Sponsored by Canton Racing Products

Cooling systems are one of the most important systems in an engine. Running an engine too hot can cause fluids and parts to break down and can ultimately lead to a catastrophic failure. At the same time, an engine that is running too cold can be inefficient and perform poorly.

There are two ways that engines have traditionally been cooled: by air and by water. Many older cars, and even some newer motorcycles, feature air-cooled engines. However, most modern cars require liquid-cooled systems. 

A liquid-cooled system typically features a radiator, fan, thermostat, water pump, a coolant tank and a fill point. The type of coolant tank and the fill point location can vary depending on the system. In many modern cars, the radiator is mounted lower than the engine. Since the radiator is lower than the engine, a pressure relief and fill point that is higher than the engine is needed. This is accomplished with an expansion tank.  When the radiator is high enough to act as a fill point and pressure relief, an expansion tank is not necessarily required. In those applications, a recovery-style tank may be used instead. 

Liquid-cooled systems are pressurized in order to raise the boiling point of the coolant. The boiling point of a 50/50 coolant-water mix is 226 degrees F at 0 psi. At 16 psi, the boiling point of a 50/50 mix is 267 degrees F.  One of the easiest ways to differentiate between an expansion tank and a recovery tank is whether the tank is part of the pressurized part of the coolant system or not.

Expansion Tank Set Up

An expansion tank is part of the pressurized section of the coolant system. An expansion tank can easily be recognized by the neck and cap used. Since the tank is under pressure, it will require a pressure-rated cap and neck. The pressure relief in the expansion tank should be the highest point in your coolant system.
 

An expansion tank is designed so there is space in the tank for the coolant to expand. If an expansion tank is overfilled, it will discharge coolant when the system is at operating temperature. 

An expansion tank can also be used as a fill point for the system. When an expansion tank is used, the radiator doesn't require a pressure-relieving cap. The expansion tank cap will perform the duties that the cap on the radiator traditionally performed. Increasing the capacity of the system and providing a more convenient fill point are among the benefits of an expansion tank. 

Recovery/Reservoir Tank Set Up

In contrast, a recovery/reservoir tank typically features a vented cap and is not required to be above the cylinder heads. The job of the recovery/reservoir tank is to hold the coolant that is discharged from the system's pressure relief when the coolant is hot and expanding. When the system cools, the cooling effect creates a vacuum that pulls this coolant back into the system. 

A coolant recovery/reservoir tank gives the system the ability to discharge and recharge coolant when needed to maintain the appropriate pressure. This allows the system to maintain full coolant capacity at all times. 
 

A recovery/reservoir tank can be used in conjunction with an expansion tank or can be plumbed off a radiator that features a pressure relief.  

A recovery/reservoir tank should not be confused with a catch tank, however. A recovery/reservoir tank will either be plumbed at the bottom of the tank or have a hose internally that runs to the bottom so coolant can be drawn back into the system. A catch tank, on the other hand, usually features plumbing into the top of the tank and does not have a hose that goes to the bottom. A catch tank serves to collect expelled coolant to be drained from that tank at a later point. While both a recovery/reservoir tank and a catch tank hold excess coolant, a recovery/reservoir will automatically put the coolant back in the system, whereas a catch tank will hold the coolant until it can be emptied.

If you would like to know more about features to consider when choosing a tank, open up our Aluminum Tank Designer's Guide by clicking this link.

For more information, visit the Canton Racing Products website at cantonracingproducts.com. Questions for Canton Racing Products? Fill out the online contact form here or call (203)481-9460.

The 2026 PRI Magazine Racing Industry Buyers Guide is now available, giving you access to information on hundreds of new parts, products and services. Check out the December issue online now to browse through the industry's premier source for new products and technology from all segments of the performance and racing world.

Inside, you'll find hundreds of listings from industry manufacturers from the following categories:

• Engine Components
• Chassis, Driveline and Suspension Components
• Racing Components, Accessories and Services
• Machinery, Tools and Equipment
• Race Track Equipment and Supplies
• Sanctioning Organizations
• Manufacturers Reps
• Warehouse Distributors
• Manufacturers, Distributors and Service Providers

See all the new innovations from around the industry in the December issue, available now HERE.

Below is a step-by-step guide to claiming your free digital subscription to PRI Magazine on your phone.

Visit the link below or scan the QR code to claim your coupon voucher:

Claim your free PRI Magazine digital subscription here.

Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your motorsports background and interests.

Hit subscribe to claim your free subscription. Now, you're able to activate your account by downloading the PRI Magazine app. Tap the IOS link for Apple devices and Google Play for others.

Once you sign up, you'll have full access to a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge and insights. Get to reading! Be sure to sign up for notifications on the latest issue.

For any questions or assistance, please reach out to PRI's Customer Service Team at membership@performanceracing.com or call 949-499-5413. 

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), the Fairfield, Ohio-based sanctioning body, has completed its acquisition of the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA).

The WDRA, which has focused on supporting its member tracks and the bracket racing community through benefits and programming, will now fold into the IHRA. The IHRA continues its efforts to overhaul drag racing with major facility acquisitions, renovations, and the expansion of the IHRA Outlaw Nitro national event series.

With the acquisition of WDRA--formerly sanctioning 62 tracks across 25 states and five Canadian provinces--IHRA now represents 117 member tracks across the United States, Canada, Aruba, Australia and New Zealand.

"IHRA's current sportsman leadership looks forward to working alongside WDRA leadership to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for all member tracks," IHRA representatives said in a statement announcing the acquisition. "This transition will further strengthen the overall value IHRA delivers, providing a unified structure, consistent rules administration and an elevated level of support for local facilities within the reimagined IHRA framework."

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.

For more information on this recent announcement, visit here.

Jim Browning Sr.--the founder of Ultimate Headers in Berea, Ohio--has passed away. He was 87.

The following message was shared by CORSA Performance, a company that Browning also founded, on social media:

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Browning Sr., the original founder of Corsa Performance and Corsa Marine.

Jim was a man that remembered everyone's name and could fix any problem. Through his network, he discovered an issue with the anti-surge valves in marine applications that caused frequent and costly hydro-locking. Working with NASA scientist Jerry Carek, Jim developed a long-lasting anti-surge valve solution to revolutionize the marine exhaust system industry. Working out of his garage, Jim started cooking Corsa Marine valves out of his kitchen oven. The business grew, and Jim developed the Captain's Call exhaust diverter system, which is still sold today through Corsa Marine.

With the introduction of the C5 Corvette, Jim noticed the vehicle's appearance was lacking the finish such a masterpiece deserved. This was the inception of the Corsa mission; to finish the vision of form that others have stifled by function. Working with [Lingenfelter Performance Engineering], Jim sent a marine exhaust for input on how to improve the C5 Corvette... Jim immediately began the development of Corsa's legendary Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC®) technology, which re-wrote the rulebook for performance exhaust systems. In 1998, Corsa's automotive division was born: Corsa Performance. In the beginning, Corsa relied on Jim's truly unique and uncanny ability to hone in on the Corsa sounds within half a decibel difference by ear.

Even after moving on to other ventures, Jim's infectious spirit, passion and vision for our brand left a lasting impression on the team that continues to live on in our team that is here today. He will be missed by our entire team, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones. 

Image courtesy of CORSA Performance

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has announced the launch of the IHRA Stock Car Series, a new division built to restore the true essence of grassroots stock car racing. The series emphasizes driver talent, balanced competition and cost-controlled rules while delivering a national platform for local racers.

The IHRA Stock Car Series, with a firm commitment to accessible racing, will offer a simplified rules package, affordable participation and transparent competition standards that put the focus back where it belongs: skill, determination and the spirit of American short-track racing, says the IHRA.

A Return to Authentic Stock Car Racing

The IHRA Stock Car Series is intentionally designed to avoid the high-cost equipment wars common in many modern series. Instead, it prioritizes:

• Cost-effective structure that encourages racers to out-think rather than out-spend the competition.
• Fair, transparent rules that keep the field level.
• A welcoming entry point for new racers.
• A sustainable pathway for teams and tracks.
• A robust live broadcasting platform to help racers secure sponsorships.

"We're bringing stock car racing back to its roots," said Darryl Cuttell, owner of IHRA. "This is racing that rewards driver skill, smart setups, and teamwork—not massive budgets. It's exactly the kind of competition fans love, and competitors deserve."

A National Stage for Local Racers

The series will run at IHRA partner facilities from the Southeast to the Midwest. Racers will compete for their portion of the $2,000,000 purse, along with series-specific awards and expanded championship opportunities as the program grows.

Aligned With IHRA's Expanding Motorsports Vision

The new Stock Car Series arrives at a pivotal time for the IHRA, following significant growth into powerboat/offshore racing, truck and tractor pulling, and additional motorsports disciplines. It further strengthens IHRA's commitment to family-first racing, grassroots competitors, and building a unified national motorsports ecosystem.

"This is just the beginning," said Tim Horton, IHRA Stock Car Series director. "We're creating a modern motorsports organization with the heart of grassroots racing—and the Stock Car Series is a perfect reflection of what the new IHRA stands for."

Horton added: "From the top down, we're racers—not MBA grads. We understand the challenges today's racers face, and every decision we make puts racers and fans ahead of profits."

2026 IHRA Stock Car Series Schedule

Race 1 — Pulaski Motorsports Park, VA — March 21

Race 2 — Cordele Speedway, GA — April 18

Race 3 — Newport Speedway, TN — May 30

Race 4 — Anderson Motor Speedway, SC — June 27

Race 5 — Pulaski Motorsports Park, VA — July 25

Race 6 — Salem Speedway, IN — August 22

Race 7 — Newport Speedway, TN — September 26

Race 8 — Memphis Motorsports Park, TN — October 17

2026 Purse Structure Coming Soon

Tracks, teams, and partners interested in joining the IHRA Stock Car Series can contact the IHRA Competition Department at scsinfo@ihra.com. For more information, visit ihra.com.

IHRA at the 2025 PRI Show

IHRA will be represented at the world's largest gathering of motorsports professionals, the PRI Show, December 11-13, in downtown Indianapolis, in Booth #5067 and #8367. For more information, visit performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

Trackside Systems, the race operations and ticketing platform, has announced its acquisition of Accutime Timing Systems, the drag racing timing system business. The announcement comes as Trackside prepares for its biggest presence yet at the PRI Show, where the company will debut the combined platform during the world's largest gathering of motorsports professionals, December 11-13, downtown Indianapolis (Learn more at performanceracing.com/tradeshow).

Visit the newly combined Trackside + Accutime at Booth #10008 during the PRI Show.

The acquisition brings together Accutime's proven timing accuracy with Trackside's modern digital operations, creating the drag racing industry's first fully integrated timing, ticketing and race management ecosystem, says Trackside.

"Accutime's core is incredibly reliable and is the best engineered solution in drag racing timing systems; we're not changing that," said Jason Kennedy, chief technology officer of Trackside Systems. "We're adding the support, modernization, and integration the industry has been asking for—and PRI is the perfect place to show track operators what the future looks like."

At PRI, Trackside and Accutime will:

• Showcase the unified Accutime + Trackside system.
• Host sessions highlighting modernization and integration benefits.
• Offer customer sessions for both Accutime & Trackside to discuss new features, collect input/feedback, and show the product roadmap for both products.
• Offer hands-on demonstrations of both platforms.
• Share updates on upcoming modernized Accutime peripherals and networking solutions.

Attendees will learn how the combined system simplifies operations, reduces failure points, improves customer experience, and provides a turnkey solution for everything from race registration to digital time slips, according to Trackside.

Trackside has made significant investments to support both the Trackside and Accutime product lines, including a dedicated warehouse facility that will be fully stocked with critical components, an expanded field service fleet, and a growing team undergoing extensive training on Accutime systems.

For PRI attendees, this announcement marks one of the most meaningful technology advancements in decades, a step toward more reliable, modern and fully connected drag strip operations.

Visit the newly combined Trackside + Accutime at Booth #10008 during the PRI Show.

For more information, visit tracksidesystems.com and accutimetiming.com.

NHRA headliners Alexis DeJoria, Cruz Pedregon, Tony Stewart and Ida Zetterström will help kick off the festivities at the recently revived "Rev n Roll" fundraiser benefiting Riley Children's Foundation on Wednesday, December 10, from 6–9 p.m. ET. The event returns to Western Bowl (6441 W. Washington St., Indianapolis) after a six-year hiatus and will once again serve as an unofficial kickoff to the PRI Show's week of activities. Add it to your PRI Show plan here.

Adding to the excitement, thanks to ProThings, the first 200 event registrants will receive a complimentary commemorative bowling shirt designed by renowned motorsports livery artist Dave Marek. Register by scanning the QR code below or clicking here: 

The event offers race fans the opportunity to bowl and mingle alongside their favorite drivers while supporting an important community cause. With backing from the Brownsburg-based JCM Racing team, Indianapolis residents and longtime Riley supporters Mike Lewis and Hali Warnick are spearheading the event's return. Lewis and Warnick aim to raise funds for the nationally ranked children's hospital foundation through lane sales and a silent auction, which will go live on Monday, December 1 (check give.rileykids.org/revnrollforriley or scan the QR code above for more details).

DeJoria, Pedregon, Stewart and Zetterström are the first to confirm their participation, with additional drivers expected to be announced. The drivers will throw out the ceremonial "first roll" alongside Riley kids and their families to officially kick off the evening.

"We're all for supporting anything Riley-related," said Pedregon, owner of Cruz Pedregon Racing. "So many in our community have personal connections to Riley, and with many NHRA teams based here in Indy, it's a cause that's near and dear to us drag racers. We host an Open House at our facility each year ahead of the U.S. Nationals to benefit Riley and always get a huge turnout of drivers, as well as incredible support from the teams. When I heard the Rev n Roll event was coming back, I felt it was important to get involved. I hope to see the place packed with race fans."

For more details, scan the QR code above or visit give.rileykids.org/revnrollforriley.

🏁🎳 Rev n Roll Charity Bowling Event (Off Campus) 🎳🏁
Bowl for a good cause!
Wednesday, December 10
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET
Western Bowl, Indianapolis
6441 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Add it to your PRI Show plan here.

Thanks to ProThings, the first 200 event registrants will receive a complimentary commemorative bowling shirt designed by renowned motorsports livery artist Dave Marek. 

The 2025 PRI Show, December 11-13 in Indianapolis, will be packed with lots of action, but the real insider experience happens in the SEMA & PRI PAC Lounge and Dining Room.

This year, SEMA & PRI PAC donors will enjoy premium access, exclusive hospitality and one incredible showstopper on display: Mario Andretti's iconic 1965 Brawner Hawk Ford Indy Car. This legendary race car is rarely seen up close, making it a must-see moment for any true motorsports fan.

This year alone, SEMA & PRI PAC supporters have helped secure major legislative victories in Oregon, Arkansas and New Hampshire, stopping bills that would have threatened race tracks and undercut our racing community. Supporters helped pass new nuisance protection laws for race tracks in Iowa and North Carolina, an effort we're excited to expand to other states. And this past summer, PRI released its first-ever economic impact report, showcasing the power the business of racing brings to the United States economy. The PRI Show is an opportunity to celebrate our wins, maintain our momentum and prepare for the next fight.

PAC Members and VIP:

• Access to the SEMA & PRI PAC Lounge, Wabash Ballroom No. 2
• Daily catered lunch, 12:00–2:00 p.m.*
• Private meeting space (available first-come, first-serve)
• Invite to the PAC Reception on Thursday, December 11**
• Connection to SEMA & PRI leadership and Government Affairs updates
• Exclusive Friday and Saturday viewing of the 1965 Brawner Hawk Ford Indy Car

Full PAC Lounge benefits--including catered lunches, private meeting space, exclusive Brawner Hawk viewing, and daily access--are reserved for PAC supporters at the Winners Circle level and above.

About the Car

The Mario Andretti Brawner Hawk will be on exclusive display for PAC Members and VIP guests--your only opportunity to stand inches away from this historic race car. Alongside the Lounge's comfort, hospitality and networking advantages, VIP access truly elevates your time at the Show.  

To secure your VIP PAC benefits during the PRI Show, email Director of SEMA & PRI PAC Development Eleanor Rollings at eleanorr@sema.org.

* Catered lunch is reserved for Winners Circle, President's Club and Redline and Redline Keyholder PAC members.

** $200 donation to the PAC is requested for those interested in attending the PAC reception. The PAC Reception is included for Winners Circle, President's Club and Redline and Redline Keyholder PAC members.

PRI and SEMA continue to lay the ground work for their 2026 priority of protecting the racing community, making a major push in Wisconsin to rally support for "Right to Race" legislation ahead of the next legislative session starting in January.

For three days last week, SEMA and PRI staff and advocates hit the ground in Madison, the state capital, to build momentum to support legislation that protects race tracks from nuisance claims, mirroring a recent PRI- and SEMA-led victory in North Carolina. The team met with lawmakers and later joined more than 35 race tracks at the Promoters of Wisconsin Auto Racing (POWAR) meeting at Angell Park Speedway to give a presentation outlining the legislation, explaining its urgency and organizing next steps to strengthen a unified statewide coalition.
 

Left to Right: Gregg McKarns, Owner of Madison International Speedway; Rep. Jeff Mursau; Mike Kertscher, President of Road America; Tierra Hubbard, Senior Manager of State Government Affairs at SEMA and PRI; Tom Deery, PRI Ambassador.

SEMA and PRI’s Government Affairs team, alongside local race track owners and operators, met with 16 lawmakers to advance nuisance-protection legislation aimed at safeguarding long-standing facilities from challenges driven by new surrounding development.

On November 12, the Wisconsin Historical Society held a beam-signing event to celebrate its collaborative exhibit project with Road America, commemorating the track’s 70th anniversary. SEMA and PRI were honored to add their signatures to the future Wisconsin History Center, a state-of-the-art facility opening on Capitol Square in 2027.
 

Wisconsin History Center beam displaying the signature of SEMA and PRI, and Madison International Speedway in the Rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol.
 

PRI also hosted a presentation on November 11 for race tracks across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, outlining the legislation, highlighting its urgency and coordinating next steps to strengthen a unified statewide coalition.

Lawmakers are listening, race tracks are mobilizing and momentum is building. Support is growing as leaders recognize the essential role race tracks play in the United States' economy, heritage and communities. This is a pivotal opportunity to protect the future of racing while preserving jobs, investment, tourism and long-standing traditions.

SEMA and PRI remain committed to advancing similar protections nationwide, ensuring motorsports facilities and related businesses have the safeguards they need to thrive.

Want to get involved?

Help us keep race tracks alive and thriving. For information on how you can support motorsports advocacy in your state, contact SEMA and PRI's Senior Managers of State Government Affairs: Tierra Hubbard, who leads efforts in the eastern states, at tierrah@sema.org, and Victor Muñoz, who covers western states, at victorm@sema.org.