The Rebelle Rally has announced the return of Ford Motor Company as a Silver Partner for the third consecutive year. In addition, Ford will again field five factory teams taking on the 1,600-plus-mile course in the Ford Bronco Raptor and Ford Ranger Raptor:

2025 Ford Factory Teams

• Team 131 – Karisa Haydon / Trista Smith
• Team 132 – Bailey Campbell / Sedona Blinson
• Team 150 – Shelby Hall / Rori Lewis
• Team 188 – Laura Wanlass / Penny Dale
• Team 199 – Melissa Clark / Kathryn Reinhardt

In addition to its factory teams, Ford is launching the inaugural Rebelle Rally Ford Grassroots Program in 2025, providing support for seven privateer teams competing in Ford vehicles. 

"Having Ford return as a partner means so much to us," said Rebelle Rally Founder and Director Emily Miller. "They continue to show up not only for the rally and our organization, but for their customers who take on this challenge. Their new Grassroots Program is an incredible extension of that support, giving privateer teams the opportunity to feel part of something bigger while still chasing their own adventure."

The event takes place in California and Nevada, consisting of nine days of competition across a wide variety of terrain, altitudes and temperatures, putting stock manufacturer vehicles to the ultimate test. Technical inspections will take place on October 8 in Mammoth Lakes, California, with the final finish scheduled for October 17. Follow the teams and learn more at rebellerally.com.

For more on Ford, visit ford.com.

Mansfield Speedway in Ohio will host the World of Outlaws Late Model Series in 2026 as part of its revival under new track owner and former NASCAR Cup Series driver Matt Tift.

The "57 Special" weekend is currently set for May 29-30, 2026, with two nights of racing, including a $57,000-to-win feature to conclude the weekend on Saturday, May 30. In total, more than $293,000 in purse money will be paid out to race teams across the weekend, series officials said.

Mansfield Speedway has welcomed several national series since its opening in 1959, including the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series on three separate occasions in the 1980s.

"Bringing the World of Outlaws to Mansfield Speedway is such a huge step in launching our comeback season," Tifft said. "Racing with the Outlaws myself, I couldn't be more proud to partner with Steve Francis and his group to offer one of the biggest payouts in Late Model competition. We wanted to offer a payout with huge starting money that attracts the best drivers in the country to the Mansfield community that has been so incredibly supportive of bringing this facility back on the map. The revitalization project will finish in early 2026, and we can't wait to kick off our huge season of over 100 event days with this as one of our biggest marquee events of the year."

"We couldn't be more excited to partner with Matt Tifft and his team at Mansfield to bring the World of Outlaws to such a historic facility," World of Outlaws Series Director Steve Francis said. "This event further establishes the World of Outlaws as the industry leader in racer payouts and brings our fans another can't-miss event. 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible season of racing, and we can't wait to get started."

More information about the event, as well as a full 2026 World of Outlaws Late Model Series schedule, will be released at a later date.

For more information, visit worldofoutlaws.com or thespeedway.com.

US Motor Works, based in Santa Fe Springs, California, has hired Angel Perales as the new operations manager of its Los Angeles facility.

Perales brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in warehouse and logistics management, with a strong track record of overseeing high-volume distribution centers and driving process improvements that boost efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction, according to the company.

Throughout his career, Perales has built collaborative teams, maintained the highest standards of safety and compliance and delivered operational excellence across a variety of industries, including eCommerce, retail, wholesale, food and freight forwarding.

For more information, visit usmotorworks.com.

Solar Atmospheres of Fontana, California, has welcomed Eric Cavenee to its western region outside sales team.

In this role, Cavenee will support customers across the western U.S. with thermal processing solutions for aerospace, defense, medical, additive manufacturing, nuclear and power-generation metal components, specializing in advanced vacuum furnace technology.

Cavenee brings more than 15 years of experience in metals distribution, with a strong focus on aerospace and high-performance alloys.

"Joining Solar Atmospheres feels like the perfect next step," said Cavenee. "I'm excited to bring my industry experience into this new role and continue supporting customers with integrity, innovation, and excellence."

For more information, visit solaratm.com.

The Iowa Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 Hall of Fame class that will be inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame during the seventh annual induction ceremony in November.

The 2025 inductees are: Jeff Aikey of Waterloo; Billy Allen of Des Moines; Bruce Badgely of Mingo; Scott Braun of Cedar Falls; Steve Davis of Hopkinton; Bob Dominacki of Blue Grass; Roger "Radar" Lechtenberg of Cedar Falls; Shawna Robinson of Catawba, North Carolina; Mike Schulte of Norway; John Tibben of Victor; and Bob Weber of Burt.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, November 1, at the Briggs Woods Conference Center in Webster City, Iowa. The event is open to the public and advance tickets are required.

The Iowa Hall of Fame and Racing Museum opened its new building at the Kossuth County Ag and Motorsports Museum located in Algona, Iowa, in April. This new location gives race fans access to an amazing collection of Iowa racing memorabilia and historical archives.

For more information, visit iowaracingmuseum.com.

Robert Clarke, founder of Honda Performance Development (HPD), now known as Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC USA), has passed away. He was 75.

Clarke led the Santa Clarita, California-based Honda racing subsidiary from its founding in 1993 until January 2008, when he shifted into an executive advisory role at the organization until his retirement.

During his 15-year tenure, Clarke oversaw four manufacturers' championships and 65 race wins in CART, as well as a move to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, where the marque won two Indianapolis 500s and two additional manufacturers' championships before becoming the series' sole engine supplier in 2006.

Additionally, he led the organization as it established its Acura American Le Mans Series program, which included building HPD's first-ever and Honda's first racing engine produced outside of Japan. The brand has since competed with a variety of other prototypes, including HRC USA's current two-car Acura ARX-06 effort in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series under the Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian banner.

For more information, visit imsa.com.

Image courtesy of Honda

Motorsports competition is alive and well across the nation. Here's a roundup of racing events taking place this weekend:

NASCAR Cup Series

Event: Hollywood Casino 400
Location: Kansas Speedway – Kansas City, Kansas
Date: Sunday, September 28
Time: 3:00 p.m. EDT

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series

Event: NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals
Location: World Wide Technology Raceway – Madison, Illinois
Date: September 26-28

World of Outlaws

Event: Sheldon Haudenschild's Buckeye Brawl Presented by NOS Energy Drink
Location: Millstream Speedway – Findlay, Ohio
Date: Friday, September 26
Time: 6:30 p.m. EDT
 

Event: Federated Auto Parts Showdown
Location: Sharon Speedway – Hartford, Ohio
Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 6:30 p.m. EDT

USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship

Event: Fall Brawl
Location: Paragon Speedway – Paragon, Indiana
Date: Friday, September 26
Time: 6:30 p.m. EDT
 

Event: Fall Brawl
Location: Butler Motor Speedway – Quincy, Michigan
Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 6:00 p.m. EDT

Lucas Oil Late Model Series

Event: 4th Annual CJ Rayburn Memorial – 46th Annual Jackson 100
Location: Brownstown Speedway – Brownstown, Indiana
Date: September 26-27

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.

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.

PRI has announced two strategic additions to its team: JP Hyden as director of business development and marketing, and Tiffany Hale as senior trade show specialist.

The addition of Hyden and Hale reflects PRI's continued investment in leadership and operational excellence as it grows its footprint in the motorsports industry. Hyden will play a pivotal role in expanding business development and marketing capabilities, while Hale will enhance the execution, innovation and overall experience of PRI's premier trade show.

"JP and Tiffany bring exceptional expertise, energy and industry knowledge to PRI," said PRI President Michael Good. "Their combined experience will not only strengthen our events and partnerships but also help us deliver greater value to our members, exhibitors and the broader racing community."

As PRI looks to the future, both hires will contribute to new initiatives designed to support motorsports at every level – from grassroots racing to the global stage. Their leadership will be instrumental in ensuring PRI remains at the forefront of advocacy, education and business growth for the industry.

JP Hyden – Director of Business Development and Marketing

With more than 12 years of experience in the motorsports industry, Hyden joins PRI to lead industry engagement strategy, drive growth across exhibit space, sponsorships, advertising and memberships, and oversee integrated marketing initiatives. Reporting to Good, Hyden is based in Indianapolis, home to PRI's marketing and event operations.

Hyden will shape long-term business strategies alongside the executive team while managing internal staff and external agencies to deliver campaigns that boost brand visibility, generate leads and support partner success. His work bridges strategic planning with tactical execution, leveraging market insight and performance tracking to optimize results.

"Joining PRI as director of business development and marketing is both an honor and an exciting opportunity," said Hyden. "This industry has been a core part of my career and passion, and I look forward to helping drive PRI's mission forward, strengthening our partnerships, expanding revenue channels and amplifying the voice of the racing community. PRI plays a critical role in shaping the future of motorsports, and I'm proud to be part of that momentum."

Prior to PRI, Hyden served as event and partnership manager at Calumet Specialty Products, parent company of Royal Purple, Bel-Ray and TruFuel. There, he oversaw 40-plus national and international trade shows annually and managed more than 50 strategic partnerships with organizations including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Formula Drift, NASCAR, NHRA, IndyCar and AMA Supercross. His earlier career included leadership roles with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar, and the United States Auto Club (USAC).

Hyden received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and business technology with a concentration in motorsports management from Marian University, Indianapolis. He also holds a Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) designation.

Tiffany Hale – Senior Trade Show Specialist

Bringing more than a decade of experience in event management, financial operations and sponsor engagement, Hale joins PRI's expanding trade show team, reporting to PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. Her deep personal connection to motorsports aligns naturally with PRI's mission of supporting and growing the racing community.

"I've always believed in the power of live events to create connection, energy and momentum," Hale said. "Joining PRI combines my professional experience with my personal love for racing, and I'm thrilled to contribute to an organization so deeply rooted in the community I grew up in."

Before PRI, Hale spent more than 10 years with the National FFA Organization, most recently as expo manager for one of the largest youth expos in the country. She successfully led all operational aspects of an event featuring more than 350 exhibitors, 70,000-plus attendees and 250,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space. Her tenure was marked by innovation, a 10% revenue increase during a venue transition and a redesign of exhibitor sales processes that resulted in consistent sell-outs. She also navigated a seamless transition to virtual formats during the COVID-19 pandemic and back to in-person events.

Her contributions to agricultural education earned Hale the Honorary American FFA Degree, one of the organization's highest honors. In addition, she is a 2024/2025 IAEE MidSouth Board Member, recipient of the 2022 Tradeshow Executive Women to Watch award and on track to complete her Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation in 2025. She has also been recognized with the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) "20 Under 30" honor and the Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund award.

A lifelong race fan, Hale grew up in a small town surrounded by dirt tracks and now lives in Indianapolis with her two children.

Registration Open for 2025 PRI Show

Scheduled for December 11-13 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, the PRI Show draws attendees from all 50 states and around the globe, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, fabricators, media and more. Early registration ensures attendees receive their credentials in advance – starting in October – saving time and avoiding lines at the Show.

To register, book hotel accommodations, and learn more about the 2025 PRI Show, visit PRI2025.com/Attend.

Once regarded as glorified golf carts built for campgrounds and weekend warriors, today's UTVs are factory-supported desert-race weapons capable of chasing down half-million-dollar Trophy Trucks. They're not just low-cost entry-point field filler. They are contending for overall wins, and in some cases, taking home the big hardware.

In the past few years, UTVs have scored the overall victory at the King of the Hammers (KOH), cracked the top 10 among all four-wheel classes at both the Baja 1000 and Baja 500, and bolstered the competition field at events like the Mint 400. With high-horsepower engines, race-developed suspensions, and proven drivetrain innovations like dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and live-valve shock absorbers, today's showroom-stock UTVs have evolved into state-of-the-art, go-fast buggies.

Fueled by engineering innovation, OEM investment, and serious aftermarket development, UTVs have risen to the tip of the spear in modern off-road racing. Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, and now Kawasaki have planted their flag in UTV motorsports and developed showroom-competitive, race-derived UTVs. The manufacturers are treating UTV racing as both a proving ground and a brand platform, integrating factory race teams and production engineering at a level once reserved for the likes of global auto giants.

Not Your Average Utility Vehicle

For years, sporty UTV platforms were little more than upgraded utility models. But as UTV racing exploded, the quest for speed and performance also hit a fever pitch. OEMs paid attention, and the modern sport side-by-side (SxS) was born.

Perhaps Alex Reed, founder of CT Race Worx in Monroe, North Carolina, framed it best: "The UTV industry started because they took quads and made them bigger. But what they needed to do was take a buggy and make it smaller. With the [Can-Am] Maverick R, they finally did that. It's not a big quad anymore. It's a small car."

Reed said that in the 2025 Race of Kings documentary "The UTV That WON," before Kyle Chaney raced his CT Race Worx-built Maverick R to the first UTV KOH 4400 win.

That kind of thinking turned the page in the UTV playbook. These purpose-built machines are engineered for extreme performance straight off the showroom floor. Each major OEM now offers a flagship family of models with "good, better, best" variants and a factory-backed race program to match.

Models such as the Can-Am Maverick R (240-horsepower, 999cc turbocharged triple-cylinder Rotax 999T), Polaris RZR Pro R (225-horsepower, 1,997cc inline four-cylinder DOHC), and Honda Talon 1000R (999cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin) come with advanced drivetrains, live-valve shocks, selectable drive modes, and massive suspension travel. Each has a race-developed variant supported by its respective factory programs.

Factory Arms Race

Polaris invested prominently in its Polaris Factory Racing off-road super team, based in Vista, California. Powersports executive Craig Scanlon and Travis Clarke, a prominent figurehead in sports marketing, joined forces to create Scanlon Clarke Industries (SCI) and its RZR Factory Racing. The program has earned many race wins, is growing a brigade of young driver talent, and is now building, in volume, its turnkey Polaris RZR Pro R Factory race car. This is an industry first and the only OEM-produced race-ready SxS available for purchase by the public.

Polaris Factory Racing team driver Brock Heger has put together a string of race accolades, having won 13 of his last 14 races at press time. Most recently, Heger won the 2025 Baja 500 as first UTV overall, his Pro UTV Open class, and finished eighth overall against all other four-wheeled competitors. Additionally, the RZR Pro R Factory team swept the UTV podium with a 1-2-3 finish, and all ranked in the top 20 overall.

"Racing is integral to everything we do," said Reid Wilson of Polaris, Medina, Minnesota. "Driving performance innovations that inspire the products we bring to showroom floors—ultimately pushing the industry forward and advancing the consumer side-by-side market. We're showcasing Polaris' engineering prowess and ingenuity through our Polaris Factory Racing team."

Can-Am Off-Road, based in Valcourt, Quebec, Canada, has earned multiple international rally competition victories with its long-time partner South Racing. In North America, parent company Bombardier Produits Récréatifs (BRP) and Can-Am Off-Road's approach is very different. Its motorsports interest is primarily focused on driver support programs, which has yielded numerous accolades. The Can-Am X3 was, and still is, a competitive platform. But Can-Am engineered its latest SxS, the Maverick R, as a high-performance racer right out of the box.

To read the rest of this article for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio here.    

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 "Title Contenders: UTVs" here and additional coverage in the September 2025 issue here.