An executive order signed today by President Donald J. Trump directed the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday to designate a race route through Washington, D.C., and the National Mall for the purposes of conducting an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on Aug. 21-23, 2026. The event will recognize the historic milestone of America's independence in addition to celebrating the unparalleled tradition and legacy of America's motorsports industry.

"INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our Nation, which is why I am pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C." said President Trump via the executive order. "This race, the first motor race ever to be held in our Nation's capital near the National Mall, will showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America's 250th birthday."

The full executive order can be viewed here: Executive Orders – The White House.

"President Trump has bestowed an incredible distinction upon our sport, and we're grateful for his trust and support as INDYCAR prepares to honor our country with a tremendous racing spectacle," said series owner Roger Penske. "This will be a truly memorable event that celebrates our country's independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation and excellence that powers motorsports across America."

The event will be administered by INDYCAR in coordination with the task force, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.'s Executive Office of the Mayor.

The street circuit event will be free to the general public and include vantage points of several majestic symbols of national pride and unity. Like all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, it will be televised to a live network audience via FOX Sports. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit indycar.com.

Registration for Holley LS Fest West is now open, giving participants the opportunity to secure their spot at one of the gatherings dedicated to LS- and LT-powered vehicles.

Now in its 10th year, Holley LS Fest West will host three days of drifting, drag racing, off-road action, burnout wars, autocross and a car show. Held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Nevada, the grounds will feature vehicles and vendors, as well as notable drivers, industry celebrities and online influencers.

Scheduled for April 24-26, Holley is now accepting registration and applications to participate in the various automotive events planned for the event.

For more information, visit lsfest.com/west.

Image courtesy of Holley

The Western Auto Racing Promoters Association (WARPA) is partnering with Burlington, Washington's Skagit Speedway to host a safety training seminar for race track safety teams.

Scheduled for Saturday, March 7, and held at the Skagit Casino Resort in Bow, Washington, the training will be applicable to all types of race cars and include education on many different aspects of racetrack safety, according to organizers. Covered topics will include:

• Proper application and removal of driver's safety equipment
• Latest safety features in race cars
• Fire suppression
• Extrication
• Medical needs
• Event pre-planning
• Performance during an event

Individuals interested in attending can contact lisa@skagitspeedway.com to participate.

For more information, visit warpa.org.

Eagle Raceway, Eagle, Nebraska, has officially been passed down to the next generation of the Hadan family. Roger Hadan has owned Eagle Raceway since 2007, after leasing and promoting the speedway in 2006 before completing the purchase.

Operations have been handed over to Roger Hadan's daughter, Racine Thompson (Hadan).

"[Thompson] has worked at Eagle Raceway since the Hadan family took ownership of the track, performing nearly every job imaginable—possibly with the exception of track preparation and large equipment maintenance," the family said in a statement announcing the change. "Through years of hands-on experience, she has developed a deep understanding of the day-to-day operations of the facility and has worked alongside her father to promote the raceway for many seasons. Sharing many of Roger's same creative and 'crazy' ideas, fans and drivers can expect that there will be no drastic changes to how the track is run."

Hadan is not stepping away entirely and will continue his involvement at Eagle Raceway, including in track preparation, equipment maintenance and race directing.

For more information, visit eagleraceway.com.

The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), working in collaboration with the FIA, Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS) and Podium Events, has taken a step towards a return to the United States with a WRC candidate event to be held this June.

Scheduled for June 11-17, 2026, the candidate event will be assessed against full WRC standards across stages in Tennessee and Kentucky, as part of a structured process that could open the door to a full WRC round from 2027.

The United States last hosted a WRC round in 1988 when the Olympus Rally formed part of the global calendar, according to series officials.

The trial event will be delivered in collaboration with ACCUS and closely evaluated by FIA delegates, covering all aspects of rally delivery, including sporting operations, safety, infrastructure and event promotion, WRC officials said.

Alongside stage and service park assessments, the program will include engagement with the American rally community through a visit to a round of the American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship, as well as meetings with proposed promoter Podium Event Partners, which brings experience from multiple areas of American motor sport.

The move underlines the championship's long-term ambition to expand its global footprint and establish a sustainable presence in one of the world's most significant motorsports markets, series officials said.

"Plans to bring WRC back to the USA have been germinating for some time and the confirmation of this candidate event marks a major milestone," said Rally USA project leader Marc de Jong. "It is a significant step in the championship's much-anticipated return to the U.S., after an absence of nearly 40 years."

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the United States represented a key growth opportunity for the championship.

"The United States represents one of the most important growth opportunities for the FIA World Rally Championship," he said. "It is a nation where motorsport is part of the cultural DNA, home to world-class domestic championships and a rapidly growing appetite for global competition.

"Expanding the WRC into North America would not only elevate the championship's global reach, but unite rallying with a knowledgeable, passionate and expanding fanbase in a market where participation and fan engagement continue to accelerate."

For more information, visit wrc.com.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock/ArtiMind

SEMA and PRI continue to gain momentum in their nationwide Right-to-Race advocacy campaign. Here's the latest:
 

WISCONSIN

Tierra Hubbard, senior manager of government affairs for SEMA and PRI, joined two Wisconsin race track owners in Madison, Wisconsin, to testify in support of Assembly Bill (AB) 880, legislation designed to protect long-standing race tracks from nuisance claims brought by new neighbors and surrounding development. The bill reflects a growing national effort to preserve lawfully operating racing facilities that contribute significantly to their local economies.

During the public hearing, testimony focused on the importance of race tracks as economic drivers, community gathering places and longstanding fixtures of Wisconsin's motorsports culture. Supporters emphasized that Right-to-Race protections ensure that facilities that existed long before nearby development can continue operating responsibly without being threatened by litigation.

Above (Left to right): Gregg McKarns, owner, Madison International Speedway; Tierra Hubbard, senior manager of state government affairs; Marcel Kuper, owner, Great Lakes Dragaway; Chuck Deery, president of motorsports management, La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway.

BACKGROUND

Wisconsin's Right-to-Race bills are part of a broader, multi-state initiative led by SEMA and PRI to establish consistent protections for motorsports facilities nationwide. Similar legislation has already been enacted in other states, with additional measures expected to advance during the 2026 legislative cycle.

SEMA and PRI will continue working with lawmakers, race-track owners and industry partners to move these bills through the legislative process and to ensure that the racing community remains protected for generations to come.

For more information and to get involved in race-track nuisance protection efforts in your state, contact SEMA Government Affairs at governmentaffairs@sema.org. For state-specific questions, contact one of our senior managers for state government affairs:

• Tierra Hubbard (East Coast) at tierrah@sema.org
• Victor Muñoz (West Coast) at victorm@sema.org

Email feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Chris Higgins Photography

Article image courtesy of Shutterstock | Matt Fowler KC

The second annual Oscar Mayer Wienie 500 will return to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 22, leading up to the 110th Indianapolis 500.

Last year's spectacle drew 85,000 fans in the stands at IMS and 8 million more via livestream. Revving up for its second lap, the race will feature the full fleet of six Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles, who will be competing for the title of Top Dog--this year with a new live nationwide broadcast and the chance for fans to get in on the action.

With each Wienermobile named after a regional hot dog, millions rallied behind their favorites--but it was Slaw Dog who secured last year's victory. This year, Slaw Dog (Southeast) is back to defend its title along with Chi Dog (Midwest), New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South) and Seattle Dog (Northwest). Following a disappointing performance, the Sonoran Dog is officially relegated due to not cutting the mustard, leaving a spot open for a new regional dog to enter the competition. Race lovers can visit @Wienermobile on Instagram to cast their vote in the first-ever 'Pick Your Dog' Wienie 500 bracket where they can choose from a fresh lineup of seven new regional hot dogs or opt to give Sonoran Dog another shot at qualifying.

"The response to the first Wienie 500 was overwhelming, and we heard the fans loud and clear that they were hungry for more," said Kelsey Rice, brand communications director at Oscar Mayer. "This year, we're supercharging the experience, delivering an even bigger, bolder and more unforgettable event that puts the fans at the forefront. With amplified engagement, intensified rivalries and more surprises in store, we're giving the people what they want – an unparalleled live experience that will leave them craving more."

Many of the beloved traditions from the inaugural Wienie 500 are back for this year's race, including custom Wienermobile decals, Hotdogger racing suits, the iconic "Wiener Song" anthem and finally, the trophy presentation at the "wieners circle" podium--complete with a mustard spray and Borg-Wiener trophy. All part of an experience that only Oscar Mayer can provide, the Wienie 500 is designed to spark smiles and serve up a uniquely delightful race.

For more information, visit ims.com.

Image Courtesy of Penske Entertainment: Titus Slaughter

From SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola and SEMA Sr. Vice President, Public & Government Affairs, Karen Bailey-Chapman: 

What a year 2025 was! SEMA and PRI were victorious in our fight to preserve vehicle choice, protected your ability to access public lands in your vehicles and launched a new effort to keep racetracks open and profitable for the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts.

But there's no time to rest on our laurels: SEMA and PRI are gearing up to again deliver the advocacy that the automotive aftermarket industry and grassroots racing community deserve.

If the past few years were our rebirth as advocates for the automotive aftermarket, 2026 is where we grow and flex.

We are entering a new election cycle, with the November midterms, where control of Congress will be determined. We've established positive relationships with the current administration and congressional leadership, and we have momentum carrying us forward on important issues like the right to modify and land use. In the states, there's a thirst within the car culture to protect collectors' rights and save race tracks; we're taking on that mantle in bigger, bolder ways.

We're going to continue to be a voice for small businesses and a champion of innovation. We'll continue pushing for government policies that aid, not hinder, your ability to bring your great products to market. We'll remain a voice of freedom and evangelize on the ways our nation's car culture is special and worthy of protection.

To help map the road ahead, we're including SEMA and PRI's 2026 advocacy agenda. Like last year, this is your baseline for our issues and where our Government Affairs team is focusing.

Our issues are bound to evolve; new ones will emerge. But rest assured, we're engaged in every way. We encourage you to remain connected to our work through SEMA and PRI News and our other communications platforms like SEMA Action (semaHQ.org).

Share this agenda, get involved in the issues that matter most to you, and don't hesitate to reach out when you have a question or concern. Our advocacy is stronger when you're engaged, and we're excited to be on this journey together.

See the full 2026 SEMA and PRI Advocacy Agenda here.

The race to the 2026 PRI Show is underway! Exhibitors can gain an early edge by securing their booth space NOW for the 2026 PRI Show, set for December 10-12 in downtown Indianapolis.
 

This year proved once again why the PRI Show is the epicenter of industry business—the place where the most innovative exhibitors meet the most dedicated, purchase-ready buyers. The brands that win at PRI are the ones that act first. They're the booths buyers flock to, the launches everyone talks about, and the companies competitors scramble to keep up with.

The process to submit an ESRA is a little different this year. Check your inbox for instructions now that booth reservations are officially open!

Questions? Contact sales@performanceracing.com.

Innovative motorsports product debuts. Groundbreaking industry announcements. Insane engine builds. Stunning race cars. Invaluable networking opportunities. Highly coveted educational programs. Reconnecting with industry colleagues. It only happens in one place at one time—the PRI Show.

From the moment the doors to the Show floor opened on Thursday, December 11, to the close of the event on Saturday, December 13, a constant buzz was heard throughout the entire Indiana Convention Center (ICC) and Lucas Oil Stadium (LOS) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Deals were made. Machinery and product lines ordered. Motorsports businesses and race teams prepared for a strong upcoming race season.

"2026 is coming," observed Mark Losiniecki of Trackside Addicts, Crown Point, Indiana, during the PRI (Performance Racing Industry) Show. "Get the race car ready. I reach out to my customers and ask them, 'Do you have seat belts? Do you have harnesses? Helmets? What do you need?'"

After walking the aisles at the PRI Show, he said he can then suggest new belts, harnesses, and other products to his customers. "Whatever you need, I get to see it here."

In fact, Losiniecki met with the team at Lifeline during the Show and discovered a redesigned belt that he didn't notice in the company's catalog. As a result, he placed an order for the belt. "I would not have seen it if I had only looked in the catalog," he added.

Travis Crum of Crum's Cars and Parts in Oak Harbor, Ohio, agreed about the value of speaking to the company sources and seeing the products in person. "It's easier to talk to the people that you want to buy parts from. You can walk right up to them, and they line you up with the person you need." One example he cited was meeting with HPT Turbos' owner, Harry Hruska, at the company's booth, where Hruska personally helped him choose a turbocharger for a Buick build.
 

PRI Show Elements

All three days of the PRI Show were jam-packed, with the Grand Opening Breakfast being the engine to ignite the Show's festivities. Legendary racer Mario Andretti joined Ralph Sheheen on stage in the ICC's Sagamore Ballroom on Thursday morning, December 11. With them was the No. 12 Brunner Hawk Andretti drove in 1965 as his Indy 500 rookie car and drove to win the 1965 and 1966 Indy Car championships. Andretti, whose appearance was possible courtesy of MagnaFlow, shared stories about how he started in motorsports with his twin brother Aldo. When Sheheen asked Andretti about his favorite race car, he quickly responded, "Any car I can win in." His favorite race track? He answered wryly, "Any race track I can win on."

Sheheen asked him, "What engine stirs your soul?" Andretti then cited the Ferrari V12.

The Breakfast also featured the announcement of three new inductees into the PRI Hall of Fame. John Kilroy, former editor of PRI Magazine and VP of PRI; Scooter Brothers, former co-owner of COMP Cams and current co-owner of Driven Racing Oils; and Chris Raschke, former director of sales and marketing at ARP and driver of the Speed Demon land-speed record car, were honored as PRI's second Hall of Fame class.

Once the Show opened, racing industry members filled the aisles in both the ICC and LOS. In the Capitol Connector between the two, attendees could see hundreds of new motorsports products and equipment on display in the Featured Products Showcase.

As they walked into the Lucas Oil Stadium, attendees were greeted with a variety of race cars from the Goodyear collection, including Kenny Irwin Jr.'s No. 98 Craftsman Truck, Jack Beckman's Funny Car, and the No. 199 Oreca, known as Spike the Dragon, from AO by TF, which earned class honors in the LMP2 PRO/AM and finished third in the overall LMP2 class at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Past the Goodyear exhibit was the SIM Racing Arena. Leading organizations, including Dallara-AK Esports, Podium 1, SIMCraft, SRO America, and Team America/Init Esports brought professional-grade simulators, competitive events, and educational programming.

SRO America returned to the PRI Show with an expanded presence and provided daily invitational races with top esports competitors.

Team America, powered by Init Esports, brought the nation's top sim-racing competitors for an in-person showdown. The top 12 athletes from the 2025 Team America Talent Scouts competition powered by MOZA Racing went head-to-head on Saturday, December 13, in the Team America Time Trial Challenge. PRI attendees were also able to compete by setting hot laps at the Team America booth on Thursday and Friday for a chance to earn one of the final spots on Saturday's grid.

Completing the space on the Stadium floor were a variety of trailers and tow vehicles specifically tailored to enhance the towing and at-track living experience.
 

Additional Value

Discovering new parts, equipment, and machinery is what often draws the racing industry to the three-day motorsports trade show. However, PRI's value goes far beyond the 1,061 exhibitors in just under 3,800 booths.

Several highly beneficial ancillary events support PRI Show Week and provide additional value to those already in Indianapolis for the PRI Show.
 

To read the full article, plus hundreds of other articles like it, for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio here.    

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "PRI Is ROI: Value Affirmed at the 2025 PRI Show" here and additional coverage in the January/February 2026 issue here.