Jesse Kershaw will be NHRA’s North Central Division Director (Division 3). The North Central Division includes tracks in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and is home to four NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events.
 
“I’m excited to work with NHRA and continue the vision of Wally Parks,” said Kershaw. “Division 3 has a great amount of history and tradition. I am eager to continue the great history and racing this division is known for, and to grow the sport of drag racing in the region even more. I look forward to meeting and working with everyone– our member tracks, competitors, sponsors and fans.”

Kershaw has over two decades of motorsports experience and most recently was the drag racing parts and competition manager and the performance parts segment manager at Ford Performance Parts. While there, he created the Cobra Jet race program and led efforts that allowed Ford to win the NHRA Manufacturers Cup championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Kershaw also worked closely with NHRA to define the rules package for the School of Automotive Machinists & Technology NHRA Factory Stock Showdown, the popular sportsman series events.

“We are pleased to welcome Jesse to NHRA,” said Josh Peterson, vice president, racing administration. “Jesse’s extensive racing background is a major asset. He brings a wide range of relevant experience that will enhance and grow the division.”

The Division 3 office will be relocated to the Detroit area.

For more information, visit here.

Langley Speedway, the 4/10-of-mile track located in Hampton, Virginia, will reopen again under the direction of track operator Bill Mullis. Stock-car racing will resume starting April 1.

Mullins previously leased and operated Langley from 2009 to 2015. The speedway was closed at the end of the 2015 racing season when Mullis and the former property owners could not reach an agreement to keep the track open.

Mullins recently made the track reopening announcement with Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck and City Manager Mary Bunting, who welcomed the Speedway’s return.

“I just can’t thank everybody enough for being here to support me and support this city,” Mullins said.

Tuck noted that the careers of many racing greats were ignited at Langley. Tuck and Bunting also noted the speedway hosted a number of important events over the years, including the Drive for Diversity, which served as a training ground for drivers from diverse backgrounds and offered them a chance to be selected to drive for a professional NASCAR team.

Bunting said the Speedway has been a tremendous asset to the city and the region, with local residents, hotels, and retailers benefitting from enthusiastic race fans.

“We as a city lost more than $100,000 in overnight visitor economic impact when the speedway did not operate last season,” Bunting said.

“And the benefits are not just monetary,” she added, noting that the city in recent years received $10,000 through Langley Speedway and NASCAR’s Clear Air Tree Planting Program.

Langley Speedway has been a local racing fixture since the 1940s when it was an oval track used for thoroughbred horse racing. Later shortened and dedicated to car racing, it was renamed Langley Field Speedway in 1963. When Langley Speedway closed in 2015, it was southeastern Virginia’s longest running professional sports enterprises, and a popular local and tourist destination.

For more information, contact Langley Speedway spokesman Chuck Hall at 757-802- 5092 or chuck@langley-speedway.com.

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) announced that, for the first time ever, the vintage racing organization will offer season-long championships for both their short sprint races and their endurance contests.

Previously, the season-long SVRA points championship has been centered in the eastern United States.

“This is clearly another example of how the SVRA has expanded into a national platform,” said Tony Parella, SVRA president and CEO. “We’re proud to be the first and only vintage racing organization to make this kind of recognition for our drivers and car owners possible.”

Points awarded to drivers for finishing positions are the same for both the sprint and endurance competitions. They range from 16 points for first place to a single point for tenth. Race weekends awarding points will vary, however.

The sprint race schedule includes 13 event weekends for all SVRA groups.

The endurance championship, a set distance or timed competition of up to 90 minutes in duration and often referred to as “enduro,” includes ten weekends. Each of those enduros may have unique classes to be announced. When co-drivers participate in an enduro, they can be eligible for points.

To be eligible for any season championship, drivers must be SVRA members. For the sprint race championship, a driver’s best six finishes of the 13 races awarding points will be counted. To qualify, a driver must participate in at least three races during the season. Points are awarded for both Saturday and Sunday feature races, with the exception of Sunday of the weekend at COTA. The season champions will be recognized at the Saturday evening banquet at COTA.

COTA, located in Texas, is the host track for the SVRA’s established gold Bell Racing National Champions Helmet. Unlike the new season points championship announced above, the Bell Racing National Champions Helmet is a single-event competition and is open to all competitors from any vintage racing series in a run-off style contest. The Bell Racing National Championship Helmet races were first established in 2013.

The SVRA endurance series championship will take place at the following tracks: Sebring International Raceway, Amelia Island Vintage GP, Willow Springs, Road America, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Open Wheel Challenge), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Brickyard Invitational), Mid-Ohio, Portland International, Watkins Glen, Virginia International Raceway.

In addition to those venues, the sprint race championship series will include weekends at Roebling Road Raceway, Auto Club Speedway, and COTA. For full details on the structure of these national season points championships, see the SVRA website here.

“I believe this kind of innovation and our growing national platform has a lot to do with the increased interest we are seeing with sponsors,” Parella added. “The accessibility of our product throughout the country at marquee venues naturally translates to greater visibility and awareness.”

SVRA officials reported the sport has grown from a regional activity largely concentrated in the southeastern United States to one that spans the continent at many of America’s top race courses.

The start of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season begins this weekend, and the sanctioning body is making sweeping changes to its inspection and deterrence model for rules enforcement in the Cup garage.

NASCAR announced a series of rules changes with regards to at-track inspections.

The bottom line is that starting immediately, NASCAR is going to attempt to handle penalties at the track when offenses occur, rather than waiting until the middle of the following week to deal with them.

“Where possible, infractions which occur during a race weekend will be contained to that race weekend,” NASCAR wrote in a memo. “Significant infractions will still be subject to post-event penalties.”

Race weekend penalties could include such items as “Radiator, exhaust headers, sway bars, shock absorbers, truck arms, hubs, pinion angle shims, fail inspection two or more times, bump stops,” said NASCAR’s memo.

“Severity, timing and reoccurrence of the infraction will determine the penalty,” which could include “Loss of hard card(s), loss of practice time, loss of pit selection, tail of field penalty, green flag pass through, green flag stop and go, lap(s) penalty.”

Safety penalties, such as loss of ballast or missing lug nuts will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

In addition, the old P1-P6 penalty system is gone.

Now there are just two penalty tiers. A Level 1 infraction—for things like having 17 or fewer lug nuts or failing to meet minimum weight—will carry a 10- to 40-point penalty, a one-to-three week suspension and a fine of $25,000 to $75,000.

A Level 2 penalty for things like traction control or illegal fuel additives or testing would up the ante to 75 points, a six-week suspension and fines of $100,000 to $200,000.

The at-track inspection procedure is changing, too.

From now on, there will be three inspections: A weekend-opening inspection that covers only fuel systems, engines and safety equipment, followed by pre-qualifying and pre-race inspections.

Per NASCAR, “Pre-qualifying and pre-race will consist of a full inspection – fuel systems, engines, safety components, chassis, templates, and weights and measurements.” And if a car flunks any of the inspection stations, it has to go back to the garage and repeat every single part of the inspection.

It should make for an interesting start to Daytona Speedweeks, which begin Friday with two practices for the Advance Auto Parts Clash, the first from 5-5:55 p.m. ET, with Happy Hour from 6:30-7:25 p.m. Both practices will be televised live on FS1.

In related news, NASCAR announced updates to its concussion protocol for competitors, adding a consistent screening tool for all venues and increasing available neurological support for race event weekends through its new partnership with American Medical Response.
 
“NASCAR has worked very closely with the industry to ensure our concussion protocol reflects emerging best practices in this rapidly developing area of sports medicine,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “We will continue to utilize relationships we’ve had for years with leaders in the neurological research field who helped to shape these updates.”
 
NASCAR’s protocol now includes:
 
·        As part of the new rule regarding damaged vehicles, a driver whose car sustains damage from an accident or contact of any kind and goes behind the pit wall or to the garage is required to visit the Infield Care Center to be evaluated.
·        The medical portion of NASCAR’s Event Standards now require that Infield Care Center physicians incorporate the SCAT-3 diagnostic tool in screening for head injuries.
·        AMR will provide on-site neurological consultative support at select NASCAR events during the 2017 season and will work directly with NASCAR in the continued development of concussion protocol.

The new protocol goes into effect immediately for all NASCAR national series.

NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver, Paul Lee, is retiring from the sport of drag racing. Lee suffered a heart attack over the winter and will not be returning to the seat of his McLeod Racing/ Kalitta Motorsports Nitro Funny Car.



On December 13, 2016, two days after returning from a successful PRI show in Indy, Lee experienced a massive “widow maker” heart attack, with 100% blockage of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Three stents were inserted in his main artery, but Lee suffered significant heart damage as a result.



“I’m very lucky to be alive,” says Lee, owner of McLeod Racing. “The paramedics are close to my house and were there in minutes. They got me to the hospital in time for the doctors to save my life. The doctor told me that this is the worst kind of heart attack someone can have and only about 1 in 10 survives. So I’m extremely grateful to the local paramedics and the doctors for doing a great job of saving me.”



Lee has been a lifelong fan and participant of NHRA drag racing. He began his love as a little kid at his home track of Atco Dragway in New Jersey. He used to “borrow” his mom’s car at 17 years old and head out to the drag strip. Since then he has claimed victories in both Top Alcohol and Top Fuel Funny Cars.



“I’ve dedicated my life to the sport of NHRA Drag Racing,” explains Lee. “It’s been my love and passion since I was a child growing up in New Jersey. It pains me to know that I’ll probably never get to drive again, but in reality, I’m happy to still be here. My heart is too weak and will take years to recover. Besides, as long as I’m on blood thinners (to help a damaged heart work better), it’s not safe for me to drive a 300mph race car.”



Lee’s racing operation, which is managed by Kalitta Motorsports, will be entered in some races this year to fulfill previous sponsor commitments. A driver will be announced when the time comes available. As for co-crew chiefs, Glen Huszar and Nick Casertano, they will continue their efforts to help the Funny Car teams of J.R. Todd and Alexis DeJoria.



"Kalitta Motorsports was devastated to learn about Paul's heart attack, but thankful that he is still with us," said Jim Oberhofer, Vice President of Operations, Kalitta Motorsports. "We know how much desire Paul had to compete at the highest level in the sport so we are saddened he will be unable to continue. However, he is and always will be a part of the Kalitta family."



Lee will continue to support the Kalitta Motorsports organization for the years to come. He will also continue to own and operate McLeod Racing.



“Nevertheless, I’ve made many friends in this sport, both in my Alcohol Funny Car days in Division 1, up to my friends in the professional ranks, and especially all the folks at Team Kalitta. I’d like to personally thank Connie Kalitta and Jim Oberhofer and the whole Kalitta organization for welcoming me into their family. I will be forever grateful," Lee said. 


Just three days after the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 9, the teams and drivers of IndyCar will head to Texas Motor Speedway for a series open test.

IndyCar confirmed the date of April 12 to give everyone a chance to run on the repaved circuit, which has a different banking level in Turns 1 and 2 versus 3 and 4.

The test occurs three days after Texas hosts its first race weekend of its 2017 season, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series races.

The track recently released an update on the repave process of the 1.5-mile Speedway, which announced the improvement process earlier this year following a year that saw both its NASCAR race weekends impacted by rain and track drying issues. The project included repaving the surface, installation of an expansive draining system as well as a reconfiguration of Turns 1 and 2.

The 2017 Red Bull Global Rallycross season will kick off with a brand new event at Memphis International Raceway. Taking place on Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, the new event will represent the first of 12 rounds on this year’s champion schedule.

“We’re looking forward to bringing wheel-to-wheel Red Bull GRC action back to Tennessee with our new partners at Memphis International Raceway,” said Red Bull GRC CEO Colin Dyne. “Memphis is a perfect host city for our 2017 kickoff round, as our teams get back to action after an exciting offseason and start the chase for our next title.”

Located only 15 minutes from downtown, Memphis International Raceway’s ¾-mile oval will be transformed into a Red Bull GRC course with the addition of dirt and the series’ signature 70-foot jump. From the starting grid, located just outside of Turn 3, drivers will charge down the front-stretch into the banked Turns 1 and 2 before taking on the dirt and jump in the infield. The field will then race down pit road in the opposite direction, dip into the infield, and rejoin the tri-oval in Turn 4 before accelerating to the finish line.

Red Bull Global Rallycross Memphis will represent the first outing for numerous driver and team pairings in both the Supercar and GRC Lites classes, including Patrik Sandell’s first race with Subaru Rally Team USA. In last year’s Supercar opening round, Tanner Foust cruised from the pole to the main event win with a perfect round, while Miki Weckstrom won last year’s Lites kickoff in only his first career start in the series.

“Memphis International Raceway is thrilled to have this opportunity to host Red Bull Global Rallycross for the kickoff of their 2017 season,” said Pam Kendrick, president of Memphis International Raceway. “The opportunity to bring a new and different racing experience for the Memphis and surrounding markets is always a plus. We feel our venue is the best of both worlds, in performance and adjustability to accommodate this great series.”

Tickets for Red Bull Global Rallycross Memphis are on sale now at www.redbullglobalrallycross.com/tickets. General Admission and Club tickets available. Tickets purchased at the door will be $5 more than regularly priced admission. All tickets include full access to the paddock, where fans can get up close to the cars and stars of Red Bull GRC. Kids 12 and under are free to attend with a ticketed adult.  For more information visit www.redbullglobalrallycross.com, or follow Red Bull GRC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @GRCseries.

NASCAR announced the 2017 stage lengths for each race in all three of its national series. A number of factors went into determining the lap count for Stage 1, Stage 2 and the Final Stage of each race, with a singular goal in mind—the best racing for NASCAR fans—according to a press release from NASCAR.
 
“Every track is unique for its characteristics in length, surface and overall racing conditions,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition. “We worked closely with race teams on expected fuel and tire runs over the entirety of an event when considering stage lengths. And in the end, stage lengths were decided based upon what would provide the best race for fans.”
 
Last week, NASCAR announced the stage lengths for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season-opening DAYTONA 500 (Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). For the Great American Race, the stages are scheduled to end on lap 60, lap 120 and lap 200.

For the full list of stages for the remainder of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, as well as the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series seasons, visit here.
 
In other NASCAR news, NASCAR and DeskSite jointly announced the official launch of the NASCAR DeskSite, an interactive and personalized video app that delivers premium, high-definition video content on-demand to NASCAR fans—for free.
 
NASCAR is the first professional sports league to launch DeskSite, which has partnerships with individual NFL, NHL and MLS team franchises.
 
Described as a “DVR for the Internet,” the NASCAR DeskSite serves as a digital fan hub for NASCAR.com video content including interviews with drivers, post-race recaps, in-depth coverage, driver spotlights and breaking news. The content is available to fans at any time, even offline.
 
“NASCAR.com represents a massive portal through which millions of fans engage with our sport,” said Colin Smith, vice president, NASCAR Digital Media. “Now, thanks to NASCAR DeskSite’s automatic updates and offline viewing features, our fans can continue to access the latest NASCAR news and content no matter where they are.”
 
The NASCAR DeskSite enables automatic downloads and stores videos directly to devices based on user preferences, allowing fans the ability to view NASCAR.com video content offline without an Internet connection. Audiovisual alerts reduce the delay between a video’s initial release and fan access.
 
The platform is currently loaded with content previewing the first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series points race of the 2017 season, the DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 26 (2 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
 
“NASCAR is an incredible brand, and a perfect fit for our technology,” said Megan Bennett, VP of Marketing, DeskSite. “We’re thrilled to announce NASCAR has become our first league partner. And we look forward to making our platform available to NASCAR’s millions of fans.”
 
The NASCAR DeskSite is available on both Windows and Mac computers, as well as Windows tablets. Fans can download the app for free at NASCAR.com/DeskSite.

DIRTcar Racing announced a multi-year extension with Hoosier Racing Tire, encompassing DIRTcar Racing's Northeast weekly racing divisions and touring series, including the Super DIRTcar Series, the traveling tour for Big-Block Modifieds in North America.

As part of the agreement Hoosier Tire will provide their products to racers at weekly DIRTcar sanctioned tracks competing in the Big Block Modified, 358 Modified, Sportsman Modified and Pro Stock divisions. Hoosier will also continue as the Official Racing Tire of the Super DIRTcar Series and Super DIRT Week.

"We have developed a great relationship with DIRTcar and are very happy to have them back on board for years to come," stated Hoosier Tire Business Unit Manager, Neil Cowman. "The dirt Northeast Modifieds tracks, which contain business in both the United States and Canada, have always been a core part of our business. We look forward to offering the same great products for all the drivers and teams."

"We are excited to extend the long-standing partnership with Hoosier Racing Tire," added Brian Carter, CEO of DIRTcar Racing. "We continue to build on the strength of both organizations and provide stability into the future to preserve the region's strong racing heritage."

DIRTcar is one of the leaders in the sanctioning and promotion of dirt track auto racing. Hoosier Racing Tire's mission is said to be the dominant, customer driven, provider of racing tires to racing teams domestically and internationally.

Edelbrock, a manufacturer of automotive performance products, has been named the preferred automotive aftermarket products of the NHRA.

Edelbrock’s participation with the series will include the NHRA Edelbrock Never Rest Performer of the Race award which will be given to a competitor at each NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. The winner of the NHRA Edelbrock Never Rest Performer of the Race award will take part in an awards ceremony with a photo opportunity and chance to receive an Edelbrock product. Winners of the award will also be featured on NHRA and Edelbrock’s social media platforms.

“Edelbrock has long been known as one of the most prestigious, dedicated and passionate companies in the aftermarket industry,” said Brad Gerber, NHRA vice president and chief development officer. “Many of their products are used by racers at every level throughout NHRA and their continued support of the racers is invaluable to the racing community.”

“We’re really excited about partnering with the NHRA this year. Edelbrock has been involved in drag racing since the early days we can’t wait to see what is in store for the sport in 2017. We support all levels of drag racing with products for the Sportsman racer up to the Pro Mod racer, and this partnership with the NHRA will give us more exposure across all of their media platforms,” states Edelbrock’s vice president of sales and marketing, Steve Whipple.