Adam Sinclair

Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway more than 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of traveling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week.

Adam spent several years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.

Be sure to tune in for his sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place (almost) every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.

Contact Adam: Email

Racing News

Night of Firsts as Daniels Wins Red Mile I by 0.008 Seconds

Sunday, May 29

It was a night of firsts as Progressive American Flat Track enjoyed an epic evening of racing at the Mission Red Mile I presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington in Lexington, Kentucky.

Following 14 minutes and two laps of nail-biting action in front of the massive Red Mile crowd, Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle rookie Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) officially added his name to the exclusive list of premier-class Main Event winners.

But prior to Daniels’ exhilaration, it was heartbreak for teammate JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT). Beach had established himself the rider to beat in the lead-up to the Main, but he was unlucky to be forced out by mechanical issues a couple minutes into the race.

That left reigning champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), Daniels, and Mission Production Twins Challenge entrant James Rispoli (No. 43 Wally Brown Racing/Haversack KTM 890 Duke) to battle it out in the lead pack.

The trend of heartbreak continued a couple of minutes later when the machine of Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) dumped oil on the circuit while running fourth, forcing a red flag stoppage near half-distance.

The race resumed with Mees, Daniels, and Rispoli sitting 1-2-3, and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) joining the lead group in fourth. While Rispoli took a peak on a few occasions, it was Mees and Daniels who traded back first and second for the remainder of the contest.

Mees lined up Daniels and made what he hoped would be the race’s decisive maneuver entering Turn 3 for the final time. He pulled it off perfectly and seemed destined to keep his perfect Red Mile streak intact, right up until the final moment when Daniels blasted by at the stripe to steal away the win by 0.008 seconds.

The victory was not only Daniels’ first in the premier class, it was also Yamaha’s first on a Mile going all the way back to Kenny Roberts’ legendary victory aboard the TZ750 at the 1975 Indy Mile. Daniels also became the first rookie to win in the premier class since Mikey Rush won at Daytona in 2007 and the first rookie to win on a Mile since Scott Parker did so at Indy in 1979.

“I can’t believe I won a Grand National,” Daniels said. “I’ve been dreaming of this my whole life. It’s been a long road for me and the team. Those guys have worked their butts off. It’s been a long road since they started, and I know this is so rewarding for them.

“Taking my dad on that victory lap… I’ve been talking about that since I was like eight years old. We did it… It’s awesome!”

Rispoli held on for third to become the first Mission Production Twins Challenge rider to land on the Mission SuperTwins podium and add to what was already an incredible debut for the WBR KTM.

Robinson came home fourth, followed by another Mission Production Twins Challenge pilot in Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) to complete the top five.

Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) was sixth, followed by an uncharacteristically quiet Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750). Davis Fisher (No. 67 Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R), and Robert Pearson (No. 27 Rackley Racing/John Franklin Indian FTR750) rounded out the top ten.

Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines

If anyone forgot just how dominant James Rispoli (No. 43 Wally Brown Racing/Haversack KTM 890 Duke) was at times when he won the 2020 Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines championship, he provided a most compelling reminder on Saturday night.

Rispoli made his return to the class at the Red Mile to debut the WBR KTM 890 Duke and did so in style. He not only made the bike a winner, he did so in runaway fashion, leading from start to finish.

The only rider who even managed to keep him honest was Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R). Janisch clung on behind him just outside the draft, but he never managed to present a realistic challenge to Rispoli’s position at the front.

After claiming the win, Rispoli said, “The Wally Brown Racing team has a wealth of experience. They’re smart guys. We took the common sense route and they built a phenomenal package. KTM built a great platform, but these guys found a way to get that horsepower to the ground. I’m so pumped. I’m stoked to return to Mission Production Twins, and to win? I’m stoked.”

While Rispoli may have had a drama-free run to victory, the battle for the final spot on the podium was most entertaining. A tight five-rider pack made up of the returning Michael Rush (No. 15 Hellipower Racing/Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R), Ryan Varnes (No. 68 Schaeffer’s Motorsports/Rausch Fuel & Oil KTM 890 Duke), Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07), Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), and Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Competitive Racing Frames/Lessley Brothers Yamaha MT-07).

Among a great deal of shuffling, points leader Armstrong systematically made his way from seventh to third, but went off the groove and dropped right back to seventh, erasing all his hard work.

Defending champion Texter did what he does and emerged late as he and Lowe scrapped for third over the final two laps. Ultimately, Texter took the position by 0.122 to further a three-race podium streak. However, he’s still three points back of Armstrong in the championship chase after Armstrong clawed his way back up to fifth at the flag.

Varnes finished sixth with Rush taking seventh, a welcome result in his return ride after suffering a serious leg injury in last year’s finale.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Combining the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER class and a big Mile racetrack is typically the recipe for an ultra-tight pack war. Saturday’s showdown was no exception.

As many as eight riders were in with a shot for victory deep into the race before a couple of them went off the groove, leaving a six-rider shootout on the race’s final lap.

The on-form Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) did his best to control the chaotic affair from the front and it paid off with a 0.053 seconds margin of victory.

While Mischler regularly traded the lead with teammate Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) for much of the contest, the final sprint came down to him, title rival Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), and Trent Lowe (No. 48 Mission Foods/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda CRF450R).

Mischler opened the final lap in the lead and made the most of his Honda’s horsepower to just fend off his challengers.

The win was Mischler’s first ever on a Mile as he continues to increasingly prove himself a well-rounded title contender. He said, “The puzzle pieces are fitting, and I see us just getting better with everything the team has been putting into it. For me, it’s just a matter of me doing my job.”

Despite just missing out on the win, Kopp continues to lead the championship on the strength of an early season that has seen him finish no worse than second.

Kopp’s teammate Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), finished off the podium for the first time this season with a fourth-place effort. Gauthier, who is dealing with a partially torn ACL and MCL finished fifth, while Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) finished sixth, just 0.420 seconds off the win, despite being forced to start from the back of the pack after using a provisional start to earn a spot in the Main.

The Mission Red Mile I will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, June 5, at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT, including exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.

Next Up:

Progressive AFT will be back on track at the Red Mile today to conclude the Mission Red Mile doubleheader. Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT ahead of the evening’s Main Event program. Secure your tickets now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3723/.

You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities on FansChoice.tv. FansChoice.tv provides free-to-view livestreaming of Practice and Qualifying. FansChoice.tv subscribers will then be able to watch the drama unfold from Opening Ceremonies through the Semis, Main Events, and podium celebrations. FansChoice.tv offers two subscription options, granting unlimited access to premium AFT content. Monthly subscriptions start at just $7.99, while a six-month subscription is available for $44.99.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch:

FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round can watch livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.

Racing News

Matt Christensen Wins Race 1 at Road America

Sunday, May 22

Matt Christensen won his first race in Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda (F4 U.S.) competition on Saturday afternoon in Race 1 at Road America.

After rolling off second in his No. 45 Velocity Racing Development Ligier JS F4, Christensen initially fell in line behind Lochie Hughes in the No. 6 Jay Howard Driver Development / CSU One Cure / Lucas Oil / Pelican Ligier JS F4. Christensen kept the pressure on Hughes and was able to overtake the top spot before the completion of lap 1.

After a brief safety car period, the field was restacked to give another chance at the top spot. Christensen held the lead early, but a four-way battle ensued and it was Hughes who overtook the point position before completing lap 4.

As the laps ticked by, Christensen continued to apply the pressure on Hughes. It all came down to the last lap as the two raced side-by-side and Christensen ultimately made the pass on Hughes in Turn 13 to lead the field to the checkered flag.

“It was a really good fight with Lochie,” said Christensen as he climbed from the car. “I got him at the start in Turn 5 on lap 1, and then he passed me back. Then he pulled a little gap, then like he said he started to make mistakes and I just bounced him on the mistakes and caught him and then made that last lap pass.”

Alex Berg (No. 08 Doran-Kroll Competition Ligier JS F4) finished third, earning his second podium finish of the season, followed by Nicholas Rivers (No. 24 Velocity Racing Development Ligier JS F4) in fourth and Louka St-Jean (No. 98 Jay Howard Driver Development / CSU One Cure / Lucas Oil / Pelican Ligier JS F4) in fifth.

Full results are available here: F4 U.S. Official Results – Race 1 at Road America

F4 U.S. returns to the track tomorrow for Race 2 at 10:40 a.m. CT, followed by Race 3 at 4:20 p.m. CT. A live feed of the Road America Jumbotron is available on SpeedTour TV’s YouTube page at YouTube.com/SpeedTourTV, and will air both races on Sunday.

Racing News

Raoul Hyman wins at Road America with FR Americas

Sunday, May 22

Raoul Hyman earned his second-career Formula Regional Americas Championship Powered by Honda win this afternoon at Road America. After leading practice and qualifying with his No. 27 Bethesda Holdings Limited / Solomon Capital Enterprises / Oaklands / Kinross Ligier JS F3, Hyman continued his weekend with a dominating performance in Race 1.

“It wasn’t easy; it definitely wasn’t easy,” said Hyman following the race. “I’m really happy to come away with a win. I can’t take any of the credit; the team has done an amazing job. The pace we’ve had all weekend—you can see it across all three cars—but I can’t do that if they don’t put in the work and do an amazing job in terms of the setup. A huge thanks to TJ Speed [Motorsports] and I hope we can keep going.”

The race got off to a rocky start as Nico Christodoulou (No. 22 Velocity Racing Development Ligier JS F3) stalled from the second position. With cars scrambling to the left and right, Hayden Bowlsbey (No. 3 Save22 / Southern Linac LLC / IGY6 Motorsports Ligier JS F3) made contact with Christodoulou to bring out the safety car.

The race returned to green on lap 3 with the field restacked. Hyman and Dylan Tavella (No. 14 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsports Ligier JS F3) took off, while Jason Alder (No. 77 Drive for Diabetes Awareness / HAKUN / TJ Speed Motorsports Ligier JS F3), Ryan Yardley (No. 78 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3) and Mac Clark (No. 25 Future Star Racing Ligier JS F3) jockeyed for the third position. Clark pushed his Hankook Tires to the limit, ultimately leaving Yardley and Alder to battle it out.

At the checkered flag, Hyman led Tavella, Yardley, Alder and Nick Persing (No. 29 OPI Commercial Builders / TJ Speed Motorsports Ligier JS F3) to the finish line.

Full results are available here: FR Americas Official Results – Race 1 at Road America

FR Americas returns to the track tomorrow for Race 2 at 9:05 a.m. CT, followed by Race 3 at 1:55 p.m. CT. A live feed of the Road America Jumbotron is available on SpeedTour TV’s YouTube page at YouTube.com/SpeedTourTV, and will air both races on Sunday.

Racing News

Piquet’s ‘Slick’ Move Leads to First Lamborghini Super Trofeo Win

Sunday, May 22

By Mark Robinson

IMSA Wire Service

NOLA Motorsports Park Race 1 Provisional Results

AVONDALE La. – Nelson Piquet Jr. was the first to take the gamble Saturday at NOLA Motorsports Park. It paid off with his first Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America victory.

The former Formula One driver and 2015 Formula E champion was the first driver to pit for dry-condition tires in the 50-minute race whose start was delayed nearly two hours by heavy rain and standing water on the 2.75-mile, 16-turn road course outside New Orleans. The decision proved genius. Piquet went on to take the overall and Pro class win in the No. 30 Ansa Motorsports, Lamborghini Broward Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Evo2 as the race finished under its only full-course caution.

“The pit stop call was a bit of a risk with me coming in early, but I really felt that the wet tires were degrading so quickly,” Piquet explained. “So I just pitted and it worked out, and yeah, we’re here in victory lane.”

IMSA officials declared a wet start to the race, mandating all teams begin on rain tires even though it had stopped raining. Piquet started third and moved quickly into second place on the opening lap but came to the pits for the change to dry tires on Lap 2. He still had to make the compulsory pit stop within the 10-minute window that opened later in the race, but the time gained on his dry-condition Pirellis while others stayed longer on wets was more than enough to overcome the two-stop strategy.

Piquet was leading by more than 25 seconds when Caesar Bacarella (No. 45 TR3 Racing, Lamborghini Miami Huracán) slid into a gravel trap with just over five minutes remaining, bringing out the only yellow. Bacarella’s car couldn’t be cleared before the clock ran out.

“The whole weekend since we arrived here on Thursday, we seemed to be much more competitive than we were last year,” said Piquet, who drove in eight 2021 races with Ansa. “We had a bit more experience with the car and with everybody being (at NOLA) for the first time, I think it made it a bit more fair. The car was great, the whole team did a great job.

“Lamborghini was one of the series where I hadn’t won yet, so glad to tick that box.”

The ProAm and Am classes saw remarkable drives by the second drivers in their cars lead to wins. John Dubets took over from Bryson Lew in the No. 46 Precision Performance Motorsports, Lamborghini Palm Beach Huracán and passed Tom Long (No. 25 Harrison Contracting with Wayne Taylor Racing, Lamborghini Paramus Huracán) with nine minutes left to secure the ProAm victory. Two minutes before that, Caleb Bacon wheeled the No. 7 Forty7 Motorsports, Lamborghini Greenwich Huracán past Wesley Slimp (No. 9 TPC Racing, Lamborghini Washington Huracán) for the Am win.

“What a car, right?” Dubets asked rhetorically. “We came back; I didn’t think we’d make that happen, but as soon as we saw Tom up there, we put our heads down and started digging. It was nothing but fun out there and the conditions were all over the place. We really didn’t know what we were going into but it sure worked out in our favor in the end.”

Bacon and AJ Muss were both making their series debut and had no wet-condition laps in the Huracán before the race.

“I was really nervous to drive this thing in the wet,” Muss admitted. “I had maybe 15 laps in a race car ever in the wet, and then (to get in) this big, high-horsepower car. But the team set it up really well, made a really good setup change right before the race. First race, first win ever for me, first-ever podium, and to do it with Caleb is amazing.”

Muss lauded his teammate’s effort in tracking down Slimp for the class lead in the treacherous conditions.

“Don’t sell yourself short,” he told Bacon. “You hunted down the leader and you passed him. You were five seconds a lap faster!”

Bacon, the grandson of four-time Rolex 24 At Daytona class winner Al Bacon, kept his cool under the stress.

“Once I got past that last car, I just knew that I had to manage my tires because the track was drying,” he said. “I didn’t think we were going to be able to get a win but we set ourselves up right and we had the car to do it. First race, first place. Let’s go.”

Like Lew and Dubets in ProAm, Slade Stewart became a two-time winner this season in LB Cup. Starting from the class pole position, Stewart controlled the pace in the No. 14 Flying Lizard Motorsports, Lamborghini Newport Beach Huracán and avoided trouble in the messy conditions to claim the LB Cup victory.

“It was very difficult conditions … but when that green flag dropped, it was time to go,” Stewart said. “It was just about being patient with the car, being patient with the turns and trying to find where the maximum amount of traction was throughout the race. I decided to stay on the wets (for the entire race) just because of the back side and the lack of traction that I was feeling.”

Race 2 starts at 10:45 a.m. ET Sunday and streams live on IMSA.com/TVLive and Peacock. Kyle Marcelli starts on the overall pole in the No. 1 Prestige Performance with Wayne Taylor Racing, Lamborghini Paramus Huracán he shares with Danny Formal.

Speedway News

Marrakesh will host Round 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

Saturday, May 21

Marrakesh will host Round 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on Saturday 2 July, Formula E and the FIA announced today.

The Marrakesh E-Prix 2022 will again be held at the Circuit Automobile International Moulay El Hassan street circuit with the support of local authorities and restores the schedule of 16 races in Season 8 after the Vancouver E-Prix was postponed. Sixteen races is the biggest-ever race calendar in an ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season.

It is the fifth time the Moroccan city of Marrakesh will host an E-Prix, subject to FIA World Motor Sport Council and ASN approval, following the Season 3 debut in November 2016 and further races in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Ahead of the Marrakesh E-Prix, Rounds 7 and 8 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship take place this weekend with the 2022 Shell Recharge Berlin E-Prix featuring a double-header of races on Saturday 14 May and Sunday 15 May.

Stoffel Vandoorne currently leads the Drivers’ standings while his Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team currently tops the Teams’ championship.

Racing News

Extreme E claims inaugural Environmental Sustainability title at Sport Industry Awards 2022

Saturday, May 21

Extreme E is delighted to have secured the inaugural Environmental Sustainbility Award at this year’s coveted Sport Industry Awards.

The Sport Industry Awards, which took place on Thursday 12 May 2022 at Evolution London, included nominees from the highest echelons of the global sports industry. The occasion celebrated the immense work carried out across the sector towards social change and producing campaigns with ingenious creative spark while delivering world-leading events.

As a sport that is built around social purpose, but with racing at its core, Extreme E utilises its platform to promote electrification, sustainability, and gender equality with the aim of driving real change.

The electric off-road racing Championship was crowned the first winners of Sport Industry’s Environmental Sustainability Award. New for 2022, this award recognises organisations that are delivering environmental benefits through sport.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “It is a tremendous honour to be the recipient of the first ever Environmental Sustainability Award. It gives real recognition to everyone who has helped to play a part in launching and delivering our pioneering series – it is great to see our visions from the very beginning become a reality. We cannot wait to go even further in raising awareness of the climate crisis and how to deliver environmental change.

“To be among such inspiring finalists demonstrated the level of hard work that Extreme E, our teams, and partners have all put into raising awareness of environmental issues, promoting sustainable solutions and gender equality, whilst delivering world class sporting entertainment.”

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, added: “Receiving the Environmental Sustainability Award is a proud moment for our championship. We could not have achieved this without the support of our drivers, teams and partners so I must pay tribute to them upon receiving such an accolade.

“I am looking forward to Extreme E growing even further in the years to come as we continue to raise awareness across the world of the critical environmental issues facing our planet.”

The sport for purpose series was also shortlisted for prestigious honours in both the Cutting Edge and Sport Organisation of the Year awards, alongside industry leaders such as SailGP, the ECB, Sky Sports and Vodafone.

Racing in remote locations damaged by climate change or human interference, the Extreme E strives to maximise awareness around critical issues, whilst minimising the environmental impact. In February, the innovative series published its Season 1 Sustainabilty Report in conjunction with Official Innovation Partner EY, which outlines the details of the series’ journey to becoming net zero.

Building on the success of its inaugural season in 2021, Extreme E Season 2 ‘The Race for the Planet’ kicked off in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, on 19-20 February. Working with Aurora and other creative partners, Extreme E will continue to deliver a graphical storytelling concept that combines sport and scientific stories to highlight the planet's situation.

The upcoming double-header in Sardinia, Italy, this July will bring to viewers double the racing and ultimately, double the impact in Extreme E’s race to protect the planet.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

Racing News

Kentucky Derby Winner Rich Strike Skipping Preakness Stakes

Saturday, May 21

Following the announcement that 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike will not be running in the 147th Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, Animal Wellness Action executive director Marty Irby issued the following statement:

“We applaud the Rich Strike team for putting the welfare of the horse first and choosing not to run in the 147th Preakness Stakes. Their decision to 'give him more recovery time and rest' is refreshing to see, and we have no doubt that Rich Strike will go down in the history books as one of the most famous American racehorses of all time."

"In addition, we were elated to learn the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission saw the blood test results of both Rich Strike, and the Kentucky Oaks winner came back clean, free from any illegal drugs, and that's a tremendous step in the right direction. We hope to see a safe and drug free Preakness in Baltimore."

Racing News

Trans Am Featured in Savoy Automobile Museum Exhibit Celebrating Pirelli’s 150-Year History

Saturday, May 21

The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli is featured in a brand-new exhibit in the Savoy Automobile Museum celebrating the 150th anniversary of Pirelli. The exhibit is a collaboration between the museum, located in Cartersville, Ga., and Pirelli, whose United States manufacturing plant is located in nearby Rome, Ga. Among the items which detail the tire manufacturer’s history and prowess, the display features a 2022 Trans Am racecar with a 150th anniversary livery designed by CG Detroit.

The exhibit, entitled Pirelli: The Story of a Company – A 150-Year History of Passion and Innovation, features a lineup of 11 production and motorsport vehicles ranging from 1947 to 2022, culminating with an 850+ horsepower Trans Am TA class Chevrolet Camaro on loan from Trans Am winner and longtime competitor Jon “Chevy” Leavy.

Leavy has competed in Trans Am since 1996, and his most recent victory is a TA Masters Class win at Sebring International Raceway in 2020. Leavy has a diverse history in motorsports. He is an SCCA ITGT Southeast Region champion and Hialeah Speedway Limited Late Model champion, and he has driven in prestigious events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona.

“I have been racing professionally since 1979, and of all the different sorts of racecars I have driven in, nothing compares to competing in Trans Am against some of the most skilled road racers in the world at many of the best tracks in North America,” said Leavy. “The raw horsepower and lack of any electronic driver assistance emphasizes the driver’s ability to control the racecar, and the Pirelli 18-inch P Zero tires add the grip needed to get all the horsepower to the ground and the necessary stability to the racecar’s handling throughout the entire race. I am so proud to be included in this exhibit, and to be part of the history and legacy of Pirelli and Trans Am.”

The scheme for Leavy’s vehicle was designed by CG Detroit Art Director Joe Mikulas with input from Leavy, Trans Am President John Clagett and Orazio Mastracchio from Pirelli. CG Detroit, which has been in the motorsports graphics business since 1987, is the Official Graphics Company of Trans Am and has worked with the series for more than 20 years.

“Trans Am is honored to be a part of the Pirelli: The Story of a Company – A 150-Year History of Passion and Innovation exhibit at the Savoy Automobile Museum,” said Trans Am President John Clagett. “It was a collaborative effort, with special thanks going to Jon Leavy, a long-time Trans Am racer who provided us with his Trans Am TA class Camaro. CG Detroit played a key role in designing a breathtaking wrap that screams ‘Made in America.’ Leavy’s No. 18 Camaro showcases the Pirelli 18-inch P Zero race tires, which fully illustrates Pirelli’s latest Trans Am development.”

The exhibit, which is now open, runs through Sunday, September 4, 2022. For more information, including admission, hours of operation, and location, visit www.savoymuseum.org.

Racing News

McLaren Racing to enter ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

Saturday, May 21

McLaren Racing has long committed to competing with the best teams, at the leading edge of technology on the world’s biggest stages. This latest addition to the iconic teams’ racing portfolio is also squarely aimed at accelerating McLaren Racing’s understanding of EV technology as part of their sustainability journey while reaching a new, more diverse global audience. The move also reflects McLaren’s commitment to the third generation of Formula E – which will see the introduction of the series’ fastest, most efficient and sustainable race car yet.

The McLaren Formula E Team will be formed through the acquisition of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, expected to complete later this year, following agreement between McLaren Racing and Mercedes-Benz that will see the reigning ABB FIA Formula E World Championship team transfer into the McLaren Racing family.

Ian James, Team Principal of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, will continue to lead the team, enabling a smooth transition as the team prepares to feature on the grid under the iconic McLaren name next season.

Brown: ‘We seek to compete against the best’

McLaren is among the greatest names in motorsport. Since the team’s foundation by Bruce McLaren in 1963, and its Formula 1 debut in 1966, it has amassed 20 Formula 1 World Championship titles, more than 180 Grand Prix wins, three Indianapolis 500 victories and won the Le Mans 24 Hours at the first attempt.

McLaren Racing has always operated at the leading edge of technology and currently competes in IndyCar, Extreme E and of course Formula 1. In Formula 1 it was also the first team to be awarded FIA Three-Star Accreditation for sustainability and is a signatory to the UNFCCC Sport for Climate Action framework established to drive the climate agenda in the sports industry.

“McLaren Racing always seeks to compete against the best and on the leading edge of technology, providing our fans, partners and people with new ways to be excited, entertained and inspired,” said Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO. “Formula E, like all our racing series, fulfils all those criteria.

“As with all forms of the sport we participate in, Formula E has racing at the centre but will be strategically, commercially and technically additive to McLaren Racing overall.

“I firmly believe that Formula E will give McLaren Racing a competitive advantage through greater understanding of EV racing, while providing a point of difference to our fans, partners and people, and continuing to drive us along our sustainability pathway.”

Formula E’s compelling offering for fans

Formula E CEO, Jamie Reigle, believes McLaren’s arrival in Formula E alongside a powerful grid of teams that includes some of the most iconic names from the history of motorsport will be a powerful lever to attract more fans to electric racing. “McLaren is one of the most iconic names in world sport with a global fanbase and a glittering list of accomplishments across multiple forms of motorsport.

“From next season and the start of the Gen3 era, the only place to see McLaren go head-to-head with historic motorsport names including Porsche, Jaguar, Maserati and Nissan is in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

“They will be taking their place on the grid amongst 12 highly-competitive teams and 24 of the sport’s most talented drivers racing in the fastest, most powerful and efficient electric race car ever built. That is a unique and mouth-watering offering for fans, and I am excited that McLaren is joining Formula E to make this dream a reality.”

For Formula E founder and chairman, Alejandro Agag, McLaren’s arrival is the culmination of a long-term objective, and the beginning of an exciting new chapter: “I wanted McLaren to be part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship since Season 1, and I’m delighted we finally made it happen. But it is so much more than just deciding to go racing. Being part of Formula E signals a strategic investment in the future of electric vehicle development. I welcome Zak’s belief that Formula E provides a cutting-edge environment for a proven innovator like McLaren to accelerate their EV experience and performance.

“I am also happy that the deep skills and capabilities developed by the current Mercedes-EQ team in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will find an exciting new home with McLaren. This will be a formidable team next year,” added Alejandro.

The continuation of a title-winning journey

Mercedes-EQ will see its operations taken on by McLaren Racing after the latter came to an agreement with Mercedes-Benz that will see the reigning Drivers’ and Teams’ World Championship-winning team continue as the McLaren Formula E Team. That detail has proven to be a major plus point of the acquisition for Brown, and vindication of years of hard work for current Team Principal Ian James and the Brackley outfit’s staff.

“It is also satisfying to provide a home for the class-leading Formula E team that Mercedes has built, which will become a fully-fledged part of the McLaren Racing family,” says Brown.

“Today's announcement confirms the next exciting chapter in the development of the team,” says James, who will continue in his leadership role. “Since our inception in 2019, performance, sustainability and adaptability have been the keys to our success.

“Becoming part of the McLaren Racing family is a privilege: McLaren has always been synonymous with success and high-performance. This is a great moment for all parties involved but, above all, for the people that make up this team. They are what keeps its heart beating. Being able to continue working with them is what I am most excited about.

“I'm very much looking forward for this next chapter for the team and will be a proud member of it in Season 9. Until then, we will be focused on delivering the best results possible as the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, for the remainder of the current season.”

McLaren Racing has said it will announce further details on its Formula E programme, including its powertrain provider and driver line-up, in due course.

Racing News

Spiderman makes history at NHRA Virginia Nationals

Saturday, May 21

In an incredible showcase of speed, Larry “Spiderman” McBride delivered the fastest motorcycle pass in drag racing history on Saturday at Virginia Motorsports Park, making a historic Top Fuel Motorcycle run during the weekend’s Virginia NHRA Nationals.

McBride’s spectacular blast of 268.38 mph gave him the fastest pass ever on two wheels in drag racing history, shattering the mark of 265.95 he had set last November. McBride went 5.61-seconds on the run – just shy of his quickest run of all time – as part of a Top Fuel Motorcycle exhibition at the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series event in Virginia, also breaking the speed record at his home track.

“To be able to do it here at home was incredible,” said McBride, who resides in Poquoson, Va. “I've been treated like a king here. It has been awesome that all the Top Fuel car guys and Funny Car guys who have helped me and all the support that I've gotten. The bike got a little bit loose, and I had to pedal it a little bit -- you know, just grabbed the rear brake -- to get it caught back up, and, boy, really run a good back half. I knew I went awful fast. I didn't really realize I went 268, but I knew it was really fast.”

McBride’s massive run from Saturday was the talk of the weekend, starting with the tremendous fanfare enjoyed at the track following the record pass. His impressive dash into the record books has also turned into a spectacular hit online, with the run already attracting more than 1.5 million views across NHRA’s social media channels in less than 48 hours. A longtime ambassador for the sport, McBride was thrilled with the accomplishment and the light it was able to shine on the sport.

"It was my honor to be here and to be supporting NHRA because I'm a major drag racing fan, you know, right down to the sportsman guys,” McBride said. “I just want to do everything I can do for drag racing. We've had a lot of help from people, a lot of people who have pitched in to help us a little bit so we could do the show that we were brought here to do.”

McBride believes there’s plenty more left in the Top Fuel Motorcycle, too, and “Spiderman” quickly confirmed he’s confident a 270-mph run is possible.

“Absolutely,” McBride said. “If I hadn't had to pedal it on that run it would have been 270 that pass. “

As for the key to making a historic run, McBride kept it simple.

“Hold on tight. Stay down low. Throttle works both ways,” McBride said.

For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.

(Courtesy of NHRA Communications)

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Adam Sinclair

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