All posts by ARP Trish

John Force Racing

PROUD JOHN FORCE ACCEPTS HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM UNOH

PROUD JOHN FORCE ACCEPTS HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM UNOH

LIMA, OH (January 10, 2018) – An emotional and proud John Force, legendary NHRA Funny Car driver, accepted an honorary doctorate today at the University of Northwestern Ohio in a special ceremony presided over by university president Dr. Jeffery Jarvis. The 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his historic motorsports career and his dedication to racing safety.

“I never had this kind of opportunity. I learned on the race tracks and in the board rooms. I got an education at truck stops across the country,” Force told students and faculty during the special ceremony. “I am honored to receive this doctorate mainly because I saw the passion these UNOH students have for motorsports as well as their other programs. They are really turning their passions into careers here. I could not be more impressed with what I saw around campus and I am excited to be Dr. Force.” Continue reading PROUD JOHN FORCE ACCEPTS HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM UNOH →

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Dominic Scelzi Confident Entering Scott Darley Challenge This Weekend

Dominic Scelzi Confident Entering Scott Darley Challenge This Weekend

Inside Line Promotions – ACACIA RIDGE, Queensland, Australia (Jan. 10, 2018) – Dominic Scelzi is focused on improving his qualifying results entering a marquee event this weekend.

Scelzi and the Wormall Motorsport team are slated to compete on Friday and Saturday at Valvoline Raceway in Clyde, New South Wales, Australia, for the Scott Darley Challenge.

“It’s a track I really enjoy racing at and it’s a big event so I’m excited,” he said. “I set quick time and won my heat race to earn the pole for last year’s finale. We battled for the lead the first half of the race before I had a tire start to go down. It ended up blowing on the last lap and we had a DNF, but that night gave me a lot of confidence running at that track. Hopefully we can start out strong with a good qualifying run this weekend.”
Continue reading Dominic Scelzi Confident Entering Scott Darley Challenge This Weekend →

Honda Racing

Acura Team Penske, Acura NSX Teams Complete Rolex 24 Preparations

Acura Team Penske, Acura NSX Teams Complete Rolex 24 Preparations
• “Roar before the 24” three-day open test marks final runs prior to season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway
• Team Penske Acura ARX-05 prototypes run fourth and fifth in qualifying session to determine Rolex 24 pit and garage allocation
• Michael Shank Racing secures fourth, Honda of America Racing Team fifth in GTD qualifying for Acura NSX GT3s

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 7, 2018) – An expanded Acura Motorsports effort for the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship made its public debut this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, with a pair of Acura ARX-05 prototypes and three Acura NSX GT3s featuring in final pre-season preparations at the “Roar Before the 24” open test. Continue reading Acura Team Penske, Acura NSX Teams Complete Rolex 24 Preparations →

Chevrolet Racing

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Mission Accomplished for the Roar

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Mission Accomplished for the Roar
Defending IMSA GTLM championship team leaves satisfied with testing program

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2018) – Corvette Racing left Daytona International Speedway content with the results of its testing program following the annual Roar Before the 24 and ahead of the opening race of the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.

The two Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C7.Rs logged more than 1,400 miles between them during the three days and eight sessions of track time. The packed schedule included a 15-minute qualifying session to determine assignments for the pit boxes and garages when teams return later this month for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Continue reading CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Mission Accomplished for the Roar →

Chevrolet Racing

Ed Carpenter Racing Announcement

Ed Carpenter Racing announced today that Jordan King, a native of Warwickshire, England, will compete in the 11 road and street course events for Ed Carpenter Racing in the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka Chevrolet. The only owner/driver in the Verizon IndyCar Series, Ed Carpenter, will continue to pilot the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka Chevrolet at all oval races. The pair were guests on the Verizon IndyCar Series Teleconference today to discuss the pairing and the upcoming 2018 season. Full transcript:

IndyCar Media Conference
Thursday January 4, 2018
Ed Carpenter
Jordan King

THE MODERATOR: Welcome, everyone, to today’s IndyCar media teleconference. Earlier today, Ed Carpenter Racing completed its 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series lineup by announcing that rising British driver Jordan King, the 2013 British F3 champion and a race winner in Formula 2/DP 2 will race in the 11 road and street course events in the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Vodka Chevrolet. We’re pleased to be joined today by ECR owner and driver Ed Carpenter and Jordan King. Thank you for taking the time to join us today. Continue reading Ed Carpenter Racing Announcement →

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow

Hot Rodders Junior Engine Challenge Developing the FUTURE at the PRI Show!

Hot Rodders Junior Engine Challenge
Developing the FUTURE at the PRI Show!
Joliet, IL. – Introduced in February 2017, at the Race & Performance Expo, the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge showed the racing world how to get the youngsters involved in the future of the racing industry at the PRI Show Dec. 7th, 8th and 9th. Developed for kids between the ages of 5 and 18 years old, it’s design is to “get wrenches in their hands and grease under their finger nails” by taking apart and rebuilding Briggs & Stratton 5 Horsepower single-cylinder engines. A team consists of two members; one teammate must be 5-18 years of age. Each team will have to completely disassemble and reassemble the engine so it is functional and in running condition. Basic hand tools and equipment must be utilized to complete this task. The contest will help develop the youngsters problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as increase self-esteem and the understanding of a working internal combustion engine.
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During the PRI Show, Kyle Fickler, Director of Business Development from Aeromotive, Inc. said “The coolest thing I saw at PRI was the focus and passion of the kids competing in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow events. The next Don Garlits, Warren Johnson or Robert Yates has a great opportunity to win big scholarships while competing in a great environment, and the Jr Dragster Engine Challenge (Jr Hot Rodders of Tomorrow) made we wish I was 6 years old again!”

Hot Rodders Adds More Junior Engine Challenge Events in 2018

Due to the popularity of the junior engine challenges, and the importance of getting these youngsters interested in the racing industry, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will be holding a minimum of 18 events in 2018. Starting in February at the Race & Performance Expo and ending at the PRI Show next December. They will be participating at all the Midwest Junior Super Series events and most of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow engine challenge events during the year.

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Dominic Scelzi Caps World Series Sprintcars Speedweek With Top-10 Finish

Dominic Scelzi Caps World Series Sprintcars Speedweek With Top-10 Finish

Inside Line Promotions – WARRNAMBOOL, Victoria, Australia (Jan. 2, 2018) – Dominic Scelzi improved his results throughout each of the five World Series Sprintcars Speedweek races to kick off his second trip to compete in Australia.

The busy week began on Dec. 26, when Scelzi and the Wormall Motorsport team ran into tough luck to open the action at Murray Bridge Speedway in Murray Bridge, South Australia. After qualifying 18th quickest, Scelzi was in contention to win his first heat race. Unfortunately, contact with the wall damaged the rear end and he was unable to race the remainder of the night. Continue reading Dominic Scelzi Caps World Series Sprintcars Speedweek With Top-10 Finish →

Chevrolet Racing

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Gearing Up For Championship Defense in 2018 Three days of testing ahead of Rolex 24 and open of WeatherTech Championship

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Gearing Up For Championship Defense in 2018
Three days of testing ahead of Rolex 24 and open of WeatherTech Championship

Corvette Racing a three-time Rolex 24 winner
Fifth year of competition for Chevrolet Corvette C7.R
Both Corvettes and all six drivers to attend Daytona test
Corvette Racing celebrating 20th season of competition

DETROIT (Jan. 2, 2018) – A new calendar year also brings a new season for Corvette Racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. It all begins this weekend at the annual Roar Before the 24, which serves as a prelude to the Rolex 24 At Daytona and opening round of the IMSA season.

For Corvette Racing, the three-day test is a chance to gear up for its chance at a fourth class victory at the twice-around-the-clock endurance race at Daytona International Speedway. Both Chevrolet Corvette C7.Rs will be on-track along with its full complement of three drivers in each car. Continue reading CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Gearing Up For Championship Defense in 2018 Three days of testing ahead of Rolex 24 and open of WeatherTech Championship →

John Force Racing

JOHN FORCE TO BE AWARDED HONORARY DOCTOR OF LAWS DEGREE FROM UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN OHIO

JOHN FORCE TO BE AWARDED HONORARY DOCTOR OF LAWS DEGREE FROM UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN OHIO

LIMA, Ohio (Dec. 28, 2017) — Hall of Fame National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) driver and record holder, John Force, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Northwestern Ohio at a special awards ceremony on January 10, 2018 at 1:30pm at the UNOH Event Center in Lima, Ohio. Continue reading JOHN FORCE TO BE AWARDED HONORARY DOCTOR OF LAWS DEGREE FROM UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN OHIO →

John Force Racing

NHRA TOP FUEL WORLD CHAMPION BRITTANY FORCE SELECTED TO ALL-AMERICA TEAM AND WINS TITUS AWARD FROM AMERICAN AUTO RACING WRITERS & BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION

NHRA TOP FUEL WORLD CHAMPION BRITTANY FORCE SELECTED TO ALL-AMERICA TEAM AND WINS TITUS AWARD FROM AMERICAN AUTO RACING WRITERS & BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2017) — Brittany Force, the first female Top Fuel world champion in 35 years, has been elected to the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) All-America Team and earned the Jerry Titus Memorial Award.

Force, who earned votes for her stellar 2017 performance that included four race wins in six final round appearances and two No. 1 qualifying positions on the way to her first world championship, is joined on the All-America Team by Josef Newgarden (Indy Car), Ricky and Jordan Taylor (IMSA), Donny Schatz (Sprint Car), Martin Truex Jr. (NASCAR), Kyle Kaiser (Indy Lights) and Christopher Bell (NASCAR Truck Series). Continue reading NHRA TOP FUEL WORLD CHAMPION BRITTANY FORCE SELECTED TO ALL-AMERICA TEAM AND WINS TITUS AWARD FROM AMERICAN AUTO RACING WRITERS & BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION →

Chevrolet Racing

Corvette Racing Sets Familiar Lineup for 20th Season of Competition Full-season driving roster remains unchanged heading into 2018

Corvette Racing Sets Familiar Lineup for 20th Season of Competition
Full-season driving roster remains unchanged heading into 2018

Landmark season for endurance racing’s premier program
Garcia, Magnussen back to defend GT Le Mans Driver Championship
Gavin, Milner eager to recapture championship-winning form from 2016
Quartet has led way together to four Chevrolet Manufacturer titles since 2012

DETROIT (Dec. 20, 2017) – In 2018, Corvette Racing and Chevrolet will embark on their 20th season of competition at the highest level of endurance sports car racing. In hopes of capturing a third consecutive class championship, Corvette Racing turns again to four sets of trusted hands to pilot its pair of Chevrolet Corvette C7.Rs in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GT Le Mans (GTLM) category. Continue reading Corvette Racing Sets Familiar Lineup for 20th Season of Competition Full-season driving roster remains unchanged heading into 2018 →

F4

F4 U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP ADDS ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING TEAM TO ITS LINEUP

F4 U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP ADDS ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING TEAM TO ITS LINEUP

Geoff Bushor’s Century Auto Racing set to field three cars for 2018 campaign

INDIANAPOLIS (December 18, 2017) – The off-season has been anything but quiet for the Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda since its season finale at Circuit of the Americas Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in October. Entering its third season, the series announced its 17-race schedule that starts with supporting Pirelli World Challenge at Virginia International Raceway in April and finishing for the second consecutive year at COTA with F1 in October. The grid-size has also started to expand for 2018 as teams like Miller Vinatieri Motorsports announce their team roster and new teams like Team Benik add F4 U.S. to their development and competition programs. Continue reading F4 U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP ADDS ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING TEAM TO ITS LINEUP →

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Giovanni Scelzi Progresses Throughout Second Career Midget Race

Giovanni Scelzi Progresses Throughout Second Career Midget Race

Inside Line Promotions – DU QUOIN, Ill. (Dec. 18, 2017) – Giovanni Scelzi became reacquainted with a different kind of race car last Saturday during the Junior Knepper 55.

Scelzi, who has spent the last two seasons racing a winged sprint car, made his driving debut with Clauson-Marshall Racing during the USAC National Midget Series event at the Southern Illinois Center, where he made his second career start in a midget. Continue reading Giovanni Scelzi Progresses Throughout Second Career Midget Race →

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Dominic Scelzi Focused on World Series Sprintcars Title as Trip to Australia Looms

Dominic Scelzi Focused on World Series Sprintcars Title as Trip to Australia Looms

Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2017) – Dominic Scelzi will begin his first-ever quest to become the World Series Sprintcars champion when he leaves for Australia later this week.

Scelzi is spending his second straight season overseas driving for Wormall Motorsport, but this time he is competing for a championship against the top drivers in Australia.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity the Wormall Family is providing me and I can’t wait to get over there and start racing,” he said. “I have high hopes. We have a great team of guys assembled and I feel really confident in their ability to give me a fast race car.” Continue reading Dominic Scelzi Focused on World Series Sprintcars Title as Trip to Australia Looms →

Kasey Kahne Racing

NAPA AUTO PARTS Steps Up as Primary Sponsor for Brad Sweet’s No. 49 car

NAPA AUTO PARTS Steps Up as Primary Sponsor for Brad Sweet’s No. 49 car

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Dec. 17, 2017 – NAPA AUTO PARTS and Kasey Kahne Racing (KKR) have agreed to a multi-year partnership where NAPA will elevate its role as primary sponsor of Brad Sweet’s No. 49 car for the entire World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series (WoO) schedule beginning in 2018.

Sweet, a native from Grass Valley, Calif., is coming off an exciting 2017 season with a career best second place finish in the standings. He is a 25-time winner in the WoO Series with 56 top-five finishes and an impressive 72 top-10 finishes in the 84-race season. Sweet has won prestigious races such as the Jackson Nationals & Texas Outlaw Nationals (2017), Front Row Challenge (2016), Kings Royal at Eldora (2013), Short Track Nationals (2010) and Belleville Midget Nationals (2008).

John Force Racing

JOHN FORCE REMEMBERS PRO STOCK GREAT BOB GLIDDEN

JOHN FORCE REMEMBERS PRO STOCK GREAT BOB GLIDDEN
John Force, 16-time Funny Car world champion, on the passing of Hall of Fame NHRA Pro Stock driver Bob Glidden.

“We all know what Bob Glidden has accomplished in a lifetime. Feats that will never be broken, accomplishments that will never be broken. We know what he’s accomplished and what he’s done. He was the man. But there’s the other side of Bob Glidden, the personal side of Glidden, him as a person. The love that he had for his family, his boys and Etta. How he always treated everyone with respect, even if it was just in passing. That was the side of the man that I loved the most. He will be missed. I miss him already. But he’ll be with us every day.”

John Force Racing

COURTNEY FORCE RECAPS THE 2017 SEASON

COURTNEY FORCE RECAPS THE 2017 SEASON

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (December 15. 2017) — Courtney Force, driver of the Advance Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, finished 2017 a career best third in the NHRA points standings. Her season was highlighted by a new sponsorship in Advance Auto Parts as well as five finals appearances and seven No. 1 qualifiers. She took a couple minutes to talk about her season long consistency, her sister’s championship and what she’s looking forward to in 2018. Continue reading COURTNEY FORCE RECAPS THE 2017 SEASON →

John Force Racing

BRITTANY FORCE RECAPS THE 2017 SEASON

BRITTANY FORCE RECAPS THE 2017 SEASON

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (December 14, 2017) – Brittany Force, pilot of the Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster, took some time to look back at how the whole 2017 season came together to earn her the first Top Fuel world championship for John Force Racing and the first by a woman in 35 years. Force ended the year with four race wins, two runner-up finishes and two No. 1 qualifiers. A strong showing in the Countdown to the Championship secured her first Top Fuel world championship.

Q: You finished the season with a three hat Sunday. Green hat for the No. 1 qualifier, yellow hat for the race win and white hat for the championship. Does it get any better than that? Continue reading BRITTANY FORCE RECAPS THE 2017 SEASON →

John Force Racing

ROBERT HIGHT RECAPS THE 2017 SEASON

ROBERT HIGHT RECAPS THE 2017 SEASON

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (December 13, 2017) – Robert Hight, driver of the Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro, took a few minutes to sit down and look at how his second NHRA Mello Yello championship came together as well as how important the championship was to his family and his relationship with crew chief Jimmy Prock. Hight, a four-time winner in 2017, captured the second championship of his career on the strength of two wins in the Countdown and three No. 1 qualifying efforts.

Q: Was the second championship more satisfying than the first?

I believe it was. It was easier to win the championship in 2009 because we did it from the No. 10 spot. I don’t think that is possible anymore unless you win four or more races in the Countdown. Four out of six would be tough to do. All I had to do was show up in 2009 and qualify and it was over. I also think we went into Pomona this year needing to go round for round with Ron Capps. He went a lot of rounds this year and won a lot of races. He was the current champ so there was a lot more pressure on him. This one was more special. I also got Jimmy Prock back as my crew chief. I was pretty bummed in 2013 when John (Force) switched crew chiefs and he ended up winning the championship that year. I was pretty bummed and then Jimmy left after that. We were lucky enough to get him back and I was really lucky to have him as my crew chief. I always thought that there was some unfinished business. With all that and the difficulty to win in this class and how hard it is this championship is more special. Continue reading ROBERT HIGHT RECAPS THE 2017 SEASON →