Marx Buscemi Eisbrenner Group (MBE Group), the full-service marketing communications agency focused on the automotive, mobility, trucking, tech, and consumer goods industries, has hired Sophia Polsinelli as its newest account coordinator. 

Polsinelli joined MBE Group as a communications intern in late September 2020 as part of its recently launched internship program.

During her time with MBE Group, Polsinelli has supported the company’s in-house marketing initiatives in addition to various client projects, including drafting social media content, working on social influencer programs, assisting with SEO applications, writing press releases, and developing media lists, among other activities.

“As an intern, Sophia quickly became a great addition to our agency, bringing a fresh perspective to the team as well as a very impressive drive to learn and gain experience in all parts of the business,” MBE Group CEO and Chief Creative Officer Frank Buscemi said.

As an account coordinator, Polsinelli will support client account teams with writing, media relations, social media, integrated branding campaigns, and digital marketing activities.

Prior to joining MBE Group, she served as a marketing and sales intern for Bosch Battery Systems in Orion, Michigan. Polsinelli earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Michigan State University.

For more information, visit mbe.group.

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2021 SEMA Memorial Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Program at sema.org/scholarships. Scholarships are available to students pursuing a degree or certification that leads to a career in the automotive industry, and loan forgiveness is open to SEMA-member companies’ employees.

“It’s no secret that this past year has had its challenges. Now more than ever, SEMA is available to help support future industry innovators by providing financial assistance to current students and recent graduates who have outstanding student debt,” said SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil. “There are thousands of talented, hard-working individuals seeking careers in the automotive aftermarket. The SEMA Scholarship is designed to support this next generation and allow them to focus on their studies and work, rather than be burdened with tuition costs. The Loan Forgiveness program is intended to provide financial assistance to employees of SEMA member companies with outstanding student loans.”

Awards of up to $5,000 are available to qualified individuals. Complete details and the online application are available until March 1, 2021, at sema.org/scholarships.  

For more information, contact SEMA Project Manager, Member Services Byron Bergmann at 909-378-4859 or byronb@sema.org.

As NASCAR returns to the Valley of the Sun for Phoenix Raceway’s annual spring event weekend (March 12-14), Phoenix Raceway will host a limited number of fans throughout the three-day event.

The reduced capacity follows enhanced safety protocols and procedures to provide a safe environment for fans, competitors, employees, and industry personnel.

All guests will be screened before entering the facility at staggered entry times and must wear face coverings. Multiple handwashing and hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the operating areas and entrances, and a “clean team” of staff will disinfect common areas. 

“We look forward to kicking off another 2021 NASCAR season at Phoenix Raceway this March, and while we wish we could host a capacity crowd, the health and safety of everyone remains our top priority,” said Phoenix Raceway President Julie Giese. “In similar fashion to this past November for the track’s first-ever NASCAR Championship Weekend, we plan to host a limited number of fans for this event. November was a tremendous success, and we look forward to executing another safe and successful event this March.”

As a result of the limitations, many guests will have their grandstand seats relocated to ensure social distancing. Also, due to the limited capacity, Phoenix Raceway will no longer accommodate some guests who have already purchased tickets for the spring event weekend. Season ticket holders will receive priority as part of this process.

For more information, visit phoenixraceway.com.

Officials from IndyCar have announced the NTT IndyCar Series schedule for 2021.

The 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach has been rescheduled for Sunday, September 26, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Long Beach is one of the foundational and longest-running events on the schedule.

Additionally, a three-race, three-weekend west coast swing will complete the championship. Beginning at Portland International Raceway on Sunday, September 12, the homestretch continues at, what would be the finale under normal conditions, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Sunday, September 19, before finishing on the streets of Long Beach.

“It is important to have Long Beach rescheduled to continue the history and tradition for one of the series’ hallmark events in one of the nation’s premier media markets,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “Further, it’s a tremendous opportunity to wrap up the season with three-straight iconic venues for what we believe will be our most exciting season yet. As we did during the 2020 season, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and maintain flexibility across our schedule.” 

For more information, visit indycar.com.

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Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, has announced that Evan Bader has been named Track Manager.

Bader began working part-time at the famed family-owned facility when he was ten years old and transitioned to full-time upon graduating in 2016 with a degree in Sport Management and Public Relations from Ohio Northern.

He has held several roles throughout the years, including race operations, marketing, and announcing. 

As Track Manager, Bader will organize and oversee all on-track operations, including preparing the track surface, which underwent a $1.6 million reconstruction in 2018. He will ensure that supplies are available and equipment is accessible and work alongside a team to present a prepared track surface for all types of vehicles and all horsepower levels.

Bader will also create new events, develop racer programs, expand the track rental side of live events, and marketing. 

“I’m looking forward to getting back to work and doing what we do,” said Bader.

For more information, including the 2021 schedule, visit summitmotorsportspark.com.

Humberstone Speedway in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, will resume operations in the new year with new ownership. Local business owner and engine builder Terry Vince will take over as the new owner and track promoter of the 3/8-mile clay oval track.  

Vince is the owner of Competition Speed Supply and CSR Engines (Competition Speed Racing Engines). He brings over 30 years of performance industry experience to his new role. 

“I have a long history at Humberstone attending races in the mid-’70s with my father, and from 1996 -2002,  Competition Speed Supply had a parts and fuel truck in the pits to service racers in addition to the engine business. It’s basically in my backyard,” Vince said, who took over for previous owner Al Wagner.

Vince announced plans for a 12-event schedule for the 2021 season. 

“If [COVID-19] restrictions free up, we will add races as we continue throughout the season,” he said. 

Long-standing events such as the All Canadian Championships, the Pete Cosco Memorial, and the Eve of Destruction will continue. Sportsman, Late Models, Thunderstocks, Mini Stocks/Trucks, and now Modifieds have been announced for the schedule.

Also, underway are facility renovations, including a track reconfiguration and enhanced racing surface, new LED lights for the track, infield landscaping with seed and drainage system, a new infield compound for Derby cars, and a new infield guard rail system. The pit area will also see a new pit road entrance and exit. A parts store will also be on-site with VP Racing Fuels and methanol available for purchase.

Upgraded restrooms, upgrades to the licensed bar, and a new, 350-square-foot patio have also been announced. 

For more information, visit facebook.com/NewHumberstoneSpeedway.

NASCAR executive and sports marketer Jill Gregory has been named the new Executive Vice President and General Manager at Sonoma Raceway, as announced by Speedway Motorsports President and Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith.

Named by Adweek as one of “The Most Powerful Women in Sports” for the past two years, Gregory assumes leadership of the historic 1,600-acre property. She will follow Steve Page, who announced his retirement last August after nearly three decades at the track’s helm.

 “Starting with the vision of Speedway Motorsports founder Bruton Smith, I’ve always admired the company’s efforts to grow the sport of NASCAR and embrace innovative, new opportunities,” Gregory said. “I look forward to taking that same aggressive approach to further establish Sonoma Raceway as not only a premier destination for NASCAR and NHRA events but also elevating the historic road course as a year-round tourism and driving-experience attraction.

“I’m grateful to have worked with such a talented team of people at NASCAR, and I look forward to continuing those professional relationships from a new trackside perspective on the West Coast.”

Gregory is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Content Officer at NASCAR and the managing executive of the company’s Charlotte-based operations. 

For more information, visit sonomaraceway.com.

In a partnership with car owner Kevin Rudeen, Shane Stewart is now the new owner of Port City Raceway. The premier micro sprint race track in Tulsa was first opened in 1974. Stewart, a veteran sprint car driver, will retire from competition to focus on the new role. 

“I felt like it was a huge opportunity for a few reasons. One, it was a way for me to give back to racing. Two, it was a way for me to move my family back to Oklahoma and still be a part of the racing scene. Three, Port City is a staple in the micro scene, and I feel like I can grow that,” Stewart said. 

The previous owners, the Ross and Eubanks families, will still be heavily involved with the day-to-day and race day operations to ensure a successful transition.

“The major thing this year will be learning how things work on a nightly basis. Going from driving to being a promoter [will] be a huge change for me, but one that I am excited to learn. If things work out the way I hope they do, I plan on adding a new event here and there to the schedule and see how things go,” Stewart said.

For more information, visit portcityraceway.net.

Speedway Motors, the manufacturer, retailer, and distributor of automotive parts and racing products, has announced plans to open a 300,000 square-foot distribution center in Kearneysville, West Virginia. 

“Since 1952, Speedway Motors has been committed to providing a broad selection of high-quality, affordable automotive parts— delivered quickly, efficiently, and without any hassles,” Speedway Motors President/Owner Clay Smith said. “The new location cuts shipping times for our customers on the East Coast, helping us fulfill our promise of fast delivery.”

Speedway Motors first started as a parts shop in Lincoln, Nebraska. Today, Speedway Motors offers more than 250,000 products for race, street, muscle, and rod, and employs more than 450 people.

“I’m so excited to welcome Speedway Motors to West Virginia and help them serve their global customer base from here,” Governor Jim Justice said. “West Virginia continues to show the world we are a great place do business, and this innovative, unique, family-owned manufacturing company is a wonderful addition to Jefferson County.”

Speedway Motors announced plans to begin hiring for the new facility through February. Positions will include human resources, warehouse, and maintenance, bringing more than 25 new jobs to Kearneysville.

The company worked with the West Virginia Development Office and the Jefferson County Development Authority to make this new manufacturing and distribution operation.

For more information, visit speedwaymotors.com.

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) will host Performance Racing Industry (PRI) President Dr. Jamie Meyer during the network’s upcoming Facebook Live Chat on January 13, 2021, at noon PST.

Meyer has earned a Ph.D. in anatomy and cell biology while studying to become a medical doctor before changing careers into the racing industry. In 2005, Meyer joined General Motors, where he served in various roles of its performance division. Since joining PRI as president in 2020, Meyer has reinvented and reimagined several of PRI’s programs.

With a commitment to helping race tracks and businesses remain open during the pandemic and generating awareness for motorsports manufacturers and their new products, Meyer has launched the PRI Ambassador Program and the first-ever PRI Road Tour. He has also inspired and led his team to unprecedented social media growth and a newly redesigned magazine. 

Tune in to YEN’s Facebook Page (facebook.com/SEMAYEN) to hear how Meyer stays focused amidst the industry’s challenges, what he does to keep his team motivated, and why he remains committed to supporting the racing and performance industry.

For more information, visit sema.org/get-involved/councils-networks/yen.