Lucas Oil Products has announced its decision to discontinue its ownership and operation of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) presented by GEICO. 

Since 2009, LOORRS has been widely recognized as one of the world’s premier short course off-road racing championship series. The announcement also includes the discontinuation of the Lucas Oil Regional Off Road Series. 

“The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series could never have achieved the levels of success it did without the individuals who made it all happen - out on the race track. The unwavering commitment from our drivers over the years has allowed Lucas Oil to invest in their talent, and we couldn’t be prouder to see all the success stories that have come out of this championship,” LOORRS Director of Race Operations Ritchie Lewis said. “Moreover, we owe tremendous gratitude to the companies that have lent their support to short course off-road, as their partnerships were invaluable to our success. As we close this chapter, these individuals and our relationships are what we will remember.”

The series concluded its 2020 season at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California, on October 16-17. Eight champions were crowned, including Jerett Brooks of the Pro 2 category, Brock Heger of Pro Lite, Eliott Watson in Pro Buggy, Corry Weller in Turbo UTV, Myles Cheek in Production 1000 UTV, Connor Barry in Mod Kart, Logan Leggitt in JR2 Kart, and TJ Siewers in RZR 170.

For more information, visit lucasoiloffroad.com.

After switching manufacturers, the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) has reintroduced its NP01 Evo prototype vehicle. The new package, designed to be an economical way to go prototype racing, was unveiled after SEBECO acquired the program from Élan Motorsports Technologies earlier this year.

“SEBECO has been a terrific partner. They have placed great emphasis on customer and owner input to further develop the car, enhancing its strengths and directing its improvements,” NASA’s Brett Becker said.

Since SEBECO took over the program, engine power has increased from 185 to 210 horsepower. The vehicle has also been upgraded with a revised front splitter ramp, a new rear wing location, and a new rear diffuser, along with aerodynamic improvements. SEBECO also installed strengthened rear suspension rocker arms and rear upper control arms.

“The Evo package has an additional 25 horsepower. It has double the downforce. So, it’s nearly a thousand pounds of downforce on the car,” NASA Vice President Jeremy Croiset added. “Now it has a really robust diffuser. The wing has been relocated about 12 inches rearward, which helps with the aero balance. And now we also have splitter ramps built into the splitter, which increased the front downforce tremendously and helped with some of the cooling efficiency.”

The NP01 features a 1018 steel-tube TIG- and MIG-welded frame with an integral roll cage structure and anti-intrusion bars. It is powered by Mazda’s MZR 2.0 engine paired with a SADEV six-speed sequential gearbox. NASA is currently evaluating data and driver feedback to select a new spec tire manufacturer. An announcement is expected in December.

NASA first introduced the closed-cockpit prototype vehicle during the 2015 PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis.

“The NP01 Evo now costs $69,995 fully assembled,” Becker noted, “so the price has decreased since its debut.”

For more information, visit sebecomotorsport.com or nasaprototype.com.

NHRA officials have announced the details of the 2021 Camping World Drag Racing Series 23-event season, revealing national event pro category qualifying days and specialty series schedules. 

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series' 70th anniversary season begins March 11-14 with the 52nd annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway and concludes Nov. 11-14 with the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona.

Teams in Top Fuel and Funny Car will compete at every 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series event. Pro Stock, which celebrated its 50th year in 2020, will race at 18. The Pro Stock Motorcycle class will compete at 16 races. 

Officials also announced the continuation of its quick-draw qualifying format in 2021. At 17 events, professional teams will run three qualifying sessions over two days, Friday and Saturday, with final eliminations on Sunday. At five events, pro teams will run two qualifying sessions on Saturday with final eliminations on Sunday. The format, which was utilized as NHRA first returned to racing in July 2020, provides racing excitement and allows economic balance for all stakeholders. NHRA expects to return to the customary four qualifying runs in the future. 

“We can’t say enough to thank the loyal NHRA fans who have stuck with us during the trying times of the 2020 season,” said NHRA President Glen Cromwell. “We are grateful to you. All of us at the NHRA look forward to a full season of drag racing in 2021. Thank you to our fans, racers, and partners for your continued support and cooperation.”

For the complete schedule, visit here. For more information, visit nhra.com.

Champion Brands, the manufacturer of lubricants, additives, chemicals, and engine oils, has selected All-Midwest Sales, LLC, as its Racing and Performance Aftermarket Rep Agency for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. 

All-Midwest Sales, LLC, was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Strongsville, Ohio.  

“We believe in All-Midwest Sales, LLC (AMS) wholeheartedly; we have a great respect for the people and the quality of service they provide,” said Karl Dedolph, Director of Racing and Performance Products for Champion Oil. “Not only is AMS one of the performance industry’s largest rep organizations, but it is recognized with some of the most talented and knowledgeable associates available... The AMS associates are often awarded ‘Rep of the Year’ from many of the companies they represent.” 

“Champion is a great company with a very large offering. They do more promotions, marketing, and advertising than most oil type companies. Looking forward to working with them,” AMS President Jim Morehouse said. 

For more information, visit championbrands.com or allmidwestsales.com.

Fans attending the 2021 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire, set for January 11-16 at the River Spirit Expo Center, will be required to wear a mask and have their temperature checked. Currently, the 35th annual event has been placed at a 25% capacity.

Masks must completely cover the individual’s nose and mouth. Any attendee with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed into the Tulsa, Oklahoma facility. Once admitted, all attendees will be required to follow all other River Spirit Expo guidelines.

Current ticket holders who do not wish to attend in 2021 are encouraged to contact the Chili Bowl office at 918-838-3777 by November 20. The tickets may be held for renewal prior to the 2022 event. 

In recent related news, FloSports, the sports streaming and original content network, has announced the acquisition of streaming rights for the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire. The 10-year deal was signed for FloSports to broadcast the indoor midget racing event to racing fans worldwide. 

For more information, visit chilibowl.com. 

^{Photo courtesy of the Chili Bowl Nationals}

Tim Frost, the National Speedway Directory publisher, has announced the schedule for the 2020 virtual Race Track Business Conference (RTBC) set for Wednesday, December 9. 

Headlining the schedule is PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. He will present the ninth annual event's opening remarks, which typically occurs during the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis but was canceled this year due to COVID-19. Meyer will discuss Change and Adapt: The Year of Challenge and Uncertainty. 

The online gathering, set from 9 a.m. to noon CST, will also feature four cutting-edge presentations, including:

• "Diversity and Inclusion," which will discuss creating and embracing social change, on and off the track opportunities, motorsports' response, and more. This session will be led by Lauri Eberhart of Apollo Sports Law Group, Jimmie McMillian of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Cindy Sisson, the CEO of GS Events.

• "Motorsports Coalitions" will cover how to bring the industry together and create awareness and opportunities, as well as legislative and operational guidance. This session will be led by Chris Blair of World Wide Technology Raceway, PRI Ambassador Tom Deery, Christian Robinson of SEMA's State Government Affairs, and Shawn Stewart of U.S. Motorsports Association. 

• "Racing Towards The Future" will cover the future of mobility, which is driven by transformational and disruptive forces from the impact of shifting demographics and consumer lifestyles to advanced technologies and automobility solutions. This session will be led by Doug Boles of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Stefano de Ponti of Dallara USA, Matt Peak of Energy Systems Network, Rob Prucka of Clemson University-ICAR, Ralph Sheheen of Turn 3 Media, and John Waraniak of SEMA.

• "Digital Marketing" will focus on effectively reaching customers on multiple platforms after the shutdown. This session will be led by Gene Cottingham of Mix It Out, Ruthie Culbertson of Driving EXP, and Jason Rittenberry of Music City Grand Prix.

Networking will take place directly after the closing remarks at noon. The cost to attend the virtual event is $25.

For more information, visit rtbc.speedwaysonline.com. To register, visit here.

Meyer Distributing, Inc, the automotive specialty products marketing and distribution provider, has announced a new location in Bridgeport, West Virginia. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer’s Jasper, Indiana distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, exhaust, and RV parts in the region.

“It’s refreshing that demand has remained strong across all segments of our business,” Meyer Distributing Director of Sales Cody Ziegler said. “Our depth and breadth of inventory have been very helpful in a time of supply disruptions. The support of our customers clearly defines the need to expand.”

“We are so fortunate to have a dedicated group of employees that truly care about their work, “Meyer CEO Jeff Braun said. “We have laid off no employees due to COVID to date. We have actually added nearly 200 since May. Being there for our employees when they needed us most, and things looked pretty grim for the industry was one of our proudest business moments ever. It was great to see so many customers, vendors, and employees rally through a difficult operating environment.”

“Meyer remains committed to being the most financially sound enterprise in the industry, focusing our service levels around what is long-term sustainable while aggressively reinvesting in our infrastructure and partnerships with vendors and customers alike.”

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

N.G.K. Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), INC., has announced a new position for one executive team member.

Kent Howard has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth and Partnerships. In this newly created role, Howard will be tasked to develop new partnerships and pathways to strategically grow the N.G.K. business into four key business fields – Environment & Energy, Mobility, Medical, and Communications. He will be working closely with Dirk Schapeler, Senior Vice President of N.G.K.’s Global Innovation Division.

Howard was most recently Senior Vice President, O.E.M., Cutting Tools and Tech Center and has been
with N.G.K. for 23 years.

“We must embrace the global conditions and trends that will shape the future economy and business world. We are structuring our executive team to maximize our growth and transform our company,” N.G.K. President and C.E.O. Mike Schwab said. “This change is led by a desire to prepare for a rapidly changing business environment. This way, we can continue the implementation of our performance culture plan and shape our future.”

Howard, who has held positions in numerous disciplines during his 23 years with N.G.K., holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and an M.B.A. from Michigan State University. He will continue to reside in Michigan and work out of NGK USA headquarters in Wixom, Michigan.

For more information, visit ngksparkplugs.com. 

Formula 1 has revealed the schedule for the 2021 season, with 23 Grands Prix on the provisional agenda for next year. The season will start in Australia in mid-March, finish in Abu Dhabi in early December, and feature the first-ever World Championship race in Saudi Arabia.

The announcement follows an unprecedented year for Formula 1 in which the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a revised 2020 calendar of 17 races, as F1 became the first international sport to resume its season.

“The plans for 2021 have involved extensive dialogue with all promoters and their local and national authorities at a time of ongoing fluidity related to the global pandemic,” read an F1 statement. ”Formula 1 and the FIA put in place robust health and safety measures to allow the revised 2020 season to restart and run effectively.

“Our hosts for 2021 are reassured by our safe return to racing this season and confident that the plans and procedures we have in place will allow us to return to a level of normality for the 2021 season.

“As we have said before, we expect fans to return for the 2021 season and for the calendar to look similar to the originally planned 2020 season. We will continue to work closely with our promoters and partners and look forward to the start of the season on March 18 in Australia.”

Provisional 2021 F1 calendar
March 21 – Australia (Melbourne)
March 28 – Bahrain (Sakhir)
April 11 – China (Shanghai)
April 25 – TBC (TBC)
May 9 – Spain (Barcelona)*
May 23 – Monaco (Monaco)
June 6 – Azerbaijan (Baku)
June 13 – Canada (Montreal)
June 27 – France (Le Castellet)
July 4 – Austria (Spielberg)
July 18 – United Kingdom (Silverstone)
August 1 – Hungary (Budapest)
August 29 – Belgium (Spa)
September 5 – Netherlands (Zandvoort)
September 12 – Italy (Monza)
September 26 – Russia (Sochi)
October 3 – Singapore (Singapore)
October 10 – Japan (Suzuka)
October 24 – USA (Austin)
October 31 – Mexico (Mexico City)
November 14 – Brazil (Sao Paulo)*
November 28 – Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)
December 5 – Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi)
^{*Subject to contract}

For more information, visit formula1.com.

^{Photo courtesy of Formula 1}

Performance Open Wheel Racing Incorporated (POWRi) has announced the POWRi Super Stock Division, a new, cost-effective weekly racing series.

“We have been working hard going through quite a few different sets of rules and trying to develop a package that is as cost-effective as possible for the racers, as well as tracks, to ensure a program that can maintain and grow,” Lake Ozark Speedway General Manager and spearhead of the POWRi Super Stock Division, Kevin Greven, said. “POWRi has over twenty series competing in over 500 events on the schedule for 2021, with that being said, this program will receive the same attention and national recognition as any other program POWRi offers, only this one has been specifically developed for the Super Stock class.”

Comparable to Street Stocks or Stock Cars, the POWRi Super Stock Division will debut in 2021 at Batesville Motor Speedway, Lake Ozark Speedway, Lebanon Midway Speedway, Legit Speedway Park, Monett Motor Speedway, North Central Arkansas Speedway, Old #1 Speedway, Old 71 Speedway, and Poplar Bluff Motorsports Park. Additional tracks may also be announced at a later date. 

Each track will offer a POWRi Super Stock Division yearly point fund and crown a season champion. POWRi will also offer a $10,000 POWRi National Super Stock year-end point fund for drivers participating across the entire group of weekly sanctioned facilities. 

Unlike other programs, the POWRi Super Stock Division will have no cost to the tracks. Officials will allso not be required to collect money for pit pass costs that would in turn have to be sent to the sanctioning body. There is a single yearly driver registration fee of $100, which supplies the $100,000 secondary insurance policy for each participating POWRi Super Stock driver.

For more information, visit powri.com.