Jegs Racing

Jeg Coughlin Sr. sees a bright future for drag racing’s electric enterprise

Jeg Coughlin Sr. sees a bright future
for drag racing’s electric enterprise
DELAWARE, Ohio (Jan. 3) – Science fiction fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike are familiar with the voice of actor William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk explaining the five-year mission of the Starship Enterprise at the beginning of each episode of Star Trek. Kirk ends his oration with, “to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

In five months time, drag racing pioneer and icon Jeg Coughlin Sr. and his team of “scientists” at JEGS High Performance have boldly embarked on a new age of competition with the future stars of the sport exclusively in mind for a revolutionary adventure. Continue reading Jeg Coughlin Sr. sees a bright future for drag racing’s electric enterprise →

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Scelzi Posts Career-Best Runner-Up Result During USA vs. WA Sprintcar Speedweek Finale in Australia

Scelzi Posts Career-Best Runner-Up Result During USA vs. WA Sprintcar Speedweek Finale in Australia

Inside Line Promotions – KWINANA BEACH, Western Australia, Australia (Jan. 3, 2016) – Dominic Scelzi wrapped up the four-race USA vs. WA Sprintcar Speedweek by producing his best-ever finish in Australia on Sunday when he powered to a runner-up result at Perth Motorplex.

The Fresno, Calif., resident recorded two podiums, three top fives and four top 10s to finish tied for third place in the Speedweek standings. Continue reading Scelzi Posts Career-Best Runner-Up Result During USA vs. WA Sprintcar Speedweek Finale in Australia →

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Scelzi Scores First Career Podium Finish in Australia During USA vs. WA Sprintcar Speedweek

Scelzi Scores First Career Podium Finish in Australia During USA vs. WA Sprintcar Speedweek

Inside Line Promotions – KWINANA BEACH, Western Australia, Australia (Dec. 28, 2016) – Dominic Scelzi recorded his first career podium finish in Australia during only his fourth career sprint car race overseas.

The Fresno, Calif., resident, who battled for podiums before bad luck ended his first two starts earlier this month, produced a pair of strong results while driving for Wormall Motorsport this week during the first two rounds of the USA vs. WA Sprintcar Speedweek.

The action began on Monday at Quit Bunbury Speedway in Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia, where Scelzi qualified third quickest during his debut at the track. He was running second in the first heat race until the fuel pump came loose. The car shut off and Scelzi got into the wall as the car lost power steering because of the mechanical problem. Unfortunately, the damage caused a DNF.

A rain delay allowed the team to repair the sprint car in time for the second heat race, in which Scelzi maneuvered from sixth to third place. That lined him up on the inside of the seventh row for the main event.

“We basically held on and stayed out of trouble,” he said. “I was disappointed that we didn’t get a top three because every time we hit the track the car was a rocket.”

Scelzi ended eighth, which marked his best finish during his first three races in Australia. Here is a link to watch the main event: https://youtu.be/jBHhktYIdjU.

However, he topped that feat the following night during the second Speedweek round hosted by Perth Motorplex.

“We were a little loose in qualifying and the track went slick faster than we thought,” he said after timing in 12th quickest.

Scelzi picked up a pair of positions in both heat races to manuever from fifth to third and from fourth to second, respectively. He advanced into the pole shuffle, where a sixth-place result started him on the outside of the third row for the main event.

“I worked my way to third by Lap 3,” he said. “The track was slick to the wall and you could run anywhere. We had the car to beat in my opinion and we passed for second at one point, but after that I just couldn’t get back to them. I think I tried to conserve too long.”

Scelzi capped the night with a third-place finish. Here is a link to watch the feature: https://youtu.be/8sm5x-hFiu8.

“We had a phenomenal race car thanks to my brother, Giovanni, and everyone at Wormall Motorsport,” he said. “We have good momentum from the last two nights. I feel like we have had a top-three car every time we’ve hit the track in Australia so we’re ready to win one.”

Speedweek resumes on Friday at Quit Bunbury Speedway before wrapping up on Sunday at Perth Motorplex.

Uncategorized

Richard Childress Racing Announces 2017 Team Lineup

Richard Childress Racing Announces 2017 Team Lineup
RCR will field three Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams and five NASCAR XFINITY Series entries

WELCOME, N.C. (December 21, 2016) – Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will return with three full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series entries and five full-time NASCAR XFINITY Series teams for the 2017 season. It will be the first time in team history that RCR will field five full-time XFINITY Series entries, and the first time since 2011 the team has fielded eight full-time teams. Continue reading Richard Childress Racing Announces 2017 Team Lineup →

Mopar Racing

Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 2017

Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 2017

Mopar and Dodge Team up for Factory-backed Support of Amateur Racers

· Mopar and Dodge team up to support three factory-backed Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak cars in ‘17
· “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program supports modern-day package car amateur racers
· FCA US LLC engineers to provide racers technical support at all 24 NHRA National events in 2017
· New Dodge brand exhibit to join Mopar display trailer on NHRA Manufacturers Midway at 15 National events
· Mopar HEMI® Challenge, Sportsman Appreciation Night and Tom Hoover Challenge also continue in 2017 Continue reading Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 2017 →

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Scelzi Contends for Top Five During Debut in Australia

Scelzi Contends for Top Five During Debut in Australia

Inside Line Promotions – KWINANA BEACH, Western Australia, Australia (Dec. 12, 2016) – Dominic Scelzi was certainly making a splash during his Australia debut last Saturday at Perth Motorplex, where he drove into the top five before a parts issue forced him to end the night early.

Scelzi kicked off the Salute to the General event by qualifying eighth quickest in the Wormall Motorsport entry. That lined him up on the inside of the second row for the first of twin heat races.

“The bottom lane had grease so the start hurt us,” he said. “That put us behind a bit, but we picked up a position in the second heat race.”

Scelzi advanced from sixth to fifth place in his final heat race to line up on the inside of the fourth row for the main event.

“In the main event the track was extremely hooked up around the bottom,” he said. “It was really rough. We lost brakes around Lap 2, but were able to battle for a top five most of the race.”

Scelzi was in contention for a top-five result before he pulled in during a red flag with approximately 12 laps remaining.

“It was a great night to get our feet wet and be introduced to sprint car racing in Australia,” he said. “I want to say thanks to everyone at Wormall Motorsport for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get back in the car to see our growth.”

Scelzi and Wormall Motorsport are scheduled to return to action this Friday at Perth Motorplex for the fourth Shannons Fast Series event for the season.

Chevrolet Racing

Corvette Racing Brings Back Rockenfeller, Fässler for Daytona, Sebring Pair was part of last season’s long-distance lineup in premier IMSA events

Corvette Racing Brings Back Rockenfeller, Fässler for Daytona, Sebring
Pair was part of last season’s long-distance lineup in premier IMSA events

DETROIT (Dec. 12, 2016) – Consistency and familiarity are themes of the 2017 Corvette Racing program, and it is no different with the selection of drivers for North America’s opening pair of premier endurance races. As was the case in 2016, Mike Rockenfeller and Marcel Fässler will join Corvette Racing’s four full-season drivers to recreate an All-Star lineup that will contest the Rolex 24 At Daytona and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
Continue reading Corvette Racing Brings Back Rockenfeller, Fässler for Daytona, Sebring Pair was part of last season’s long-distance lineup in premier IMSA events →

F4

2017 F4 UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE RELEASED AT PRI

2017 F4 UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE RELEASED AT PRI

SCCA Pro Racing adds COTA, IMS, Mosport and VIR to 2017 schedule

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 9, 2016) – The Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda has expanded its 2017 season from five events to six, visiting some of the most prestigious open-wheel tracks in North America with stops at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Circuit of the Americas in Texas. Continue reading 2017 F4 UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE RELEASED AT PRI →

Chevrolet Racing

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Dale Jr

TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
DALE EARNHARDT, JR. AND RICK HENDRICK
DECEMBER 9, 2016

DALE EARNHARDT, JR. DRIVER OF THE NO. 88 CHEVROLET SS AND RICK HENDRICK, OWNER OF HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS, spoke with members of the media via teleconference today to discuss Dale’s return to the seat of the No. 88 Chevrolet SS for on-track competition in 2017. Full Transcript:

WELCOME BACK. YOU TESTED DARLINGTON ON WEDNESDAY, WHICH WAS THE FINAL STEP BEFORE BEING MEDICALLY CLEARED FOR COMPETITION. HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE BACK BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A RACECAR AND HOW DID THE TEST GO OVERALL FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE? Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Dale Jr →

Honda Racing

Shea Racing, Honda Performance Development Expand 2017 Pirelli World Challenge Program

Shea Racing, Honda Performance Development
Expand 2017 Pirelli World Challenge Program
• Tom O’Gorman to run 2017 Honda Civic Si
• B-Spec champion O’Gorman moves up to TCA competition
• Shea Holbrook, Jason Fichter will campaign Honda Accords in TC

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (December 9, 2016) – Honda Performance Development is pleased to announce that Shea Racing will expand the team’s Pirelli World Challenge racing effort in 2017, fielding reigning B-Spec champion Tom O’Gorman in a new Honda Civic Si in the TCA category, while continuing to run a pair of Touring Car-class Honda Accords for drivers Shea Holbrook and Jason Fichter.
The all-new 2017 Honda Civic Si, featuring exclusive racing parts developed by HPD and its partners, will also be available to Honda Racing Line customers who wish to build and race their own cars. Continue reading Shea Racing, Honda Performance Development Expand 2017 Pirelli World Challenge Program →

Honda Racing

Hunter-Reay, Rahal Complete Michael Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Rolex 24 Lineup

Hunter-Reay, Rahal Complete Michael Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Rolex 24 Lineup

• Ryan Hunter-Reay and Graham Rahal complete Michael Shank Racing lineup for season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway
• Pair to join MSR drivers Tom Dyer, Andy Lally, Katherine Legge, Ozz Negri, Jeff Segal and Mark Wilkins at Daytona

SANTA CLARITA, CA (Dec. 8, 2016) – Indianapolis 500 winner and series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay will join Verizon IndyCar Series race winner Graham Rahal to complete the Michael Shank Racing (MSR) Acura NSX GT3 driving lineup at the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway in January.
The Indy car pilots will join MSR full-season drivers Andy Lally, Katherine Legge, Oswaldo “Ozz” Negri Jr., and Jeff Segal; and endurance drivers Tom Dyer and Mark Wilkins, aboard the #86 and #93 Acura NSX GT3s which the team will field at Daytona in the opening round of the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Continue reading Hunter-Reay, Rahal Complete Michael Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Rolex 24 Lineup →

Jegs Racing

Drag racing champions Jeg Coughlin Jr., Erica Enders return to Chevrolet

Drag racing champions Jeg Coughlin Jr.,
Erica Enders return to Chevrolet
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 8) — Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman announced Thursday at the PRI Show that multi-time world champion drag racers Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders will fight for the 2017 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Pro Stock crown in a pair of RJ Racecars-built Chevrolet Camaros.

The move back to Chevrolet was widely anticipated as Freeman and Enders used the bowtie brand to capture the 2014 and 2015 titles for Elite Motorsports. Coughlin drove a Chevrolet to four of his five Pro Stock championships and also piloted a Chevy when he won the 1992 Super Gas world title. Continue reading Drag racing champions Jeg Coughlin Jr., Erica Enders return to Chevrolet →

Chevrolet Racing

‘Full-Season Four’ Return to Corvette Racing for 2017

‘Full-Season Four’ Return to Corvette Racing for 2017
Team relying on consistency in driver lineup for IMSA, Le Mans programs

Gavin, Milner defending IMSA GT Le Mans Driver’s Champions
Garcia, Magnussen eager to challenge for GTLM title
All four drivers are past IMSA Driver’s Champions
Chevrolet’s flagship GT team won five times in 2016

DETROIT (Dec. 7, 2016) – After sweeping all six GT Le Mans titles in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2016 and winning five times, Corvette Racing confirmed today that its full-season driver roster will remain unchanged for the upcoming 2017 racing season. Continue reading ‘Full-Season Four’ Return to Corvette Racing for 2017 →

Uncategorized

New Look for NHRA Pro Stock Camaro SS

New Look for NHRA Pro Stock Camaro SS
Gen Six bodywork takes to the drag strip in 2017, chasing repeat Pro Stock title

INDIANAPOLIS – The Gen Six Chevrolet Pro Stock Camaro SS makes its public debut at the Performance Racing Industry trade show in Indianapolis on Thursday, Dec. 8
The new model builds on the success of the championship-winning fifth-generation-based race car. It’s more athletic-looking and aerodynamically optimized bodywork draws its styling from the Gen Six Chevrolet Camaro SS. Continue reading New Look for NHRA Pro Stock Camaro SS →

F4

DAS SPENDS A NIGHT WITH THE STARS

DAS SPENDS A NIGHT WITH THE STARS

F4 U.S. champion Cameron Das recognized at annual FIA Prize Giving Gala

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 5, 2016) – The 2016 Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda season culminated for inaugural season champion Cameron Das on Friday evening as the up-and-coming star was honored on the same stage as Formula One World Championship champion Nico Rosberg during the FIA Prize Giving Gala at the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, Austria.

The year-end event celebrates the achievements of the FIA championship-winning drivers and teams from around the world.

Highlights of Das’ evening were walking the red-carpet bordered by Austrian fans, meeting racing hero Rosberg and being seated next to F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo and Executive Director of the Mercedes F1 team Paddy Lowe.

“Being around my racing heroes was surreal,” said Das. “There was no longer a barrier between us, and I felt a part of the international racing community. It also made me realize just how small the world is.”

Additional honorees were, F1 World Championship competitors Lewis Hamilton and Ricciardoo, four-time FIA World Rally Champion crew Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, victorious WEC Porsche LMP1 drivers, Neel Jani, Romain Dumas and Marc Lieb, as well as all-conquering WTCC ace José María López, WRX champion Matthias Ekström and Formula E champion Sébastien Buemi.

John Force Racing

FORCE ANNOUNCES WERNER TO STEP AWAY FROM JOHN FORCE RACING

FORCE ANNOUNCES WERNER TO STEP AWAY FROM JOHN FORCE RACING

BROWNSBURG, IN – John Force, CEO of John Force Racing, Inc., announced Tuesday that Elon Werner, who has managed the company’s PR effort for the past nine seasons, will scale back his day-to-day involvement following Friday’s press function at the JFR East facility in Brownsburg, Ind.

Although Werner has taken a position in Dallas that will allow him to spend more time at home in Mansfield, Texas, with his wife Jennifer and two teenage children, he will continue to work with JFR through the transition period. Continue reading FORCE ANNOUNCES WERNER TO STEP AWAY FROM JOHN FORCE RACING →

Jegs Racing

Third-generation drag racer Troy Coughlin Jr. humbled by Top Fuel opportunity

Third-generation drag racer Troy Coughlin Jr. humbled by Top Fuel opportunity
DELAWARE, Ohio (Dec. 5) — Accomplished Sportsman drag racing star Troy Coughlin Jr. already was incredibly excited about the 2017 NHRA season after it was announced he’d run a sixth nitro entry for Kalitta Motorsports for a small handful of races. Now the 26-year-old third-generation racer can hardly believe what’s happening right before his eyes on the heels of the announcement he’d be taking over the seat of the SealMaster Top Fuel dragster. Continue reading Third-generation drag racer Troy Coughlin Jr. humbled by Top Fuel opportunity →

Uncategorized

Team Kalitta completes off-season changes

Team Kalitta completes off-season changes

YPSILANTI, Mich. (December 5, 2016) – Kalitta Motorsports is pleased to announce that current Top Fuel driver J.R. Todd is moving to the DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car seat vacated by Del Worsham. In turn, Troy Coughlin Jr. will move from the planned part-time sixth team to a full-time seat aboard the SealMaster Top Fuel dragster.

Todd is making his return to the Funny Car class, but for the first time as a driver. He worked on Bob Gilberston’s Funny Car during the 2003-2005 NHRA seasons with current Kalitta employees Nicky Boninfante and Tommy DeLago.

“Connie told Jim O the DHL Toyota is a special car and that I was the right guy for the job, which was a huge compliment to me,” said Todd, who will make his Funny Car debut at the Circle K Winternationals in February. “I am going to miss Del as a teammate as he has always been one of my heroes. I want to also say a huge thanks to SealMaster and their awesome franchisees. They are great people and it was an honor to represent them.”

Todd turns to the Funny Car class after a career season aboard the SealMaster Toyota Top Fuel dragster. In 152 Top Fuel events, Todd has earned nine victories, 19 final round appearances, nine No.1 qualifiers and 149 round wins. He was the 2006 AAA Road to the Future rookie winner and has placed in the top five in the point standings two times, including a fourth-place effort this year.

“Ever since I worked with Nicky and Tommy D on a Funny Car, driving one has been in the back of my mind and most people have known that. The DHL Toyota has quite the legacy and it is a huge honor to be picked to drive it.”

DHL will continue as the primary sponsor on Todd’s Toyota Camry Funny Car for the entire season.

Coughlin, Jr. will have an elite team to drive for during his rookie season. In 2016, Todd took the SealMaster machine to a race win in Sonoma, 37 round wins and a top five finish in the point standings.

“I am thrilled to be competing full-time for Kalitta Motorsports in 2017 with an incredible backer like SealMaster and their franchise owners,” said Coughlin, Jr. “The car is one of the best looking machines on the race track and it is awesome to be able to know I will have a car that can compete for the title.”

Coughlin, Jr. won the 2013 Super Gas title in division 3 and is a two-time NHRA U.S. Nationals winner. In, 2015, he drove in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod series and was named Rookie of the Year. In his career, the 26-year-old driver has driven Junior Dragsters, Super Comp, Super Gas, Top Dragster and Pro Mod machines. Earlier this year, he earned his Top Fuel license.

NHRA Lifetime Achievement award winner and drag racing legend Connie Kalitta will continue alongside Rob Flynn in their roles after their outstanding 2016 season. SealMaster remains as the primary sponsor on the machine for all 24 events.

“I am excited for the future of our team,” said Jim Oberhofer, Vice President of Operations, Kalitta Motorsports. “First, I want to thank our incredible partners, DHL and SealMaster, for helping make this transition seamless. Both J.R. and Troy are ready for the 2017 season. J.R. is a very motivated driver and continues to be a perfect fit at Kalitta Motorsports. I know he will be a great ambassador for DHL and Toyota and I look forward to see what the season holds. I am also thrilled to be able to get Troy into a full time seat. He proved to be a very precise driver during our test session in Las Vegas and I know he is going to do a great job in the SealMaster Top Fuel dragster.”

Finally, the Kalitta Motorsports Funny Cars will also see a reorganization of the team’s crew chiefs. Todd’s DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car will be led by Jon Oberhofer and Todd Smith as co-crew chiefs. Smith comes from teammate Paul Lee’s Funny Car. Former DHL co-crew chief Nicky Boninfante will join Tommy DeLago on the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car driven by Alexis DeJoria and Glen Huszar will lead Lee’s McLeod Racing Funny Car. All five Funny Car crew chiefs are former NHRA champions.

Both Coughlin, Jr. and Todd will have solid teammates backing them up. Coughlin, Jr. will partner with 2016 championship runner-up Doug Kalitta in the Top Fuel ranks, while Todd will be joined by Alexis DeJoria and Paul Lee in the Funny Car ranks. Coughlin, Jr., DeJoria, Kalitta and Todd will all compete full-time with Lee planning a part-time run.

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Scelzi Pumped for First Trip to Race in Australia for Wormall Motorsport

Scelzi Pumped for First Trip to Race in Australia for Wormall Motorsport

Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2016) – Dominic Scelzi has an opportunity of a lifetime in front of him.

Scelzi is leaving this week to race a 410ci winged sprint car in Australia approximately 16 times for Wormall Motorsport this December and January. Continue reading Scelzi Pumped for First Trip to Race in Australia for Wormall Motorsport →

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