The 67th annual Race of Champions weekend will be held at Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie Speedway on Sept. 28-30 later this year.

The event, featuring the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series, was most recently held at New York’s Oswego Speedway.

“This is a very positive move for the event and short track racing in general,” said Joe Skotnicki, Race of Champions steward. “We took a different approach to this and it has proven very effective. After meeting with the Track Management and the Erie Sports Commission we knew this was the direction this event needed. The involvement from the surrounding community and the opportunity to have a marquee track like Lake Erie host such an event is a great way to enhance and carry on the great tradition that is the Race of Champions.”

Matt Hirschman won the 2016 edition of the Race of Champions at Oswego, the fourth victory of his career in the annual event.

It also marks the first time the race returns to Pennsylvania since 1991 when Donald Worley won on the three-quarter-mile Pocono Raceway. The race had previously been held at the legendary Langhorne Speedway, where Hully Bunn won the first event in 1951. Since that first event, the race has been held 35 times in Pennsylvania between Langhorne and Pocono.

“Teams will be faced with different challenges at Erie, but it will be an exciting race,” said Skotnicki. “They will also be welcomed by the community at hotels and restaurants and we are looking forward to that. The schedule will mirror last year with practice beginning on Thursday. Racing for the Sportsman Modifieds and Race of Champions Super Stocks on Friday along with the addition of the Lancaster type Street Stocks and Race of Champions Late Models on Saturday in addition to the 250 for the modifieds. It is all building up to be an exciting event and we are looking forward to putting the pieces in place to give everyone an event they are proud to see, participate in and proud to have.”

Sept. 28 will serve as an open practice day, while Sept. 29 will see a Race of Champions Sportsman Modified special along with a championship event for the Race of Champions Super Stocks.

Sept. 30 will see the running of the 67th annual Race of Champions 250 for the asphalt modifieds. The Race of Champions Late Models and Lancaster National Speedway Street Stock division will fill out the day's events.

The Race of Champions weekend, combined with the July 8 date at Oswego (N.Y.) Speedway and Sept. 24 date at Lancaster (N.Y.) National Speedway will make up the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series triple crown. Further details regarding that will be announced later.

DIRTcar Northeast officials announced the additions of Airborne Speedway, Freedom Raceway Park and Utica-Rome Speedway as Sportsman Modified home tracks for the 2017 season. The addition of the trio of New York facilities increases the number of DIRTcar Sportsman Modified sanctioned tracks to 17 for the upcoming season.

Airborne Speedway in Plattsburgh, NY returns to a dirt surface in 2017 with promoter John Walker leading the conversion. The track will host the DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds on a weekly basis as well as a North Region tour event in September. Airborne is also the newest track to the Super DIRTcar Series tour. It will host the Big-Block Modifieds at the half-mile oval on Thursday, July 6.

Freedom Motorsports Park, located in Delevan, NY, provides a home track to drivers in the southwestern area of the state under the guidance of Bob Reis. The 1/3-mile clay oval hosts Friday night racing from May to September less than one hour southeast of Buffalo.

Utica-Rome Speedway, managed by Bill and Kim Shea, is a key central New York home track with an established base of Sportsman Modifieds. In addition to becoming a Sportsman Modified home track, Utica-Rome will also host three DIRTcar Sportsman Modified series events in 2017, including two in the east region and one in the central region.

The three New York tracks join 14 other facilities in the Northeast as DIRTcar Sportsman Modified home tracks. They include Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Brewerton Speedway, Fonda Speedway, Fulton Speedway, Mohawk Speedway, Ransomville Speedway and Weedsport Speedway in New York. Ontario tracks Brockville Ontario Speedway, Cornwall Motor Speedway, Humberstone Speedway and Merrittville Speedway are all returning as Sportsman Modified home tracks as well as Quebec’s Autodrome Drummond, Autodrome Granby and LeRPM Speedway.

These 17 tracks offer valuable Home Track Bonus Points to nearly 500 Sportsman Modified drivers across the Northeast. Home Track Bonus Points are the first step for drivers who compete for the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series title and in various DIRTcar Northeast programs.

The 2017 edition of the DIRTcar Sportsman Series will feature a regional format with the schedule divided into four regions – North, West, Central and East. Regional and combined series events will take place 23 tracks for a total of 32 events with negotiations ongoing to add additional race dates.



International Speedway Corporation (ISC), the owner and operator of 13 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities, announced its partnership with ISM, a company offering sports venue digital activation, to form ISM Vision Powered by BoldVu.



ISM Vision Powered by BoldVu will include nearly 200 IP-connected digital displays, including each track’s large-format digital screens and dozens of 86-inch BoldVu displays. Initially temporary, these displays will become permanent by the end of 2017.



The new technology will debut during Speedweeks, beginning February 18 and running through the 59th DAYTONA 500 on February 26, at Daytona International Speedway. In addition, ISM Vision Powered by BoldVu will be implemented at all ISC facilities this year. 



“I look forward to working with ISC to revolutionize fan engagement at large sporting venues,” said ISM CEO Nelson Martinez. “ISC’s long and distinguished history in motorsports, its power as a brand and distinctive collection of key sports venues, is the ideal partner for ISM’s far-reaching and ambitious rethinking of how to better engage with and improve the fan experience.”



ISC’s trackside network of modular, large-format digital video boards will become ISM Vision Powered by BoldVu. Displaying racing action, driver interviews and promotional content, ISM Vision Powered by BoldVu will also be fully integrated with each track’s and Motor Racing Network’s (MRN) mobile app, allowing fans to have access to way-finding technologies, real-time traffic and weather alerts and event schedules. 



The ISM platform allows for a more integrated marketing experience and provides rich on-site activation opportunities. In addition, ISC and its advertisers and partners will benefit from expanded consumer analytics and for the first time, consumer insights on fan behavior, campaign engagement, and the overall visitor experience. 



“We are very excited about the long-term partnership with ISM to reinvent our digital video boards across the enterprise,” said ISC CMO Daryl Wolfe. “Our modular program puts the fans first and ISM has gone above and beyond to create an even more entertaining product which continues to improve the overall fan experience.” 



“The ISM platform is a fan-focused technology that allows the venue, sponsors, and teams to interact in a way they have never been able to before,” said Jeff Hutchins, president of ISM.

Widely considered the most decorated—and creative—promoter in the history of NASCAR auto racing, H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler has amassed an unparalleled list of career accomplishments. He’s reached legendary status for, among other achievements, bringing night racing to Charlotte Motor Speedway while more than doubling CMS’ seating capacity; taking the company he co-founded, Speedway Motorsports, public as the first racing firm to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange; and serving as director of racing at Firestone Rubber & Tire Co. at a pivotal point in the company’s history.

Perhaps lesser-known—but no less significant—among his contributions to the sport: In 2003, Wheeler launched the acclaimed Motorsports Management program at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina. What began as a field of concentration has evolved into a full-degree major that over the years has helped develop scores of future industry leaders. The curriculum itself prepares students to work in a complex environment that emphasizes the business, management, cultural and legal aspects of the motorsports industry. Past and current enrollees have interned with top-level organizations such as Atlanta Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, DIRT and NASCAR, among others. And the program’s alumni have gone on to fill positions with the likes of Chip Ganassi Racing, Jeff Gordon Inc., and RSM Motorsport, to name a few.

Why do I bring this up? Because Wheeler’s brainchild is one of several top motorsports education programs profiled as part of a special article inside the February 2017 issue of PRI Magazine. In fact, writer Drew Hardin spoke with administrators from more than a dozen technical and vocational schools, as well as four-year and advanced education programs, to uncover the nature and scope of opportunities available to those who wish to pursue a career in motorsports. It’s a great read, and one that offers a unique look inside the coursework, requirements and philosophies of today’s leading institutions for advanced learning and skills development across multiple disciplines and areas of interest related to racing. Readers will also discover how many of these programs provide a well-rounded education by combining real-world experience and internships with a focused, dedicated syllabus.

Beyond the classroom, there’s no bigger advocate for the cultivation of young automotive talent than the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), which is now accepting applications for the 2017 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the auto or auto parts industries. Offering financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of aftermarket industry leaders and innovators, the program awards scholarships in a variety of categories. Students can apply for the scholarship at sema.org/scholarships. For more information, contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA’s manager of education projects, at 909/978-6655 or julietm@sema.org. The deadline is March 1, so apply today!
 

Speaking proposals are now being accepted for the 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), the leading engineering conference for the performance automotive industry that gives attendees a firsthand look at some of latest technological advances in engine design and performance.

Held December 5-6, 2017, in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, the 28th annual Advanced Engineering Technology Conference will feature expert technical speakers that deliver a real platform for engine-technology information exchange.

Organizers are especially interested in speakers who are experts in engine technology cross-over from varying motorsport focuses, including circle track, formula drift, truck and off-road, Formula E and green performance.

"The Advanced Engineering Technology Conference offers attendees a look at some of latest technological advances in the automotive industry," said SEMA Sr. Director of Education Zane Clark. "In addition, networking at the AETC results in priceless camaraderie and endless opportunities. We encourage industry experts to submit a proposal to be a part of this year’s AETC lineup."

AETC proposals should be technical in nature and no longer than one page and must include:

    •    A title
    •    Description
    •    Three primary learning objectives (what the audience will learn)
    •    Summary of industry relevance/impact

Speaking proposals can be sent to Clark at ZaneC@sema.org. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2017.

TORC: The Off-Road Championship has redesigned the rules of the TORC PRO 2 class, a change that’s expected to create a more accessible pathway through the PRO classes by requiring PRO 2 trucks to run a 410ci engine and DOT tires.

Changes will make the leap from PRO Light to PRO 2 more affordable and accessible for teams. With a lower operating cost for PRO 2's, sponsors will have the opportunity to invest in more teams for longer periods of time. With the move to DOT tires, retailers can pull alongside their favorite drivers to support them throughout the season.

"There are major cost gaps between running a PRO Light, PRO 2 and PRO 4 program that do not support driver progression within the PRO classes," said TORC Series Director Ben Nelson. "The high cost to sustain a competitive team at every PRO level has become such that sponsors/partners are supporting fewer drivers each season. Making racing more affordable will allow for growth of new talent through the ranks. Our objective is to maintain an elite PRO-level racing series while creating an atmosphere that allows more teams to get on the track year after year."

2017 TORC PRO 2 Updates include:

·  Engines will now have a capped maximum of 410 cubic inches
·  Only GM Turbo 400 automatic transmissions are allowed in competition
·  Only DOT tires available to the general public are permitted in competition

Two-time TORC PRO 4 Champion Ricky Johnson commented, "It's going to make PRO 2 more affordable for racers and sponsors, which will attract more talent and grow the field. I couldn't be more excited about these changes."

While the best drivers are born from their growth through UTV, PRO Light, and PRO 2 classes, the 2017 rule changes will model PRO 4 as TORC's "innovation" class. Sponsors seeking to showcase their advancing technology and prototype parts can focus on the 900-horsepower action of PRO 4 to put their designs to the test.

To further assist in driver promotion, TORC will offer media training to drivers and teams to aid in the development of driver social media and public relations efforts. "Assisting TORC drivers to build their personal brand is a top line item this year. Fans can expect to be more connected with their favorite drivers as TORC works to tell their stories and follow their progression throughout the season," Nelson said.

Carteret County Speedway, the 0.4-mile oval located just a few miles from Emerald Isle, will be NASCAR sanctioned in 2017. The venue will host NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) racing throughout the season.

The opening race on April 16 will be the first NWAAS race at the track.

“We’re very excited to be NASCAR sanctioned this season,” Carteret County Speedway owner Bobby Watson said. “This is going to be great for our fans, our racers and our sponsors. NASCAR brings a lot more than just the name to the table for our drivers and fans. They’ve been an institution in stock car racing for many decades and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

With the NASCAR sanctioning, drivers competing at Carteret County Speedway will now be able to race for points in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track, North Carolina and national championships.  

Carteret County Speedway competitors will not just be able to race for points at Carteret, but will also be able to race at East Carolina Motor Speedway and Southern National Motorsports Park, which are both NASCAR sanctioned, for points as well.

The NASCAR title extends beyond the Late Models and to the other divisions that will compete as well at Carteret County Speedway. Racers competing in support divisions, such as Street Stocks and Mini Stocks, will also be racing for points in their respective divisions, too.

NASCAR, which was formed in 1948 by Bill France, Sr., has six other NASCAR sanctioned home tracks tracks in North Carolina—including the nearby tracks at East Carolina Motor Speedway in Robersonville and Southern National Motorsports Park in Lucama.

Carteret County Speedway started out as a kart track in 1982 and ran until 2000 before owner Bobby Watson rebuilt the facility into an asphalt oval. Carteret County Speedway opened as an asphalt track on September 6, 2015.

For more information about Carteret County Speedway, visit www.carteretspeedway.com.

The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) has announced the official 2017 Toyo Tires Contingency Support Program. 

Whatever class racers run in, be it Racing, Enduro or Time Trials, Toyo Tires is offering the chance to win “Toyo Bucks.” Competitors in American Iron, Spec Iron, and CMC classes will be eligible for nearly $5,000 in awards per weekend.

Participants in the NASA Prototype NP01, Spec E46 and Factory Five classes will be eligible for up to nearly $4,000 per weekend, while the smaller tired classes of Spec Miata, Spec E30, and 944 Spec will be eligible for up to nearly $2,200 in awards per weekend.

Toyo is also bringing back its lucrative NASA Championships contingency program, making up to $10,750 in cash awards available to each NASA class that specifies the use of Toyo Tires. In total, Toyo Tires is making over $300,000 in cash awards available to NASA competitors at two Championship events in 2017. 

“The Toyo Tires contingency program is the best in the industry” said Jeremy Croiset, NASA’s Director of Business Development.  “Their program allows our competitors the opportunity to stretch their racing dollars further and get more out of their year because of choosing NASA and Toyo Tires. Their contingency program really is second to none in the industry. Toyo continues to demonstrate their commitment to amateur motorsports continually giving back to their customer and we’re proud to have them on board as the Official Tire of NASA.”

These programs are available immediately for NASA competitors to take advantage of, and Toyo Tires will retroactively honor any awards submitted for 2017 through March 8. For complete details on the new 2017 Toyo Tires Contingency Program, visit www.nasaproracing.com/contingencies.

The official 2017 Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo rules have been released on SCCA.com.

Changes were minimal, mostly focused on updates to the ProSolo index factors. The Christmas tree-style start, a trademark of ProSolo competition, requires index adjustments that vary from the PAX index used in other Tire Rack SCCA Solo events.

“Our goal was to have stability in the rules and only make changes to better describe processes so they are better understood by the participant,” said Howard Duncan, SCCA Senior Director of Solo and Rally. “The ProSolo Index factors have been revised after another year of data collection for fine tuning the Index.”

Any questions or clarifications should be directed to Doug Gill at dgill@scca.com or 800/770-2055.

Steve Letarte, the NBC Sports NASCAR booth analyst who scored 15 victories as a crew chief for Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr., has launched RacingJobs.com, a new website for matching race teams with employees.

Using a smart, searchable database that creates anonymous but detailed online profiles for prospective racing employees, race teams can fill needed positions based on desired qualifications such as education, work experience, skill sets and pay scale.

“The response from the industry is clear,” Letarte said. “Race teams are excited for RacingJobs.com and the service it provides in helping them find the right candidates for the right job.”

Every job that is necessary in the competition side of auto racing—from pit crews to road crews to race shops, from engineers to interior mechanics to fabricators—will be available to be filled by a talent pool that will represent every series, from NASCAR to drag racing to IndyCar.

Race teams can search based on potential openings, ensuring that the prospective employees’ education, experience and proficiency are commensurate with the job’s qualifications.

A list of potential candidates is populated off the search, and the race team winnows the list to the best matches. RacingJobs.com then emails prospects on that filtered list to provide contact information and instructions for reaching the race team—keeping candidates anonymous until they decide to pursue an opportunity.

Because individuals are the foundation to any successful company, RacingJobs.com streamlines the hiring model for the racing industry.

In keeping the profiles anonymous, all prospective employees are on equal ground, and the barriers to entry in a tough job market are reduced, Letarte indicated. Instead of a search based solely on “who you know” or word-of-mouth networking, having the desired qualifications and correct skill sets will earn consideration on their own merits.

For more information, visit RacingJobs.com or email: info@racingjobs.com.