Giovanni Scelzi Joins Clauson-Marshall Racing Stable for Junior Knepper 55
Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2017) – Giovanni Scelzi is teaming up with Clauson-Marshall Racing to tackle the Junior Knepper 55 this Saturday. Continue reading Giovanni Scelzi Joins Clauson-Marshall Racing Stable for Junior Knepper 55
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (December 7, 2017) – Sprints on Dirt is excited to once again have Engine Pro and ARP as title sponsor partners for 2018. Powered for the third season by its “beyond limits” format, SOD is charging full speed into next season. Its exceptional racing has attracted the attention of competitors, sponsors, and fans alike. The partnership with Engine Pro and ARP was proven to be the right decision as results have exceeded all expectations. SOD is busy putting together all the pieces for 2018 and details will be released throughout the next few months.
Scott Overlund, Sales and Marketing Manager, The Perfit Corporation / Engine Pro, had this to say about the partnership renewal: “We are pleased to announce our continued partnership with Sprints On Dirt for the 2018 season. For over 15 years, the SOD series has been a great marketing partner showcasing our name and our products at many great venues throughout the Midwest. Their thrilling style of racing, along with the great people involved within this series, make it easy to keep this relationship going.”
Engine Pro is the largest engine parts warehouse network in the USA, distributing a full line of brand name internal engine components exclusively to the wholesale market. Engine Pro inventories engine parts for domestic and import passenger car, light truck, heavy duty, industrial, marine, agricultural and performance applications. Engine Pro is committed to building the success of their customers by offering competitive pricing, innovative programs and knowledgeable sales representatives. It also produces Engine Pro brand engine products to provide an affordable option for race engine builders who want the highest quality and a moderate price. To learn more about Engine Pro, go to www.enginepro.com.
ARP, a leader in high performance fasteners, has an extensive product line containing thousands of part numbers, and has includes virtually every fastener found in an engine and driveline. These range from quality high performance OEM replacement parts to exotic specialty hardware for Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR and NHRA drag racing and marine applications. ARP is a highly diversified manufacturer with five operational entities in Southern California including forging, machining, finishing and packaging/warehousing facilities. For more information about ARP, go to www.arp-bolts.com.
Sprints On Dirt shares Engine Pro’s customer commitment by providing fans, promoters, sponsors, and racers with exciting winged dirt track sprint car racing.
Follow SOD at www.sprintsondirt.com and the Sprints On Dirt Facebook page. For more information, email SOD at director@sprintsondirt.com or call 734.309.RACE.
2017 RACE SEASON IN REVIEW
MOORESVILLE, NC, December 6, 2017 – The 2017 race season was full of excitement and accomplishments for Roush Yates Engines and Ford Performance, powering 30 NASCAR and Road Race teams across 128 events in 41 weeks across six diverse race series spanning nine countries and three continents.
1 CHAMPIONSHIP – 29 WINS – 31 POLES
“2017 was an exciting year for us,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “To be a part of the successful transition of Stewart-Haas Racing and to see so many young drivers winning races was exciting for us and Ford Performance. We had many great moments in 2017, including winning all four MENCS restrictor plate races at Daytona and Talladega. We would like to thank the world-class leadership team of Ford Performance, our valued partners and dedicated staff for a successful 2017 season. We’re focused on 2018 and look forward to the start of a new season.” Continue reading 2017 RACE SEASON IN REVIEW
Honda Performance Development Announces New Civic Racing Products
• Civic Spec Series concept race car debuts at PRI Show
• Fiberglass Civic bodywork available for Touring, GT and drag racing
• Latest additions to growing line of HPD grassroots racing products
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (December 7, 2017) – Continuing the strong racing momentum during 2017 for the new Honda Civic racing platform, Honda Performance Development (HPD) is pleased to announce the debut of the Civic Spec Series Concept Race Car, and the availability of fiberglass Civic bodywork for touring car and drag racing customers. Unveiled at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show today, these products create additional opportunities to utilize the modern, highly capable and aerodynamic Civic in other racing series. Continue reading Honda Performance Development Announces New Civic Racing Products
Giovanni Scelzi Reaches New Heights in Second Season Racing Sprint Cars
Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2017) – Giovanni Scelzi took another leap forward in 2017 during only his second season racing a sprint car.
Scelzi scored five feature victories and finished second in the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Series championship standings – only one point out of first – this season. Continue reading Giovanni Scelzi Reaches New Heights in Second Season Racing Sprint Cars
Dominic Scelzi Nets Three Wins and Other Big Moments in 2017
Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2017) – Dominic Scelzi produced a number of monumental moments during his 2017 campaign.
Scelzi earned a trio of feature victories, including winning two of the biggest 360ci winged sprint car events in California and garnering his first career win outside of his home state. Continue reading Dominic Scelzi Nets Three Wins and Other Big Moments in 2017
Newly-crowned Pro Mod world champion Troy Coughlin to retire at pinnacle of career
DELAWARE, Ohio (Nov. 29) — Just a month after clinching his third Pro Mod world championship, Troy Coughlin has announced his retirement from racing in the professional ranks.
A national event winner in three different eliminators — Pro Mod, Pro Stock and Super Gas, Coughlin has left the door open to racing in the Sportsman ranks in the future but says his primary focus will now be on his family and the continued growth of JEGS Automotive, the high-performance mail order parts giant he co-owns with his three brothers. Continue reading Newly-crowned Pro Mod world champion Troy Coughlin to retire at pinnacle of career
CHAMPIONSHIP KARTING TEAM EXPANDS OPERATION INTO F4 U.S.
Team BENIK joins F4 U.S. for 2018 season
INDIANAPOLIS (November 29, 2017) – The Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda gird continues to grow in its offseason with the addition of its newest multicar team. Championship karting Team BENIK announced that its operation expansion into F4 will start in 2018, fielding two cars.
“Going into the F4 U.S. program is an obvious step for us,” explained Team BENIK Manager Nick Mitchell. “It makes complete sense for our internal ladder system and we can’t wait to get going. We feel it’s the perfect cost-effective training ground for young drivers and the series seems to be super competitive.” Continue reading CHAMPIONSHIP KARTING TEAM EXPANDS OPERATION INTO F4 U.S.
Dominic Scelzi Closes Season With Top-10 Result at Copper Classic
Inside Line Promotions – QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. (Nov. 28, 2017) – Dominic Scelzi capped a successful season by scoring a top-10 finish last weekend during the Copper Classic.
Scelzi was driving for the Van Lare Family for the first time this season during the ASCS Southwest Region doubleheader hosted by Arizona Speedway. The action began on Friday when Scelzi qualified 17th quickest. Continue reading Dominic Scelzi Closes Season With Top-10 Result at Copper Classic
F4 DRIVERS IN ACTION: PARKER LOCKE AND KYLE KIRKWOOD SPEND TIME OFF TRACK GIVING BACK
INDIANAPOLIS (November 28, 2017) – As Americans joined together last week to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families, two Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda drivers learned that their actions outside of the car can be more impactful as the actions inside of it.
Parker Locke of San Antonio and Kyle Kirkwood of Jupiter, Florida, spent the holidays serving others in their community.
Continue reading F4 DRIVERS IN ACTION: PARKER LOCKE AND KYLE KIRKWOOD SPEND TIME OFF TRACK GIVING BACK
One Hell of a Season
The last race report told of us setting the 1/8th mile record. Well we did it again at the Battle Royale! Stotz Racing now owns the best 330, 660, and 1000 ft times. The quarter-mile mark is still the ultimate goal and we repeated our 6.77 but got rained out and had to finish the battle in Rockingham, NC. We marched our way to another final but Frankie cut the tree a little too close and turned on the red light. Continue reading Stotz Racing–One Hell of a Season
CUSTER & BRISCOE WIN AT HOMESTEAD!
HOMESTEAD-MIAMI, FL, November 20, 2017 – Cole Custer and Sam Hornish Jr. made it a Ford 1-2 finish in the Ford EcoBoost 300 Saturday afternoon, while Chase Briscoe won his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race in the Ford EcoBoost 200 to close out the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway Friday night.
“Congratulations to Cole and Chase on their first career wins in their series this weekend,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “We’re very proud to have powered the Ford Mustangs and Ford F-150 trucks this season as part of the Ford Performance team. Racing has a bright future ahead with drivers like Cole and Chase and we’re excited for the 2018 season.” Continue reading CUSTER & BRISCOE WIN AT HOMESTEAD!
Dominic Scelzi Teaming Up With Van Lare Family for Copper Classic This Weekend
Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2017) – Dominic Scelzi will make his season debut with the Van Lare Family this weekend during his season finale at the Copper Classic, which is an ASCS Southwest Region doubleheader hosted by Arizona Speedway.
Scelzi and the team will compete at the 3/8-mile oval located in Queen Creek, Ariz., on Friday and Saturday. It will mark his second visit to the track after he scored a 15th-place finish there earlier this year during a World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series show.
“I remember the track was wide and built a big cushion early,” he said. “When you race with the World of Outlaws it’s a lot of different than any other series. I think the one night of experience will help and running back-to-back nights this weekend will help.”
Scelzi has made several starts in the Van Lare No. 5v, most recently during the 2016 Trophy Cup.
“I ran a handful of shows for them last year,” he said. “I think we have three top fives together so we’ve had some success racing with each other.
“Being able to jump into different cars so much last year and running the No. 17 car this year helped me adapt to different race cars. The Van Lare’s car is similar to our car. I’m looking forward to that because I know what to expect. It should be second nature jumping in the car with them. I’d love nothing more than to get the first win with them this weekend.”
Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Continues Baja Podium Success
• Honda Racing Ridgeline team scores fourth Baja podium result
• Finishes second in class at 50th running of the Baja 1000
• Johnson Racing effort completes podium for Honda with third-place run
LA PAZ, Mexico (Nov. 19, 2017) – The Honda Racing Ridgeline Team once again proved to be “Baja Strong” in the 50th running of the classic Baja 1000 off-road race from Ensenada to La Pax, Mexico, leading their class multiple times and finishing second, the fourth podium finish for the Honda Ridgeline Baja Race Truck in five Baja races.
Following the Honda Racing Ridgeline Team to the checkers in La Paz was a second Ridgeline effort, including Mark Johnson, Norris Brown, Alan Roach and Mike Mitchell. Their third-place result gave Honda two of the three podium positions in the Open Production Mini Truck class.
Starting seventh in class, Jeff Proctor and navigator Evan Weller progressed through the field in the opening segment, taking the lead for the first time at the 75-mile mark. Falling back to second after replacing a drive shaft, the Ridgeline duo regained the lead after the team’s first scheduled pit stop in San Felipe. Continue reading Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Continues Baja Podium Success
Austin Dillon and the Dow WeatherTech Team Close Out 2017 Season with Strong, 11th-Place Finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway
“The Dow WeatherTech Chevrolet was pretty good today, so I’m glad we could put a period on the 2017 season with a solid finish. I didn’t have enough grip to run the high line during the race, which is normally the preferred line at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but I felt pretty good running lower on the track. During that last run, we were just too loose to make anything happen. Still, we were able to clinch 11th in the final driver’s point standings, which is pretty cool. I’m proud of everyone on this program and appreciate all of the hard work this year. We’re a bunch of racers and we’ll be back even stronger next season.”
– Austin Dillon Continue reading Richard Childress Racing–Homestead 400
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Claims Ninth-Place Points Finish Despite Disappointing Homestead Run
November 19, 2017
Ryan Blaney and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team weren’t able to close their time together with a strong finish in the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway as they had hoped, but that was only a hiccup in what has been a remarkable 88-race run for the young driver and the sport’s oldest continuously operating race team. Continue reading Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Claims Ninth-Place Points Finish Despite Disappointing Homestead Run
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
FORD ECOBOOST 400
HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
NOVEMBER 19, 2017
TOP TEAM CHEVY FINISHERS:
POS. DRIVER
3RD KYLE LARSON, NO. 42 CREDIT ONE BANK/DC SOLAR CHEVROLET SS
5TH CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 24 NAPA CHEVROLET SS
10TH RYAN NEWMAN, NO. 31 CATERPILLAR CHEVROLET SS
25TH DALE EARNHARDT, JR., NO. 88 AXALTA CHEVROLET SS
TOP FIVE RACE FINISHERS:
POS. DRIVER
1ST Martin Truex, Jr. (Toyota)
2nd Kyle Busch (Toyota)
3rd Kyle Larson (Chevrolet)
4th Kevin Harvick (Ford)
5th Chase Elliott (Chevrolet) Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Homestead–Postrace
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
FORD ECOBOOST 400
HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
NOVEMBER 19, 2017
TOP TEAM CHEVY FINISHERS:
POS. DRIVER
3RD KYLE LARSON, NO. 42 CREDIT ONE BANK/DC SOLAR CHEVROLET SS
5TH CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 24 NAPA CHEVROLET SS
10TH RYAN NEWMAN, NO. 31 CATERPILLAR CHEVROLET SS
25TH DALE EARNHARDT, JR., NO. 88 AXALTA CHEVROLET SS
TOP FIVE RACE FINISHERS:
POS. DRIVER
1ST Martin Truex, Jr. (Toyota)
2nd Kyle Busch (Toyota)
3rd Kyle Larson (Chevrolet)
4th Kevin Harvick (Ford)
5th Chase Elliott (Chevrolet) Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Homestead–Post Race
F4 U.S. DRIVERS GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE AT SUPERKARTS! USA SUPERNATIONALS
LAS VEGAS (November 18, 2017) – The Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda is a youth-focused, cost-contained series serving as a building block to open-wheel racing for competitors making taking that next step from karts to cars. Several F4 U.S. drivers like Jack William Miller of Westfield, Indiana, John Paul Southern Jr. of Westlake, Ohio, Austin McCusker of Glen Head, New York, and Lawson Nigel of Fort Worth, Texas, started their racing careers whipping around hairpin turns, developing their race craft in karts.
Some F4 U.S. drivers still participate in the Superkarts! USA series. Jay Howard’s Motorsports Driver Development driver Braden Eves of Gahanna, Ohio, entered the SKUSA Supernationals, the largest karting event in the world, this weekend to continue to develop his skills behind the wheel. Continue reading F4 U.S. DRIVERS GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE AT SUPERKARTS! USA SUPERNATIONALS
Ben Kennedy Closes out 2017 NASCAR XFINITY Series with 18th- Place Finish in Rheem Chevrolet after Top-10 Run
“We has a really fast Rheem Chevrolet today. We started 25th and I felt like our car was better than most of the cars I was running with but I stayed patient so as not to wear out our equipment. At the end of Stage 2, we had an awesome pit stop that helped us restart in the top-10. We couldn’t really run with those guys at the bottom but at the top of the track we were better than anyone. At the end of the race I tagged the wall like I had been tagging it all day and it finally cut a tire. We had to pit with two laps to go for right-side tires. We were running ninth at the time and the fastest car on the track so I hated to see that happen. It was a pleasure racing with RCR this season and I am thankful for the opportunity.”
– Ben Kennedy Continue reading Richard Childress Racing–Homestead 300