The Raybestos Powertrain Sullivan, Indiana-based plant was awarded the GM Supplier Quality Excellence Award for its outstanding performance during the 2017 year. Raybestos is a brand of Gearbox Holdings and is a manufacturer and supplier of premium OE and aftermarket automatic transmission parts, providing innovative solutions to domestic and international customers.

GM Quality Manager Jerry Workman traveled to Pontiac, Michigan at the end of 2018 to meet with Supplier Quality Engineer Narendra Jagmohan of GM and receive the award. Jagmohan appreciated Raybestos Powertrain’s effort put into each shipment and congratulated the Sullivan plant on the accomplishment. 

“Raybestos Powertrain made this possible by having good working relationships with GM, responding to concerns in a timely manner, and ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities of efficiently and effectively manufacturing parts,” Workman said.

GM’s stringent criteria for the Supplier Quality Excellence Award includes having zero customer complaints for 12 months and displaying quality performance of less than one defective part per million (PPM). Other metrics used for award eligibility requirements include being TS16949 certified and QSB or BIQS Level III or higher certified. GM uses an extensive OE supplier scoring system to track manufacturing analytics such as PR/R’s, plant disruptions, and severity scores.  

The 2017 year marks the second time in a row that the Raybestos Powertrain Sullivan plant has received the award. It is also the fifth consecutive year that one or more facilities within the Gearbox family has been honored to be recognized among this distinguished group of top performing OE suppliers.

For more information, visit raybestospowertrain.com.

The Asheboro, North Carolina-based PRA Tours (Prestoria Race Alliance) is expanding with the creation of a super late model tour.

The newly formed tour will host seven events in its inaugural season and will travel to several tracks with the Southern Modified Racing Series, the 602 Modifieds and 602 Super Limiteds, all of which are owned by PRA Tours. The series will also compete at two major events, the North-South Shootout and the Thanksgiving Classic.

“We are excited to host the super late models and are looking forward to the addition and added value it brings to the race fans. I have spoken with many teams and liaisons in the industry over the past few months leading me to embrace the super late models,” PRA Tours Promoter Renee Hackett said.

Series officials indicated that rules for the series would be similar to that of other major super late model tours, including the ARCA/CRA Super Series, Southern Super Series and CARS Tour.

The creation of the PRA Tours super late model class comes a few weeks after the Pro All Stars Series announced they would not sanction the PASS South division in 2019. PASS only plans to sanction a handful of Southern-based events this year.

The tour will make its debut on April 13 at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, North Carolina, followed by a stop at Caraway Speedway on May 11.

The series will conclude its inaugural season during Thanksgiving Classic on Dec. 1 at Southern National Motorsports Park.

PRA Tours owns several touring divisions, including the Southern Modified Racing Series, 602 Modified Tour, 602 Super Limiteds and SouthEast Limited Late Model Series. The organization also sanctions racing at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, North Carolina.

For more information, visit pratours.com.

PRA Tours Super Late Models Schedule of Events
April 13 — Orange County Speedway
May 11 — Caraway Speedway
July 20 — Orange County Speedway
October 22 — Hickory Motor Speedway
November 9 — North South Shootout
December 1 — Thanksgiving Classic

Russell Motorsports Inc. has hired the voice of the Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Gary Thomas, as the new full-time announcer at Placerville Speedway in Placerville, California.

Thomas joined the speedway in 2017 as Public Relations Director and will now transition into also becoming the voice of the quarter-mile for its 54th season of competition.

Prior to working with SCCT and Placerville Speedway, Thomas spent 11 years as the PR Director for the King of the West Series and five seasons as the full-time KWS announcer.

Thomas currently handles PR and announcing duties at the Stockton Dirt Track (Stockton, California), along with being the PR Director at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare (California) since 2007.

In the past Thomas has also spent time as an announcer at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville (California) and Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford (California). Thomas has worked with various teams over the years and continues to work in driver and team PR when the opportunity presents itself.

Thomas replaces the previous announcer Brad Kennedy, who worked as Placerville Speedway announcer for three years.

For more inforamtion, visit placervillespeedway.com.

(Photo courtesy of Acton Captured Images).

Racing promoter Steve Rubin has agreed to purchase Badlands Motor Speedway from current owner Chuck Brennan.

The track was scheduled to be demolished and turned into a wildlife sanctuary by the end of the year if a buyer was not found. In October, PRI reported on the fundraising efforts by a group of race fans taking place on Facebook. 

The track was originally purchased from the Rubin family in 2015 before millions of dollars of renovations were made to the facility. Rubin operated the track, then known as Huset’s Speedway, for more than 28 years.

Rubin has requested 30 to 60 days to arrange the financing and investor group to keep the track open and work on plans to start racing operations this spring under the Huset’s Speedway name. The plan is for the season opener to take place during Memorial Day weekend.

In addition to a full racing schedule, Rubin is planning to host concerts and special events at the property, which features nearly 80 acres and can host more than 20,000 people.

“We are thrilled to see the Rubin family back at the helm in Brandon at Huset’s Speedway,” read a statement on the Badlands Motor Speedway website. “We are confident that Brandon, race fans, race teams and millions of others will enjoy the facility for another 28 years or more under the direction of Mr. Rubin and his family.

“It has been agreed upon by both parties that if the fund raising efforts fall through that the facility would be demolished and discontinued at that time. Right now we are not accepting any other offers.”

For more information, visit badlandsmotorspeedway.com.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series has announced its 2019 schedule that will see “The Greatest Show on Dirt” invade 25 different states and compete 92 times at 53 different facilities throughout the season.

“We are looking forward to another great season of World of Outlaws racing in 2019,” longtime Series Director Carlton Reimers said. “On the strength of our excellent relationships with tracks and promoters, we are eager to get the season started with our determined teams for our dedicated fans.”
The season kicks off with the 48th Annual DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park on February 5-16 in Barberville, FL.

Following Florida, the World of Outlaws will head west with stops in Texas and Las Vegas before spending the entire month of March in California, where the Series will stop at eight different facilities, including the return to Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford on Friday, March 29.

After a stop in Arizona, the series heads east for the $20,000-to-win Texas Outlaw Nationals at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, TX on April 12-13.

Heading up the East Coast with stops in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and North Carolina, the series will make its way to Nashville Fairground Speedway on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.

Following stops in Minnesota and Ohio’s Eldora Speedway, the Outlaws will take place in four straight events that pay at least $20,000-to-win at Lernerville Speedway (Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup), Williams Grove Speedway (Champion Racing Oil Summer Nationals) and Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Ironman 55) before ending the lucrative stretch at the Knoxville Nationals.

Later, the Outlaws will head west again with stops in the Dakotas and Montana before the annual stop in Washington and Oregon and fall swing through California. Added to the fall West Coast swing is the Series inaugural visit to Fernley 95A Speedway in Nevada on Sunday, September 15.

A return of the two-day Boot Hill Showdown at Dodge City Raceway Park and the final stops of the year at the popular Eldora and Lernerville Speedway’s lead the Outlaws to the Champion Racing Oil National Open at Williams Grove Speedway, which will pay $56,000-to-win.

After a final cycle through the Midwest, the World of Outlaws will finish up on the East Coast at Port Royal Speedway before concluding the season alongside the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series and Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds at the World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway on November 7-9.

The full 2019 World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series schedule can be viewed here.

After record growth and nearly doubling retail distribution and sales numbers, Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) announced two new vice president positions.

Kevin Adams, former director of product development, has been promoted to vice president of research and development, while Brett Tennar, LSI’s former plant manager, has been promoted to vice president of operations.

Adams, a chemical engineer that joined LSI in 2015, will now oversee all functions associated with new product development.

As Vice President of Operations, Tennar will be involved in human resources responsibilities, retail orders, collections, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

“It is fulfilling to find two people as talented and capable as Kevin and Brett to provide the leadership we need at this crucial time of accelerated growth. Both have expertise, creative problem solving acumen and relationship skills that will serve them well in their new position,” LSP President Chris Gabrelcik said.

LSI specializes in resolving equipment problems for some of the largest corporations in North America and, more recently, has become a major player in the development of performance oils and additives for the automotive aftermarket, according to the company.

For more information, visit lubricationspecialties.com. 

Heading into its 11th year, the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series tackles 16 dates at six tracks in 2019.

Opening with the Outlaw Showdown at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on February 27-28, the traditional 360s will close out the schedule with Ventura’s two-day 79th running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix on November 28. Held during NASCAR weekend, the Outlaw Showdown will also showcase the World of Outlaws sprint cars and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

Promoted by Scott Schweitzer, Bakersfield Speedway will feature the USAC West Coast Sprint Cars on March 16.

Ventura Raceway will host five dates on the calendar. Promoted by Jim Naylor, the track will host the VRA co-sanctioned Battle of the Beach races on March 23, June 1, August 24 and November 27-28. The Nov. 28 Battle of the Beach finale will also showcase the USAC National and Western States Midgets.

Promoted by Nick Duggan, Santa Maria Raceway will host four nights on the schedule. Co-sanctioned with the Santa Maria 360s, the USAC West Coast Sprints will headline the action on April 27, June 15 for the Ron Otto Memorial, August 10 for the Bud Stanfield Memorial and October 5.

As a bonus, the Light Up The World Beverages USAC Western States Midgets will join the card at the April and August shows.

Tulare’s Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway has two dates on the calendar. Promoted by Steve Faria, the third-mile oval will showcase the USAC 360s at the May 17 Peter Murphy Classic and the Chris and Brian Faria Memorial on June 8.

Located on the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, Petaluma Speedway returns to the USAC West Coast Sprint Car schedule for two nights of action. Promoted by Rick Faeth, three-eighths-mile dirt oval will host the May 18 and October 12 events.

For more information, visit westcoastsprintcars.com.

2019 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series Schedule
Date – Venue – Location
Feb. 27-28 – The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, Nev.

March 16 – Bakersfield Speedway – Bakersfield, Calif.

March 23 – Ventura Raceway – Ventura, Calif.

April 27 – Santa Maria Raceway – Santa Maria, Calif.

May 17 – Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, Calif.

May 18 – Petaluma Speedway – Petaluma, Calif.

June 1 – Ventura Raceway – Ventura, Calif.

June 8 – Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, Calif.

June 15 – Santa Maria Raceway – Santa Maria, Calif.

August 10 – Santa Maria Raceway – Santa Maria, Calif.

August 24 – Ventura Raceway – Ventura, Calif.

October 5 – Santa Maria Raceway – Santa Maria, Calif.

October 12 – Petaluma Speedway – Petaluma, Calif.

November 27-28 – Ventura Raceway – Ventura, Calif. (non-points race)

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) offices in Aliso Viejo, California, will be closed on Monday,  December 31, and Tuesday, January 1. We will return to the office on Wednesday, January 2.

PRI would like to wish motorsports professionals across the US and around the world a healthy and happy New Year. Here's to a prosperous—and victorious—2019!

To apply for booth space at the 2019 PRI Trade Show, December 12-14 in Indianapolis, visit here.

Entering its 16th season, the AMSOIL USAC-CRA Sprint Car Series will compete in 24 events at 10 race tracks next year.

Starting at Canyon Speedway Park (Peoria, Ariz.) on March 8 with the Spring Showcase, the champion will be crowned at Arizona Speedway’s November 16 (San Tan Valley, Ariz.) finale during the 52nd Western World Championships.

The traditional 410 sprint cars are poised for another competitive season and the popular sixth annual California Sprint Week mini-series remains a highlight on the calendar.

For more information on the series, visit usacracing.com.

2019 AMSOIL USAC-CRA Sprint Car Series Schedule
March 8-9 – Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, Ariz.
March 30 – Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, Calif.
April 13 – Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, Calif.
May 4 – Ventura Raceway – Ventura, Calif.
May 11 – Bakersfield Speedway – Bakersfield, Calif.
May 25 – Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, Calif.
June 29 – Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, Calif.
July 6 – Santa Maria Raceway – Santa Maria, Calif.
July 13 – Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, Calif.
Aug. 17 – Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, Calif.
Aug. 31-Sept. 1 – Calistoga Speedway – Calistoga, Calif.
Sept. 2 – Petaluma Speedway – Petaluma, Calif.
Sept. 5 – Merced Speedway – Merced, Calif.
Sept. 6 – Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, Calif.
Sept. 7 – Santa Maria Raceway – Santa Maria, Calif.
Sept. 21 – Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, Calif.
Sept. 28 – Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, Ariz.
Nov. 7-9 – Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, Calif.
Nov. 15-16 – Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, Ariz.

Fremont Speedway,(Fremont, Ohio) and Attica Raceway Park (Attica, Ohio) have announced the formation of the All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Heads/Kistler Racing Products Attica Fremont Championship Series (AFCS) Presented by the Baumann Auto Group for the 410 sprints and the KS Sales and Service AFCS for the 305 sprints.

The 410 sprints will compete in nine events at each track in 2019 with seven double-header weekends, while the 305 sprints will compete in seven events at each track in 2019 with six double-header weekends.

Lifelong racing enthusiast and supporter Duane Hancock will be the series director.

Attica Raceway Park Director of Operations Rex LeJeune and Fremont Speedway Chairman Ryan Schiets will work with Hancock on the new series, which aims to help local teams with added funding without having to travel.

The schedule for the 410 sprints All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Heads/Kistler Racing Products AFCS Presented by the Baumann Auto Group and the KS Sales and Service AFCS and a point fund—above and separate from each track’s point funds—will be announced at a later date. The first 410 AFCS events in 2019 will be held Friday, April 12, at Attica Raceway Park and Saturday, April 13, at Fremont Speedway. The first 305 AFCS events in 2019 will be held Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4.

For more information, visit afcssprints.com, fremontohspeedway.com, and atticaracewaypark.com.

In related news, Fremont Speedway announced a new five-person team of directors.

Schiets, Brian “Buzz” Mathias, Justin Liskai, Gary Root and Rick Holland to oversee the daily operations of the track. Schiets is the board’s chair and Liskai, who began as the pit steward at the track and the past few years as the head scorer, will serve as the race night competition director.