The results of the 2016 Professional Motorsport World Expo awards are in! Following two years of awards dominated by a single brand, this year’s event saw a wide variety of motorsport achievements celebrated in style, according to Power Motorsport World magazine.

Ford Performance was the evening’s biggest winner, picking up the Motorsport Team of the Year and Motorsport Engineer of the Year accolades.

Facing stiff competition in the Team of the Year category from ABT Sportsline, HWA AG, Peugeot Sport, Renault e.Dams, and Team Porsche amongst others, it was Ford Performance’s incredibly diverse portfolio of factory supported programs that were said to have found favor with the judges.

The highlight of 2016 for Ford was its GT program, which was able to take victory at Le Mans. Strong performances in IMSA’s WeatherTech Championship, and the FIA’s World Endurance Championship have also been reasons for the team to celebrate.

Ford’s second award came in the Motorsport Engineer of the Year category, with GT program leader, George Howard-Chappell taking top honors ahead of Formula 1 engineers Andy Cowell and Bob Bell, with Hyundai WRC head-honcho Michel Nandan also in contention.

The 25-strong judging panel were said to be impressed with the way that Ford Performance has established itself in a number of disciplines, as well as providing extensive support and retail options to club-level racers and individuals.

While there were 13 entries competing for the Race Car of the Year position, it was Toyota’s TS050 that emerged victorious ahead of BMW’s M6 GT3, Ford’s Focus RS WRX and GT GTLM cars, McLaren’s 570S GT4, Hyundai’s i20 WRC, and Volvo’s S60 WTCC amongst others.

The TS050’s strong performance throughout the 2016 World Endurance Championship brought on the win, as did its valiant showing at Le Mans, where victory was said to be robbed from the team when in sight of the checkered flag.

Magneti Marelli took top honours in the Motorsport Technology of the Year for its high-speed camera. The device operates at 25 times the speed of European TV cameras, it allows for accidents to be analyzed in higher detail than ever before, and is helping the FIA institute further improve driver safety in the sports top-flight.

The Race Series of Year title went to Germany’s DTM championship, in a line-up featuring global heavyweights such as the SRO Group’s Blancpain GT Series, Australia’s Virgin Supercars, and Japan’s Super Formula.

The Powertrain Innovation of the Year award went to Mahle Powertrain for its Turbulent Jet Ignition combustion process, which has revolutionized the power delivery of the current forced induction Formula 1 power units.

The now familiar Young Rally Driver of the Year award was collected by the championship’s leading Nissan Micra driver, Tommi Meadows.

New for 2016 is the Outstanding Contribution to Motorsport category, which was won by Ginetta’s charismatic owner, Lawrence Tomlinson. One of the most prominent figures in UK motorsport, Tomlinson has overseen the transformation of the Ginetta brand, rebuilding it around a motorsport orientated business model. As a result, Ginetta has over 300 G50 GT4 models in competition around the world currently.

: “2016 has been a great year for motorsport, regardless of which series piques your interest, the diversity of this year’s winners shows that… The close fight for Race Series of the Year proves that despite what is written in mainstream press, motorsport is not in a bad shape globally, and when you look at the viewing figures of these championships, it proves that people still watch motorsport in abundance. Whilst it’s easy to point out what ‘needs’ to be improved without solution, we prefer to celebrate the achievements of what makes this industry so great. The breadth and depth of the nominations in all the categories this year shows that there’s an awful lot to be proud of,” said John O’Brien, who is editor of Professional MotorSport World and was on the judging panel.

For a complete list of the winners, please visit here.

VP Racing Fuels, Inc. announced its Elmendorf, Texas-based manufacturing facility has been awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification. 

“Simply put, this certification says we make a high quality product and meet our customers’ needs and expectations,” said Alan Cerwick, President of VP Racing Fuels. “In addition, with this certification we can access new markets, working with other companies who will only work with ISO certified companies.”
 
ISO 9001:2008 is the title of a document issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that outlines the standards an organization must maintain in their quality system for ISO 9001:2008 certification, according to Anna Crowder, VP’s Quality Control Manager.  

“These international standards help ensure the safety and quality of products and services, ensure that business operations are as efficient as possible, and increase productivity,” Crowder said.  “In the end, it’s all about customer satisfaction and giving them the confidence that VP’s products are safe, reliable and of good quality.”
 
“With a 41-year history of leading technology and blending the highest quality racing fuel on the market, you could look at this certification as a formality -- confirmation of what our race fuel customers already know,” said Cerwick.  “Nonetheless, achieving this certification took a lot of work and puts VP on a whole new level.  And it encompasses our entire production facility so customers can also be confident in the quality of our fuel additives, small engine fuels and all the other products we produce for the general consumer market.”

Longtime Sonoma Raceway spokeswoman Diana Brennan has been promoted to the position of Vice President, Communications and Marketing, raceway officials announced.
 
Brennan, who has worked in the Sonoma Raceway Media Relations department for more than 15 years, will assume responsibility for all of the raceway’s event marketing and promotions, including advertising, event entertainment, publications and digital media.
 
She will continue to oversee all media communications, as well as the facility's community initiatives, including the local chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. The raceway’s marketing staff will join the media and community relations department as a coordinated team under Brennan’s management.
 
Brennan has worked full-time in the media relations department at Sonoma Raceway since 2001, most recently as Vice President of Media and Community Relations; she was first hired as an intern in 1999. During her tenure, Brennan has played an integral role in developing new and creative media initiatives, as well as some of the raceway’s most successful community events.
 
“Diana’s career growth has fully prepared her to take this next step on our management team.  The media, marketing and advertising worlds are intrinsically linked, more so today than ever, and Diana’s intelligence and strategic vision will help us carry the Sonoma Raceway brand and message to new heights,” said Steve Page, raceway president and general manager.
 
Gary Phillips, who headed the raceway’s ticketing department from 2003-2013 before becoming vice president of marketing, will depart the raceway in January to pursue entrepreneurial aspirations and join the digital marketing agency, Blue Collar Digital.  
 
To support the department alignment, Jennifer Imbimbo has been promoted to Director of Media & Community Relations. Imbimbo, who joined the raceway’s media relations department in 2006, will oversee the planning and execution of all media and community relations events at the raceway.
 
Courtney Kiser has been named Director of Marketing and will oversee the planning and execution of all the raceway’s marketing initiatives; she joined the raceway in 2014. Kiser will be supported by Melissa Lamb, who has been promoted to marketing events manager, digital marketing and social media manager Tyler Pistoia and graphic designer Deidre Birkholt.
 
“I’m very excited about the marketing and media team we’ve assembled and the big things we’re going to accomplish in 2017 and beyond,” said Page.

Mercedes-Benz USA and Mercedes-AMG confirmed a multiple-car, customer racing program that will bring the manufacturer into the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the first time beginning with the 2017 season. Mercedes-AMG GT3 race cars will be powered by naturally aspirated, 6.3-liter V8 engines and will compete in the GT Daytona (GTD) class.

“We are thrilled to see the three-pointed star compete in North America’s premier endurance racing series in 2017,” said MBUSA president Dietmar Exler. “Our Mercedes-AMG race car has already proven itself in worldwide competition, and should quickly become a fan favorite. We are very excited about our prospects for the 2017 racing season.”

Mercedes-AMG becomes the eighth manufacturer in the WeatherTech Championship GTD class, which uses FIA GT3 technical regulations. Mercedes-AMG joins Acura and Lexus as GTD programs that will debut in 2017, while Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari and BMW are expected to continue their participation in the class. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT S road car.

“The WeatherTech Championship – and especially the GTD class – is where manufacturers have the opportunity to race what they sell,” said IMSA president Scott Atherton. “The addition of Mercedes-AMG to our highly competitive lineup is extremely significant, as it brings another iconic, premium brand into IMSA. It is the most recent validation of the relevance of this motorsports platform and truly an honor to welcome Mercedes-AMG to IMSA as an Official Automotive Partner and competitor in the WeatherTech Championship for the first time in 2017.”

The manufacturer – which will provide team support via its Mercedes-AMG Customer Sports Program – confirmed at least three race cars for the 2017 season. A pair of entries will come from Riley Motorsports under the watchful eye of team owner/director, Bill Riley.

“It’s really an honor to be aligned with AMG,” Riley said. “The car looks so fast even standing still, and I can’t wait to start running it in anger. I was thinking the other day how many times a Mercedes-Benz has raced at Daytona and I can’t remember once. When I look at it that way, it’s pretty significant to be involved.”

The No. 33 AMG-Team Riley Motorsports entry will be co-driven by Ben Keating and Jeroen Bleekemolen, and the No. 50 WeatherTech Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 will be shared by co-drivers Cooper MacNeil and Gunnar Jeannette. MacNeil and Jeannette got their first seat time in the car in a late September test at Germany’s famed Hockenheim circuit.

A third team, SunEnergy1 Racing, led by owner/driver Kenny Habul, also was confirmed to campaign a Mercedes AMG GT3 in the 2017 WeatherTech Championship. Additional teams are expected prior to the Rolex 24 At Daytona, which opens the season on Jan. 28-29, 2017.

While the 2017 season marks the first in the WeatherTech Championship for the Mercedes-AMG GT3, the car already has achieved considerable success in other major events and championships around the world, including a sweep of the top four positions in the prestigious Nürburgring 24 in Germany last May.

ARCA stock car racer and former kart track owner Billy Alger has purchased the Shadyhill Speedway.

A recent post on the track’s website informed fans and competitors alike.

“Shadyhill Speedway has been purchased by Billy Alger out of Logansport. Please show your support to Billy as he and his partner, Tammy, prepare to open ‘The Hill’ for the 2017 season. John, Barb, their family, and the Shadyhill management team appreciate your patronage and support over the past 16 years.”

Alger has competed as a driver in ARCA stock car competition, racing in five events over the last three years. As a car owner, Alger has also fielded entries in both the ARCA Racing Series and NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series. Previously, he was the owner of the U.S. 41 Speedway in Lake Village, turning the facility from a paved road racing facility into a dirt oval track for go-karts during his tenure.

The quarter-mile dirt Shadyhill speed plant had been operated by the brother and sister combo of John Schmitter and Barb Broedel and their families. The track is located eight miles south of North Judson, a few miles northeast of the town of Medaryville. UMP modifieds have been the top racing class over the years during the weekly Saturday night competition.

Several Facebook posts by Alger mentions “test and tune” dates during the last two weekends of next April. Racing divisions for next year have not been finalized.

DIRTcar Racing and the World of Outlaws will officially adopt the Unified Dirt Late Model Council's technical and driver personal protection specifications, adding them to the rule books for the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series, DIRTcar Late Models and DIRTcar Pro Late Models.

The Council's sanctioning body committee met in October to develop unified specifications for all Council members, including the World of Outlaws, Lucas Oil Series, MLRA, Ultimate Series, Southern Nationals Series, AMLS, MARS, DIRTcar Racing and Eldora Speedway. All dirt late model sanctioning series will be encouraged to adopt the specifications effective January 1, 2017.

The adopted specifications will be integrated into the 2017 General Rules and Specifications. This includes fuel cells, battery and electrical systems, wheels and wheel discs/covers, and personal safety equipment such as drivers' gloves, head and neck systems, seats and fire suppression.

In addition to the outlined technical and driver personal protection specifications, the Council will meet at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in the beginning of December to address weighted suspension components, rear end construction materials and axels. Specifications for these components will be released after the December meeting.

DIRTcar Racing and World of Outlaws continue to work with their partners to ensure the safety and consistency of its cars and drivers, and to solidify the sport in all its facets.

The Western Conference has set its SCCA U.S. Majors Tour competition calendar.

A total of six weekends, 12 races in all, make up the schedule that runs from January to June.

Three Hoosier Racing Tire SCCA Super Tour events are contained within the Western Conference schedule. One will take place at Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, another at Buttonwillow Raceway Park and the third at Portland Int’l Raceway. The calendar is subject to change.

The Southeast Conference calendar has already been announced. Schedules for the remaining four SCCA U.S. Majors Tour Conferences will be published as they are finalized.

2017 SCCA U.S. Majors Tour Western Conference
Jan. 13-15 – Auto Club Speedway – Fontana, Calif.
March 11-12 – Willow Springs Int’l Raceway -Rosamond, Calif.
April 1-2 -Thunderhill Raceway Park – Willows, Calif.
April 28-30 – Buttonwillow Raceway Park – Buttonwillow, Calif.
May 19-21 – Portland Int’l Raceway – Portland, Ore.
June 17-18 – The Ridge Motorsports Park – Shelton, Wash.

POWRi has officially expanded into non-wing sprint car racing by partnering with the Wingless Auto Racing Sprint Car Series to form the Lucas Oil POWRi WAR Sprint Car Series.

“We are very excited about the opportunities and doors that have opened for WAR this off season now that this partnership is finalized,” said WAR owner Casey Shuman. “…the decision to move forward with the partnership was simple. This allows us to explore options such as increasing the point fund, national television opportunities, and expanding into new regions of the country. We are working on the 2017 schedule and it will be released around the same time as the rest of the POWRi series.”

“POWRi has had their eye on non-wing sprint car racing for quite some time,” said Jason McCord, POWRi director of competition. “Casey [Shuman] and the WAR series are the perfect partner for POWRi to expand the brand into the sprint car scene. Casey brings a wealth of knowledge to the table with his successful series. He will continue to run the newly formed Lucas Oil POWRi WAR Sprint Car Series as the director. We want to continue the success that Casey has had and build on that.”

Additional details, including a schedule for next season, will be released at a later date.

The First Half of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge 2016 Dual Championship is officially over. The event took place this past week at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV. It included 20 teams which came from coast to coast to battle to become one of the Top 4 teams to move on and compete in the Elite 8 playoffs for the 2016 National Championship at the PRI Show in Indianapolis, IN on Dec. 9th and 10th.

Team Vibrant, from C. D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge, VA, came in first place with an average time of 19:18. Team Vibrant was the only team to have all three runs below the twenty-minute mark.  

 “When I first learned about HROT I didn't understand what it was about. Once I saw the engine my school team showed me I immediately became interested. I grew up in an independent automotive body shop. All I ever knew at that time was to rebuild cars. I never knew much about the heart of the car (engine) until I joined CD Hylton's automotive program and the engine build team. Seeing the engine taken apart brought a whole new world to me. I always had a passion for cars and this made me realize that this is what I want to pursue for the rest of my life,” Joel Arispe from Team Vibrant said.

Team Howards Cams, from Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, IL, came in second place with an average time of 22:04. Team Howards Cams is the first all-girls team in the Elite 8. In fact, Team Howards Cams is the fastest all-girls team in the history of Hot Rodders. Team member BreAnna Lucas from Team Howards Cams mentioned, "Hot Rodders of Tomorrow has impacted my life in many ways including teaching me life-long lessons on teamwork, leadership, self-performance, and dedication.”

Team Aeromotive, from Fremd High School in Palatine, IL, came in third place with an average time of 22:52. Team Aeromotive is the only team to have perfect motors (no penalties) during the First Half of the 2016 Hot Rodders Dual Championship located at the SEMA Show. Team Taylor, also from Fremd High School in Palatine, IL, came in fourth place with an average time of 23:10. Teams Aeromotive and Taylor are both coached by Steven Elza from Palatine, IL.

The Top 4 teams from the SEMA Show will then move on to the Elite 8 held later this year. The Top 4 teams from the PRI Show, on Dec. 8, will then compete in the Elite 8. The teams, who make the Elite 8, will then compete head-to-head to earn the 1st place Champion Title of the 2016 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Dual Championship at the PRI Show. The Elite 8 battle will start at 1:00PM EST on Dec. 9th and will then continue to Dec. 10th.

Stay tuned for more information on the Second Phase of 2016 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Dual Championship held at the PRI Show in Indianapolis, IN! Visit HotRoddersofTomorrow.com or www.pri2016.com for more information.

WC Vision, producers of the Pirelli World Challenge, announced the expansion of the PWC Touring Car Driver Scholarship program.

Earlier in 2016, Pirelli World Challenge founded the new scholarship initiative for Touring Car class champions to advance into a higher division the next year.

Corey Fergus, the 2015 Touring Car series champion, was the inaugural winner of the scholarship program, which pays all entry fees for the following season when the champion moves up in class.

Fergus advanced to the GT Cup division in 2016 and placed third in the final GT Cup point standings including a race victory in the PWC season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

The PWC Touring Car Driver Scholarship, taking place in 2017, has been expanded for all three TC class champions – Toby Grahovec, Elivan Goulart and Tom O’Gorman – to be eligible for the 2017 season if they desire to move into a higher classification.

Alternatively, if the season champion chooses to stay in the class, they will receive one free race weekend entry in 2017.

“We felt this new Touring Car Driver Scholarship program would be an exciting initiative for all of the TC class competitors,” said Greg Gill, president and CEO of WC Vision. “Our initial winner, Corey Fergus, made the big jump to GT Cup division in 2016 and his season progressed to a winning performance in the season finale. We are hoping this scholarship will advance more drivers and teams up the racing ladder.”

“The TC Driver Scholarship provides great assistance in moving up the ladder and helping to keep drivers within the Pirelli World Challenge ranks,” said Fergus. “It’s a big financial jump to move up into the GT divisions and PWC helped make that transition much smoother. I’m very appreciative for everything the series did for me this year and hope to be back with PWC in the future.”

The Pirelli World Challenge ladder system has witnessed some sensational growth with young stars like Fergus, Michael Cooper, Nate Stacy, Shea Holbrook, and Ernie Francis Jr. advancing and winning races in new categories.

“The TC Scholarship is one of the things that makes Pirelli World Challenge the right place for young racers to pursue their career,” said John Fergus, Corey’s father and Motorsports Promotions team owner. “And it’s not just the recognition that is important. The award brings real money, covering the entry fees to help the winner move up. That’s a big deal.”

The 2017 Pirelli World Challenge season is scheduled to open with the GT/GTA/GT Cup and GTS/GT4 classes in the streets of St. Petersburg on March 10-12, while the Touring Car divisions will have their season opener at Virginia International Raceway on April 28-30.