Universal Technical Institute, Inc., the provider of transportation technician training, announced several changes to its senior leadership team.

Todd Hitchcock has joined the company as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, and Lori Smith has been promoted to Chief Information Officer.

Also, as part of its ongoing work to evolve Marketing and Admissions, UTI has created and is actively searching to fill a new role, Senior Vice President—Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), which will lead the company's new, integrated approach to student engagement. As a result of this shift in responsibilities, Piper Jameson, Executive Vice President—Chief Marketing Officer, has left the company to pursue other interests.

In his new role, Hitchcock will oversee the implementation of the company's current strategy and lead UTI's work to identify and leverage new opportunities for growth. Hitchcock has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the education sector.

In her new position, Smith will be responsible for evolving the company's technology and business intelligence strategies and infrastructure in support of its growth initiatives.

For more information, visit uti.edu.

Famed physicist Albert Einstein once wrote, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

Here at PRI our concern is for vehicles on four wheels—and with far greater horsepower than Einstein’s theoretical pedaler. But the message nonetheless rings true: If you’re not progressing, then what’s the point?

And that was essentially our philosophy in putting together Issue #1 of PRI Magazine’s 35th year in publication. To keep pressing forward.

For starters, we’ve undergone a refresh, as ultra-talented PRI Art Director Danny Kim has fine-tuned the look and feel of this magazine for an improved reading experience in 2020 and beyond. It’s a continuation of the process that began upon his arrival in 2018, and I think you’ll agree these pages have never looked better.

Speaking of visuals, one of the hardest parts of our job as publishers is narrowing down the hundreds of great photographs we receive each month to accompany our feature articles, columns, etc. There’s a lot to choose from. And inevitably some great images wind up on the cutting room floor. Which is why in 2020 we’re introducing a new photo spread to lead off each issue. It may come from our network of skilled photojournalists, or a generous contribution from an industry source or friend. Either way, we’re excited to offer you more stunning photography alongside our award-winning articles.        

Few would argue that sponsorships are the lifeblood of our sport. And an all-new column beginning in 2020 takes a revealing look at these important alliances. Sponsor Spotlight will take you beyond the headlines to explore a different partnership each month, whether it’s a manufacturer supporting a racer, a speed shop backing an event or class, or any other of racing’s countless sponsor agreements. We’ll speak with representatives from both sides of the table to sort out how these deals came together, why it was a good fit, what “success” looks like for both parties, and more. Our first installment highlighting Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) and the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) begins on page 102.

Yet another new offering can be found on our back page, a space that for many years had hosted PRI’s Industry Happenings. Beginning in 2020, however, this real estate will be converted into a home for some of the industry’s most popular and eye-catching content from the world of social media. We’re calling this feature Social Status, and in it we’ll showcase engaging posts by motorsports businesses across the social networks—Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, etc. Stay tuned to see what’s trending!

Among other reasons to follow PRI Magazine closely in the new year: Each issue moving forward includes an article under the banner of Tech Support, where a panel of expert sources will address customers’ most frequently asked questions on a particular topic of note. This month it’s CAD/CAM, followed by Coatings in February, Chassis Construction & Welding in March, LS Engines in April, and onward.

If that’s not enough, all editions of PRI Magazine will now offer a deep dive report on one hot button issue impacting the racing industry today: this month it’s Tariffs, followed by the PRI Trade Show Rewind in February, and our exclusive Racing Business Survey in March. Additional topics over the next 11 months include Social Media (May), eSports (June), and our first-ever Racer Survey (September).

So keep your eyes on PRI Magazine in 2020, beginning with our outstanding January issue!

Saldana Racing has announced the acquisition of Godfrey Autosport’s Spike Oil Tank division, owned by John Godfrey.

Saldana Racing is owned by veteran sprint car racer Joey Saldana, who won the 105 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.
 
“2020 is the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I couldn’t be more excited about our future at Saldana Racing. I started working and racing with John Godfrey back in 1993, and he has made a huge impact on both my racing career and my personal life. It’s funny how things come full circle in life. I am excited to be building sprint car and midget oil tanks for some of the top engine builders in the motorsports industry,” Saldana said in a press release.

Saldana Racing is now suppling oil tanks for several motorsports engine builders, including Durham Racing Engines, Fisher Racing Engines, HP Engines, Shaver Racing Engines, Kistler Racing Engines, Moyle Racing Engines, Newman Racing Engines, Ostrich Engines, Speedway Engine Development, Spike Chassis, Stanton Racing Engines, Tony Stewart Racing, and more.

For more information, contact Joey Saldana at 317-892-3149.

Bloomington Speedway, the red clay, 1/4-mile track in Bloomington, Indiana, has a new promoter.

Joe Spiker of Spiker Promotions in Greencastle, Indiana, has announced an increase to 15 races over the 2020 season, which begins with the Larry Rice Classic on April 12. The track, which was previously promoted by the USAC Racing Group and A.J. Bowlen, held seven events in 2019.

Spiker also promotes events for Lincoln Park Speedway (Putnam County, IN) and Paragon Speedway (Morgan County, IN).

Racing began at Bloomington Speedway in 1923.

For more information and the complete Friday night weekly racing schedule, visit bloomingtonspeedway.com.

Photo courtesy of Bloomington Speedway, Facebook

Outlaw Motor Speedway near Muskogee, Oklahoma, will reopen in 2020 with weekly Friday night racing featuring USRA Modifieds and Out-Pace USRA B-Mods.

“Outlaw Motor Speedway will be open for the 2020 racing season,” Track Promoter Ted Holt Jr. said. “The track will run primarily on Friday nights and opening night will be May 1 and run through October.”

Track officials for the high-banked 3/8-mile dirt oval recently announced free grandstand admission for the 2020 season to rebuild fan support in the region. The facility is also equipped with indoor VIP suites.

Holt, Tom Laster, USRA Director of Track Relations Bryce Hall, former track champion Joe Duvall, Brady Ross and RPM Speedway co-promoter Kevin Rogers of KR Promotions will make up the track’s advisory board for 2020.

For more information, visit usraracing.com.

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) announced that Rick Abbott has been named Chief Operating Officer of the Austin, Texas track. 

As Chief Operating Officer, Abbott will continue to work closely with CEO and Chairman Bobby Epstein—as well as race leadership from Formula 1, IndyCar, and MotoGP—on growth and planning initiatives.

Abbott will oversee day-to-day operations, create and implement strategy and policies, and foster employee alignment with COTA's goals.

"Rick has brought a new level of planning and preparation to all facets of COTA's operations. After leading the company through its most successful Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, implementing a system of responsibility and accountability, as well as bringing a new level of planning and preparation to all facets of COTA's operations, Rick has been a key part of COTA's growth and overall success," COTA CEO and Chairman Epstein said. "With Rick as Chief Operating Officer, I am confident that he will enhance our current efforts and help COTA grow as an international travel destination."

Abbott has been instrumental in the implementation and growth of current ventures, including the Germania Insurance Amphitheater and the USL Austin Bold FC team.

During Abbott's time at COTA, he has designed and implemented business operations for the entire company, worked closely with the CFO on annual operations and capital budgeting, and directed operational strategies.

Prior to joining COTA in 2018, Abbott had successful leadership roles overseeing NBC's Rockefeller Center and ESPN's worldwide operations.

For more information, visit thecircuit.com.

Holley has announced the expansion of its popular training courses.

New for 2020, the carburetor course is intended to clear up general misconceptions about carbureted fuel systems as well as give students firsthand experience on tearing down, inspecting, and re-assembling a model 4150 or 4160 carburetor.

Course registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will receive catered lunches as well as in-depth presentations and discussions by Holley's two training instructors.  

Each participant will also be able to tour the Holley manufacturing facility and will be allowed a loaner carburetor for practical training and disassembly. Participants may bring their own carburetor but it must be clean, dry and free of fuel or solvent fumes.  

This course runs for two days and takes place at the National Corvette Museum from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit holley.com/events.

Bob Cook Sales (BCS), the aftermarket manufacturer representative firm, has announced Mike Katz has been appointed at the company’s new vice president.

Katz has been with BCS since 2007. His over 30 years of experience in the industry includes time as a store manager, district manager, buyer, and director of purchasing.

Katz, who earned his Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR) designation in 2017, will oversee the sales team, contribute to the company’s marketing and business strategies, and more.

For more information, visit bobcooksales.com.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway has appointed Justin Shaw as its new media relations manager, according to published reports.

Shaw joins the Nevada track from Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he previously worked as the director of media and public relations for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Shaw also reported and wrote for The Gazette’s sports section.

In his new position, Shaw will cover media-related duties including writing press releases, updating the track website, pitching stories to media, assisting with event management, social media duties, and more.

For more information, visit lvms.com.

Cometic Gasket, the supplier of high-performance gaskets for a variety of motorsports markets, has acquired Gasket Technology, LLC of Havasu, Arizona.

Moving forward, all Gasket Technology business will be conducted under the Cometic Gasket brand. Gasket Technology focuses on marine offerings, expanding Cometic Gasket’s line of engine sealing solutions.

“We are excited to bring the staff from Gasket Technology on board, along with their wealth of knowledge and experience in the marine market. The current manufacturing and customer support operations will remain in Lake Havasu,” a company statement said. “Our objective is to grow the already outstanding business platform created by Gasket Technology.”

For more information, visit cometic.com or gasket technology.com.