The Marion County Fair Association has finalized the management staff of Knoxville Raceway for the 2016 racing season. Spire Sports + Entertainment, an athlete management and consulting company in the motorsports industry, has joined Race Director John McCoy and Business Manager Gary Schumacher to manage revenue, sales, marketing and public relations for the 5/8-mile central Iowa track.

"Effective immediately Kendra Jacobs, of Spire Sports + Entertainment, will fill the role as Marketing Manager for the speedway," said Dennis Hasselhuhn, Marion County Fairboard President. "Kendra has extensive experience in motorsports public relations, management and promotions in the sport and a long history in sprint car racing. We're looking forward to having her, along with her passion and commitment to the sport, join us here in Knoxville."

Jacobs has worked in motorsports since 2002 in both NASCAR and sprint car racing. She is also co-host of MRN's and MAVtv's "Winged Nation" which covers sprint car racing across the country.

"Knoxville Raceway is the premier dirt track in the country," Jacobs said. "Not only do I respect the track for its quality of racing and high-profile events but I also have an emotional attachment to the community and the atmosphere that I've been lucky to be a part of since I was a child. Knoxville is a leader in the industry and we're looking forward to working with John (McCoy) and Gary (Schumacher) to bring in new partners, more fans and further promote its status in the sport."

Knoxville Raceway recently announced its 2016 schedule which boasts the 56th Annual FVP Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey's General Stores on August 10–13, sprint car racing's most prestigious and high-paying event. The 13th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals move up one weekend to September 15–17. The 360ci sprint cars will once again take to the track for the 26th Annual Arnold Motor Supply 360 Nationals on August 4-6.

General admission will be $15 for adults and free for children ages 12 and under for regular shows throughout the 2016 season. For more information, including a full schedule and special event admission, please visit www.knoxvilleraceway.com.

SCCA Pro Racing announced the dates for the inaugural FIA-certified F4 United States Championship Powered by Honda season. The 2016 calendar features five tripleheader race weekends to decide the season-long Championship.

The entry-level, cost-contained open wheel series has generated significant interest since its September launch, with chassis manufacturer Crawford sending, to date, 92 purchase agreements to teams, drivers and schools.
 
"At the F4 United States Championship launch, we stated that we were searching for a five-stop, 15-race schedule on premier tracks, concentrating on the eastern half of the United States to start," Steve Oseth, SCCA Pro Racing GM said. "We've done that, and now can let those interested in the Series know not just what they can race, but when and where."
 
The F4 United States Championship, utilizing the FIA Formula 4 homologated Crawford chassis and Honda K20 C1 2.0-liter engine, makes its official debut at Lime Rock Park on Memorial Day Weekend, May 27–28, in concert with the Pirelli World Challenge GT and GTS event.
 
The following two stops on the schedule are at New Jersey Motorsports Park, June 10–12, and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, August 13–14. Both events include participation from SCCA Pro Racing's Trans Am Series, with the Mid-Ohio date highlighted by the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
 
Road Atlanta, September 17–18, will be shared with HSR's fall vintage weekend. The inaugural championship will conclude at Homestead-Miami Speedway with Trans Am, October 9–10.
 
A mid-season break was built into the schedule to allow each team a chance to reset before the push to the end of the season. With two events still on the calendar, everyone can examine data from the first part of the season to optimize both car and driver for a chance to capture the inaugural series championship.
 
The F4 United States Championship will join FIA Formula 4 championships already established in Australia, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Northern Europe and the United Kingdom for 2016.
 
An American-built Crawford carbon-composite chassis and Honda K20 C1 2.0-liter engine, producing the FIA-mandated 158 hp, leads the series. Pirelli P Zero racing radial tires complete the package, which will meet the FIA price cap of $45,000 for the chassis, including paddle shifters, data acquisition and camera. The Honda engine will carry a one-year lease price of $6,600. Tires will be priced at approximately $250 apiece, with a maximum allotment of six tires (three front, three rear) per race weekend.
 
Cars will begin delivery to customers in January.
 
At the September launch, the Series announced a prize plan of $1000 to win each of the three weekend races, with an additional $1000 prize to the "weekend champion," the driver who scores the most points in the three-race event. $500 and $250 goes to the additional podium finishers in each race of the season. A cash prize is also up for grabs for the top three season-long Championship finishers.
 
More information on the F4 United States Championship Powered by Honda can be found at F4USChampionship.com.

* Save The Salt: On the heels of a breakthrough meeting between land speed racing advocates and stakeholder groups in early fall, Save The Salt Coalition chairman (and SEMA chairman) Doug Evans declared, “We are finally at the starting line in the race to save Bonneville.”

In fact, the significance of this mid-September gathering at the famed Salt Flats cannot be overstated—nor should its urgency. Four of the five major racing events held annually at the BSF were cancelled in 2015 due to weather and deteriorating conditions. And while Mother Nature will behave as it pleases, conflicting reports over who is responsible for the dwindling Salt Flats—and even whether they actually are dwindling—have resulted in precious little progress toward preserving this National Historic Landmark.

That is, until members of the Save The Salt Coalition and the Utah Alliance (land speed racers with in-state connections) led government officials, mine operators, geologists, engineers and others on a tour of the area and follow-up powwow to begin laying out tangible action items, including brine pumping, targeted dry salt laydowns, and easing mud contamination.

Picking up the baton—and sure to provide lively debate—will be a panel discussion at the 2015 PRI Trade Show called “Opportunities in Land Speed Racing,” in which yours truly will engage some of the leading figures in LSR today about the state of the salt, how to get involved, and efforts currently underway to help restore this sanctuary of speed for generations to come. We encourage you to join us from 8–9 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, in Room 239 of the Indiana Convention Center.

* Double Down With The Musis: Without question, Pat Musi has propelled himself—and his ultra-successful Pat Musi Racing Engines—into drag racing’s upper class. Musi, who founded Pat’s Speed Shop way back in 1970, would transform his small speed shop into a race engine-building empire, whose clientele over the ensuing several decades would win countless races, events and championships.

In step with her legendary father is Lizzy Musi, president of Musi Enterprises and a record-breaking pilot in Pro Nitrous, where she recently became the first female to run 201 mph in the 1/8-mile.

What’s more, we’ll have both on stage for a special presentation at PRI 2015 to discuss how this iconic company operates, how Pat and Lizzy view the current racing landscape, what the future holds for their business, and much more. This can’t-miss seminar, offered free of charge for Trade Show attendees, takes place on Friday, December 11, from 8–9 a.m. in Room 242 of the Indiana Convention Center. Be sure to arrive early, as seating is limited!

* 'Mile' Marker: It was a final-episode-of-Cheers-type moment at the Super DIRT Week finale last month when Stewart Friesen took the checkered flag in the 44th running of the Syracuse 200 at the New York State Fairgrounds. While the 32-year-old Friesen pocketed $50,000 for the win—hey, someone had to do it—he also helped lower the curtain on one of racing’s most cherished venues.

The “Moody Mile” was among just a handful of mile-long dirt ovals remaining in the US, and its 110-plus years of auto racing history covers names like Andretti, Bettenhausen, Flock, Foyt, Kinser, Johnson, Petty, Unser and many others.

To help preserve the Mile’s memory, the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, New York, is hosting a daylong program on Saturday, November 14, that will highlight the track’s past while looking ahead to the future of Super DIRT Week in Central New York. The day’s activities, which are free and open to the public, will include a live radio broadcast, panel discussions, display cars and much more.

“Anybody who has been a fan of the Syracuse Mile ought to be there, because a lot of stories and memories will be shared,” said radio personality and track announcer Joe Marotta. “It’s going to be like visiting an old friend.” More information is available at www.racingarchives.org.

Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, has received approval from members of the City Council for the extension of its license for the annual event with the City of St. Petersburg through 2020.
 
Under the amendment, the dates for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg have also been confirmed through 2018. The event will be held on March 11-13 in 2016, March 9-12 in 2017 and March 8-11 in 2018, with the Verizon IndyCar Series headlining the weekend.  
 
“We would like to express our sincere thanks to Mayor Rick Kriseman, members of City Council and all city staff for their support and approval of this extension,” said Kim Green, Owner, Chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “The City of St. Petersburg has a special place in the history of racing, and we look forward to running the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg here for years to come.”
 
Planning for the 2016 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is underway; for more information on the event, visit gpstpete.com.
 

Australia's new professional drag racing series, 400 Thunder, will be sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) for future events, starting with December’s Home Group WA Nitro Slam at Perth Motorplex.   

The move to the IHRA comes after a successful debut for 400 Thunder series at the East Coast Nationals, recently held at Sydney Dragway. The event attracted 62 professional teams with entries from every state and territory of Australia, as well as the US.
 
The East Coast Nationals was sanctioned by the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA), which indicated to Perth Motorplex it will not sanction future 400 Thunder events, according to published reports.
 
ANDRA also reportedly notified its members that it is unlikely permits for Perth and Willowbank Raceway will be issued "in the foreseeable future for any event that forms part of a non-ANDRA series.”
 
400 Thunder spokesman Gerald McDornan said the move to IHRA was a decision not taken lightly, but is an asset for the future of professional drag racing in Australia. IHRA President, Scott Gardner welcomed 400 Thunder to the organization and said all the facilities at which the series will visit had already been inspected and approved.

"The International Hot Rod Association is proud to welcome 400 Thunder, running at Willowbank, Sydney and Perth, to the IHRA family," Gardner said.
 
"We take great pride in being an organization that reaches beyond the borders of our country in an effort to promote drag racing on an international scale throughout Canada, Aruba, the Bahamas, New Zealand, and now Australia.
 
McDornan said the IHRA would recognize the existing rules, technical regulations and licenses in Australia in the interim to ensure a seamless transition for competitors.
 
Sportsman racers will also be included in the 400 Thunder IHRA switch with local rules, regulations and licenses recognized as per the professional categories to ensure competitors incur no additional costs.
 
"400 Thunder's arrangements also open up a new world of opportunities for Sportsman competitors, including the opportunity to represent Australia at the IHRA World Finals,” McDornan said.
 
"We will make more announcements over time, but we are already excited by the opportunities."

For more information, visit www.IHRA.com

Digging has begun at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) for the first of four foundations supporting Colossus, the world's largest outdoor, center-hung video display.

Announced in October, Colossus will revolutionize the look and sound of the World's Fastest Half-Mile. Four massive towers weighing in at 437 tons and ranging in height from 190-220 feet will be anchored outside the stadium, providing the framework necessary to suspend the 78-ton gondola and screens above the infield.

"This is a game changer," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway. "This fan enhancement goes beyond providing our guests a great experience, it opens us up to many future options in the sports and entertainment world."

The project draws on the expertise of multiple corporations and vendors including Panasonic, GoVision, Rentenbach Constructors and Hayward Baker Geotechnical Constructing.

Once completed in April 2016, Colossus will provide guests with a premium viewing experience that rivals the sharpness of the outdoor screens in Times Square, as well as thunderous, high-quality sound provided via 428 stadium speakers.

IndyCar has new leadership.

Jay Frye will move from chief revenue officer for IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway to his new role as president of competition and operations with the sanctioning body effective November 16.

Frye, 50, an Illinois native, will be responsible for all operations, competition and technical matters for IndyCar. He said the underpinning of his top line goals is simple: "Don't complicate what doesn't need to be complicated."

"Be a sanctioning body that great racers and race teams want to participate in and are proud to be a part of.  We are making great progress in that but there's still more work to be done," he said. "Another goal that we'd like to work on is harness the power of the paddock.  We have a phenomenal amount of talent, knowledge, experience in the Verizon IndyCar Series paddock.  We need to tap into this on a more regular and consistent basis. 

"We also need to build consensus with clear and defined goals for the league. We need to create more value for our teams with smart and well-thought cost containment initiatives. There's many different ways to do that without affecting the great racing product. That could be schedule, testing days at the track, league buying power, work with our great partners at Chevy, Honda, Firestone to offer efficiencies to the teams.

"A third top line goal would be Race Control as a whole. Officiating for any league is a challenge. Even with instant replay and challenges that the coaches have, there's still debate on whether the result was conclusive or not. One of the things we want to try to do as a league is minimize the debate. We're going to provide the best possible tools and regular and consistent training to the officials and stewards. We'll create a consistent platform where the infractions have a clear and concise consequence that the competitors understand and are aware of."

Frye will report to Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles, who will set strategy and oversee all aspects of the series. Brian Barnhart remains vice president of competition, Vince Kremer remains vice president of operations, and Will Phillips continues as vice president of technology. They will report to Frye.

Frye takes over for Derrick Walker, who resigned in August. The 16-race Verizon IndyCar Series 2016 season starts March 11-13 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. A first-ever street course race in the heart of Boston, a return to racing at Phoenix International Raceway and Road America, and the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race are season highlights.

As CRO since November 2013, Frye led the combined team of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway sponsorship sales, licensing and account services. In 2014, the team secured the series title sponsorship agreement with Verizon, as well as the addition and expansion of several other corporate partners including TAG Heuer and Angie’s List.

Taking over Frye’s vacated position will be Rod Davis, formerly serving in senior executive roles with the Indiana Sports Corporation, USA Gymnastics, RCA Championships and USA Swimming.

Throughout his career Davis has secured nearly $100 million in revenue through sponsorships, broadcast revenue and event fees while working with top global brands such as Panasonic, Coca-Cola, John Hancock, VISA and adidas. After founding Davis Sports Marketing a decade ago, he has represented leading organizations such as the NCAA, University of Notre Dame, Dale Earnhardt Inc. and USA Track & Field.

The first day of PRI-sponsored seminars at the PRI Trade Show leads off with a special presentation by Gene Marks, bestselling author, weekly columnist for Forbes, Inc. Magazine and The Huffington Post, among others, and a frequent guest on MSNBC, Fox News and CNBC.

Described as “energetic, informative and entertaining,” Marks’ presentation on December 11, 2015, is titled “The Next 2 Years: Your People.” In it, Marks delves into some of the most important employee-related issues for today’s small to mid-sized businesses. He’ll explain how companies can locate the best people, keep employees motivated and productive, manage mobile workers, and much more.

According to Marks: “The recession is over. Unemployment is down. You know this. Your employees know this. And over the next two years, as your company grows, the issue won’t be about just keeping your costs under control. It will be about watching what’s going on in Washington, taking advantage of new opportunities and being smart about your investments. It will be about capitalizing on the latest trends in technology, cash flow, and how to find and motivate the very best people.

“And your employees will be the difference. But being an employer has changed. There are new issues and unique challenges for managing people this year. And as the economy grows over the next two years you, as business owner or manager, must embrace these changes so that you can succeed. And that’s what this presentation is all about.”

Marks’ seminar, which is offered free of charge to all registered PRI Trade Show attendees and exhibitors, takes place from 8–9 a.m. in Room 239 of the Indiana Convention Center. Click here for more information.

Registration for the PRI Trade Show, which takes place December 10–12, 2015, in Indianapolis, is also free of charge for members of the racing industry. To register, click here, or visit www.pri2015.com for further details. 

TORC: The Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL recently announced its 2016 season schedule featuring PRO racing at many of the country’s most popular tracks, such as Crandon International Off-Road Raceway, and also includes a new track location outside of Minneapolis, MN.

In addition, Salt Lake City, UT-based action sports event marketing company Mountain Sports International (MSI) is in final negotiations to acquire ownership of the series. Established in 1997, MSI has owned and operated action sports events in a variety of sports categories, and brings a long history of experience to TORC.

“MSI is honored to join the short course off-road racing community as the managers of the sport’s premier series. Founded by athletes, MSI has always approached events by putting the sport and participants’ needs at the forefront of our decision making,” said MSI COO and Co-owner Dave Swanwick. “In 2016, fans can look forward to a bigger and better TORC experience with more of our racers moving up to the PRO 2 and PRO 4 classes.”

“AMSOIL is pleased to partner with TORC, once again, to bring top-level short course off-road racing to our devoted and incredible fans,” said Jeremy Meyer, Race Program Manager at AMSOIL. “We also look forward to working with TORC’s new management, MSI, to provide the ultimate competition experience for all of our drivers. The 2016 season is sure to be exciting for everyone.”

The 2016 season will include PRO 4WD, PRO 2WD, PRO Light and Sportsman classes. In April, the action will kick off in Charlotte, then it heads to Texas in May and Chicago in June. Exact dates and locations for the first three races will be announced in the coming weeks.

As the temperatures heat up at the end of June, so will the action as TORC will return to Crandon International Off-Road Raceway June 25-26. Crandon is the exclusive home of the TORC series and consistently attracts more than 50,000 die-hard short-course fans to the facility. The facility has hosted off-road racing events for more than 46 years.

After Crandon, TORC will head west towards Minneapolis for TORC’s July 16-17 debut at the new off-road track currently being constructed at ERX Motorpark in Elk River, MN. ERX has a history of drawing large crowds for high level motorsports events and is located just 40 minutes north of Minneapolis. The new off-road venue will be located in a natural amphitheater where fans will have visibility of the entire track.

From Minnesota, the series will head back east to Bark River International Raceway in Northern Michigan August 13-14. After Bark River, the series will return to Crandon International Off-Road Raceway for the conclusion of the 2016 season at the famed “Fall Crandon” Labor Day Race, the largest short course off-road event in the U.S. The series champions will be crowned, once again, at short course off-road racing’s most iconic track.

TORC 2016 Season Schedule

April TBA: Charlotte, NC / PRO classes only

May TBA: Forth Worth, TX / PRO classes only

June TBA: Chicago, IL

June 25-26: Crandon, WI (Crandon International Off-Road Raceway)

July 16-17: Elk River, MN (ERX Motorpark)

August 13-14: Bark River, MI (Bark River International Raceway)

September 2-4: Crandon, WI (Crandon International Off-Road Raceway)

For more information on TORC: The Off-Road Championship, visit www.torcseries.com.
 

WC Vision, the paddock-led organization that runs the Pirelli World Challenge series, has removed Greg Gill's "interim" CEO tag. With the confirmation of Gill as the series' new leader, WCV has completed the senior management change that began in September when it parted ways with former CEO Scott Bove.

Gill joined the series in October of 2012 as its vice president of marketing and communications, and was promoted to the role of vice president general manager in late 2014. Working alongside Bove, Gill acquired increasing levels of responsibility for running PWC, and with Bove's exit, he was appointed interim CEO.

Vocal support from within the PWC paddock, as well as the backing of IMSA executives, made retaining Gill more of a formality than an unexpected move by WCV's board of directors.