Maquoketa Speedway, the dirt track in Maquoketa, Iowa, located at Jackson County Fairgrounds, will open its 2020 season with a new promoter.

Kevin Feller will oversee promotions of the track, which features Saturday night racing with four IMCA divisions on regular weekly programs. The 2020 season is scheduled to open April 18, with two Test and Tunes set for early April.

“I haven’t been this fired up about the new race season in a long time. If it weren’t for this little track, I wouldn’t be where I am,” Feller to IMCA.com. “This is a very, very spe­cial place for me.”

Feller calls Maquoketa his hometown track, as he scored his first race at the facility in 1975 and has since kept track of laps and lineups at another 52 tracks nationwide.

“I am very driven on getting a young crowd to the track. I’m working with the schools and with the library on a reading program,” Feller said. “We want to get kids interested in racing and we want to get them and their parents to the track.”

 For more information, visit maquoketaspeedway.com.

The COVID-19 coronavirus has impacted businesses around the world, including those in the racing community. PRI is actively monitoring developments and working closely with local, state, national, and international health officials to determine how best to assist the industry. We are following recommended policies and best practices, and will make decisions with the industry’s health and safety as the top priority.

We are also committed to helping the industry minimize business disruption and succeed during this trying time. At this point, no changes have been made regarding the annual PRI Trade Show, which is currently scheduled for December 10-12, 2020. As new developments occur, PRI is planning and preparing to adjust to ensure the health and welfare of the industry, exhibitors, and attendees.

PRI will continue to update the industry throughout the situation. Account reps and staff are available to answer questions and provide additional details. Those with questions should reach out to their account reps, or contact 949-499-5413 or mail@performanceracing.com.

[Editor’s note: This news story has been updated on March 13, 2020. For the latest on major race series’ operations, visit here.]

In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, several racing series, event organizers and tracks have decided to modify, postpone or cancel industry gatherings. The following are official statements from race organizations regarding their operations as of Thursday, March 12.

NASCAR
“At this time, NASCAR will hold its race events at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway without fans in attendance. These events will be restricted to competitors, crews, officials and other necessary personnel to conduct the race. We will work with public health officials as we determine future scheduling beyond these events,” a written release stated.

In regard to media coverage at Atlanta this weekend, previously credentialed print and digital media members are welcome to join the race weekend on-site, with select changes to race day operations. Photographers will not be allowed, as NASCAR’s photography partner Getty Images will serve as a pool photographer for the event. Those with questions should reach out to the NASCAR Communications staff.

For the latest information, visit nascar.com.

INDYCAR
"INDYCAR and Green Savoree Racing Promotions, in conjunction with the city of St. Petersburg, announced Thursday that all activities surrounding Sunday's season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will be closed to spectators and limited to essential personnel only.

"The race weekend will operate from Friday through Sunday, with INDYCAR on-track sessions limited to Saturday and Sunday. The activities also include Road To Indy, IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup, and SRO Motorsports Group America on a condensed schedule.”

In addition, the City of Long Beach has announced that the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, set for April 17–19, will be canceled. Support events such as Formula Drift’s race (April 9–11) and the Grand Prix Press Day/Grand Prix View on April 7 have also been canceled.

For the latest information, visit indycar.com.

National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)
“…NHRA officials are postponing a portion of the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. The Sportsman categories of Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Top Dragster presented by Vortech Superchargers, and Top Sportsman presented by Vortech Superchargers will be contested on Thursday at Gainesville and will complete competition this weekend without ticketed spectators.

“Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Mod, Factory Stock Showdown, Top Alcohol Dragster, and Top Alcohol Funny Car will be postponed and completed at a later date to be determined.

“Current tickets will be honored at the rescheduled event or ticketholders may opt to use their tickets as a credit toward the 2021 Gatornationals.”

For the latest information, visit nhra.com.

Formula 1
“This weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne has been canceled. The news follows McLaren’s withdrawal from the race on Thursday, after one of their team members tested positive for the coronavirus.”

For the latest information, visit formula1.com.

FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)
“Following the announcement made by President Trump [on March 11] of a wide suspension of travel by non-US citizens from Europe to the [States], the leadership of the WEC has reviewed the viability of staging the Sebring 1000 Miles race planned to be held at [Sebring International Raceway in Florida] on March 20. After a careful review of the situation, it has been determined that the WEC race will be canceled.”

For the latest information, visit fiawec.com.

International Motor Sports Association (IMSA)
“The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) announced that the 68th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Parts scheduled for March 18-21 has been postponed due to the recent United States ban on travel from Europe, which will prevent a number of drivers, teams and key personnel from participation.

“The rescheduled race will now become the season-ending event of the 2020 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and will be run Nov. 11-14 at Sebring International Raceway.”

For the latest information, visit imsa.com.

United States Auto Club (USAC)
“Saturday's USAC West Coast Sprint Car race at Keller Auto Speedway (Hanford, CA) has been canceled due to coronavirus restrictions from the Kings County Health Department and the State of California.

The series will now open its season with a rare doubleheader, starting April 18 at Bakersfield Speedway (CA), followed by its first event at The Dirt Track at Kern County Raceway Park (Bakersfield, CA) the following night.”

For the latest information, visit usacracing.com.

Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA)
“Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) announced today that its popular Vintage Race of Champions (VROC) race during the March 26 – 29 SpeedTour Road Atlanta Grand Prix weekend is canceled.

“The Friday night charity banquet for the Hope For The Warriors charity will also not take place. Currently, SVRA plans to run all other races for the SpeedTour weekend. The Trans Am Series Presented by Pirelli, SVRA vintage races, and IGT will take place but no fans will be admitted to the grounds.”

For the latest information, visit svra.com.

Indoor Auto Racing Championship
“Len Sammons Motorsports Productions and the Indoor Auto Racing Championship make the health and safety of our fans, competitors, and partners a priority and, because of that, the State of New York has forced our hand and we are canceling [this weekend’s] events [at the NY State Fairgrounds Exposition Center in Syracuse].

“Information about ticket refunds, standings, and future events will follow shortly.”

For the latest information, visit indoorautoracing.com.

ARCA Menards East
“This weekend’s ARCA Menards Series East race at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida has been postponed.

“Five Flags Speedway and Track Enterprises have not announced a make-up date for the rescheduled ARCA Pensacola 200 presented by Inspectra Thermal Solutions, however, track and series officials are working through potential dates.

“Those with questions regarding the Five Flags Speedway race are encouraged to call the track office at 850-944-8400.”

For the latest information, visit arcaracing.com.

Formula E
“…it will no longer be possible to stage the Rome E-Prix on April 4, 2020.

“Formula E, in agreement with the relevant authorities in Rome, EUR S.p.A and together with the FIA and Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI), will work closely with championship partners and stakeholders in order to assess and review alternative options to postpone the Rome E-Prix to a later date once restrictions have been lifted.”

For the latest information, visit fiaformulae.com.

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA)
“The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) Executive Committee voted unanimously to postpone its 32nd Annual Induction Celebration, scheduled for [March 16–17] in Daytona Beach.

“The induction celebration will be rescheduled in the future.”

For the latest information, visit mshf.com.

The NHRA E3 Spark Plugs Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service will now kick off at the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, marking the 20th year that the class has been a part of NHRA competition.

Pro Mod will still feature side-by-side, five-second doorslammer racing, but there are numerous changes as the class enters its third decade.

First, there are new rules regarding power adder combinations. The ProCharger centrifugal supercharger and large displacement (960-cubic-inch) nitrous engines are now legal. There are now five distinctly different engine combinations for racers to choose from including the current turbocharger, supercharger, and small (909-cid) nitrous engines. Additional new rules are posted below.

From a procedural standpoint, changes have been made in an effort to attract new Pro Mod racers to the category. Grade points, event quotas, and pre-entry regulations have been eliminated from the rulebook, which means that any licensed Pro Mod driver who wishes to enter a race may do so right up to the entry deadline (typically Monday before the start of the event).

In addition, the E3 Spark Plugs Pro Mod class will also visit some new venues in 2020. New this year are races in Chicago, Denver, and Brainerd.

Major Pro Mod Rules Changes:

• ProCharger and big (960-cid) engine combinations approved for competition
• Fresh air breathing system now mandatory
• Transmission case and lines must be fully enclosed in a tunnel constructed of aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber
• Any front-end body part made with carbon fiber must be covered with SFI 54.1 flame retardant coating.
• A 60psi normally open-air switch must be installed to prevent the car from starting if system air pressure is below 60psi.
• Window net must release with a quick lock and or spring-loaded mechanism.

For more information, visit nhra.com.

Photo courtesy of NHRA

Dana Incorporated announced that it has opened a new facility in Slidell, Louisiana, for the repair, service and assembly of industrial gearboxes.

The nearly 32,000-square-foot space, which will let employees custom-make gears up to 6.5 feet, replaces the company’s current operations in Slidell. Dana has also invested in gear grinding and hobbing equipment, as well as skilled personnel, to increase the ability to quickly turn-around gearboxes for customers, according to a press release.

In addition to the facility in Slidell, Dana has 26 service and assembly centers around the world.

For more information, visit dana.com.

Lucas Oil Products Inc., the American-based manufacturer and distributor of additives and lubricants, has announced the promotion of Dave Wonser as its new Vice President of Brand Development.

Wonser has been with Lucas Oil for nearly 15 years.

“Dave has been part of the Lucas Oil family since 2005 and has always remained a versed professional. He played an integral part in developing Lucas Oil Production Studios in 2007, [when we] developed and launched Lucas Oil Racing TV,” Lucas Oil Products COO Thomas Fredrickson said in a written statement. “And has always shown initiative in the performance of his duties, even going above and beyond what was expected of him. We know the same level of dedication and commitment will be applied in his new position and can't wait to see where he will help lead the company.”

As Vice President of Brand Development, Wonser will oversee a wide array of business functions including branding, product development, online and offline promotions, and market research.

Wonser’s previous positions with the company include Account Executive, Studio Director, Multi-Media Director and Director of Technology. He also brings experience in information technology (IT), digital design and website development to his new role.

“I look forward to this new challenge and opportunity. Lucas Oil is such a diverse company with the various entities that we have and I enjoy pushing the limits on new ideas, company growth and development to further the company,” Wonser said in a written statement.

For more information, visit lucasoil.com.

Memphis International Raceway (MIR) and parent company IRG Sports + Entertainment (IRGSE) have announced the hiring of motorsports industry professionals Tyler West and Brandon Schulhof.

West has been named director of corporate partnerships for the Millington, Tennessee-based drag strip, road course and tri-oval, while Schulhof is now the marketing specialist.

Both new hires will report to MIR General Manager Justin Kamm.

“Tyler and Brandon bring proven sales and marketing knowledge and experience to the MIR team,” Kamm said. “These talented professionals will focus on growing and building partner and community relationships. They will be tremendous assets to MIR and our partners.”

West began his career in motorsports as a 14-year-old working the front gate at Mo-Kan Dragway in Asbury, Missouri. He later served multiple roles at the historic facility in addition to working as a sales professional outside the motorsports industry.

Most recently, he was a marketing manager at Mo-Kan Dragway. Through his current role, West will oversee business development and sales activities at MIR.

Schulhof, a graduate of the University of Missouri, earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. Most recently, he served as a sales and marketing associate at Racing Electronics in Concord, North Carolina.

His prior experience includes internships at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Gateway Motorsports Park and Global Rallycross. He has specialized in event activation, marketing and ticketing campaigns to increase ticket sales and build brand awareness.

For more information, visit racemir.com.

Motovicity Distribution, the performance-focused wholesale distributor, has added Wagner Tuning to its portfolio.

Wagner Tuning is a German high-performance auto parts manufacturer specializing in engine parts such as intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, downpipes and intercooler kits for a variety of European, American and Japanese car makes and models. Wagner’s racing line of products focuses predominantly on intercoolers and catalytic converters.

According to a Motovicity press release, Wagner Tuning prides itself on being an engineering company, dedicated to developing, testing and prototyping parts in house, without relying on any outsourcing to ensure the highest quality control.

“I’m excited to add Wagner intercoolers and downpipes to our line card,” Motovicity CEO Brian Lounsberry said. “Wagner Tuning has an impeccable reputation for delivering premium products for the racing market. We are happy to provide that option for our customers who are passionate about quality above all else.”

For more information, visit motovicity.com and wagner-tuning.com.

[Editor’s Note: This news story has been updated on March 12, 2020. For the latest on NASCAR’s race day operations, visit here.]

In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), NASCAR officials have announced several adjustments to race event operations, which will go into effect this weekend at Atlanta and remain that way “indefinitely.”

Media coverage procedures have been modified, as well as driver appearances, pre- and post-race activities, and victory lane celebrations.

The complete changes are below. Those with questions are advised to reach out to the NASCAR Communications staff.

Of note to media covering the race event on-site:
 
     ·    Driver Crew Chief meeting. This meeting will be held in open-air locations across all series and attendance will be restricted to drivers, crew chiefs, team owners and select officials and dignitaries. NASCAR Communications will alert you of any updates or driver questions resulting from that meeting, and the driver/crew chief meeting video will be available to view on NASCAR.com.
 
     ·    Driver at track media availabilities. The informal rotations for all three series will be changed to press conferences on the riser in the media center. Full-field driver availabilities during qualifying, infield care center driver availability and post-race bullpen will remain in effect, but with a 6-foot buffer in place. The weekend media availability schedule is attached.
 
Additional measures being implemented include:
 
     ·    Track Services meeting. This meeting will be held in open-air locations across all series.
 
     ·   Team haulers. NASCAR recommends that access to team haulers be restricted to necessary personnel at the team’s discretion.
 
     ·    Driver appearances. Should be structured to ensure that drivers are visible to fans in an open-air setting, such as Q&A sessions.
 
     ·    Driver autographs. Drivers should pre-sign items whenever possible, carry their own Sharpie and hero cards should be the primary form for all autographs.
 
     ·    Pre-race and post-race activities (driver introductions, grid & victory lane). We will provide a 6-foot buffer around the grid and driver introduction stage.
 
      ·    Advance in-market driver appearances. All advance appearances will be replaced with remote media activities and/or rescheduled for a later date in coordination with racetracks. 
 
     ·    At track evaluation process. All individuals coming to the infield care center demonstrating symptoms potentially consistent with coronavirus will be appropriately handled by medical professionals. All facilities have been provided a standard operating process following CDC guidelines.
 
For more information, visit nascar.com.

One of auto racing’s best-known hosts for more than six decades, Linda Vaughn has been named “Lady of the Century” by the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame (WCSCHoF).

Vaughn’s many achievements will be honored during the organization’s Induction Gala presented by World Wide Technology Raceway at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California, on June 11.

“We are honored to recognize Linda Vaughn and everything she has done to enhance all forms of racing,” WCSCHoF Chairman and CEO Ken Clapp said. “Our friendship—and her friendship with the racing community—spans a half-century.

“The Lady of the Century is a unique award for an individual whose love of racing and racers is without parallel.”

Known as the First Lady of Motorsports, Vaughn worked for then-California-based Hurst Shifter under George Hurst and Jack Watson. Vaughn was perhaps best known for her work at NASCAR premier series events but also appeared at many other races—the Indianapolis 500, Formula One and NHRA national drag races.

For more information, visit westcoaststockcarhalloffame.com.

Photo courtesy of WCSCHoF