with the most compelling solutions, the company said. He will oversee PLT and Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) products with the product management team.

"We are excited to welcome Robert to our team," said Ken Hsu, DTNA vice president of marketing. "His extensive experience and proven leadership in the tire industry align perfectly with our goals for innovation and growth. We believe his insights will greatly benefit our product strategies as we move forward."

For more information, visit dunloptires.com.

 
PRI Magazine is now available to everyone at no cost in a digital format. While previously only available in print to select industry recipients, the publication is now available digitally across the globe. Whether you're an industry member staying on top of trends or a racing enthusiast interested in learning more about the industry, the digital magazine is available in current and past issues.

Below is a step-by-step guide to claiming your free digital subscription to PRI Magazine on your phone.

Claim your free PRI Magazine digital subscription here or by scanning below.

Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your motorsports background and interests.

Hit subscribe to claim your free subscription. Now, you're able to activate your account by downloading the PRI Magazine app. Tap the iOS link for Apple devices and Google Play for others.

How to Log In and Read PRI Magazine

Ensure you have the "PRI Magazine" app downloaded on your phone and sign in using the credentials you created during registration. Want to access via desktop? Visit https://pri.zinioapps.com/ to sign in and start reading! 

You'll have immediate access to more than a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge and insights. Get to reading! 

For any questions or assistance, please reach out to PRI's Customer Service Team at membership@performanceracing.com or call 949-499-5413. 

Racing manufacturers, now is your chance to be included in the industry's most comprehensive racing products and services guide, including easy-to-reference manufacturer, distributor and service-provider contact information.

The PRI Buyers Guide (February issue of PRI Magazine) is the motorsports industry's premier source for new products and technology. This issue reaches more than 27,000 print subscribers and is also available digitally, with year-round promotion through PRI eNews, connecting with over 80,000 digital subscribers.

All motorsports companies receive one, 1/6-page, complimentary product submission for this comprehensive racing products and services guide, including easy-to-reference manufacturer, distributor and service-provider contact information. All submitted parts and services will be listed by category with sections highlighting the following categories:

• Engine Components
• Chassis, Driveline and Suspension Components
• Racing Components, Accessories and Services
• Machinery Tools and Equipment
• Race Track Equipment and Supplies
• Race Sanctioning Organizations
• Manufacturers Reps
• Warehouse Distributors
• Manufacturers, Distributors & Service Providers

Participating manufacturers and service providers also have numerous opportunities to expand their presence in the Buyers Guide with additional product listings, upgrades to full-page listings, page and section advertisements and much more.

Click below to submit a product.

Want to learn more? Click here for more information on the Buyers Guide distribution, product submissions, advertising opportunities and more.

With hundreds of media members expected at the 2026 PRI Show, exhibitors have a major opportunity to put their latest products, announcements and company news in front of the journalists covering the racing industry. PRI offers several tools to help exhibitors make those stories stand out before and during the Show.

If you're making an announcement at the PRI Show, whether it's a new product, groundbreaking technology, partnership, expansion, acquisition or major company milestone, don't just share it––broadcast it.

Join the Official PRI Show Press Conference Schedule 

Exhibiting companies have the opportunity to host a 30-minute press conference in their booth as part of the official PRI Show Press Conference Schedule. This schedule is shared with attending media, helping journalists discover the biggest news and innovations taking place on the Show floor. 

Participating in the official press conference program can increase your visibility and create valuable opportunities to connect directly with industry media. 

To secure a spot in the Official PRI Show Press Conference Schedule, contact Marissa Guajardo at marissag@sema.org or 909-979-0782. 

Upload a Press Release 

Looking for even more exposure? Use the PRI Show Exhibitor Press Release Tool to build pre-Show buzz, reach attending media, and increase your chances of being featured in official PRI Show coverage. 

Post your Show-related press releases here. 

With this tool, exhibitors can highlight product launches, booth attractions, announcements, celebrity appearances, and more, helping journalists and attendees discover what your company has planned before and during the Show. 

For questions about the Exhibitor Press Release Tool or other PRI Show public relations resources, contact Juan Torres at juant@performanceracing.com.

Though the 2026 PRI Show, the premier trade event for the global motorsports industry taking place December 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, is just weeks away, registration is still open online. Register for the 2026 PRI Show.

Savings are available for PRI Showgoers who register now with a tiered pricing structure: $55 per qualified attendee badge now through December 9, and $65 during the Show dates. The PRI Show remains a trade-only event for qualified industry professionals, and new this year, Showgoers can register for the PRI Show without a PRI membership. 

More than 1,000 exhibiting companies have already secured more than 370,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space, creating a show floor packed with the latest racing technology, performance products, manufacturing equipment, simulation tools, trailers and business solutions. From grassroots racing to professional motorsports, the PRI Show remains the industry's most important marketplace for discovering new products, building relationships, and conducting business ahead of the racing season.

"The PRI Show is where the business of motorsports comes together," said PRI Managing Director Doug Bresnahan. "Every December, manufacturers, race teams, distributors, engine builders, fabricators, track operators, and industry leaders gather in one place to strengthen partnerships, discover new innovations, and create opportunities that move racing forward. We look forward to welcoming the industry back to Indianapolis."

The PRI Show continues to serve as a driving force behind an industry that generates more than $69.2 billion in annual economic activity, supports more than 318,000 American jobs, and produces more than $22.1 billion in wages and benefits, according to the PRI Motorsports Economic Impact Study. By bringing together every segment of the racing industry under one roof, the Show helps fuel innovation, investment, and long-term business growth.

New for 2026, the PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium will debut during the Show, bringing together race engineers, manufacturers, technical leaders, and university engineering programs for a full day of education and collaboration focused on advancing motorsports technology and performance.

The 2026 PRI Show will feature a wide range of experiences and activations, from networking opportunities such as the Grand Opening Breakfast and PRI Full Throttle Social to education programming, specialty exhibit areas, and product discovery destinations including T.O.P.S. HQ, the Trailer and Motorcoach Exhibits, PRI Paddock, Machinery Row, NextGen Connect, and more.

"The PRI Show continues to evolve alongside the racing industry," said PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. "Whether attendees are sourcing products, learning from industry experts, exploring new technologies, or connecting with business partners, the 2026 Show is designed to deliver meaningful value at every stage of their business."

Each year, the PRI Show welcomes attendees from all 50 states and around the world, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, manufacturers, fabricators, distributors, media, sanctioning bodies, and track operators. Early registration allows attendees to receive their credentials in advance beginning in October, helping them save time and get straight to business when they arrive in Indianapolis.

To register, book hotel accommodations, and learn more about the 2026 PRI Show, visit PRI2026.com/Attend.

For additional information or questions regarding registration, please contact PRI Show Manager Nicole Harless, at nicoleh@performanceracing.com. 

NASCAR has unveiled the 15-race schedule for the 2027 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season.

Building off the foundation set in 2026, the 2027 schedule is highlighted by Thompson Speedway hosting the opener and finale, Stafford Speedway earning a second date with the Spring Sizzler, and the Tour visiting Thunder Road Speedbowl for the first time in series history.

"The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is fueled by its rugged competitors and driven by the venues and communities that have historically made the series so special," said Joey Dennewitz, NASCAR vice president of industry development. "The 2027 schedule respects that history by putting our teams first while giving the Tour new ground to conquer and fans new moments to cherish."

For the first time in six years, the Tour will fire off the season at a familiar venue in Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on Sunday, April 4. The 5/8-mile oval will also host the season finale once more on Sunday, October 10 along with a midweek showdown on Wednesday, August 4, in the heat of summer.

The Tour will also return to two of NASCAR's premier national series weekends in 2027. Martinsville Speedway will host the Modifieds on Friday, April 16, alongside a weekend featuring the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Cup Series. Later in the season, the Tour will return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, September 25, as the track's NASCAR weekend moves back to the fall.

Coming back in an even larger fashion for 2027 after a celebrated return in 2026 is Stafford Speedway, hosting two events next season. The Spring Sizzler will take place on Sunday, April 25, as its first event, with their second occurring on Friday, August 27.

Making its debut on the Tour in 2027 is Thunder Road Speedbowl. The quarter-mile, high-banked oval in Barre, Vermont, will stage its first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race on Saturday, June 12, marking the first NASCAR touring series event at the track since 2003.

The 2027 schedule will also feature many other stops, including Claremont Motorsports Park on Friday, June 18, and Monadnock Speedway on Saturday, July 17.

Lancaster Speedway will also rejoin the schedule on Saturday, July 24, marking its first Tour event since 2025.

Two of the Tour's most established venues will once again host two dates each in 2027. Seekonk Speedway will host races on Saturday, May 15, and Wednesday, June 30, and Riverhead Raceway will hold events on Saturday, June 5, and Saturday, September 11.

Fans can find the complete schedule and ticket details at nascar.com/whelen-modified-tour.

See the full schedule below: 

Images courtesy of NASCAR

The ARCA Menards Series has released the schedule for its 75th season in 2027, opening at Daytona International Speedway in February and closing at Kansas Speedway for the second consecutive year in October.

The 20-race slate will begin, as it has every season since 1987, with the 63rd annual Daytona ARCA 200 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The series will traverse the country, from the start of the season in the southeast to a visit to the southwest at Phoenix Raceway, the traditional short-track stops in the Midwest and a return to the northeast with visits to Watkins Glen International and Lime Rock Park. The 20 races will be contested at 19 different tracks in 11 states.

The series will race at Daytona International Speedway for the 63rd consecutive year dating to 1964. As it has for the last seven years, the race will be the opener of a same-day doubleheader with the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series the day before the Daytona 500.

The traditional visits to the Midwestern short tracks populate the late spring and summer slate, with stops at Ohio's Toledo Speedway in May, Michigan's Berlin Raceway and Minnesota's Elko Speedway in June, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in July for a doubleheader with the NASCAR FedEx Freight Truck Series, a trip to Wisconsin at Madison International Speedway in August, and the second Indiana stop at Salem Speedway in September.

Kansas Speedway continues to be the only track on the schedule twice, with races scheduled in conjunction with the NASCAR national series in May and September.

Additional conjunction races with the NASCAR Cup Series will also take place at Phoenix Raceway in March, Talladega Superspeedway in April, Michigan International Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway in June, Iowa Speedway over the Fourth of July weekend, Bristol Motor Speedway in August and Watkins Glen International in September.

The state of Illinois will host four races, including the return to the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, which will host the series on August 20. The two dirt miles at the Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair both return, with a new August 8 date for Springfield to go along with the traditional Labor Day Sunday night race at DuQuoin.

The race at Phoenix Raceway in March will be a combination race with the ARCA Menards Series West; the full slate of combination races with the ARCA Menards Series East will be announced when the East and West schedules are released in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit arcaracing.com.

See the full schedule below:

The FIA and Formula 1 have announced a 10-year agreement to bring the Formula 1 World Championship back to Africa with a race in Rwanda set to join the calendar in the early 2030s.

The agreement will see Formula 1 return to Africa for the first time since 1993. The long-term agreement will see the first race in Rwanda take place once the new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda, has been completed, which is expected to be early in the next decade. The new track will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards as part of a wider sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board, according to the FIA.

Located approximately 25 miles south of Kigali and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport, the circuit will be designed to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area's elevation changes to create a unique and challenging racing experience while delivering exceptional viewing opportunities for fans, the FIA said. Beyond race weekends, the venue will serve as a year-round destination capable of hosting international motorsport, major events, conferences and entertainment, helping to drive long-term economic growth and investment across the region.

"The return of the FIA Formula One World Championship to Africa is a historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport. Rwanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering a world-class event, and the FIA will work closely with FOM and our partners as this new circuit is developed to the highest international standards," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. "This agreement is also about creating a lasting legacy, inspiring new generations, developing talent and opening new opportunities for motorsport across Africa and beyond. Increasing accessibility is at the heart of the FIA's mission, and we have a responsibility to ensure that our sport continues to grow at every level, reaching new communities and creating opportunities for people in every corner of the world."

For more information, visit fia.com.

Image courtesy of FIA

Mazak, based in Florence, Kentucky, has appointed Suzette Mendez as general manager for its Midwest Region.

With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the CNC machine tool industry, Mendez brings to Mazak a proven track record of driving revenue growth, developing sales channels, building strategic customer relationships and leading cross-functional business teams.

Mendez has experience supporting OEMs and manufacturers across a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, heavy equipment and general industrial manufacturing. Most recently, she served as national product manager for a manufacturing equipment company, where she drove sales growth, dealer development and strategic accounts across North America, the company said. Mendez has built strong customer and channel relationships throughout her career while leading initiatives that connect manufacturing needs with machine tool solutions.

"Suzette's deep knowledge of the machine tool industry, combined with her strong leadership skills and customer-focused approach, makes her an outstanding addition to the Mazak team," said Kevin Bates, vice president, sales and regional operations at Mazak. "We are excited about the experience and leadership she brings to the Midwest Region and look forward to her contributions to our customers, employees and future business success."

Mendez is based at the Mazak Midwest Technology Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. Mazak's network of regional Technology Centers and Technical Centers provide customers with local access to demonstrations of the latest manufacturing technology, applications engineering, training and service.

For more information, visit mazak.com.

Ed Pink, left, and Shirley Kear Valentine, right, will be inducted into the 2026 PRI Hall of Fame class during the PRI Show, December 10-12, downtown Indianapolis. 

PRI has named legendary engine builder Ed Pink and sprint car racing industry pioneer Shirley Kear Valentine to the 2026 PRI Hall of Fame class. The PRI Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose careers, leadership and innovation have made a lasting impact on motorsports. An industry committee selects inductees based on their achievements, years of involvement and integrity.

"Ed Pink and Shirley Kear Valentine represent two essential parts of the racing industry: technical innovation and an enduring commitment to helping racers compete and succeed," said PRI Managing Director Doug Bresnahan. "We're proud to recognize the impact they have on racing and the people who make it possible." 

Ed Pink

Ed Pink founded Ed Pink Racing Engines in 1958 and became one of the most respected engine builders in motorsports. His career began in land-speed racing before expanding into drag racing and oval track competition, including work with Ford on its 427 SOHC drag racing engine program. Engines built by Pink powered competitors in Top Fuel, Funny Car, IMSA, Indy car, and USAC competition, earning more than 100 wins and more than 10 various national championships. He died April 27, 2025, at age 94.

"Ed would have been incredibly proud to receive this recognition from PRI and the racing industry he dedicated his life to," said Sylvia Pink. "He was passionate about building great engines and helping racers succeed, and I'm proud to accept this honor on behalf of Ed and our family."

Shirley Kear Valentine

Shirley Kear Valentine is the co-founder of Kear's Speed Shop, established in 1969 with her husband Chuck. The business grew into a nationally recognized supplier to the sprint car racing community, with Shirley and her family traveling to racetracks across the country to support racers and teams. Her contributions to sprint car racing earned her induction into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2016, where she became the fourth woman and first supplier to receive the honor.

"I'm honored to be included in the PRI Hall of Fame," said Kear Valentine. "Racing has been such an important part of my life, and I'm proud of what we built at Kear's Speed Shop and the relationships we've built along the way. To be recognized by the industry I've been part of for so many years means a great deal to me."

Pink and Kear Valentine will be formally inducted into the PRI Hall of Fame during the Grand Opening Breakfast, part of the 2026 PRI Show, on Thursday, December 10, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

The PRI Hall of Fame was introduced in 2024 with its inaugural class of PRI founder Steve Lewis and legendary camshaft manufacturer Ed "Isky" Iskenderian. The 2025 class included Paul "Scooter" Brothers, John Kilroy and Chris Raschke.

Register for the 2026 PRI Show

The 2026 PRI Show takes place December 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, bringing together motorsports professionals from across the globe.

Register today to connect with more than 1,000 exhibiting companies, explore new products and technologies, attend education sessions, network with industry professionals and experience everything the PRI Show has to offer.

To register and learn more, visit PRI2026.com/Attend. PRI membership is no longer required to attend.

Image of Shirley Kear Valentine courtesy of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum.