Mopar's footprint on motorsports history is iconic. Manufacturer-supported teams like Petty Enterprises, Ramchargers, Sox & Martin, Don Schumacher Racing, and Tony Stewart Racing have all earned titles and trophies representing the Mopar brand. Drag racing and stock car racing are integral to Mopar's DNA, and its rebellious image only fueled its drive to win. Mopar and its associated brands, drivers, and teams have never turned down a challenge or a fight, surviving bouts of bankruptcy and being outlawed by sanctioning bodies.

Mopar has long had a presence at tracks—both dirt and asphalt— though the manufacturer's involvement and support for its race teams fluctuated throughout the years. Fans and brand loyalists, however, make up a good portion of the sportsman classes on drag strips everywhere.

Unfortunately, Mopar ended its NHRA Pro Stock program in 2016 and shifted its factory-backed focus toward Factory Stock/Drag Pak in 2018. While its presence began to trickle out of Funny Car, Dodge shifted focus from Don Schumacher Racing to Tony Stewart Racing in 2022. Dodge's manufacturer support in Funny Car is limited these days to only Tony Stewart Racing and Cruz Pedregon Racing.

Dodge's involvement in NASCAR has also see-sawed. It exited in 1977, returned in 2001, but left the series again after a decade. The hiatus occurred again post the 2012 season, despite Team Penske's Brad Keselowski's No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge bringing home the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title that year.

Dodge exited NASCAR a second time due to some teams switching to different manufacturers. SRT brand CEO Ralph Gilles stated, "The pieces didn't quite come together," as Dodge attempted to piece together talent and a team, according to MotorTrend. Fortunately, Mopar fans can rejoice once again as Ram announced its intent to return to NASCAR's Truck Series in the 2026 season.

While Dodge/Mopar/Plymouth earned success through the years, its secret ingredient was on display for the world to see, hear, and chase: The Hemi remains one of motorsports' most iconic engines and is still the foundational makeup for Funny Car and Top Fuel engines raced today.

Does Mopar still have tricks up its sleeve to keep teams, grassroots racers, and fans enthused into the next generation?

 

The Hemi

After Pontiac's days of motorsports success were cut short in 1963, the position for a new NASCAR hero became vacant. Enter the young and adept 26-year-old Richard Petty. His No. 43 Plymouth Belvedere took first place at the 1964 Daytona 500. The second and third place finishers were also Plymouths. And fifth, and 10th. Petty led 183 laps out of 200. After the major achievement, it was official: The 426 Hemi immediately turned heads.

The 426 Hemi's success had a lot to do with its namesake hemispherical-shaped combustion chambers. But there was more: The Hemi's heads utilized five bolts per cylinder, increasing the clamp force, while retaining a 35-degree intake valve angle and a 23-degree exhaust valve angle. The "impact-extruded" aluminum domed pistons had valve reliefs cold-forged from the factory, prepared for a race-tolerant 12.5:1 compression ratio. Forged steel connecting rods utilized floating pins. The crankshaft was also forged steel, nitride-hardened, and hand-lapped, using 2.75-inch main journals and 2.375-inch rod journals, according to sources at Hemmings.

In 1965, Bill France Sr., founder and manager of NASCAR, had no choice but to address the "elephant" (the Hemi's nickname)in the room. As a result of the Hemi's dominance during the 1964 season, NASCAR mandated that all engines competing in NASCAR must have production availability on the "showroom floor." In 1964, the 426-cubic-inch Hemi was a race engine only. Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth respectfully removed its factory teams. Abiding by the rules, the brand took its manufacturer teams (and its NASCAR fans) to compete in the AHRA during the 1965 race season, according to Hot Rod magazine. Exiting stock car racing, at least for the moment, Petty drag raced a Plymouth Barracuda aptly named "Outlawed."

In 1966 Chrysler debuted a street version of the Hemi and made it available in several Plymouth and Dodge models, including the all-new Dodge Charger. Petty returned to NASCAR for the 1966 season and became the first driver to win the Daytona 500 twice. In 1967 Petty secured his "King Richard" nickname by piloting his 1966 Belvedere to a second NASCAR championship after winning 27 of 48 races, 10 of which were back-to-back.

To read the full article, plus hundreds of other articles like it, for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio by following these instructions.  

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "Mopar: Addressing The Elephant In The Room" here and additional coverage in the November 2025 issue here. 

Compiled by Alex Torres

PRI Magazine has a variety of resources available to exhibitors and attendees, including complimentary hotel shuttles, scan-and-go badge pickup, exhibitor services and more.

I’m sure, as savvy PRI members, you’ve already secured your badges and finalized your travel, so now’s the time to check out this year’s must-see attractions and plan ahead:  

Exhibitor Service Desk - Yellow Lobby Meeting Room and Lucas Oil Stadium

• Monday, December 8: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 9 – Friday, December 12: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  
• Saturday, December 13: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Sunday, December 14: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
   

Exhibitors that may have any questions about their shipping containers and crates, drayage, electrical, and anything else exhibitor related—stop by the Exhibitor Service Desk.

Trailer Rig Parking Lot Shuttle

• Monday, December 8 – Wednesday, December 10: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Exhibitors can ride the complimentary shuttle service between the Indiana Convention Center (ICC) and the Trailer Rig Parking Lot via a shuttle that drops off and picks up at the Maryland Street entrance to the ICC and at Trailer Rig West Street, located at the intersection of Abbott Street and West Street in downtown Indianapolis.

Media Center - Green Hall

• Wednesday, December 10: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 11: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 12: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

PRI's Media Center is exclusively for credentialed members of the media to pick up their 2025 PRI Trade Show badges and get complimentary access to exhibitor press kits and releases, power outlets, Wi-Fi, open work tables, coffee, tea, water, and private meeting space (by reservation). *Badge pick-up begins at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Located in Green Hall, Rooms 116–117, across from the Business Center and Press Conference Center. For more information, please visit performanceracing.com/trade-show/media/media-center-information.

Hotel Shuttle Program

• Thursday, December 11: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 12: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Complimentary shuttle service is available between Indianapolis Airport hotels (Crown Plaza Indianapolis Airport, Wyndham Airport, Delta Hotel Airport, Courtyard by Marriott Airport, and Hyatt Place Airport) and Plainfield area hotels (Embassy Suites Plainfield, Courtyard by Marriott Plainfield, and Residence Inn by Marriott Plainfield) and the Indiana Convention Center (ICC). All Convention Center shuttles will pick up curbside at the Maryland Street entrance to the ICC. Shuttle turnarounds run approximately every 30 minutes during peak times. For ADA shuttle services, please call Mark Johnson at 317-525-7600.

Scan & Go Station - Capitol Ave. Entrance

• Thursday, December 11 – Friday, December 12: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For those who forget their badges or registered after the Show badge deadline of November 20, we have you covered. Stop by the Scan & Go station located at the Capitol Ave. entrance of the Indiana Convention Center. Pull up the email confirming your PRI Show registration. That email will contain a QR code. Scan the code and your badges will print quickly onsite.
 

Coat Check - Speedway Lobby (Green Hall) & Lucas Oil Stadium

• Thursday, December 11: 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, December 12: 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

 

For a reasonable fee, store your coat in this supervised area while you walk the PRI Show floor.

Mobile Scooter Rentals - Near Show Registration & Maryland St. Entrance

• Thursday, December 11 – Friday, December 12 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

For special show rates and daily onsite rentals visit Indy Scooter Rentals, located near the Show Registration Area & Maryland Street Entrance. For more information, please visit indyscooterrental.com/event-rentals/pri-show-mobility-scooter-rental/ or call 317-855-3158 or 765-610-4375.

 

Food Options - Open During Show Hours

• Pit Stop Café: Green Lobby & Lucas Oil Stadium
• Food Courts: Yellow Lobby & Green Lobby, next to Media Center

Refuel at one of the several Food Court locations throughout the PRI Show. Three food courts are located inside the Indiana Convention Center lobby areas: Capital Ave. Food Court near the hanging car, Crossroads Food Court near the Media Center, and Maryland Food Court next to the escalators taking you to the Marriott Downtown.

Numerous downtown restaurants are within walking distance to the ICC. 

Business Center at the PRI Show - Speedway Lobby

• Thursday, December 11 – Saturday, December 13: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The RICOH Business Center on the first floor of the Indiana Convention Center (next to room 111; across from the Media Center) provides office supplies, fax/copy/print/bindery, laminating, rentals, and shipping. Advanced ordering can be coordinated; call 317-262-4496 or email eric.normington@ricoh-usa.com. For more information, visit icclos.com/exhibitors/business-center.

PRI Gear - Open During Show Hours - Yellow Lobby, Aisle 7000

Show off your pride for the Performance Racing Industry and pick up some new T-shirts, jackets, hats, socks, and more apparel and gear. PRI Members receive a discount.

Additional Services at the PRI Show - Open During Show Hours

The Green Hall (Aisle 7100) is home to additional helpful resources, including security, lost and found, and first aid. If you lose a cell phone, bag, computer, or anything else important, visit the lost and found office. Medical staff will be onsite at the first aid station.

A show concierge is available in the Green Hall, across from Registration.

Pick up your favorite motorsports magazines along Aisle 7000 outside the Media Center, including PRI Magazine.

 

To read the November issue, plus hundreds of other articles like it, for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio by following these instructions.  

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "PRI Show Resources and Amenities to Make Your Show Week Easier" here and additional coverage in the November 2025 issue here. 

Attendee registration for the 2025 PRI Show is officially open for qualified industry members, and you don't want to waste any time securing you badge.

Set for December 11–13 in downtown Indianapolis, the PRI Show allows motorsports professionals to build a foundation for a successful season ahead. Whether you're sourcing new parts to find that extra mph--from cutting-edge machinery to groundbreaking new products--or looking for new industry connections, the PRI Show attracts motorsports professionals from all 50 states and 70 countries, creating an unrivaled global event unites professionals from every racing discipline, including stock car, drag, sports car, prototype, sprint car, midget, modified, formula, dirt late model, sport compact, karting, vintage and more, all under one roof. Sign up for your PRI Show badge now to uncover emerging technologies and source the hottest new racing products all at a convenient, affordable gathering.

Register for your PRI Show badge before Thursday, November 20, to receive your badge in the mail and skip on-site badge pick-up in the Indiana Convention Center.

New for 2025: Big Improvements to the Registration Process

The PRI Show team has introduced two exciting updates to make registering smoother, faster and more user-friendly:

One-Stop Shop Experience
After confirming membership, attendees will now only need to complete two prompts:

• Profile information.
• Demographic questions.

Single Transaction for Multiple Attendees
Planning to register your entire team? You now can do so all in one transaction. This requested feature eliminates one of the most common frustrations from years past.

Why Attend the 2025 PRI Show?

With a focus on the present and future of racing, the 2025 PRI Show promises to feature all the newest parts, latest innovations, nearly unlimited networking opportunities and access to an unrivaled number of motorsports manufacturers and service providers that can't be matched anywhere else. 

Expect the return of signature Show features like:

• Featured Products Showcase.
• Grand Opening Breakfast.
• Machinery Row with live demos.
• PRI ESports Arena.
• Indoor motorsports trailers exhibit.
• Track Operators, Promoters and Sanctions (TOPS) HQ.
• And much more!
   

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

View the current 2025 PRI Show Floorplan and start mapping out your visit. Book your hotel now to secure the best rates and locations here. As a reminder, PRI Membership is required to attend. Be sure to renew or sign up before registering.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the world's largest gathering of motorsports professionals.

For more information on the 2025 PRI Show, visit here.

This year's PRI Show, December 11-13, 2025, in downtown Indianapolis, is shaping up to be one of the best yet. Attendee registration for the PRI Show is still open--and will remain open through December 13--but time is running out to book your PRI Show accommodations at the best possible rates and locations. Showgoers have until November 14 to book hotel rooms through Visit Indy, the official housing provider for the PRI Show. A limited number of rooms in downtown Indianapolis are still available.

Booking through the official PRI hotel block will also unlock exclusive discounted rates, saving you an average of $100 per night on your stay in Indianapolis.

Enjoy a seamless, stress-free booking experience with guaranteed savings, prime hotel locations, and added perks—all designed to make your trip easier and more affordable.

Top 5 Benefits of Booking Through Visit Indy Housing, PRI's Official Housing Partner 

✅ Deep Value & Discounts: We do the hard work, so you don't have to. 

• Behind every great hotel deal is a team that negotiates tirelessly on your behalf. PRI and Visit Indy work directly with top hotels to lock in exclusive discounts, ensure availability during high-demand dates and make sure Showgoers get the best value possible.  
   

🛡️ Book With Confidence—Total Flexibility, Real Benefits: Plans can change. That's why booking through PRI's official hotel block gives you complete peace of mind:

• No change fees. 
• No deposit required at booking. 
• Ability to cancel or modify your reservation without penalty through October 17, 2025. 
   

🎁 Make Your Loyalty Count—Stay Rewarded When You Book in the Block

• Unlock the full potential of your hotel loyalty program by booking your stay at an official PRI Show hotel. Your reservation will contribute to your rewards status, subject to the hotel's program requirements and availability at check-in.
   

🕒 Easy Group Bookings, 24/7

Book your entire group—large or small—in real-time with immediate confirmations. You can even secure the rooms you need now and log in later to assign specific guests to them. Rooms can also be selected based on your team's particular nights and stay patterns. You can also manage payment for your entire block or guarantee each room with separate credit cards—it's that easy. 
 

🏨 More Exclusive Guest Benefits 

In addition to the above, booking through PRI's official hotel block also includes: 

• Free In-Room Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your stay. 
• Complimentary Transportation: Enjoy complimentary transportation when you book at PRI-partner airport and Plainfield-area hotels, including transportation to and from the Indiana Convention Center on PRI Show days and to and from the airport via hotel courtesy shuttles (where available).
• Free Guest Parking: Enjoy complimentary guest parking at the airport hotels and hotels in the Plainfield area.

 

Book Here

Have questions or need help?

Contact the Visit Indy Housing team:
📧 prihousing@visitindy.com
📞 317-262-8191 (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. EDT)
 

 

 

Lucas Oil Products, a producer and distributor of high-performance automotive additives and lubricants, has promoted Naomi Furgiuele to Chief Product Officer (CPO).

In her appointment to the Lucas Oil Executive Team, Furgiuele will play a pivotal role in overseeing product development strategy, foster cross-functional collaboration and ensure Lucas Oil continues to deliver exceptional products that meet the needs of customers.

"Naomi's impact on our product development team has been extraordinary to see," said Morgan Lucas, CEO of Lucas Oil. "She leads with expertise and a keen sense for her arena, and prioritizes excellence both in our products and our team. She has been a key force in driving our product vision as we grow and evolve, and has ushered in a new era of Lucas Oil."

Furgiuele joined Lucas Oil in 2024 as a senior product manager, bringing more than two decades of experience driving business growth and leading innovation. Within a year, she was promoted to VP of product development, and since joining the company, Furgiuele has made a remarkable impact on how Lucas Oil manages their product portfolio. Her deep understanding of consumer journeys, technical product design, and her ability to foster meaningful collaboration across departments, including marketing, sales and manufacturing, has truly transformed their approach.

"Naomi's leadership has been instrumental in aligning our product strategy with the organization's broader financial goals," said Katie Lucas, president of Lucas Oil. "Her vision and execution have not only elevated our current offerings but also laid a strong foundation for future innovation. As Chief Product Officer, she will continue to drive product excellence, ensuring that every new initiative serves our customers and the company's long-term plans."

Before joining Lucas Oil, Furgiuele led innovation and growth at Ignite Venture Studio and co-founded Small World Brands, following a 16-year tenure at Johnson & Johnson, where she drove product strategies for brands like Neutrogena and Aveeno. Her extensive experience in consumer insights, product design, and cross-functional leadership positions her well to lead Lucas Oil's product strategy as CPO

For more information, visit lucasoil.com.

Comcast announced NASCAR driver Daniel Dye as the 2025 Comcast Community Champion of the Year, becoming the 11th champion to receive the annual award.

Comcast will award $60,000 to Dye for Race to Stop Suicide, which was established in 2018 to break the stigma around mental health and suicide.

"I'm super proud that this mission is getting talked about more--it means a lot to me, to my family, and to our communities," Dye said. "Being named the Comcast Community Champion is a big deal, and the fact that we're able to raise more awareness is really what it's all about. This isn't a race you can ever truly win, but we're doing everything we can to run up front and be leaders in this mission."

At just 14 years old, Dye turned unimaginable loss into action after losing his cousin to suicide. From that moment, his mission was clear: use his platform to spark life-saving conversations and help end the silence around mental health. That mission became Race to Stop Suicide, a now-national nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, providing resources and bringing hope to individuals and families in times of need.

Through community outreach, school visits, church events and speaking engagements across the country, Daniel has opened the door for difficult but necessary conversations. With the support of his father, Randy Dye, and a growing team of advocates, he has built a movement that's saving lives and breaking down stigma at every turn.

As his racing career has taken off, so has the reach of his message. Dye's advocacy is front and center on his No. 10 Chevrolet with Kaulig Racing, which featured custom Race to Stop Suicide paint schemes during both Mental Health Awareness Month in May and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. 

Dye was selected by a panel of Comcast and NASCAR executives, including 2024 Comcast Community Champion Erik Jones, who was honored last year for his work supporting early cancer screening and detection, reading literacy and animal welfare.

In addition to the winner, this year's finalists were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their communities. Jerry Caldwell, President, Bristol Motor Speedway, will receive a $30,000 donation to Speedway Children's Charities--Bristol Chapter, which supports children across 18 counties. Wayne Auton, Former NASCAR Xfinity Series Director, will receive a $30,000 donation to The Corner Table, which ensures thousands of children and neighbors have consistent access to nutritious meals and support.

For more information, visit nascar.com.

Hepfner Racing Products (HRP), a components and trailer accessories manufacturer based in Hartford, Wisconsin, has acquired Pit Pal Products.

Founded in 1982 by Dave DeVito and Jody Schmeisser, Pit Pal has been a staple in trailer accessories and storage solutions. In the future, the brand will be named "Pit Pal Products by HRP."

Following the acquisition, existing dealers for both brands will remain active with administrative updates to be announced at a later date. Production will continue at the HRP facility, which is currently undergoing an expansion that will increase its footprint by 30,000 sq. ft.

Additionally, orders placed before July 14, 2025, will be fulfilled by the original manufacturer.  

For more information, visit hrpracing.com.

Formula DRIFT has revealed the 2026 schedule for the Formula DRIFT PRO and PROSPEC Championships, which includes three new venues.

In 2026, the series will visit Stafford Motor Speedway, Stafford, Connecticut, Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis, Indiana, and The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, for the first time.

"After the most successful season in our history, we're embarking on our most ambitious schedule with three new venues," Ryan Sage, president of Formula DRIFT explained. "We've come to some hard decisions but we're confident this will strengthen the series as we strive to develop and promote the best drifting competition in the world. We proved last month with our new Long Beach venue for the PRO Championship Final, developing new venues can allow us to do something really special. And it's with this in mind that we're approaching Las Vegas and Indianapolis, in particular, where we have the opportunity to create venues that will highlight the sport and provide superb facilities for the fans."

The series returns to Las Vegas, which previously held events in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway parking lot, for the first time since 2012. The series has signed a three-year contract, which will provide investment to overhaul the track and update it for drift-specific events by adding pavement and updating infrastructure.

"Las Vegas has huge potential for Formula DRIFT and we're excited to return," Sage said. "We're coming back under very different circumstances than before, and will invest in the infrastructure to ensure teams and fans can fully experience an FD event as it should be. Vegas has always been on our radar but up until now, there have been challenges in making our return. Conversations started when we were exploring options to replace Irwindale have led to an exciting opportunity for the PROSPEC Final and the development of the entire facility."

Besides the new tracks, Formula DRIFT is looking forward to continue working with the venues that remain on the calendar including Streets of Long Beach, Road Atlanta, Orlando Speed World and Evergreen Speedway. It will also continue to work with the City of Long Beach and the Mayor's Office for the 2026 season finale on the Long Beach Shoreline Showdown street course.

For more information, visit formulad.com. See the full 2026 Formula DRIFT schedule below:

 

Arrow McLaren is joining forces with Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) through a multi-year sponsorship.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES team will play a key role in Women with Drive Summit V, WIMNA's annual Indianapolis-based summit that brings together professionals, students and leaders across the motorsports landscape to forge connections and opportunities. Held the week of the PRI Show in downtown Indianapolis, the event features panels, breakout sessions, special events and engaging networking opportunities.

In 2024, Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan spoke at the event, and in 2025, Vice President of Marketing and Communications Lauren Gaudion will join the panel 'Breaking In: Non-Traditional Pathways into Motorsports.'

"We recognize that a diverse range of skillsets is key to accelerating performance," said Kevin Thimjon, president, Arrow McLaren IndyCar. "Partnering with WIMNA provides us with an additional avenue for recruitment and development of top talent by supporting the advancement of women across our industry."

"This partnership underscores how collaboration between industry, community and city leadership can create a lasting impact," said WIMNA Executive Director Cindy Sisson. "Arrow McLaren's commitment to Women with Drive not only uplifts women in motorsports but also contributes to developing the next generation of skilled professionals who will drive Indianapolis' continued leadership in motorsports innovation."

For more information,visit womeninmotorsportsna.com or mclaren.com/racing/indycar.

K1 RaceGear, a manufacturer of racing safety gear and apparel, has renewed its multiyear partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

As part of this partnership, K1 will continue to supply fire suits for IMS Track Rescue and Recovery. K1 already supports many drivers and teams who compete at IMS throughout the year in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, NASCAR and IMSA.

The partnership reflects K1's commitment to racing at all levels, from introducing new enthusiasts to the sport at the 100-plus K1 Speed indoor karting centers worldwide to protecting professional drivers and safety personnel at motorsport's most iconic venue.

"Ensuring the safety of our team is a priority," INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. "These dedicated individuals provide care to drivers and spectators at IMS, and K1's innovative gear is an important component of the work they perform during our events."

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership," K1 RaceGear Director of Motorsports and Sales Jacob Brown said. "IMS is the benchmark when it comes to safety and innovation, and we are proud to have the IMS Track Rescue and Recovery team in our gear. Their commitment to safety and innovation aligns with our mission and drives us to be better in all aspects of our business."

For more information, visit k1racegear.com.