It’s August, which can mean only one thing for the denizens of PRI’s Laguna Beach, California, offices—Trade Show prep season! As it does every year, our beachside compound has been transformed into a vortex of activity concentrated around the world’s premier event for motorsports professionals.

Our Sales and Marketing department is working closely with exhibitors to ensure a smooth and successful experience before, during and after they take to the floor of the Indiana Convention Center. Meantime, PRI’s Art department is busy designing new graphics and signage that will adorn the Convention Center walls and hallways, transforming it into an unmistakable hub of the latest race parts, equipment, systems and solutions.

And then there’s the Trade Show department, which is coordinating and confirming the Show’s jam-packed events schedule, launching PRI’s domestic and international advertising campaigns, collecting promotional materials for exhibitors, and running full-throttle to bring tens of thousands of qualified buyers and attendees from all 50 states and dozens of countries to the Racing Capital of the World for three days of new ideas, technology and business, all under one roof.

Soon we’ll be releasing our redesigned 2016 Pre-Registration Brochure, filled with valuable information and the latest head-count of hardcore racing companies booked to exhibit at PRI 2016; and in-house, we’ve fortified our ranks with friendly administrators trained to assist attendees with everything from early registration to travel and housing arrangements.

In the pages of PRI Magazine, beginning with this August issue, we’re providing more information than ever for racing companies to arrive in Indianapolis ready to shop, ask good questions, and make wise purchasing decisions for the 2017 race season.

We’ve expanded and enhanced our traditional Machinery Row Preview section (beginning on page 9) to include Shop Machinery, Fabricating and Welding Equipment, and Cutters and Abrasives—each with its own breakout sidebar, and all of which will be well-represented by scores of top manufacturers and expert technicians on the Trade Show floor.

Which means a little research beforehand could save valuable time once the exhibit hall doors open and the countdown truly begins.

The good news, however, is that we’ve already done much of the legwork for you, as you’ll discover in our coverage of Top-Of-The-Line Shop Machining Equipment (beginning on page 10), where Mike Cope of Indianapolis-based Hurco North America was among those offering words of wisdom to help streamline the selection process.

“Before shopping for CNC equipment,” he told us, “a prospective buyer should consider what kind of work they will be manufacturing, and then educate themselves on the features and benefits that would assist them in manufacturing those products. For example: A shop that focuses on prototype or R&D parts would benefit from the quick turnaround offered by conversational programming. On the other hand, if a shop runs on high-volume production, then machine speed becomes a big factor. They should pay close attention to rapid traverse rates and chip-to-chip tool-change times.”

Future editions of PRI Magazine will keep you fully informed and updated on all planned happenings in and around the Show floor, as well as the various conferences, seminars and special events of Race Industry Week, including the acclaimed Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), the International Council of Motorsport Sciences’ (ICMS) Annual Congress, Race Track Safety Program and Race Track Safety Team Demonstration, the Race Track Business Conference, the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow National Championships, and the all-new International Motorsports Trade Seminar, among many others.  

And it all culminates with the 29th annual PRI Trade Show, December 8–10, 2016, which we’re proud to say is shaping up to be one of our best ever. Stay tuned!

Team Kalitta has announced the addition of a third Funny Car with driver Paul Lee beginning at the NHRA Keystone Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway later this fall. Lee will campaign the McLeod Clutches Toyota Camry Funny Car for Kalitta Motorsports for the last four events on the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Series schedule. NHRA crew chiefs Jim Oberhofer and Nicky Boninfante will combine for the tuning decisions on Lee’s Funny Car.

“I am beyond excited to be joining Kalitta Motorsports as part of their team,” said Paul Lee, who has been driving Funny Cars for over 25 years. “To be driving for Connie Kalitta and his awesome NHRA drag racing organization is something I’ve worked for and dreamed of my entire career. It will be an honor to drive a car tuned by Jim O and Nicky as well. The Kalitta team will give me a great car; it will be up to me to close the deal on Sunday. I look forward to that challenge and the opportunities that are ahead.”

The expansion will allow Kalitta Motorsports to run a fifth team for the first time in their history. Lee will be campaigning for a multi-car team for the first time as he will join teammates, Doug Kalitta, driver of the Mac Tools Top Fuel Dragster; J.R. Todd, driver of the SealMaster Top Fuel dragster; Del Worsham, driver of the DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car, and Alexis DeJoria, driver of the Tequila Patron Toyota Camry Funny Car in the field for the last four 2016 events. Lee will be piloting Worsham’s 2015 championship car with the DHL team acquiring a new Bounty Hunter chassis for the latter part of the season. He will own the equipment, but it will be run out of the Kalitta Motorsports Ypsilanti, Michigan-based shop.

Lee is the President of McLeod Racing LLC, a global leader in automotive and clutch driveline technology based in Orange County, California. He started drag racing at age 18 in his home state of New Jersey. Lee drove Top Alcohol Funny Cars from 1988 until 2005, and won three NHRA National Event titles and one divisional race. Paul stepped up to the Nitro Funny Cars in 2005 and has one Professional Nitro Funny Car title, winning the IHRA Motor City Nationals in 2008. Today, Paul drives exclusively in the NHRA Nitro Funny Car class, running as quick as 4.007 at nearly 318mph in Chuck & Del Worsham’s Funny Car. Paul resides in Orange County, California.

With the 25th anniversary of Craftsman Club taking place in October, the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car and Late Model series are amping up the celebration with the addition of the Craftsman Club Fast-Five Contingency Program.

Across the course of a 92-race season with up to $600 awarded at every event, the Sprint Car Series cash payout will increase by $55,000; while up to $1,100 paid out each night across 45 events in the Late Model Series will generate a bump of nearly $50,000 in cash awards.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will award $100 to the five highest finishing Platinum Team drivers in the qualifying Dash race—now called the "Craftsman Club Dash"—which determines the top starting positions for the Feature race; while the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series will award $200 to the five highest finishing Platinum Team drivers in the Feature race—now the “Craftsman Club Feature”—which determines the overall race champion. The highest finishing local drivers who do not compete with World of Outlaws on a regular basis in each Sprint Car Series Craftsman Club Dash and each Late Model Series Craftsman Club Feature will also receive a $100 cash award.

"Our Craftsman Club members are passionate about working on their cars and even racing them during Outlaw competitions," says Tom Park, President of Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard. "It's only fitting that a contingency program rewarding the top performing Outlaws and our members should carry the Club name."

“It takes a special breed to be an Outlaw, and we are excited to reward our full-time travelers through the Craftsman Club Fast-Five program, while also recognizing the top-performing locals at every World Outlaws event,” says World Racing Group CMO Ben Geisler. “Racers at all levels are driven by the desire to win, but a little extra cash never hurt anyone’s feelings.”

Since its inception in 1991, the Craftsman Club has offered members exclusive deals on America's bestselling tools at Sears. Now 25 years strong, Craftsman Club is a bustling online maker community for gearheads, builders, DIYers, and weekend warriors to get inspired, gain insider knowledge, enter to win prizes, earn points, and share projects, tips, and conversation with like-minded makers. And they still get member-exclusive deals and rewards.

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) has announced an expansion of its events with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway through “The SVRA Open Wheel World Challenge,” for June 8-11, 2017.

The event, scheduled to take place one week prior to the 2017 Brickyard Invitational, is expected to showcase as many as 500 cars. SVRA officials describe it as an homage to the 50th anniversary of Formula Ford racing.

In addition to Formula Ford, any open wheel car, including Formula One, Formula 5000, Indy cars, Indy Lights, Formula Vee, and Formula Junior will be invited. Specific race groups will be established that combine cars of similar speed and will focus on rules for Monoposto, FIA, and SCCA race cars.

“So many great drivers got their start with Formula Fords so we want to put a spotlight on the importance of that form of racing,” said SVRA President and CEO Tony Parella. “This is an opportunity for open wheel racers from around the world to experience what it is like to race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We expect this event to be the largest gathering of open wheel competition ever assembled.”

The success of the Brickyard Invitational over its first three years positioned the SVRA for expansion of its IMS activities. SVRA officials believe adding the open wheel weekend as a precursor to the Brickyard Invitational further leverages the opportunity to bring the racing community together.

“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway runs many types of races and events, but we are still best known through the Indianapolis 500—the pinnacle of American open wheel racing,” said Doug Boles, President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Fifty years of Formula Ford is a big milestone and we take pride in honoring important history at the Speedway. Tony and all of SVRA have been great partners, and we look forward to this event.”

WC Vision, producers of the Pirelli World Challenge, have announced its provisional plans for the 2017 Pirelli World Challenge Championships with new series outlines and schedule for North America's biggest GT Production-based road racing campaign.
 
In 2016, the PWC trail featured over 20 auto manufacturers and 37 separate models through its eight racing divisions—GT, GTA, GT Cup, GTS, Touring Car, TCA, TCB and SprintX—in its 27th year.
 
In addition, the Pirelli World Challenge worked closely with worldwide GT racing leader, the SRO Blancpain Series, in a variety of elements including Balance of Performance (BoP) parameters and other technical regulations.
 
For 2017, the PWC tour will provisionally host 11 weekends through North America including a return visit to Virginia International Raceway (VIR) with the popular 3.27-mile, 17-turn permanent road circuit set to host all eight PWC classes on April 28-30. PWC's last VIR appearance was in 2010. In addition, the series season-opener the past two years, Circuit of the Americas (COTA), will host all eight categories in a Labor Day event set for Sept. 1-3.
 
As usual, the Pirelli World Challenge will visit many of North America's most prestigious and legendary race facilities starting with the season opener scheduled for the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., on March 10-12, the annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
 
In addition to the provisional look at the 2017 schedule, Pirelli World Challenge also announced a new format for the GT and GTS events include five single-driver sprint events at the five weekends with the Verizon IndyCar Series including St. Petersburg, Long Beach (April 7-9), Road America (June 23-25), Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (July 28-30) and one other weekend to be announced.  All except Long Beach (GT single race) will be doubleheader weekends.
 
In the five PWC headliner races, all eight PWC classes will compete at VIR (April 28-30), Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (May 19-21), Lime Rock Park (May 26-27), COTA (Sept. 1-3) and another summer weekend event to be announced in the near future.
 
In the PWC headliner weekends, the GT and GTS classes will be competing in the SprintX two-driver format with a 60-minute limit for each of the doubleheader features. Each entry will have two drivers competing in either a GT or GTS car during those contests.
 
The Pirelli World Challenge finale again will take place at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with a unique weekend set for racers and fans on Oct. 13-15. Working in conjunction with the European-based SRO Blancpain GT Series, the SRO Motorsports Group Intercontinental GT Challenge will include a six-hour GT endurance contest with US-based GT teams.
 
The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca event will be part of the global GT3 series which includes the Liqui-Moly Bathhurst 12 Hours, Total 24 Hours of Spa and the Sepang 12 Hours. The Intercontinental GT Challenge is aimed at manufacturers, who are encouraged to use local teams to represent them in the leading GT3 races, as it is more cost- and time-effective to fly engineers and drivers around the world rather than cars and equipment.
 
For more, including the 2017 Provisional Pirelli World Challenge Schedule, click here.

In an attempt to protect the driver's feet and legs, NASCAR will gradually implement changes to strengthen the car by modifying the floorboard, driver's anti-intrusion plating, firewall and footbox areas.

The changes, sparked by the accidents to Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon last year, are optional for 2016, mandatory for the Daytona and Talladega races in 2017 and then all tracks in 2018.

While Dillon was unhurt in his crash, Busch suffered a broken right leg and broken left foot in his February 2015 crash. Danica Patrick also had an accident in May at Talladega that concerned the drivers about the strength of the front end of the car despite her being able to walk away.

NASCAR senior vice president Gene Stefanyshyn said teams designed various proposed changes, and NASCAR had done two crash tests to help determine the changes.

"We're replacing existing materials with materials in instances which are thicker or being formed in a way with less welds," Stefanyshyn said in announcing the changes Thursday. "Also the way we attach part of it is we are creating, for lack of a better term, a zipper so we provide a lot more weld surface.

"Basically we are making the structure that encapsulates the driver more robust and susceptible to manage energy in a better way."

Stefanyshyn said he couldn't put a percentage on how much better the driver's lower extremities will be protected but the test results show "very good" improvement.

"It's been well tested and we feel very, very comfortable and very good with the direction here," he said.

The gradual implementation is so teams don't obsolete current chassis, as the new chassis will have to go through the NASCAR certification process. With the new thickness of materials, the weight changes would impact how the car races, which also could deter teams from implementing them before NASCAR makes them mandatory -- teams likely would have to be convinced they aren't at a competitive disadvantage by using the new designs during the optional period.

NASCAR also announced Thursday that it would use the potential 2017 aerodynamic package for the Aug. 28 race at Michigan International Speedway. It had used that package, which includes a smaller spoiler and reduced paneling of the front splitter underneath the car, in June at Michigan and July at Kentucky Speedway.

As the Official Tire of all three levels of the Mazda Road to Indy—Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda—Cooper Tires plays a key role in developing the next generation of open-wheel talent beyond providing high quality, dependable performance tires. Cooper Tires increases its support by becoming the presenting sponsor of the highly acclaimed driver development ladder which will now be known as the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires.

"It is really an understatement to say that Cooper Tires is a great partner of our three series," said Dan Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions. "Chris Pantani, Director of Event Marketing and Motorsports for Cooper Tires, and his team are always looking for ways to improve our platform, be it from a competition standpoint to marketing and activation and driver development. Cooper and Mazda have a long relationship which extends outside of Indy Lights, Pro Mazda and USF2000 to other series. It is fitting and appropriate that we now even more so acknowledge their efforts and partnership as the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires."

Cooper Tires has a formidable presence at every event on the racing calendar from its marketing activation unit, which also introduces fans to drivers via hosted Q&A sessions, to the funds distributed in Cooper Tires Pole Award presentations across the three series—funding that will increase in 2017—to the popular Road to Indy TV App Powered by Cooper Tires, which provides live streaming, Timing and Scoring and more. Most recently, Cooper Tires was a track sponsor for the Toronto rounds featuring doubleheader races for all three series in support of the Verizon IndyCar Series.

The MRTI Hashtag Program launched by Cooper Tires in 2014 and expanded to include full support from Mazda Motorsports in 2015, encourages and rewards drivers and teams who utilize the #MRTI and #TeamCooperTire hashtags in their social messaging on Twitter and Instagram. The contest periods feature unique challenges which allow drivers to win race tires along with other prizes such as merchandise from Mazda and race/hospitality tickets that they can give away to their fans. The hashtags also provide fans with an easy way to follow drivers in the series.

"Our level of commitment to the premier open-wheel development series is more than just as a sponsor; it is a commitment as a partner," stated Pantani. "The Mazda Road to Indy, now presented by Cooper Tires, is integral to the development of young drivers aspiring to become IndyCar drivers. Extending its commitment to provide proven race tires on the track, Cooper Tires develops young driver's needs on and off the track. This is where the #MRTI excels above all other series. Cooper Tire is proud to partner with Andersen Promotions and Mazda to make excellence happen."

Cooper Tires in also a key partner in the scholarships that allow a driver to progress to the next step on the ladder. In 2016, more than $2.3 million in season-ending prizes and awards are on offer.

"This is great news for the Mazda Road to Indy," said John Doonan, Director of Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations. "It means a lot to have Cooper Tires alongside us in the entire program. We share similar goals and are committed to building and improving the best open-wheel ladder in the world, and this serves as another sign of continued stability and growth."

The Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires will be in full swing this week at Mid-Ohio with seven races comprising the Cooper Tires Indy Lights Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio, the Royal Purple Pro Mazda Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio and the Allied Building Products USF2000 Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio. Cooper Tires will be rolling out collectible driver "baseball" cards, which will be given away free to fans.

The F1 Strategy Group has revealed that any proposed Formula One cockpit protection systems will not make their race debut until at least 2018.

The decision was made during a meeting Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Strategy Group agreed unanimously that the 2018 season will see the introduction of frontal cockpit protection to Formula One cars. The decision was made because of the relatively short time frame before the 2017 Formula One season. Officials decided that it would be better to use the remainder of this year and early next year to further evaluate the full potential of all options before final confirmation.

This will include undertaking of multiple on-track tests of the Halo system, which was tested earlier this year by Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari, in practice sessions during the rest of this season and during the first part of the 2017 season.

While the Halo is currently the preferred option, as it provides the broadest solution to date, the consensus among the Strategy Group was that another year of development could result in an even more complete solution.

In addition, the Strategy Group has adopted a more liberal approach to the interpretation of the radio rules that have come under scrutiny in recent weeks.

With the exception of the period between the start of the formation lap and the start of the race, there will be no limitations on the messages teams can send to their drivers either by radio or pit board.

Formula 1 has opted to lift its controversial ban on radio transmissions with immediate effect.

The decision has been taken following Thursday's meeting of the Strategy Group in Geneva, receiving unanimous support from FIA president Jean Todt, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and the six teams involved: Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Williams and Force India.

Ecclestone told Autosport: "We've decided to open up radio communication again. "Everyone will again be able to say what they want."

Asked whether that would be from this weekend's German Grand Prix, Ecclestone replied: "Yes."

Autosport understands there will still be restrictions in place on the formation lap and that drivers cannot be passed information about clutch-bite points and mapping ahead of the race start.

The restrictions were introduced by the FIA at the start of the season, and tightened up ahead of the last race in Hungary. But when Jenson Button was penalized for receiving a message from McLaren despite an impending brake failure in the Hungaroring race, widespread condemnation followed.

Button slated the regulations as "stupid" and "a joke," suggesting F1 "has a long way to go before it's good again."

Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene and Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner also declared a number of regulations to be overcomplicated, and that common sense needed to be applied.

Ecclestone also declared the lack of radio traffic was "not good for the show" when it came to the television audience.

A statement from the FIA read: "At the request of the teams and the commercial rights holder, the FIA has agreed to adopt a more liberal approach to the interpretation of article 27.1 (that a driver must drive the car alone and unaided).

"With the exception of the period between the start of the formation lap and the start of the race, there will be no limitations on messages teams send to their drivers either by radio or pit board.

"This approach is aimed at providing improved content for fans and spectators, as teams will now be required to provide the commercial rights holder with unrestricted access to their radio messages at all times their cars are out of the garage."

* NASCAR Opening Windows: NASCAR recently unveiled a joint project with Microsoft that it hopes will revolutionize motorsports. Rolled out at Sonoma Raceway earlier this summer, the Microsoft-created Race Management App incorporates six separate areas of competition—from the inspection process to racing—and transfers it all onto one screen, thereby simplifying the officiating process while relaying information to teams and, ultimately, to race fans.

“We’re really excited about working with NASCAR because they really have complicated problems to solve in really three areas: operations and logistics, in competition and performance, and in fan engagement,” noted Microsoft’s Mike Downey.

In essence, Microsoft has taken a paper-based process and converted it into a digital one to more efficiently streamline NASCAR’s inspection system. That information can now be easily accessed before and during races, allowing officials to better track cars in action and on pit road to assess lineups, determine penalties and more—all in real time. With data now at their fingertips, “for us, it’s really about helping the scoring of the race as well,” said Steve O’Donnell, EVP and Chief Racing Development Officer for NASCAR.

“I think you’ve seen we’ve had some challenges just from a timing standpoint. NASCAR [doesn’t] have time to call a timeout or a TV timeout and let the officials sit on the side for 15 minutes. We need to make a quick call. And this allows us to do that.” O’Donnell also noted the potential to better anticipate accidents and improve dispatch of safety vehicles during the race. And post-race, he cited the ability to “almost recreate” the entire event and critique not only the product on the track, but how teams were policed throughout the weekend.

While remaining sensitive to proprietary information that teams may not want released, NASCAR nonetheless hopes to further leverage the technology to boost fan engagement: “The great news for us, O’Donnell added, “is no other sport has more data to be able to compile and get out, and especially with the younger generation and racing technology.”

* Moto Attacks The Market: Performance aftermarket distributor Motovicity Distribution is set to debut a special event at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, designed to give “our customers and other racers a unique venue to prove just how badass their builds are,” according to VP of Sales and Marketing Brian Lounsberry.

The Speed Ring Motor Sports Festival Powered by HKS will be highlighted by a time attack race for enthusiasts and shops, as well as a GTR-only class in which participants can square off against legendary pro driver Nobuteru “Nob” Taniguchi, who himself will pilot the HKS GT 1000+ Nissan GT-R. The Speed Ring, scheduled for August 21, also offers one of the largest payouts of any time attack to date, with more than $10,000 in prize money up for grabs.

And, Lounsberry said, in addition to class prizes, “The customer who defeats Nob in the HKS GT1000+ and lays down the fastest overall time in the Unlimited R35 GT-R Class will walk away with a $20,000 bonus!” Alongside the time attack, the event features a car show, vendor midway, and more. For tickets, as well as information on vendor and display space, visit www.thespeedring.com.

* Ladies Only: Big congratulations to our friends at Car Chix, who will showcase their acclaimed Ladies Only Drag Race at the World Series of Drag Racing at Memphis International Raceway August 26-27. Open to all female racers and women of motorsports, the Ladies Only event offers two classes to choose from: Car Chix Street and Car Chix Pro.

“This is a great opportunity for female racers of all racing levels to meet and race with some of the most influential women in racing and motorsports,” said Jeanette DesJardins, president and founder of Car Chix. To learn more about Car Chix, which advertises, promotes and supports women in motorsports and the auto industry, as well as the Ladies Only Drag Race, visit their website at www.CarChix.com.