Motovicity Distribution, an automotive performance aftermarket distributor, is announcing the addition of HP Tuners to their line card.

Founded in 2003 by Keith Prociuk, Chris Piastri, and Ken Cannata, HP Tuners has used the last 13 years to grow and further improve their aftermarket flash-tuning solutions. Their decision to offer tuning options and support for platforms, like V6 cars, gave them great visibility and shook up the tuning community. HP Tuners strives to provide the most complete, cost effective tuning and data acquisition solutions available for both enthusiasts and professional shops, alike.

HP Tuners has established itself as a leader in the tuning market by providing first class support services, while focusing on innovative products and functionality. They currently offer their VCM Suite and VCM Scanners for 1997 and newer GM vehicles, most 04+ Ford cars/trucks, and 2004-2015 Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep vehicles.  

“I’m excited to add HP Tuners to Motovicity’s line card,” stated Brett Kinsfather, Motovicity Sales and Marketing Manager. “With our recent efforts to expand our domestic muscle offerings, HP Tuners aligns perfectly with the needs of our customers.”

HP Tuners products are now available for wholesale purchase through Motovicity Distribution. For product inquiries, call 888.SPEED.16 to speak to a representative.

The Arizona Sport Shirt Company, in conjunction with the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, have elected to annually present the "Earl Baltes Advancement of the Sport Award”—given to deserving recipients who have made a profound impact on Dirt Late Model Racing.
 
The award is named for the late, great Earl Baltes, one of the sport's most prolific and ingenious race track promoters. Baltes' flair and foresight helped deliver Dirt Late Model Racing to the enormous popularity it encompasses today.
 
The first selected honoree of the award is Forrest Lucas, Founder and CEO of one of the most recognized lubricant companies in the automotive world—Lucas Oil Products.
 
Lucas' involvement has contributed in a mammoth way to the continuing professionalism in the sport, which is felt by fans and drivers alike across the nation. His national touring circuit, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, came into existence in 2005 and has since escalated into the sport's number one followed traveling organization nationwide. The group's roster carries America's top dirt racing professionals, while entertaining fans with a number of the game's Crown Jewel events.
 
"Through his generosity and support, Dirt Late Model Racing has shown an abundance of growth and prosperity from coast to coast. Mr. Lucas' name and support is well known all across the industry through his series, his team and event sponsorship, track ownership, and national television coverage, which has no doubt succeeded in changing the direction and landscape of the sport. Forrest Lucas - a perfect selection for the first annual Earl Baltes Award," stated Gerald Newton, Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame President.
 
Lucas will receive the award during the 2016 National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held during the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sanctioned - Sunoco North/South 100 weekend, August 11–13 at Florence Speedway in Union, Kentucky.

WC Vision announced that SRO Motorsports Group owner and Blancpain GT Series CEO Stephane Ratel has been named to the WC Vision and Pirelli World Challenge Board of Directors, as part of SRO Motorsports Group becoming a shareholder in WC Vision.

Ratel is the founder and CEO of the SRO Motorsports Group. The business was founded in 1995 and currently operates the promotion, support and organization of various international auto racing series throughout the world including the popular Blancpain GT Series. Ratel is internationally known as “the architect of modern GT racing.”

Ratel joins fellow WC Vision shareholders Bob Woodhouse, Peter Cunningham, Jim Haughey and Charles Morgan as a member of the Board of Directors of WC Vision.

Last March, Pirelli World Challenge officials announced an alliance with the SRO Motorsports Group. That affiliation will continue to grow during the 2016 season with the two sports car racing series utilizing similar technical regulations including the SRO Balance of Performance equations and other selected particulars.

“Working with Stephane and his SRO Motorsports Group, a great relationship has been established with WC Vision over the past year,” said Greg Gill, president and CEO of WC Vision, producers of the Pirelli World Challenge. “We have an open forum with their officials to work closely on the technical side with the GT3 regulations. Now, having Stephane join our Board of Directors, this definitely gives WC Vision and the Pirelli World Challenge a worldwide perspective from the leader in GT racing.”

Ratel is excited by his addition to the WC Vision Board of Directors and looks forward to the expansion of the GT production-based platform from North America to the international competition.

“Our alliance with WC Vision and Pirelli World Challenge has been outstanding,” said Ratel. “We have enjoyed working closely with Greg and his entire WC Vision staff as well as getting to know the WC Vision Board members. I’m very enthusiastic about joining the Board of Directors and the outlook for the company’s future. I see great potential in the Pirelli World Challenge and I can’t wait to work more closely within the series.”

Ratel has been closely associated with the revival of GT Racing since the mid 90’s. He was one of the founders of the BPR Series before launching the FIA GT Championship which he ran as a strong and stable European-based Championship with regular overseas events in China, South America and the Middle East.

The second key element was the introduction of the Balance of Performance concept. Its success in managing to equalize GT class cars, opened the way for the GT3 category, successfully initiated by SRO at the end of 2005.

SRO launched the Blancpain Endurance Series in 2011, as a direct continuation of the old three-hour, three-driver FIA GT Championship format and took over the promotion of the famous 24 Hours of Spa.

Recent years have seen SRO step out of most of the national and single-make series it was running, going from a maximum of 14 different series at one point to concentrate on the Blancpain GT Series, which combines the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup with the Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup, as well as the increasingly successful British GT Championship and the GT4 European Series, a category it created and for which it is is the exclusive rights holder.

SRO has also established new programs such as Intercontinental GT Challenge, the first-ever global GT3 Series, the Blancpain GT Sports Club for amateur drivers, the Blancpain Ultracar Sports Club for the most spectacular machines, the SRO Race Centre at Paul Ricard circuit and Curbstone, which provides ultimate track driving opportunities on world-renowned race circuits in Western Europe for supercar owners, as well as test driving facilities for race car drivers.

The much anticipated event schedule for the 2016 SCCA National Championship Runoffs presented by Garmin VIRB at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was released today, with 28 separate races following four days of qualifying to crown the best and brightest amateur race car drivers in the country.

The winner-take-all event will run 23-lap races for all 28 Runoffs-eligible classes September 23–25, with each class getting a 15-minute qualifying session each day Monday through Friday, to set the grids.

Of note for 2016, based on survey data from participants, qualifying sessions will run at a similar time in the day to the races. For instance, the Spec Miata class races at 10:05 a.m. on Saturday; likewise, each of its four qualifying sessions come in the late morning.

Also this year, some qualifying sessions will run as "seamless" qualifying. The class marked first on the schedule will run for 15 minutes, while the second class will move from grid and stage in pit lane just prior to the conclusion of the previous group. When the first class or group has received the checkered flag, the second group will be released. Cars that are safely stopped on track but need assistance getting back to the paddock will remain until the second session in the seamless qualifying is complete. These sessions are clearly marked on the full schedule, and will only share time on the grid, not the track.

"The years at long tracks like Road America and Daytona provided the luxury of a high on-track capacity," SCCA Vice President and COO Eric Prill said. "Returning to Mid-Ohio's 2.258-mile layout, with the expectation of a large event attendance, had us thinking creatively on the schedule.

"Participant feedback was the primary driver for the changes. Previous Runoffs at Mid-Ohio and Heartland Park had a day off during qualifying, which was not favorable to the driver population in our surveys. Given the anticipated turnout, it would be difficult to run the event with much fewer than 24 qualifying groups. So the best solution for everyone to run every day is to have 15-minute sessions, and to cut out several of the transitions. It is an ambitious schedule, but one that our event chiefs support to provide the best possible experience for the racers."

Qualifying runs Monday, Sept. 19 through Thursday, Sept. 22. The fastest time over the four days will earn the Tire Rack Pole award, to be presented during Thursday's all-participant party. The Thursday night All Participant Party, on site at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, will also honor the newly crowned SCCA Worker of the Year selections.

In 2016, the SCCA National Championship Runoffs presented by Garmin VIRB will crown National Championships in 28 amateur classes during the unique one-race shootout format. More information on the 53rd SCCA Runoffs can be found at SCCA.com/runoffs, and the event schedule can also be found online.

Red Bull Global Rallycross will return to Daytona International Speedway for the third straight year, June 17-19.

The series comes to the World Center of Racing for a doubleheader that will make up rounds four and five of the season.

“We’re excited to have Red Bull Global Rallycross return to Daytona Int’l Speedway,” said DIS President Joie Chitwood III. “This is a unique event with an international field of drivers and gives our fans the opportunity to experience yet another thrilling form of racing here at the speedway.”

The Red Bull Global Rallycross asphalt and dirt course is set up in the speedway’s infield on the horseshoe portion of the road course and includes high speed turns and a jump. Drivers race, slide and muscle their way around the course in souped-up Fords, Hondas, Subarus and Volkswagens producing 600 horsepower and accelerating from 0 – 60 miles per hour in less than two seconds.

Traditional stock car and open wheel race fans not familiar with Red Bull Global Rallycross will recognize team names like Chip Ganassi Racing, Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross and Bryan Herta Rallysport as well as drivers Scott Speed, the defending Red Bull Global Rallycross champion, and Steve Arpin.

Two-time Red Bull GRC champion Tanner Foust won the first leg of last year’s doubleheader with then-rookie Sebastian Eriksson capturing his first career Supercar victory in the second leg. Both drivers return this season in hopes of repeating their top-place finishes at the historic racing venue.

Trans-Am racing veteran Willy T. Ribbs will return to competition at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association Indy Legends Charity Pro-Am during the Brickyard Invitational, slated for June 16–19.

Best known as the first black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, Ribbs’ accomplishments in Trans-Am and IMSA sports car racing established him as one of America’s top road racers.

“Willy T first raced with us in 2014 in our Indy Legends Pro-Am and pulled off one of the most amazing performances of the day when he finished third with no practice in his car,” said SVRA President and CEO Tony Parella. “His original car was withdrawn with mechanical issues and Willy had to step into a machine he had not even sat in before. To drive it to a podium finish was really impressive. I also want to say that since then he has proven himself a great friend to the SVRA.”

The Pro-Am feature Ribbs will compete in for the third time is a 40-minute race of American muscle cars on the Speedway’s 2.43-mile Grand Prix road course on Saturday, June 18. The cars are 1963 to 1972 vintage Corvettes, Camaros and Mustangs of the Group 6 SVRA class.
Ribbs is the latest of a group of powerhouse early entries that include the Unser cousins, Al Jr., Robby and Johnny, as well as Indy car champion Paul Tracy. Larry Foyt and A.J. Foyt IV are entered in the Pro-Am for the first time and there is a special Garage 34 promoter’s option for NASCAR champions Bill Elliott and Ray Evernham who will share a car. All the professionals will be paired with amateur drivers, splitting stints at the wheel at their discretion.

Ribbs is a two-time qualifier for the Indianapolis 500, starting the race in 1991 and again in 1993. He was also the first black driver to test for a Formula One team, getting that opportunity in 1986 with none other than Bernie Ecclestone, who owned the Brabham team at the time. A versatile driver, Ribbs also competed briefly at the top level of NASCAR as well as in their truck series.

Ribbs was Trans-Am’s most prolific winner across three seasons, 1983 through 1985, when he scored 18 of his 19 career-total victories, including 13 for Jack Roush-prepared Mercury-Ford Capris. He was series rookie-of-the year in 1983, winning five times and more than any other driver. After conquering Trans Am and becoming the series all-time money winner up to that point he moved to Dan Gurney’s IMSA Toyota team for two years and picked off 10 overall victories.

“When I think about racing with SVRA I think about the Springsteen song, ‘Glory Days,” Ribbs says. “What Tony and his team are doing is leading a movement in the sport. They are shaking things up and I’m not just talking about vintage racing, but all auto racing. I know we will put on one hell of a show and it’s going to be good times for everyone.”

Together, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence and Hendrick Motorsports are looking to develop more speed both on and off the track. The two organizations announced a landmark technology partnership.

The two-year agreement effectively merges metrology expertise and technology with the brightest engineering minds in auto racing. The relationship will expand Hendrick Motorsports’ in-house capabilities with additional measurement systems, training and expert technical support.

"This new relationship will give Hendrick Motorsports access to additional offerings and emerging technologies to drive performance across our entire organization,” Hendrick Motorsports General Manager Doug Duchardt said. “Working closely with Hexagon’s technical personnel will provide a higher level of training and allow us to see the full potential of each product we use. It’s this combination of people and technology that will help both companies innovate and deliver results.”

Hendrick Motorsports is a longtime user of ROMER Absolute Arms and GridLOK volume-expansion systems as well as Hexagon coordinate measuring machines. Those solutions are used to inspect and assemble auto bodies, chassis and engine components for pre-race fine tuning and post-race evaluation.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence will partner in collaborative technology development and problem solving with Hendrick Motorsports' engineering team. As Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence develops new concepts in metrology, Hendrick Motorsports will have the opportunity to preview those advancements before the technology reaches the marketplace. The organization will also have the option to participate in beta testing and provide user feedback during the course of development projects. With multi-disciplinary expertise, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence will benefit from those early stage metrics and gain valuable insight into the intricate performance and manufacturing challenges found in NASCAR.

“We are honored to partner with Hendrick Motorsports, a dynamic team pushing the boundaries of manufacturing and metrology to ensure repeatable wins on the track. Our goals are the same...to cross the finish line first with speed and confidence in all aspects of the production process," said Angus Taylor, president and CEO of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence North America. “This landmark agreement aligns Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence with a like-minded, highly successful partner, both of us committed to breaking new ground in our respective markets."

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence experts in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area worked closely with the NASCAR Research and Development Center to develop the methodology used to verify and enforce race car design rules and exacting standards for chassis design. Hendrick Motorsports was an early adopter of the ROMER arm systems used to verify that each car adhered to the new standards. The portable coordinate measuring machines are also used to acquire coordinate data to gain insight into vehicle performance. Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence serves the metrology needs of motor sports teams and industries worldwide.

IRG Sports + Entertainment (IRGSE), a leading marketer and promoter of sports and live entertainment experiences across the globe, announced the addition of Shawn Hackman as chief revenue officer (CRO). A recognized expert on business development and sponsorship acquisition in the major sports industry, Hackman is instrumental in guiding IRGSE's future success, developing the strategies to drive substantial year-on-year revenue growth across sponsorship, hospitality, merchandise and licensing and leverage the IRGSE-owned properties.

"Mr. Hackman is a results driven, proven sales leader with the breadth and depth of experience we need to expand IRGSE and IRGSE-owned properties," stated Chris Lencheski, IRGSE vice chairman of the board and CEO. "TPG and the Board of Directors are positioning IRGSE into a best-in-class organization in sports and live entertainment experiences. His guidance will be instrumental as we continue to build upon our capabilities and deliver value to our portfolio of partners."

Hackman joins IRGSE as CRO from Speedway Motorsport Inc.'s (SMI) Kentucky Speedway. SMI is a major promoter of multiple nationally sanctioned events from NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA to name only a few. At the Kentucky facility, Hackman developed and executed creative sales and marketing plans for prospective clients and secured entitlement partners for the facility.

Prior to SMI, Hackman was the vice president of motorsports for Front Row Marketing Services, a division of Comcast Spectacor. He was responsible for sales and marketing support to a variety of clients in the sports and entertainment industry and grew revenue 40 percent over three years. His motorsports clientele included: NASCAR, INDYCAR, IMSA, World Endurance Challenge, Pocono Raceway, Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, Aston Martin and Porsche.

In addition to the motorsports industry, Hackman launched a full-service sports marketing firm that catered to Trina Solar and their involvement in major golf events and was the executive vice president and general manager of the Quad City Mallards, an International Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. While managing the daily operations of the hockey team, Hackman increased attendance over 35 percent from the previous team and finished second in overall attendance in minor league hockey.

"IRGSE is a company that is well positioned to expand upon its current foundation and leverage their portfolio of companies," stated Hackman, IRGSE CRO. "The goal is to improve the IRGSE brand, strengthen the business performance and bottom line results. I am excited to be a part of the team as we work with both current clients and new prospects. We have a commitment to provide our partners with a unique platform to showcase their company with proven results."

A year after the deadline for a court-ordered sale, the legendary Rockingham Speedway is going on the auction block.

According to a notice of foreclosure sale filed in Richmond County Superior Court on April 7, the property will be sold “to the highest bidder for cash” at a public auction May 5.

The notice states the sale will include “the real property, together with all rights, privileges and appurtenances thereto…and the personal property described in the deed of trust.”

It goes on to state that the property will be sold subject to any and all matters superior to the lien of the deed of trust, including: superior mortgages, deeds of trust, liens and assessments, if any; the lien of unpaid ad valorem taxes; valid and enforceable easements and restrictions of record; and matters which would be revealed by a current and accurate survey of the property.

“The property will be sold ‘as is, where is,’ the notice continues. “Neither the substitute trustee nor the holder of the debt secured by the deed of trust, nor their respective officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representatives, make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or any way relating to any such conditions expressly are disclaimed.”

Raleigh attorney Louis E. Wooten Jr. was named substitute trustee in February, according to records filed with the Richmond County Register of Deeds.

The sale will open at the Richmond County Courthouse at 11 a.m., and will be held open for 10 days for upset bids as required by law.

Kenneth Robinette, chairman of the Richmond County Board of Commissioners, speculated that the foreclosure could be an attempt to “get rid of some partners” and move forward in bringing racing back to the track.

“It’s been in limbo now for several years,” he said, adding that he was hopeful that a team with “deep pockets” would purchase the speedway and “promote it like it needs to be promoted.”

“It’s a specialized use,” Robinette continued. “It was built as a track, and that’s what it needs to be used for.”

However, he said he wouldn’t be opposed to lower-tiered races or non-racing events, such as concerts.

“I’d be in favor of anything that could bring activity out there and money into the county,” he said, comparing Steve Earwood’s scheduling of 98 events plus private testing this year at Rockingham Dragway.

A consent order signed Oct. 8, 2014 by Presiding Superior Court Judge W. David Lee states the historic racetrack should have been sold or auctioned off by March 15, 2015.

The agreement to sell or auction the property was made to stave off foreclosure proceedings against speedway owners Andy Hillenburg and Bill Silas by Farmers and Merchants Bank, based in Salisbury, for defaulting on a $4.2 million loan. That date came and went with no word on any action.

Documents obtained from the register of deeds office in December show the bank assigned two deeds of trust and an assignment of rents and leases to BK Rock Holdings, LLC, a Florida-based company, and that there was a note purchase and sales agreement between the parties on Nov. 13.

The assignment of security instruments paperwork was filed six days later.
According to records filed with the Florida Secretary of State, the address of BK Rock Holdings is listed as 8451 SW Old Kansas Ave., Stuart, Florida — the same address as Palm Beach Grading, a company founded by Silas.

The registered agent of BK Rock Holdings is listed as Alan I. Armour II, an attorney who represented Silas in the summer of 2014 before F&M began foreclosure proceedings.

Hillenburg, a former driver, bought the track in 2007 and began hosting lower-tiered races — including the ARCA Carolina 500 and the USAR American 200 — the following year. NASCAR returned to Rockingham when the Camping World Truck Series trucks thundered to life in 2012 and again in 2013, when track’s final race was held.

A message left for Hillenburg regarding the foreclosure on Tuesday was not returned.

Several races — including the 10-race X-Cup series and an exhibition for the Super Cup Stock Car Series — had been scheduled to run this year after Vets-Help.org signed a lease agreement with Hillenburg.

But last week, X-Cup creator James Martin put the series on hold when he said he learned the lease had been terminated.

Joe Schmalling, SCSCS director of competition, has a race and awards banquet for his series scheduled for Oct. 16.

“What I set out to do was have a race at a famous track for my people and help the racetrack,” he said Tuesday afternoon. “We’ll have to see what happens. Whoever’s standing, I’d like to talk to them.”

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) announced that legendary motorcycle racer and stock car driver Paul Goldsmith, and U. E. "Pat" Patrick, who entered three winning cars in the Indianapolis 500, will be inducted this year into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame.  

Selected by a distinguished panel of more than 100 experts in auto racing, Goldsmith and Patrick bring to 152 the number of individuals who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the sport of racing and to the development of the automotive industry. The Auto Racing Hall of Fame, founded in 1952, is located at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
 
Goldsmith and Patrick will be honored on May 26, 2016, at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet presented by Pennzoil and held in collaboration with the International Association of Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers. Gathering with about 800 of their closest friends and colleagues in auto racing, the two groups also will honor Rick Mears for his four Indianapolis 500 wins and other contributions to the sport. Mears was inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1998. They also are honoring the current Indianapolis 500 champion, Juan Pablo Montoya, and the reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion, Scott Dixon.
 
Goldsmith enjoyed a career so diversified that references to him having won at Milwaukee, Langhorne or Daytona Beach require clarification as to whether the event in question was for two wheels or four. After finishing second to his protégé Joe Leonard (a fellow Hall of Famer) in the 1954 American Motorcyclist Association championship, Goldsmith started driving National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) stock cars for Smokey Yunick. Later teaming up with Ray Nichels, Goldsmith finished second in the 1960 United States Auto Club (USAC) stock car championship and then won the title in 1961 and 1962, amassing 18 wins in 39 starts during that period. He rarely took part in open-wheel competition but did compete in the Indianapolis 500 six times, finishing third in 1960.

Patrick enjoyed 45 victories as a team owner in USAC or Championship Auto Racing Teams competition. His entries won the 1973 and 1982 Indianapolis 500-Mile races and the 1976 USAC National Championship title with driver Gordon Johncock. He also won the 1989 Indianapolis 500 and the CART championship title with former two-time World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi. Patrick's team enjoyed many successes between 1973 and 1980 with chief mechanic George Bignotti. In addition to Johncock and Fittipaldi, his roster of notable drivers included Mario Andretti, Al Unser, Johnny Rutherford, Wally Dallenbach, Roberto Guerrero, Raul Boesel, Kevin Cogan, Chip Ganassi and Jimmy Vasser.