Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP) announces a partnership with Ellis Tech’s Automotive Technology program, offering a unique experience for students to find out what it’s like working on a real race car crew. This program is designed to help fuel a passion for racing in the next generation, and provide hands-on learning opportunities not available elsewhere.

The program is a collaboration between Taylor Therrien from TSMP, Brian Mignault, the Principal of Ellis Tech, and Brendan Smith, the Automotive Tech Program Director. The program will partner participating students with one of TSMP’s race teams. By working with a single team over the course of the season, the student will have the opportunity to develop a relationship with them, and learn about different parts of the job of a crew member. The jobs they are given will be decided by the crew chief, and can range from working on damaged body panels, changing car set-up or helping the spotter communicate with the driver. If the relationship is successful, there may be opportunities for the program to turn into a more permanent arrangement for the students.

Students will be required to commit to at least five races of the season, and in return will receive free admission to the events. Some of the teams participating include past champions, such as 2015 Late Model crown-winner, Brian Tagg, and four-time Limited Sportsman champion, Larry Barnett.

For more information about the program, please contact Taylor Therrien at 860-923-2280 x205 or email taylor@thompsonspeedway.com.

NHRA Pro Mod veteran and Aeromotive Inc. President Steve Matusek will continue with Danny Rowe Racing in the 2016 NHRA Pro Mod Series, climbing behind the wheel of the Aeromotive Fuel Systems Chevrolet Camaro. This crucial connection to Pro Mod spawned Aeromotive’s “Dealer of the Race” program. The program kicks off the season at the NHRA GatorNationals event at Gainesville Raceway this weekend, March 17th-19th, 2016, with Lane Automotive as the first “Dealer of the Race.”

In conjunction with any NHRA Pro Mod race of the season, any Aeromotive, Inc. dealer has the opportunity to co-brand their dealer name with Aeromotive, Inc. for a period of seven days during the week of the NHRA event. The program is turn-key and offers discount orders to both dealers and their customers, as well as branding and marketing opportunities.

Scott Wahlstrom, Marketing Manager of Lane Automotive stated, “We are excited to partner once again with Aeromotive to kick off this year’s “Dealer of the Race” program at Gainesville Raceway. We have such respect for their brand, and are very like-minded in our marketing efforts. In the same way Steve is out there racing and maintaining hands on relationships at the track, the benefit to Lane Automotive of partnering on this program is very similar. We get the opportunity to be out there too building the brand, meeting new and existing customers, showing what great products we have to offer and endorsing our knowledge of performance and racing.”

The Aeromotive Inc. team will place the Dealer’s large decal on the Aeromotive Inc. Pro Mod car for the entire race, and Dealers’ representatives will be provided hospitality in the Aeromotive Inc. pit area throughout the event on request. Aeromotive Inc. will also photograph the Dealers’ representatives with the Aeromotive Inc. Pro Mod, will provide Ten (10) T-shirts for the Dealer’s representatives, and will also promote the Dealers participation via Press announcements and a strong Social Media Push on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To sign up for the “Dealer of the Race” program, contact Vic Wood at vicw@aeromotiveinc.com or 931-660-8565.

Dylan Murry, of Cumming, Georgia, was presented the 22nd Gorsline Scholarship by John Gorsline today at the 64th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring fueled by Fresh From Florida.

With this scholarship, Murry, 15, will work with Dr. Jacques Dallaire, Director of Performance Prime, on an individually-designed performance-enhancement program, and will benefit from a unique training program at Jim Leo’s PitFit Training—all courtesy of Gorsline Company.

The Gorsline Scholarship is presented by Gorsline Company, of Rochester, New York, the leader in high-risk motorsports insurance. It recognizes aspiring drivers by offering programs with tools that will assist them in developing skills on and off the track to help attain their professional goals.

Two other young drivers were also considered for the Scholarship: Skylar Robinson, 19, of Augusta, Ga., and Kenton Koch, 21, of Glendora, Calif.

“At such a young age, Murry is already an accomplished racer,” said Gorsline, principal of Gorsline Company. “All three of the candidates for the 22nd Gorsline Scholarship are worthy recipients. It was a tough decision, but we selected Dylan. We’re confident he’ll benefit from the performance-enhancement and fitness training programs that Dallaire and Leo will provide as he progresses in his racing career.”

"It feels amazing," said Murry. "I can't believe I won it out of all the people who were named as candidates. When I look at the list of previous winners, I can only hope to end up in my career as many of them did. I'd like to thank all my sponsors, and especially Gorsline Company, for all the help they've given me, and I'm looking forward to working with Jacques Dallaire and Jim Leo on the programs the Scholarship will provide."

As for his goals in the future, "I like both oval and road racing, but right now I think I'm pushing towards the Sprint Cup oval series."

"It's a father's dream to hear that Dylan has won the Gorsline Scholarship," said David Murry. "You look at the long list of names and you wonder, is it a prediction from John as to who's going to be the future stars or is it the result of that. I think it's a little bit of both. John's done a lot for this sport and we're really happy to be part of this. And for Dylan to be named among stars like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to Pat Long -- you can't stop; the list is so long - it's really impressive and we're honored to be a part of it."

Previous winners in attendance included Colin Braun, Dane Cameron and Katherine Legge.

Previous recipients of the Gorsline Scholarship are:
2015 Madison Snow
2014 Matthew Brabham
2013 No award presented
2012 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
2011 Conor Daly
2010 Josef Newgarden
2009 Joel Miller
2008 Dane Cameron
2007 JR Hildebrand
2006 Katherine Legge
2005 Colin Braun
2004 Ryan Lewis
2003 Rocky Moran Jr.
2002 Danica Patrick
2001 Patrick Long
2000 Bryan Sellers
1999 David Besnard
1998 Buddy Rice
1997 Butch Leitzinger
1996 Jerry Nadeau
1995 Anthony Lazzaro
1994 Bryan Herta

The following comes courtesy of SEMA's Washington, D.C., staff:

Earlier this week, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting testified before the US House Science, Space, and Technology Oversight Subcommittee, urging the group to continue allowing street vehicles to be modified and converted for motorsports competition.

Kersting joined President of National Speed Sports News Ralph Sheheen, lawmakers and legislative experts at the hearing, which examined how the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule on converting emissions-certified vehicles into race cars would impact the racing community.

“The EPA’s new interpretation of the law puts racing and the motorsports industry into jeopardy,” said Kersting. “SEMA is urging Congress to adopt a measure that would eliminate any uncertainty now and in the future about how the Clean Air Act is interpreted, and make it clear that the law allows emissions-certified street vehicles to be modified and converted for competition use.”

(Click the image below for Kersting's full testimony)

The bipartisan “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016” (RPM Act) clarifies the Clean Air Act to explain that it has always been legal to modify a street vehicle into a race car used exclusively at the track. The bill also confirms that modifying these vehicles for exclusive track use would not be considered tampering. The bill was introduced in the House (H.R. 4715) and in the Senate (S.2659) last week.

Join Chris in urging Congress to save our race cars and support the RPM Act of 2016. Sign the letter today!

Steve (Stephen) Earwood, one of drag racing’s most effective marketing specialists, and highly respected track owner/operators, has been named the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Founder’s Award by the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame (a part of the famed Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum in Ocala, Fla.). He will receive the honor at the 26th annual Hall of Fame induction dinner on March 17, 2016 in Gainesville, Fla.  The Rockingham, N.C. businessman has been an influential part of the growth of the sport in a number of key roles.

A native of Atlanta, Ga., Earwood grew up with the smell of race fuel and howling engines in his youth. His father, Charles (Charlie), was the Chief Steward for the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and other road racing series, overseeing the operation of the on-track events. He graduated from Briarcliff High School in Atlanta, Ga. In 1966, he entered West Georgia University in Carrolton, Ga, graduating in 1970.

After his college years, he was influenced by his brother Terry, who drove for legendary Plymouth Super Stock team owner Steve Bagwell, winning the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) US Nationals in Super Stock   in 1973, among other NHRA events.  But Earwood’s focus was not on the cars, rather the idea of telling people about racing, and getting them to buy tickets. The enterprising Earwood organized the Southern Pro Stock Circuit while in the early 70’s, after a stint as co-manager of Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway with brother Terry.  His efforts did not go unnoticed, and he was tapped by the NHRA to oversee the public relations effort for the 1975 Gatornationals at Gainesville, one of the sport’s oldest and most important annual events.

Impressed by his efforts and results, the NHRA hired him to join the Publicity Department in 1975, and joined his now long-time friend and oft-time collaborator, Dave Densmore (winner of the 2015 Founder’s Award).  For 10 years, the pair charted an ambitious and highly effective effort to build rapport with the major media outlets in the markets where the major NHRA National Events were being contested. Throughout those years, the pair steadily grew the media recognition of the sport, and for the first time, the press room, starting line and pits had local newspapers and television stations following the events.

The Gulf Coast Midget Championship, USAC’s newest racing series, unveiled a six-race schedule that features at two southeast Texas venues.

Bronco Raceway Park in Cleveland, Texas, serves as the host of four dates including the series opener on April 23. In addition, the series visits the quarter-mile, semi-banked clay oval on June 11, July 23 and Aug. 27.

The red clay of the Gator Motorplex in Willis, Texas greets the USAC Gulf Coast Midget Championship on two occasions on May 7 and the season finale on Sept. 17.

Each of the six races on the schedule will pay $1,000 to the winner of the feature.

All cars participating in the series must appear and fit the guidelines of a traditional midget. Cars powered by spec engines such as the Honda/Ford Focus, Volkswagen or the Chevy II with an entirely stock-production head and block, etc. do not have a minimum weight. For all purpose-built racing engines, cars must meet a minimum weight of 1,035 pounds (including driver).

All 1000cc or greater upright cars are eligible to compete without a minimum weight and may be chain-driven and utilize a traditional driveline or quick-change rear-end.

All four corners of the car must be fitted with Hoosier Tires. On the right rear, teams may use the SP2, SP3 or SP4. A D12 tire or harder compound must be used on the left rear.

A maximum 10-inch-width right rear rim may be used. However, a maximum 12-inch width tire may be mounted to the 10-inch rim. Cars with 1000cc engines can use a maximum 12-inch wide right rear wheel rim.

Only one right-rear tire can be used for an entire racing event (heat race and all features) unless it is inspected and determined by a race official to be flat or a potential safety hazard. If another tire is required, the replacement tire must be of the same compound and brand as the tire being approved for removal. All tires will be marked following hot laps.

To compete in the USAC Gulf Coast Midget Championship, drivers must be at least 14 years old and a licensed member as a driver with USAC Speed2.

2016 USAC GULF COAST MIDGET CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Date – Venue – Location

April 23 – Bronco Raceway Park – Cleveland, Texas

May 7 – Gator Motorplex – Willis, Texas

June 11 – Bronco Raceway Park – Cleveland, Texas

July 23 – Bronco Raceway Park – Cleveland, Texas

Aug. 27 – Bronco Raceway Park – Cleveland, Texas

Sept. 17 – Gator Motorplex – Willis, Texas

Kevin Harvick continued his commitment to supporting his hometown of Bakersfield, California, when the Kevin Harvick Foundation and Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation opened a multi-purpose Youth Development Park in the city.

Sport superstars Cal Ripken Jr. and Kevin Harvick cut the ribbon to unveil the Kevin Harvick Foundation Park, which will provide a clean and safe environment in which local youth can play, learn and grow. The Bakersfield facility marks the second collaboration between the two organizations, which commenced their alliance by opening the Kevin Harvick Foundation Park in Greensboro, North Carolina, in November 2015.

"The Kevin Harvick Foundation once again is honored to partner with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation to provide an amazing facility for so many underserved children to develop physically and mentally," Harvick said. "Sports played a pivotal role in my youth and development later in life, and I am looking forward to seeing these children derive the same benefits from this facility, particularly the ones who wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to play and let loose in such a clean, safe atmosphere."

Much like the Greensboro park, the Bakersfield state-of-the-art facility is designed for multi-sport use, featuring four outdoor fitness stations, a rubber track surface circling the field's perimeter and a digital scoreboard.  The park, a gift to The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Kern County, will be maintained by the organization, with whom the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and Kevin Harvick Foundation will collaborate to create and implement character education programming and clinics for the children who utilize the facility.

Guest speakers at Wednesday's ribbon-cutting ceremony included: Ripken, Baseball Hall of Famer and Ripken Foundation vice chairman; Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and Kevin Harvick Foundation co-founder; Harvey Hall, Bakersfield Mayor; Jason Cohen, former President of Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Kern County; Vanessa Emo, President, Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Kern County; and Steve Salem, President, Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.

Following the ceremony, the group christened the new Kevin Harvick Foundation Park when Ripken, Harvick and the children hit the field for a Quickball clinic - a fast-paced, easy-to-learn version of America's pastime.

"We are thrilled to have another opportunity to collaborate with the Kevin Harvick Foundation and continue to provide a safe place for our youth to play and learn," Ripken said. "It's very rewarding to unite with such a like-minded organization toward a greater cause. Together, we can continue to expand our reach and make a difference for kids everywhere."

The Bakersfield park marks the 52nd Youth Development Park completed by the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation for use by Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. The Kevin Harvick Foundation assists in funding the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, as the two charitable organizations share the common goal of supporting underprivileged youth across the United States in various ways.

During the last five years, the Ripken Foundation has developed more than 50 multi-purpose turf facilities in 16 states, impacting more than 220,000 youth. Since 2009, the Ripken Foundation has had presence in numerous communities throughout North Carolina through its Badges for Baseball law enforcement youth mentoring programaned Youth Development Park initiative. In addition to Kevin Harvick Foundation Park, the Ripken Foundation has three Youth Development Parks in use by youth-serving organizations in Charlotte, Greenville and Raleigh - two of which are adaptive fields to provide children with special needs a safe place to play and grow.

Kevin Harvick Foundation Park marks the second Ripken Foundation Youth Development Park in California, joining LA Dodgers Dreamfield adaptive field.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) welcomes St. Thomas Raceway Park to the family of member tracks. The Ontario, Canada-based motorsports venue serves sportsman racers in the London, Detroit, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Windsor markets.

Jay and Michelle Morse, operators of the facility, have garnered support of the local racers since 2010.

"We're excited and proud to be the newest member of the premier sanctioning body in Canada," Jay Morse said. "As a strong supporter of sportsman drag racing we're pleased to be aligned with an organization that focuses its attention on that same set of cost and product oriented goals for our racers."

The partnership with St.Thomas Raceway Park solidifies the racers' opportunity to be part of the Summit SuperSeries and Team Finals while fighting to become a National Champion. Track champions in the Box, No Box and Junior categories will immediately be eligible for the World Championship race at Memphis International Raceway to crown the winners of the largest point's package in sportsman racing.

"The opportunity for our member tracks to provide for their racers has grown exponentially with the recent shift in the Summit SuperSeries," said IHRA Division Director Jon O'Neal. "The racers of St. Thomas can now earn a place in the fight for the $200,000 prize package directly from their home track."

The facility, constructed in 1962, hosts events from April-November and has seen notable changes and improvements over the years. St. Thomas Raceway Park takes pride in claiming it's the first purpose built dragstrip as well as the first drag racing sanctioned facility in Canada.

Jennifer Vance, 32, of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Cindy Duncan, 42, of Lanesville, Indiana, have been named the two recipients of the 2016 SCCA Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund.

The two women will receive $1500 to support their travel to National Solo events and the Solo National Championship. Additionally, the SCCA will waive entry fees for scholarship recipients at all National Solo events this season, and works with the Solo community and commercial partners to seek other forms of support, such as driver training, mentoring, products and logistical assistance. Both Duncan and Vance intend to be at the Tire Rack Dixie Championship Tour that begins the 2016 National Solo season.

Tara Johns, Chair of the Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund Committee, said Vance gives back to other women racers in an amazing way, which is a big part of what the committee looks for in scholarship recipients. And Duncan reaches out to local ladies and encourages them to try autocrossing, and then works with them to improve their skills. She never stops trying to give encouragement or tips.

“Both of these ladies show a competitive spirit along with a heart to give back to our sport, and that is what drew the committee to Cindy and Jennifer,” Johns said. “The committee was thrilled with the number of nominations we received this year. There were so many good letters. Some even brought us to tears. But the committee was looking for women with a true commitment to the sport, both in the way of competing and in giving back. Jennifer and Cindy are both great examples of just that. Congrats to them both.”

Duncan, of the Central Kentucky Region, started autocrossing in 2002, but was involved in a highway accident that same year and the resulting trip to the emergency room revealed she had cancer. After going through two surgeries and radiation treatment, she started working heavily at autocross. With three second-place finishes at Solo Nationals, Duncan certainly knows how to drive. She also instructs at the Central Kentucky Region’s drivers school and loves being able to share her passion and knowledge with others. Duncan said she is grateful to receive the scholarship award in 2016 and will honor the legacy of Wendi Allen by continuing to give back to others.

“As a mother, survivor and competitor, I understand the importance of keeping Wendi’s legacy alive and growing,” Duncan said. “I truly love this sport and the friends I make going to events. I am most happy seeing others around me having as much fun as I do. Thanks to all the women that have given me this chance.”

Vance, of the North Carolina Region, started autocrossing more than a decade ago. Last year, she placed second in FSPL at her first Solo Nationals appearance. As someone who competes with every club in North Carolina, she is known for showing the guys how it’s done. Vance is a dedicated volunteer with the Tarheel Sports Car Club, and as the Novice Chief last year, she attended almost every autocross to encourage the new generation, instruct them and make sure they were helped by other drivers. Additionally, she is one of the instructors at the Tarheel Chicks driving school created to get more women involved in racing. It comes as no surprise that Vance was extremely excited to hear she would be receiving the scholarship.

“I was not planning on doing any National Solo events this year other than Nationals, but this scholarship has changed that for me,” Vance said. “I’m floored to be one of the recipients and so thankful for the opportunity. I look forward to giving back to the Solo community and helping other women in racing.”

The Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund was named and established by the family of Allen in honor of this multi-time National Solo Champion, who loved the SCCA Solo Community and wished to give back to the sport by helping young women become more successful drivers and contributing SCCA members. The goal of the scholarship is to provide assistance to young women that show promise of developing into outstanding Solo drivers and contributing supporters of the SCCA Solo program.

The Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund selection committee is maintained by the SCCA, comprised of championship caliber women Solo drivers. This committee is tasked with seeking out nominations, considering the merits of those nominated, and making a final selection. Nominations are solicited from SCCA members, Solo schools, and Club officials.

While this scholarship fund is specifically directed to the two annual recipients, it is a key part of a broader SCCA initiative to involve more women in the sport of autocross and the Club. SCCA Regions and individual members of the Solo Community are encouraged to become a part of this drive through their efforts to invite, train, recognize and support women to become active, participating SCCA members.

The second and longest day of next month's Rally Argentina has been scrapped and redrawn following World Rally Championship safety delegate Michele Mouton's visit to the stages.

Mouton recently visited the Villa Carlos Paz event and was not happy with what she saw of the northern-most roads, which had been planned for day two.

The event organizers have come up with a new route much closer to service, shortening the second day while keeping the stage mileage high.

"Saturday's stages were a long way to the north of the service park and I understand why they did this—they were taking the route away from the spectators to try to avoid the problems we had last year," Mouton said.

"The trouble is that the three stages they had used were in very quick succession with very little road section between them.

"There were two problems: these were stages from Dakar, just straight roads and too fast.
"The other problem was that you could only get spectators into the first stage.

"So now we have three stages much closer to Cordoba [the biggest population centre], but with enough room for the spectators.

"I am happy with what they have done."

Last year's Rally Argentina received an official reprimand from the governing body for its poor safety record.

WRC manager Jarmo Mahonen made it clear a repeat performance in 2016 would result in the event being ejected from the calendar.