Two grassroots racers will be able to pursue their goals of racing at the professional level thanks to two grand prize sponsorships awarded through the 2016 “Search for a Champion” contest from Federal-Mogul Motorparts’ Champion brand.

Chris Ferguson, a 26-year-old Dirt Super Late Model driver from Mount Holly, N.C., was selected to receive the $50,000 Search for a Champion grand prize in the Advanced category of the annual contest. Myles Rowe, a 15-year-old go-kart driver from Powder Springs, Ga., was the winner in the Amateur category and will receive a $10,000 grand prize sponsorship. Nearly 230,000 votes were cast at www.AlwaysAChampion.com during the contest, which awarded a record $200,000 in sponsorships and related prizes to 15 Advanced finalists and 25 Amateur finalists.

Search for a Champion encourages grassroots drivers to compete for sponsorship cash and other prizes based on materials submitted for voter review. Entrants in the Advanced category were required to submit photos, a 300-word essay and a two-minute video describing why they deserve to become a member of #TeamChampion. In the Amateur category, participants were required to submit photos and an essay, with the option to enter a video. Hundreds of entries were received, with participants representing virtually every form of engine-driven competition.

“When we launched our first Search for a Champion contest five years ago, we hoped it would serve as a catalyst for talented young drivers who are committed to elevating their programs and competing on a national stage,” said Laura Soave, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer, Federal-Mogul Motorparts. “The contest has done that and much more – it has energized the grassroots racing community and established strong new bonds between rising young racers and the Champion brand.”

Ferguson began his racing career in go-karts at age 12. Several years later he moved up to Dirt Crate Late Model competition, where he won a local championship in his first year. He has had even greater success in Super Late Model racing, where in 2015 he posted 13 feature wins, including victories at two World of Outlaw national events. “This is absolutely career changing,” Ferguson said. “We’ve always felt like we had to work harder than other teams to make up for not having a major sponsor, and now it has finally happened. I can’t describe how happy I am for my family and everyone who has contributed to our team.”

Rowe is in just his third year of go-kart racing but has already sketched out a plan to progress through four racing categories in the next several years, with the ultimate goal of becoming the youngest champion in the history of Indy Car competition. “Because I race nationally, we’ve really needed help with entry fees, mechanics and other expenses,” he said. “Winning the Champion sponsorship is unbelievable. I know a lot of drivers who use Champion spark plugs and have had a lot of success, so I’m looking forward to using them too.”

For more information regarding the Search for a Champion contest and the full range of Champion products, visit www.AlwaysAChampion.com.

The WISSOTA Promoters Association has announced the addition of another track that will host events under the WISSOTA banner during the 2016 racing season.

Dodge County Speedway in Kasson, Minnesota, will re-open in 2016 and will host WISSOTA-sanctioned Super Stocks, Midwest Modifieds and Street Stocks during 11 events, beginning on Sunday, April 17 and wrapping up with a two-day event on October 1 and 2.

Fans and racers can check for updates at www.RaceKasson.com.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series and DIRTcar have announced they will adopt the newly created Unified Late Model Suspension Rules following a months-long process that included manufacturers, constructors and dirt late model sanctioning bodies from across the country.

The collective effort of industry leaders began earlier this year and was led by motorsports authority John Darby and chaired by Eldora Speedway General Manager Roger Slack. Darby, working with the coalition, developed rules that have been agreed upon and identify a uniform rear suspension and shock package.

The newly formulated rules bring certainty and uniformity to late model racing across the country and promotes ease of participation for competitors. All late model series and sanctioning bodies are being urged to adopt the rules.

The rules take effect for the World of Outlaws and DIRTcar on Monday, April 11. The full rules bulletin with specifications is available at WoOLMS.com/Members.

To learn more about the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series visit WoOLMS.com.

IndyCar has clarified and streamlined its rulebook to help competitors better understand what is expected in races, according to published reports.

The release of the infraction/punishment structure is new for the series. Last year, a binder spelled out infractions and the penalties that could be considered, but that was not disclosed to the drivers.

IndyCar revised its officiating team during the offseason, naming three new stewards: former Ford Racing executive Dan Davis is the chief steward, with former drivers Arie Luyendyk and Max Papis assisting. Each has an equal vote in reviewing incidents and voting on the punishment.

IndyCar CEO Mark Miles said most of the warnings have been eliminated at the request of the drivers. Miles also said decisions will be made quicker than in the past.

The rules will be in place for this weekend's race at Phoenix International Raceway.

E3 Spark Plugs, designers of the E3 DiamondFire Flame and other top-of-the-line spark plugs, will be sponsoring Team Lucas events again for the 2016 season. E3 Spark Plugs was one of the first companies to support Lucas Oil's motorsports competitions and the company is again working with Team Lucas in to back more than 150 family-friendly events across the United States.
 
For 2016, E3 Spark Plugs will be sponsoring the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series, Lucas Oil Modified Series, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, and the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series. Of special note is the company's title sponsorship of the E3 Spark Plugs Off Road Nationals, the E3 Spark Plugs Late Model Nationals, and the E3 Spark Plugs Drag Boat Nationals.
 
Bob Patison, Lucas Oil Executive Vice-President, said E3 Spark Plugs' ongoing support also garners TV presence during several CBS, CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Network and MAVTV broadcasts.
 
"It wouldn't be possible for Lucas Oil to bring exciting motorsports to fans without help from dedicated partners like E3 Spark Plugs," Patison said. "We feel very lucky and privileged to have E3 Spark Plugs' aboard again for 2016, and we know our fans will support the company in return."
 
Steve Joiner, E3 Spark Plugs Vice President, said, "Racing ignites our passion at E3 Spark Plugs. Team Lucas and the Lucas Oil racing ecosystem supports fans, racers and our product. It's these racing competitions that allow E3 Spark Plugs to conduct research and develop technology while giving something back to the sport."

With two qualifying events happening this coming weekend, Hot Rodder sponsors and fans will be busy cheering on the many auto tech teams that will be competing. On the west coast, Magnaflow Exhaust in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, is holding it's 1st ever Hot Rodder Qualifying Event. While one of the premiere automotive events in the Southeast, the Chattanooga Cruise-In in Chattanooga, Tenneessee, welcomes it's first Hot Rodders of Tomorrow competition as well. Both events will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016.

Magnaflow will be hosting the event at their Tech Center where they design and test the latest in exhaust technology. The students will not only compete for a spot at the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Dual Championship, but also will get a tour of Magnaflow and learn the types of jobs that are in demand. For more information on Magnaflow go to www.magnaflow.com.

With a relaxed atmosphere, car enthusiasts are encouraged to bring out their hot rods to the cruise-in, take a tour of the Coker Tire museum and explore vendors throughout the day.  The event is free and more info can be found at www.chattanoogacruise-in.com. Local Hot Rodders will be on-site and invite fans to stop by their display.  Teams at both the cruise-in and Magnaflow's qualifying event are competing for their chance to qualify for the Dual National Championships held later this year at SEMA Show & PRI Show.  

Being able to hold two qualifying events on the same weekend has only been made possible by the generosity and support from our sponsors and the volunteers who have stepped up and have given umpteen hours helping make a future for the students participating. If you would like to help the next generation of automotive enthusiast, please contact Rodney Bingham at RBingham@hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge 2016 Schedule:
Coker Tire Chattanooga Cruise-In: Chattanooga, TN; April 2, 2016
Magnaflow Exhaust Event: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; April 2, 2016
Summit Racing Atlanta Motorama: Atlanta, GA; April 16-17, 2016
UTI Pennsylvania Qualifier: Exton, PA; April 23, 2016
Edelbrock Car Show: Torrance, CA; May 14, 2016
Lane Automotive Car Show: Watervliet, MI; May 28, 2016
UTI Northern CA Qualifier: Sacramento, CA; June 4, 2016
11th Annual NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing: Joliet, IL; July 30-31, 2016
SEMA Show: Las Vegas, NV; November 1-4, 2016 (Dual National Championship)
Performance Racing Industry: Indianapolis, IN; December 8-10, 2016 (Dual National Championship)

Heartland Park Topeka announced Wednesday that Scott Gardner has been named president and general manager of the facility.

Gardner will have a position on the board of directors and will take responsibility for all of the facility’s motorsport venues. His wife, Laura Gardner, will join the team as director of business operations.

The husband-and-wife team, who have managed motorsports venues for more than 20 years, will begin their positions in April.

Todd Stephens was named general manager of Heartland Park Topeka in early January, but HPT co-owner Chris Payne confirmed that Stephens is no longer with the track.

Payne—who purchased the facility in December along with Todd Crossley of Shelby, LLC—said Stephens is returning home to Oklahoma to help his family and family business.

“Co-owner Todd Crossley and I are excited to be teaming up with such experienced and qualified individuals as Scott and Laura,” Payne said in a news release. “We are confident turning over the control of Heartland Park and its multi-racing venues to the Gardners, allowing them to propel the facility to a much higher level of success.”

As a 30-year veteran of the racing profession, Scott Gardner most recently served as president of the International Hot Rod Association.

He began his racing career as vice president and marketing director of the United Drag Racers Association from 1986 to 1993.

In 1994, he became general manager of Great Lakes Dragway in Union Grove, Wis., a position he held for two years. Garner and his wife purchased Cordova Dragway Park in Cordova, Illinois. He was manager of CDP until he became IHRA president in 2014.

Laura was operations manager at Cordova Dragway Park from 1995-2015. The Gardners sold the track in ’15.

“Being President of IHRA was a great opportunity to work with racers, track operators and sponsors that have led to many relationships that will last a lifetime,” Scott Gardner said. “Laura and I have received several management inquiries, but have been selective with our next step.

“The HPT ownership team’s commitment is extraordinary with an extensive background in the local business environment.”

The Gardners are prepared for the challenges ahead but are looking forward to a successful year for HPT.

“We are essentially starting from the ground floor with a facility that was closed much of 2015,” Scott Gardner said. “The potential is off the scale with multiple racing venues and other opportunities for a motorsports complex of this magnitude.”

Laura added: “Teamwork will be essential in creating an environment that thrives for our customer base, the racers, the fans and sponsors. It’s my goal to create a structure that is organized and efficient at HPT.

“As director of business operations, I will use my skills and experience in building a high-caliber team that is efficient and effective for HPT.”

Weekly race programs begin in April with the NHRA Kansas Nationals on May 20-22 and the Manufacturers Series on Oct. 21-23.

A new chapter begins April 2 for the race track at the Merced County Fairgrounds.

Local business owner Ed Parker has assumed the management of the third-mile dirt oval. The salesman for P&F Metals has reached an agreement with previous track owner Oval Motorsports Inc., of Antioch, for five years.

Oval Motorsports will continue to manage both Antioch and Chowchilla Speedways. Parker had previously attempted to gain control of the Merced track, but Oval Motorsports cut a deal before Parker was able to secure financing.

Doug Williams has been named race director. Tim Ragsdale will be in charge of track preparation.

The International Motor Contest Ass’n will sanction the track’s premier modified and sport modified division.

Merced Speedway officials hope to make the track more fan-friendly by upgrading the concession stands and adding new food items. Major events are planned throughout the year including during the annual county fair.

IRG Sports + Entertainment (IRGSE) has announced the appointment of two new executives to its leadership team as part of the reorganization of the company. Aaron Weiss joins Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR) as president and Darren Thompson as International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) vice president administration & logistics.

Newly appointed PBIR president, Weiss is responsible for all of Palm Beach International Raceway's business matters, including operations, ticketing, finance, communications and marketing. He brings with him an extensive background in the motorsports industry and as well as PBIR. Weiss was the former president & chief operating officer of the facility in 2006 when it was formerly named Moroso Motorsports Park. In addition, Weiss has owned multiple businesses in racing and worked at Monticello Motor Club, a premier automotive country club and private race track, as the executive vice president.

PBIR is an IRGSE-owned property located in South Florida and includes an IHRA-sanctioned drag strip, 2.22-mile road course, and 8/10-mile go-kart track. The facility is also home to one of the country's largest private members-only driving club, The Palm Beach Driving Club.

"Palm Beach International Raceway is my home track. I've walked through the gates as a volunteer, a spectator, a competitor and an employee," stated Weiss. "I have a deep personal connection with this facility and I'm cognizant that PBIR is a focal point of the South Florida professional and amateur motorsports community.

"Being appointed as PBIR's steward entails a responsibility to the staff, fans, sponsors and competitors who also call PBIR home. By utilizing the resources of IRGSE and working with the top notch team they are assembling, PBIR is now positioned for growth in a way never before possible," Weiss continued.

Thompson joins the IHRA as the vice president of administration and logistics. In the newly created position, he will develop, execute and manage a larger, more diverse and comprehensive logistics ecosystem for the IHRA, its current and planned events as well as ensure that customer service is run efficiently and to the IRGSE standard.  Thompson has been involved in the motorsports industry for 20+ years and has held various positions across a multitude a series' over the years. His portfolio includes sponsorship services, hospitality, management, logistics and field operations across IMSA, NASCAR, CART, Champ Car, IndyCar, ALMS and several other sanctioned motorsports organizations.

The IHRA is owned and operated by IRGSE and promotes professional and sportsman racing for drivers of all levels. The organization sanctions more than 100 motorsport facilities across the globe with more than 12,000 racers as members.

"I am thrilled to see the road ahead as the IHRA unveils a larger footprint," stated Thompson. "There are a lot of exciting things happening at the IHRA and I am honored to join the IHRA in this newly created position. I look forward to working with everyone at the organization."

IRGSE has announced multiple reorganizational changes over the course of the last few months to assist with the future growth of the IHRA and IRGSE-owned properties.  The appointments of Weiss and Thompson are part of the tactical transformation strategies taking place in 2016.

"IRGSE is dedicated to bringing in the best in the motorsports business to assist us with overall growth," stated IRGSE vice chairman of the board and CEO Chris Lencheski. "Mr. Weiss and Mr. Thompson are key to the future success of PBIR and the IHRA. They bring with them the knowledge base and skill set to help us reach the next level in the motorsports industry."

The 2016 season is in full-swing in the motorsports industry with a full calendar of events happening at PBIR and the IHRA hosting their second national event at San Antonio Raceway April 1 - 2.

The Englishman, who spent more than a decade with McLaren Formula One and most recently served as managing director of the TEKNO Autosports V8 Supercars team, will assume his new role as senior manager of vehicle support and team engineering for TRD next week.

In an interview Tuesday with Motorsport.com, David Wilson, president and general manager of TRD, confirmed Hallam’s hire and said Hallam would be based in TRD’s Costa Mesa, Calif., headquarters and report directly to Andy Graves, TRD’s group vice president and technical director.

TRD had previous experience with Hallam during his tenure as director of race engineering for Michael Waltrip Racing between 2009 and 2011.

“It was during that stint with Michael Waltrip Racing that Steve really helped Toyota directly in developing some of our specialized tools. We really enjoyed the perspective he brought NASCAR from outside the NASCAR garage.

“When he and MWR parted company, we stayed in touch with Steve. If we had the opportunity at that time, we probably would have tried to grab a hold of him.”

Hallam, 63, guided the small TEKNO Autosports team to a runner-up finish in the V8 Supercars championship in 2014 after running the Holden Racing Team from 2012-13.

Wilson said Hallam will work with TRD’s team of engineers, supporting their work across multiple series in which Toyota is involved.

“Our intention is to use Steve’s very diverse set of skills and experience in motorsports to help us  in NASCAR, in NHRA, could be in off-road – we’re kind of leaving the opportunities very open-ended,” Wilson said.

“I believe Steve can help mentor a lot of our young engineers. That experience that he’s had internationally I just believe can help us. I’ve always been a big proponent of diversification.”