The 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship calendar, presented today to the FIA Endurance Commission, presided over by Lindsay Owen-Jones, and which will be submitted to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for validation in the coming days, once again offers the WEC’s manufacturers, teams and partners the stability, visibility and geographic spread of prestigious worldwide venues that have been a mark of the championship to date.

While the nine rounds closely echo the 2016 calendar in terms of venues and dates, a significant addition to the calendar is the debut of the WEC at the temple of Italian motorsport, Monza, for the official pre-season test – The Prologue. The addition of the high-speed circuit to the calendar will be a welcome addition for teams as part of their preparations for the cornerstone event of the world championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours.

All events will be of a duration of six hours, other than Le Mans. The season starts, as is now tradition, with European rounds at Silverstone, Spa, Le Mans and Nürburgring, before the trans-continental journey begins to Mexico, USA, Japan, China and Bahrain.

“Our increasing number of fans year on year is proof that returning to a venue at a similar time of year encourages people to make their plans to attend well in advance. The Le Mans 24 Hours needs no introduction, but we know that audiences in countries such as Mexico can only increase as their knowledge and interest in the WEC grows,” said Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO, the French automotive group behind Le Mans 24 Hours.

2017 FIA World Endurance Championship Provisional Calendar*

March 24-25        The WEC Prologue, Monza (Italy)
April 16               6 Hours of Silverstone (UK)
May 6                 WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
June 17-18          Le Mans 24 Hours (France)
July 16                6 Hours of Nürburgring (Germany)
September 3        6 Hours of Mexico (Mexico)
September 16      6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas (USA)
October 15           6 Hours of Fuji (Japan)
November 5         6 Hours of Shanghai (China)
November 18       6 Hours of Bahrain (Bahrain)

 * Subject to validation by the FIA World Motor Sport Council

For more information, visit http://www.fiawec.com.

A group of students from China’s Changsha University of Science & Technology has built two copies of the FNX-16, China’s first 3D printed metal racing car. The 80 mph carbon fiber vehicle will compete in the Chinese Formula Student race.

Although China has produced 3D printed cars before, the unveiling of the entirely student-designed FNX-16 racing car marks a significant milestone in the country’s automotive additive manufacturing scene. Produced by a group of students who worked overtime and poured some of their own money into the project, the carbon fiber FNX-16 is China’s first metal 3D printed racing car.

The Changsha students have built two near-identical versions of the FNX-16. One will compete in the upcoming Chinese Formula Student race, on behalf of the university, while the other will be delivered to a corporate sponsor which invested significant funds in the project.

Each vehicle weighs around 441 lbs. has a carbon fiber body, and can achieve a top speed of 80 mph. Yesterday afternoon the two vehicles went for a test drive at the university’s Jinpen Ridge campus, racing round the track at high speed, going for the occasional drift, and grabbing the attention of many observers.

"About three years ago, the Chinese car industry introduced polymer material 3D printing concepts,” explained FNX-16 team captain Zhao Shucheng. “Today, we have made the country's first metal 3D printing concept car. These metal 3D printed parts are stronger and more stable, but much more expensive. The building process is also more difficult.”

Developing and building the 3D printed racing cars was a mammoth task, with over 300 college students taking part in the project over the course of five semesters. The recently unveiled FNX-16, the model that will race in the Chinese Formula Student competition, is the fifth prototype of the vehicle.

While one of the project’s main sponsors was responsible for actually 3D printing the car’s metal printed parts, the students themselves were responsible for engineering the design.

“The car manufacturing process has developed our way of thinking and exercised our ability to innovate,” said team member Tao Yiwei.

According to the student team, additive manufacturing was used to cut costs and save time while still providing high quality components.

“An intake manifold, wheels, steering, aerodynamics, and many other parts were all made using 3D printing technology.” said Wang Hui, another team member. “Had we used traditional production methods, we would have required the services of many companies, using different molds and machines, to make the small parts. With 3D printing technology, components only needed to be modeled in the software and then sent to the 3D printer. We could print out the entire system.”

In order to participate in the Chinese Formula Student race, in which the Changsha University of Science & Technology has taken part for five consecutive years, the FNX-16 cannot use anything more powerful than a 610cc four-stroke gasoline engine. As such, the team has opted for a 600cc motorcycle engine, chosen and implemented by the project’s dedicated power team.

Car manufacturers to have experimented with additive manufacturing technology include BMW, which has used 3D printers since the early 1990s, and Audi, which last year used metal 3D printing to create a 1:2 3D printed replica of an Auto Union Type C.

“The future of the automotive industry will inevitably make more extensive use of 3D printing technology,” Wang Hui added.

Performance Racing Industry is excited to announce the addition of NASCAR superstar Jeff Gordon to the 2016 PRI Trade Show’s Grand Opening Breakfast on Thursday, December 8.



Gordon joins Indy car legend Rick Mears to help kick off the world’s premier event for motorsports professionals.


Hosted by MAVTV’s Dave Despain, the Breakfast takes place immediately before the PRI Show opens for three days of hardcore racing and performance exhibits, seminars, networking events and more.


Mears, who retired from racing in 1992, is one of the winningest racers ever, having won the Indianapolis 500 four times, the IndyCar/CART series three times, and a record six pole positions in the Indy 500.


With 93 NASCAR Cup Series victories to his credit, Gordon remains one of the most celebrated race car drivers of all time.


The two iconic racers will join Despain in a casual and intimate stage setting, sharing personal stories and experiences for a captive audience of more than 3000 industry professionals who will be treated to a hot, catered meal while enjoying the live talk show-style program.


Doors open at 7 a.m., and the program begins at 8 a.m. All PRI attendees are invited to the Breakfast free of charge, but guests are advised to arrive early, as seating is first-come, first-served.


Details: www.pri2016.com.

Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty will form a dramatic backdrop to the inaugural New York City ePrix, which the FIA Formula E Championship, the world’s first fully-electric racing series, today confirmed will take place in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

 

The 1.21 mile track was revealed in front of a gathering of assorted media, city and state authorities, local dignitaries, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Alicia Glen, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi, and FIA President Jean Todt at a press conference on the shores of New York Harbour at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

 

The New York City ePrix double-header in mid-July 2017 will be the first FIA-sanctioned open-wheel race to take place within the five boroughs of New York City. The circuit, which remains subject to FIA track homologation, features 13 turns and will wind its way around Pier 11 and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

 

“To race in New York City is a historic moment - not only for Formula E, but for motorsport in general - and again highlights the philosophy of Formula E to bring fully-electric racing to the world’s greatest cities. When we originally started the project we could only dream of bringing Formula E to a place like New York, with arguably the most recognizable skyline of any city in the world,” Alejandro Agag said, CEO of Formula E.

 

“Formula E brings motorsport to the heart of the most important and fascinating cities in the world - New York joins a list that includes, among others, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Paris, Marrakesh and Montreal, proving just how vibrant and attractive this series has become, even though it is about to embark on what is only its third season,” Jean Todt said, president of the FIA.

 

Lucas di Grassi, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver, said: “A race in New York is for me and my fellow drivers like a small dream. Congratulations to everyone at Formula E who has worked so hard for it, and have now let this dream be a reality. Just imagine seeing the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from the pitlane! It will also be a sporting highlight as the track has a mix of fast sections, hairpin bends and a narrow infield directly on the waterfront,” Audi driver Lucas di Grassi said. 


To view the track layout or for more information, visit the FIA Formula E website. 

Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) President Bryan R. Sperber announced Wednesday that Jennifer Staton has been named Senior Director of Partnership Sales & Marketing. Staton has been with International Speedway Corporation (ISC), the parent company of PIR in Daytona Beach, FL., since 2006. 

 

“We are pleased to welcome Jennifer to our staff,” said Sperber. “Her years of experience and knowledge within the motorsports industry will be a tremendous asset for our team as we continue to elevate the PIR brand for our partners and fans alike.”

 

Most recently, Jennifer was responsible for managing and developing some of ISC’s top partners as Director of Partnership Marketing.  Her many contributions included securing Toyota as the first founding partner at the newly-reimagined Daytona International Speedway.  

 

In her current role at Phoenix Raceway, she is responsible for identifying new marketing partnerships, managing current client relationships and leading PIR’s partner activation strategies.

 

“I am excited to join such a talented team and work alongside regional and national partners to help their brands achieve success at Phoenix Raceway,” said Staton. 

 

Jennifer earned her degree in marketing from Sheridan College in Toronto, Canada, where she was awarded the Sheridan Scholar designation. 

Dodge has signed an agreement to become the title rights sponsor of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania.

 

The 32nd annual Dodge NHRA Nationals will be held September 29-October 3 and is the third race in the six-race NHRA Countdown to the Championship. The track is traditionally one of the quickest on the NHRA circuit and has been the site of several national records through the years.

 

The title rights sponsorship builds upon the alliance with the NHRA and Dodge, the American performance brand of FCA US LLC. 

 

Another FCA brand, Mopar, is the title rights sponsor of the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, the event held annually in Denver. 

 

Dodge is also the manufacturer of choice for world champions Matt Hagan in Funny Car, as well as Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders in Pro Stock. The manufacturer is also the preferred car make for many racers in the Funny Car, Pro Stock and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors.

 

"Dodge has had a strong history in NHRA drag racing dating back to the early 1960s," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat – FCA North America. "Our brand is rooted in performance, and our role as title sponsor at Maple Grove Raceway provides a direct connection with the NHRA fans who take Dodge performance from the strip to the street.”

 

Fans of the Dodge NHRA Nationals can take part in the inaugural Mopar Mega Block Party free fan-admission event, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, PA., from 4-10 p.m. Thursday, September 29. The stadium's baseball diamond will be transformed into the Mopar brand's home field for one night to kick-off an action-packed race weekend.

 

The Dodge NHRA Nationals will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they're granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet.

 

Originally posted by PR Newswire.

Four tracks owned by racing businessman Ozzy Moya have joined the NHRA Member Track Network and all the facilities will be part of Division 2. Previously IHRA members, Orlando Speed World Dragway in Orlando, FL., Lakeland Drag Strip in Lakeland, FL., South Georgia Motorsports Park in Cecil, GA., and Emerald Coast Dragway in Holt, FL., will join the Southeast division.
 
Orlando Speed World Dragway and The Lakeland Dragstrip are returning the NHRA family.  As two of the oldest continuously operating dragstrips in the state of Florida, the return will reignite a 50 year partnership for both facilities with the NHRA.
 
Orlando Speed World Dragway opened as Central Florida Dragway in February of 1966 and the Lakeland Dragstrip opened for business in April of 1970. Over their 50 years of existence, both tracks have seen great racers in drag racing and seemed to have etched their history in the minds, hearts and communities in which they were born. They have seen world records, the triumphs and tribulations that are a part of racing, and created a new genre of street legal racing. 
 
Emerald Coast Dragway is located 15 minutes west of Crestview, FL, and 35 minutes north of Ft. Walton Beach and Destin. The facility closed in November of 2011 and was purchased by Ozzy Moya and Bob Brown in 2016. The track is well known as a family friendly facility and has a loyal following of competitors. The track has been resurfaced, concrete guard walls installed, new lighting and PA system, new timing system, scoreboards and refurbishment of the popular electric plug-ins for the pits.  Also the control tower has been rebuilt and modernized. A full schedule will be announced soon.
 
South Georgia Motorsports Park, a 350 acre facility, located north of Valdosta, Georgia, has long featured a full schedule of events for area racers. The multipurpose facility features a quarter-mile drag strip and a half-mile dirt oval. The track has played host to  events including NHRA division meets, NHRA bracket finals, major drag radial events, SCCA road course events, multiple big money bracket races and car shows. The track is the home of NHRA Division 2 Summit Racing Series final champions five years in a row from 2009-2013.
 
“The sister tracks of the Lakeland Dragstrip and Orlando Speed World Dragway are happy to be back in the NHRA family, as well as Emerald Coast Dragway and South Georgia Motorsports Park,” Moya said.
 
“We happily welcome these four tracks into the NHRA Member Track Network,” said Rich Schaefer, Division 2 Director.
 
As an NHRA-sanctioned track, the facility will be eligible to offer racers a variety of NHRA racing opportunities, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Jr. Street and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. 

Additionally, the track has the opportunity to host NHRA’s specialty events including the National DRAGSTER Challenge, NHRA Summit King of the Track, and NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge, where racers compete for the coveted Wally trophy.
 
NHRA’s Division 2, the Southeast Division, features tracks from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Puerto Rico.

Originally posted by Competition Plus.

NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series fans will have the opportunity to meet their heroes at a free fan fest and driver autograph session Thursday, September 22, at Ballpark Village in St. Louis.

The fan fest will kick off the 5th annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, September 23-25 at Gateway Motorsports Park.

Among the many NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series drivers and riders who have agreed to participate are Richie Crampton, Kebin Kinsley, Terry McMillen, Clay Millican, Tim Wilkerson, John Hale, Allen Johnson, Cory Reed, Matt and Angie Smith, and Hector Arana Sr.

Many race cars and motorcycles will be on display at the fan fest, including Kinsley's Road Rage Fuel Booster Top Fuel dragster and the Smiths' Victory Pro Stock Motorcycles.

The NHRA fan fest will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and will include musical entertainment and prize drawings.

Ballpark Village is next to Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis, just five minutes from GMP's Dragplex.

As the Summit World Finals at Memphis International Raceway approaches – it's October 20-22 – one of the IHRA's popular promotions returns: The Summit SuperSeries twin dragster builds.

The Summit SuperSeries Top class champ will win a turnkey racecar, built with parts and expertise from many of the IHRA's top partners. And if that isn't enough – the Junior Dragster champion wins a new car, too.

This is the first of a series of profiles on those companies that partner with the IHRA for the twin dragster giveaway – JR Race Car, manufacturer of Junior Dragsters and parts, and title sponsor of the IHRA JR Race Car Junior Dragster program.

It's no coincidence that when the Junior Dragster became accepted for competition in 1992, JR Race Car set up shop that first year to serve what the company hoped would be a market for cars, engines and parts.

Few would have imagined how the class, and the company, took off, as Junior Dragsters not only provide safe, sanctioned competition for kids, and an opportunity for the whole family to get involved, but it has been proven that racers who come through the Junior Dragster program will lead IHRA drag racing into the future.

JR Race Car began in a two-car garage in Fort Collins, CO., and now works from a professional facility in nearby Greely. This is JR Race Car's third straight year to provide the custom-built car that will be awarded to the 2016 Summit SuperSeries Junior Dragster National Champion.

JR Race Car dove into the deep end of the pool in 1992, committing to becoming a full-service facility for the fledgling market. They've always offered components such as a full chassis, engines, clutches and chassis components, manufactured in-house from the beginning.

The company has gone from machining a large portion of the CNC parts for other vendors in the market, to designing and machining its own ZR, Titan, and ZR-4 Engines, and setting market standards with the Shockwave and Shockwave OD CVT (centrifugally variable transmission) clutches, and the thoroughly modern Hercules chassis.

The Junior Dragster market, like virtually every other type of recreational business, suffered a dip during the 2008 economic recession, but Horner says it has made a solid comeback.

It's critical for those involved in racing Junior Dragsters to have an outlet like JR Race Cars to depend on – to many in the crowd, all of the Juniors may look alike, but there are three different levels of competition, each with its own set of rules.

Next season, JR Race Car – as well as the Junior Dragster class itself – turns 25 years old.

And though a Junior Dragster from 1992 may look a lot like one from today, current cars are quite different. More than once Horner says he has seen a parent buy a used Junior Dragster for a child, only to learn that after something breaks in the engine, for example, that particular engine is no longer manufactured, and parts are all but impossible to come by. Horner stresses that he and his staff are available to answer questions and to help, both pre- and post-purchase.

Horner realizes that it is important for drag racing in general and the IHRA in particular for families to have a positive experience racing Junior Dragsters. Plenty of times he's been at the track, and seen graduates from the Junior Dragster program racing full-sized cars.

Horner guesses that a quarter of those who outgrow the Junior Dragster experience move on to the regular IHRA competition right away, with plenty more gravitating back to drag racing later on, maybe after they finish school and start their own families. There are plenty of second-generation Juniors out there now, and it won't be that long before we greet a third generation.

For more information on the giveaway, visit the Racer website.

National Wiper Alliance, manufacturers of Rhino Wipe, has formed a partnership with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers Ben Rhodes and Rico Abreu.

National Wiper identified rising stars Ben Rhodes and Rico Abreu as key brand ambassadors for the Rhino Wipe Racing Team. Abreu’s passion for grassroots and local racing delivers Rhino Wipe a platform for a grassroots marketing program across the continental United States. Rhodes’ outgoing personality and speed on the track create the ideal combination for the Rhino Wipe Racing Team.

Rhodes, a Louisville, KY., native and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion, drives the No. 41 Toyota Tundra with ThorSport Racing in the Truck Series. Rhodes is currently competing for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors and the series’ championship title. The 19-year-old, known for his outgoing personality and proven speed on the track, earned a career-best second-place finish at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, IL., in June and won his first pole at Martinsville, VA. Speedway in April.

“I’m looking forward to working with Rhino Wipe and beginning this relationship,” said Rhodes. “This is a great product that I know we are going to be using constantly around the house and at the track. It’s also great to see them stand up and get involved with a cause to stop the illegal poaching of rhinos around the globe. Hopefully we can not only raise awareness for their towels, but also towards the International Rhino Foundation as well.”

Abreu, a St. Helena, CA. native, is a two-time defending Chili Bowl Nationals champion and won the 2014 USAC National Midget Series championship. The decorated sprint car veteran drives the No. 98 Toyota Tundra with Thorsport Racing in the Truck Series. The 24-year-old is also competing for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. Abreu has continued his passion for grassroots racing, competing in roughly 50 dirt-track winged sprint car and midget races this season. He earned a Truck Series career-best third-place finish at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH, earlier this year.

“It’s an honor to have Rhino Wipe come on board with us this season,” said Abreu. “The towel is so durable and tough which makes it perfect for dirt track racing.”