Xtrac, who was named 2014 UK Manufacturer of the Year, continues to invest in its future by appointing Adrian Moore as managing director and completing a significant £3 million (€4 million) purchase of new machinery.

Previously technical director with more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Moore succeeds Peter Digby, who steps into his new role as Xtrac Executive Chairman. Digby will work closely with Moore, while concentrating on sales and looking after international motorsport series and key customers including Formula One, IndyCar and Xtrac’s extensive touring and sports car markets. Xtrac exports over 77 percent of annual turnover, which includes gearboxes, differentials, engine gears and other vehicle transmission and driveline products.

Moore will manage the day-to-day running of this advanced engineering business, known for its drivetrain design and manufacturing capabilities, directing a substantial part of sales revenue into research and development and capital investment.

Key technical staff, comprising Chief Designer Jon Marsh, Engineering Manager Stuart Croot and Head of Advanced Engineering Dominic Smith, will continue to report to Moore directly.

“We’ve planned Adrian’s succession as Managing Director for some time,” said Digby, who is listed among the Top 100 Most Influential People in UK Manufacturing. “This natural progression in the ongoing development of Xtrac follows the recent strengthening of the senior management team and emphasizes further our extremely successful 100% employee ownership structure.”

Moore, who is a fellow of the institution of mechanical Engineers, represents the motorsport industry on the government-supported Automotive Council Technology Group which aims to engage in the delivery of new low carbon technologies and development of the UK supply base, was pleased to accept the role: “We will continue our policy of employee ownership, our highly successful apprentice and undergraduate programs, extensive ongoing capital investment programs and investment in new technologies.

“Our principle objective continues to be to supply our motorsport and automotive customers with industry-leading products they can depend on.” Adding: “I am looking forward to an exciting challenge ahead and I would like to thank Peter, and of course the whole team at Xtrac, for their trust and continued support.”

On an operational level, the new machines will offer increased capacity and bolster supply chain security through the addition of two five-axis mills and a second Klingelnberg bevel-grinding machine, plus further developments to cellular gear manufacturing capability.

Tim Vehlewald, one of the automotive aftermarket's long-time industry mainstays, announced his retirement as President and CEO of ACL Distribution, Inc., effective December 31, 2015, according to ACL's Executive Vice President, Juan Bez.  

“I feel it's time for another chapter in my career. With nearly 40 years of a career that covered travel to over 20 countries on five continents, I have been developing skills as much as I have been accumulating airline miles. Over the years I have been approached to utilize some of these skills in areas that were of greater interest to me,” Vehlewald said. “My commitment to ACL has kept me centered on what needed to be done for the continued growth and success of the company. I am very pleased with the results of our efforts at ACL, and am confident the company is now positioned well for future success. I believe the time is right for me to make a change. Certainly there were many positive and memorable experiences throughout my career. I am grateful for the experience and the people I have shared these with over the years. Simply put, it's time to focus on different things.”

Vehlewald has been involved in and contributed to many industry organizations, including ASC, AASA, OAC, PERA, AERA, OAC, AWDA and so on.

Vehlewald began his career in 1976 at Borg Warner in Franklin Park, Illinois. He had been hired by Borg Warner as an inside salesman to “learn the ropes” of  the automotive aftermarket. He stated, “It was a culture shock to say the least and fraught with intimidation. Here I was, a twenty-year-old from rural Missouri stepping into a job that over time suddenly became a career.”

Vehlewald advanced through the ranks during his 14-year tenure at Borg Warner and attained the position of Vice President of sales with responsibility for a sales volume of $120mm and management of more than 150 territory, district and regional sales people.  

In 1990, he accepted the position of Director of Sales with Sealed Power Replacement Division of SPX Corporation in Muskegon, Michigan. Less than two years later, Federal Mogul Corporation purchased Sealed Power and Vehlewald moved his family for the 10th time to become Director of Programmed Distribution at Federal Mogul in the Detroit area.

Then in 1996, Vehlewald took on yet another opportunity. He became President and CEO of ACL America, Inc. with sales and distribution responsibilities for North, Central and South America. ACL America was then a division of Automotive Components Limited with headquarters in Australia. Through a series of events, Vehlewald purchased ACL Distribution Inc., located in Grand Rapids, MI in 2010. Two years later he sold the operation to an Asian automotive parts manufacturer and has continued on as President and CEO until the present time.

Vehlewald looks forward to the next chapter with the same optimism he took over the last 40 years of his career—grateful for what he has already achieved and anxious to see what is still ahead. 

Michael Weney has been named S&W Performance Group President. Weney was promoted on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, by his father and company founder, Walt Weney. Previously, Michael held the position of Executive Vice President of the group’s S&W Race Cars division (2005–2015).

He began working for the family business in 1975. He spent most of his younger years at the drag races, working with his father’s race team with his brothers Gary, Scott and sister Terri. As other teams recognized Michael’s skills, he was invited to work with such greats as Jade Grenade TF, Swenson & Lani’s FC, Jungle Jim/Jake Crimmins FC, Frantic Ford FC, Neil Mahr and many of Scott’s cars throughout the years.

“My most memorable ‘racing experience’ was attending the 1st Annual NHRA Puerto Rico Nationals, in Salinas – 1975,” said Weney. “My family and I were honored to be representing the USA, and it’s something that I will never forget.”  

In the late 80’s, Weney ventured outside of the family business. He accepted an offer to become the General Manager of a large screen printing equipment factory, in Philadelphia. Michael also saw the value of education, as he attended The Philadelphia School of Business in the evenings. After gaining ‘outside world’ experience, he returned to S&W in the early 90’s. Since, he has held many positions within the company including draftsman to shop foreman and everything in between. He has played an integral role in S&W’s expansion and in their numerous accomplishments such as: Car Craft Chassis Builder of the Year Awards, Best Engineered, Best Appearing, Record Setting and World Championships with all types of cars and classes.

Michael looks forward to leading the group to continue the 56 year history of growth and great accomplishments, as his father and brother did so well before him. The new President will be attending the Tribute to Scott Weney / Fun in the Sun Race at Bradenton, FL Nov. 13-16th, 2015. He will be proudly presenting the Dragster Give-A-Way race winner with a brand new 2015 S&W Dragster Roller.

Michael stated, “This is an emotional project that would not be possible without the participation of S&W’s generous vendors.” In addition to attending the FIS race, he will also be attending the PRI Show this December.

Michael is not only a ‘family-business’ man, he is a family man as well. He has the support of his wife of 29 years, Marlene and his daughters Jillian, Amanda and Nicole. Michael and Marlene are also blessed with four grandchildren; Isabella, John, Hayden and Aubrey.

The 2015 NMCA Flowmaster Awards Ceremony will be held once again during the PRI Trade Show on Friday, December 11, in the Sagamore Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center. The NMCA festivities begin with cocktails at 5:00pm with the awards ceremony from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

At the ceremony, attendees will join the competitors as they receive their top-10 awards, Nitto Tire Diamond Tree Championship Rings and Championship Awards courtesy of Aerospace Components.

The NMCA Awards Ceremony is a fun and exciting event with Bret Kepner as the host, cool videos, special awards, slide shows and guest speakers. It tops off a great season of muscle car drag racing.

Motovicity Distribution, a leader in the automotive performance aftermarket, has spun off a new company dedicated exclusively to importing and representing performance aftermarket brands in North America.
 
After handling the importing and management of brands for over a decade, Motovicity has decided to separate these responsibilities into an independent business. The new company, named Mport Group, is responsible for North American operations, sales, service, and marketing for brands for which it has agreements to be the exclusive North American importer.
 
The additional requirements of providing such resources as technical support, warranty processing, outside sales, and an expanded network of distributors has created the need for this new company. Mport Group now oversees all importing responsibility and Motovicity has now become an Mport Group customer.
 
“With a first-class team and infrastructure in place, Mport Group offers international manufacturers a way to provide aftermarket sales, marketing, technical and customer support, and logistics services tailored for the North American market,” said Mport Group’s General Manager, Brian Patrias. “With the established success of brands like HKS, Kelford, Quaife, and Tokico, I look forward to providing similar opportunities for other performance brands around the globe.”
 
Within its 10,000 square foot location, Mport Group provides final assembly, packaging, R&D testing facilities, product data, customer and technical support, strategic planning, training, warranty, marketing, video and photography, social media, and sales for brands it represents. A more detailed list of services offered by Mport Group is available by contacting the company’s General Manager, Brian Patrias, at Brian.Patrias@mport-group.com.

WELD has acquired the assets of HiPer Technology, Inc., manufacturer of high performance “super structural” carbon fiber wheels for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and side-by-side (UTV) vehicles, based in Lawrence, Kansas. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“WELD is excited to add HiPer’s products to our portfolio of premium performance lines. This strategic acquisition brings new markets as well as cutting-edge materials and processes to WELD,” said WELD president and CEO Norm Young. “We were attracted to HiPer due to its leadership in advanced carbon fiber composite technology, and shared motorsports success and history.”

Young said technology from HiPer will be integrated into WELD wheels where it strategically fits. “The HiPer brand is unique and well respected by its customer base, and something that we will keep intact. In addition, we have an aggressive plan to provide the resources necessary to continue to grow the brand.”

HiPer Technology has developed and manufactured products using super structural carbon fiber composite resins by employing proprietary molding techniques. To date, the company’s activities have focused on modular carbon fiber racing wheels for motor sport vehicles through its primary consumer division, HiPer Racing Wheels.

HiPer’s carbon fiber materials and processes produce wheels that are significantly lighter and more durable than the competition. HiPer wheels have won championships in cross-country, motocross, short course, and desert racing through weight reduction and the ability to absorb impacts, making them substantially more rugged.

The 2015 NMRA Keystone Automotive Awards Ceremony will be held once again during the PRI Trade Show on Friday, December 11, in the Sagamore Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center. The NMRA festivities begin with cocktails at 7:30pm with the awards ceremony from 8:30pm to 10:30pm.

Competitors will receive their top-10 awards, Nitto Tire Diamond Tree Championship Rings and trophies.

The NMRA Awards Ceremony is a fun and exciting event with Bret Kepner as the host, cool videos, special awards, slide shows and guest speakers. It tops off a great season of Ford drag racing.

The entire inside wall of the backstretch at Texas Motor Speedway and the interior walls at the entry and exit of pit road will have energy-absorbing barriers in place when NASCAR races there in two weekends.

There were already SAFER barriers on high-impact exterior walls at the 1 1/2-mile track, but speedway officials said Wednesday that the installation of an additional 2866 feet to select areas should be completed this week.

Along with the inside walls, SAFER barriers are being added to three exterior sections on the frontstretch, directly across from the entry and exit of the pits, and at the start-finish line.

Another 2103 feet of safety barrier will be installed before NASCAR returns next April, and every wall will be protected following a third phase after that.

Twenty-six race car drivers and motorsports professionals have been voted into the Road Racing Drivers Club in 2015.

The group includes 11 Regular Members from the open-wheel and sports-car racing ranks, 10 Associate Members and five Honorary Members. The current roster of RRDC members now numbers 486. Voting was held among all current RRDC members.

“The RRDC is honored to announce the addition to its roster a group of outstanding racing champions and others with remarkable racing credentials,” said RRDC president Bobby Rahal. “The new members have not only demonstrated their expertise on the race track and in the boardroom, they have conducted themselves honorably off the track as well, a quality the RRDC members take into consideration when voting in new members.

“We also appreciate that each new member has enthusiastically accepted membership in the RRDC. We look forward to working with them as the RRDC continues to pursue its goals of recognizing and mentoring aspiring race-car drivers through a variety of programs.”

While Regular RRDC members are race car drivers who have competed successfully at the championship level, Associate Membership includes drivers who have participated successfully in major professional events or in lesser and/or historic events, as well as those who have significant ties to racing, such as in the corporate, sponsorship, mentoring, patronage and promotion arenas.

Honorary Members are distinguished senior international motorsports champions, team owners and others who have demonstrated a life-long commitment in support of racing through active volunteerism, officiating and/or promotion of the sport generally.

New members:

LAWSON ASCHENBACH – Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Four-time Pirelli World Challenge champion (2006, ’11, ’13), 2010 Grand-Am Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge TC champion, and 2014 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Pro-Am World Champion.

ANATOLY ARUTUNOFF – Tulsa, Okla.
The 1981 SCCA H Production National Champion and President’s Cup winner. An eclectic car collector, whimsical raconteur, he built Hallett Motor Racing Circuit in 1976, near Tulsa.

BOB BAILEY – Sarasota, Fla.
Partnered with Mark Donohue to found Racemark International in the early 1970s. Began racing in the early ’60s, with class wins at Sebring 12-Hour (’67, ’68), Watkins Glen (’66, ’68), Daytona 24-Hour (’71), and high placings in IMSA, with a first-place at Lime Rock Park (’72).

JONATHAN BOMARITO – San Marcos, Calif.
The 2000 “Stars of Tomorrow” karting champion, the 2003 Formula Ford Zetec Champion, second in 2008 Formula Atlantic Championship, GT category winner in 2010 Daytona 24. As a factory Dodge SRT Viper driver, was second in the 2014 TUDOR championship, GTLM division. Racing for factory Mazda Prototype team in 2015.

PAUL BRAND – Lake Placid, Fla.
The 1980 SCCA E Production National Champion. Lead instructor at Skip Barber Racing School since 1984, and MX5 “Cup” race-car test/development driver for Barber since 2006. Has raced and won in numerous SCCA and IMSA series since 1976. Was the 1978 Driver of the Year, LOL Region SCCA, and the 1976 Maryland State Kart Champion.

SARAH FISHER – Speedway, Ind.
Indy 500 racer, with nine starts. First woman to qualify on the pole for an IndyCar race (Kentucky 2002). Has run her own IndyCar team since 2008. The Sarah Fisher-Hartman team currently fields driver Josef Newgarden in the IndyCar Series.

TOM HESSERT JR. – Cherry Hill, N.J.
The 1988 IMSA Camel GTP Light Champion, three-time Daytona 24 and Sebring 12 winner in GTP Light. Drove for factory IMSA Buick and BMW teams, and was third in WSC-2 class and ninth overall in 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans.

HARRY INGLE – Charlotte, N.C.
The 1973 SCCA Super Vee National Champion, earning the President’s Cup. From 1972 to ’74 he finished second in the Pro Super Vee Series each year, and retired from active racing in ’74 after taking five poles and seven Pro Super Vee podiums including a Lime Rock win.

KIP LAUGHLIN – McLean, Va.
The 1980 SCCA Formula Ford Northeast Division co-champion with Chip Ganassi. Raced from 1968-89, primarily in Formula Vees, and in Formulae Ford and Atlantic. SCCA 24-hour class winner at Nelson Ledges in Chevy Camaro with Dave Weitzenhof and Roger Marble. Has made more than 140 starts, with 20-plus victories.

TOMMY MILNER – Ashburn, Va.
Son of Tom Milner, and GM factory driver. Started in karts at 14. Drove for Panoz in 2006 and ’08 and for Rahal Letterman in ALMS in 2007, ’09 and ’10. Third in 2010 in ALMS championship, Six 24 Hours of Le Mans, including GTE class winner (11th o/a) in Corvette C6.R in 2011. Class winner in 2013 Sebring 12.

DION VON MOLTKE – Coral Gables, Fla.
Started racing karts at age 13, winning several local championships before moving up to the National/International level. As a pro car racer, he has multiple wins (12, as well as 22 podiums) in Skip Barber, Grand-Am, and ALMS, including the 2012 and ’13 Sebring 12s. A popular driving coach, he developed a program called “Perform 360.” Drove for Flying Lizard in 2014 and Paul Miller Racing in 2015.

Associate Members:

LUIGI CHINETTI JR. – Stuart, Fla.
Drove in three 24 Hours of LeMans races for North American Racing Team (NART) with Masten Gregory and Bob Grossman, including a class win (fifth o/a) in 1971. Fifth and eighth at Sebring 12 and fifth at Daytona 24 (with Bill Wonder) in 1970. Son of race-car driver and legendary U.S. Ferrari dealer Luigi Chinetti Sr., his knowledge of all things Ferrari is unparalleled.

JOIE CHITWOOD III – Daytona Beach, Fla.
President of Daytona International Speedway. Was VP of Business Operations for International Speedway Corp., President and CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, VP and General Manager of Raceway Assoc. (Chicagoland), and part of Chitwood Thrill Show, beginning at age 5. Was a stuntman and specialized in precision driving.

MIKE DAVIS – Huntington Beach, Calif.
Began vintage racing in 1967 and competed in SCCA Trans-Am Series as driver and team owner, driving with Boris Said. Raced in World Challenge from 2002-10 in Ford Mustangs for ACS Express. Team driver Brandon Davis won the 2009 title for the team. He and ACS Express are well known for their customer hospitality tents at racing events.

TRAVIS ENGEN – Weston, Conn.
Active in vintage and historic racing for over 20 years, racing worldwide. SVRA Rookie of the Year in 1999, 2000 and 2011-13 Monoposto Formula B champion, four-time Monoposto Formula Atlantic Champion (2005, ’08, ’11, ’12), SVRA overall Endurance Champion 2004-07 and ’09. HSR BOSS champion 2007-09. SVRA Sprint Champion 2004, and SVRA Driver of the Year 2004. As CEO of ITT, sponsored the ChampCar Detroit Grand Prix 1992-97.

JUSTIN GURNEY – Santa Ana, Calif.
Older brother of Alex Gurney and son of Dan Gurney. Started as General Manager of All American Racer’s 18 employees in 2001. By 2010 he was President and CEO. Has been instrumental in keeping AAR relevant as a major force in cutting edge manufacturing technology. Managed AAR’s construction of Delta Wing in 2012, and AAR’s construction of five chassis for Nissan’s LMP1 race car.

DAVE HANDY – Alton, Va.
Owner of Sasco Sports, a respected race-car preparation shop in Connecticut. Started racing in 1980, competing in SVRA events. Ran many SCCA events at Lime Rock Park, winning the 1995 SCCA NARRC Runoffs. Won the 2001 Monoposto Championship and was named SVRA’s Driver of the Year in 2005. Also won Monoposto’s FB titles in 2008-10 and was SVRA’s 2014 Group 2 National Champion.

JOE HISH – Burr Ridge, Ill.
At age 14, he hot-lapped Midgets in Chicago, leading to a 25-year career with over 100 wins as a top historic racer. By the late ’90s he was a regular Historic GTP winner against seasoned competitors, competing in SVRA and HSR. In recent years, he won races overall in 2000, ’01 and ’06.

NICK MASON – London, England, U.K.
Well-known Pink Floyd drummer and composer, car collector and racing enthusiast. Five-time 24 Hours of Le Mans driver (’79, ’80, ’82-84), achieving class podium and Index of Performance win. Nurburgring 1000 km in 1981. Winner, Silverstone GP support race in Birdcage Maserati in 1993. Winner Goodwood Revival in Aston Martin Ulster. Also a pilot, and author of Into the Red about his cars and racing.

RON MAYDON – Wavendon, Milton Keynes, U.K.
U.K. motorsports enthusiast since the ‘60s, owns and races several F1 cars, sports and touring cars. Established Masters Historic Racing in U.K. and Europe in 2004, now sanctioned by the FIA for the Historic Formula One Championship. Began operation of Masters HGP in North America in 2014, continuing the series originally established by Historic Grand Prix. Masters events in ‘14 included support races at the Canadian GP, Singapore GP, and U.S. GP.

RICK PARSONS – South Barrington, Ill.
Raced karts in late ‘50s, winning several championships in Midwest and East Coast. Raced Formula Ford 1970-79, then Can-Am 1981-86. Now races ex-Redman Lola T332 F/5000 car with numerous vintage wins. Also owns ex-Unser Jr. ’82 championship GR3 Can-Am car. Founded Vintage Indy Racing Group, and is VP of F/5000 Drivers Assn.

Honorary Members:

DR. JACQUES DALLAIRE – Concord, N.C.
Developed the High Performance Index heart monitoring program for extreme-environment athletes, first used in F1 with Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet. Founded and runs Performance Prime for enhancing mental and physical maximum performance. Founding member of the International Council of Motorsport Sciences. Advisory board member of Stand 21 Safety Foundation. Inducted into Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007. Featured presenter at RRDC seminars, and on-line instructor for RRDC Safe is Fast program.

ROBERT DAVIS – San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Senior VP Mazda North America, overseeing all U.S. sales, marketing, parts and service, dealer affairs, p.r, and owner loyalty programs. In 20 years of various management positions, led Mazda into North American racing, from karting to sports cars. Created MAZDASPEED driver development ladder (now Mazda SportsCar Racing Academy) and Road to Indy programs for driver development. Drives Mazda RX-8 in NASA events and Mazda 787 Group C Le Mans car in vintage events.

EDSEL FORD II – Dearborn, Mich.
Great-grandson of Henry Ford, son of Henry Ford II, and board member of Ford Motor Co. Developed an early interest in racing as a teenager during the Ford GT40 Le Mans program. Worked for Carroll Shelby in 1966, and was instrumental in Shelby’s involvement with Ford in the new GT project in 2003. Former head of Ford Australia and Ford Motor Credit. Owns Pentastar Aviation. During the past 10 years has revived Ford’s racing culture, including its planned return to Le Mans in 2015.

T.E. MCHALE – Torrance, Calif.
For 18 seasons (1978-95) covered the beat for the Mansfield News Journal, including all events at Mid Ohio. Moved to contract work as a Pit Note Specialist in-market advance man for CART in 1996, then News Manager at CART from 1997-01, Communications Director for the Trans-Am Series 2002, and Manager of Motorsports Public Relations/Communications at American Honda 2003-present. Was pivotal in creating the relationship through which Honda became the presenting partner of RRDC’s Safe is Fast program.

ALWIN SPRINGER – Mission Viejo, Calif.
Legendary figure in Porsche racing. Worked initially as head of Porsche racing vehicles for Vasek Polak 1969. Co-founded ANDIAL in 1975, and was VP for over 21 years (1975-96), providing racing services to a wide spectrum of Porsche race car teams, including the Porsche 962s which won 50 IMSA races in the mid-’60s. Consultant to Porsche Motorsport N.A. 1990-96, President of Porsche Motorsport N.A. from 1997-04, then consultant again 2004-present.

The “Two-Round” qualifying format that took place at Talladega Superspeedway’s May NASCAR weekend will be in effect when both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) returns to the track this Saturday, October 24.

Qualifying for both the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola and Foodland/Food Giant qualifying for the CampingWorld.com 500 will feature two rounds that will feature every driver taking one timed lap around the 2.66-mile tri-oval during the first round. The drivers with the 12 fastest lap speeds will advance to the second round. The top-12 starting positions for both races will be determined by the fastest lap speed in the second round, while positions 13 and beyond will be established off the first-round speeds.

NASCAR officials will send cars onto the track at predetermined intervals, resulting in a constant flow of drivers making qualifying runs. The action on the track will never stop, except for the 10-minute break between rounds. Jeff Gordon, in his final year of NASCAR Sprint Cup competition, captured his fourth Talladega pole award for the GEICO 500 in May during the two-round qualifying format. It will be the first time the NCWTS will use the format at Talladega.

Qualifying for the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. CDT with Foodland/Food Giant qualifying for the CampingWorld.com 500 set for 3:15 p.m. CDT. Sandwiched in between will be the exciting start of the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola race at noon CDT.

The action-packed day concludes Saturday evening at the intersection of Eastaboga and Talladega Boulevards for Talladega’s traditional infield concert, headlined by award-winning Mercury Nashville recording artist Easton Corbin.  One of NASCAR’s favorites, Tim Dugger, will kick off the night and rock the rowdy infield crowd. The best part about the concert is that admission is free with the purchase of a Sunday race ticket for the Camping World.com 500 (starting at 1:30 p.m. CDT). The race is the final event in the Contender Round in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in which the field of title contenders will be trimmed from 12 to eight at the checkered flag.

Corbin's performance will mark the second straight evening of fun activities in the infield. On Friday, after a day of practice sessions for both the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola and the Camping World.com 500, the track will host its fourth "Big One on The Blvd" infield extravaganza featuring NASCAR’s top drivers and loads of fan fun.