Bell Racing USA has announced the appointment of Jacob Brown to the position Director of Motorsports.

“Jacob has served Bell Racing in various racing and promotional positions with responsibilities that have prepared him for a leadership role in managing Bell Racing’s motorsports program while assuring our professional athletes and brand ambassadors receive outstanding product and customer service support,” Bell Racing President and COO Kyle Kietzmann said.

As Director of Motorsports, Brown will be responsible for managing Bell Racing’s amateur and professional racing, sponsorship and contingency programs, represent the Bell brand at professional events and oversee Bell’s trackside personnel, and support programs. Brown will assume the duties from previous Director of Motorsports Chris Wheeler, who will continue to serve Bell Racing in a consulting role focused on new sales, product, and brand initiatives.

“I have a deep passion for this brand and the athletes that we work with and look forward to continuing to grow Bell’s motorsports and athlete support programs. We have several exciting projects in development, and I am confident that we will continue to lead the industry in athlete support and protection,” Brown said.

Brown has degrees in Marketing and Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University and has competed in various forms of racing for 17 years.

For more information, visit bellracing.com.

The Board of Directors of Hulman & Company announced today that it had entered an agreement to be acquired by Penske Corporation.

Penske Entertainment Corp., a subsidiary of Penske Corporation, will acquire all Hulman & Company assets, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), the NTT IndyCar Series, and video series and production company IMS Productions, pending standard government approval.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) was built by Carl Fisher in 1909 and hosted its first races later that year. Eddie Rickenbacker then purchased the Speedway in 1927 before selling it to Tony Hulman and Hulman & Company in 1945.

IMS has been the host of the world’s largest single-day sporting event—the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race—for more than 100 years. The iconic venue has also hosted NASCAR, Formula One, and more.

The NTT IndyCar Series continues as North America’s premier open-wheel racing series and is one of the most competitive championships in the world.

“We recently approached Roger Penske and Penske Corporation about this opportunity and began working to put an agreement in place,” Hulman & Company Chairman Tony George said. “The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the centerpiece and the cathedral of motorsports since 1909, and the Hulman-George family has proudly served as the steward of this great institution for more than 70 years. Now, we are honored to pass the torch to Roger Penske and Penske Corporation, as they become just the fourth owner of the iconic Speedway. There is no one more capable and qualified than Roger and his organization to lead the sport of IndyCar racing and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway into the future.”

Penske Corporation has a long history of managing major motorsports properties, beginning with the acquisition of Michigan International Speedway in 1973. Penske and its subsidiaries have also operated the Grand Prix of Cleveland, Nazareth Speedway and California Speedway, along with investments in North Carolina Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. The corporation currently promotes and operates the Detroit Grand Prix, hosted annually at the Belle Isle Park street circuit.

“My passion for racing began at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1951 when I attended the Indianapolis 500 with my father,” said Roger Penske, whose race team celebrated its 50th anniversary of first competing at IMS this year. “We have so much respect and appreciation for the history and tradition of the Speedway and the sport of IndyCar racing. I want to thank Hulman & Company for the opportunity to build on this legacy, and it will be an honor for Penske Corporation to help lead these great institutions forward into a new era.”

Hulman & Company’s financial adviser was Allen & Company LLC, and its counsel was Ice Miller LLP for this transaction.

For more information, visit indycar.com or indianapolismotorspeedway.com. 

Image courtesy of INDYCAR

Maximizing the benefits of inverter technology in AC TIG welding depends on many factors. An especially critical one is selecting the right tungsten for the equipment and application.

In the past, pure tungsten was considered the only choice for TIG welding materials such as aluminum, magnesium, or other alloys that require an AC arc.

But the inverter technology in today's AC TIG welders has resulted in more options. Pure tungsten is no longer the recommended option. Modern alloyed tungsten electrodes, often referred to as rare earth tungstens, contain elements such as cerium or lanthanum and outperform traditional pure tungsten—helping to optimize quality and productivity.

BENEFITS OF TIG INVERTERS

The industry has shifted toward inverter-based AC TIG welders that incorporate advanced squarewave technology to improve weld quality, increase travel speed, and reduce operating costs.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC patented squarewave AC output and the adjustable balance control function in the 1970s. This technology enabled the transition through the zero-amperage range to occur faster than a regular sine wave, improving arc starts and creating a more stable arc.

Today, the next generation of AC TIG inverter technology delivers more benefits in addition to a sine waveform.

THREE (3) ADVANCED SQUAREWAVE CAPABILITIES:

1. The AC TIG inverter in a Miller® Dynasty® welder produces smooth, stable arcs because the squarewave is driven through the zero point thousands of times faster than a rectifier-based welder. These welders have inverters so fast that the built-in, high-frequency capabilities are used for arc starting only — no longer needed to run continuously when welding aluminum. These inverter-based machines also offer Lift-Arc™ starting capabilities, eliminating the use of high frequency in both DC and AC.

2. Inverter-based welders extend electrode negative (EN) balance control. Dynasty welders let operators fine-tune duration times from 50 percent to 99 percent. Making the cycle's EN portion longer can help achieve greater penetration. It also contributes to a narrower weld bead and up to 20 percent faster travel speeds. Additionally, it reduces the heat on the tungsten, enabling the use of a smaller diameter tungsten to make welds on smaller or thinner parts.

3. Inverter-based welders let operators adjust the welding output frequency (not to be confused with high frequency for arc starting) from 20 up to 400 hertz in the case of the advanced Dynasty models. The output frequency of conventional welders is fixed at 60 hertz. The lower frequency range produces a broader arc cone, widening the bead profile, which is great for build-up work. Increasing the frequency, particularly above 100 hertz, produces a tighter, more focused arc cone. This pinpoint control drives more heat into the weldment for better penetration and a narrower bead, which helps when welding in corners, on root passes and fillet welds, or anywhere precision welding is required.

An AC TIG inverter is ideal for welding aluminum because it allows welders to fine-tune the weld bead profile by controlling arc cone shape and arc force through increased balance and frequency control. This lets operators change the shape and force of the welding current from a wide fan to a more focused stream. To achieve a softer, wider arc, welders can back off the AC frequency. For a more forceful arc, welders can tighten the frequency. The net effect is that advanced squarewave technology provides better control of the bead profile. Note that AC frequency predominantly affects arc width and penetration, while balance control affects cleaning action and tungsten life/geometry.

While pure tungsten traditionally holds up to heat better because it rounds off instead of forming small nodules, it's not the perfect answer for AC TIG welding anymore. The characteristics of pure tungsten combined with AC mode welding results in the tungsten balling up, producing a wider arc cone and possible arc wandering. When the pure tungsten ball becomes larger than the tungsten's outside diameter, it can get so hot that the tungsten splits or drops off and contaminates the weld puddle.

Rare earth tungsten maintains a point and doesn't ball up like pure tungsten does. Additionally, technologies such as increased balance control and output frequency take more heat off of the tungsten to minimize the nodules, making rare earth tungsten a better option for AC TIG welding.

CHOOSING A RARE EARTH TUNGSTEN

In selecting rare earth tungsten for TIG welding, the recommended options are 2% ceriated, 2% lanthanated or 1.5% lanthanated. Ceriated and lanthanated tungstens hold up better for AC TIG applications than 2% thoriated tungsten.

While thoriated tungsten remains the most common in DC TIG, because of concerns about radiation, most experts strongly recommend ceriated or lanthanated electrodes for AC and DC TIG. Tests have shown that ceriated and lanthanated electrodes are equal to—or even surpass—thoriated electrodes in terms of welding properties.

Another advantage of selecting rare earth tungsten in combination with advanced squarewave technology is the ability to use smaller tungstens, which deliver greater control with a more focused arc.

Not all electrodes are created equal. Be sure to choose a quality electrode with uniform oxide distribution in the tungsten matrix. This helps welding properties such as arc stability, ignition behavior, consumption rate, and service lifetime.

COMMON QUESTIONS WHEN SELECTING A TUNGSTEN

1. What metal is being welded?
2. Is AC or DC welding output required?
3. Is the welding power source traditional or inverter-based with extended balance control and adjusted output frequency?
4. What amperage range is needed?
5. What electrode diameter is required, and how is it sharpened?

It's also a good idea to consult a tungsten selection chart.

MAXIMIZE THE BENEFITS OF INVERTER TECHNOLOGY

When welding aluminum or magnesium with an inverter-based AC TIG welder, the wrong tungsten can hamper the benefits of advanced squarewave technology. Choosing the right tungsten with an inverter-based TIG welder can significantly enhance productivity and ultimately the bottom line thanks to increased travel speeds, reduced gas, and tungsten consumption, faster weld puddle starts, decreased post-weld finishing time, and eliminated arc wandering.

Visiting five of the most iconic tracks in the Western half of the United States, the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli West Coast Championship returns in 2020 for its fourth season with six events.

The West Coast Championship, which was launched three years ago, hit a record entry in 2019 with the field growing by 27%, with additional growth anticipated in 2020 with the introduction of the new Xtreme GT class.

“We are so happy to see the growing interest in the West Coast Championship,” said John Clagett, President of the Trans Am Race Company. “The interest has been strong, and we’ve grown the schedule for the 2020 season to help continue that trend. Our paddock has been vocal about where they want to race, and I’m pleased that we’ll be able to visit some great tracks and generate more opportunity for the teams next season.”  

The 2020 Trans Am West Coast Championship kicks off at Sonoma Raceway on March 14-15, in conjunction with a NASA event.

Ending the season with a November 6-8 finale will be the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Texas. The event will feature the first-ever season-ending event weekend for both the West Coast and National Championships.

For more information, visit gotransam.com.

Trans Am West Coast Championship by Pirelli 2020 Schedule
March 14-15        Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif.   (with NASA)

April 4-5              Thunderhill Raceway Park, Willows, Calif. (with NASA)

May 1-3              Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif. (with SVRA)

July 24-26           Portland International Raceway, Portland, Ore. (with SVRA)

Aug. 29-30          Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif.   (with NASA)

Nov. 6-8              COTA, Austin, Texas (with SVRA)

Photo courtesy of Trans Am

Diesel Parts of America (DPA) has been acquired by Nashville, Tennessee-based DSS ProDiesel. DPA brings extensive international diesel fuel injector experience to DSS ProDiesel, creating a combined company that serves the diesel fuel injector needs of more than 50 countries.

DSS ProDiesel was founded in 1959 and offers the remanufacturing of diesel fuel injectors, pumps, and other injection products and services for the North American market. DPA is similarly experienced in fuel injector manufacturing and remanufacturing, as well as injector components and other diesel parts for international markets and global vehicle applications.

The combined company will offer faster delivery across North America, broaden international support and products, and accelerate overseas market development, according to a company release.

“DSS ProDiesel is a great strategic fit with complementary expertise, markets, and products representing a unique opportunity to grow the combined customer base through expanded product lines, services, and reach. I look forward to staying on board to focus on sales and development initiatives to grow the business,” DPA President Are Mansourian said.

Mansourian will continue with DSS ProDiesel, assuming responsibilities for West Coast sales, marketing and operations, as well as international business development.

Hart Marx Advisors represented Diesel Parts of America and facilitated the transaction.

For more information, dpausa.com or dssprodiesel.com.

Track officials have confirmed that Cody Sommer, the owner and president of Mansfield Motor Speedway, LLC (MMS), in Mansfield, Ohio, will not be moving forward operating the venue at the close of this calendar year.

“It was my goal to build MMS into a destination and a showplace, and in so many ways I think we did that successfully. We have had a lot of success, but we have also faced some major challenges over these last three years and it is part of what makes this a difficult decision,” Sommer said, who purchased the track three years ago. 

“I have several different ventures I’m involved with and likely more in the future.  Sometimes you have to step back and just look at where your life is and where it is going, where you want it to be and make a decision for what is best for you and your family.”

During his tenure overseeing the track, Sommer spearheaded the decision of converting the speedway back to dirt. He also oversaw the major resurfacing of the track this year, along with many facility improvements and renovations. 

Additionally, Sommer hosted a variety of events including a Summer Fair, Monster Truck Shows, Freedom Festival Fireworks, Allstar Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars (ASCoC), Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series (LOLMDS), the $100k Sprint Car World Championship and the Dirt Million.

The Ohio property, including the 4/10-mile speedway, is now listed for sale. For more information or for track purchase inquiries, contact info@mansfieldmotorspeedway.com.

Photo courtesy of MMS

As exhibitors prepare for the PRI Trade Show, taking place December 12-14, in downtown Indianapolis, many have shared plans for the industry leaders and special guests that are set to appear during the three biggest business days in racing.

The growing lineup of racing VIPs include:

● Josh Maxey, JM Motorsports Driver – Trailer Alarms LLC Booth #7100 – Fri., 12/13, 10 - 11 a.m.

● Rod Saboury, Drag Racer – Joe Blo Speed Shop Booth #2927 – Thur., 12/12

● Chris Stephens from Discovery Channel’s “Garage Rehab” – Dragonfire Tools LLC Booth #7511 – Thur., 12/12, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Fri., 12/13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Sat., 12/14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

● Steve Darnell from Discovery Channel’s “Vegas Rat Rods” – FASS Diesel Fuel Systems Booth #3857 – Fri., 12/13, 12 - 2 p.m.; Sat., 12/14, 12 - 2 p.m.

Exhibitors may promote their guest appearances online through the exhibitor dashboard. For the complete list of PRI 2019 Guest Appearances, visit here.

Formula 1 officials have unveiled the major rule changes set for 2021, including a "radical" new car design featuring sweeping bodywork, simplified front wings, bigger rear wings, increased underbody aerodynamics, wheel wake control devices, simplified suspension, and low-profile tires with 18-inch rims.

Display panels will also be considered on wheel rums and the bodywork display panel to provide information to spectators.

The new design will support more overtaking on the track thanks to reduced downforce. Currently, a car loses more than 40% downforce when running in another car’s wake; the new design drops this to 5-10%.

Officials will also enforce a cost cap in 2021, the first time for the pinnacle of motorsports. Spending for on-track performance costs will be restricted to $175 million per team, per year. Funds that go to marketing, salaries, and related expenses will be excluded.

Additional rule changes include condensed race weekends and limited wind tunnel tests per season.

For more information, visit the F1 website.

Image courtesy of F1

Dayco, the engine products and drive systems supplier for the automotive, industrial, and aftermarket industries, has appointed Tom Tecklenburg as its Vice President of Aftermarket for North America, reporting directly to Bruno Vallillo, President of Global Aftermarket.
 
Located at the company’s Troy, Michigan, office, Tecklenburg will be responsible for establishing the strategic plan and leading the North American Aftermarket team, which encompasses the US and Canadian markets, to increase customer satisfaction and drive growth.
 
Tecklenburg brings 30 years of automotive and commercial vehicle experience across both the original equipment manufacturer and aftermarket sectors, with his most recent previous role at HDA Truck Pride, where he held the position of Chief Commercial Officer for the US, Canada, and Europe. He has also worked for The Timken Company, Honeywell International and Fram.
 
“I’m excited to have Tom on board,” Vallillo said. “With his experience and the great team in North America, we can accelerate the growth of the business, while also improving customer satisfaction.”
 
Earning a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Dayton, Tecklenburg also holds an Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) certificate from the University of the Aftermarket.

For more information, visit dayco.com.

Bondurant High Performance Driving School has announced that two leading automotive industry veterans, Dan Dineson and Mike Kessler, have joined the management team to help fuel the school’s recent growth and expansion efforts.

Dineson will serve as the Director of Marketing and Sponsor Relations, while Kessler will fill the role as the school’s Director of Sales and Business Development.

“We’re in an incredibly exciting time right now, turning corners and forging paths that will drive us into the next 50 years. Dan and Mike not only offer decades of business acumen from the automotive industry to propel the school into our next phase of growth but as motorsport enthusiasts, they bring a deep passion and understanding of high performance driving to their roles,” Bondurant CEO and GM Franki Buckman said.

Dineson—who previously worked for the school from 2001 to 2010 with school sponsorship programs—will manage day-to-day marketing activities including advertising, PR, sponsorship fulfillment, social media engagement, website development, and trade show management.

Kessler will oversee the development and implementation of the school’s sales, sponsorship, and new business growth strategies and initiatives. Additionally, he is responsible for developing relationships and building business strategies for the school’s sponsors and working to create solutions to achieve their business and marketing objectives.

For more information, visit bondurant.com.