NASCAR has unveiled the 2026 schedules for its three national series: the NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

New and returning venues highlight next season's schedule, the Daytona Beach, Florida-based sanctioning body said, including the previously announced San Diego, California, street race, the return of the Championship Weekend to Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida, the NASCAR All-Star Race moving to Dover Motor Speedway and the Cup Series returning for points races to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, and North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina.

The O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series have exciting additions to their schedules, including both series returning to Rockingham Speedway over Easter weekend (April 3-4) for the second consecutive year.

The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will compete in its first two street races in the 30-plus year history of the series as it debuts at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and NASCAR San Diego. The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will be the feature event at Saturday's Grand Prix of St. Petersburg following NTT INDYCAR Series qualifying for their season-opening race weekend. This will be the first street race in CRAFTSMAN Truck Series history.

See the full schedules for all three NASCAR national series below:

NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series

For more information, visit nascar.com.

Images courtesy of NASCAR

Racing legend brings decades of excellence to the Grand Opening Breakfast, setting the tone for three days of innovation and connection.

Motorsports icon Mario Andretti will be the featured guest at the 2025 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show Grand Opening Breakfast, a time-honored tradition that officially kicks off the world's largest gathering of motorsports professionals. The breakfast takes place Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Indiana Convention Center.

The PRI Show is the ultimate marketplace for motorsports innovation, featuring more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and tens of thousands of attendees from across the globe. From manufacturers and builders to track operators and race teams, the Show is a hub for dealmaking, discovery, and community.

Andretti will join motorsports broadcaster Ralph Sheheen for a candid Q&A session that promises to inspire and energize the industry. Andretti's attendance is made possible by The MagnaFlow Group.

"The Grand Opening Breakfast is more than a welcome, it's our launchpad," said PRI President Michael Good. "Mario is not only one of the most iconic and accomplished drivers in motorsports history, but he also embodies the passion, innovation, and competitive spirit that our industry thrives on. His story will inspire everyone in the room as we kick off the PRI Show."

Andretti's career is a masterclass in excellence, versatility, and longevity. From winning the Formula One World Championship in 1978 and the IndyCar National Championship four times, to capturing victories at the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500, the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of LeMans, his name is etched into the history of nearly every major motorsports discipline. Beyond the track, he has translated his competitive spirit into thriving business ventures that continue to engage fans and fuel the racing community.

"I've spent my life chasing speed and pushing boundaries," said Andretti. "The PRI Show is where the future of racing is shaped, and I'm honored to help officially kick it off surrounded by the very heartbeat of the industry."

Racing fuels economic growth in communities nationwide, as highlighted by the recent PRI Motorsports Economic Impact Study. This groundbreaking report shows that the motorsports industry generates over $69.2 billion annually for the U.S. economy, sustains more than 318,000 jobs, and accounts for $22.1 billion in wages and benefits.

The PRI Show is a catalyst for that continued growth, bringing together innovators, businesses, and industry leaders from across the motorsports landscape to drive collaboration, showcase breakthrough technologies, and reinforce the economic vitality of the sport.

"Mario Andretti's journey mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit we see across the PRI Show floor, from startups to legacy brands," said PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. "His perspective connects with our community in a way that's deeply personal and professionally meaningful."

"With MagnaFlow's heritage in race exhaust and now Camburg's expertise in race suspension, The MagnaFlow Group is proud to have Mario represent us at PRI and speak to the racing community," said Richard Waitas, spokesperson for The MagnaFlow Group. "His legacy of performance and precision mirrors our commitment to empowering racers and builders at every level."

Doors to the Grand Opening Breakfast open at 6:30 a.m., and the program begins at 7:30 a.m. The breakfast is free to all PRI attendees, but guests are advised to arrive early as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The PRI Show draws attendees from all 50 states and around the globe, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, fabricators, media, and more. Early registration ensures attendees receive their credentials in advance—starting in October—saving time and avoiding lines at the Show.

To register, book hotel accommodations, and learn more about the 2025 PRI Show, visit PRI2025.com/Attend.

About Performance Racing Industry
Performance Racing Industry fuels the passion for motorsports by building, promoting, and protecting the worldwide racing community. PRI supports the interests of racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning bodies and businesses through legislative action and advocacy, its monthly business magazine Performance Racing Industry, and the world's premier motorsports trade show, the PRI Show. PRI also supports businesses by providing market research, education and best practices in motorsports business and racing technology. For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com.

Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) and the Della Penna Foundation, two organizations focused on advancing women in racing, recently gathered in California with industry leaders, supporters and community members to connect, recognize women in motorsports and help further establish the new WIMNA Monterey chapter.

WIMNA Co-Founders Lyn St. James and Executive Director Cindy Sisson addressed the gathering, which is one of six regional WIMNA chapters that will host events and support organizational initiatives year-round.

"This was more than a celebration, it was a statement," said St. James. "When organizations like WIMNA and the Della Penna Foundation come together, we not only honor the women making history today, but we also inspire the women who will lead tomorrow."

During the event, Susan Lucas-Conwell, executive director of the Della Penna Foundation, presented Michelle Della Penna, founder of the Della Penna Foundation, with the WIMNA SHEro Award. Introduced in 2025, the award recognizes and celebrates women who've gone above and beyond in their contribution to Motorsports, according to the organization.

Della Penna and the foundation aim to increase female representation in motorsports by empowering girls ages five to 18 through scholarships, fellowships and hands-on programs.

People of any gender are welcome to join the chapter. You can find out more by emailing monterey@womeninmotorsportsna.com.

Motorsports competition is alive and well across the nation. Here's a roundup of racing events taking place this weekend:

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series

Event: Michelin GT Challenge at VIR
Location: VIRginia International Raceway – Alton, Virginia
Date: Sunday, August 24
Time: 2:00 p.m. EDT
 

NASCAR Cup Series

Event: Coke Zero Sugar 400
Location: Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Beach, Florida
Date: Saturday, August 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
 

High Limit Racing Series

Event: Gold Cup Race of Champions
Location: Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, California
Date: August 21-23
 

ASA JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour

Event: Motor Mountain Masters 150
Location: Jennerstown Speedway Complex – Jennerstown, Pennsylvania
Date: Saturday, August 23
Time: 6:30 p.m. EDT
 

American Sprint Car Series

Event: Harvey Ostermiller Memorial
Location: Big Sky Speedway – Shepherd, Montana
Date: August 22-23
 

World of Outlaws Late Models

Event: Sooner State Showdown
Location: Arrowhead Speedway – Colcord, Oklahoma
Date: August 22-23
 

World of Outlaws Sprint Cars

Event: 2nd Leg of the World of Outlaws Northern Tour
Location: River Cities Speedway – Grand Forks, North Dakota
Date: Friday, August 22
Time: 6:30 p.m. CDT

Event: Duel in the Dakotas
Location: Red River Valley Speedway – West Fargo, North Dakota
Date: Saturday, August 23
Time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
 

ARCA Menards Series

Event: Badger 200
Location: Madison International Speedway – Oregon, Wisconsin
Date: Friday, August 22
Time: 8:00 p.m. CDT
 

USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car Championship

Event: Sprint Car Smackdown XIV
Location: Kokomo Speedway – Kokomo, Indiana
Date: August 21-23
 

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Event: Rumble by the River
Location: Port Royal Speedway – Port Royal, Pennsylvania
Date: August 22-23

Image courtesy of VIRginia International Raceway

Grandview Speedway, Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania, is mourning the passing of long-time race announcer and public-relations expert Ernie Saxton.

The track provided the following statement:

Saxton, who had retired from active announcing at Grandview following the 2013 race season and served as the track's public relations and marketing mainstay for more than 50 years from 1967 until his complete retirement in 2021, passed away on Sunday after a brief stay in the hospital last week.

Saxton worked at Grandview from the early years through the wildly exciting heyday decades of the '70s, '80s and '90s which included the track's involvement in the old Tri-Track Series, and into the current era of racing which includes the highly sophisticated technology of today.

Saxton was known for his unique style of announcing, which at times was very 'colorful', a style used to get the crowds going and keep them into the night's racing action.

He was also very well known for his marketing and public relations work, from which he formed his own company--Ernie Saxton Communications--serving not only Grandview but other clients as well.

Working at Grandview Speedway for more than 50 years, Saxton became a very close friend of track owners Bruce and Theresa Rogers and the entire Rogers Family, who continue to operate the speedway.

The entire Rogers Family and the staff of Grandview Speedway extend heartfelt condolences to Ernie's son Richard, his family and all friends of Ernie Saxton on his passing.

For more information, visit grandviewspeedway.com.

Image courtesy of Grandview Speedway

A motorsports management veteran will guide revitalization and growth at Monterey's historic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

MEL HARDER
TITLE: President and General Manager
HOMETOWN: Monterey, California
FAST FACT: "Riding motorcycles has always been my favorite pastime, and I enjoy spending time with my wife and our dogs at a local park. The California car culture is amazing, and I am in the perfect place to enjoy it all."

Mel Harder, the new president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, will be a familiar face to many, thanks to his three decades in motorsports. Most recently, Harder served as team manager at Chip Ganassi Racing, and before that he was general manager of Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

His longest stint, though, was more than 22 years where he started his career, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), where he had risen to senior vice president of operations. An ardent motorcycle enthusiast, Harder was instrumental in bringing MotoGP, the world's top motorcycle racing series, to IMS.

Harder grew up near IMS, and as a teen he was known to cut classes to visit the track. His infatuation paid off.

"While in high school and college, I developed a relationship working for Tony George, then president of IMS," Harder told PRI. "Upon my graduation from Indiana University, Tony offered a position that provided amazing opportunities for me, as the business was going through a major transformation."

In his new role at Laguna Seca, Harder will work with Friends of Laguna Seca, the group that manages the facility, to expand the experiences and services for spectators, racers, and partners.

Harder and the Laguna Seca team will be busy this month with the Monterey Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb followed by the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

PRI: You have experience managing iconic tracks and a major race team. Does anything about managing Laguna Seca stand out as a particular challenge?

Harder: Friends of Laguna Seca is implementing its vision to transform this historic property into a world-class entertainment facility. We are in a unique position to revitalize, restore, and reimagine this iconic facility. The challenge is to continually evolve and not just appreciate the raceway for what it is, but what it can be. The result will provide a foundation to stabilize the business model for the future while providing a vital economic engine for the community and our partners.

PRI: Are there any key differences between working with a private entity and a non-profit, as it might relate to racing?

Harder: The facility is unique in that the race track and campgrounds are owned by Monterey County. Friends of Laguna Seca is a not-for-profit group of successful local business owners with a passion for the facility who obtained a long-term management contract to operate it. The current management structure provides a great opportunity to be nimbler and respond more quickly to the facility's needs than a public entity could.

PRI: Can you share any immediate plans for the facility?

Harder: We have an extensive capital improvements project list in place for the 2025 season. The most fan-facing project is reworking the...

To read the rest of this article for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio here.    

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "Newly Appointed: Mel Harder" here and machinery coverage in the August 2025 issue here. 

Racing companies can play an integral part in the future workforce by working directly with students in high school career programs.

In an industry where precision, innovation, and passion fuel success, the racing world continuously seeks fresh talent to drive it forward. One promising avenue to cultivate this talent lies within local high school career programs. These programs not only provide students with practical skills but also offer a direct pipeline for the racing industry to nurture and recruit the next generation of builders, welders, mechanics, and engineers. By opening their doors to job shadow days, apprenticeships, and internships, racing businesses and teams can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport while benefiting from the enthusiasm and creativity of young minds.

As a high school welding teacher, I have the privilege of teaching welding to a diverse group of students. My teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, safety, and real-world applications. I strive to equip my students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the welding industry and to foster a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work.

In addition to my high school teaching role, I am also a welding instructor at a local college. Here, I continue to share my passion for welding with a wider audience, helping college students advance their skills and pursue their professional goals. Teaching at both the high school and college levels has been incredibly rewarding, as I get to witness the growth and development of my students as they prepare for their careers.

The Vital Role of Education and Hands-On Experience

We will explore an important topic: utilizing local high school career programs to feed the racing industry's various businesses and teams. This topic is important to me as I have a background steeped in welding and a profound connection to motorsports that I inherited from my grandfather, Jo Jones, who was a revered chassis builder for the Southern Flyer dirt track oval go-kart. I've dedicated myself to sharing knowledge and inspiring innovation. As a high school welding instructor, I have seen firsthand the benefits that come from companies partnering with high school programs. 

• High School Career Program Benefits: High school career programs are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge that prepare them for the workforce. For the racing industry, these programs offer a unique opportunity to identify and nurture talent at an early stage, ensuring a continuous supply of skilled professionals who are passionate about motorsports.
• Bridging the Skills Gap: The racing industry, like many technical fields, faces a skills gap as experienced professionals retire and new technologies emerge. High school career programs help bridge this gap by providing students with hands-on training in welding, machining, engineering, and automotive repair. By partnering with these programs, racing teams and businesses can ensure that students are learning industry-specific skills that meet current and future demands.
• Early Exposure to Racing Careers: High school students often have limited exposure to the wide range of career opportunities within the racing industry. Through career programs, students can learn about the various roles involved in building and maintaining race cars, from chassis fabrication and engine tuning to aerodynamics and data analysis. This early exposure can spark an interest in racing and encourage students to pursue careers in the industry.

Job Shadow Days: A Glimpse into the Racing World

One of the most effective ways to introduce high school students to the racing industry is through job shadow days. These days offer students a firsthand look at the daily functions of a racing operation, allowing them to observe professionals at work and gain insights into the skills and knowledge required for different roles.

High school students have a variety of options to learn about motorsports careers, such as job shadow days, apprenticeships, and internships. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program gives students hands-on engine building experience and the opportunity to work as a team to prepare them for the workforce...

To read the rest of this article for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio here.    

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "PRI Education: High School Career Programs" here and machinery coverage in the August 2025 issue here. 

^{Wylie Messer is a high school welding instructor at Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Kentucky, and a welding instructor at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, Kentucky. He is also a host at Weld.com, where he creates educational welding videos for YouTube.} 

New registration features make securing a PRI Show badge in 2025 easier than ever before.

Attendee registration for the 2025 PRI Show is officially open for qualified industry members, and you don't want to waste any time securing you badge.

Set for December 11–13 in downtown Indianapolis, the PRI Show allows motorsports professionals to conduct business face-to-face with top racing suppliers and network with the worldwide racing community. Attracting motorsports professionals from all 50 states and 70 countries, this unrivaled global event unites professionals from every racing discipline, including stock car, drag, sports car, prototype, sprint car, midget, modified, formula, dirt late model, sport compact, karting, vintage and more, all under one roof. Sign up for your PRI Show badge now to uncover emerging technologies and source the hottest new racing products all at a convenient, affordable gathering.

New for 2025: Big Improvements to the Registration Process

The PRI Show team has introduced two exciting updates to make registering smoother, faster and more user-friendly:

One-Stop Shop Experience
After confirming membership, attendees will now only need to complete two prompts:

• Profile information.
• Demographic questions.

Single Transaction for Multiple Attendees
Planning to register your entire team? You now can do so all in one transaction. This requested feature eliminates one of the most common frustrations from years past.

Why Attend the 2025 PRI Show?

With a focus on the present and future of racing, the 2025 PRI Show promises to feature all the newest parts, latest innovations, nearly unlimited networking opportunities and access to an unrivaled number of motorsports manufacturers and service providers that can't be matched anywhere else. 

Expect the return of signature Show features like:

• Featured Products Showcase.
• Grand Opening Breakfast.
• Machinery Row with live demos.
• PRI ESports Arena.
• Indoor motorsports trailers exhibit.
• Track Operators, Promoters and Sanctions (TOPS) HQ.
• And much more!
   

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

View the current 2025 PRI Show Floorplan and start mapping out your visit. Book your hotel now to secure the best rates and locations here. As a reminder, PRI Membership is required to attend. Be sure to renew or sign up before registering.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the world's largest gathering of motorsports professionals.

For more information on the 2025 PRI Show, visit here.

The PRI Buyers Guide—the December issue of PRI Magazine--is the motorsports industry's premier source for new products and technology. This issue is mailed to 27,000-plus print subscribers with bonus distribution at the PRI Show. It is also available in a digital format that is promoted throughout the year in PRI eNews, which reaches more than 75,000 digital subscribers.

All motorsports companies receive one, 1/6-page, complimentary product submission for this comprehensive racing products and services guide, including easy-to-reference manufacturer, distributor and service-provider contact information. All submitted parts and services will be listed by category with sections highlighting the following categories:

• Engine Components
• Chassis, Driveline and Suspension Components
• Racing Components, Accessories and Services
• Machinery Tools and Equipment
• Race Track Equipment and Supplies
• Race Sanctioning Organizations
• Manufacturers Reps
• Warehouse Distributors
• Manufacturers, Distributors and Service Providers

Participating manufacturers and service providers also have numerous opportunities to expand their presence in the Buyers Guide with additional product listings, upgrades to full-page listings, page and section advertisements and much more.

Click below to submit a product.

Want to learn more? Click here for more information on the Buyers Guide distribution, product submissions, advertising opportunities and more.

PRI Business Members enjoy 20% off regular parking rates at The Parking Spot—making travel to races, events and meetings more convenient and affordable.

Access your benefit through the PRI Member Portal. 

Not yet a PRI member? There's a tier for you! Learn more at performanceracing.com/membership.

PRI is not affiliated with, nor does it sell or thoroughly evaluate the products, services, and companies listed. PRI provides this information to PRI members for their evaluation and consideration and does not endorse or sponsor any company, product, or service. PRI takes no responsibility for, and makes no representation, warranty, or assurance as to the accuracy, quality, reliability, or completeness of the products or services offered.