Ford is returning to rally racing in the FIA World Rally Championship as a full factory-backed team beginning in 2028, the automaker announced.

As part of its return, Ford Racing will once again team up with M-Sport Ltd, its rally racing partner of 30 years. Both brands will work together immediately and from 2028, Ford Racing will be directly involved in the WRC campaign with M-Sport before the debut of an all-new WRC race car in 2029, taking inspiration from one of the upcoming all-new European passenger vehicles.

"As we celebrate 125 years of Ford Racing, our 50-year legacy in the WRC stands out as one of our proudest because of its direct connection to the fun and exciting cars that came from that," said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Racing. "We can't wait to compete again in rally racing in 2028 and beyond."

"Today's announcement represents another significant moment for the FIA World Rally Championship," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. "With a new promoter in place, three constructors already committed to the new technical regulations and now Ford confirming its return as a full works manufacturer, there is real momentum behind the championship's next era."

For more information, visit fordracing.com.

Lucas Oil, the Indianapolis-based manufacturer and distributor of high-performance automotive additives and lubricants, has promoted Naomi Furgiuele to chief operating officer (COO).

In her new role, Furgiuele will oversee key company operations, including manufacturing, customer service, information technology and supply chain management.

"Lucas Oil has more than 300 premium products on the market, and Naomi has been instrumental in holding each and every one of these to a high standard," said Morgan Lucas, CEO of Lucas Oil. "She is a dynamic leader whose vision, expertise and commitment to excellence have helped strengthen our organization. We're excited to see her thrive in this role and continue building on Lucas Oil's legacy of industry-leading products and trusted performance."

Furgiuele joined Lucas Oil in early 2024 as senior product manager, bringing more than two decades of experience driving business growth and leading innovation. She was promoted to vice president of product development in late 2024 and to chief product officer (CPO) less than a year later.

"I'm deeply humbled by this recognition from Lucas Oil and am committed to continuing the forward progress we've made in the automotive aftermarket industry," Furgiuele said. "There's still much work to be done and stepping into such a crucial operations role gets me excited about the future of our business."

Before joining Lucas Oil, Furgiuele led innovation and growth at Ignite Venture Studio and co-founded Small World Brands, following a 16-year tenure at Johnson and Johnson where she drove major product strategies for brands like Neutrogena and Aveeno.

Furgiuele assumes the role of COO effective immediately.

For more information, visit lucasoil.com.

The entry period for the PRI Hoosier 500––the annual sim race held at the virtual Indianapolis Motor Speedway––is now open. Competitors can submit a free entry for the race now through November 2.

There is no entry fee for competitors to register for the 2026 PRI Hoosier 500. Prospective racers must have at least a C 4.00 oval or formula car safety rating on iRacing to be eligible, and number selection will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The number 1 is reserved for the reigning race winner, Robert Maleczka.

Click here to enter.

This year’s PRI Hoosier 500 will see expanded coverage on the PRI Facebook and YouTube pages, including race day coverage on December 13, the final hour of both Pole Day (December 5) and Bump Day (December 6) qualifications, the nightly show Today at the 500, and more.

Race day for the annual sim race will be December 13, 2026, with PRI returning as the official title sponsor and broadcast partner for the race.

Opening Day for PRI Hoosier 500 practice will be November 30, with additional official practice days assigned to December 1-3. Fast Friday, the final day of practice prior to qualifications, is scheduled for December 4.

Qualifications will be held across two days as is standard for the event. Day one qualifications on December 5, will feature the first chance for competitors to make time trial attempts, and the driver with the fastest four-lap average at the end of the day will earn the 2026 PRI Hoosier 500 Pole Award.

Day two qualifications--Bump Day--are scheduled for December 6, which will be utilized to finalize the field of 33 racers who will take the grid on race day. The fastest 33 qualifiers make the field, and all other drivers are sent home.

December 7 will feature the final full official practice session prior to race weekend, while Media Day has been scheduled for December 8.

Race weekend begins on December 12, with final PRI Hoosier 500 practice and additional support events, building towards race day on December 13.

Dates are tentative and subject to change. Official session times will be confirmed later this year, prior to the registration period's opening. Further information about the 2026 event will be announced at a later date.

For more information, visit thehoosier500.com.

 Though the 2026 PRI Show, the premier trade event for the global motorsports industry taking place December 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, is just weeks away, registration is still open online. Register for the 2026 PRI Show.

Savings are available for PRI Showgoers who register now with a tiered pricing structure: $55 per qualified attendee badge now through December 9, and $65 during the Show dates. The PRI Show remains a trade-only event for qualified industry professionals, and new this year, Showgoers can register for the PRI Show without a PRI membership. 

More than 1,000 exhibiting companies have already secured more than 370,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space, creating a show floor packed with the latest racing technology, performance products, manufacturing equipment, simulation tools, trailers and business solutions. From grassroots racing to professional motorsports, the PRI Show remains the industry's most important marketplace for discovering new products, building relationships, and conducting business ahead of the racing season.

"The PRI Show is where the business of motorsports comes together," said PRI Managing Director Doug Bresnahan. "Every December, manufacturers, race teams, distributors, engine builders, fabricators, track operators, and industry leaders gather in one place to strengthen partnerships, discover new innovations, and create opportunities that move racing forward. We look forward to welcoming the industry back to Indianapolis."

The PRI Show continues to serve as a driving force behind an industry that generates more than $69.2 billion in annual economic activity, supports more than 318,000 American jobs, and produces more than $22.1 billion in wages and benefits, according to the PRI Motorsports Economic Impact Study. By bringing together every segment of the racing industry under one roof, the Show helps fuel innovation, investment, and long-term business growth.
 

New for 2026, the PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium will debut during the Show, bringing together race engineers, manufacturers, technical leaders, and university engineering programs for a full day of education and collaboration focused on advancing motorsports technology and performance.

The 2026 PRI Show will feature a wide range of experiences and activations, from networking opportunities such as the Grand Opening Breakfast and PRI Full Throttle Social to education programming, specialty exhibit areas, and product discovery destinations including T.O.P.S. HQ, the Trailer and Motorcoach Exhibits, PRI Paddock, Machinery Row, NextGen Connect, and more.

"The PRI Show continues to evolve alongside the racing industry," said PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. "Whether attendees are sourcing products, learning from industry experts, exploring new technologies, or connecting with business partners, the 2026 Show is designed to deliver meaningful value at every stage of their business."

Each year, the PRI Show welcomes attendees from all 50 states and around the world, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, manufacturers, fabricators, distributors, media, sanctioning bodies, and track operators. Early registration allows attendees to receive their credentials in advance beginning in October, helping them save time and get straight to business when they arrive in Indianapolis.

To register, book hotel accommodations, and learn more about the 2026 PRI Show, visit PRI2026.com/Attend.

For additional information or questions regarding registration, please contact PRI Show Manager Nicole Harless, at nicoleh@performanceracing.com. 

With hundreds of media members expected at the 2026 PRI Show, exhibitors have a major opportunity to put their latest products, announcements and company news in front of the journalists covering the racing industry. PRI offers several tools to help exhibitors make those stories stand out before and during the Show.

If you're making an announcement at the PRI Show, whether it's a new product, groundbreaking technology, partnership, expansion, acquisition or major company milestone, don't just share it––broadcast it.

Join the Official PRI Show Press Conference Schedule 

Exhibiting companies have the opportunity to host a 30-minute press conference in their booth as part of the official PRI Show Press Conference Schedule. This schedule is shared with attending media, helping journalists discover the biggest news and innovations taking place on the Show floor. 

Participating in the official press conference program can increase your visibility and create valuable opportunities to connect directly with industry media. 

To secure a spot in the Official PRI Show Press Conference Schedule, contact Marissa Guajardo at marissag@sema.org or 909-979-0782. 

Upload a Press Release 

Looking for even more exposure? Use the PRI Show Exhibitor Press Release Tool to build pre-Show buzz, reach attending media, and increase your chances of being featured in official PRI Show coverage. 

Post your Show-related press releases here. 

With this tool, exhibitors can highlight product launches, booth attractions, announcements, celebrity appearances, and more, helping journalists and attendees discover what your company has planned before and during the Show. 

For questions about the Exhibitor Press Release Tool or other PRI Show public relations resources, contact Juan Torres at juant@performanceracing.com.

The three biggest business days in motorsports are calling! The world's largest gathering of racing professionals will roar back to downtown Indianapolis from December 10-12, and housing for the highly anticipated 2026 PRI Show is open.

With downtown hotels sold out and airport-area rooms filling quickly, you'll want to book your accommodations as soon as possible through Visit Indy, the official housing provider for the PRI Show.

Booking through the official PRI hotel block will also unlock exclusive discounted rates and offer a seamless, stress-free booking experience with guaranteed savings, prime hotel locations and added perks—all designed to make your trip easier and more affordable.

Already finalized your plans? Don't forget to review your hotel reservations before the October 16 cancelation deadline. Reservation cancelations and guest room updates are due by October 16. A $50 cancelation fee will be charged for each canceled reservation in its entirety. 

Secure your rate today and make the most of your PRI stay!

Book Here

Have Questions or Need Help?

Contact the Visit Indy Housing team:
📧 prihousing@visitindy.com
📞 317-262-8191 (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. EDT)
 

PRI Show Hotel Spotlight: Embassy Suites by Hilton Plainfield

Balance comfort, convenience, and a touch of indulgence at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Plainfield--an ideal home base for the 2026 PRI Show.

Located just minutes from Indianapolis International Airport, the Embassy Suites makes traveling to and from the PRI Show effortless. Guests enjoy complimentary airport transportation as well as PRI Show's convenient shuttle to and from the Indiana Convention Center, so you can skip the drive, avoid the traffic and maximize your time on the Show floor this December 10-12.

In the Embassy Suites by Hilton Plainfield, you can start your morning with one of the best complimentary breakfasts in town, featuring made-to-order omelets and a variety of hot options to fuel your day. After a long day at the PRI Show, unwind in the indoor pool or relax in the comfort of your spacious suite before heading downstairs to The Local Kitchen & Tap.

At The Local Kitchen, you can sample some of Indiana's best craft beer offerings--from IPAs and Lagers to Porters and Wheat Ales--paired with a menu of crowd favorites such as street tacos, flatbreads, hamburger sliders and certified Angus beef steaks like ribeye and filet mignon. The restaurant also takes pride in accommodating any special dietary needs.

Conveniently located just off the freeway, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Plainfield also offers easy access to a variety of nearby dining options. Whether you're networking, relaxing or recharging for another day at the Show, this full-service property delivers comfort and convenience at every turn.

Have questions? Need help booking your hotel? Contact the Visit Indy Housing team at prihousing@visitindy.com or 317-262-8191 (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. EDT).

Sponsored by HRC US

The HRC-US K20C1 crate engine offers a current production, race-proven platform for racing series, specialty vehicle manufacturers and off-highway applications.

Racing series organizers and specialty vehicle manufacturers often face the same challenge when evaluating an engine platform: finding one that combines modern technology, proven performance, long-term availability and scalable supply.

To help address that need, Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC-US) has resumed the K20C1 Crate Engine Program for racing and other off-highway applications. The program makes the current FL5-specification K20C1 engine available to qualified motorsports customers.

For years, Honda racing enthusiasts and competitors have watched the turbocharged K20C1 engine serve as a core component across multiple HRC-US racing programs. Variants of the engine have powered Honda Civic Type R TCR race cars to victory, provided reliable power to other Honda touring cars, including the Integra Type S DE5 at Pikes Peak, and have even been a spec engine in formula car championships in the United States. The latest crate-engine offering provides access to the same engine family for integration into racing vehicles and other off-highway applications.

A Competition-Proven Foundation

The Honda Civic Type R TCR utilizes the OEM FL5 K20C1 engine––with only minor changes––for TCR competition. These engines endure harsh conditions and fierce competition throughout the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season.

By the end of 2024, Honda Civic Type R TCR programs globally had accumulated more than 100 major championship titles and more than 500 race victories worldwide. In 2024 alone, the platform captured 23 major championships and 72 race wins across TCR-sanctioned competition. The momentum continued in 2025, when the Type R TCR notched more than 50 race victories to reach 123 major titles globally.

Current Production Availability

The K20C1 will remain a current-production engine for the foreseeable future.

Continued production is an important consideration for those seeking supply continuity for multi-year racing programs or specialty vehicle production.

What’s Included?

Each K20C1 Crate Engine assembly includes the engine long block, factory turbocharger, alternator, starter motor, OEM engine harness, electronic throttle body and intake manifold. This is an engine-only program, allowing customers to select supporting systems that are specific to their application(s).

Customers are responsible for providing vehicle-specific components including electronic controls, cooling system, exhaust system, fuel system and chassis integration. For transverse applications, the Honda Civic Type R (FL5) transmission is available separately through HRC-US.

Ordering Information

Individual engines are available through authorized HRC-US distributor 4Piston Racing. Customers enquiring for larger quantities can work directly with HRC-US. Bulk purchasing begins with five engines, additional volume pricing is available for larger orders of 10 and 20-plus engines.

Learn More About the K20C1 Crate Engine Program

HRC announces continuation of Crate Engine Program | Honda Racing

Individual Engine Orders

4Piston Racing
4pistonracing.com 
317-440-6777

Bulk Orders (5-Plus Engines)

Honda Racing Corporation USA
HRCUSsales@na.honda.com
661-702-7777

NHRA has reached new multiyear media rights agreements for the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series with three distributors––FOX Sports, The CW Network and FloSports––positioning NHRA to enjoy the largest household reach in its 75-year history.

Starting during the 2027 season, NHRA will have a total reach of more than 125 million households, giving NHRA its biggest-ever media presence, the sanctioning body said.

FOX Sports and The CW will carry all 20 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events on race day, with FOX Sports showcasing the first 13 races of the 2027 campaign, which kicks off with the NHRA Winternationals on February 18-21 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. FOX Sports telecasts will continue to include a mix of coverage on the FOX broadcast network and FS1, as well as streaming on the FOX One app, showing eliminations action on Sunday as well as a qualifying highlight/recap show on Sundays.

As part of this historic arrangement, NHRA is also thrilled to welcome two new partners in The CW and FloSports, which will both broadcast NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series action for the first time.

The CW will be the exclusive broadcast home on race day for the final seven races of the season, including the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, and the full six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Sunday eliminations on The CW will also be available to stream on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers.

FloSports will make its FloRacing channel the streaming home for live qualifying action in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and eliminations on Sunday. These events and the NHRA partnership will be supported by a lineup of original content, editorial and social programming on FloRacing.

"This is a truly major moment for NHRA and for the future of our sport. These agreements with FOX Sports, The CW Network, and FloSports put NHRA racing in front of fans in more ways and on more platforms than ever before," NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. "Celebrating our 75th anniversary in 2026, we continue to see tremendous momentum and growth in our audience.

"These new media relationships give us a huge opportunity to build on that and continue to reach new fans and introduce them to the incredible competition, drivers, race teams, and excitement that make NHRA Drag Racing so special. We're extremely proud of these agreements for our race teams, tracks, and sponsors, and we're thrilled to see NHRA's continued growth with our partners at The CW Network, FOX Sports and FloSports."

The CW Network

NHRA will make its 2027 debut on The CW at the world's biggest drag race at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, kicking off what will be a massive seven-race stretch broadcasting eliminations on the network. The addition of The CW also ensures NHRA will enjoy the most over-the-air broadcasts in its history between FOX and The CW, giving the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs a larger household reach and its biggest spotlight yet.

Race fans will also be able to watch NHRA action on The CW via CW Sports streaming on The ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited subscription.

FOX Sports

NHRA and FOX Sports will continue a relationship that first began in 2016 and continued with a multiyear extension in 2021. Starting in 2027, two to three of the first 13 events of the year will air on FOX, with the remaining airing on FS1, as well as coverage on the FOX One app.

Sundays on FOX Sports will also include a comprehensive recap/highlight show to set up elimination action. There will also be robust motorsports promotion in FS1 broadcast windows, a staple of the longtime collaboration between NHRA and FOX Sports.

FloSports

NHRA and FloSports will enter into a first-ever agreement starting in 2027, with the platform serving as the live streaming home for NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying and eliminations.

Through the agreement, FloRacing will exclusively stream all rounds of qualifying live at every national event, marking an ideal opportunity for both partners. FloRacing will also show Sunday eliminations, with race fans able to enjoy NHRA racing, alongside the largest grassroots motorsports portfolio in the world with more than 1,800 race events fueling 365-day coverage of NASCAR, short track, sprint cars, dirt, drag racing, late model and more.

For more information, visit nhra.com.

INDYCAR has announced extensions for Independent Officiating Board (IOB) members Ray Evernham, Raj Nair and Ronan Morgan for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT seasons.

This month, INDYCAR's charter team owners unanimously agreed to retain Evernham and Nair, and the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) reappointed Morgan as the series looks to the second year of INDYCAR Officiating.

Nair is a 30-year veteran of the automotive and auto racing industries with vast experience and technical compliance expertise as an executive at Singer Group, Inc., Multimatic, Inc. and Ford Motor Company. He served as the IOB's chair during the 2026 INDYCAR season.

Evernham is a longtime motorsports veteran who most notably served as the crew chief for three of Jeff Gordon's NASCAR Cup Series championships before he pioneered Dodge's return to NASCAR. He served as the IOB's secretary and treasurer last season.

Morgan has over five decades of global motorsport experience as a senior official, promoter, organizer and competitor. Morgan also is a member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council and advisor to the FIA president.

Both Nair and Evernham will continue with their specific leadership roles within the IOB in 2027. Nair has served as the IOB chairman and Evernham as its secretary and treasurer.

With the framework finalized in December 2025, INDYCAR established INDYCAR Officiating as an independent, not-for-profit organization to govern North America's premier open-wheel racing series. As designed, the IOB is comprised of two members chosen via a vote from INDYCAR charter team owners, and the other member is appointed by the FIA. The IOB is charged with enforcement of INDYCAR and INDY NXT rules and establishing officiating and governance separation and process transparency for INDYCAR Officiating.

The IOB also has confirmed that veteran motorsports officiating and competition executive Scot Elkins will continue as INDYCAR Officiating's managing director of officiating (MDO). Elkins was selected in April 2026 and began in May to oversee race control, race stewards and technical inspection. He will continue to report directly to the IOB––with no oversight from INDYCAR or Penske Entertainment Corp. officials––to provide officiating governance and management.

In June, Elkins instituted a formal three-steward model that will continue in 2027 and launched official post-event reports for both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone. The reports summarize race control activity, penalties, incident reviews and technical inspection findings, including matters reviewed and closed with no penalty. They are supported by published technical penalty guidelines carrying a three-level infraction framework, a central stewarding log and a precedent library, so that decisions can be measured against one another and provide a framework toward consistency across INDYCAR events. Post-event reports are available at https://noticeboard.indycarofficiating.org.

The IOB also worked closely with the FIA through its first season to exchange ideas and explore best practices. The FIA Officials Department assisted in the evaluation of stewarding practice and helped develop a more robust model. All three IOB members attended the FIA Formula One Miami Grand Prix to benchmark race control, stewarding, technical inspection and communications against Formula One and Formula 2. Additionally, FIA safety officials attended the Indianapolis 500 and met INDYCAR medical and rescue teams to learn how INDYCAR implements its medical and rescue operations, which remain under the direction and authority of INDYCAR.

For more information, visit indycar.com.

Bringing industry experts together to explore the engineering challenges and innovations driving motorsports forward.


PRI has announced the session schedule for the inaugural PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium, taking place Thursday, December 10, during the 2026 PRI Show at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. 

To register and learn more about the PRI Show, visit PRI2026.com/Attend.

The PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium will bring race engineers, motorsports professionals, manufacturers, educators and emerging engineering talent together for technical discussions focused on the challenges shaping modern motorsports. Sessions will examine the engineering challenges that impact on-track performance, from simulation and powertrain development to materials, manufacturing and workforce development. 

The technical sessions will feature perspectives from leaders across motorsports and engineering, including experts from INDYCAR, Purdue University and Motor State Distributing. 

2026 PRI MOTORSPORTS ENGINEERING SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE (all times Eastern)

10:00 a.m. — Opening Statements 
10:15 a.m. — From Simulation to Track: Closing the Performance Gap 
11:15 a.m. — Powertrain & Thermal Limits: Where Performance Breaks 
12:15 p.m. — Purdue Networking Lunch: Engineering Exchange 
1:30 p.m. — Building the Next Race Engineer: Closing the Talent Gap 
2:30 p.m. — Materials & Manufacturing: Speed to Track 
3:30 p.m. — The Future of Motorsports Engineering 
4:30 p.m. — Closing Remarks 

"The PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium is designed to bring different areas of motorsports engineering into the same conversation," said PRI Managing Director Doug Bresnahan. "From simulation and powertrain development to materials, manufacturing and developing the next generation of engineers, these are issues that affect the future of the industry. Bringing the right people together to share knowledge and experience is an important part of PRI's commitment to technical education and industry advancement."

"The technical demands of motorsports continue to evolve, and the companies supporting the industry have to evolve with them," said Motor State Distributing Vice President of Marketing Daryl Sampson. "This program creates an opportunity to share knowledge, explore new technologies and connect with the engineers and professionals who are solving these challenges every day." 

"Developing the next generation of motorsports engineers requires more than classroom learning," said Purdue University Director of Motorsports Engineering Chris Finch. "It requires opportunities to connect students and emerging engineers with the people, technologies and challenges shaping the industry. The program provides a valuable forum for that exchange." 

"Engineering decisions are ultimately about finding performance, and that requires bringing together data, technology and experience," said INDYCAR Vice President of Competition and Engineering Mike O'Gara. "Creating a forum where engineers and industry professionals can discuss those challenges and share what they are learning is valuable for the entire motorsports community." 

The PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium is open to all registered PRI Show attendees. A valid PRI Show badge is required for entry. There are no additional registration requirements or fees to attend. 

For questions about Symposium registration, contact PRI at mail@performanceracing.com or 812-592-7219. 

Register for the 2026 PRI Show  

The 2026 PRI Show takes place December 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, bringing together motorsports professionals from across the globe.  

Register today to connect with more than 1,000 exhibiting companies across more than 370,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space, explore new products and technologies, attend education sessions, network with industry professionals and experience everything the PRI Show has to offer.  

To register and learn more, visit PRI2026.com/Attend. PRI membership is no longer required to attend.
  

About Performance Racing Industry  

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) fuels the passion for motorsports by building, promoting and protecting the worldwide racing community. PRI supports the interests of racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning bodies and businesses through legislative action and advocacy, its business magazine Performance Racing Industry, and the world's premier motorsports trade show, the PRI Show. PRI also supports businesses by providing market research, education and best practices in motorsports business and racing technology. According to the PRI Economic Impact Study, motorsports generates $69.2 billion in U.S. economic activity and supports more than 318,000 jobs nationwide. For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com.