Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, will build a new, expanded Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) garage following the upcoming May 3-5 NASCAR tripleheader weekend, track officials announced. It is expected to be completed when NASCAR returns to the track in five months for the October 4-6 races.

The new, larger MENCS garage will be located between Turns 1 and 2 in the infield, a shift from its current spot closer to Turn 1. The current garage area has been in place since the Monster Mile’s first race, the “Mason-Dixon 300” on July 6, 1969.

The new garage will include an Allied Steel Building, a corporate partner of Dover International Speedway. Another partner of Dover International Speedway, Raynor Garage Doors, is providing the garage doors for the project.

Some highlights and features of the new Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garage include:
 
• Expanded square footage: 23,100 from 18,400, a 20 percent increase
• Includes 44 large garage bays (15-foot by 30-foot) with individual garage doors for cars and teams
• Larger garage area footprint: Existing guardrail facing Turns 1 and 2 to be removed, along with grass areas on the inside of the Turns. The area inside the apron will now be fully paved, with SAFER barriers covering the entire length of the inside walls of Turns 1 and 2.
• Cost: $5.5 million
• Design: Becker-Morgan Architects out of Dover, Del.
• Contractor: Kent Construction out of Smyrna, Del.

Work is scheduled to begin on May 6, right after the upcoming races, and be completed by Sept. 20, right before the Oct. 4-6 NASCAR tripleheader weekend. The MENCS playoff race on Sunday, Oct. 6, will be the 100th NASCAR Cup Series race in track history and the final race of the Monster Mile’s 50th Anniversary season. Dover International Speedway will be the 10th track in the nation to host 100 or more NASCAR Cup Series races.

The upcoming May 3-5 NASCAR tripleheader weekend opens Dover’s 50th Anniversary season and includes the “JEGS 200” NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race on Friday, May 3 and the “Gander RV 400” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, May 5.

The weekend also features the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Friday, Oct. 4, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff race on Saturday, Oct. 5.
 
For more information, visit the Dover International Speedway website.

Motor State Distributing, the motorsports and high performance wholesale distributor based in Watervliet, Michigan, has added Stainless Works to its vendor product line.

Ohio-based Stainless Works (SWO) supplies performance exhaust components, including header pipes, downpipes, cat-back systems, and more, all made of marine-grade 304 stainless steel.

Stainless Works also provides power-boosting components for a wide range of high-performance cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles.

For more information, visit the Motor State Distributing website or the Stainless Works website.

The Australia-based Supercars Championship has announced that Ford Mustang teams must undergo aerodynamic changes ahead of the PIRTEK Perth SuperNight, set for May 2–4 at Barbagallo Raceway.

Beginning in Perth, all Mustangs must install smaller rear wing endplates, a lower rear wing Gurney flap and a reduced front undertray extension.

The announcement was made after track data analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamic work by Supercars’ technical department and the UK-based technology partner D2H.

Supercars said the changes are being made based on the Racing Entitlements Contract (REC) and rule A1.4 of the Supercars Operation Manual in a statement.

The rule notes the Supercars’ technical parity guidelines, which allows the technical department to require changes if a disparity exists between competing models.

The news follows the center of gravity changes to Mustangs and the Holden Commodores last month. It also follows aerodynamic testing (VCAT) last December by Supercars and three homologation teams – DJR Team Penske, Triple Eight and Kelly Racing.

“The Supercars Technical department has worked through the data available and requested these changes from homologating team DJR Team Penske and Ford Performance in a transparent manner,” Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said to Supercars.com. “The Mustang is a world-class race car and we respect the work that has gone in to developing the package. Despite passing VCAT, any incoming car needs to meet the incumbent.”

Ford released a statement regarding the change:

“The Mustang is an advanced, state-of-the-art Supercar, designed and built within the rules of the series,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Motorsport, Ford Performance. “We are disappointed that we have had to make changes to the cars, however we respect the Supercars technical department and will comply.”

For more information, including the complete Ford statement, visit the Supercars website.

WISSOTA Auto Racing has announced officials have come to an agreement regarding its bake shut off rule.

At the WISSOTA annual meeting in November, a discussion was held about eliminating the electric brake shut off in the WISSOTA Late Model, modified, super stock and Midwest modified divisions.

After a discussion amongst promoters and tech committee members, the consensus was for the tech committee to attend the 2018 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis to do more research on the matter.

At PRI, WISSOTA officials met with many different industry representatives. Officials have determined that, at this time, the brake shut off rule will remain as is with no changes in the mentioned divisions. This means that the electric brake shut off is allowed as long as the WISSOTA division it is being used in allows brake shut offs.

WISSOTA Auto Racing is the sanctioning body for Late Models, modifieds, super stocks, Midwest modified, street stocks, mod fours, pure stocks and hornets based in Saint Augusta, Minnesota.

For more information, visit the WISSOTA website.

Tim Malyon, the former trackside engineer for the Red Bull Racing and Sauber F1 teams, and for BMW Motorsport in DTM and Formula E, has been appointed by the FIA as its first Head of Research.

The new role within the Safety Department at the FIA’s Geneva office has been created to oversee the growing number of safety research projects undertaken by the FIA.

In addition, Malyon will manage the FIA’s research groups and associated working groups, as well as an increased focus on accident investigation.

“I’m delighted to welcome Tim to the team. Research is at the center of the FIA’s work in safety and Tim will bring a huge amount of experience and knowledge to the role,” FIA Safety Director Adam Baker said.

Malyon previously worked for Red Bull Racing for 12 years, having joined the team when it was known as Jaguar Racing. He worked in various race engineering roles and contributed to Red Bull’s historic four Constructors and Drivers’ championships.

In 2015, he moved to Sauber Motorsport as its Head of Track Engineering before going on to work for BMW Motorsport as a Chief Engineer for its DTM program in mid-2016. After two successful years at DTM, which included one championship victory, he took on the roles of both Track Engineering Department Leader and Chief Engineer for BMW’s Formula E team.

One of Malyon’s first tasks with the FIA was to lead the latest meeting of the Research Working Group, which studies the feasibility, technical aspects and practical applications of every safety research project. The group, which met on March 26, welcomed recently appointed new motorsports members, including representatives from F1, WRC, IndyCar, Nascar, sports cars, drag racing and motorbike racing.

For more information, visit the FIA website.

(Photo courtesy of FIA).

INDYCAR will unveil the advanced frontal protection (AFP) debris deflector, the latest in driver safety development for the sanctioning body, sooner than expected during next month’s IndyCar Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

The small, bolted-on piece made of titanium—which will be mandatory on all entries—was tested by IndyCar teams at IMS last week during practice for the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

IndyCar President Jay Frye said the sanctioning body is satisfied the AFP is ready for use in all NTT IndyCar Series races this season, starting with the IndyCar Grand Prix on the IMS road course on May 11 and including its original target date for implementation, the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 26.

“Thanks to a phenomenal effort by Dallara and all of the IndyCar teams, we are ahead of schedule in making this happen,” Frye said.

The AFP unit weighs just under 5 lbs. with brackets and reinforcements built into the monocoque for support. It has also passed the same load testing as the Indy car roll hoop sitting behind and above drivers.

Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver James Hinchcliffe, who is among the 29 drivers who participated in Wednesday’s open test, praised the sanctioning body for continuing to prioritize driver safety.

“It’s great to see that IndyCar is always pushing safety,” Hinchcliffe said. “Obviously, this is just Step 1 in an evolution of head protection. But having been hit by a piece of debris that would’ve been prevented with this device, I’m all for it. It’s also comforting to know that behind the scenes we are still working hard on a more comprehensive solution.”

Frye called the AFP “Phase 1” of INDYCAR’s solution to improve cockpit safety. The next phase is expected to be revealed in May.

That phase may be related to the windscreen currently under development, which was tested with a prototype last year but still requires further development.

“It’s an evolving process; we work on safety every day. [The AFP] is just the next evolution of what we’re doing,” Frye said.

For more information, visit the INDYCAR website.

(Photo courtesy of INDYCAR).

Race team owner and former champion race-car driver Bobby Rahal will be honored on June 27 by the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) with the 2019 Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.

The award memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races at Watkins Glen 70 years ago. The Argetsinger Award was established to honor a person in the motorsports industry who is recognized universally for having advanced and improved the sport. The honoree brings prestige to motorsports and demonstrates the commitment to the future of racing.

The 2019 award will be the sixth presented by the IMRRC. Chip Ganassi was the inaugural recipient in 2014, followed by Richard Petty and Roger Penske in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Mario Andretti was cited in 2017 and Jim France and the France Family were honored in 2018.

Rahal is co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, along with David Letterman and businessman Michael Lanigan. In an 18-year race-driving career spanning Formula 1, Can-Am, Le Mans, IMSA and CART, Rahal notched three CART championships, including the 1986 Indy 500 win, and victories at the 1981 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1987 12 Hours of Sebring endurance races.
 
"The IMRRC is proud to honor our former Chairman and a racing legend, Bobby Rahal, with this award," stated IMRRC Chairman John Saunders. "Bobby is one of only a handful of individuals who have won the Indy 500 as both a driver and a team owner. His driving career spanned more than two decades and he continues as an IndyCar owner dedicated to developing young talent and growing the future of our sport. Bobby Rahal is more than deserving of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports."

The Cameron R. Argetsinger Award Dinner is open to the public, but tickets must be purchased and are limited. For more information on Bobby Rahal, visit the IMRRC website. For tickets, visit here and for event and sponsorship information, visit here.

Keystone Automotive Operations has added Specialty Products Co. (SPC), also known as SPC Performance, to its lineup of performance suppliers. SPC offers a variety of alignment components and tool applications for both dedicated racers and daily drivers.

Founded in 1971 and based in Longmont, Colorado, SPC holds several patents, safety certifications and quality standard acknowledgments.

“SPC’s dedication to the proper installation of its respected products has served it well within the industry,” Keystone stated in a news release. “Partnering with Keystone will only bolster that reputation, opening the company to new customers and business opportunities.”

SPC’s product lineup includes ball joints, coiler mounts, spacer kits, control arms and shims. Also offered are a variety of brake repair solutions including rotor silencers, drum tools, lathe inserts and more including high-quality tools. SPC also provides alignment training opportunities.

“Specialty Products Co. will fill an opening that, until now, would force our customers to search multiple lines to get all the items needed to complete a sale. Their vast offerings will allow one-stop-shopping for all hard-to-find alignment products and tools,” Joe Rutledge, category director of performance at Keystone, said, according to The Shop.

SPC also offers a smartphone app called AlignGuide, giving access to OEM specifications for cars to help diagnose and correct both alignment and suspension issues. SPC-TV, on the other hand, is an online interactive educational service with access to dozens of installation videos, free of charge.

For more information, visit the Keystone Automotive Operations website or the SPC website.

Registration for the trade-only 2019 SEMA Show is now open at semashow.com/register. The annual trade show is set for Tuesday–Friday, November 5-8, 2019, in Las Vegas.

"The $43 billion specialty equipment aftermarket will conduct business and showcase the hottest products, newest technology, and latest trends in the industry at the 2019 SEMA Show, the world's premier automotive trade event," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. "By registering early for this year's SEMA Show, the applicant expedites the registration process, can save money, and is kept up-to-date on breaking Show news."

Registration is offered in three categories: Attendee, Exhibitor, and Media.

Attendee
Distributors, retailers, installers, buyers, and those in public relations and marketing should register using the "Attendee" link. Applicants may be required to submit proof of employment in the industry. Additionally, approved domestic attendees who register and confirm their registration before October 11 will receive their badges in the mail. Approved international attendees who register before September 13 will receive their badge at the international address provided in their application. Badges begin mailing in late August.
 
Attendees may also sign up for special events and seminars during the application process or by using the "Special Events Tickets Only" link at semashow.com/register. Among the special events are those offered by the SEMA Show Education program, Society of Collision & Repair Specialists (SCRS), Tire Industry Association (TIA), and Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), adding up to over 100 sessions addressing all aspects of small business, industry trends and opportunities, collision repair, professional development training, Advanced Vehicle Technology, and more.
 
Exhibitor
The "Exhibitor" registration link is for company personnel working in the booths of exhibiting companies. The primary contact at the exhibiting company may register the entire staff at one time quickly and easily using the unique password and user ID provided via email.
 
Exhibitor badges are not to be used for non-employees, including contest winners, contractors, customers, and vendors. Exhibitors from the USA and Canada who register before October 11 will receive their badges in the mail. International exhibitor badges will be available for pickup on site upon presenting a matching government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.
 
During registration, exhibitors will also be able to order complimentary tickets to the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, which is attended by 3,000 Showgoers and considered by many to be the industry's premier celebration.

Media
Journalists, including qualified social media specialists covering the SEMA Show, can register for complimentary media credentials using the "Media" link. Applicants may need to supply proof of media affiliation, such as bylined articles or other published work. All approved media will be able to pick up their credentials on site in the SEMA Show Media Center, a fully functional pressroom with all the tools necessary to assist with reporting from the event.
 
For more information, visit the SEMA Show website or sema.org.

Registration is now open for the 2019 edition of the IDIDIT Car Show & Open House, which is set for September 14.

This year’s event, which is an end-of-summer tradition dating back to 1991, will include a special guest to present a brand new builder award.

Open to any show-worthy vehicle regardless of year, make or model, the popular gathering celebrates car culture in all its forms, offering a family atmosphere to enjoy classic vehicles of yesterday and today.

“It’s our pleasure to host some of the most beautiful cars and trucks from throughout the Great Lakes region at our annual Car Show & Open House,” Stacey Discher of IDIDIT said. “This industry is something to celebrate, and we invite all of our neighbors and friends to come share in the fun.”

Held on the IDIDIT campus in Tecumseh, Michigan, the daylong event includes facility tours, a vendor tent, food trucks and a live DJ. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods for the food drive, and the Lenawee Humane Society will raffle a custom golf cart featuring an IDIDIT steering column.

The IDIDIT Car Show and Open House will also feature two new categories this year. Best Garage Build is designed to celebrate car owners who performed restoration and rebuild work on their own. Special guest TV celebrity Brother JD from “Wrench Wars” will present the inaugural trophy.

Additionally, the Founder’s Choice has been added as a category. IDIDIT founders Ken and Jane Callison will award the winner of Founder’s Choice.

Car show contestants will compete for one-of-a-kind trophies made in-house by IDIDIT craftspeople in nine total categories:
    •    1948-Older Street Rod
    •    1949-’64 Car
    •    1965-’79 Car
    •    1980-Newer Car
    •    1948-’66 Truck
    •    1967-’87 Truck
    •    1988-Newer Truck
    •    Best Garage Build
    •    Founder’s Choice

Online voting is also underway for this year’s T-shirt design contest.

For more information, visit the IDIDIT Car Show & Open House webpage.