At the end of the 2020 season, Gérard Neveu will step down as CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management (LMEM) as announced by Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. Information on the new management will be announced at a later date.

After almost a decade dedicated entirely to the World Endurance Championship (WEC), to the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), and to the organization of more than 100 international motorsport events, Neveu will pursue new challenges in his professional career and to lead new projects in different fields of work, effective December 31, 2020. 

"After nine years at the head of this superb motorsport program, I think it is time for me to hand over the baton and allow new life to be breathed into the organization under the leadership of Pierre Fillon. Great pages in endurance racing’s history books will open in a few months, in particular with the arrival of LMH and LMDh, and I have no doubt about the successes to come for these championships under the ACO umbrella. Until then, I will do my best to finish the 2020 season in the best way possible. Then it will be time for me to set off on a different personal path in 2021," Neveu said. "...For their trust, I would like to thank all the WEC and ELMS competitors, the partners, the suppliers, the media who have followed us, local promoters and all the circuits that have welcomed us around the world..."

For more information, visit lemans.org.

Meyer Distributing, the automotive specialty products marketer and distributor, has announced the addition of a Pennsylvania-based office. 

The new location expands Meyer's inside sales team with the addition of Margaret Edwards, Frank Arvonio, Randy Bowers, Jason Williams, Jack Marchetti, and Rich Mackonis.

“We are thoroughly excited to add these seasoned veterans to our team,” said Cody Ziegler, National Sales Manager for Meyer in published reports. “People buy from people and we know how important relationships are.”

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

Garrett Motion has entered an agreement for KPS Capital Partners to purchase its business, subject to court approval and customary closing conditions. 

“Since becoming independent nearly two years ago, Garrett’s teams have worked tirelessly to strengthen the 65-year legacy of automotive innovation by developing differentiated technologies and solutions like the E-Turbo and automotive software, and by reinforcing its operational excellence and global customer experience,” a company release stated. “Garrett’s fundamentals are strong, but the heavy debt load and liabilities the Company inherited following the spin-off from Honeywell, compounded by the financial strains of COVID-19, have created a significant long-term burden on its business development.” 

Garrett also announced the company had launched a debt restructuring process through a Chapter 11 filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York. 

Garrett intends to operate without interruption during the process, according to the company.

For more information, visit garrettmotion.com.

Basketball legend Michael Jordan has agreed to purchase a NASCAR Cup Series Charter. Bubba Wallace will be the driver for Jordan and his partner Denny Hamlin when the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season begins.

Jordan, widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time and current owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, will be the majority owner of a NASCAR Cup Series team. Wallace, the series’ only Black driver, previously announced earlier this month that he would not return to Richard Petty Motorsports.

Hamlin will be a minority owner of the single-car team and is expected to remain a driver of the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.

“Growing up in North Carolina, my parents would take my brothers, sisters, and me to races, and I’ve been a NASCAR fan my whole life,” Jordan said in a news release. “The opportunity to own my own racing team in partnership with my friend, Denny Hamlin, and to have Bubba Wallace driving for us, is very exciting for me. Historically, NASCAR has struggled with diversity, and there have been few Black owners. The timing seemed perfect as NASCAR is evolving and embracing social change more and more.

“In addition to the recent commitment and donations I have made to combat systemic racism, I see this as a chance to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for Black people in racing.”

The organization’s name, manufacturer affiliation, car number, sponsors, and other details would be announced later. The group is reported to have entered an agreement to acquire the team charter from Germain Racing, which currently fields the No. 13 with driver Ty Dillon.

For more information, visit nascar.com.

For the first time in 2020, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) will welcome fans to the Racing Capital of the World for the IndyCar Harvest GP presented by Global Medical Response (GMR) weekend. Up to 10,000 spectators can be in the grandstands on each day of racing set for October 1-4, per approval from the Marion County Public Health Department.

Tickets are available now via IMS.com and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

The facility, which holds more than 300,000 people, will provide two spectator zones with up to 5,000 fans in each. The zones will be located in Turns 1 and 4 of the oval, offering strong sightlines of the road course. Strict health and safety rules will be in place, including the following face coverings, temperature screenings, grandstand distancing, and pre-assigned gates and designated zones. 

“We can’t wait to see fans come through our gates for the first time in 2020,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “They’ll be greeted by a vastly improved facility, featuring significant upgrades to the spectator experience. We’re also extremely grateful to have a presenting sponsor with the expertise and resources of GMR as we look to implement our detailed and comprehensive health and safety plan.”

The plan, which includes each attendee receiving a mask and a bottle of hand sanitizer upon entering the track, was developed in consultation with state and local health officials.

For more information, visit indycar.com.

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has filed a lawsuit against The Coca-Cola Company, according to an announcement by NHRA President Glen Cromwell on NHRARacer.com. The company’s Mello Yello brand is the series sponsor of NHRA’s top professional division. 

According to the message, the lawsuit is based on Coca-Cola’s decision to end its sponsorship agreement, scheduled through the end of 2023. 

“Recently, Coca-Cola had a change of heart, and told us they would walk away from their agreement to sponsor our professional series --not at the end of 2023, as promised in their agreement, but now, after being with us since 2002. We’re deeply disappointed that they’ve taken this position,” Cromwell wrote. “...We owe it to everyone who makes the NHRA so excellent – all our employees, teams, tracks, fans, partners, and sponsors – to hold Coca-Cola to its promises.

“Today, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, we filed a lawsuit against The Coca-Cola Company. We have never filed a lawsuit like this in our history, and we never expected to be forced to take action against such a longstanding partner. We value relationships with our sponsors. We do not take this action lightly. But we are unwavering in our belief that we have no other option to protect our rights and the interests of our racing community, especially the racers whose purse was funded in large part by this agreement,” Cromwell wrote.  

For the complete statement, visit here.

After more than a decade of sanctioning winged sprint car competition, Must See Racing has confirmed that the organization will reformat the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series presented by Engine Pro into a special-events-only structure.

“This is a move that came as a very tough decision for us, as this series has been our brand since 2010,” Must See Racing President Jim Hanks said. “But based on all existing relevant factors, we had no choice but to finalize this move to conclude the season. No further events will be planned and our special awards and championship banquet will not be held. The points fund money will be mailed to the eligible car owners who supported all of our 2020 events.

“Moving forward into the future, we will... promote and manage several innovative special events featuring multiple racing series, race tracks, and divisions from across America,” Hanks added. “This plan will showcase our marketing partners’ products and services both in multimedia and through national television distribution.

“Our new format will enhance our primary business focus: delivering exciting and compelling racing entertainment, news, and content to the marketplace, and providing our marketing partners with expanded means and value to effectively reach and connect with mass audiences.”

Additional details on the future direction of Must See Racing will be announced at a later date.

For more information, visit msrxtreme.com.

Officials have released the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship provisional calendar. Six races across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, are on the calendar. The races will vary in length between 6 and 24 hours.

The calendar, subject to further change according to the evolution of the current health crisis, or contingent to the calendars of other FIA World Championships, opens with pre-season tests at Sebring on March 13-14, followed by the 1000 Miles of Sebring on March 19.

“To welcome our new top category in endurance racing we needed a calendar that sets the tempo and benchmarks for these new machines,” Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) said. “Despite the current difficult circumstances, which may bring with them certain consequences for our championship events and certain economic constraints, it is clear that this ninth season of the FIA World Endurance Championship is more than promising, both for its competitors and for the circuits involved.”

For more information, visit fiawec.com.

2021 FIA WEC PROVISIONAL CALENDAR*

• March 13-14 | Pre-Season Tests Sebring (USA) 

• March 19 | 1000 Miles of Sebring (USA) 

• May 1 | TOTAL 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) 

• June 12-13 | 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) 

• July 18 | 6 Hours of Monza (ITA) 

• September 26 | 6 Hours of Fuji (JPN) 

• November 20 | 6 Hours of Bahrain (BAH) 

*Subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council

Hawk Performance, the manufacturer of high-performance braking systems, parts, and fluids, has announced a new agreement with Jackson, the Greenville, S.C.-based brand and motorsports marketing agency.

Hawk announced the move will help expand high-performance braking products sales into new automotive audiences, including street cars, trucks and off-road vehicles.

“The Jackson folks speak our language. They provided an interesting approach, creative ideas and deep insight into our business,” said Chad Nicoletti, Hawk marketing leader. “Jackson is well respected in the motorsports and performance industry, and they have the relevant experience and talent to help collaborate on our marketing strategy, creative needs and implementation.”

For more information, visit hawkperformance.com.

After working closely with the Ohio Governor’s office and local health officials, IMSA and Green Savoree Racing Promotions have announced that the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, set for September 25-27, will be open to a limited number of spectators. Those who attend must adhere to necessary health and safety protocols.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s administration approved a variance to the Ohio Department of Health Director’s Order for sports for a total up to 6,000 spectators to attend. Currently purchased event tickets and Mid-Ohio Season Race Passes will be valid for entry. A very limited number of tickets remain for sale at midohio.com on a first-come, first-serve basis. No tickets will be available for purchase at the gates.

“The leadership and support of Governor Mike DeWine and his administrative team have been tremendous throughout the process to secure a variance for a limited number of fans to attend next weekend,” said Kevin Savoree, co-owner, president and COO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions. “Also, we really appreciate Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Interim Health Director Lance Himes and Morrow County Health Commissioner Stephanie Bragg for their ongoing guidance and support of our plan as we worked to open our gates to spectators again.” 

The Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio will feature the premier IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, as well as two races for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, three featuring the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA, and one for the IMSA Prototype Challenge. It will also be a doubleheader event for the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup.  

For more information, visit midohio.com.