Permatex, an innovator in chemical technology for automotive maintenance and repair, has named Suzanne C. Liseo as Associate Product Manager. Liseo will be responsible for supporting the product management team handling Permatex’s various product lines and markets, domestically and internationally. She will also have a strong focus on new product development. In addition to assisting product management, Liseo will also be handling customer/sales data (NPD & POS), line reviews, promotions, as well as price list maintenance and management.

The announcement was made by Permatex’s Director of Marketing and Product Management, Sean Lyon, who noted, “Sue Liseo has been has been an indispensable asset to our company for over 12 years and done an excellent job in a variety of management support and customer service roles. We are delighted that she is now as a integral part of our product management team and look forward to sharing her talents and capabilities with our product managers.”

Before moving to Permatex, Suzanne C. Liseo worked in the audio market as a customer service representative. She is currently completing requirements for a BA in Business at Goodwin College (East Harford, CT) and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Societies.

Route 66 Raceway was awarded the 2015 NMCA Track of the Year award at the annual NMCA Awards Ceremony held during the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis on Friday, December 11. The NMCA Track of the Year award is presented to the track that best exemplifies hard work, support and commitment to promote and build the NMCA brand.

During July 30–August 2, 2015, Route 66 Raceway was honored to host the 10th annual NMRA-NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing. Due to rainouts at previous events, staff and participants entered the weekend with two races to complete in addition to the extensive and thrilling Super Bowl Shootout. Route 66 Raceway staff and NMCA/ NMRA staff worked together to complete all three events with Super Bowl Shootout seeing a record of 510 race cars and over 500 show cars throughout the weekend.

“Completing three major races over a single race weekend is an amazing feat,” said Rollie Miller, general manager & national events director for NMCA, NMRA and NMCA West. “We could not have accomplished this without the tremendous support and teamwork of the entire staff at Route 66 Raceway provided.”

“It is truly an honor for Route 66 Raceway and our amazing team of employees to be recognized at the NMCA Awards Ceremony,” said Scott Paddock, Chicagoland Speedway & Route 66 Raceway president. “The passion, commitment and tireless effort that our staff pours into each and every event ensures Route 66 Raceway’s tradition of executing best-in-class events for spectators and participants alike at our world class facility.”

The 11th annual NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing will return to Route 66 Raceway in 2016 – July 28-30. The event will once again feature the Super Bowl Shootout along with the F.A.S.T. (Factory Appearing Stock Tire) Shootout.

Stay up to date on all the 2016 events at Route 66 Raceway by visiting www.Route66Raceway.com.

Its Formula E team will be able to draw upon this industry leading resource with Jaguar Land Rover engineers working closely with the race operations team.

The brand achieved considerable success in the 1950s during the Le Mans 24-hour races and in the 1980s, the company also raced an XJ-S in the European Touring Car Championship.

Jaguar have not been involved in top-level motorsport since leaving Formula 1 at the end of 2004.

As one of UK's leading investor in research and development, Jaguar Land Rover employs over 8,000 engineers.

Jaguar Land Rover is to re-enter the world of motorsports as it announced plans to enter a team in the new urban electric FIA Formula E Championship.

'The future is about being more connected and more sustainable; electrification and lightweight technologies are becoming more important than ever as urbanisation continues to increase.

The iconic British marque outlined its new strategy going forward with a particular emphasis on EV technology through both its Jaguar and Land Rover brands. "Having said that, if an opportunity comes to drive for Jaguar in Formula E, I will be happy to take it. The calendar for next season (Super Formula) is not confirmed yet so we will see how it goes," he said. The move marks the luxury carmaker's return to motorsports 11 years after it ended its participation in Formula 1 racing.

Formula E launched in 2014 and holds one-day events in city centres around the world, with this season's calendar including Beijing, Moscow, Berlin, Paris, London and Long Beach in California.

Those who've dismissed Formula E due to its silent nature and lack of internal combustion engines have missed out on some genuinely great racing—for season one, every auto was completely identical, so the differences were exclusively down to the drivers and their setups.

Jaguar also partnered with Williams on the development of their C-X75 plug-in hybrid concept vehicle.

WAE has been contracted to lend technical support to all of Formula E's teams in the first two seasons, but that role will pass next season to French company Spark Racing Technology, the category's foundation auto supplier. Included in that investment will be "a portfolio of new electric vehicles" across bother brands, although Rogers refused to reveal which badge will roll out its first full EV production auto. "We believe this is a core area for us in the future so it is an ideal platform to base our technology on."

Verizon IndyCar Series officials will increase the amount of horsepower in the push-to-pass at road and street courses in 2016.

The pressure in the push-to-pass will increase from 160 kilopascals to 165 kilopascals. This will add around an additional 20 horsepower during its activation in both Honda and Chevrolet engines. The normal pressure while the feature is not activated will remain around 150 kilopascals.

“The Verizon IndyCar Series already boasts some of the most exciting racing anywhere,” said Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations, in a release. “This technological update is part of INDYCAR’s ongoing initiative to enhance the overall level of competition and excitement even more. Increasing the available push-to-pass horsepower will make the system more robust and lead to additional overtaking opportunities on road and street circuits.”

The number of push-to-passes at each track and the duration of the added boost will not change in 2016. These changes go along with other changes already made this offseason. These include cylinder head ports and combustion chamber, fuel injectors, camshafts, pistons and connecting rods.

“These updates are part of continued open development in the manufacturer competition between Chevrolet and Honda, but are also needed for performance and durability when you increase the peak power of an engine,” Marvin Riley, INDYCAR director of driver development, added.

The 2016 IndyCar Series season kicks off March 13 in St. Petersburg.

Roush Yates Engines announced a partnership with world-renowned CAD/CAM software company, Mastercam. In this partnership, Mastercam will be the “Official CAD/CAM Software” of Roush Yates Engines.

“Mastercam’s commitment to innovation and first class customer service perfectly align with Roush Yates Engines vision,” said Doug Yates, President & CEO of Roush Yates, “Their dedication to providing state-of-the-art software tools for CAD / CAM manufacturing and superior software products are why Roush Yates has partnered with Mastercam.”

Corporate wide, Roush Yates has over 50 machines that are programmed with Mastercam products in their three facilities including Roush Yates Engines, Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions and Roush Yates Performance Engine Group in Mooresville, North Carolina. These software products assist in machining engine components for the NASCAR FR9 and the IMSA twin-turbo 3.5L Ford EcoBoost V6 racing engines. Thousands of components are milled, drilled, and inspected to strict quality standards prior to engine assembly.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with one of NASCAR’S largest and most respected engine builders,” said Meghan S. West, President of CNC Software, Inc., “Mastercam has been an integral part of many performance racing companies since the 1980s and it’s exciting and rewarding to contribute to the sport in an official capacity with Roush Yates Engines.”

An industry leader for over 30 years, Mastercam prides itself on meeting the demanding needs of its customers by providing excellent products at affordable prices. Their strategy of combining superior software programming with practical shop floor experience is why industry professionals alike choose Mastercam. Through their dedication of providing superior customer service and product expertise is why they have remained at the forefront of the CAD/CAM industry.

Summit Motorsports Park was in the spotlight during the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) North Central Division Awards Banquet on December 12, 2015, at the Wyndham Indianapolis West, where it was named Track of the Year.

This marks the sixteenth time the Norwalk, Ohio, destination venue surrounded by theme parks and water parks has received Track of the Year honors, including seven times by the NHRA (2008, 2010-2015), two times by the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) and seven times by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), when it was an IHRA-sanctioned track.

“I'm honored and humbled to be recognized by the North Central Division as 2015 Track of the Year,” said Bill Bader, Jr., president of Summit Motorsports Park. “Our team works extremely hard and it’s nice to see their efforts recognized.”

Also during the ceremony, Summit Motorsports Park was applauded for winning the 30th Annual NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Racing Series North Central Division Finals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indiana in mid-September, where Summit Motorsports driver Nick Hastings won in Sportsman, Summit Motorsports Park rider Rick Poole won in Super Pro Bike and Summit Motorsports Park driver Chris Bear won the Super Pro Sunoco Race of Champions.

Then, Hastings, who had gone on to become the 2015 NHRA Summit Racing Series Sportsman national champion at the NHRA Summit Racing Series National Championships, November 12-15, 2015 at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California, was named ET Bracket Driver of the Year.

The honors officially bring to a close what has been a banner year for Summit Motorsports Park, and its drivers, sponsors and fans will celebrate during its 42nd Annual Accel Banquet of Champions, January 15-17, 2016 at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio. For information, visit www.summitmotorsportspark.com or call 419-668-5555.

Route 45 Raceway has signed on to showcase four United States Racing Association divisions as part of their Saturday night programs in 2016.

“I want to run a track from the racer’s point of view,” said B.J. McCammon, who joined Michael Burmeister as the new owners and promoters of the former Clay County Speedway at the beginning of the 2015 season. “Besides a good rules package, there’s a lot that USRA has to offer our track and, more importantly, our drivers.”

Fans at the 1/3-mile high-banked clay oval will witness USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks and USRA Limited Late Models.

All classes get a one-year grace period to transition to complete USRA rules, except for the American Racer KK-704 racing tire which will be mandatory for USRA Modified and USRA B-Mod competitors. USRA Limited Late Models will continue to allow the Hoosier tire used in 2015, with special incentives in place for those drivers using the approved American Racer tire.

McCammon, who worked for Bob Pierce Race Cars for several years and also competed in a handful of USMTS events in the past, also announced some eye-opening deals the racetrack is offering new and returning drivers.

Drivers who buy their USRA license through the race track in the month of January will receive a V.I.P. pass which entitles the driver to a free pit pass for the entire 2016 season.

American Racer tires will also be for sale through the race track at discounted rate.

As part of their weekly Saturday night program, the Route 45 Raceway will also host Hornets, plus several special events throughout the year featuring both winged and non-winged sprint cars.

Big shows on their 2016 calendar include the USAC National Sprint Car Series and the big-dollar mid-summer Tim Lewis Memorial race for Modifieds.

The number of entries for the 30th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire continues to grow as the 200 mark has officially been eclipsed with the deadline for discounted entry only days away.

Among the latest round of drivers to enter the indoor Midget racing spectacular is 2014 champion, Bryan Clauson, who will again be piloting the Dooling Machine/Rusty Kunz owned No. 63. First appearing at the Chili Bowl in 2002, Clauson has garnered six A-Feature starts with four top-five runs and a top-ten in all six Saturday finale’ appearances.

With Clauson’s name now added to the list, the number of feature starters entered stands at 20 with nearly double that looking to make their first Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals appearance in 2016. Moving the country count to four, Australia’s Mitch Gladman will make his first trip across the pond to compete in the Chili Bowl in a Zero Motorsports entry. The United States, Canada, and United Kingdom are the other three countries currently scheduled to be represented.

Announced during the 2015 PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis this past weekend, Indiana’s Chase Stockon was the recipient of the inaugural Tony Elliot Memorial Foundation sponsorship. Spearheaded by Tracy Hines, Stockon will pilot a car for Zach Daum Motorsports and is one of four cars scheduled to be in the Daum pit area.

With several teams continuing to finalize their rosters, the entry list for the 30th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire is currently on pace with 2015 which had 206 entries received as of December 15, 2014; giving serious reality to another 300 plus Chili Bowl car count. The record set at the 2015 edition is 326.

The current number of entries is 204 with 189 confirmed drivers. Chili Bowl qualifying nights are in the works and will be released at the end of December just prior to the 31st annual Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout which kicks off on December 30, 2015.

Tucson Dragway, in Tucson, Arizona, has joined the NHRA Member Track Network as part of Division 7, the Pacific Division.

Located just south of Interstate 10 on the Pima County Fair Grounds, Tucson Dragway is one of the nation’s most active drag racing facilities. Formerly an IHRA track, Tucson Dragway offered a full and dynamic schedule with nearly 100 events in 2015 and is looking forward to even more success in 2016 with NHRA.

Jim Hughes, of Phoenix, is the owner-operator of Tucson Dragway. Hughes has over 40 years of experience in the performance and racing industry and even spent time behind the wheel. He started racing in the 1970s and earned multiple victories across the country, including four division titles. Most notably, he raced to the NHRA Super Comp world championship title in 2002.

Hughes’ connection to Sportsman racers is one of the main reasons he has decided to bring Tucson Dragway to the NHRA Member Track Network.

“I’ve seen a lot of recent changes for the better with NHRA to build a stronger Sportsman racing foundation,” said Hughes. “The NHRA’s commitment to programs like the Summit ET series and Jr. Street series all play a big part in the future of our drag racing industry. I believe the NHRA’s new direction will help build better communication with spectator and competitors across the country.”

Tucson Dragway has already begun preparing for an exciting and eventful 2016 season. Recent improvements to the track include widening the staging lanes with a shoulder for easier maneuverability, grounding down the transition on the track surface and crack-sealing the shutdown area with help from Paul Polito of Tucson Asphalt.

Highlighting the 2016 season at Tucson Dragway will be the NHRA Pacific National Open Series, February 19-21. The track also offers a full complement of weekly drag racing, serving the community with Friday Night Drags, weekend Test & Tunes, Midnight Drags, the Summit Super Series, and Jr. Drag Racing.

“We are excited to have Tucson Dragway back in the NHRA Member Track family,” said Mike Rice, NHRA Division 7 Director. “Jim Hughes and his team are already making improvements to the property and will be a great asset to the Pacific Division and its competitors.  I’m excited to get back to this facility for our Pacific National Open Series event in February.”

As an NHRA-sanctioned track, the facility will be eligible to offer racers a variety of NHRA racing opportunities, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Jr. Street and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA.  Additionally, the track has the opportunity to host NHRA’s specialty events including the National DRAGSTER Challenge, NHRA Summit King of the Track, and NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge, where racers compete for the coveted Wally trophy.

NHRA’s Division 7, the Pacific Division, features tracks from Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. Division 7 facilities host NHRA-sanctioned competitions throughout the year along with countless other events for the heartiest of drag racing competitors and fans. For more information including schedules, point standings and more, go to the Division 7 website: www.nhradiv7.com.

For more information on Tucson Dragway and to view Tucson Dragway’s 2016 schedule, please visit www.tucsondragway.com.

The 2016 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama will feature 16 rounds on some of the most iconic road courses in North America.

The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) unveiled seven of the eight venues that will host its 16-round schedule for the championship, one of the largest of Porsche’s 20 single-make Cup Challenge series in the world. Each venue will feature two 45-minute races.

Entering its 12th season in 2016, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama will run 14 of its 16 rounds during IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events. The additional venue to be announced will host a special, cornerstone event in June.

“The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama continued to display strong competitiveness and popularity this season, growth we are working to continue in 2016,” said Randy Hembrey, IMSA senior series manager, Development & Single-Make Series. “IMSA is committed to this vital level of racing for semi-professional and aspiring pro drivers and is thrilled to continue a successful partnerships with Porsche Motorsport North America and Yokohama.”

The series produces intense, exciting competition for semi-professional and aspiring professional drivers in the world’s most produced and iconic race car, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. The IMSA-sanctioned championship is the perfect platform for drivers to ascend to the highest levels of GT competition, such as the WeatherTech Championship.

Rounds one and two of the 2016 season get underway March 16-18 at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida, as part of the prestigious Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida race week.

The series will head west for rounds three and four during the WeatherTech Championship event April 29-May 1 at picturesque Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, followed by rounds five and six, in June at the aforementioned to-be-announced venue.

A crucial summer stretch of six rounds on traditional event weekends starts with rounds seven and eight on June 30-July 2 at historic Watkins Glen Int’l during the Six Hours at The Glen endurance event in the scenic Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.

Then the series heads to the classic Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., for rounds nine and 10 on August 5-7. Rounds 11 and 12 will take place Aug. 26-28 on the challenging circuit at Virginia Int’l Raceway in Alton, Virginia.

Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama teams and competitors will share the bright spotlight with the IMSA WeatherTech Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship during rounds 13 and 14 on September 14-16 at the state-of-the-art Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Champions in all four classes will be crowned at rounds 15 and 16 on Sept. 28-30 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga. The final event of the season returns to its traditional spot alongside the Petit Le Mans endurance race for the WeatherTech Championship.

“The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama has become a tremendous development platform for drivers of all skill levels and teams and an important extension of the competitive spirit of Porsche,” said Jens Walther, president and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America. “Our long-term relationship with IMSA and partners such as Yokohama has elevated the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama into one of the marquee championships among the Porsche one-make Cup lineup of 20 Cups worldwide.”

Details about television and online video coverage of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama events will be announced soon.

“The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama continues as an important cornerstone of Yokohama’s motorsports program in North America,” Yokohama Tire Corporation Motorsports Manager Duane Sampson said. “We look forward to further development and growth of this partnership since becoming a marketing and technical partner for the 2009 season.”

2016 IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Schedule

Date – Venue – Location

March 16-18 – Sebring Int’l Raceway – Sebring, Fla.

April 29-May 1 – Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – Monterey, Calif.

TBA – TBA – TBA

June 30-July 2  – Watkins Glen Int’l – Watkins Glen, N.Y.

Aug. 5-7 – Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Aug. 26-28 – Virginia Int’l Raceway – Alton, Va.

Sept. 14-16 – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas

Sept. 28-30 – Road Atlanta – Braselton, Ga.