Bruce Flanders, the veteran announcer known as the voice of the Long Beach Grand Prix and Irwindale Speedway, has passed away at 75 years old.

Flanders served as the announcer for the Long Beach Grand Prix from 1978 through 2019, and also held announcing stints with Costa Mesa Speedway, Laguna Seca Raceway, Industry Speedway, and Orange County Fairgrounds. 

Also a veteran of the Vietnam War, Flanders began his racing career behind the wheel and set a land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats when he was 28 years old. His 141.703 mph production motorcycle record stood for seven years. 

He was honored with a medallion for the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame in 2016. 

^{Photo by Andy Witherspoon, courtesy of The Press Telegram}

Lime Rock Park, the natural-terrain motorsports road racing venue located in Lakeville, Connecticut, has announced the annual Labor Day Historic Festival will run as a non-spectator event. 

The Historic Festival 38 was set to be the venue's first major public event of the year. 

"After an extensive review of how to host a premium and safe event for our competitors, fans, local community, and our staff, we were faced with the difficult realization that hosting spectators and camping throughout the entire event weekend was not practical. It would be too hard to maintain social distancing in a paddock crowded with spectators and participants," a track release said. 

"We will host private groups such as traditional sponsors in the outfield with no access to the track. We can safely host a limited number of spectators for Sunday in the Park activities spaced around the entire 1.5-mile race track. Tickets will only be available for sale in advance for Sunday in the Park; no tickets will be available at the gate."

For more information, visit limerock.com.

^{Photo courtesy of Lime Rock Park}

Officials with the GT World Challenge America powered by AWS have announced the series will visit the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, on September 17-20.

The race, which will also feature Pirelli GT4 America, TC America, and GT Sports Club America, replaces the event originally set for Watkins Glen International. That race will be postponed to 2021. 

“We remain committed to returning to Watkins Glen, a favorite venue for many of our drivers, teams, and staff,” said SRO Motorsports America president and CEO, Greg Gill. “We’re thankful for our friends at Circuit of The Americas welcoming us back for a second time this season. Every week is a new challenge and we’re happy to have a quick solution to replace our rounds at Watkins Glen.”

SRO America has returned to racing with two race weekends completed at VIRginia International Raceway and Sonoma Raceway. Along with strict COVID-19 protocols, the series, in partnership with EventCheck, has introduced a successful beta test of its contact logging and virtual credentialing app. 

Remaining events will continue to follow approved COVID safety protocols established by local, state, and federal health authorities. 

The COTA race weekend will be streamed live on SRO Motorsports Group’s YouTube Channel and series websites. In addition, Sunday’s GT World Challenge America powered by AWS race can be viewed live on CBS Sports Network.

For more information, visit gt-world-challenge-america.com.

^{Photo courtesy of GT World Challenge America, SRO Motorsports}

Ransomville Speedway, the dirt track in Niagara County, New York, has announced it will not contest any more races during the 2020 season due to the continued extension of Governor Cuomo's Executive Order No. 202.32, which prohibits spectators at racing events. 

"Hosting successful events is dependent on three major components: participants, fans, and sponsorships. It is challenging to successfully operate when fans aren't permitted, and sponsorships are so dependent on crowds," track general manager Jenn Martin said in a track press release. "Short tracks like ours need all things to work in unison to be successful. Plus, racing at Ransomville is just not complete without all the excited fans joining us every Friday night. It just wouldn't be the same." 

For more information, visit ransomvillespeedway.com.

From the creator of the original NASCAR LS Spec Engine and the DIRTcar Series W16, Wegner Automotive Research is proud to introduce its newest sealed and encrypted engine, the LS 427 Weekend Warrior.

The foundation of the sealed motors is a strong and reliable engine that doesn’t compromise on horsepower or quality components, while still remaining affordable for the passionate racer on a budget – the “Weekend Warrior.” These engines allow racers to run an entire season with basic engine maintenance and a cost effective annual rebuild. The price to performance ratio is critical to deliver to customers, providing an engine combination that reliably provides racers with winning success.

The newest addition, the Wegner LS 427 Weekend Warrior, is built with a Dart Iron block with 13:1 compression, in-house CNC ported LS7 cylinder heads with matched premium components, and a forged rotating assembly. It also has the power and durability for a competitive advantage to win. Racers will appreciate the expertise and quality components used in the design of the engine as well as the reliability and horsepower provided by such an economical motor. Holley 850 carb, W.A.R. tuned is provided as an option, as well as the option for an aluminum Dart block, which lightens the engine weight by 100 lbs. The weight of the LS 427 Weekend Warrior with the iron block is 500 lbs.

Wegner Automotive Research, started in 1975 by Carl Wegner, was built from a racing pedigree. Carl was a hard-working innovator and quickly became a leader in the industry by consistently developing and building championship winning race motors for top teams, from NASCAR all the way down to the local race track. This innovation and expertise are consistently applied to the engines still supplied today. Sadly, in April 2019, Carl passed away, leaving his family and employees to continue his legacy of building premium racing and performance engines and components. His son Casey was born and bred in the performance racing industry, working alongside his father from a very young age. Casey has managed the production machine shop for almost 20 years, along with overseeing the ProTouring engine builds and performance product offerings. We sit down with Casey for a Q&A for more details on Wegner Automotive and the new LS 427 Weekend Warrior.

What is the LS 427 Weekend Warrior engine package?

We are offering a complete engine package from the oil pan up to an optional W.A.R. tuned 850 Holley carburetor. The foundation of the LS 427 engine is the Dart Iron block that we refine with our race prep details. A complete forged rotating assembly, with a 4” stroke crank, 4340 rods and our Wegner spec. pistons. Our CNC ported GM LS7 6 bolt heads are outfitted with premium components of titanium intake and SS exhaust valves, mounted with ARP head studs. Everything from the distributor, plug wires, and spark plugs are supplied, along with an ATI crank damper, Stewart water pump, alternator and full Wegner front drive. The engine is encrypted, sealed, and dyno tested in house. Additionally, we offer the Weekend Warrior with an optional aluminum Dart block.

What is the cost of the engine?

My dad’s greatest passion was to build strong, reliable engines for his customers. To help the sport of racing by making it easier for the racer on a budget to compete—and to help fill the field every night so that the tracks and the sport as a whole would thrive. We developed the 427 Weekend Warrior with this same mindset, to be an affordable yet high-quality engine option for racers. It can be purchased for $18,900, the optional Holley 850 carb W.A.R. spec for $1,325, or save and buy the pair together for only $19,950. The optional aluminum block, which lightens the weight of the engine by 100 lbs., is an additional $3,500. The estimated cost for an annual rebuild/annual refresh is $6,000. Interested customers may speak with our sales reps. for more details.

What else is new at Wegner Automotive?

Our new street engine and ProTouring engine packages have been popular. We have also recently released a 10rib supercharger serpentine belt drive for LSx and LTx engines, to dependably support over +1100hp. Take a look at our website for all of our product offerings. If you do not see what you need, please call and ask how we can tailor our products to your needs.

What is in store for 2020?

Wegner looks forward to continuing to support its existing racing customers and add more wins to the trophy case, as well as working with new customers and tracks with the 427 Weekend Warrior to carry forward the legacy my father spent his life building. There is also a shop expansion underway and we will be adding new CNC machining equipment to continue to grow Wegner Automotive and meet the growing needs of our customers.

How should customers contact Wegner for more information?

Customers can call the shop at (920) 394-3557 and ask for Casey or our engine shop manager, Dennis. They may also email office@wegnerautomotive.com, or visit our website at WegnerAutomotive.com. We will also have the 427 Weekend Warrior on display at the PRI Trade Show Booth #630. Please stop by and check it out!

Formula DRIFT has revised its 2020 PRO and PRO2 Championship schedule, which features several rounds at four tracks, and resumes September 4-6, at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis, Illinois. 

"We have transitioned into version two of our series planning, which is intended to allow us to deliver eight rounds of PRO competition and four rounds of PRO2 competition at four venues. These will also be available as eight and four free-to-air livestream broadcasts for the two categories," Formula DRIFT President Jim Liaw said.

The series will then visit Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, on September 25-27, followed by a visit to Texas Motor Speedway on October 16-18. 

Formula DRIFT will conclude its PRO and PRO 2 Championships at Irwindale Speedway on November 20-22. 

ROUND / VENUE DATE 
World Wide Technology Raceway – PRO round 1 & 2, PRO2 round 1 – September 4-6 
Evergreen Speedway – PRO round 3 & 4, PRO2 round 2 – September 25-27 
Texas Motor Speedway – PRO round 5 & 6, PRO2 round 3 – October 16-18
Irwindale Speedway – PRO round 7 & 8, PRO2 round 4  – November 20-22

For more information, including tickets, driver profiles, livestream information, and more, visit formulad.com.

^{Photo courtesy of Formula DRIFT}

Wisconsin International Raceway (WIR), the motorsports facility in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, is listed for sale with an asking price of $11 million.

First opened in 1964, WIR features three asphalt tracks: a 1/4-mile drag strip, 1/4-mile asphalt oval, and a 1/2-mile asphalt oval. A Figure 8 track is inside of the 1/4-mile oval. The facility sits on nearly 16,000 square feet across 147 acres. 

WIR is known for its super late model Red, White, and Blue series, as well as its annual Dixieland 250 event. The track has also resumed racing, with its next event set for Thursday, August 13, for the Red, White, and Blue State Championship Series Blue Race on Thursday, Friday 13, and Friday, August 14, for Full Throttle Friday featuring street drags. 

For more information, visit its Real Estate Listing here, or visit wirmotorsports.com. 

^{Image courtesy of Google Maps}

Edelbrock, the manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket performance parts, has announced the appointment of two new product managers. William Philippin will serve as its new product manager for crate engines, while David Page has been named the product manager for forced induction products.

In his new position, Philippin will be responsible for Edelbrock’s crate engines, including the Edelbrock-Musi 555. He will also cover product planning and execution throughout the crate engine lifecycle. 

“Edelbrock has great plans for the future. I am excited to be here and look forward to contributing to their growth,” Phippin said, who most recently served as the Performance Parts Crate Engine Product Manager for General Motors.  

Page, meanwhile, will coordinate the efforts of the Edelbrock team and its resources to grow the presence of the Edelbrock brand in the forced induction market. This will include casting a vision for the product line, helping identify opportunities for new products, represent the group at trade shows, and more.

“Edelbrock has a great reputation and terrific people,” Page said, who comes from COMP Performance Group. “I look forward to my new position and helping the company exceed its goals.”

Prior to his 15 years at COMP, Page owned an automotive performance shop. 

For more information, visit edelbrock.com.

Spire Motorsports has completed an agreement to purchase the assets of Leavine Family Racing (LFR).

As part of the purchase, Spire Motorsports will acquire LFR’s NASCAR charter, the team’s race shop, and all owned inventory. As a technical partner of Joe Gibbs Racing, LFR’s current fleet of vehicles and chassis will be returned to Joe Gibbs Racing upon completion of the 2020 season.

Spire Motorsports will expand to a two-car operation in 2021 and relocate to LFR’s existing race shop in Concord, North Carolina.

Spire Motorsports was established in 2018 and is co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. 

“This is an exciting moment for Spire as we take the natural next step in our long-term plan to build our race team and prepare for the Next Gen car in 2022,” Dickerson said. “Bob Leavine invested more than money into LFR and this industry. He built a team brick by brick and we have long admired how he took his own steps in the garage. He also did it with his family at his side. We won’t let that be lost in this transaction...”

For more information, visit nascar.com or spiremotorsportsllc.com. 

^{Photo courtesy of Leavine Family Racing (LFR), Spire Motorsports}

NASCAR and BetMGM, a sports betting and iGaming platform, announced a multi-year sports betting partnership. As an Authorized Gaming Operator of NASCAR, BetMGM will collaborate with NASCAR to create and promote engaging sports betting experiences, including introducing in-race betting options, for racing fans across the United States.

“Partnering with a best-in-class operator like BetMGM positions NASCAR to build on the positive energy and momentum we’re seeing around gaming and in particular the live in-race experience,” said Scott Warfield, NASCAR Managing Director, Gaming. 

BetMGM is currently licensed for sports betting in seven states and has plans to be in 11 states by the end of 2020. 

BetMGM will also expand the portfolio of bet types offered on its mobile app throughout the NASCAR season, including pre-race and in-play bets. Bet types currently being explored include top-finishing drivers, driver matchups, stage winners and bets tied to the number of the winning car (over/under), among others. 

Beginning in 2021, BetMGM will offer live, in-play betting through a partnership with Genius Sports and its sports betting division, Betgenius. NASCAR and BetMGM are also working together to develop a free-to-play NASCAR game.

In celebration of the announcement, BetMGM is offering a special promotion for NASCAR bets placed on the BetMGM app leading up to Sunday’s historic NASCAR Cup Series debut of The DAYTONA Road Course at Daytona International Speedway. 

NASCAR has experienced across-the-board growth in its sports betting handle, according to the organization, thanks in part to the popularity of the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series as well as the sport's successful return to racing in May. BetMGM has seen NASCAR turnover grow by nearly 1,300% in just the first seven months of the year. Last year, NASCAR became the first sports league to join the National Center for Responsible Gaming.

For more information, visit nascar.com or roardigital.com.