Acura Team Penske announced today that IndyCar Series championship contender and 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner Alexander Rossi will join the team for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship endurance events at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Rossi, a five-time race winner in the IndyCar Series, will share the No. 7 Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype International (Dpi) with fulltime Acura Team Penske drivers Helio Castroneves and Ricky Taylor.

Team Penske IndyCar Series driver Simon Pagenaud will return to compete in the endurance events with the team in 2019, racing the No. 6 Acura ARX-05 DPi with full-time racers Juan Pablo Montoya and Dane Cameron.

“I have watched and raced against Team Penske in INDYCAR and I have a lot of respect for the organization and what they do and how they do it,” said Rossi. “I really appreciate Andretti Autosport for allowing me the opportunity to represent Acura in some of the biggest sports car races in the world. I can’t wait to work with Helio and Ricky, to learn from them and hopefully contribute to some wins and a championship for Acura Team Penske.”

Though Rossi rose to racing superstardom when he won the 2016 Indianapolis 500 as an INDYCAR rookie, he has long been considered one of the most talented young American drivers. After winning numerous karting championships and the Formula BMW World title as a teenager, Rossi moved to Europe to follow his dream of competing in Formula 1.  He found success in both GP3 and GP2 competition before he made five Formula 1 starts for Manor Racing, recording a best finish of 12^th.  The native of California returned to the states in 2016 to compete for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. Over the last three seasons, Rossi has produced five INDYCAR victories, including three wins in 2018 as he battled for the championship before finishing second in the series standings.

“Alexander will be a great addition to the Acura Team Penske lineup in 2019 and all of us at Acura are very excited about our prospects for the coming season,” said Art St. Cyr, President of Honda Performance Development. “When you add Alexander to the experienced team of Helio, Ricky, Juan and Dane - and with Simon returning for the endurance events – we are extremely proud of the talented and accomplished Acura Team Penske driver lineup.  We look forward to our second opportunity to win the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the ARX-05. Alexander has been a great representative of Honda in the IndyCar Series, from his Indy 500 victory in 2016 to competing for the title this past season. We are pleased to have this opportunity to build our relationship with him through our sports car program.”

Acura Team Penske returned to sports car competition in 2018 with its two-car Acura DPi program in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship. The team produced one victory – with Castroneves and Taylor at the Mid-Ohio SportsCar Course in May – and produced three poles and nine top-five finishes.

The 2019 IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship begins with the Roar Before the 24 January 4-6, followed by the Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 26. 

Team Penske PR

Another season of unique emotions and exponential growth for the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series is reaching its final stage tonight at the NASCAR Hall Of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina. The traditional NASCAR Prize Giving Ceremony will close the 2018 season honouring Alon Day’s back-to-back European crowns, Ulysse Delsaux’s ELITE 2 Division title and all NWES trophies and cups winners.

Celebrations started on Wednesday for Alon Day, who put his name in the Whelen Hall of Champions for the second time in a row. The Israeli, who won a record seven races in 2018, also received his commemorative Champion’s helmet and saw his #54 car featured in the Hall Of Fame’s Great Hall.
  
It’s great to be here once again, it’s the fourth consecutive year that I’m coming to Charlotte and every year it’s more emotional. It is so great for me to share that feeling and happiness my family and team here,”  said Day. ”But now I need to have me speech which is probably the hardest part if the season.”

A large delegation, led by Euro NASCAR President Jerome Galpin and COO Anne Galpin, flew from Europe to Charlotte for the occasion. Alongside Alon Day and Ulysse Delsaux, RDV Competition team manager Franck Violas, Rookie Cup winner Florian Venturi, Gil Linster, Nicholas Risitano, Romain Iannetta, Thomas Ferrando and CAAL Racing’s team manager Luca Canneori made trip. The group will be joined also by 2000 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Bobby Labonte, who took part in his first season of full-time competition in NWES.

“Entering the NASCAR Hall of fame alongside amazing champions who made history of NASCAR is one of the biggest honor in Motorsports, so I’m really proud we can offer this opportunity to our NASCAR Whelen Euro Series drivers. We are very happy to celebrate the 2019 champions with the whole NASCAR family, from across the USA, to Canada, Mexico and Europe we all ONE NASCAR!” said NWES President / CEO Jerome Galpin.

On Thursday, the European group had the opportunity to join a full-immersion tour in the heart of NASCAR. The Euro NASCAR delegation visited the headquarters of Richard Childress Racing, one of the most prestigious teams in American motorsports, the Childress Vineyards attended a marketing seminar and enjoyed a cocktail at the Hall Of Fame, all making for a unique experience.  

The week will culminate today with the NASCAR Awards gala at the NASCAR Hall Of Fame. The NASCAR Awards will be streamed live on Fanschoice.tv starting with the red carpet at 10:30 pm ET and t he show beginning at midnight CET.

NASCAR Euro Series PR

Today, FloSports, the innovator in live digital sports and original content, announced a multiyear partnership with the United States Auto Club (USAC Racing) to provide live and on-demand coverage of more than 80 races per year exclusively on FloRacing.com.

Through this new agreement, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2019, FloRacing will broadcast all of USAC Racing’s flagship National Championship events in its Silver Crown Championship, AMSOIL National Sprint Series and the NOS Energy Drink National Midget Championship.

Included in the partnership, existing Loudpedal.tv subscribers will be granted access to not only all live and on-demand FloRacing content, but thousands of other live events streamed across 20+ other verticals across the FloSports network.

“FloRacing is the ideal partner for us as we look to provide a best-in-class experience for our fans,” USAC CEO Kevin Miller said. “We’re excited about FloRacing’s vision for motorsports and look forward to the enhanced coverage they will bring to promoting our series and events to a wider and more diverse audience base. The FloSports subscription model of just $150 annually for all of USAC races along with thousands of other live events makes this a true winner for racing fans worldwide.”

“This is a significant partnership for us, and a big win for our motorsports fans,” FloSports Vice President of Global Rights Acquisition Mike Levy said. “We will provide subscribers with a better and more affordable solution to consume live racing. Given its heritage, USAC immediately propels our efforts to grow coverage of the sport.”

The 2019 USAC National season begins with the kickoff of an expanded “Winter Dirt Games” schedule that brings the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets to Ocala, Fla., for their debut appearance at Bubba Raceway Park on Feb. 8-9, followed by the return of the AMSOIL National Sprint Cars Feb. 14-16.

Throughout the season, FloRacing will take you to the marquee events on the USAC calendar, including the 14th annual Indiana Midget Week on June 4-9, the 12th annual Eastern Storm on June 11-16, Mid-America Midget Week on July 9-14, the 32nd Indiana Sprint Week on July 18-27, and Pennsylvania Midget Week on July 30 - August 3, among many competitions.

To access live and on-demand coverage of USAC races and other racing events, visit FloRacing.com to become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber. Either subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the events across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4.

Streaming more than 10,000 live competitions per year, FloSports continues to emerge as the global leader in live, in-depth, and on-demand digital coverage for passionate sports fans.

For more information, visit FloRacing.com or FloSports.tv.

Flo Racing PR

The Trans Am Race Company has announced a 12-event 2019 Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli schedule, with many of the same venues and dates returning from the 2018 championship season.   The upcoming competition will feature two key additions: Trans Am’s return to Memorial Day Weekend at Lime Rock Park and its first appearance at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca since 2004.   

“We were very pleased with our schedule in 2018,” said John Clagett President of the Trans Am Race Company.  “Our goal has always been to assemble a schedule packed with world-class tracks.  With that in mind, when the opportunity arose to add both Lime Rock Park and Laguna Seca, we had to take action; they’re both fantastic venues and welcome additions to our full championship.”

Trans Am’s return to Memorial Day Weekend at Lime Rock Park, May 24-27, marks the Series’ 30th appearance in Lakeville, Connecticut, and comes in the wake of a three-year absence, reuniting the historic pairing of track and series.  

“Lime Rock is an iconic circuit with a passionate fanbase that Trans Am has called home throughout its existence,” said Clagett. “It’s a historic marriage between Series and venue that’s produced so many great races.  Combined with the following weekend at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear we have an incredible two events back-to-back; one of the best pairings in motorsport.”

The return of the Trans Am Championship to Laguna Seca, May 3-5, marks the full Series’ first appearance in the West since a 2011 event at Miller Motorsports Park.  Trans Am’s last appearance at the Monterey circuit came in 2004.  

“The West Coast has played a huge role in Trans Am throughout its history,” said Clagett. “Championships have been made and lost on the West Coast, former champions have called it home; we want to continue that history and foster its growth.  After careful consideration, we’ve made the decision to bring our full championship west and start a new chapter of Trans Am in the West; and Laguna Seca is the perfect place to begin this next chapter.” 

“At the same time we understand the commitment it takes for our teams to make the haul west,” continued Clagett.  “To assist in that effort we’ll be increasing prize money at Laguna Seca, and we’ll be granting free entry at our Daytona International Speedway finale for teams that run the full championship.”

The 2019 schedule features new weekends for Indianapolis Motor Speedway, now August 1-4, and Circuit of The Americas, moved forward to October 4-6.  

Longtime Trans Am partners Ryan Companies and FirstEnergy will return in 2019 as well with the Ryan Companies Road America Classic and FirstEnergy Mid-Ohio 100.  

Trans Am will also continue three initiatives from 2018: Northern and Southern Cups for drivers not mounting a full-season effort, a standard three-day event format, with the inclusion of test day, and the Trans Am West Coast Championship presented by Pirelli.  

“We’re reaching the stage where consistency is key,” said Clagett.  “We will continue to refine and improve our approach, but we’re pleased with the Series’ direction and our competitor feedback.  The 2019 Trans Am Championship presented by Pirelli looks to continue the momentum and success we’ve collectively experienced this year.” 

The Trans Am West Coast Championship presented by Pirelli will feature the additions of Thunderhill Raceway Park and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to its 2019 docket, expanding the regional championship to six races in total.  

“We believe in the potential of Trans Am racing on the West Coast,” said Clagett. “Growing anything is a process; it takes time, but we’re seeing more interest every day.   We now offer six races at some world-class facilities and have an enthusiastic and passionate competitor base.  Our goal will always be a truly national presence, and a strong West Coast Championship is a key part of that effort.”

The 2018 Trans Am Championship presented by Pirelli will conclude this weekend on Saturday November 10th at Daytona International Speedway.  

The 2019 Trans Am Championship presented by Pirelli 

*Southern Cup
^ Northern Cup

The 2019 Trans Am West Coast Championship

*tentative 

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women (FCSW) announced Elaine Larsen as a recipient of the 2018 Spirit of the Community Award for someone that has improved the lives of Florida women and families, and who serves as a positive role model for women and girls in their communities.

Elaine Larsen is a professional Jet Car driver based in Palm Bay, Florida.  She and her husband Chris operate Larsen Motor Sports, build their entire fleet of race cars from concept design to full fabrication, while training the next generation of high-performance vehicle specialists. Their affiliation with Florida Institute of Technology has opened the door for internships, which led the LMS team to research many different avenues from biofuels to human centered design, lighting that spark for the next generation.

Elaine taught pre-school kids before her racing career took off, and spent years working with children of all ages to promote STEAM (Science -Technology -Engineering -Arts -Math), both on local and regional levels throughout Florida and across the USA. She is an ambassador for STEM and a keynote speaker for WeVenture Women Entrepreneurs, Space Coast Women, Women in Aviation, All About You, and other women’s organizations and events.

The creation of the comic book BLAZE is a vehicle to educate through entertainment with emphasis on STEAM. Each book is themed with a specific lesson targeted at an issue that the team must work together to resolve.   Because of the BLAZE program Blazing Trails, a 501 c3 organization, was formed as a charity to help the next generation achieve their dreams. Blazing Trails sponsors and assists children who have goals that they want to achieve, but are unable to, due to lack of money, time, and/or guidance. This is done with education through motorsports, entertainment, and STEAM programs. The next Blazing Trails event takes place January 25, 2019 at Palm Beach International Raceway for 1300 students in 6-12th grades.

Elaine Larsen continues to blaze her own trails as she allows for opportunities to ladies of all ages to promote STEAM(Science, Technology, Arts, and Mathematics). She will be presented with her Spirit of the Community Award on Friday, November 16, 2018 during the Commission’s 4th Quarterly meeting, Noon – 2:00 PM at the Tampa Bay History Center.

“The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is proud to focus on celebrating the contributions and success of women,” said Lady Dhyana Ziegler, DCJ, Ph.D., Commission Chair. “We are delighted to honor these outstanding individuals for their tremendous achievements and dedicated service to their communities.”

The goal of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women is to provide communication, promotion, and collaboration among the hundreds of organizations working in all 67 counties that are focused on the welfare of the women of Florida. The revitalization of the women’s movement to address the status of women, such as discrimination, poverty, pay equity, and other social and economic issues impacting the lives of women have moved to the forefront of conversations across the nation.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is a nonpartisan board, statutorily created in 1991, consisting of 22 appointed members. The Commission is administratively housed in the Office of the Attorney General, with a focus on raising awareness and celebrating the contributions and successes of all Floridians, along with providing a collaborative platform for those seeking information on issues that affect women, girls and their families in our state. The Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of Senate, and the Attorney General appoint four members and the Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Agriculture each appoint three members for a term of four years.

For more information contact Laura South at 561-371-7818 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.