Budding ‘Street Outlaw’ Paige Coughlin set to go where no Coughlin has been before

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 12) — Third-generation drag racer Paige Coughlin is making a dramatic step in 2022, trading in the Super Comp dragster she’s been competing in for the last few years for a ’92 ProCharger Chevrolet Camaro. The college-aged daughter of three-time Pro Mod world champion Troy Coughlin will be vying for wins and national prestige on Discovery Channel’s “Street Outlaws No Prep Kings” television program, the latest series in a line of extremely-popular drag-racing-centric reality shows.
“It’s something totally different,” Paige said, “something that looks like a lot of fun, something that’s very competitive, and something no Coughlin family member has ever tried before.
“There were 15 races in 2021 and there may be even more next year. They’ll take place all around the country on drag strips where absolutely no preparation of any kind will be allowed. You’re driving these super high-powered racecars capable of covering the eighth-mile in well under four seconds with basically no traction. It can be really wild.”
Competing drivers can earn points at each event on the schedule with a “No Prep King” crowned at the conclusion of the season. Drivers must be invited to each race, where they will vie to make a 32-car field. Points are awarded as follows: Show up 5 points, first-round win 10 points, second-round win 15 points, third-round win 20 points, fourth-round win 25 points, and win race 30 points.
“They have a ‘Future Class’ where the show’s producers can see up-and-coming drivers and how they handle themselves in the pits, dealing and interacting with other racers and, of course, running down the strip,” Paige said. “We’ve been working hard to prepare for everything.”
Despite the show’s name, there are a growing number of female racers joining the fray. Lizzy Musi has become a star on the series and Kayla Morton is earning her place as well.
Longtime “Street Outlaws” like Ryan Martin, Big Chief, Kye Kelley, Scott Taylor, Axman, Farmtruck, Azn, Jeff Lutz, Birdman, Daddy Dave, Reaper and Monza also star in the series, where talking a big game can be every bit as important as winning a race.
“I’m just gonna be myself for the most part,” Paige said. “The biggest change will be saying what’s on my mind out loud instead of keeping it inside. It’s drag racing but it’s also a TV show that millions of people watch, so we need to make our mark. It’s also a great way for JEGS to reach an audience we don’t always touch with traditional racing. Most people watching these kinds of shows are interested in high-performance parts and we have them all at JEGS. I can hammer that point home by doing well.”
–30–
About JEGS AutomotiveJEGS Automotive is a worldwide e-commerce leader in the mail-order, high-performance auto parts business, offering more than 1M individual items for purchase. Founded in 1960 by drag racing legend Jeg Coughlin Sr., JEGS remains family-owned to this day with brothers John, Troy Sr., Mike and Jeg Jr. in charge. The company’s corporate headquarters, massive 225,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center, state-of-the-art call centers, the family’s classic car and truck collection, Team JEGS’ research and development facility and the offices of the JEGS Foundation are all located in Delaware, Ohio. For more information, call 800-345-4545 or visit www.JEGS.com.

World Racing Group Announces Creation of Xtreme Outlaw Midgets & Non-Wing Sprint Cars

Industry Leader to Begin Sanctioning Midget and Non-Wing Series in 2022

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – December 11, 2021 – World Racing Group CEO Brian Carter delivered groundbreaking news Saturday afternoon at the Performance Racing Industry show in Indianapolis.

The company known as the global leader in dirt track racing — home to the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars, World of Outlaws Late Models, Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds, DIRTcar Racing, and more — will expand in 2022 with the addition of Midgets and Non-Wing Sprint Cars.

Officially, the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series and Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Car Series have arrived.

Each Series will feature a 10-15 race schedule with a combined point fund approaching $100,000 available in year one with plans to only grow bigger. Long term goals center around increasing fan interaction and engagement and building the brand awareness for the sport of non-wing racing, as part of that every event will be streamed LIVE on DIRTVision as part of the ever-popular FAST PASS.

“I have always been a huge fan of this type of racing, and I believe World Racing Group can contribute to the future success of these classes,” WRG CEO Brian Carter said. “There’s no denying how spectacular Midget and Non-Wing Sprint Car racing is, and we want to bring it to more people. Working in conjunction with POWRi and USAC to the extent possible and combining World Racing Group’s already established resources will allow us to expand the sport and provide more entertainment for our fans.”

Added to the annual DIRTcar Nationals, the Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Cars will debut at Volusia Speedway Park on Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 14-15, in Barberville, FL. The non-wing heroes will compete in a $5,000-to-win show on Monday and go out with a bang racing for $10,000-to-win on Tuesday night.

During the inaugural campaign, several events for both Series will be held in conjunction with an already established World of Outlaws Sprint Car or Late Model race. For example, the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets will be added to the already prestigious Ironman 55 at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on Aug. 5-6 in Pevely, MO.

For World Racing Group, this creation returns the organization to its roots. When Ted Johnson founded the World of Outlaws in 1978, they first raced without wings atop Sprint Cars. The Greatest Show on Dirt became wings only in 1982 and never looked back, that is until today’s industry-changing news in 2021.

The newly created Series will be guided by Casey Shuman, a veteran Sprint/Midget racer who continues to serve his fourth year as the World of Outlaws Late Model Series Director.

“I’m beyond thrilled to get this adventure going in 2022,” Shuman said. “With the resources we have here at World Racing Group and the people we have lined up, I think we can build something great here. The Midget and Non-Wing community offers some of the most exciting racing in all of the world and we want to increase the awareness and exposure.”

A full schedule, complete points fund, race payout, and more information will be announced as the New Year commences and the first-ever Xtreme Outlaw season approaches.

For future Xtreme Outlaw news you can visit XtremeOutlawSeries.com, follow @Xtreme_Outlaw on Twitter, or like Xtreme Outlaw Series on Facebook.

NARC RELEASES 2022 SPRINT CAR SCHEDULe

12/11/21) Sacramento, CA … The West Coast’s premier 410 sprint car series is going to be busy in 2022.

The Northern Auto Racing Club has finalized a 27-race schedule that will visit 13 different facilities across California, Oregon and Washington. The amount of planned events tops last year’s mark by seven.

The racing will bloom to life at the dawn of spring on the first weekend in April with a trip to The Stockton Dirt Track on Saturday, April 2nd. The $6000 to win opening race has been coined “The Duel at The Dirt Track” and will also feature a pit crew competition. It’ll mark the first of four NARC appearances at Stockton in 2022.

Fan Favorites

Though it’s only heading into its eighth edition, the Peter Murphy Classic has already blossomed into one of the most anticipated events of the NARC calendar, and Murphy is ensuring the two-night show is even bigger in 2022.

NARC has expanded its involvement to both nights of the Peter Murphy Classic with the opener set for May 13th at Tulare’s Thunderbowl Raceway, and the $11,000 to win finale making the move to Hanford’s Keller Auto Speedway on May 14th. Both nights will also feature the Sprint Car Challenge Tour 360’s.

The lucrative Howard Kaeding Classic will be on July 15th and 16th at Watsonville’s Ocean Speedway with the NARC portion on the latter. Per usual, the after party will take place once racing wraps up on night one, and the HK luncheon will be on Saturday afternoon.

The popular Louie Vermeil Classic is currently in search of a 2022 location as Calistoga Speedway continues to be mired in a collection of bureaucratic issues involving the fairground property.  When a new venue is found for the Labor Day Weekend (September 3-4) tradition, details will be announced.

Speedweek Finds a New Home

The Fastest Four Days in Motorsports returns in 2022 but with a change of scenery. For the first time since 2012, the series will travel to the Pacific Northwest for four straight nights of racing in both Oregon and Washington on Memorial Day Weekend.

The action will begin on Thursday, May 26th at Southern Oregon Speedway. The next night takes the teams up to Willamette Speedway on Friday, May 27th. A double header at Elma, Washington’s Grays Harbor Raceway on Saturday and Sunday will punctuate the four-day blitz on May 28th and 29th.  Each race pays $5000 to win and there will be a special bonus for any driver and team who can sweep all four shows.

Dirt Cup

The Fastest Four Days in Motorsports won’t be the only trip north in 2022.

NARC is set to support the 50th edition of the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup at Washington’s Skagit Speedway. The three-night event is slated for June 23rd, 24th and 25th with the finale awarding a whopping $50,000 to the winner. The purse for the Saturday main event also exceeds $160,000.

The Dirt Cup will also be preceded by a pair of events the previous weekend. Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway will begin The Road to Dirt Cup on Friday, June 17th, and the next night, June 18th, it’s back up to Oregon for the “Battle at The Bullring” hosted by Cottage Grove Speedway.

California Mainstays

The racing tradition of California runs deep, and a few events continuing through their fourth decade of existence occupy a trio of dates on the schedule.

A single weekend in June will feature two coveted staples of the left-coast racing circuit. On Friday, June 10th Ocean Speedway will be the site of the 36th annual Pombo-Sargent Classic. Then the series will head from the coast to the Sierra Nevada foothills on Saturday, June 11th where Placerville Speedway will host the 31st Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial Race.

The series also will visit Petaluma Speedway and the Dirt Track at Kern County Raceway this season.

The season finale will be another historic event with the 39th annual Tribute to Gary Patterson capping the year on November 5th at The Stockton Dirt Track.

New but Notable

A few events are still in their infant stages but will continue to cement their spots as must-see, yearly races in 2022.

The second edition of the Anthony Simone Classic will be held at Keller Auto Speedway on April 9th and again pay $10,000 to the winner. It will also showcase a NARC wingless event for anyone who may want to demonstrate their versatility.

Hanford will also host the third annual Morrie Williams Memorial on October 15th that will conclude with a pair of 20-lap NARC features, the second being lined up on a complete invert of the first’s finish.  This lucrative event continues to grow in stature and popularity every year.

To celebrate one of the most successful sprint car owners of California, the first ever Dennis Roth Classic will take place at the Thunderbowl Raceway on October 8th. Fittingly, the feature will pay $8,300 to win and $830 to start to commemorate his famous number 83 race cars.

April Can’t Come Soon Enough

The heavy schedule should help create another memorable season for the historic sanctioning body as the 2022 calendar inches toward that of the series heyday in the 1990s.

Throw in a crop of the West Coast’s best drivers, and each and every night on the 27-race calendar is sure to be can’t miss as those gassers aim to cement their place in history with a NARC championship.

Schedules can be downloaded, and additional information can be found at NARC410.com. For more information, call 714-397-7417.

A separate announcement on series sponsors and the championship point fund will be released in the weeks to come.

If you can’t make it to any of the races during the 2022 campaign, catch them all live on Floracing.com!

NARC FUJITSU GENERAL USA SPRINT CARS 2022 SCHEDULE

April 2: The Stockton Dirt Track (Stockton, CA) – The Duel at The Dirt Track w/ Pit Crew Competition

April 9: Keller Auto Speedway (Hanford, CA) – Anthony Simone Classic

April 30: Silver Dollar Speedway (Chico, CA) – David Tarter Memorial

May 13: Thunderbowl Raceway w/SCCT (Tulare, CA) – Peter Murphy Classic Night One

May 14: Keller Auto Speedway w/SCCT (Hanford, CA) – Peter Murphy Classic Night Two

May 21: Petaluma Speedway (Petaluma, CA) – Salute to First Responders

May 26: Southern Oregon Speedway (Central Point, OR) – Fastest Four Days in Motorsports

May 27: Willamette Speedway (Lebanon, OR) – Fastest Four Days in Motorsports

May 28: Grays Harbor Raceway (Elma, WA) – Fastest Four Days in Motorsports

May 29: Grays Harbor Raceway (Elma, WA) – Fastest Four Days in Motorsports

June 10: Ocean Speedway (Watsonville, CA) – 36th Annual Pombo-Sargent Classic

June 11: Placerville Speedway w/SCCT (Placerville, CA) – 31st Annual Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial Race

June 17: Silver Dollar Speedway (Chico, CA) – The Road to Dirt Cup

June 18: Cottage Grove Speedway (Cottage Grove, OR) – The Battle at the Bullring

June 23: Skagit Speedway (Burlington, WA) – 50th Annual Jim Raper Dirt Cup

June 24: Skagit Speedway (Burlington, WA) – 50th Annual Jim Raper Dirt Cup

June 25: Skagit Speedway (Burlington, WA) – $50,000 to win 50th Annual Jim Raper Dirt Cup Finale

July 9: Petaluma Speedway (Petaluma, CA) – Salute to Baylands Raceway Park

July 16: Ocean Speedway (Watsonville, CA) – 12th Annual Howard Kaeding Classic

July 23: The Stockton Dirt Track (Stockton, CA) – Salute to LeRoy Van Conett

August 27: The Stockton Dirt Track (Stockton, CA) – Champions Classic

September 3 – Louie Vermeil Classic w/USAC-CRA – Track To be Announced

September 4 – Louie Vermeil Classic w/USAC-CRA – Track to be Announced

October 8: Keller Auto Speedway w/SCCT (Hanford, CA) – Morrie Williams Memorial (Twin 20-lap Features)

October 15: Thunderbowl Raceway (Tulare, CA) – Dennis Roth Classic

October 29: The Dirt Track at Kern County Raceway Park (Bakersfield, CA) – Sprint Car Showdown

November 5: The Stockton Dirt Track w/SCCT (Stockton, CA) – 39th Annual Tribute to Gary Patterson

CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS CELEBRATION:  November 6:  Brookside Country Club (Stockton, CA)

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NARC KING OF THE WEST FUJITSU GENERAL SPRINT CARS 2021 SEASON REVIEW

December 10, 2021 Jim Allen

(12/9/2021 – Alex Nieten) Sacramento, CA… After the disappointment of 2020’s pandemic shortened season, the NARC King of the West Fujitsu General USA Sprint Cars resurged in 2021 with a 21-race schedule that was punctuated with the crowning of a new champion.

The first quarter of the campaign offered a good indicator of how the year would ultimately play out.

The four who would prove to be the strongest competitors of the full-time roster all delivered strong starts to the season. D.J. Netto began his title defense by dominating the season opener at The Stockton Dirt Track and followed it with top-10s in the next four races.

Dominic Scelzi scored the year’s second event by claiming the Peter Murphy Classic and the $11,000 check that went with it. Outside of a DNF at Ocean Speedway, Scelzi finished no worse than fifth in the opening five events and picked up his second victory at the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial Race.

Dominic Scelzi claimed a $11,000 payday at the Peter Murphy Classic. Photo by Donna Peter

Though he didn’t win a race in the opening fourth of the season, Bud Kaeding’s consistency led him to the best overall start of any driver. Through five races the 2017 series champion had tallied a pair of podiums, four top-fives and an average finish of fourth.

Bud’s brother, Tim Kaeding started the year with four consecutive top-10s including a win in Ocean Speedway’s Pombo-Sargent Classic, his 70th career NARC victory. TK’s win made it so a “Kaeding” owns a win in all five decades of the Pombo-Sargent Classic’s history.

DJ Netto (88N) and Tim Kaeding finished the season second and third, respectively, in the final NARC King of the West standings. Photo by Donna Peter

As July’s four races unfolded those same four drivers continued to jockey at the top of the point standings.

Bud Kaeding went from unshakeable consistency to feast or famine in the next four races with finishes of 3rd, 18th, 6th, and 17th. Tim Kaeding picked up another win at Petaluma Speedway but followed it with a DNF the next weekend in Watsonville. The two-time series champ recovered during the following week’s double header at Tulare and Santa Maria with two top-10s which would kickstart what became his best stretch of the season. Netto collected a trio of top-10s but had to settle for 13th in Watsonville after an incident. Scelzi also had issues at Ocean Speedway but bounced back the next week with a win at Tulare, the start of a historic podium streak for the Fresno racer.

Over that same stretch of races, Sean Becker earned his first NARC victory in seven years by taking the checkered flag at the Howard Kaeding Classic. The month’s final event at Santa Maria Raceway saw Billy Aton snag his first career series victory.

Sean Becker drove David Vertullo’s #83V car to a $6900 winners payday at the Howard Kaeding Classic. Photo by Donna Peter

The Fastest Four Days in Motorsports ushered in the second half of the campaign and began with the new pairing of Justin Sanders and Paul Silva in the Works Limited No. 57 winning at Merced Speedway. The next night Mitchell Faccinto earned his first series victory since 2018 at Ocean Speedway, and Dominic Scelzi and Justin Sanders capped the Speedweek with triumphs at Stockton and Petaluma. Scelzi earned the points title for the FFDM with podiums each night, stretching his top-three streak to six and widening his points lead. Colby Copeland, in the Vanlare machine with help from Larry Antaya, came home second in the FFDM standings by finishing no worse than 8th in any race.

Scelzi and Sanders split the two nights of the Louie Vermeil Classic, making it four wins in a row for the duo. Scelzi’s 3rd place result on night two brought his podium streak to eight in a row as he continued to near his first title. Meanwhile, Tim Kaeding earned his 7th & 8th straight top-10s at The Louie as he continued to climb toward the battle for runner-up in points while Netto and Bud Kaeding struggled with incidents.

Justin Sanders was a dominate force in the middle of the season after teaming up with Paul Silva in the Works Unlimited #57. Photo by Donna Peter

September concluded with 15-year-old Corey Day earning his first series victory at the same track his father, Ronnie Day, scored his final one, Hanford’s Keller Auto Speedway. Scelzi’s podium run was snapped but only by a single spot as he finished fourth.

October opened with the twin-20 lap features at the Morrie Williams Memorial in Hanford where Scelzi earned his career-best sixth win of the year. The second main event produced a first-time winner as Mitchel Moles wheeled the Roth Motorsports machine from 11th to the front. Tim Kaeding stretched his top-10 roll to 11 straight with an 8th and a 3rd in the pair of features.

A few weeks later the series made their third consecutive trip to Keller Auto Speedway for the first ever Anthony Simone Classic. Shane Golobic took his first trip to victory lane of the season after a mid-race pass on Sean Becker to claim the $10,000 prize. Following the A-main, a handful of drivers took their wings off to compete in a special race honoring the versatile Anthony Simone. The recently crowned All-Star Circuit of Champions titlist, Tyler Courtney, came out on top after the 15-laps to become the first NARC non-wing winner since 1985.

Shane Golobic only one once on the NARC tour this season, but it was a big one … the $10,000 to win Anthony SImone Classic in Hanford. Photo by Donna Peter

The next night at The Dirt Track at Kern County Raceway Park, Scelzi and Sanders resumed their dominance of the year’s second half by finishing one-two with Sanders collecting his fifth checkered flag of 2021 and fourth in eleven starts in the No. 57.

The season concluded with Corey Day becoming the first driver since Gio Scelzi in 2017 to earn their first and second career NARC wins in the same season by claiming the 38th Annual Tribute to Gary Patterson at The Stockton Dirt Track. Dominic Scelzi wrapped up the championship by merely completing his qualifying run as he had built such a large points lead that he only needed to earn show-up points the final night to clinch his first title. Scelzi became the 28th different champion in NARC history.

15-year old rookie Corey Day won a pair of NARC King of the West feature events in 2021, including the season final Tribute to GP at the Stockton Dirt Track. Photo by Donna Peter

D.J. Netto passed Sean Becker with only two laps to go in the season finale to give himself a one-point advantage over Tim Kaeding and claim second in points. TK took third while Bud Kaeding and Sean Becker completed the top-five in the standings. Billy Aton finished sixth and earned Rookie of the Year honors. Sean Watts, Justin Sanders, Shane Golobic and Joel Myers Jr. rounded out the top-10.

Overall, the season saw 10 different winners over the 21 Fujitsu Features. Dominic Scelzi tallied the most victories with six while Justin Sanders settled for second with five. Tim Kaeding and Corey Day earned a pair of wins apiece, and six drivers claimed a single triumph. 2021 produced three first-time series winners, the most since four in 2017.

Justin Sanders topped the Hoosier Tire Laps Led category by pacing a whopping 138 circuits. Eleven different drivers earned ARP Fast Time honors over the course of the year with Sanders and D.J. Netto tying for the most with three apiece. Dominic Scelzi won the most Brown and Miller Racing Solutions Heat Races with seven. Scelzi and Sanders each collected 36 pounds of bacon with their series-leading four victories in the Sunnyvalley Bacon Trophy Dash. Billy Aton drove by 104 cars in feature competition to top the Swift Metal Finishing Most Cars Passed category.

Bill Aton won his first ever NARC feature at Santa Maria Raceway and was named the series Rookie of the Year. Photo by Donna Peter
Bud Kaeding was in the championship hunt for most of the 2021 campaign. Photo by Donna Peter
Sean Watts finished the 2021 NARC campaign seventh in the points standings. Photo by Donna Peter

2021 NARC KING OF THE WEST FUJITSU GENERAL RACING SERIES RACE RESULTS

March 20 – The Stockton Dirt Track – Salute to LeRoy Van Conett – (DJ Netto, Netto Ag 88N)
May 15 – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway – Peter Murphy Classic – (Dominic Scelzi, Scelzi Enterprises 41)
May 22 – Petaluma Speedway – Salute To First Responders – (Justin Sanders, Antaya Motorports 16A)
June 11 – Ocean Speedway – 35th Annual Pombo-Sargent Classic – (Tim Kaeding, Bates/Hamilton 42x)
June 12 – Placerville Speedway w/SCCT – 30th Annual Dave Bradway Jr. Race – (Dominic Scelzi, Scelzi Enterprises 41)
July 10 – Petaluma Speedway – Salute to Baylands Raceway Park (Tim Kaeding, Bates/Hamilton 42x)
July 17 – Ocean Speedway – 11th Annual Howard Kaeding Classic (Sean Becker, David Vertullo 83V)
July 23 – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway – Chris & Brian Faria Memorial (Dominic Scelzi, Scelzi Enterprises 41)
July 24 – Santa Maria Raceway – Winged Madness (Billy Aton, Aton 26)
“Fastest FOUR Days in Motorsports”
August 26 – Merced Speedway – Thursday Night Thunder (Justin Sanders, Works Limited 57)
August 27 – Ocean Speedway – Friday Night Showdown (Mitchell Faccinto, Greenberg 37)
August 28 – The Stockton Dirt Track – Champions Classic (Dominic Scelzi, Scelzi Enterprises 41)
August 29 – Petaluma Speedway – The Four Day Finale (Justin Sanders, Works Limited 57)

September 4 – Silver Dollar Speedway (Chico) w/USAC-CRA – Louie Vermeil Classic (Dominic Scelzi, Scelzi Enterprises 41)
September 5 – Silver Dollar Speedway (Chico) w/USAC-CRA – Louie Vermeil Classic (Justin Sanders, Works Limited 57)
September 25 – Keller Auto Speedway (Hanford) – Jim Turner Memorial (Corey Day, Meyers Construction 14)
October 9 – Keller Auto Speedway (Hanford) – Morrie Williams Legends Tribute – Twin 20’s (Dominic Scelzi, Scelzi Enterprises 41 & Mitchel Moles, Roth Motorsports 83JR)
October 29 – Keller Auto Speedway (Hanford) – $10,000 to win Anthony Simone Classic (Shane Golobic, Matt Wood Racing 41 & (non-wing) Tyler Courtney, Roth Motorsports 83JR)
October 30 – The Dirt Track at Kern Country Raceway Park (Justin Sanders, Works Unlimited 57)
November 6 – The Stockton Dirt Track w/SCCT – 38th Annual Tribute to Gary Patterson (Corey Day, Meyers Construction 14)

CARUSO FAMILY TAPS YATES AS PRO STOCK CREW CHIEF

Two-Time Former NHRA World Champion Will Prep Camaro for Camrie Caruso

          INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Third generation drag racer Camrie Caruso’s bid to shake up NHRA Pro Stock racing as just the second woman to race for the season championship got a big boost Friday with the announcement that Jim Yates will serve as crew chief on the 2022 Caruso Family Racing Camaro in which she will debut next February at the Lucas Oil Winternationals in Pomona, Calif.

          “I am thrilled to have Jim Yates as my crew chief for my rookie season,” said Caruso. “We have a strong team and Jim’s years of experience will only make us stronger. Having a crew chief that has driven as well as tuned these race cars is a huge advantage and one that I am looking forward to taking full advantage of starting at the Winternationals.”

          Yates, 68, is a two-time former NHRA Pro Stock World Champion (1996 and 1997) who made a virtually seamless transition from driver to crew chief after selling his auto parts business in 2000 and climbing out of the cockpit for the last time in 2009.

          “I want to bring my knowledge and experience to this team to make them the best they can be, said Yates. “I have worked with a variety of drivers with differing experience levels and it helps to have that background. Working with that variety of drivers and also having the experience with a diverse number of power packages is really important to a start-up team in my opinion.”

          During a 20-year driving career, Yates won 25 NHRA tour events and was runner-up in 33 others. A graduate of the University of Maryland, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering, he proved himself to be as adept in business as in motor sports, building Yates Auto Parts into an enterprise with 23 stores in and around Washington, D.C., supplied by their own warehouse.

          After disbanding his own team, he worked with Johnny and Shane Gray. During Shane’s rookie season Yates directed the two-car operation that finished fourth in the Pro Stock point standings and won the final race of the season. The Gray Motorsports operation would go on to win the championship in 2018.

          Significantly, four of the 500 cubic inch Gray Motorsports engines, refurbished and now maintained by Eric Latino’s Titan Racing Engines in Denver, N.C., will provide the power for Caruso’s Denver, N.C.-based, Jerry Haas-built Camaro.

          The 23-year-old Pro Stock rookie, daughter of former Pro Modified racer Marc Caruso and granddaughter of “Papa Joe” Caruso, who raced in Super Gas, Top Sportsman and Pro Mod, brings much more to the competitive table than just a great racing pedigree. 

          “If you look at how there are so many young drivers in Pro Stock, I am really excited about the future with Camrie,” added Yates. “You need personality, a good attitude and ability to drive one of these cars and Camrie brings all those things to the party in aces. I am excited to be involved with a driver like that who has her family behind her 100 percent.” 

          Caruso began driving in the NHRA Jr. Dragster League before attending Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School and earning her Super Comp license.  She has continued to move up through the NHRA competition classes for over a decade. After three years of competing in the 8.90 index class, she went back to Frank Hawley and obtained her Top Dragster license, successfully competing in both PDRA and NHRA for three years.

          In 2019 Camrie landed a seat with the championship Top Alcohol Dragster team of Randy Meyer Racing. In her second start in Top Alcohol Dragster at the famed Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Caruso qualified second and captured her first TAD win. She advanced from Top Alcohol Dragster, then to Elite Top Dragster and Pro Outlaw 632 on the PDRA circuit. The team’s 632 car was a naturally aspirated, clutch-equipped former Mountain Motor Pro Stock GXP that is very similar to an NHRA Pro Stock car.

          Thereafter, she raced in Top Dragster and, most recently, in Pro Outlaw 632 on the PDRA circuit. The team’s 632 car was a naturally-aspirated, clutch-equipped Pontiac GXP strikingly similar to a current NHRA Pro Stock car.  

          “I feel like I’ll get up to speed pretty quickly,” Caruso said of her Pro Stock comfort level. “If it wasn’t for the 632 car, I might not feel the same way. I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what to expect.”

Marco Sorensen to join Milner, Tandy in second GTD PRO Corvette for Rolex 24

DETROIT (December 10, 2021) – Corvette Racing will enter two Chevrolet Corvette C8.Rs for the 2022 Rolex 24 At Daytona in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s new GT Daytona (GTD) PRO category.
For the Rolex 24, Marco Sorensen will join the driving roster and share the No. 4 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Corvette with Tommy Milner and Nick Tandy, who will race at Daytona ahead of their full program in the FIA World Endurance Championship. As previously announced, Antonio Garcia, Jordan Taylor and Nicky Catsburg will pilot the No. 3 Corvette as they go for their second straight class victory at Daytona to start another full-season push for an IMSA championship.
The 31-year-old Sorensen has competed at the highest levels of GT racing with two titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s GTE Pro category to his credit. He also placed third in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020 and was the fastest GTE Pro qualifier in 2019.
The appearance in the Rolex 24 will be Sorensen’s second in the race and in the WeatherTech Championship. He raced in the GTD category in 2017 and was third in qualifying for the race. Sorensen also has a strong background in single-seater racing with victories in GP2, Formula Renault 3.5 and the German F3 series.
Corvette Racing returns to the Daytona after a 1-2 finish in 2021 for the mid-engine Corvette C8.R as part of the GT Le Mans (GTLM) category, which ended at the end of the 2021 season. The GTD-PRO Corvette C8.R will look similar to the GTLM trim. A revised wing profile will mean a slightly different level of downforce at the rear of the Corvette. The C8.R will run on customer Michelin tires, per GTD regulations.
Under the skin, the GTD-PRO Corvette will retain the same 5.5-liter, flat-plane V8 with a slightly decreased power output over the GTLM rules package. An anti-lock braking system (ABS), tested by Corvette Racing at Belle Isle’s race in June, also will be featured on the IMSA C8.R along with other driver aids that are mandated by the class regulations.
Corvette Racing will open the 2022 season with the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 27-31 from Daytona International Speedway. The week prior, the team will participate in the three-day Roar Before the 24, which will include a 100-minute qualifying race to set the grid for the Rolex 24.
MARCO SORENSEN, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “I’m super happy to join Corvette Racing. It’s a great opportunity for me personally to be with this team and try to achieve together the result that everyone is wanting – that’s of course winning! I love the mentality of Corvette Racing. It has a great car and from what I know, there are some really great people that I will team up with. So I’m really looking forward to this. Corvette Racing has always been a standout team to me because of the way they go racing. They go race and they race hard. They have been around for a very long time so to have the opportunity to go with the team to Daytona is a great one.”

NARC ANNOUNCES A NEW HOOSIER TIRE RULE FOR 2022

12/10/21) Sacramento, CA … In the continuing effort to unify basic sprint car rules on the West Coast and nationally, the Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC) and Hoosier Racing Tires announced a new tire rule for the 2022 season.

Beginning with the April 2nd NARC King of the West 410 season opener at the Stockton Dirt Track, sprint car teams will be allowed to run the Hoosier H15 right rear & H12 left rear tire. This move now mirrors the World of Outlaws rulebook.

The NARC series has implemented the Hoosier HTW right rear and RD12 left tire rule for several seasons. Race teams will now have until June 1, 2022, to burn off any existing HTW/RD inventory. At that point, the H15 and H12 tires will become mandatory.

“With supply chain issues, the timing was perfect for such a rule change and allows local teams to support other racing series when they visit California,” said Neal Cowman, Hoosier Tire’s Oval Dirt Track Business Unit Manager.

Winged sprint car series such as the Sprint Car Challenge 360 Tour and the Kings of Thunder, along with local dirt tracks on the schedule are also planning to adopt the same tire rule.

For additional information regarding Hoosier Racing Tire and technical questions please contact Hoosier Tire West at Hoosier Tire West, 2608 E. California, Fresno, CA  93721.  The phone number is 559-485-4612

The 2022 NARC sprint car schedule will be released shortly.  For more information, go to www.NARC410, or call 714-397-7417.

FOUR TIME CHAMPION JOSH RICHARDS RETURNS TO WORLD OF OUTLAWS LATE MODELS IN 2022

Boom Briggs teaming up with winningest driver in Series history for run at the championshipCONCORD, NC – December 9, 2021 – The most-accomplished driver in World of Outlaws Late Model Series history is coming home.Four-time Series champion Josh Richards returns to the World of Outlaws Late Models in 2022, behind the wheel of a second car owned by fan favorite Boom Briggs.  Richards and Briggs are the first two drivers to sign Platinum agreements for the 2022 season with the help of four new sponsors that make the two-car team possible.   Joining the Briggs Transport team’s growing list of sponsors are Excess Storage out of Sterling, Ontario, Canada; P&W Sales from Longview, TX; Mike Tucker from Las Vegas, NV; and Trans 58 from Edinboro, PA. Briggs is continuing to seek sponsorship for the new tandem to be championship contenders.   “We have secured some sponsorship and are very grateful for it, but we are still looking for more partners,” Briggs said. “The Briggs Transport Family plans on putting a team together for Josh to contend for a championship in 2022.”  Those sponsors add to the team’s list of partners, including Meridien Hardwoods, CJ Auto Transport, Briggs Transport, Penske Racing Shocks, Clements Engines, Rocket Chassis, Valvoline, and Corry Rubber Corporation. Along with Richards’ four Series championships, he also has more wins than any other driver in history, earning his 78th World of Outlaws Late Model Series victory in April when he found Victory Lane during Friday’s portion of the Bristol Bash. He’ll battle four-time and reigning Series champion Brandon Sheppard on his quest for a fifth title and try to keep “The Rocket Shepp” from passing him for most wins all-time.  Richards and his championship rivals kick off the season on Jan. 20-22 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL, as the main attraction of Sunshine Nationals.  Sunshine Nationals Tickets: CLICK HERE If you can’t make it to the event, watch live on DIRTVision – available either online or through the DIRTVision App.
The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, MSD, Penske Racing Shocks, Quarter Master, Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award), and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Capital Race Cars, FireAde, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics, Reliable Painting, and Rocket Chassis.

World of Outlaws Reveals Nearly Million-Dollar Bonus Program for Sprint Cars and Late Models


Top 12 full-time World of Outlaws Sprint Car and Late Model finishers in each Feature bank bonus money

CONCORD, NC – December 9, 2021 – World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and World of Outlaws Late Model Series teams are set to benefit from the biggest paydays in the history of both series with the addition of a nearly million-dollar payout bonus in 2022.

The top 12 highest finishing full-time drivers in every 2022 Feature event, for both series, will receive a bonus in addition to the already posted prize money and year-end points funds. All full-time teams will be eligible for the bonus, which will be paid monthly in exchange for increased fan interaction and promotion of each series.

“We have the greatest fans in the world, and I couldn’t be more excited to present this bonus for full-time teams to ensure our loyal fans see the best drivers and teams in the world every race,” said World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter. “Their dedication in both series has truly made the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and Late Models The Greatest Shows on Dirt.”

The bonus will go into effect at the beginning of both series’ first 2022 event. In every World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and World of Outlaws Late Model Series event, the highest finishing full-time driver — no matter the finishing position in the Feature — will earn a $1,000 bonus. The fifth through 12th highest full-time finishers will earn a $500 bonus, meaning at minimum a full-time Sprint Car competitor could accumulate bonus money in excess of $40,000 throughout the 80-plus race season and a full-time Late Model competitor could accumulate bonus money in excess of $25,000 throughout the 50-plus race season.

The extra payout comes on top of the announcements that the World of Outlaws Sprint Car and World of Outlaws Late Model overall points funds had been increased for 2022, as well. In 2022 there will be a million-dollar points fund for the Sprint Car Series and a more than $500,000 points fund for the Late Model Series. The Sprint Car champion will now receive $200,000 for winning the championship and the Late Model champion will receive $125,000.

Volusia Speedway Park will host the 2022 season openers for both series. The World of Outlaws Late Models will kick off their tour Jan. 20-22 during the Sunshine Nationals. Then, the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars will venture to The World’s Fastest Half-Mile, Feb. 10-12, to commence its season during the DIRTcar Nationals.

For tickets to both World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car and World of Outlaws Late Model events go to WorldofOutlaws.com/tix.

Increased Awards for Arizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup in 2022

Batavia, OH (December 9, 2021) – The 2022 Arizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup mini-series within the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule consists of eleven (11) events that pay a minimum of $50,000 or more to the winner – awarding points to drivers based on their finishes at these eleven events. 
The 2022 Arizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup Champion and the top five in points will receive bigger cash awards than in years past; in 2022 the driver that earns the most points at the eleven crown jewel cup events will receive a $15,000 cash bonus at the year-end awards banquet. The drivers who finish second through fifth in the Crown Jewel Cup standings will earn $6,000, $4,000, $3,000, and $2,000 in cash, respectively.
“We really want to thank Gerald Newton and Arizona Sport Shirts for stepping up and giving the crown jewel cup events even more money for racers to earn,” stated Wayne Castleberry, Marketing and Sales for Lucas Oil Motorsports.
“We are excited to return in 2022 with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and support different programs within the series to offer racers more financial opportunities,” Gerald Newton, Arizona Sport Shirts. Arizona Sport Shirts will continue to have a presence onsite at all series events, along with their extensive online store: www.arizonasportshirts.com 

Chevrolet Announces Partnership with Rev Racing, Supporting NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program

Agreement provides engineering and marketing support for Rev Racing, along with driver and pit crew development

INDIANAPOLIS – Chevrolet is proud to announce a multi-year engineering and marketing partnership with Rev Racing, the competition arm of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, which is responsible for developing female and ethnically diverse drivers along with pit crew members for future competition at NASCAR’s highest levels.  “We are proud to partner with Rev Racing to support the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program in the development of diverse drivers and team members,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. Vice President, Performance & Motorsports. “This agreement will enable Rev Racing to leverage Chevrolet’s competition engineering resources, including the new General Motors Charlotte Technical Center.”  Rev Racing is co-owned by Max Siegel and Jennifer Satterfield-Siegel. Max oversees management of the entire program, including being the exclusive manager of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program. As owners of Rev Racing, the Siegels took the program to new heights, advancing it from a fledgling operation to a juggernaut on the racetrack.  “Through the years we have continued to feel really proud of the driver alumni and pit crew graduates who have come through our program,” said Max Siegel. “These individuals are great examples of our mission in action and our goals being met. Chevrolet is a strategic partner and supporter of Rev Racing. They are in alignment with our mission of providing opportunities and developing these young drivers to the next level. I could not be more thrilled to see the heightened level of impact we can create together.” Additionally, Chevrolet will partner in the development of drivers Rajah Caruth and Nick Sanchez. This is Caruth’s fourth season participating in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program. Sanchez scored his first win in the ARCA Menards Series in 2021 and finished third overall in the point standings. Both drivers will run a full ARCA Menards schedule and a limited number of NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2022. Rev Racing partnered with NASCAR in 2009 to operate the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, which was founded to develop and train female and ethnically diverse drivers and crew members. NASCAR Cup Series drivers Bubba Wallace, Daniel Suárez and Kyle Larson are graduates of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program, and currently there are more than 50 alums from the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program now working in NASCAR.
“This new partnership aligns with NASCAR President Steve Phelps’ vision to create a more diverse and inclusive sport and our partners are committed to helping us enact positive change,” said Brandon Thompson, Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion, NASCAR. “For many years, Chevrolet and Rev Racing have been on the forefront of driving meaningful progress, and their partnership will only strengthen efforts to identify and develop diverse competitors through our developmental series via the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program.”

GLORY DAYS: 2022 Summer Tours Feature Six Consecutive Weeks of Racing

Traditional non-stop schedules return for 37th DIRTcar Summer Nationals, 12th DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals seasons

CONCORD, NC — Dec. 8, 2021 — The Midwest’s most beloved Dirt Late Model and Modified racing tours are coming back in familiar fashion next season.

The DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Model Hell Tour and DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals will return to their familiar formats in 2022 with nearly 30 events, racing an average of six days per week over six weeks in eight states. Through the summerlong journey, a healthy mix of staple tracks, returning venues and new speedways line the 40-plus-day trek.

LATE MODEL SCHEDULE

MODIFIED SCHEDULE

The chase for the Late Model championship is also restored to its previous format — all contested races will count toward the overall points standings and determine the $25,000 champion in the season finale on July 23 for the third consecutive year at Merritt Speedway. Weekly points bonuses will also be awarded to the driver with the highest point total at the conclusion of each week.

The Summit Modified championship finale will return to the iconic Fairbury Speedway bullring, racing alongside the World of Outlaws Late Models in the 32nd annual Prairie Dirt Classic, July 29-30.

Each race will once again be broadcast live on DIRTVision presented by Drydene. Buy a seat in the grandstand or stream live to your personal device with a FAST PASS subscription.

Kickoff at Kankakee

For the sixth time in tour history and first since 2019, both tours will open on Tuesday, June 14 with a visit to Kankakee County Speedway – a Summer Nationals staple venue making its 34th appearance on the schedule, dating back to the tour’s inaugural running in 1986.

Revived Venues

Adams County Speedway (Quincy, IL) – The newly re-opened Adams County Speedway, formerly known as Quincy Raceways, will host the Late Models and Modifieds for the first time in three years on Wednesday, June 22. Longtime track staff member Jimmy Lieurance has taken over promotional duties and has already begun work on restoring the third-mile oval, which has been closed since early 2020.

Paducah International Raceway (Paducah, KY) – From 1996-2013, Paducah International Raceway had a spot on the Summer Nationals slate every year consecutively. The track has been closed since operations ceased in late 2018, but will open again in 2022 under new owners, who will welcome both tours back to the Kentucky oval on Friday, July 1.

Doubleheader Duels

Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevely, MO) – The Hell Tour has gone two full seasons since the last matchup with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series national touring stars. 2022 will break the hiatus, pitting the Summer Nationals regulars up against the Outlaws in a two-day spectacular at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on Fri-Sat, June 24-25. The Late Models will chase a $10,000 top prize on Friday night, while a hefty $20,000 awaits the winner on Saturday night. Summit Modifieds are also on the card, racing for their standard $1,500 check.

Fayette County Speedway (Brownstown, IL) – Both tours will visit Fayette County Speedway twice in five days over Independence Day Weekend, starting with a Thursday night special on June 30 and capping the stretch on Monday, July 4. Late Models will race for a $10,000 top prize on Thursday, then come back for a $5,000-to-win event on Monday. $1,500 is on the line for the Modified winner both nights.

Track Debut

Wayne County Speedway (Orrville, OH) – In the second of a two-race trek through Ohio, DIRTcar UMP Modified Ohio Region venue Wayne County Speedway will host both tours for the first time in track history on Sunday, July 17. The three-eighths-mile oval is local to several DIRTcar Late Model and Modified standouts that will be out to challenge the Hell Tour regulars as the season winds down in the final race before heading to Michigan.

Distance Races

All Late Model events will offer a standard 40-lap Feature for all events, unless otherwise specified. The 42nd annual Herald & Review 100 at Macon Speedway on July 7 will contest a traditional 100 laps around the fifth-mile, while the 24th annual Birthday Race at Oakshade Raceway on July 16 will go 60 laps in the $10,000-to-win main event.

Fans and teams are encouraged to keep an eye out for additional races to be announced in the coming months as DIRTcar officials continue to work with tracks and promoters to bring the tours to more places. Follow along for Summer Nationals social media updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and check out the library of race highlights on the DIRTcar YouTube channel.

Combined Tour Schedules

Date           Day                    Track                                  City, State                   To-Win (LM/Mod)

June 14      Tuesday             Kankakee Co. Speedway      Kankakee, IL                $5,000/$1,500

June 15      Wednesday        Peoria Speedway                Peoria, IL                     $5,000/$1,500

June 16      Thursday            Davenport Speedway          Davenport, IA              $5,000 (LM only)

June 17      Friday                Tri-City Speedway               Pontoon Beach, IL        $10,000/$1,500

June 18      Saturday            Fairbury Speedway              Fairbury, IL                  $10,000/$2,000

June 19      Sunday               Sycamore Speedway           Maple Park, IL              $5,000/$1,500

June 20      Monday             Off                                      

June 21      Tuesday             Springfield Raceway            Springfield, MO           $5,000 (LM only)

June 22      Wednesday        Adams Co. (IL) Speedway     Quincy, IL                    $5,000/$1,500

June 23      Thursday            Spoon River Speedway        Canton, IL                    $5,000/$1,500

June 24      Friday                I-55 Raceway                      Pevely, MO                  $10,000/$1,500

June 25      Saturday            I-55 Raceway                      Pevely, MO                  $20,000/$1,500

June 26      Sunday               TBA                                     

June 27      Monday             Off                                      

June 28      Tuesday             TBA                                                                       

June 29      Wednesday        TBA                                     

June 30      Thursday            Fayette Co. Speedway         Brownstown, IL            $10,000/$1,500

July 1         Friday                Paducah Int’l Raceway         Paducah, KY                $10,000/$1,500

July 2         Saturday            Clarksville Speedway           Clarksville, TN              $10,000/$1,500

July 3         Sunday               Lincoln Speedway               Lincoln, IL                    $5,000/$1,500

July 4         Monday             Fayette Co. Speedway         Brownstown, IL            $5,000/$1,500

July 5         Tuesday             Off                                      

July 6         Wednesday        TBA                                     

July 7         Thursday            Macon Speedway                Macon, IL                    $5,000/$1,500

July 8         Friday                Farmer City Speedway         Farmer City, IL             $10,000/$1,500

July 9         Saturday            Highland Speedway             Highland, IL                 $10,000/$1,500

July 10        Sunday               Tri-State Speedway             Haubstadt, IN              $5,000/$1,500

July 11        Monday             Off                                      

July 12        Tuesday             Knox Co. Raceway               Knoxville, IL                 $5,000/$1,500

July 13        Wednesday        TBA                                     

July 14        Thursday            TBA                                     

July 15        Friday                I-96 Speedway                    Lake Odessa, MI          $10,000/$1,500

July 16        Saturday            Oakshade Raceway             Wauseon, OH              $10,000/$1,500

July 17        Sunday               Wayne Co. Speedway          Orrville, OH                 $5,000/$1,500

July 18        Monday             Off                                      

July 19        Tuesday             TBA                                     

July 20        Wednesday        Thunderbird Speedway       Muskegon, MI             $5,000/$1,500

July 21        Thursday            Butler Motor Speedway      Quincy, MI                  $5,000/$1,500

July 22        Friday                Tri-City Motor Speedway     Auburn, MI                  $10,000/$1,500

July 23        Saturday            Merritt Speedway               Merritt, MI                  $10,000/$1,500

July 29        Friday                Fairbury Speedway              Fairbury, IL                  $500/Mod Showdown

$200K Bonus Added to Georgia-Florida Speedweeks from Ag Protect 1

Batavia, OH (December 8, 2021) – Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series officials are excited to announce a new Ag Protect 1 Speedweeks bonus for 2022. A potential $200,000 bonus is up for grabs based on a driver’s performance at the 14 scheduled speedweeks events. 
Teams will compete in three nights of competition at Golden Isles Speedway, two nights at Bubba Raceway Park, three nights at All-Tech Raceway, and conclude at East Bay Raceway Park with six nights of racing. If a driver wins all fourteen (14) events during the Wrisco Industries Inc. Winternationals, that driver will earn $145,000 in winnings, in addition to the Ag Protect 1 bonus of $200,000, for a massive total of $345,000.
The Ag Protect 1 bonus is available to any driver competing in all 14 scheduled Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Wrisco Industries Inc. Winternationals events. Any one driver winning a minimum of eight races during the January 27th – February 12th events will receive a substantial bonus. A perfect attendance driver during the speedweeks events, winning every event will receive a $200,000 bonus courtesy of Ag Protect 1. If a driver wins 10 of the 14 events, they will receive a $100,000 bonus, and if a driver wins a minimum of eight of the 14 events, they will receive a $20,000 bonus. *
“We, here at Ag Protect 1, are proud to extend our partnership with Lucas Oil Motorsports with the addition of the Late Model Dirt Series. We look forward to meeting the Late Model Dirt Series competitors and see them compete all season long. Our Motorsports Insurance has seen tremendous growth with the Pro Pulling League thanks to the directors, John and Kristi. This insurance is a great benefit and protection for all motorsports owners to cover their race cars, spare equipment (tires, chassis, engines, tools), trailers, and auto for truck/toters. AgProtect1.com has an online form that will take less than 5 minutes to complete for a Free Quote. We want to thank our clients that trust us with their business, and we look forward to working with new clients. We also want to thank Team Lucas and Wayne for his first-class work on this deal. We are very excited for 2022 and what the future holds,” Darrick Barga, Director of Specialty Insurance with Ag Protect 1. 
Ag Protect 1 Bonus Program – 2022 Speedweeks Events:
*A minimum of 11 of the scheduled 14 Wrisco Industries, Inc. Winternationals speedweeks events must be completed, with a minimum of 30 cars entered at each of those events. To be eligible, the driver must have perfect attendance in all Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Wrisco Industries Inc. Winternationals speedweeks races in 2022. 
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Speedweeks Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1300Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) 1300 NRM, (29.0) 1300 NRMW, (92) LM40*Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains (and Strawberry Dash at East Bay).*For the A-Main, competitors may use 2 new rear tires.*Flat tire must be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position.
About Ag Protect 1: We offer Commercial Inland Marine, Business Auto Liability, and General Liability for Specialty Vehicles, Teams, Trailers, Motor/Toter homes, and spare parts. Policy length is 12 months, renewable each year. Also offer Event Insurance and Prize Indemnity. Ag Protect 1 and Premier Crop Insurance can provide you with a plan that fits your needs. Specialty Vehicle, Crops, Animals, Loans, and Marketing. We have 12 Agents throughout the Midwest so we can help no matter where you live. Call us at 877-452-3012 or check us out at AgProtect1.com
About Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt SeriesFounded in 2005, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series showcases the talents of the top dirt late model drivers from across the country. In 2021, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction 59 events across 18 states, including some of the biggest marquee events in the industry, providing dirt slinging, sideways, door-to-door racing action lap after lap.  The series receives national exposure through a television package filmed, produced and edited by Lucas Oil Production Studios. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events will broadcast on four networks including CBS, NBC Sports, CBS Sports Network and the MAVTV Motorsports Network.   The in your face excitement of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is second to none in motorsports. For more information, including the latest news, tour schedule, driver information, and more, visit the official website at: www.LucasDirt.com.

RUNNIN’ DOWN A DREAM: Blair Prepares for Inaugural World of Outlaws Season

The Centerville, PA driver will run for Rookie of the Year honors in 2022 with his father at his side 

BARBERVILLE, FL – December 8, 2021 – Max Blair’s journey to the National Dirt Late Model scene started with a dream.  

“I’ve always said, if I could write my own book, it’d be running for Rookie of the Year with the World of Outlaws,” Blair said.

He gets the chance to write the first few pages of his story Jan. 20-22, when the World of Outlaws Late Models open the 2022 season at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL during the Sunshine Nationals. It’s a mountain he’s been eager to climb growing up in Pennsylvania. 

“I’ve dreamed of doing it since I was a little kid,” Blair said. “It’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”

Last season, Blair teamed up with Shawn Martin and Viper Motorsports, preparing to make his first run on a national tour in 2022. The two have already found success, racking up victories across the Northeast. 

Those achievements wouldn’t be possible without the team’s crew chief – someone Blair’s looked up to since he was born: his dad Rob. 

“He’s the full-time crew chief for Viper Motorsports, and that was a big deal for me when me and Shawn first talked,” Blair said. “He was 100% on board with bringing Dad on with us, and for me, that was huge.”

Blair and his dad will travel across the country, hitting 16 different states in his quest for Rookie of the Year. The two have been together from the beginning and plan to keep it that way. 

“Number one, I would never want to do any of this without him, and number two, I don’t know if I would even be able to,” Blair said. “It’s always been me and him together, so I don’t know if I could do any of this without him, even if I had to.” 

While having that father-son bond on the road is something Blair will cherish, they’ll also get a taste of home in 2022. The World of Outlaws race in Pennsylvania five times next season, including two new tracks that caught his eye.  

“I was pretty excited when I saw the Bloomsburg race and especially Tri-City; that’s only about 10 minutes from my house,” Blair said.

RELATED:World of Outlaws Late Models prepare for jam-packed campaign

Despite the home-field advantage, he knows Pennsylvania has some of the most challenging regional competition the Series will see all year.

“If you look back over the last five-six years, anytime the Outlaws race not just in Pennsylvania, but in my little corner at Stateline, Eriez, McKean, the racing that we have in our little area; there’s always a couple of them that are in the top five,” Blair said. “If not, more than a couple.” 

The Keystone State won’t be the only place Blair faces tough regional standouts. He’ll also have to contend with them and the other tour regulars in the Midwest and Southeast—something he knows could be an uphill battle during the season’s grind.  

“There’s a lot more nights that everyone else has a bigger advantage than I do,” Blair said. “There’s a lot of the racetracks that I’ve never even seen before.”

Blair won’t throw away his shot when the season starts next month, but he isn’t expecting to dominate when he fires the engine for the first time in Florida. 

“I’m hopeful,” Blair said. “But you have to be real about it at the same time with what we’re getting ready to go do here.”

Blair’s dream of becoming a World of Outlaws full-time competitor is about to become a reality—the first chapter in what he hopes is a best-selling novel.  

“I’m excited to see all these new tracks, get better, learn, and just finally get to live out what I’ve always wanted to do,” Blair said. 

Blair and the World of Outlaws Late Models kick off the 2022 campaign as part of Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL, on Jan. 20-22. 

World of Outlaws, DIRTcar set to take over Florida Feb. 7-19 for DIRTcar Nationals


Sprint Cars, UMP Modifieds, Late Models and Big Block Modifieds stars return for Big Gator championships

BARBERVILLE, FL – December 8, 2021 – In less than two months, more than a hundred of the best drivers in the world will venture to Volusia Speedway Park in search of eastern Florida’s rare golden gator.

However, the only way to capture it… win the 51st DIRTcar Nationals.

Four divisions of race cars, six series between them, will commune at the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile,” Feb. 7-19, to compete in their own Big Gator championships with big checks and unique gator trophies on the line each race.

DIRTcar UMP Modifieds (Feb. 7-12)
With the 51st DIRTcar Nationals starting a day earlier in 2022, that presented the opportunity for the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds to have a full week of non-stop action. They’ll kick off the event on Monday as part of their six straight days of racing action. The division’s traditional “All-Features” night will be on Thursday, Feb. 10, with split fields competing on Friday, Feb. 11. The Gator Championship will be on Saturday, Feb. 12.

Attracting more than 100 cars last year, the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds field includes superstars like multi-time champion Nick Hoffman, multi-time DIRTcar Nationals winner Kyle Strickler, and a plethora of current and former NASCAR stars like Justin Allgaier, Kenny Wallace, David Reutimann, David Stremme, Matt Crafton, Justin Haley and Kenny Schrader.

All Star Circuit of Champions (Feb. 8-9)
The two days of All Star Circuit of Champions racing will kick off the Sprint Car Big Gator Championship for the week, featuring the series’ regulars like 2021 All Star champion Tyler Courtney, Cory Eliason, Kevin Thomas Jr. and more, along with several World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series stars. The All Stars have competed during DIRTcar Nationals for 30 years with the first race in 1983.

For the past two years, the winner of the opening All Star race went on to win the overall Big Gator Championship. In 2020 that was Brad Sweet and in 2021 it was Logan Schuchart.

World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars (Feb. 10-12)
For the 17th consecutive year, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will commence its epic year-long season at Volusia Speedway Park during the DIRTcar Nationals. Bringing together the best Sprint Car drivers in the country, the three days of racing have produced some of the most exciting shows from late race passes to intense multi-car battles.

Three-time and defending World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet, started his last two championship runs by winning the Outlaws’ opening night at Volusia. To do so again in 2022, he’ll have to compete against one of the most competitive fields of drivers in Series history, including 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz, 2021 championship rival David Gravel, 2021 Rookie of the Year James McFadden, 2021 Big Gator champion Logan Schuchart, rising young-guns Carson Macedo and Sheldon Haudenschild and many more.

Super DIRTcar Series (Feb. 14-19)
The most elite Big Block Modified drivers in the country will escape the cold of the northeast for six days of on-track action at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. It’ll be the 24th consecutive year the Series has ventured to Volusia. Monday, Feb. 14, will be a practice day for the drivers before the 2022 Super DIRTcar Series season starts on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

With the five races not serving as points events, it allows the field of drivers to run as hard as they want and throw caution to the wind. That produced three different winners in a row last year with NASCAR Truck Series star Stewart Friesen, Michael Maresca and 2021 Big Gator champion Max McLaughlin. Those drivers, along with eight-time and defending Series champion Matt Sheppard, 2019 Series champion Mat Williamson and Australia’s Peter Britten, will be vying for the iconic golden gator trophy again.

DIRTcar Late Models (Feb. 14-15)
Like the Sprint Cars, the chase for the Late Model Big Gator Championship will be split between two series – the DIRTcar Late Models and the World of Outlaws Late Models. However, fans will still get to see the same caliber of drivers between both series like four-time and defending World of Outlaws champion Brandon Sheppard, 2006 World of Outlaws champion Tim McCreadie, 2021 Summer Nationals champion Bobby Pierce, Florida’s Kyle Bronson, 2021 Big Gator champion Devin Moran, 2021 crown jewel king Brandon Overton and many more.

In 2021, McCreadie picked up his sixth DIRTcar Late Model victory at Volusia, while Pierce picked up his first. Overall, in the 19 years of the DIRTcar Late Models competing at Volusia, there have been 28 different winners.

World of Outlaws Late Models (Feb. 16-19)
Volusia Speedway Park will be the home for the World of Outlaws Late Models in January and February with the season-opening Sunshine Nationals, Jan. 20-22, and then four days of racing during the DIRTcar Nationals to wrap up the Late Model Big Gator Championship. The seven days of Florida racing will set the stage for the Series’ 2022 championship and showcase the stout 2022 class of drivers, including the exciting rookie contenders Max Blair and Kyle Hammer.

Brandon Sheppard tied Josh Richards for the most championships in 2021 when he picked up his fourth title. In 2022, he’ll be on the hunt to surpass that and beat Richards’s win record. Richards currently holds the most wins with 78 and Sheppard has 77. Volusia could see him break that record with Sheppard having won six World of Outlaws races in a row at the track from 2018 to 2020.

For tickets to the 2022 DIRTcar Nationals, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch the DIRTcar Nationals live on DIRTVision – either online or with the DIRTVision App.

Justin Ashley Racing/Davis Motorsports Forms Multi-Faceted Alliance with AB Motorsports

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (December 7, 2021) – In another positive move to solidify their teams’ positions as top contenders in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, Justin Ashley Racing which campaigns the Davis Motorsports Top Fueler driven and co-owned by 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year Justin Ashley and AB Motorsports, led by three-time Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown, today announced they will be forming a Research & Development and Marketing Alliance between their organizations. The alliance will not only pair two of the most marketable Top Fuel stars behind the wheel but also two of the most decorated Top Fuel crew chiefs, with Ashley’s Mike Green and Brown’s Brian Corradi calling the shots on their teams’ 11,000-horsepower machines.

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Ashley, who has had an ownership interest for two seasons along with Dustin Davis in the Davis Motorsports the Vita C Shot Top Fuel dragster team, recognizes this partnership will benefit both up-and-coming team owners on and off the race track. For the first time in his career, which began aboard a Pro Stock Motorcycle in 1998, Brown will take on the dual role of owner/driver of the Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel dragster in its rookie season operating under the AB Motorsports umbrella. 

“I am excited to be joining forces with Antron and his team. This alliance is going to improve the performance of both our programs on and off the racetrack,” said Ashley, the 2021 Texas NHRA Fall Nationals Top Fuel winner. “My team has made great strides the past two seasons with our Vita C Shot Top Fuel dragster and now is the time to keep moving forward in an effort to establish a high-level of success for years to come. Getting our crew chiefs together to share on-track and off-track technical information is invaluable. When it comes to marketing, working together opens the door to so many possibilities for our existing partners and any new relationships we start in 2022 and beyond.” 

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Antron Brown (left) and Justin Ashley on track at NHRA Finals (photo credit Ron Lewis Photography)

“The goal with this partnership is to make both of our programs stronger overall,” explained Brown, who closed out 2021 ranked in the Top 10 for the 24th consecutive year. “Even though we’re two separate teams with two separate operations, having this partnership will allow us to enjoy some of the advantages that the multi-car teams have. It’s not just about the collaboration between our brain trust of crew chiefs, but this will also help us in being able to secure the best parts and pieces; we’ll have stronger purchasing power. We’re both looking to this alliance to help us compete on a high level, and go toe-to-toe with the heavy-hitters in our category.”

The research and development alliance will include sharing of on-track data as well as consultation between the teams during and between NHRA national events. Additionally, Ashley will benefit from Brown’s long-running 14-year partnership with Toyota. As part of his association with AB Motorsports, Justin Ashley Racing/Davis Motorsports will have access to engineering and on-track technical assistance at all 22 Camping World Series events. 

Away from the dragstrip, Ashley and Brown, along with their respective marketing representatives, will work together to present programs to potential sponsors throughout the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series to create one of the most marketable one-two punches in motorsports. 

About Justin Ashley Racing
Justin Ashley Racing in partnership with Davis Motorsports fields the Vita C Shot Top Fuel dragster in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. In 2021 Ashley finished No. 4 in the Top Fuel points standings racing to one Top Fuel and three final rounds. During his Top Fuel rookie season in 2020 Justin won the NHRA Summernationals, finished in the Top Ten and was recognized as the 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year. Prior to his professional debut Ashley had three wins in Top Alcohol Dragster on the Lucas Oil Series. He is the son of multi-time NHRA national event winner Mike Ashley. In 2017, he was named to the Drag Illustrated magazine’s 30 under 30 list, highlighting some of racing’s most promising young individuals on and off the racetrack. To learn more about Justin Ashley Racing, visit JustinAshley.com.

About AB Motorsports:

Established in 2019 and making its on-track debut in 2022, AB Motorsports is a single-car NHRA Top Fuel team owned and operated by three-time world champion Antron Brown. Headquartered in Brownsburg, Ind., the team competes on the 22-race NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series circuit thanks to the support of Matco Tools, Toyota, SiriusXM, and Hangsterfer’s Metal Working Lubricants.

Brown, who serves as both the driver and owner of the AB Motorsports Top Fuel dragster, is the only competitor in NHRA history to have won races in both the Top Fuel and Pro Stock Motorcycle categories. Brown is a 68-time NHRA national event winner and became the first African-American to win a major U.S. auto racing championship when he captured the 2012 NHRA Top Fuel series title.

Great Lakes Nostalgia Funny Car Circuit Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary

AKRON, OH (December 7, 2021) — Since 2008 the Great Lakes Nostalgia Funny Car Circuit has been thrilling drag racing fans across the Midwest and East Coast. In 2022 the classic alcohol match race Nostalgia Funny Car circuit will be celebrating 15 years of excitement. Reminiscent of the classic 1970’s and 1980’s match races that barnstormed the country the Great Lakes Nostalgia Funny Car Circuit features 16 racers campaigning Funny Cars with 1980’s or older style bodies from six states.

“We know tracks are looking for exciting shows and Nostalgia Funny Cars have a history of wowing fans across the country,” said Dennis Salzwimmer, Great Lakes Nostalgia Funny Car Circuit Director. “Drag racing fans love the long burnouts, header flames and wild racing action Funny Cars provide and our group of entertainers and racers give the fans an awesome show. Our goal is to make sure everyone that sees our Funny Cars in action leaves the track with a smile on their face.”

Over the past 14 years the GLNFCC has performed at over 30 different tracks in the Midwest and East Coast. The circuit has averaged 14 shows a year in over seven states. Impressively, the circuit boasts at least a 94% pass completion rate, equating to a high-quality show with minimal downtime. The circuit has received sponsorship support from PEAK Antifreeze and Coolants, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Good Vibrations Motorsports, S & W Performance Group, Abruzzi Transmissions and Converters, Supercharger Systems Inc., Glory Days Fiberglass, and Pro Graphic Ink in recent years.

“We know it is critical to track owners and promoters to put on a fast-faced show, so our cars are 

maintained and built to make solid, clean runs,” said Salzwimmer. “Our drivers and teams also love to spend time with the fans. We have male and female racers that really get into putting on a show and interacting with the fans talking about their Funny Cars. Everyone who participates in our circuit loves what they do and it shows when we roll into the track.”

Drivers on the circuit include the husband-and-wife team of Chris and Krista Massarella, racing their Total Insanity and Temporary Insanity Funny Cars. The circuit also features John Cerchid behind the wheel of the Warpath Funny Car, Drew Sweetman driving the Frantic Ford, and female racer Robin Stambaugh driving the Generation X Funny Car to name a few.

Plans are coming together for an aggressive schedule in 2022 to celebrate 15 years of Nostalgia Funny Car racing. Shows consist of two to ten Funny Cars racing in a variety of formats and ladders. Throughout the day drivers are available to fans and for media interviews and many times they will arrive in advance to promote the overall event.

Additional information on the Great Lakes Nostalgia Funny Car Circuit can be found on their website here as well as on their Facebook page. Throughout the season the circuit will be promoting and highlighting their racers and upcoming events on these platforms. Salzwimmer will attend the upcoming PRI Show in Indianapolis talking with track promoters and sponsors about the upcoming 2

Scelzi Captures Career-Best 22 Wins and First Career Sprint Car Championships During Special Season

Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2021) – Dominic Scelzi’s season was so magical it’d fit right in at a Disney theme park.

Scelzi, who had recorded 27 sprint car feature wins in his career prior to the 2021 campaign, captured a whopping 22 victories as well as his first three sprint car championships. He dominated the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Series season to score the title along with earning the Kings of Thunder championships in both the 410ci and 360ci winged sprint car divisions.

“It’s been incredible, just a complete dream come true,” he said. “Never did I expect to have the type of season we had this year. From the beginning to the end it was just a phenomenal season. We’d never won a sprint car championship. We’d led the NARC points at different sections of the years we ran full time. Both years we tried we led the points, but not when it counted. For us to roll into the final race of the year knowing we just needed to sign in was incredible. It was so special and a testament to our team.

“Jimmy has done such a phenomenal job. I feel like he’s taught me to be a racer. And I can’t thank the crew, my family and our partners enough. The support has been amazing.”

Not only did Scelzi win nearly three times as many races as he had ever accomplished in a single season, many of the triumphs came during marquee events. Scelzi was victorious during the 30th annual Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial, the 49th annual Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the Chris and Brian Faria Memorial, the Champions Classic, the 13 th annual Louie Vermeil Classic, the 36th annual Cotton Classic, the Morrie Williams Memorial and the famed Peter Murphy Classic.

“My moment of the lightbulb coming on was the Peter Murphy Classic,” Scelzi said. “We’d been good and fast throughout the year. I’m not sure how many wins we had leading up to that weekend. We had some good breaks and hadn’t raced anything big. We swept Friday in Hanford and then rolled into Tulare and swept the night.

“Then we went to Placerville, which is one of my worst tracks, and right off the bat we were successful. To win the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial was great and then you look at going to Dirt Cup, where we’d never raced that event before and had only been to two or three races at Skagit Speedway. We won the second night and then the third night. We were able to be very fast and successful. When we didn’t win we were nipping on the heels of the drivers who did. We ran second 13 times, which to me is incredible.”

Scelzi finished the season with an astounding 49 top fives in 72 races.

“Our consistency was truly incredible,” he said. “Being in the front as much as we were, it’s just uncommon. You don’t see teams run inside the top five as much as we did. I find it incredible what we were able to accomplish. We may never have a year like that again. I’m hoping this is the new trend, but I’m not going to take for granted what we were able to accomplish.”

Life away from the track was extremely special this year as well.

“We found out in November of last year we were expecting a baby,” Scelzi said. “What’s crazy to me is it seems a lot of guys say they slow down when they have kids. I feel like it motivated me. I wanted to win all I could before she got here and get her to Victory Lane as soon as she was born.

“Nicole and I bought a house in April of this year, which was a big step. Getting engaged and having a beautiful baby girl was special. I’m becoming more involved with the family business at Scelzi Enterprises, Inc., which has been great. Off the track everything just went right. It’s a year I’ll never forget. This is the next chapter of my life. We’ll be a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future.”

SEASON STATS –

72 races, 22 wins, 49 top fives, 58 top 10s, 64 top 15s, 67 top 20s

MEDIA LINKS –

Website: http://www.GaryScelziMotorsports.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DominicScelzi41

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scelzi41

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – FK Rod Ends 

From the wilds of Baja, Mexico, to the “Good Ole Boys” of NASCAR, from mowers to fitness equipment, FK Rod Ends is there with an evolving program designed to supply rod end products to users everywhere. For more information, visit http://www.FKRodEnds.com.

“Maria with FK Rod Ends started helping us out in 2012 and from the beginning has been an all-hands-on-deck supporter of our race team. She’s been great and FK Rod Ends as a company is stellar. I wrecked a lot when I first started and their great product held up to the test.”

Scelzi would like to thank Scelzi Enterprises, Red Rose Transportation, Inc., Whipple Superchargers, System 1, Red Line Oil, Fuel Delivery Services, Inc., Schoenfeld Headers, Roth Motorsports, NAPA Auto Parts, Todd Jorgensen, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, K&N Filters, Sparco, Allstar Performance, Auto Meter, Meridian Steel, Kenny’s Components and Worldwide Bearings for their continued support.

Casey Currie/ Mint 400

We’re so stoked to come away with the Mint 400 Class 1 win! Starting Friday morning, Casey would take the pole after a close qualifying battle and wouldn’t look back. He would start the great American Off-Road Race on Saturday in the lead and never give it up. After 8 hours of battling the harsh Nevada desert and 400 miles covered, Casey would take the Class 1 win by over a hour! 

“Freaking unbelievable day. Class 1! Pushed hard in the dust all day and had no issues. Ran 1 set of Nitto Tires all day. Didn’t change a single tire. The Fox Shocks were dialed in. I’m so blessed to have an amazing group of people around me. We love racing and we love putting all our Currie Enterprises products to the test.” – Casey 

Acura Confirms LMDh Chassis, Team Partners for 2023

  • Acura to continue championship-winning partnership with ORECA
  • Sixth generation Acura Prototype, ARX-06, to compete in 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
  • Wayne Taylor Racing, Meyer Shank Racing to run ORECA-based Acura ARX-06 LMDh prototypes

TORRANCE, CA (December 6, 2021) – Acura Motorsports today confirmed it will collaborate with ORECA [ORganisation Exploitation Course Automobiles] to design and develop the new, electrified Acura ARX-06 LMDh prototype.

            Acura also will continue its partnerships with the proven, race- and championship-winning Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing organizations to campaign hybrid-powered Acura entries in the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

            “It is a pleasure to announce we will continue our association with ORECA into the new, electrified LMDh era,” said David Salters, president and technical director of Honda Performance Development, the North American racing arm of Acura Motorsports.  “We’ve enjoyed a very successful partnership with ORECA in the current Acura ARX-05 program, including winning the IMSA DPi Manufacturers’ Championship in both 2019 and 2020; and IMSA’s Michelin Endurance this season.”

            In addition to sweeping all three major IMSA DPi championships in both 2019 and 2020 – for Manufacturers, Drivers and Teams – Acura scored its first overall win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona this year with Wayne Taylor Racing.  Additional podium finishes for MSR and WTR at Sebring, Watkins Glen and the Petit Le Mans in 2021 resulted in a sweep of IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup titles for the manufacturer and WTR.

            “We expect the technical challenges of LMDh to be great, and competition among all of the manufacturers and teams to be intense.  But that’s why Acura and HPD are involved in motorsport.  Together with ORECA and our excellent partner teams, we’re truly excited to be a part of IMSA at the dawn of the LMDh era.”

The Acura ARX-06 will be the latest in a line of endurance prototypes to be fielded by the company dating back to 1991, just five years after the 1986 launch of the Acura brand.  Based on the ORECA LMDh chassis, the ARX-06 will feature Acura-specific bodywork, aerodynamics and internal combustion power unit.  

About Acura Motorsports

Acura Motorsports programs have been integral to the Acura brand since its launch in 1986. The rich legacy of Acura sports car racing includes the 1991, 1992, and 1993 IMSA Camel Lights manufacturer/driver championships; and the 2009 American LeMans manufacturer, driver, and team championships in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes. Acura currently campaigns the ARX-05 DPi in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and won the team, manufacturer, and driver championships in both 2019 and 2020. The NSX GT3 Evo, available through HPD for North American customers, won multiple championships in 2019-20 in both the IMSA and SRO World Challenge series.

About Honda Performance Development

Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD), has a rich heritage creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since 1993.  From pinnacle racing in INDYCAR and IMSA Sports Cars to commercial racing programs, HPD powers the dreams of professional and amateur racers from age 4 to 40+. HPD is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and leads all of Honda and Acura’s high-performance racing programs in North America. HPD specializes in the design and development of powertrain, chassis, electronics and performance parts, as well as technical and race support. HPD offers parts and race support to Honda and Acura amateur and professional motorsports racers, and is continually expanding its palette of racing programs that make Honda racing products available to all racing styles, from karting and Quarter Midgets to the highest levels of pro racing.

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