| Performance Racing Industry

Kings Of Thunder Sprint Series Launching In 2019

A new winged 360 sprint car tour is set to debut in the Central Valley of California next season.

The Kings of Thunder Series will race at two tracks next year, with eight events scheduled for Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif., and six shows set for Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif.

Four events will be co-sanctioned with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards, including the Peter Murphy Classic in Tulare, Calif., and the Cotton Classic in Hanford, Calif. The Kings of Thunder will also compete alongside the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series on March 9, in Tulare, Calif.

The new series was formed between Keller Auto Speedway Promoter Brandon Morse and Thunderbowl Raceway events director Scott Woodhouse. The 14-race tour will feature a $10,000 point fund during the inaugural season and allows two throwaway events for teams during the year.

The Kings of Thunder season will open on Feb. 23 at Keller Auto Speedway and concludes with a non-point event in Hanford, Calif., on Nov. 16.

2019 Kings of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Car Series Schedule
Saturday, February 23: Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford
Saturday, March 9: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare (alongside World of Outlaws)
Saturday, April 20: Keller Auto Speedway
Saturday, April 27: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway
Saturday, May 4: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway
Saturday, May 11: Keller Auto Speedway
Friday, May 17: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway (Peter Murphy Classic with SCCT)
Saturday, May 18: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway (Peter Murphy Classic with SCCT)
Saturday, June 15: Keller Auto Speedway (with Sprint Car Challenge Tour)
Saturday, June 22: Keller Auto Speedway
Saturday, August 10: Keller Auto Speedway
Saturday, September 7: Keller Auto Speedway
Saturday, September 28: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway
Saturday, October 12: Keller Auto Speedway (Cotton Classic with SCCT)
Saturday, November 16: Keller Auto Speedway (Winged 360 Turkey Night non-points)

December 2018

PRI 2018 Showcases Cutting-Edge Parts, Technology, Services & Solutions

This year's Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis more than delivered on its billing as the world's premier event for motorsports professionals over three days of exhibits and a Race Industry Week that provided a wealth of training, education, networking opportunities and special events.

Attended by tens of thousands of racing and performance buyers and industry members, the December 6-8 expo at the Indiana Convention Center delivered a one-of-a-kind experience and venue to shop aisles of new products and equipment by more than 1100 leading manufacturers and service providers.

Visitors from all 50 states and 70-plus countries conducted business, met with customers and partners, and discovered cutting-edge solutions throughout the week, whether it was specialized product training sessions conducted by exhibitors, management education seminars led by expert presenters, or live demonstrations along the Show's world-famous Machinery Row. The business of racing truly starts at PRI!

To view photos of the 2018 PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis, view our online photo gallery here.

December 2018

PRI 2018: Business Opportunities, Education Among Day Two Highlights

Following its popular morning education program, the 2018 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show burst open the doors for motivated buyers and attendees on day two of the three-day expo in Indianapolis.

Tens of thousands of motorsports professionals flooded the aisles and hallways of the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium to discover more new products, equipment and technology from over 1100 of the industry’s leading manufacturers and service providers.

Hundreds arrived early to take advantage of a slate of seminars featuring industry leaders and expert presenters including Lyn St. James, Shea Holbrook, Cara Adams, James Lawrence, Steve Whipple, Tom Shay and Corey Perlman, among others.

Attendees then streamed into the Show floor to shop over 3300 booths and meet with representatives from top race and performance suppliers representing all forms of motorsports. Buyers from all 50 states and 70 countries also visited popular Show attractions such as the new Trailers Exhibit Area at Lucas Oil Stadium, Machinery Row, and the Featured Products Showcase, where more than 600 of the industry’s newest and most innovative products are on display throughout the Show.

Breaking news and announcements by Straightline Strategy Group and NHRA, Engine Builder, Bell Racing USA, Willy’s Carburetor & Dyno Shop, Edelbrock, Drag Illustrated, and Competition Plus added to the excitement at three biggest business days in racing.

To view photos of today's events at PRI 2018, view the online photo gallery here. For more information on the 2018 PRI Show, visit pri2018.com.

December 2018

PRI 2018: Drag Engine Partnership, Team Announcements Among News Breaking In Indy

Pat Musi Racing Engines and Edelbrock will team up next year for an exclusive partnership catering to the hardcore drag racing community, the two companies announced Friday at the 2018 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis.

The partnership will include a new crate engine program with the Musi 632 Top Sportsman/Top Dragster engine generating upwards of 1650 horsepower that was on display in Edelbrock's PRI Show booth.

Also announced was Edelbrock's continued support of Musi's 27-year-old daughter Lizzy Musi, a Pro Nitrous driver in the Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA). The performance parts manufacturer will be the primary sponsor of Lizzy's 2018 Dodge Dart, reportedly the world's quickest nitrous-assisted doorslammer in the eighth-mile.

"Vic Edelbrock, he's not here with us this year, but I'm sure he would be proud of everything we've been accomplishing and our plans for 2019," Lizzy said of the continued support.

The news was among several announcements at PRI on Friday, when it was revealed that open-wheel development race team Abel Motorsports will field a full-time entry in Road to Indy's Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires next year.

The team recently participated in a test at Homestead Miami Speedway and relayed its optimism for the 2019 season, which will see high school senior Jacob Abel field car No. 51 full-time in the Road to Indy.

"[Abel Motorsports] has done some racing in USF2000 and US F3 and F4, and now they're committing to the middle rung of Road to Indy," said Road to Indy PR Coordinator Diane Swintal. "The coolest thing I think about Road to Indy is that we award scholarships on each level. That's what sets us apart from any other development series. It's a very formal ladder, and to get that assistance can really make a difference for a racer."

In other news, Rum Runner Racing announced at PRI 2018 that driver Brandon Overton will field its No. 2 Super Late Model in 2019. The car will be equipped with "Superbowl" carburetors from Trade Show exhibitor Willy's Carburetor & Dyno Shop LLC.

"I'm definitely looking forward to the 2019 season," Overton said. "I split with my previous car owner mid-season, and I was uncertain about my future, but everything kind of fell into place."

Adding to the day's activities, Drag Illustrated hosted its yearly "30 Under 30" list of drag racers positively influencing the sport. Following the presser was a presentation of the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod championship ring to winner Carl Stevens Jr.

For more information or to register for the 2018 PRI Trade Show, which takes place now through December 8 at the Indiana Convention Center, visit pri2018.com.

December 2018

PRI 2018: Education Program Inspires, Informs Racers And Racing Pros

From fine-tuning finances to inspiring female racers, Friday's Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show educational program drew hundreds of attendees to the Indiana Convention Center for a round of seminars showcasing a number of industry leaders and expert presenters.

Day one of the Show's two-day seminar program featured sessions on international trade, opportunities for women in motorsports, digital marketing, and maximizing the relationship with your accountant.

International buyers and suppliers gathered with American race parts manufacturers at the International Motorsports Trade Seminar, where SEMA’s Linda Spencer led the discussion that included panel members Steve Whipple of Edelbrock, Bob Scheid of McLeod Racing, Sean Crawford of Race Winning Brands and Power Automedia’s James Lawrence, all of whom provided tips about how to find effective overseas business partners. Audience members, many of them international buyers, were particularly curious about shipping and taxes, as well as specialized needs for local vehicles, such as right-hand-drive versus left-hand-drive vehicles.

Racing business owner and race track investor Felipe Joui Antillo of Ultra High Performance in Las Condes, Santiago, Chile, found the session helpful. “Since I am from Chile, I would like to know the US view of selling abroad, and try to understand other international buyers -- if [they] match our needs and how the US brands can also match those needs.

“As they said in the seminar, communication is very important,” he continued. “This kind of seminar is a unique opportunity to understand different points of view to improve our business.”

Meantime, a panel of the industry's brightest and most accomplished female professionals offered invaluable advice and direction for aspiring racers, engineers, journalists and others during PRI's 3rd annual Opportunities for Women in Motorsports seminar. Moderator Lyn St. James and panelists Cara Adams (Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations/Firestone Racing), Katie Hargitt (Fuel the Female), Shea Holbrook (Shea Racing) and Dr. Karen Salvaggio (Thunder Valley Racing) stressed the importance of persistence, self-confidence, clear communication and belief in oneself during the session that drew well over 100 attendees of all ages and backgrounds.

"My brand is always evolving," Holbrook explained during the discussion, "but my vision and focus is always clear. That being said, it's important to understand that it takes time to make things happen.... And realize, too, that you can't do it alone; you need a supportive group around you, people that you respect who aren't afraid to tell you the truth."

Hargitt, who began racing quarter midgets in Indiana at age 9 and ultimately parlayed the experience into a career as a pit reporter, most recently with NBCSN's IndyCar series and IndyLights broadcasts, noted the importance of researching your craft. "Every step of the way, I was studying -- always asking questions and learning all I could about what I was getting into," she said.

Hargitt's words, and those of her fellow presenters, resonated with attendee Maggie Turley, a PR major at the University of Akron and NHRA Super Comp driver whose goal is to one day race nitro cars.

"I thought [the seminar] was amazing," she said. "I know a lot about branding, but I feel like I learned so much more today. Especially hearing the stories of going pro because, when all you ever hear is money, money, money -- If you don't have the money then it's not happening. But to hear their thoughts on sponsors and networking, and to hear it from a woman's point of view as opposed to a man's point of view, it was just incredible and I'm so glad I came."

Just down the hall, digital marketing expert and author Corey Perlman of eBoot Camp shared best practices for different social media platforms and emphasized the need to create a true identity when building one's social media program. “What’s your brand? What’s your culture? What makes you unique?” Perlman asked the crowd.

He advised attendees to create a marketing content plan and incorporate into it a weekly agenda. He also highlighted video as a growth area at the moment, and referenced the various tools available to enhance it. “One of my main takeaways was learning more about video and getting involved with it,” said Randi Prusak from the BEI Lightning Series in East Concord, New York. “His big thing was to double down on video and to really take your time to get involved with that, for us, on race day specifically as well as doing some extra videos during the week, and actually setting up a marketing strategy.”

She added, “I thought the seminar was very informative and a great way to cover what’s going on with social media and where you will truly get the best bang for your buck, and what to get out of the new and upcoming platform additions.”

In his session for motorsports pros seeking to tune up their finances, veteran PRI presenter and columnist Tom Shay of Profits Plus explained that business owners should have an interactive relationship with their accountant. "This [program] is to get a person away from the mindset that, 'I'm a hobbyist, and someone else takes care of my money,'" Shay explained.

In addition to a detailed list of 14 ways to get the most out of one's accountant, Shay provided his attentive audience with vital resources for their small businesses, including access to free classes, articles, financial calculators and Excel charts online at ProfitsPlus.org. "The cash flow chart was a big deal for me because I had never heard of it before," noted attendee Donnie Elliot of Elliot's Automotive in Middletown, New York.

For more information or to register for the 2018 PRI Trade Show, which takes place now through December 8 at the Indiana Convention Center, visit pri2018.com.

December 2018

PRI 2018: Exhibitor USAC Announces 44-Race Sprint Car Schedule For 2019 At Trade Show

United States Auto Club (USAC) announced its jam-packed sprint car schedule for next year during a press conference from its booth at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Forty-four races in 12 different states make up the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car schedule for the 2019 season.

For the tenth consecutive year, the tour begins in the Sunshine State for “Winter Dirt Games X,” three nights in a row at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla. on February 14-16.

Later in the season, the 13th edition of Eastern Storm takes over Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey between June 11-16. Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa. leads off the five-race series on June 11, followed by New Jersey’s Bridgeport Speedway on June 12, BAPS Motor Speedway in York Haven, Pa. on June 13, Port Royal Speedway in Pa. on June 15 and concludes at New York’s Weedsport Speedway on June 16. The series draws June to a close on June 22 at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, Ind.

After a jam-packed July schedule, Kokomo serves as the base for the series for four consecutive nights between August 21-24. The series’ lone non-points special event takes place on night one with #GYATK Night on August 21. The following three nights on August 22-23-24 at Kokomo play host to the eighth installment of “Sprint Car Smackdown.”

The next six races in line close up shop on the Midwestern portion of the schedule with the “Jim Hurtubise Classic” at Indiana’s Terre Haute Action Track on September 13, the “Haubstadt Hustler” at Indiana’s Tri-State Speedway on September 14, the “James Dean Classic” at Gas City (Ind.) I-69 Speedway on September 26, the 38th running of the “4-Crown Nationals” at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio on September 28, the “Fall Nationals” at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway on October 5 and a return visit to Terre Haute for the “Wabash Clash” on October 11.

The west calls the National teams to California and Arizona along with the USAC/CRA and USAC Southwest Sprint Car tours to complete the 2019 campaign. First up, it’s the 24th annual “Oval Nationals” at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway for three nights on November 7-9. The 52nd Western World Championships at San Tan Valley’s Arizona Speedway now take the role as the host of the season finales on Nov. 15-16, which also has the USAC National Midgets on the event card.

All dates are subject to change. For the complete 2019 USAC Racing Sprint Car Schedule, visit here. For more information or to register for the 2018 PRI Trade Show, which takes place now through December 8 at the Indiana Convention Center, visit pri2018.com.

December 2018

PRI 2018: Engine Builder Honors, Sponsor Agreements And Product Releases Headline PRI 2018 News

Will Power, winner of this year's Indianapolis 500, became the 105th face to adorn the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy when BorgWarner unveiled the newest addition to its famed prize during opening day of the 2018 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis.

Both Power and William Behrends, sculptor of the trophy since 1990, fielded questions from assembled media and attendees that included, among other details, revealing the artistic process needed to modify the 110-pound trophy with the most recent Indy 500 winner's face.

"I was honored to have been asked to [sculpt] it the first time because I'm a race fan and I follow the Indy 500, so to have my work on the Borg-Warner Trophy was a thrill in itself," Behrends said. "But as the number of my works increases on there, I realize it's also a big part of history."

The unveiling was among several announcements and press conferences that took place Thursday, including NGK Spark Plugs U.S.A. Inc.’s revelation that it was expanding into technical sensors, as well as releasing a new line of Ruthenium HX spark plugs, and pursuing new initiatives for drag racers.

NGK Spark Plugs brand NTK has expanded its product line to include a full range of technical sensors, bringing the brand’s SKUs to more than 6500. The company also detailed a new sponsorship agreement with NHRA Top Sportsman driver Don O'Neal, whose 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, including both NGK and NTK brand livery, was unveiled as part of the PRI Show’s Featured Vehicle Display.

In addition, Engine Builder magazine announced its annual Engine Builder of the Year honorees: Borowski Race Engines Inc. as Engine Builder of the Year; Don's Auto Parts & Machine Shop as Vintage Engine Builder of the Year; and Fleece Performance & Freedom Racing Engines as Diesel Engine Builder of the Year.

"Every year, we think we can't top the year before, and every year we get entries that are just outstanding," said Engine Builder Editor and Publisher Doug Kaufman. "We get new entries every year, and that's what's really exciting – that it's not the same companies year after year. We've been very pleased with the quality of talent that's out there in all of these classes."

Adding to the day’s activities, Race Star Wheels announced a new line of elite drag racing and street performance wheels, including its new Pro-Forged series.

For more information or to register for the 2018 PRI Trade Show, which takes place now through December 8 at the Indiana Convention Center, visit pri2018.com.

December 2018

2018 PRI Trade Show Opens For Business, Networking, New Products And More

The 31st annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show got off to a blockbuster start Thursday as tens of thousands of motorsports professionals streamed into the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium to commence the three biggest business days in racing.

A Grand Opening Breakfast featuring motorsports legends Al Unser Sr. and Al Unser Jr. energized an audience of 3000-plus that filled the Convention Center’s Sagamore Ballroom for the Show’s traditional kick-off.

Attendees were then granted access to more than 1100 top motorsports product manufacturers and service providers showcasing the latest developments in auto racing technology. The 2018 PRI Show features more than 3,300 booths and tens of thousands of buyers from all 50 states and 70 countries focused on enhancing their operations for the 2019 season.

Popular Show attractions for 2018 include the new Trailers Exhibit Area at Lucas Oil Stadium, Machinery Row, and the Featured Products Showcase, where more than 600 of the industry’s newest and most innovative products are on display throughout the Show.

Breaking news and announcements by NGK Spark Plugs, Race Star Wheels, BorgWagner Turbo Systems, The Tony Elliot Foundation, and Engine Builder added to an active day one at the world’s premier trade event for performance pros.

To view photos of today's events at PRI 2018, view the online photo gallery here. For more information or to register for the 2018 PRI Show, visit pri2018.com.

December 2018

PRI 2018: Featured Products Showcase Delivers Unprecedented Access To New Parts, Technology

More than 600 of the hottest motorsports products were unveiled at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show’s Featured Products Showcase Thursday, providing attendees with unprecedented access to innovative new parts and technology as part of the world’s premier trade event for racing and performance professionals.

Now in its second year, the Showcase attracted scores of buyers and media to its new location inside Lucas Oil Stadium on opening day of the annual PRI Show in Indianapolis.

"The overwhelmingly positive response we received from last year's inaugural program reflects the significant value to both buyers and exhibitors,” said PRI General Manager Bill Miller. "The Showcase makes it easy for buyers to see hundreds of relevant products in one location, and for motorsports media professionals in attendance to gain increased access to these amazing products so they can report on them."

The Showcase allows exhibitors to further highlight their products and increase connectivity with buyers during the three biggest business days in racing. It also enables buyers to see hundreds of the Show’s top products in one place and easily identify where to find them on the Show floor.

"A lot of times it's hard to see all of the products that may be of interest to you on the Show floor," said Dennis Blank, a buyer from Tipton, Missouri. "The Featured Products Showcase allows you to see a buffet of all the hot products at this year's Show. I love it. We take pictures of the information cards so we know what booths to visit."

By participating in the Featured Products Showcase, exhibitors benefit from marketing and promotional exposure before, during and after the PRI Show, significantly increasing their business impact and audience reach at the three-day event.

"It's a chance to see a lot of the great products and new vendors at the Show," added Pete Klain, a buyer from Beverly Hills, Michigan. "The way the products are displayed in the glass cases with the information cards, they jump out and look very good."

For more information or to register for the 2018 PRI Trade Show, visit pri2018.com.

December 2018

PRI 2018: Breakfast With The Unsers Kicks Off PRI Show

Racing icons Al Unser Sr. and Al Unser Jr. shared personal stories and experiences from their legendary careers to help kick off the 2018 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis on Thursday.

Presented by MAVTV and hosted by motorsports journalist and broadcaster Dave Despain, the Breakfast played host to some 3000 motorsports professionals to mark the start of the three biggest business days in racing.

"Winning the first Indy 500 is always very important because Indianapolis [Motor Speedway] is a very special place," said Al Sr., who over his career won the Indianapolis 500 four times and earned three Indy car championships (1970, 1983, and 1985). "Things happened at that place that keep you wondering how they happened. It has a mystery about it."

Al Jr. joined his father as a series champion in 1990 before himself becoming an Indy 500 winner in 1992.

"That day [winning the 1992 Indy 500] meant I could sit at the Thanksgiving table and be part of the family," said Al Jr. jokingly of his win. "It was all a dream. Just driving a car was a dream, then qualifying for the race was another dream come true. Then that dream of winning it, are you kidding me, it finally came true."

Breakfast attendees sat captivated by first-person accounts and memories provided by the Unsers, and facilitated masterfully by Despain.

"Having the Unsers up there was huge. I'm old enough to remember the Johnny Lightning car and saw it race at Ontario Motor Speedway," said KC Jones from Lexington, Kentucky. "It was awesome. Dave Despain does a great job every year. I've been coming to the Breakfast for years."

Fellow PRI Show attendee Mike Santoro of Pike Peaks, Colorado, agreed.

"It was really special. Everything was perfect, and I enjoyed hearing the stories from the Unsers," said Santoro. "The Grand Opening Breakfast is the best way to start the day. It's worth the time to get up early to attend before the Show starts."

For more information or to register for the 2018 PRI Show, December 6-8 at the Indiana Convention Center, visit pri2018.com.

December 2018

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