Fox Factory Holding Corp. (FOX) announced that it has agreed to purchase a 23-acre site in Hall County, Georgia, to diversify its manufacturing platform and provide the additional long-term capacity to support growth in its Powered Vehicles Group.

FOX also plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Scotts Valley, California, to its existing offices in Georgia by the end of the year. Additionally, FOX plans to relocate its aftermarket bike products distribution, sales and service operations from Watsonville and Scotts Valley, California, to Reno, Nevada, to better serve its customers.

The first phase of the Hall County, Georgia, project is expected to be completed in early 2020. The facility will be used for manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and office space. The company’s Scotts Valley, California, location will remain an essential shared services facility housing certain corporate functions.

FOX believes the creation of a campus environment in Hall County, Georgia will allow its Powered Vehicle Group to continue to grow efficiently and foster increased innovation and collaboration between its teams and customers. FOX plans to invest up to $50 million in capital expenditures and employ up to 800 personnel over the next five years, dependent on market and general economic conditions in Georgia.

“We are pleased to announce the plans for a new state of the art campus in Hall County, Georgia,” FOX Chief Executive Officer Larry L. Enterline said. “This new site will allow us to add an additional world-class manufacturing operation for our Powered Vehicles Group that we intend to be ISO9001 and IATF 16949 certified, and will increase our ability to better serve our OEM customers and on-road aftermarket business.”

Engine bearing specialists King Engine Bearings has relocated its Cedar Park, New Jersey, headquarters to a larger facility in Okner Parkway in Livingston, New Jersey.

The new location will help the company expand its reach including its worldwide race product line King Racing, which focuses on sports compact and domestic engine bearings. The company also creates bearings for the aviation, aftermarket and OE markets.

King Engine Bearing’s executive offices, sales, customer support call center, accounting and logistics departments will all be based out of the new location.

For more information, visit kingbearings.com.

The introduction of the LMP2 class and forthcoming changes to the GT Daytona (GTD) class in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship were the driving forces for refinements to the 2019 IMSA Sporting Regulations released today.

Announced in August, the WeatherTech Championship will expand to four classes in 2019 with Daytona Prototype international (DPi) cars racing exclusively in the top class and LMP2 moving to its own, Pro-Am class, alongside the longstanding GT Le Mans (GTLM) class designed for Pro racers and the Pro-Am GTD class.

That expansion, as well as the August announcement of the new IMSA WeatherTech Sprint Cup created the need for new regulations. Among them:

    •    LMP2 and GTD teams both will be required to have a Silver- or Bronze-rated driver in the lineup for each car.
    •    Any Silver-rated driver that is new to the WeatherTech Championship will be subject to approval by the IMSA Driver Evaluation Committee before a team’s entry will be accepted.
    •    On each event weekend, there will be an exclusive practice session prior to qualifying for Bronze- and Silver-rated drivers in the GTD class.
    •    Bronze- or Silver-rated drivers will be required to qualify and start the race in the LMP2 and GTD classes.
    •     The season-ending Jim Trueman and Bob Akin Awards for the top Pro-Am driver in the LMP2 (Trueman) and GTD (Akin) classes will be awarded to the highest-placed eligible driver in the season-ending point standings. In previous years, Trueman and Akin award winners were determined by a formula that included laps and miles driven in addition to overall finishing positions.
    •    IMSA will specify the number of drivers required in each LMP2 and GTD entry in 2019. For all sprint races, each entry will be required to have two drivers with a maximum of one Platinum- or Gold-rated driver. For the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Parts, Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen and Motul Petit Le Mans, each LMP2 and GTD car will be required to use a three-driver combination with a maximum of one Platinum- or Gold-rated driver. For the Rolex 24 At Daytona, LMP2 and GTD teams may use four-or five-driver combinations, with a maximum of one Platinum- and one Gold-rated driver or a maximum of two Gold-rated drivers.
    •    LMP2 and GTD entries will be limited to four days of private testing per entry in 2019.
    •    The GTD class will only participate in the first two days of the Roar Before The Rolex 24 At Daytona test on Jan. 4-5, 2019. The Roar will be the only IMSA-sanctioned test in 2019.

More details, including changes to key modifications for the IMSA MICHELIN Pilot Challenge and the tire changes for 2019, can be found here.

Sentinel Capital Partners, the private equity that owns Driven Performance Brands, has announced a deal to purchase Holley Performance Products this week. Holley was previously owned by Lincolnshire Management, Inc.

Holley’s portfolio of brands—including MSD, Sniper EFI, Accel, Diablosport, Superchips, Edge and Hooker Blackheart—will be integrated with Driven, a platform acquired by Sentinel in 2015.

"Holley provides a large and vibrant community of passionate consumers with high- performance products that are essential to their lifestyle," Holley President and CEO Tom Tomlinson said. “Uniting Holley and Driven expands our product offering and market-leading portfolio, deepens our connection to our enthusiast base, and, importantly, brings together two highly talented management teams."

Holley, which has been in operation for 115 years, will remain headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Driven Performance Brands—which includes brands such as Flowmaster, B&M, Hurst, APR, and Dinan—is based in Santa Rosa, California.

Sentinel Capital Partners specializes in the purchasing and creation of businesses—in partnership with management—in the lower midmarket of the US and Canada.

For more information, visit holley.com.

RACE TECH is the technical Bible for everyone involved in the motorsport industry as well as the serious enthusiast who wishes to be better informed, featuring in-depth articles written by engineers for engineers.

Don’t miss our January issue, where you will find:

• An A-Z analysis of the controversial 2018 F1 season
• An incisive assessment of what Mercedes’ departure means for the DTM
• The important innovations that have already emerged and are expected this show season
• A deep dive into the Integral e-Drive technology that powered VW’s record-breaking run at Pikes Peak
• A revealing look at the moves to bring top-tier simulation tools in reach of engineers in other series

RACE TECH reaches a global audience of more than 56,000 motorsport professionals, including engineers, designers and senior decision makers. Catering to a well-informed and highly relevant audience ensures maximum exposure.

Having celebrated its 20th anniversary as the world leading motorsport technology magazine, RACE TECH is the primary source of racing technical information with every aspect of the race car covered from concept to the starting grid and everything in between.

The magazine is recognized as the leading international authority on engineering and technology in motorsport and applies its unique approach to all aspects of motorsport engineering, from the engine and powertrain, through to suspension, vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics. Beyond that, it also covers the wider motorsport industry, looking at business and administrative issues, technical regulations and current affairs.

Annually the magazine also hosts the world's leading motorsport technology forum, the World Motorsport Symposium. It is the only event of its kind where the most senior international motorsport and automotive engineering decision makers get together for two days to discuss how technology will shape the future of their sport, and in turn influence and affect engineering sectors across the globe.

Attendees are the first to hear about new ideas and decisions before they are formally announced, and be privy to highly confidential industry information only available due to the Chatham House rule.

The concept of the electric single seater racing series was first muted at the symposium that has since become the extremely successful Formula E, as was the Global Race Engine concept. Knowing that it won't be reported, governing bodies also talk in confidence about their future plans.

A networking opportunity like no other has also meant that this symposium has gained a reputation as the 'Davos of Motorsport Engineering' where many return year-on-year.

RACE TECH is part of Kimberley Media Group. Other titles within the Group include Historic Racing Technology and Track Car Performance.

Uniquely, Historic Racing Technology is dedicated to the engineering and craftsmanship found in today’s historic racing industry. Inside you’ll find in-depth technical articles on preparing, racing and restoring historic cars in the modern era.

It has rapidly established a keen following among professional engineers and home enthusiasts alike. Ranging from club competitors to those involved with major international events, it covers every aspect of classic and vintage motorsport.

Track Car Performance magazine will appeal to everyone from the person who just wants to take their car to the track for a bit of fun to the high-end track owner who all have the same mission in mind—that is to go as fast as possible along a given piece of track!

It contains everything you need to know to convert your road car into a race car, items such as roll cages and seat belts and track side equipment such as video systems and lap timers and how to test your car on a rolling road.

For more information about any of the above, please visit:

www.kimberleymediagroup.com

www.racetechmag.com

www.historicracingtechnology.com

www.trackcarperformance.com

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) 2019 Hoosier Racing Tire Super Tour features 11 events beginning in January and closing out in July. The lineup of tracks includes old favorites along with a couple of venues new to the series.

Hoosier Super Tour venues are selected based on various attributes. Some have decades of history with a record book featuring the biggest names in all of motorsport. Other sites are top "pro" tracks offering the best quality racing surface and amenities. And certain tracks were selected because they are the best "club" courses in the country, where challenging layouts are matched with warm hospitality and a "family feel" to the paddock area.

The Hoosier Super Tour serves as the Summit Racing Equipment SCCA Road Racing's nationwide point championship. The point structure remains the same as previous years with the best six Hoosier Super Tour races, plus a Runoffs finish, going toward identifying class champions. Point totals for the Hoosier Super Tour are managed by SCCA national office staff and can be viewed at SCCA.com.

Only SCCA Full Competition and SCCA Pro Racing License holders may register to compete at Hoosier Super Tour events. The Hoosier Super Tour also serves as a path to the 2019 SCCA National Championship Runoffs being held Oct. 8-13 at VIRginia International Raceway.

2019 Hoosier SCCA Super Tour Schedule
*all dates subject to change

January 11-13: Sebring International Raceway; Sebring, Florida
(Southeast Conf., Central Florida Region)
 
February 8-10: Circuit of the Americas; Austin, Texas
(Southern Conf., Lone Star Region/Southwest Division)
 
March 15-17: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta; Braselton, Georgia
(Southeast Conf., Southeast Division)
 
March 30-31: Hallett Motor Racing Circuit; Jennings, Oklahoma
(Mid-States Conf./Southern Conf.; Ark Valley Race Group)
 
April 12-14: VIRginia International Raceway; Alton, Virginia
(Northeast Conf./Southeast Conf., North Carolina Region)
 
April 26-28: Buttonwillow Raceway Park; Buttonwillow, California
(Western Conf., Cal Club Region)
 
May 17-19: Portland International Raceway; Portland, Oregon
(Western Conf., Oregon Region)
 
May 31-June 2 (tentative date): Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course; Lexington, Ohio
(Northern Conf., Ohio Valley Region)
 
June 14-16: Road America - WeatherTech Chicago Region June Sprints; Plymouth, Wis.
(Northern Conf., Chicago Region)
 
June 21-23: Watkins Glen International; Watkins Glen, New York
(Northeast Conf., Glen Region)
 
July 26-28: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca; Salinas, California
(Western Conf., San Francisco Region)

Toyota unveiled the GR Supra Racing Concept at the 2018 SEMA Show, reviving the name of Toyota’s most celebrated sports car capable of performing both on the road and on the race track.

A compact, two-door car, the GR Supra Racing Concept created by Toyota Gazoo Racing has a front-engine and rear-wheel-drive configuration.

The GR Supra will participate in international motorsports events, including the World Rally Championship, World Endurance Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours race, and will also be featured in a new update of the Gran Turismo Sport video game, scheduled for release in April 2018.

The bodywork design makes extensive use of strong but lightweight composite material for elements including the wide front and rear bumpers, front splitter and rear diffuser, side skirts, door mirror housings and the large rear wing. The hood features louvered air inlets. The chassis features a lowered front and rear suspension using OE components. BBS racing wheels with center-nut attachments are fitted with Michelin racing tires.

The braking system uses Brembo Racing calipers and discs with racing exhaust. The cabin is entirely competition-focused and is fitted with a racing dashboard, OMP driver’s seat and safety harness. OMP has also supplied the quick-release steering wheel, mounted on a racing column and equipped with a paddle shift system. A full roll cage, fire extinguishers, and the fuel and brake lines, pedal box, battery and wiring looms are all designed to competition standards.

For more information, visit the Toyota Gazoo Racing website here.

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has named Todd Pickens as the company’s vice president of sales.
 
Pickens will be responsible for driving profitable sales and growing market shares for Mickey Thompson segments including street, race and light truck. He reports to Mickey Thompson President Dominick Wycoff.

With more than 30 years of experience leading teams in global sales and business development, Pickens has held roles of increasing responsibility with Ford Motor Company, Mazda Motor of America, Wilson Sporting Goods and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

At Goodyear, Pickens held leadership roles in regional sales, all-terrain category management and wholesale distribution, serving most recently as senior director of Channel Sales, leading the company’s consumer replacement sales organization.

“Todd’s experience in premium tire products and his strong track record of results in domestic and global sales will be a valuable asset to Mickey Thompson. We are excited to welcome him to the leadership team,” Wycoff said.

Pickens holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in management from Purdue University.

For more information, visit here.

Beginning January 1, 2019, International Speedway Corporation (ISC) will assume operation of PRI exhibitor Racing Electronics after a recent acquisition.

Racing Electronics is one of the worldwide leaders in motorsports communications technology and equipment for motorsports drivers, teams, series, venues and fans. Racing Electronics is the exclusive provider of FanVision technology to NASCAR and NHRA, as well as the official two-way radio and race communications provider of 14 major sanctioning bodies including ARCA, IndyCar, NHRA, World Racing Group and USAC.

“Our companies share a team-driven culture consumed with developing new ways to enhance the fan experience,” ISC Managing Director and Motor Racing Network Broadcast and Integrated Marketing and VP Chris Schwartz said. “We see the Racing Electronics team continuing to play a key role as we expand our industry footprint.”

Racing Electronics’ signature products include LEGEND and FanVision, along with scanners, headphones and intercom systems.

Leadership and nearly 70 full-time employees will remain intact, with Racing Electronics President of Motorsports Chad Willis continuing in his role and reporting to Schwartz. Racing Electronics will maintain its manufacturing and business operations from its Concord, North Carolina, headquarters.

For more information, visit the ISC website here.

The Short Track U.S. Nationals will return to Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee, next season with a new date and reconfigured racing program.

The event will be held on May 31-June 1 and will showcase four classes, headlined by the Super Late Model division along with Pro Late Models, street stocks and compacts.

The restructured two-day format will provide competitors with additional practice opportunities throughout the day on Friday and will be followed by a full day on Saturday that will include practice, qualifying and racing.

“This new date and format will allow teams and spectators the opportunity to enjoy plenty of quality racing over the weekend,” Bristol Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell said. “We’ve seen some of stock car racing’s new generation emerge at this event by having great success and we’re anxious to discover more of the sport’s future stars.”

Four sanctioning bodies will be affiliated with the event, including the Champions Racing Ass’n, the CARS Tour, the Southern Super Series and the Vore’s Compact Series.