(Editor’s note: The following three leadership tips originally appeared in a recent eNewsletter distributed by author, speaker and consultant Christine Corelli.)
 
1. Don't hate people that are smarter than you. Follow this leader’s advice:
 
“I don’t hate people that are smarter, more creative and imaginative than I am. I hire them.”
 
2. Strive to maintain a high-performance culture. Your culture can make you or break you!  Even if you don't live in Chicago, you have probably heard of Lou Malnati's pizza. The business keeps growing and growing.  First of all, it is because they have phenomenal pizza, and second, it is run by Marc Malnati, a dynamic leader who truly recognizes the importance of a company's culture. Recently, when asked about the company's expansion into Arizona, he made this statement:
 
"The most important thing we have to do is transplant our culture." 
—Marc Malnati, Crains Chicago Business, Nov. 2015
 
Regardless of the type of business you're in, businesses don't do business. People do business. And culture is all about people. Building a culture for high performance requires the same amount of thought and planning as it does for creating a smart competitive strategy. Creating a culture for high performance can be challenging, but without one, how can you possibly achieve success? 
 
3. Ask questions and apply words and phrases that demonstrate dynamic leadership: "Let me get back to you when I think it over." "Is there anything I should know about?" "What can I do to help you?" "How is the team performing?" "Can I rely on you?" "What is your opinion?" "What do you think?" "I really appreciate this." "Thank you for a great job." "Here's why this decision has been made."
 
 
Christine Corelli of Christine Corelli & Associates in Chicago, Illinois, is best known as the author of the popular book, “Wake Up and Smell the Competition.” She has been an acclaimed speaker at numerous industry events, including the PRI Trade Show and the SEMA Show. Contact her at 847/581-9968. Or for more information, visit www.christinespeaks.com.

Opportunity knocked twice for Merced’s Ed Parker, and he seized it to become the new promoter of Merced Speedway.

With the deal being finalized last weekend, local racers are applauding the news that the racing facility at the Merced County Fairgrounds is back under local management. Parker, an outside salesman for P&F Metals, a general engineering firm specializing in the feed milling industry, will now hold the title of Merced Speedway Promoter. He was quick to appoint respected former track manager Doug Williams of Merced as race director.

“The racing community has known Ed (Parker) for a long time and Doug Williams for even longer,” said local racer Raulie Rodriguez, who will was building a hobby stock car with his father, Raul, when reached this week. “There is a local connection to the community now, with an accessible home town management—which has always been important.”

The track was under the ownership of Oval Motorsports, Inc. of Antioch for five seasons. Parker had his first opportunity to own the track when previous owner Chuck Griffin put it up for sale – but Oval Motorsports bought it before Parker had the time to secure financing.

“I had to back away from the first opportunity, and I regretted it ever since,” Parker said. “Luckily, opportunity didn’t knock once.”

This time, his offer was accepted. Now Parker, wife Patricia and son Cody are excited to own Merced Speedway. Involving the community of Merced is a top priority for the Parkers.

“We’re going to involve the community in the programs at the speedway – there will be nights for the high schools sports teams, FFA and Little League,” Parker said. “There will be family activities – bands, car shows and even a bounce house. Going to Merced Speedway will be a family experience rather than just going to the races.”

Tracing his racing history back to his father, Moses Parker, being a racer and production manager for Hooker Headers in the early 1970s, Parker moved to Merced in 1992. He immediately made friends at the speedway. Current modified stock car drivers Paul and Ramie Stone raced with Parker in the California Little Truck series.  

Parker campaigned a pavement stock car and secured mutli-champion Tim Ragsdale of Merced to be his driver. They returned to the dirt track at Merced in 2006, winning the track street stock championship in 2007.

Son Cody was born in 2000, and immediately took to racing.

“Cody started to race go karts, which took us in another direction for a couple of years,” Parker said. “I was focused on Cody, but we were still fans in the stands at Merced Speedway.”
When Cody turned 14, he began racing at Merced Speedway in the Hobby Stock division. Last season, he won two features.

Being a driver, racecar owner and fan, Parker sees room for much improvement at the facility.
First, he is revamping the concession stands. There will be new food items like Philly cheesesteak sandwiches along with the tried-and-true racing staples – hot dogs and hamburgers that will have improved quality.

On the track, Ragsdale will be in charge of surface preparation. Williams will run the pit area and race program. He has scheduled the annual events honoring the Legends of Merced and driver Ted Stofle, as well as the Merced Fair races. The races for the track’s premier modified and Sport Mod divisions will be sanctioned by the International Motor Contest Association, which has a long and successful history in Valley racing.

“My long-term vision is to bring Merced Speedway back to its heyday – when there were big fields of cars and the grandstands were packed,” Parker added.”

IMCA 2013 track champion Bill Egleston sees a bright future for the  1/3 -mile track.
“This is good for Merced in general,” Egleston said. “Ed cares about Merced. His heart is in owning the racetrack. Within a year, car counts will increase. Having someone from Merced owning the track and someone from Merced as race director is a big step in the right direction for the success of Merced Speedway.”

Merced Speedway begins its season with practice sessions on March 19 and 26. The IMCA racing season will begin April 2.

Angel Munoz has had his hands full doing more than getting his own car ready for the new season.

He’s got an entire race track to run in 2016.

A veteran of four IMCA divisions, Munoz is the new promoter at his hometown Lamar Speedway. It’s a role he never envisioned for himself but one he took on to help ensure the 1/3-mile clay venue stayed viable for a new generation of drivers.

“Being a racer, there are times when you get upset at a promoter and think you could do it, too,” he said. “Between running my little trucking business, doing all the paperwork for IMCA and being in charge of the 2015 banquet, it’s been a little overwhelming.

“But I’ve been to tons and tons of tracks around the country. I’ve seen a lot of good and I’ve seen some bad,” Munoz added. “I want to bring the good back to Lamar.”

Guardrail sections have already been straightened and support posts replaced. New grandstand seating and light poles will also be in place for opening night April 29, with much of the work done by Munoz, his fellow Lamar Race Club members and other volunteers from the local racing community.

“We have a good group of volunteers willing to ride this out with me,” he said. “I hope if get to race between our events but I’m not worried about getting to do it. Getting this track going and rolling good is my main concern.”

Ten race dates are scheduled this season at Lamar, including three weekend doubleheaders, for Xtreme Motor Sports IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars, IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods.

Those are the same four IMCA divisions Munoz has raced in and he’s looking to build car counts in each. That’s a goal shared by the Colorado Alliance Tour, which makes a couple visits this season to Lamar.

Munoz owns a pair of IMCA track titles at Lamar, in the Hobby Stock division in 2011 and last year in the Northern SportMods.

He had more post-point season success in a Stock Car, winning RPM Speedway’s Fall Nationals—and $3000—and then the night two main event at Thunder Hill Speedway’s Thunder on the Hill on back-to-back weekends in October.

“We had a good year in the Northern SportMod but that class just isn’t my cup of tea,” Munoz said. “I picked up a new B & B Chassis at Super Nationals in September and won four of five starts.”

First on his personal race schedule for 2016 is the Red River Roundup at Red River Speedway in Wichita Falls, Texas, in early March. Munoz will then travel east for the Iowa Frostbuster specials.

“I’m excited to go and learn at the Frostbusters,” he said. “This B & B car is nice. I don’t know if I can win but I think I can run with ‘em there.”

Munoz also plans to follow the Kupper Chevrolet Dakota Classic Tour in July and return to the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s in September.

His father Guillermo had started racing at Lamar in 1985, the year Munoz was born, and Angel got his start in the sport in a local 4-cylinder class.

“Once I got hooked I got hooked,” Munoz said. “I was young and dumb as a teenager. I drove 200 miles to race with a flatbed trailer and a toolbox. I got my butt kicked but that taught me how to do more with less. When I was able to get sponsors I got better equipment and I’ve won my share of races and track championships.

“I’ve got to say that going on 16 years of racing, I’ve been pretty fortunate,” he added. “I’ve had a lot of good people and a lot of mentors behind me.”

Munoz will be a racing mentor for seven-year-old son Tate, who will pilot a junior sprint this season. Daughter Jada is just 16 months old so the start of her racing career is a few seasons in the future.

Munoz is sponsored by Ron Austin Repair Shop, Ace Tire Service, JRJ Trucking and Munoz Trucking, all of Lamar; Bussell Farms of Imperial, Neb.; FX Suspensions of Phillips, Neb.; Sample Racing Transmissions of Hastings, Neb.; Schaeffer Racing Oil of Farmington, N.M.; Randy Stegman of Laramie, Wyo.; Nielsen Enterprises of Laverne, Okla.; Sybesma Graphics of Sanborn, Iowa; Mike Nichols Racing of Harlan, Iowa; Bassett Racing Wheel of Burlington, Wis.; and B & B Racing Chassis of Belle Plaine, Minn.

Reigning NASCAR XFINITY Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year, Daniel Suárez, will headline a group of eight winners at the ninth annual NASCAR Diversity Awards. The event is taking place today at the Daytona International Speedway in the lead up to the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 21 (1 p.m. ET on FOX).
 
The NASCAR Diversity Awards recognize the people and organizations in motorsports that champion diversity and inclusion in eight categories: Industry Ambassador, Diverse Driver, Ignition Award, Diverse Intern, Institution, Partner, Young Driver, and Pit Crew.
 
Notable previous NASCAR Diversity Awards winners include: Max Siegel, Darrell Wallace Jr., Phoenix International Raceway, Toyota, Coca-Cola, Sunoco, and the University of Central Florida.
 
Driven by NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France, the NASCAR Diversity Awards has become the leading means to recognize multicultural accomplishments across the motorsports industry.
 
The winners are chosen based on participation or support of NASCAR’s year-round diversity and inclusion initiatives including: NASCAR Drive for Diversity, the leading driver and crew member development program in motorsports; the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, a paid internship program for ethnically-diverse candidates with high academic standing from elite institutions; and the NASCAR Opinion Leader Initiative, which engages multicultural community, civic, and professional organizations.
 
“Becoming more diverse and inclusive is a huge priority at NASCAR and we continue to make long-term investments to boost female and minority participation across every level of our sport, on and off the track,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “Widening our appeal is critical to our continued expansion and we are proud to honor today’s winners, and many others across the industry, for their hard work and support.”
 
The 2016 NASCAR Diversity Awards Winners:
 
Industry Ambassador Award
Winner: Claire B. Lang, NASCAR radio host and current host of “Dialed In” on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio who has actively engaged with NASCAR diversity and inclusion initiatives
Description: Representative who displays an exemplary effort to incorporate multicultural initiatives as part of his/her job.
 
Diverse Driver Award
Winner: Abraham Calderon, 2014 NASCAR Mexico Series Champion
Description: Minority or female NASCAR developmental driver who exemplifies outstanding performance both on and off the racetrack in encouraging awareness and interaction with NASCAR and motorsports.
 
Ignition Award
Winner: Daniel Suárez, 2015 NASCAR XFINITY Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year, Joe Gibbs Racing and NASCAR Drive for Diversity alum
Description: Minority or female NASCAR national series driver who demonstrates leadership both on and off the racetrack while helping to foster the diversity in sport.
 
Outstanding Intern Award
Winner: Victoria Kim, a Penn State graduate and Pocono Raceway’s first NASCAR Diversity Internship Program intern
Description: Student who exhibits high performance and leadership skills in academics as well as during their NASCAR Diversity Internship Program.
 
Institution Award
Winner: National Association of Black Journalists, An organization of journalists, students, and media-related professionals that provides quality programs and services to and advocates on behalf of African-American journalists worldwide
Description: Civic or educational institution that exposes minorities to motorsports and encourages pursuit of opportunities within the motorsports industry.
 
Partner Award
Winner: Chevrolet, for demonstrating a commitment to NASCAR diversity and inclusion goals through its program support and engagement with NASCAR Multicultural Development
Description: Company that shows commitment to NASCAR diversity and inclusion goals through its program support and engagement with NASCAR.
 
Young Racer Award
Winner: Macy Causey, 15, youngest participant in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine
Description: Minority or female between the ages of 8-15 years old who has partaken in some form of competitive racing and has overcome adversity in pursuit of his/her dream of participating in the motorsports industry.
 
Crew Member Award
Winners: Rafael Diaz and Mike Russell, both of Roush Fenway Racing and part of the 2015 NASCAR XFINITY Series Championship team
Description: Minority or female crew member who inspires awareness of NASCAR through competitive performance and outreach activities.
 

Bryan Herta Autosport announced today that the team will join forces with four-time IndyCar championship team Andretti Autosport via a merger that will see Andretti field a fourth entry for the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season.

The No. 98 Honda will join the Andretti stable as crew members from Bryan Herta Autosport are also welcomed to the Andretti racing family. Herta himself will remain involved as he takes to the timing stand, filing the role of race strategist for the No. 98 and overall team driver coach. The team’s fourth full-season driver will be announced at a later date.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this new chapter for Bryan Herta Autosport,” said Bryan Herta. “Michael has been a long-time friend, and we certainly know that Andretti Autosport was a big part of my career. When the opportunity came together for us to strengthen our organization and merge with one of the most successful teams and names in the sport, it was really a no brainer. I’m especially proud that what we’ve built with all the employees of BHA will remain intact and become part of the fabric of Andretti Autosport.”

“Bryan is a long-time friend and I was happy to watch him build a successful Indy car team,” said Michael Andretti. “Bringing Bryan and his crew into the family is a great opportunity for all parties to build an even stronger organization. Having Bryan’s experience is a welcome addition to the team. I’m honored to be able to carry on what he started and look forward to a competitive season.”

The battle for the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series championship begins March 13 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla.

Chevrolet has announced it will begin its new Daytona Speedway delivery program later this year, which includes on-track driving and more. Chevrolet is bringing the experience exclusively to Daytona as an extra option when purchasing select new Chevy vehicles. The entire delivery experience includes:

• A tour of Daytona International Speedway
• An on-track driving experience
• A keepsake to commemorate the experience
• Authentication that the vehicle was delivered and driven at the Speedway

“Chevrolet is committed to offering our customers the best overall vehicle ownership experience possible—starting with the most technologically advanced and most dynamic vehicles in the brands history,” said Alan Batey, president of General Motors North America and leader of Global Chevrolet. “Beyond the vehicle, we are determined to deliver exceptional service through our dealers and unique experiences that only Chevrolet can offer, like driving your first miles in your new vehicle at the famed Daytona International Speedway.”

The Chevrolet delivery center will be located adjacent to the Gatorade Victory Lane. Pricing will be announced closer to the formal launch of the delivery option.

Additionally, Chevrolet has expanded its founding partner status with the Daytona Rising project. The multi-year agreement provides Chevrolet with naming rights for one of five fan injectors. The new and redesigned entry includes more than 20,000 square feet of Chevrolet new vehicle displays plus an engagement area for fans to interact with.

Chevrolet continues to be an official partner of the Daytona 500, and will receive Official Pace Car rights in select years beginning in 2017.

Motovicity Distribution, an automotive performance aftermarket distributor, announced the addition of Motul to its line card.

For over 160 years, Motul has been manufacturing high-quality automotive lubricants. It was the first company to use ester technology to formulate 100% synthetic automotive oils with resistance to high temperatures and continue to evolve its products using that technology as well as other innovative technologies. As a leader in synthetic lubricants, Motul is also involved with the highest level of motorsport competition and has partnered with numerous race teams and series, including Le Mans, WRC, and Moto GP.

Frank Lam, National Sales Director at Motul, is excited to have the product available through Motovicity. “Motul is extremely excited to work with Motovicity to service customers with top quality OEM approved oil and lubricants which meet and exceed industry standards,” he said. “In addition, our racing line provides performance enthusiasts maximum protection for their vehicles while offering a full additive package for racing and performance street applications.”
 
“The addition of Motul to Motovicity’s line card is a natural fit, and I am confident that our ASE-certified sales team will successfully expand Motul’s reach into the sport compact, modern muscle, and Euro markets throughout North America,” said Motovicity Sales and Marketing Manager Brett Kinsfather.

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

Milton’s Southern Raceway announced that new managing partners Tom and Kim Lowery will take over the track’s day-to-day operations.

The Lowerys, who were partial owners of the track before the retirement of fellow owner Bill Hoover, plan to improve the “little things” of the raceway experience.

“We are looking forward to the start of the upcoming racing season,” Tom Lowery said. “We want to make this transition as seamless as possible.”

The Lowerys have already set up new special events, such as the Six Shooter Series, in addition to regular racing in four different classes—modified, street stock, pure stock, and vintage.

The Six Shooter series is new for the Gulf Coast and involves three area dirt tracks—Flomaton Speedway (Flomaton, Ala.), Northwest Florida Speedway (Baker, Fla.), as well as Southern. Each track will host two races in the Pure Stock Division as well as the NeSmith Street Stocks.

While races are underway at one of the affiliated tracks, the other two tracks will be closed in an attempt to increase car counts and attendance for events.

“This is the first time in a long time that all three tracks have worked in conjunction to provide something of this magnitude to the race fans and everyone at Southern is proud to be part of this three-track effort,” Lowery said.

Southern track announcer Bill Gamblin said the Lowerys have also focused on improving communication among employees, including an internal motto of, “If you see something, fix it.”

“Sometimes with three people running things, it can be hard,” Gamblin said. “When you narrow it down, you can focus on the experience. Making some changes, not dramatic ones, but they can improve the experience for fans.”

WELD, manufacturer of high-quality forged alloy wheels for drag racing, has been named the official wheel of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).

In addition, WELD has announced its 2016 IHRA bonus program. WELD will award $100 to event winners in the IHRA Pro and Sportsman classes who use Delta-1, Black Draglite, Full Throttle and TT63 WELD Racing wheels during 2016 competitions.

To be eligible for its bonus program, competitors are required to place a WELD decal on their vehicle (of the appropriate size) at the beginning of each event and leave it in place during every round of competition.

“WELD is proud to support IHRA racers and look forward to them utilizing our newest wheels that provide the latest technology and performance edge,” said Norm Young, president and CEO of WELD. “As the official wheel of the sport, WELD looks forward to a great IHRA season ahead and sends best wishes to all competitors.”

Edelbrock announced its 11th Annual Car Show, which will be held on Saturday May 14, 2016.

On Friday, May 13, 2016, Edelbrock will once again be opening the doors of its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility to the public for free shop tours. Participants will get the opportunity to take a guided tour of Edelbrock's Research & Development, Manufacturing and Quality Control departments. This is a unique opportunity for automotive enthusiasts to see what it takes to design and manufacture high-quality performance products. Shop tours begin at 10:00 a.m. and will end at 2:00 p.m. Limited spots are available and are going fast. Interested parties can register online at www.edelbrockcarshow.com.

On Saturday, May 14, 2016, over 400 cars will fill the streets around Vic's Garage for the 11th Annual Edelbrock Car Show. Automotive enthusiasts are invited to come out and enjoy a day of hot rods, great food and live entertainment. The show will also host the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, where teams of high school students from all over Southern California race to tear down and rebuild an engine in a timed and judged competition. Additionally, the ever so popular Kids Corner will return with tons of activities for children of all ages. Many aftermarket manufacturers will be in attendance to exhibit their products. Show hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Spectator entry is free.

All makes and models of vehicles are welcome and interested car show participants can register online at www.edelbrockcarshow.com. Standard registration is available from now until April 15th at $35.00 per vehicle. Day of show registration is also available at $40.00 per vehicle. A limited number of VIP spaces are also available for a $100.00 per vehicle. Special arrangements can be made to accommodate small and large car clubs.

Event Details:

•  Friday May 13, 2016 Edelbrock will be hosting free shop tours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Saturday May 14, 2016, the Car show from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Vic's Garage, 510 Madrid Ave., Torrance, CA 90501

• The car show will feature the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, food and refreshments, displays from popular aftermarket manufacturers and a Kids Corner with activities for all ages and much more