Carlin announces their move into the Verizon IndyCar Series in a full-time capacity for the 2018 season. Joining the first season INDYCAR effort at Carlin will be drivers Max Chilton and Charlie Kimball along with primary partners, international insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, Gallagher and global healthcare company, Novo Nordisk. Both Chilton and Kimball drove for the championship winning team earlier in their racing careers. The Carlin entries will be powered by the Chevrolet twin turbocharged direct injected V6 engine.
 
“We’re delighted to finally be able to announce our entry into the Verizon IndyCar Series, the result of a long-term ambition of the team,” Team Principal Trevor Carlin said about the announcement. “To be joined on that journey in our debut season by brands such as Gallagher and Novo Nordisk and with drivers we already have a race winning history with in Max and Charlie, is beyond what we could have expected. By no means do we underestimate the challenge and competition that lies ahead, but I have great faith in the young and passionate team that our Team Manager Colin [Hale] and I have put together.”
 
Chilton will return for his third season in the Verizon IndyCar Series with partner Gallagher. Chilton and Gallagher made their INDYCAR debut together in 2016 and have since recorded 33 starts, eight top-10 finishes, 66 laps led, and an impressive fourth-place finish at the 2017 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500.
 
“We are proud to partner with Carlin in the Verizon IndyCar Series for 2018 and look forward to the thrilling prospect of driver Max Chilton winning with our Gallagher brand prominently featured on his Chevrolet. Millions of fans around the world enjoy this sport, as do our clients and employees. It is our intent to leverage this sponsorship to showcase Gallagher’s extensive brokerage services and risk management expertise and to celebrate the values of innovation and collaboration our brokers and sales consultants deploy in creating solutions for their clients around the globe," said Christopher E. Mead, Chief Marketing Officer for Gallagher.
 
Kimball, who will be returning for his eighth season in the Verizon IndyCar Series, will team with Chilton in Carlin’s two-car effort. Joining him for their 10th year of partnership will be longtime sponsor Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk joined Kimball’s career in Indy Lights in 2009 and has been with the American driver throughout his INDYCAR career. The duo has recorded 117 starts, one win, one pole, 13 top-five finishes, and 162 laps led in the Verizon IndyCar Series. 
 
“As we begin the 10th year of our partnership with Charlie Kimball, we are excited to continue the legacy of the Race with Insulin program to inspire people with diabetes to pursue their dreams and support them in their disease management journey,” said David Moore, senior vice president, Commercial, Novo Nordisk. “We are encouraged by our new relationship with Carlin, who has a proven reputation for winning in a variety of motorsports series. We are looking forward to being part of a strong season in 2018 for Charlie, Race with Insulin and for the entire Carlin family.”

Chilton’s partnership with Carlin renews a successful relationship that goes back throughout the British racer’s career. Chilton won races with Carlin in Formula 3 and Formula 2 (formerly GP2 Series) before racing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship from 2013 – 2014. In 2015 Chilton explored racing in the U.S for the first time with a season of Indy Lights with Carlin, along with a run with a manufacturer LMP1 program at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.  
 
“Today’s announcement brings so much joy to everyone involved in making this a reality. Carlin being the first British team to enter the Verizon IndyCar Series in the modern era is a result of a lot of hard work and ambition following the team’s move into American racing a few years ago,” Chilton said speaking about the Carlin announcement. “I am super excited for 2018 as Carlin is like family to me. Having raced with them on and off since 2009 and having had my most competitive years with the team, I know we can work toward great things in INDYCAR. The Verizon IndyCar Series is exceptionally competitive, but the introduction of the new aero package will help level the playing field slightly. I know that finding the maximum in a spec series like this is where Carlin really excels. I want to say a massive thank you to Gallagher for continuing their support of me in INDYCAR. To have the opportunity to represent the more than 26,000 employees of Gallagher and a brand that focuses so heavily on teamwork and innovation has even greater relevance this year. I’m very thankful to be part of this package for 2018.”
 
Kimball returns to Carlin after a 10-year period, following race winning success with the team in British F3 and later in the Carlin-run Victory Engineering Team in the World Series by Renault. It was in the latter series that Kimball’s season with the British team was cut short when the California native was suddenly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2007.
 
“I’m so excited to join Carlin for the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series season. They were a big part of launching my career when I raced in Europe and we had a lot of success together back in 2005 in the British Formula Three Championship,” said Kimball on returning to Carlin. “It seems like everything fell into place at the right time to have this opportunity to work with Trevor and the whole Carlin team again. I’ve already got two years of experience working with Max as a teammate and I think our strengths and weaknesses will really complement each other as we begin this new adventure. The Verizon IndyCar Series is not just gaining a new race team, which is of course exciting, but really gaining a capable and competitive group of people that make up this team. Bringing Novo Nordisk into the fold, for our 10th consecutive year together, means a lot to me personally. They’re more than a sponsor—Novo Nordisk is a true partner, and I can’t thank them enough for their support.”

Jean Todt was recently re-elected as President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) at the organization’s General Assembly in Paris.

Standing unopposed, Todt was handed a third term in office unanimously by acclamation, and by a show of hands. The new mandate will see Todt continue to develop the global federation of Motorsport and Mobility organizations until the end of 2021. A full list of the appointments made during the Assembly will be published in due course.

Todt subsequently outlined an ambitious program for what will be his final term in office, focusing on three key areas: innovation, advocacy and the development of a strong network of Mobility and Sport Clubs.

Reaffirming the FIA’s role as the governing body of Motor Sport worldwide, he said: “From time to time there are some who challenge this role, and I remind them that Motor Sport will always need a regulator, it will always need fair play, it will always require ethics, and it will always need an independent referee. This is the vital role the FIA plays and one it will continue to play in the future.

Expanding on the theme of innovation, he added: “Innovation is essential if the FIA is to continue to improve and take its rightful place in the world as the leader in Mobility and Motorsport development,” he said. “To encourage this, we propose to establish an FIA Innovation Fund.”

For more information, visit the FIA's official release.

MAVTV and Lucas Oil Racing TV will broadcast live the 32nd running of the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals presented by General Tire, on Saturday night, January 13, 2018, starting at 8:30 pm ET, from the River Spirit Expo in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The telecast will feature a special "goodbye" to broadcast legend Dave Despain. The MAVTV/LORTV telecast will be anchored by Bob Dillner, with Ken Stout and Rob Klepper handling commentary and Dave Argabright working the pits.

Known as the Super Bowl of Midget racing, the 2018 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals attracts the cream of American race car drivers, including stars from Midgets, Dirt Late Model, Super Modified, World of Outlaws, NASCAR and USAC. Drivers hail from 24 US States plus Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, making it the world's largest indoor race.

The 2018 Chili Bowl telecast on January 13 will be preceded by a "Sprint Car Marathon" starting at 11:30 am ET:  
 
Saturday, January 13, 2018    11:30 AM    Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals: 2016
Saturday, January 13, 2018    02:30 PM    Tulsa Shootout: 2017 - Part 1
Saturday, January 13, 2018    03:30 PM    Tulsa Shootout: 2017 - Part 2
Saturday, January 13, 2018    04:30 PM    Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals: 2017
Saturday, January 13, 2018    07:30 PM    Tulsa Shootout: 2018 - Part 1
Saturday, January 13, 2018    08:30 PM    Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals: 2018

For more information, visit www.mavtv.com.

The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act has taken a major step forward, as the US House Energy and Commerce Committee recently passed the bill (H.R. 350) with bipartisan support.

Approved by a vote of 33 to 20, the bill is now eligible for consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives. The RPM Act clarifies that it is legal under federal law to manufacture, sell, distribute and install race parts that modify the emissions system of a motor vehicle that is used solely for racing.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting testified November 14 before the Senate Clean Air Subcommittee. The bill is now pending before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

The RPM Act addresses a problem that did not exist prior to 2015 when the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule stating that it was illegal to convert street vehicles into racing vehicles if the emission system is taken out-of-compliance from its stock configuration. It would also make it illegal to sell any emissions-related parts for those vehicles. This interpretation was inconsistent with 45 years of previous agency policy, practice and industry understanding of the law as it applies to dedicated race vehicles.

Although the EPA withdrew the proposed rule, the agency still asserts it has authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate emissions modifications to converted vehicles used solely for competition. The RPM Act simply confirms that Congress never intended for race vehicles and parts to be regulated under the Clean Air Act.

The racing community and the businesses that support it deserve certainty and confidence that the EPA will not go after this American pastime. While significant progress has been achieved, racers, fans and the industry must keep the pressure on their members of Congress to get the RPM Act over the finish line.

To contact your lawmakers, visit www.sema.org/epa.

Summit Motorsports Park was named Track of the Year during the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) North Central Division Land of the Winners Awards Banquet, December 9, 2017, at the Wyndham Indianapolis West in Indiana.

The event honoring the 2017 champions in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Summit Racing Series, Top Sportsman Series, Top Dragster Series, Jegs Super Quick Series and Summit Racing Equipment Junior Drag Racing League was attended by hundreds of racers and race fans who enjoyed a meal and camaraderie while celebrating accomplishments.
 
This marks the 18th time Summit Motorsports Park has received Track of the Year honors, including eight times by the NHRA, three times by the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA), and seven times by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).

"Congratulations to Bill Bader and his team on another successful year," said Jeff Conley, NHRA North Central Division director. "It's a well-deserved accomplishment."  

Also during the ceremony, Summit Motorsports Park drivers were recognized for a third place finish at the 2017 NHRA North Central Division Summit Racing Equipment Finals in September at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indiana.

"I'm incredibly humbled and always so appreciative of all of those who vote for us, and I love the men and women who work untiringly to exceed our guests' expectations," said Bill Bader, Jr., president of Summit Motorsports Park.

For more information, visit www.summitmotorsportspark.com.

The new International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Summit Sportsman Spectacular will make its debut at a brand-new facility in the Lone Star State.

The opening weekend of races will be held March 9-11, 2018, at the state-of-the-art Xtreme Raceway Park in Ferris, Texas. The races feature a $10,000-to-win payout on Saturday and a $5,000-to-win on Sunday. The event flyer and all racing information can be found here.

The IHRA Summit Sportsman Spectacular was created to produce a fun double-race weekend with increased purses that are affordable for grassroots, bracket-racing competitors who support their local tracks each week.

The biggest value comes for anyone who pre-enters for the event online. All pre-entered racers will get a buy one / get one free offer to help kick off our 2018 season. When you pre-enter and buy an entry for Saturday's race, you will get a free entry for Sunday's race.

Online pre-entries are available online through Feb. 26, 2018. Click here for online registration.

On-site entry fees are $150 for Saturday with a $10,000-to-win payout, $2,000 for the runner-up, $1,000 for the semifinals, and $100 per round starting with Round 3 winners. For Sunday, entry fees are $100 (for anyone not pre-entered) with a $5,000-to-win payout, $1,000 for the runner-up, $500 for the semifinals and $100 per round starting with Round 3 winners.

In addition to having the opportunity to get two races for the price of one, the Summit Sportsman Spectacular events feature a set of unique bonus opportunities for all current IHRA Summit SuperSeries racers. There are cash bonuses for the Summit SuperSeries member that goes the furthest in eliminations or wins the event. There is also a contingency program that is available for all IHRA members who advance to the final two rounds each day.

The weekend program includes a test & tune, racer appreciation cookout and a golf cart race. The race weekend also features several rounds of prizes awarded to the best losing package of 1st through 3rd rounds. IHRA Ironman trophies and large championship checks for event winners will be presented Saturday and Sunday. IHRA partner Imagine That Customs will also award a custom painted one-of-a-kind trophy helmet to one competitor at each of the 10 weekends.

All valid competition licenses and chassis certifications will be honored at the Summit Sportsman Spectacular events regardless of sanction. All drivers running 0-6.39 in the 1/8-mile must have an IHRA, NHRA or accepted competition license. A valid chassis certification is required for vehicles running 6.00 or quicker. Chassis certifications and license renewals will be available on site. Competitors obtaining an IHRA license for the first time are encouraged to complete the licensing process through the IHRA membership department prior to the event to ensure all documents are acceptable.

Other announced sites and dates include: Darlington Dragway (May 25-27), Dragway 42 (Jun. 8-10) and Maryland International Raceway (Aug. 24-26). The rest of the IHRA Summit Sportsman Spectacular schedule will be released at a later date.

This year's 30th Anniversary Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show finished with a flurry on Saturday, wrapping up a week of exhibits, education and events, and building anticipation for the 2018 racing season across a packed Indiana Convention Center.

The final day of PRI 2017 began with a four-pack of seminars on race track promotion, digital marketing, team-building and driver development. Meantime, exhibitors remained immersed in business on a Show floor teeming with buyers representing every form of motorsports, while high school teams battled it out in the 2017 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge National Championship (congrats to Team Fel-Pro Gaskets from Tulsa Technology Center), and Ryan Anderson from Son Uva Digger Monster Truck took home the grand prize Patterson Elite Performance drag race engine in the annual Sunnen Engine Charity Sweepstakes.

All told, the success and activity of PRI 2017 indicates tremendous optimism heading into the new year. For more images from the Trade Show that was, please visit our Online Photo Gallery.

And don't miss next year's Show, set for December 6-8, 2018, in Indy.
 

The second day of the 30th Anniversary Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show was highlighted by teams and exhibitors making special announcements throughout the day.

Michael Shank Racing announced its season plans for 2018, which includes managing its largest racing program to date with a dual campaign in the Verizon IndyCar Series and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

As part of a multi-race program with commercial sponsors SiriusXM and AutoNation, MSR will utilize a technical partnership with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) to field a car with driver Jack Harvey at select IndyCar events.

“Everyone at SPM is really excited for this partnership with Mike Shank, his team and, of course, Jack Harvey,” said Sam Schmidt. “We’re really looking forward to working with AutoNation and SiriusXM again as well. We continue to look for ways to strengthen our team and improve our core operations, and we think this multi-year partnership will do just that.”

Additionally, MSR's Acura IMSA team will transition to a customer-based operation for the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with one full-time GTD class entry and a second campaign that will contest the IMSA endurance championship as well as potentially making additional IMSA race outings.

Meantime, Drag Illustrated magazine revealed the members of its third annual 30 Under 30 list, which seeks to shine a light on 30 of drag racing's youngest and brightest stars.

Among this year's honorees are NHRA pro racers LE Tonglet and Courtney Force, Sportsman stars Justin Ashley and Austin Williams, PDRA standouts Tylor Miller and Michael Recchia Jr., drag radial drivers Lyle Barnett and Jamie Hancock, and chassis builders Chase Copeland and Blake Housley.

“We’re always eager to take on the challenge of identifying 30 young drivers, crew members, fabricators, promoters and drag racing industry insiders through our 30 Under 30 list,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated Editor-in-Chief. “The 30 Under 30 list is our way of showing our appreciation for the efforts and achievements of our 30 honorees, but also inspiring the next generation.”

Earlier in the day, PRI exhibitor PFC Brakes announced the launch of its annual #SponsorMePFC18 campaign, which includes locating 10 circle track drivers to add to its team for 2018. Those selected will receive PFC products and trackside support, and will be able to tap into the company's marketing channels to boost exposure.

Among other announcements were MPT Industries' partnership with the North American Formula 1000 Championship; Mr. Race Oil's introduction of racing oils for drag, oval track, road course and performance/powerboat racing; and Honda Performance Development's F4 U.S. Championship schedule. For more news and information from the 2017 PRI Trade Show, visit PRI's Exhibitor Press Release page.

"PRI gives me the products I need to win," declared Rhett Carter of Georgia-based Rhett Carter Racing, 2017 National Late Model Series Champion. "We see what we need and all the newly available products that are out there."

Carter was among tens of thousands of buyers to pack the aisles of the Indiana Convention Center for day two of the 2017 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis.

"PRI has definitely moved the dirt to another level, dirt late models," he added. "I think we’re on the uppity up."

Indeed, more than 1200 exhibiting companies representing all forms of motorsports, from stock cars to dragsters, sprint cars, midgets, sports cars, late models, off-road, diesel, performance marine and more fielded inquiries and wrote orders for hordes of retailers, engine builders, fabricators, professional and amateur race teams on Friday.

"It's been a great show so far," said Rick Beebe of Michigan-based exhibitor Rev-X Oil Products, who noted the booth was "15 deep" at one point earlier in the day.

Indeed, the sentiment appeared consistent among those from locations near and far.

"I come to the Show because I can meet with all my US distributors under one roof," summarized Chris Tomay of Automotive Performance Distributors in Australia, a longtime PRI Show attendee. "I like that manufacturers send their best staff to meet with us and answer any questions we may have."

Marking its 30th year in 2017, the PRI Show continues through Saturday, December 9.