For the eighth consecutive year, the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car season is set to launch in Ocala, Florida, at Bubba Raceway Park where Winter Dirt Games will open the 2018 season.

Dates have been set for the annual three-race weekend at the D-Shaped dirt oval on February 15–17, with an open practice beginning the festivities on Feb. 14.

“One of USAC’s great traditions over the last several years has been kicking off its season at Bubba Raceway Park,” said Levi Jones, USAC Series Coordinator. “Over the last seven years, ‘Winter Dirt Games’ has quickly become one of USAC’s marquee events and has annually produced some of the best racing action we see all season.”

Eighteen USAC National Sprint Car events have been held at the Ocala, Fla., track since 2011 and it has proven to be a harbinger of good things for drivers who’ve won the season opener there in recent years. In fact, three of the four most recent USAC National Sprint Car champions have begun their season as a winner in Ocala: Bryan Clauson (2013), Brady Bacon (2014) and Robert Ballou (2015). Current series point leader Justin Grant won the 2017 season opener at Bubba Raceway Park.

Clauson is the winningest USAC Sprint Car driver at Bubba Raceway Park, with four victories in four different seasons. Damion Gardner has won three times while Tracy Hines, Bacon and Ballou have each scored a pair of victories. Darren Hagen, Dave Darland, Thomas Meseraull, Grant and Hunter Schuerenberg have all won once.

“Winter Dirt Games is one of those events fans and teams circle on their calendars each year,” track owner Bubba Clem said. “We can’t wait to have the USAC Sprint Cars back at Bubba Raceway Park once again in 2018 to kick off the start of a great racing season.”

Further USAC dates in Florida during February 2018 are under discussion.

WELD Racing announces the appointment of Tim Wheeler as Vice President of Sales for OEM and Special Markets. Wheeler, with almost 30 years of automotive aftermarket experience, will lead the sales team at WELD Racing’s Troy, Michigan, based office. Wheeler will grow the company’s presence by exploring new business opportunities utilizing the WELD Racing, MOMO, ADV.1, and other brands within the company’s extensive portfolio, to the original equipment manufacturers, tuner/specialty shops, and vehicle upfitters across the country.
 
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with such extensive and exemplary OEM and aftermarket automotive background as Wheeler,” said Norm Young, President and CEO of WELD Racing. “Wheeler has a proven track record of getting results and working with strategic partners to grow the business.”
 
Prior to joining WELD Racing, Wheeler was the vice president of global vehicle sales and performance parts at ROUSH Performance. He worked with over 400 active Ford dealers globally in all major continents. Wheeler also served as vice president for Delphi Product and Service Solutions and worked to promote the Delphi OE quality value proposition through partners such as Autozone, NAPA, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and other outlets.
 
“I’m excited to draw on the innovative designs, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities that the entire portfolio of brands can offer customers,” said Wheeler. “There’s over 100 years of combined performance heritage between WELD and MOMO and its honor to work with such iconic brands that reshaped the industry.”

Heat management specialist Zircotec Group has acquired ceramic exhaust treatment developer Performance 1 Coatings (P1C).

The takeover, which includes 100 percent of the P1C business, widens the breadth of Zircotec Group’s product range, which now includes performance coatings at every price point. It also enables P1C’s existing Original Equipment (OE) and aftermarket customers to benefit from future product enhancement made possible by Zircotec’s technology, expertise and extensive in-house R&D facilities, according to company officials.

“The inclusion of P1C into the Zircotec Group portfolio is a welcome addition to our growing business—P1C’s visually stunning range of Polymer Ceramic coatings are the perfect complement to our Plasma-Sprayed Ceramic range, which provide an unrivalled thermal barrier,” said Zircotec Group Managing Director Terry Graham. “We will now be able to offer a complete range of ceramic coatings, from entry-level products that provide aesthetic enhancement and some heat protection, to highly durable plasma-sprayed coatings designed for optimal thermal management performance in the most extreme conditions.”

Zircotec Group is an OE supplier to companies that include both vehicle and motorcycle manufacturers. Its thermal barrier ceramic coating is applied by plasma torch, which fires the patented compound at 10,000 degrees C and twice the speed of sound. The unique process ensures optimal coverage, durability, and advanced thermal management in even the most demanding environments, according to the company.

“P1C’s highly durable products are applied using OE-standard techniques and are able to withstand ultra-high temperatures. Its durability and aesthetic finish has earned it a fantastic reputation among aftermarket and OE customers,” explained Graham.

Zircotec Group’s expansion also includes the restructuring of its Fast Fox brand, which will be brought in-house. It provides a one-stop-shop online retail solution for thermal management requirements, and is aimed at motorcycle and car enthusiasts seeking market-leading heat management products for a complete range of applications. The mail-order specialist will be able to offer carefully selected, proven products that are trusted by cross-market professionals and suitable for a range of budgets.

For more information, visit www.zircotec.com.

The FIA World Endurance Championship will return to Sebring International Raceway in 2019 as part of a new winter calendar set to come into force next year.

Featuring eight races across 18 months, the 2018-19 WEC ‘super season’ will see the championship achieve its long-held goal of finishing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with two visits to the Circuit de la Sarthe scheduled in the campaign.

The six-hour race at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, has been cut, as have the Silverstone, Nürburgring, Mexico City and Bahrain events from the existing nine-race schedule.

Having hosted the inaugural WEC race back in 2012, Sebring returns to the calendar as part of a double-header weekend that will see a 12-hour event run directly after the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s own race.

2018-2019 FIA World Endurance Championship Provisional Calendar

1. 4-5 May – WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL)

2. 16-17 June – 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA)

3. 13-14 October – 6 Hours of Fuji (JPN)

4. 3-4 November – 6 Hours of Shanghai (CHN)

5. February 2019 – Place and event TBC

6. 15-16 March 2019 – 12 Hours of Sebring (USA)

7. 3-4 May 2019 – WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL)

8. 15-16 June 2019 – 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA)

Officials from the FIA and the ACO also confirmed tweaks to the regulations for LMP1 from 2018 in reaction to Porsche’s decision to quit the class at the end of the season, the aim being to stimulate more interest from manufacturers to join Toyota in the category.

Following are the planned changes:

• From 2018-2019, and in the future, there will only be one category (and consequently one classification) in LMP1.

• To make it as accessible as possible to join this category from the 2018-2019 season onwards, the level of performance of the current non-hybrid LMP1 regulations managed via equivalence of technologies will be aligned with the current LMP1 hybrid regulations.

• Each competitor entered in LMP1 will have the same potential of performance independent of the type engine power used. Very clearly there will always be a slight advantage for the hybrid engine in terms of autonomy related to lower fuel consumption.

• There will be no changes made to the current chassis regulations (only LMP1 chassis will be eligible) but to facilitate the access to LMP1, more choice and engine power options will be offered. Depending on the selected criteria, an Equivalence of Technology will be implemented between turbo compressed and normally aspirated engines (as done in the past between petrol and diesel).

• All these decisions will apply for the next two seasons.

“Other regulatory decisions, which are still being finalized, will be announced later on covering areas such as a reduction in the number of private tests and collective tests proposed,” according to a statement from the series.

“The 2020 LMP1 regulations will be substantially altered as compared to the model presented during the last 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Royal Purple Raceway, site of the annual NHRA SpringNationals, has suspended all drag racing activities through the end of the year to help in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

Utilizing its footprint in the Houston suburb of Baytown, Royal Purple Raceway will become a temporary storage facility for cars, trucks, boats and construction equipment destroyed by the largest recorded storm in US history.

The track will resume its regular racing schedule in the New Year.

“Some things transcend racing, and when you see half of our city underwater, you obviously have to prioritize your energies and resources,” Vice President and General Manager Seth Angel said. “Our focus and priority over the next few months will be on helping our community rebuild and get back on its feet.

“There are literally tens of thousands of vehicles all around Southeast Texas that are completely flooded out and inoperable. We have 400 acres here capable of storing a large quantity of vehicles and we collectively made the decision to do what we could to help.

“The destruction created by this storm can only be described as biblical. It will take quite a bit of time for things to return to normal and considering this city has done so much for the Angel family over the last three decades, we very much want to be part of the recovery.”

Considering its proximity to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Royal Purple Raceway only suffered minor flooding but many others in the immediate surrounding areas were not as fortunate. Countless numbers of homes, vehicles and businesses have been destroyed in Baytown alone.

Canceled events include all Friday Night Street races remaining in 2017, the Paul Walker Memorial Car Show (Sept. 9), LS Nationals (Sept. 23), Top Ten After Dark (Sept. 30), Import Face Off (Oct. 22), October Truck Madness (Oct. 29) and the Light the Sky Festival (Nov. 11). Fans that have purchased tickets to these events will be refunded the full purchase amount.

“We fully understand this is difficult news to hear for our loyal racers, fans, sponsors and event promoters; we are confident we are doing the right thing,” Angel said. “Additionally, Royal Purple Raceway is making a $10,000 commitment to the American Red Cross, and we encourage everyone to help them as well, if they are able.”

A detailed 2018 event schedule will be released in the fall.

The Sports Car Club of America has announced the creation of a new Solo Spec Coupe (SSC) class for autocross competition. The new supplemental class for 2018 national and regional events primarily focuses on a competitor's driving skill by having racers participate in nearly identical cars.
 
Mike Cobb, SCCA President & CEO, said SSC leverages the knowledge and market strength of longtime Club partners Tire Rack, Koni, Eibach and SPC Performance to produce a turnkey competition platform that is both cost-efficient and fun.

The base platform selected by the Solo Events Board will be the 2013 to 2016 Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S. Howard Duncan, SCCA Rally/Solo Senior Director, said the BRZ and FR-S were selected because the cars are modestly priced, rear-wheel drive, late-model enthusiast vehicles useful as both a "daily driver" and for autocross competition.

Vehicles will be able to compete with original equipment. But the Solo Spec Coupe will also have a two-stage upgrade option. Tire Rack is SCCA's Stage 1 Performance Package coordinating partner.

The components will be offered to SCCA members at a discounted price, and an opportunity for non-members to join the Club before purchase. Drivers interested in the package can learn more at Tire Rack's SSC webpage, but the basic elements include:

- Koni Sport Shocks, factory sealed (front left strut, right front strut and rear)
- Eibach Pro-Plus Kit (F/R springs and F/R adjustable anti-roll bars)
- SPC Front Alignment Kit (camber bolts, adjustable lower control arms and toe arms)

Tire Rack is also the preferred supplier of the Stage 2 Performance Package that includes 17"x 8" wheels, running a minimum of 17 pounds with minimum offset of 40 millimeters. There will also be a 225/45R17 spec tire used in SSC with a minimum 200 treadwear. The specific spec tire brand will be named later this year.
 
A Stage 3 Performance Package, consisting of a PCM/ECU retuning module, is currently being researched and considered for future use.
 
For components not specifically listed in the Stage 1 or Stage 2 Packages, the Solo Street Category allowances will apply. Vehicles will be allowed to compete "under prepared" without all permitted modifications being installed. Where applicable, Solo Spec Coupe cars can also compete in the STX class.
 
For more information, visit the SCCA Solo Spec Coupe webpage.

NASCAR's next iteration of its championship trophy was unveiled Thursday.

Designed by Jostens, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup weighs 68 pounds and stands 37 inches tall. Part of the trophy's intricate detail includes the outlines of all 23 tracks. It also has the ability to hold 600 ounces—or 37 Monster Energy drinks—in its cup.

The third championship trophy from a NASCAR entitlement sponsor, the Monster Energy Cup supersedes the Sprint Cup (2004-2016) and the Winston Cup (1971-2003).

With the playoffs beginning in two weeks, the reveal brings a new sense of excitement for the 16 drivers competing for the championship. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup will be presented for the first time on November 19 to the 2017 champion.

"Our goal with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup was to capture the full championship story that unfolds over the course of a season," said Curt Bruns, vice president, motorsports division at Jostens. "We are honored to work with NASCAR to create this original piece of art that embodies what it takes to excel at the sport's highest level."

The FIA Formula 2 Championship has unveiled the F2 2018 car.

The new car, which is set to be used from 2018-2020, complies with the latest F1 safety standards and a 3.4-liter turbocharged Mecachrome engine, which delivers 620hp at 8750rpm. The design philosophy was to refresh the car to mirror F1 design updates.

"The unveiling of the 2018 FIA Formula 2 car is an important moment for the FIA as we complete the single-seater pyramid from karting right through to the pinnacle of motorsport in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship," said Charlie Whiting, FIA safety delegate, and FIA director of F1 and single-seater department.

"The plan for a more structured junior formula ladder is designed to feature cars that better prepare drivers for the next step. For Formula 2, that means we needed a car that will not only educate, but will also allow the drivers that are most ready for Formula 1 to shine brightest.

"We are proud to present the 2018 FIA Formula 2 Championship car alongside the promoter, Formula 1 Management, and we look forward to our continued partnership at this level with this exciting new car."

The F2 2018 will be the first new car to be revealed featuring the Halo system, which was incorporated at the final stage of the design process. Additional safety updates include changes to marshaling such as the Virtual Safety Car, Drag Reduction System and upgraded electronics.

"Our focus has always been on providing a powerful, safe and challenging car, which will encourage overtaking, and thanks to the new aerodynamics package we believe this car will both enhance racing and provide even more entertainment for our fans," F2 CEO Bruno Michel said. "Our philosophy has always been to match this with cost control for the teams, and we believe the F2 2018 will continue to limit operational costs and provide an attractive package to our teams.

"Finally, and most importantly, the F2 2018 matches the very latest F1 safety standards: we have a strong track record on safety, and this was a principle focus during the design process. I believe that the F2 2018 is the right car for the next stage of our championship, while also providing a worthy race car for the final step of the motorsport ladder for our drivers hoping to achieve their ultimate ambition: a race seat in F1."

The electronics have been enhanced with an updated ECU, which features expanded evolution possibilities for later years in an effort to future proof these components, a design decision in line with cost control. The operational costs for the teams are expected to be similar to this year.

The car had a successful shakedown in July at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, and the development program will continue with several more tests this year – including two in December focused on performance testing – to accumulate sufficient mileage and secure its functionality and reliability. The first car is scheduled for delivery to the teams in mid-January 2018, and the second car will be delivered in mid-February. There will be a shakedown with the teams between the two dates to allow them to become acclimatized with the car ahead of the first official pre-season test.

Pirelli will once again serve as the official tire supplier to the championship.

The Metropolitan Government of Davidson County has awarded current Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville promoter Tony Formosa Jr. a long-term agreement for promotions, operation and improvements of the race track.

The lease terms will be negotiated. Formosa has been promoting races and other events since 2010 on one-year contracts. The multi-year agreement will allow Formosa and his team to do necessary improvements to the track and continue to showcase local racers.

“It may be rainy outside but what I see is sunshine,” said Formosa. “Now that we have more than a one-year deal, people can see what we can do. This is great day for short track racing in Middle Tennessee.

“My attorney Jamie Hollin deserves a lot of credit. He worked tirelessly on this deal. I can’t put into words how much I appreciate my two biggest supporters Bill Freeman of Freeman & Webb Company and Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Records.”

O. Bruton Smith and Speedway Motorsports Inc., through Bristol Motor Speedway, had also submitted an offer to take over as promoter and operator of the speedway.

Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville is putting the finishing touches on the 2017 season, which will end with the All-American 400 on Sept. 30-Oct. 1. The full 2018 schedule for the historic facility will be released in the weeks following the All-American 400.

“It’s unbelievable, I have dreamed of this day for a very long time,” said Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville Vice President Claire Formosa. “It’s been a long and hard road to get to this point, but I am excited to see all of our future plans come to life. We have a huge support system behind us and have had an amazing team throughout this process. I cannot wait for everyone to see everything we have planned for the future.”

The FIA has confirmed the team entry list for Season 4 of the FIA Formula E Championship. Ten teams will compete over the 14 rounds of the 2017/18 campaign, which begins with a doubleheader of races on 2-3 December in Hong Kong.

The team names are listed below.

Updated Sporting Regulations, which were approved by the World Motor Sport Council on June 19, were also published. These include 1) any driver who is not classified in the top ten positions at the end of the race will not be eligible for the point awarded for fastest lap, 2) Elimination of a non-qualifying session when two races take place during the same event, 3) Increase in the number of promotional days from three to six days per team with a maximum of three days on circuit, to promote roadshows, 4) Addition of a practice session day during the season and a practice session day reserved for rookies, 5) Increase of power during the race from 170 kW to 180 kW.

In related news, the FIA is aiming to implement the Halo on the season five Formula E car to race from 2018, coinciding with powertrain changes.

Season 4 of Formula E gets underway in December and will be the last year of the current chassis. From the 2018-19 season, a new chassis will be introduced that includes a powertrain that no longer requires a mid-race car change.

After confirmation that the 2018 Formula 2 car will include a Halo—matching the introduction date for Formula 1—FIA safety director Laurent Mekies revealed the next categories that will use the cockpit protection device.

"The implementation plan - again being conscious that it is going to be a very large challenge – is F1 in 2018, F2 in 2018," Mekies told RACER. "We are trying to get Formula E season five, which means June 2018 and is as hard in terms of pressure of timing. Then we plan to have hopefully a new F3 in 2019 and a new F4 in 2020. That's where we are right now, so it will keep us busy for a bit!"

TEAM ENTRY LIST–FIA FORMULA E CHAMPIONSHIP 2017/18
Andretti Formula E
Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler
Dragon Racing
DS Virgin Racing
Mahindra Racing
NIO Formula E Team
Panasonic Jaguar Racing
Renault e.dams
TECHEETAH
Venturi Formula E Team