Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is releasing a four-part miniseries documenting a recent repave project that uncovered the Speedway's iconic brick racing surface and the original crushed stone-and-tar track surface.

The miniseries, which will be released as part of its flagship "Behind the Bricks" program, begins Monday, December 8.

A new episode will be released daily through Thursday, December 11. A full-length documentary with additional interviews and footage will be released on Friday, December 12. Each episode can be seen on IMS social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.

The series features footage not just of the repave project but the uncovering of the brick racing surface and the discovery of the original crushed stone-and-tar surface from 1909. It also includes interviews with project experts and former IMS Historian Donald Davidson.

"It's not often that we get to really see the full history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in front of our eyes," Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. "What started as a project to fix a bump in Turn 2 turned into a historic, and at times, overwhelming exploration that uncovered aspects of his racetrack that have not seen the light of day, literally, in over 116 years. I can't wait for our fans to see it all unfold on 'Behind the Bricks.'"

IMS was originally paved in spring 1909 with a surface consisting of crushed stone and tar. Track conditions proved to be treacherous that summer, and in fall 1909, the surface was paved with 3.2 million bricks, giving it the nickname "The Brickyard." The paving project was completed in early December, and the track surface was dedicated by future United States Vice President, then-Indiana Gov. Thomas Marshall on Dec. 17.

One of the endearing traits of IMS has been the brick surface tucked underneath the modern-day asphalt racing surface. In 1937, all four turns of the 2.5-mile oval were paved before that year's Indianapolis 500, officially covering the bricks that were uncovered in 2025. Additional track paving projects took place in 1938, 1939, 1961, 1976, 1988, 1995 and 2004, placing the brick surface approximately 7 inches below the current racing surface.

However, the freeze and thaw of Indiana winters allowed the bricks below the surface to move and expand, presenting as bumps in the current racing surface at the exit of Turn 2. IMS ground the bumps to keep the track surface smooth for years, but a lasting solution was needed. So, in September, IMS milled the racing surface and removed bricks in the areas that were creating the problem. IMS will keep the excavated bricks for preservation. A block of crushed stone and tar removed during the process is on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

As "Behind the Bricks" documents, a new layer of asphalt was placed in the 100-foot section of racing surface that spans the width of the track and was diamond-grinded to match the existing track surface texture.

Haas F1, the American Formula 1 team with operations based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, has expanded its partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) to make the motorsports arm of the Japanese automaker the team's title partner.

Beginning with the 2026 Formula 1 Championship, the team will be known as TGR Haas F1 Team. Having entered a multi-year technical partnership in October 2024, the new title partnership deal is a further expansion of the agreement, which includes the development of drivers, engineers and mechanics.

One key element of the existing partnership between the two companies was visibly demonstrated in the execution of the team's first Testing of Previous Car (TPC) program throughout the 2025 season, which will now be known as the 'TGR Haas Driver Development Program' beginning in 2026.

TGR Haas F1 Team will officially unveil its VF-26 livery look online on January 23 before heading to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain, for private Formula 1 testing, followed by two further official tests in February at the Bahrain International Circuit.

For more information, visit haasf1team.com.

PRI has announced a major enhancement to the 2025 PRI Show, December 11-13, downtown Indianapolis, with the debut of the PRI Paddock, a new activation at the grand entrance of the Indiana Convention Center. A centerpiece of the experience is the Show's iconic hanging car, this year represented by the Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster driven by four-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown, continuing a long-standing PRI tradition. 

The Paddock includes a live stage featuring exclusive live interviews, and standout vehicles representing the breadth of racing disciplines at the Show, including a BMW M4 GT3 EVO from SRO GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, a Honda Civic from SCCA Time Attack, a TRAD PRO4 custom off-road truck from Amsoil Champ Off Road, a Schnee-Lawson Sprint Car from the High Limit Racing Series and a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano from Formula Drift. It reflects PRI's commitment to supporting the entire racing community from grassroots competitors to professional teams and manufacturers while connecting attendees with the industry leaders and innovators shaping motorsports. 

"Racing is at the heart of everything we do, and the 2025 PRI Show brings that energy front and center with the debut of the PRI Paddock," said PRI President Michael Good. "This is about creating an experience that reflects PRI's role as the hub for innovation and collaboration in motorsports. The Paddock strengthens our strategy to connect the entire racing community, from racers and teams to manufacturers and fans, while showcasing the creativity and passion that drive the industry forward." 

Throughout all three days of the PRI Show, the PRI Paddock stage will host driver appearances, industry conversations, expert interviews and opportunities for fans to interact with some of the most influential voices in motorsports. Attendees may also see a surprise visit from a favorite racing driver or team owner. 

"The PRI Paddock gives attendees an unforgettable first impression of the Show," said PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. "With live interviews and standout vehicles, fans and industry professionals can connect, learn and celebrate all aspects of racing." 

PRI Paddock Interview Schedule 

Thursday, December 11 

9:30 AM – Michael Good, President of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) 

10:00 AM – Bill Bader, President and Owner of Summit Motorsports Park 

10:30 AM – Cindy Sisson, Executive Director of Women in Motorsports North America 

11:00 AM – Melanie White, CEO, Hellwig and Chair Elect of the SEMA Board of Directors 

11:30 AM – Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Products 

12:00 PM – John Doonan, President of IMSA in October 2019 

1:00 PM – Glen Cromwell, President 

1:30 PM – Ty Flannery 

2:00 PM – Adam LZ, Formula Drift driver, content creator, car builder, and entrepreneur 

Friday, December 12 

9:30 AM – Mike Spagnola, CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) 

10:00 AM – Greg Zipadelli (Zippy), Crew Chief and Team Executive, Port City Race Cars 

10:30 AM – Kyle Fickler, Director of business development at ProCharger 

11:00 AM – Gaige Herrera, NHRA Driver 

11:30 AM – Wes Buck (Mike Carpenter), Founder/editorial director of Drag Illustrated 

12:00 PM – Doug Lane, President and Owner, Motor State Distributing and Curt Spalding, Division Manager, Allstar Performance 

1:00 PM - Nelson Gill, Owner and Founder 

1:30 PM – Lyn St. James, Former Racer, Co-founder and President of Women in Motorsports North America 

2:00 PM – Davey Hamilton Sr., Former Race Car Driver, Founder of the King of the Wing Sprint Car Series and Davey Hamilton Jr., Former Racer, Founder and owner of the Open Wheel Showdown 

Saturday, December 13 

10:30 AM – Vivian Campbell, ARA Rally Driver, RC2, Car 964, Musician 

11:00 AM – Jason Vansickle, Vice President of Curation and Education, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and Dan Rosenau, Restoration Manager, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum 

11:30 AM – Brian Mabutas and Nick Pedroza, Founders, Eat Sleep Race 

Registration for 2025 PRI Show   

The PRI Show draws attendees from all 50 states and around the world, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, fabricators, media and others. To register, book hotel accommodations and learn more about the 2025 PRI Show, visit PRI2025.com/Attend.  

Five drivers, four track workers and one racing family will be honored as part of the Class of 2026 during the fifth annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Induction Night event next July at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wisconsin.

Formed in late 2021, the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Committee recognizes individuals who have exemplified dirt-track racing at the highest level since The Plymouth Dirt Track's inception in 1950. The effort honors the spirit of competition and outstanding achievements at the facility over the past 76 years.

The Class of 2026 honorees will be recognized during a special induction ceremony at intermission of the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 11.

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2026 includes the following five drivers:

JOHN BORN – The Howards Grove, Wis., driver was a top contender in the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Sportsman division, claiming 20 feature victories. In addition, Born tallied 11 top-10 and five top-five point showings during his standout career, which spanned 13 seasons from 1979 to 1991.

BRIAN GILLES – One of the most highly successful competitors in the history of The Plymouth Dirt Track, the Plymouth, Wis., driver compiled seven track championships in the Super Stock and Grand National divisions during his standout 40-year career, including four consecutive titles from 1999 through 2002 in Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Racing-sanctioned Super Stock competition. Under the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing banner, Gilles claimed the 2010 and 2023 Grand National championships.

TERRY MARTEN – The Sheboygan Falls, Wis., driver was one of the mainstays at the front of the pack in the ultra-competitive Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified division in the 1980s and early 1990s, claiming the 1989 track championship. Marten also raced in the EWSC Sportsman division and was a strong competitor in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car ranks.

LANNY SCHIRMER – The Plymouth, Wis., driver excelled in the Modified division, competing at The Plymouth Dirt Track from the late 1950s through 1968. Schirmer also played an instrumental role in the formation of the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Association, which began sanctioning races at Plymouth in 1960.

GIB WISER – The Neosho, Wis., driver was a stellar competitor in the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified division in the 1970s, earning six top-five point finishes, including the 1975 track championship.

Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2026 inductees in the Dedication to Racing category include longtime track workers Dave Bohrmueller, Dale Baumann, Kim Baumann and Brian Triphan.

Members of the Sippel family will be inducted in the Racing Family category, including Tom Sippel and his sons, Randy and Scott.

The names of the Class of 2026 inductees will be etched on the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame, located underneath the grandstand at The Plymouth Dirt Track, along with the names of the previous four Wall of Fame classes.

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Night event will feature a driver meet-and-greet and autograph session before the racing program, as well as photo and memorabilia displays showcasing the racing careers and accomplishments of the Class of 2026 honorees.

In addition, past Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame inductees from the Class of 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 are invited to take part in the evening's festivities, including the meet-and-greet and autograph session. In the event of inclement weather on Saturday, July 11, a make-up date for the induction ceremony has been set for Saturday, July 18, 2026.

For more information, visit plymouthdtr.com.

Image courtesy of The Plymouth Dirt Track

The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) has revealed the EMPA Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Announced ahead of the upcoming EMPA Convention, scheduled for January in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the organization's membership has voted to induct a slate of motorsports legends into its Hall of Fame.

The 2026 inductees, representing a variety of motorsports disciplines, are:

• Kenny Bernstein – Drag Racing
• Frank Cozze – Dirt Modifieds
• Rick Ferkel – Sprint Cars
• Jan Leaty – Modifieds
• Paul Page – Broadcasting
• Steve Smith Jr. – Sprint Cars

The organization also announced the winners of several annual awards:

• Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Asphalt Driver of the Year – Austin Beers
• Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Dirt Driver of the Year – Dirt: Anthony Macri
• Al Holbert Memorial National Driver of the Year – Kyle Larson
• John Blewett III Young Gun – Alex Payne
• Chris Economaki Memorial Newsmaker of the Year – Halmar/Friesen Racing
• Junie Dunlavey Memorial Spirit of the Sport Award – Rex Merritt
• EMPA Promotional Effort of the Year – Kolten Gouse, BAPS Motor Speedway
• Jerry Riegle Contribution to Sprint Car Racing Award – Kolten Gouse, BAPS Motor Speedway

For more information, visit empamedia.com.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), based in Fairfield, Ohio, has announced Leah Martin as president. Martin brings a broad and distinguished background in executive leadership, national advocacy initiatives, organizational development and large-scale motorsports operations, IHRA said, also stating:

"Our research indicates that Martin is the only female president of a major motorsports sanctioning body in the United States. This marks a significant milestone not only for IHRA but also for women rising into leadership roles across the motorsports landscape."

In her new role, Martin will oversee all IHRA disciplines--including drag racing, offshore powerboat racing, stock car racing, tractor pulling and emerging motorsports platforms--in an effort to ensure unified leadership and strategic alignment across the entire organization.

Before entering the motorsports industry, Martin held leadership roles within national nonprofit organizations, including serving as a director with the American Lung Association. In motorsports, Martin has served as executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, known as the world's largest performance boating event. Under her leadership, the Shootout expanded its sponsorship portfolio, strengthened event logistics and safety operations, enhanced media and community engagement, and delivered significant economic benefits to the region. She remains in an oversight capacity for the event, ensuring continuity, long-term planning and strategic alignment as it continues to grow.

Within IHRA, Martin has played a key role in advancing organizational structure, aligning multiple racing disciplines and building a unified framework across the association's growing and diverse motorsports properties.

"Stepping into this role is an incredible honor, and I am fully committed to advancing the IHRA with a racer-first mindset and a clear vision for long-term growth. Motorsports thrive when organizations work together, when teams feel supported and when there is alignment with a shared mission. My focus is on fostering collaboration, strengthening our operations and building a foundation that will carry the IHRA forward for years to come," said Martin. "I'm grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to leading the IHRA into a new era of stability, innovation and opportunity."

"What's important to me isn't male or female, but rather who is best for the job. Leah has a tremendous sense of business and has surrounded herself with the strongest experts in each racing discipline under our umbrella. Her leadership, her strategic approach and her ability to unite teams are exactly what the IHRA needs as we elevate our motorsports portfolio to new levels," said Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA. "The fact that she is a woman breaking new ground in motorsports is a bonus--but it's her capability, not her gender, that makes her the right leader. We are committed to progression in motorsports, and we couldn't be prouder that Leah will lead the way."

Related, track owners, operators and managers are encouraged to attend IHRA's dedicated session at the 2025 PRI Show (learn more here), where leadership will outline transition timelines, member-track benefits and the expanded opportunities available under IHRA's new unified sanctioning model. This presentation will offer clarity, direction and direct access to IHRA leadership as the organization continues its growth strategy, the organization said.

Visit IHRA.com for more information.

Track Enterprises and longtime owner and promoter Bob Sargent have announced the company's plans for the 2026 race season, which will see a refocusing of efforts on event promotion at venues across the country.

The Illinois-based company will again lead the Easter weekend events at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina, which will again feature on-track action from the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series East.

Additionally, Track Enterprises will return as the promotional operator of the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in Tennessee with a schedule that includes a mix of local racing on the facility's quarter-mile track and major events on the 5/8-mile oval for Pro Late Models, Super Late Models, Modifieds, ARCA and more, as well as a new event hosting the zMAX CARS Tour in April.

Although Track Enterprises recently sold the ASA STARS National Tour, ASA Midwest Tour and ASA/CRA Super Series, the company will remain involved as event promoter for several events. In 2026, Track Enterprises will oversee races at Cordele, Five Flags Speedway, Shadybowl, Hickory, Tri-County, Nashville, Slinger, Madison, Wisconsin International, Dells Raceway Park and additional venues still to be announced.

Sargent and his team will also continue to promote the USAC Silver Crown Series and ARCA Menards Series events at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. The company will also oversee operations at Lincoln Speedway in Illinois for the 11 season, with the Castrol FloRacing Night in America event in May, the DIRTcar Summer Nationals "Hell Tour" stop in June, two visits from the MOWA Sprint Cars and the season-ending DIRTcar Fall Nationals in October all on the schedule.

For more information, visit trackenterprises.com.

Marty D. Melo, owner of MDM Promotions, has acquired the ASA STARS National Tour, ASA Midwest Tour, CRA Super Series, CRA All-Stars Tour and TrackTV from Track Enterprises, the Illinois-based event promoter.

This transition follows more than a year of leadership engagement by Marty Melo, who assumed operational and sales oversight of the ASA STARS National Tour in the fall of 2024 and assisted in managing the series with Bob Sargent. In this capacity, Melo established the Platinum Program, which brought in 15 full-time teams at the beginning of the 2025 season, series representatives said. He additionally secured multiple high-profile corporate partnerships, broadening the series’ commercial portfolio.

Outgoing owner Bob Sargent, who maintains ownership of Track Enterprises, will remain as an advisor and will continue to promote several ASA STARS events. All previously announced 2026 schedules, event structures, operational frameworks and the strategic alliance with Tim Bryant, owner of the ASA Southern Super Series, will remain unchanged during this transition. Newly appointed Alex Gilhart will continue his role as series director of the ASA Midwest Tour while Scott Menlen will likewise remain in his role as series director of the CRA All-Stars Tour and race director of the ASA STARS National Tour.

Additional announcements will be released in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit starsnationaltour.com.

Image courtesy of ASA STARS National Tour

The Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) has released its event schedule for 2026 season.

STSS modifieds and sportsman return in North and South regional battles with racing planned for 15 different tracks across six states (New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Vermont) and one Canadian Province (Quebec).

"We've come a long way from our first season in 2014 with six races at five tracks," series organizer Brett Deyo said. "For 2026, our 13th year, we looked at economic factors, participation and crowds at events across the Modified spectrum and focused on a schedule that is more achievable for our teams. We feel we've found a balance between racing too little and not overextending our product."

Deyo added that limited dates or venues could be added during the winter months.

For more information, visit shorttracksuperseries.com.

See the full schedules for each region below: