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Adam Sinclair

Adam Sinclair

Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway almost 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  

  

 
NHRA and Mattel® partner with Hot Wheels
Racing News

NHRA and Mattel® partner with Hot Wheels

Wednesday, Mar 03
 NHRA and Mattel® announced today their licensing partnership to develop collectible die-cast vehicles under the iconic Hot Wheels® brand, hitting stores in June.
 
The new partnership will see die-cast versions of classic hot rods including a 1974 Chevrolet Vega Pro Stock car and a 1971 Ford Mustang Funny Car. NHRA fans young and old can host their own drag races in living rooms across the world.
 
NHRA and Mattel have teamed up in the past and with the with history, power, and speed at the heart of both brands, the collaboration is seamless.
 
“The partnership between NHRA and Mattel is a perfect match,” said Jeffrey Young, NHRA Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “NHRA is excited to work with Mattel to bring new products to new NHRA fans across the globe.” 
 
“Hot Wheels has a long history of working with NHRA teams since our early days with Snake and Mongoose, over 50 years ago,” said Roberto Stanichi, SVP and Global Head of Hot Wheels at Mattel. “We’re honored to once again roll into the staging lanes, watch the tree light up and ignite the Hot Wheels challenger spirit in NHRA fans of all ages.”
 
The NHRA Licensing Program continues to expand focusing on lifestyle products such as apparel and accessories, home decor as well as items for the garage for the auto enthusiast such as automotive accessories, automotive tools, appearance and other automotive related products.
 
(Courtesy of NHRA Communications)
Motion Pro Renews Progressive AFT Partnership, Expands Contingency Program
Racing News

Motion Pro Renews Progressive AFT Partnership, Expands Contingency Program

Wednesday, Mar 03
Progressive American Flat Track is proud to announce an extension with Motion Pro to continue as the Official Tools and Cables of Progressive AFT.
 
A long-time and valued partner of the series, Motion Pro was founded in 1984 by 6-day ISDT gold medalist Chris Carter. Motion Pro designs innovative tools and products that help maintain and repair motorcycles. From top tier racers to casual weekend riders, Motion Pro products are designed to help keep you riding and limit time spent in the garage. Motion Pro works closely with champion riders and professional mechanics all over the world to continue improving the company’s products and deliver an outstanding customer experience that makes it easier for enthusiasts to do what they love.
 
“Progressive American Flat Track highly values Motion Pro’s support for the Series and the sport of flat track, in general,” said Michael Lock, CEO of Progressive AFT. "Their products are used widely in our pro paddock and the extended program for 2021 covers all three class championships, demonstrating their deep roots in the sport.” 
 
Once again in 2021, Motion Pro will offer a unique, social-media based contingency program for Progressive American Flat Track competitors. Following a successful initial season in 2020 with the AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class, the $25,000 program has been expanded to also include Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle and AFT Singles this season. In addition, Motion Pro is directly sponsoring a number of top tier riders in each class.
 
“We’re proud to expand our commitment to AFT competitors. We’ve been pleased to support and foster many of our riders’ progress from minis to the pros and the 2021 program reflects Motion Pro’s longstanding and deep investment in dirt track,” said Chris Carter, founder and President of Motion Pro.
 
The 2021 Progressive AFT season kicks off with a Volusia Half-Mile doubleheader event at Volusia Speedway Park on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13, 2021. Tickets for this season-opening extravaganza are on sale now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3321/#raceSchedule.
 
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.
TRG R-R-Revs into 2021 SprintX @ Sonoma Raceway
Racing News

TRG R-R-Revs into 2021 SprintX @ Sonoma Raceway

Wednesday, Mar 03

The Racers Group launches into the 2021 Pirelli GT4 America Sprint X season as GT4 America switches exclusively to the SprintX Class format. The strong lineup of TRG veterans—Derek DeBoer, Spencer Pumpelly and Dr. Jim Rappaport—is enhanced by the addition of 2 drivers. Robert Orcutt, an experienced driver, coach and mentor to Dr. Jim, and Todd Hetherington, an experienced club racer beginning his first season of racing with Team TRG. 

DeBoer and Pumpelly partner together in the TRG’s historically-numbered #66 / LaSalle Solutions / FASTLIFE.TV / BRM / AutoLeadStar / Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport. Dr. Jim and Orcutt will be at the wheel of #17 TRG /Silver State Medical Consultants / LienStar / Westpark Capital / LaSalle Solutions / Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport at Sonoma Raceway. Todd Hetherington will join Dr. Jim later in #17 at COTA in April.

LaSalle Solutions will be back on board as the team primary sponsor/partner for the 7th year, as well as FASTLIFE.TV, Silver State Medical Consultants, BRM Chronographes and AutoLeadStar. TRG proudly welcomes new sponsors LienStar and WestPark Capital.

BRINGING BACK THE FUN! The Racers Group anticipates un-masking their famous hospitality train later this season for guests and team supporters alike. Watch for an exciting calendar of race-weekend entertainment provided by the TRG business and hospitality crew when the time is right. Whether it’s an Adobe Road Wine Dinner or an opportunity to see the new RACING SERIES “pop-up” winery, this experienced team truly knows how to throw a party! 
SPRINTX SEASON BEGINS IN TRG'S HOME TRACK: After a “season like no other” in 2020, Team TRG is stoked to begin the 2021 season on home terrain at Sonoma Raceway—a location that holds some terrific memories. The liveries of both car #66 and #17 have undergone significant changes and will be unveiled at Sonoma Raceway. On the down-low: both designs reflect the lives and experiences of their primary drivers. #66’s livery has visual tie-in to FASTLIFE, Let’s go Racing, a children’s book written by Derek DeBoer’s wife, Brooke and his daughter, Paige. Meanwhile, #17’s colors reflect Dr. Jim Rappaport’s pride in our nation for its indefatigable optimism for a future that is, as of yet, difficult to envision. Both teams aim to make some new memories next weekend as the green flag waves over 2021’s GT4 America SprintX Series.
 

“I’m not sure there could be a better way to be entering my 9th season with TRG and the awesome Porsche Cayman GT4 platform —pairing up with Spencer Pumpelly in the iconic #66 is very motivating and if we execute like I know we can, there should be some victories in our future. The entire team has become like family so I’m super grateful to be getting back together and getting the season underway!

It’s also exciting to welcome Todd Hetherington to the team, and again be working alongside my co-driver from the last two seasons, Dr. Jim Rappaport. We are also launching a new family project: FASTLIFE, Let’s Go is our new Children’s book, written by my wife Brooke and illustrated by my daughter Paige. We are very thankful for everyone involved in the project and are anxious to get the heartwarming story into many hands!  More information at www.fastlife.tv”

Derek DeBoer will be driving #66 / LaSalle Solutions / FASTLIFE.TV / BRM / AutoLeadStar / Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport with co-driver Spencer Pumpelly. 

BIO: Derek’s racing career began 21 years ago at Laguna Seca with Skip Barber in a Formula Dodge. Derek has raced in the competitive Formula Renault open-wheel series and spent several years in the ST class of Grand Am. No stranger to the world of endurance racing, Derek won at the 2015 LeMans Aston Martin Festival race, and placed in the top 10 at his first shot at the Rolex 24 at Daytona the same year. Derek has raced multiple times in the 25 hours of Thunderhill and competed in multiple Continental Tire Series and Lamborghini Super Trofeo races. READ MORE 
 


"This season will have a new look for me as I enter the SprintX championship and I couldn't be more excited to be joining Derek Deboer and LaSalle Solutions for this new challenge. Derek and I have been working together for the past few years under the TRG tent but this will be the first season for us as co-drivers. In SprintX the races are short so you need a teammate that can qualify and race well because there is no time to make up lost ground. Derek is definitely up for that challenge. The support we get from TRG crew and LaSalle Solutions will also be a huge factor in the season to come."

Spencer Pumpelly will be driving #66 / LaSalle Solutions / FASTLIFE.TV / BRM / AutoLeadStar / Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport with co-driver Spencer Pumpelly. 

BIO: Spencer Pumpelly was introduced to racing at a young age while watching his father contest the IMSA GTP Championship in a Ford Prototype during the late 1980s. In 1995 he enrolled in the Skip Barber Racing School and has since raced in many classes of cars successfully. He is a twenty-six year veteran of professional sports car racing and a two- time class winner in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 2016 Continental Sportscar Challenge ST champion. He holds multiple victories in IMSA and SRO competition including class victories in six major IMSA endurance races and has appeared in the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times. READ MORE 
 
 


“Life,  Liberty, and the pursuit of (perfection and speed) Happiness. Thank goodness for the opportunity to be on this great team with this great organization that has made this racing season possible in this great country of ours.

This year comes full circle. I started my racing career in 2017 at Sonoma Speedway and was fortunate to win my first two SCCA GT-2 races there. I’ve gone on to have the opportunity and privilege of racing with TRG for four seasons now, resulting in several wins, 25 podium finishes, SRO GT4 P3 Driver championship in 2019, and GT4 SprintX P2 Driver Championship in 2020. I finished last season on a high note at the Inaugural GT4 Global Championship 8-Hour Endurance Race. I’m looking forward to returning to Sonoma Raceway where it all began a few years ago, driving with my coach and current co-driver, Robert Orcutt. 

For the remainder of the season I’ll be racing with TRG's new driver, Todd Hetherington. I anticipate a fantastic racing experience with Todd to close out the series."

Dr. Rappaport will be driving #17 TRG /Silver State Medical Consultants / LienStar / Westpark Capital / LaSalle Solutions / Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport, with co-drivers Robert Orcutt and Todd Hetherington.

BIO: Dr. Rappaport’s passion for motorsports racing comes from his appreciation of the beauty of the cars, fascination with the technology and the challenge of perfecting every detail to win. He approaches racing with the same dedication, focus and hard work that has made him such a sought after Spinal surgeon for the past 36 years. His experience as a university faculty surgeon and as U.S. Ski Team physician further prepared him for competition at the national level in a team environment. READ MORE 
 

"Another great opportunity comes my way! Racing again and with TRG is a highlight on any driver's resume! And, to pair with my really good friend and coaching client, Doctor Jim Rappaport as my co-driver, and with Kevin Buckler on the radio!! I'm so looking forward to this coming Sonoma SRO GT4 America race weekend. Such a great combination of elements....Sonoma, Porsche, Doctor Jim, TRG, the Bucklers Kevin and Debra, the Adobe Road Winery!  I can't wait to get racing!!! And then I'll have a lot of thank you notes to write. This will be so fun."

Robert will be driving #17 TRG /Silver State Medical Consultants / LienStar / Westpark Capital / LaSalle Solutions / Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport, with co-driver Dr. Jim Rappaport.

BIO: Professional driver coach and TRG Driver, Robert Orcutt, has a long and illustrious partnership with TRG having driven professionally alongside Kevin and the team back in IMSA GT in the early 2000’s. Robert is one of the most dedicated and hard-working professional driver coaches on the circuit and is a welcome return and partner with TRG.
 


“I’ve found that opportunity is all about the conversation. Without that conversation, where does life take you? Last August, at Road America, my 11-year-old daughter, Brooke, started a conversation with Violet and Steve Robb of LaSalle Solutions, sponsors of The Racers Group. Moments later, I was meeting Kevin Buckler, Derek DeBoer, Dr. Jim Rappaport and Spencer Pumpelly. I realized that my desire to become a professional racecar driver was about to come true. I’ve always loved Porsches and spent many hours riding the turns at Road America as a club driver. Suddenly, there I was, on my home turf, glimpsing my future. 6 months later, with the incredible support of my wife, Wendie, and my kids, I’m taking one more step toward living the dream. I’m thrilled to begin my journey with Team TRG and the skilled drivers I met that day. My goal this year is to bring synergy and dynamics to this talented team and support both my co-driver, Dr. Jim Rappaport, and TRG #66’s drive to the SprintX championship!”

Todd will be driving #17 TRG /Silver State Medical Consultants / LienStar / Westpark Capital / LaSalle Solutions / Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport, with co-driver Dr. Jim Rappaport.

BIO: Todd Hetherington fell in love with Porsches as a boy when his father’s friend let him sit in his 1984 Porsche 944 Turbo. He thought it was the coolest thing ever and vowed to own one. A few years later, after entrepreneurial success, he bought his first Porsche, a 2004 911 Carrera S, and rolled it onto the track at Road America. Then came a few more Porsches as Todd explored the club circuit. He was bitten with the race bug, but as a CEO, Husband and father, his top priority was to support his young family in their endeavors. READ MORE

FROM The Racers Group Founder and CEO, Kevin Buckler

Going into our 28th season of Professional Motorsports, it is with great pride to announce that we are back to racing with a strong SRO program in 2021, and, at our home track at Sonoma!! The return of the #66 car running for a championship is going to be exciting for all. TRG team drivers, Derek DeBoer and Spencer Pumpelly will be running for the championship this year in Sprint X. I could not be happier to have Derek back. Professional Motorsports, in today’s day and age, has become so complex. It requires drivers who are adept at many things both in and out of the car, and Derek is truly one of the best in the business. His driving and race craft has have continued to impress and he is running at such a high level. We are proud to have him driving for us and representing our team this year in fabled #66.

Spencer has evolved into such an amazing driver and teammate, and I know he and Derek are going to rock. I used to a race against Spencer in the #66 back in the day, and he has amassed an incredible record in motorsports. It seems like a natural evolution to have these guys, take it to the next level.

Dr. Jim Rappaport and the #17 car continues to have us shaking our heads and smiling. Here is a gentleman driver, at the top of his game in modern-day profession that requires extreme skill and precision…Spinal Surgery! I always joke with him that my favorite drivers are surgeons and pilots…because their day job has consequences!! He has evolved into a terrific driver and a fantastic teammate. Dr. Jim has taken this so seriously and his progress has been methodical and clean. He is driving this weekend with his professional driver and coach, Robert Orcutt, and it’s going to be really cool to have them in the same car. Robert has helped Jim in his “driving journey” from the beginning, and now they are driving together. He was also one of TRG’s professional drivers back in the day and it’s great to have him back in the seat! Dr. Jim will also be doing some races with our newest driver and teammate, Todd Hetherington. Todd comes with a strong competitive and Club Racing background and we have been so impressed with his approach. More importantly, he really fits our “team” dynamic and is a fantastic teammate. I’m looking forward to supporting him on his racing journey! They are all terrific drivers, and we are all friends, which makes it even more awesome!

I often get asked what I love most about racing and why I keep doing this. I tell people that the most important thing to me is all of the people who are with us throughout the year are our friends and our “racing family;” from our drivers, sponsors and guests, to our team members who keep things running behind the scenes. We have close relationships with all of the drivers, partners, sponsors and their families — moms, dads, spouses, and kids — and this makes the weekends just that much more special to look forward to. TRG is Racing, Winning and Family!


"Over a half a decade ago LaSalle Solutions and TRG formed a marketing partnership leveraging the racing program and Winery. As with everything we do, our expectations were high, but I would not have imagined how successful the program has worked out for us. LaSalle has not only stood on the podium, competed for championships and brought a unique experience to our customers, prospects and partners, but we have also been featured in the NY Times and numerous forms of media. The icing on the cake was to be associated with an Amazon Prime show FastLife.TV and have customers and partners comment after binge watching the racing reality TV show.”

— Steven Robb, President Solutions Group at LaSalle Solutions


We are all very excited to be racing the entire season with Pirelli GT4 America. The Series has put together an awesome schedule that makes it easy for us to compete and to put together the budget. I have a strong personal relationship with most of the staff and they make you feel like “family”. The series has really grown through the acquisition and vision of Stéphane Ratel and SRO, and with Greg Gill’s leadership and tenacity, these guys are here to stay and are only going up! I really respect what the Series is doing and will make my home there this year.

TRG could not do any of this without the fantastic support of Porsche and Porsche Motorsports.  A big shout out to Daniel Armbruster and his team at PMNA for another awesome Porsche racecar and the ever present professional support that we receive. This is our 28th year in motorsports — most of it with Porsche. I have seen all sides of how the different manufacturers provide support and work with their teams, but there’s just nothing like the family that Porsche has created and the results that we have seen together. Sometimes I look back and almost shake my head at some of the things that we have accomplished together but it is all part of the 4 letter word I love to use….TEAM. We are all part of this winning team and we could not do it without our friends and family at Porsche and Porsche Motorsports.
Influential Additions to Music City GP's Advisory Board
Speedway News

Influential Additions to Music City GP's Advisory Board

Wednesday, Mar 03

The Music City Grand Prix announced today the addition of two members to its previously announced inaugural advisory board. Rick Dreiling, current Chairman of Lowe’s Corporation and former CEO and Chairman of Dollar General Corporation, and Kevin Crumbo, Nashville’s Finance Director, are joining a talented, diverse group of Nashville community leaders.

 

Advisory board members are lending their expertise in sports and entertainment, event production, community engagement, hospitality, customer service, finance, construction and development to support the success of Music City Grand Prix.

 

“We are so pleased that Rick and Kevin are joining our advisory board, bringing additional and impressive business and finance acumen to the group,” said Christian Parker, President of the Music City Grand Prix. “Kevin’s finance work in the private and public sectors as well as Rick’s passion for racing, business leadership, and community engagement as a former Chairman for Vanderbilt’s Children’s Hospital Board will help drive positive social and economic impact.” 

 

The inaugural Music City Grand Prix Advisory Board is comprised of the following leaders:

·       Kix Brooks, Hall of Fame Singer/Songwriter and Entertainer

·       Heather Brown, PhD, Professor, MTSU School of Concrete and Construction Management 

·       Toby Compton, Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Chairperson of the Nashville Sports Council

·       Chaz Corzine, Partner, The MWS Group

·       Kevin Crumbo, Finance Director, The City of Nashville

·       Yuri Cunza, President & CEO, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

·       Rick Dreiling, Chairman, Lowe’s Corporation

·       Rod Essig, Co-Head, CAA Nashville

·       Jenneen Kaufman, SVP & CFO, Tennessee Titans/Nissan Stadium

·       Monica Fawknotson, Executive Director, Nashville Sports Authority

·       Shan Foster, VP External Affairs, YWCA, Executive Director of Amend Together

·       Harrison Frist, President of Market Operations, NaviHealth 

·       Rose Grindstaff, President, G&M Consulting 

·       Don Hardin, President & CEO, Hardin Group Construction

·       David Kells, EVP, Entertainment and Venues, Nashville Predators/Bridgestone Arena

·       Ken Levitan, Co-President, Vector Management

·       John Oates, Hall of Fame Singer/Songwriter, Racing Enthusiast 

 

Three-day festival tricket packages are now on sale starting as low as $119. For more information on packages, pricing, and other additonal offerings (including hotel packages and parking options) please visit www.musiccitygp.com.

NHRA’s exclusive streaming service to broadcast 'Baby Gators' and PRO Winter Warm-Up
Racing News

NHRA’s exclusive streaming service to broadcast 'Baby Gators' and PRO Winter Warm-Up

Wednesday, Mar 03
 NHRA’s exclusive streaming service, NHRA.tv, will give NHRA fans free viewing access to both the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event the Baby Gators and the pre-season testing session prior to the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
 
Fans are invited to create an account with NHRA.tv and will be granted free viewing access to both the Baby Gators race and testing at Gainesville Raceway.
 
“We are thrilled to be able to bring NHRA fans complimentary racing action,” said Jeffrey Young, NHRA Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Both pre-season testing and the Baby Gators will be a great kick off to the year and the 2021 Camping World Drag Racing season.”
 
With an NHRA.tv account, fans may watch NHRA Drag Racing from anywhere in the world. The service enables subscribers to watch every race down the racetrack at all NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series national events, as well as Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events, including the Baby Gators.
 
Presenting sponsors of NHRA.tv Sportsman coverage include Strange Engineering, JEGS.com, Summit Racing Equipment, Total Seal Pistons, Weldon Pumps, Moser Engineering, Competition Products and Micro Tech.
 
Fans may visit NHRA.tv to sign up for an account and for a full list of complimentary races.
 
(Courtesy of NHRA Communications)
NBCSN to Present Coverage of All 17 Progressive AFT Races, Beginning with the Volusia Half-Mile Doubleheader on Saturday, March 20; TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold to Livestream Every Race of 2021 Season
Racing News

NBCSN to Present Coverage of All 17 Progressive AFT Races, Beginning with the Volusia Half-Mile Doubleheader on Saturday, March 20; TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold to Livestream Every Race of 2021 Season

Wednesday, Mar 03
 NBC Sports -- “the Home of Motorsports” -- today announced its Progressive American Flat Track schedule for the 2021 season on NBCSN. The network will present coverage of all 17 races of the most historic form of American motorcycle racing, beginning with the Volusia Half-Mile I and II from Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla., on Saturday, March 20, at Noon ET.
 
“American Flat Track is a staple of our motorsports programming on NBCSN and we are very excited to continue our partnership in 2021,” said Rene Karfias, senior manager, programming, NBC Sports.
 
Featuring the world's fastest motorcycle racers on dirt battling it out at speeds approaching 140 mph, Progressive AFT is the most prestigious and most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world. The circuit is returning to NBCSN for a fifth consecutive season in 2021.
 
“The growth of American Flat Track over the last few years has been fueled and greatly assisted by our partnership with NBC,” said Michael Lock, CEO of Progressive AFT. “We are very excited with the great scheduling of the Series for the 2021 season on NBCSN and the biggest ‘bang for the buck’ in motorsports, delivered by the live streaming package available on TrackPass.”
 
In addition to the 17 weekend premieres on NBCSN, TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold will provide exclusive live streaming coverage of every race throughout the 2021 season. With the AFT package on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold, users gain unlimited access to AFT content live and on-demand on any device for only $1.99 a month. For more details, click here. 
 
Below is the schedule for Progressive AFT's premiere telecasts on NBCSN (subject to change):
 
Date - Race - Time (ET)
  • Sat., March 20 - Volusia Half-Mile I - Noon
  • Sat., March 20 - Volusia Half-Mile II - 1 p.m.
  • Sun., May 2 - Atlanta Super TT - 10:30 p.m.
  • Sat., May 29 - Texas Half-Mile - 8 p.m.
  • Sun., June 6 - Chicago Half-Mile - 5 p.m.
  • Sat., June 26 - OKC Mile I - Noon
  • Sat., June 26 - OKC Mile II - 1 p.m.
  • Sat., July 3 - Lima Half-Mile - 5 p.m.
  • Sun., August 8 - DuQuoin Mile - 11 p.m.
  • Sun, August 15 - Port Royal Half-Mile - 10 p.m.
  • Sun., August 22 - New York Short Track - 9:30 p.m.
  • Sun., August 29 - Peoria TT - 8 p.m.
  • Sun., September 12 - Springfield Mile I - 9 p.m.
  • Sun., September 12 - Springfield Mile II - 10 p.m.
  • Sun., September 26 - TBA Round 15 - 11 p.m.
  • Sun., September 26 - TBA Round 16 - Midnight
  • Sat., October 9 - Charlotte Half-Mile - 10:30 p.m.
 
Progressive American Flat Track is part of NBC Sports’ “Home of Motorsports” programming throughout 2021, spanning NASCAR, INDYCAR, IMSA, Mecum Auctions, Monster Energy Supercross, the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, MotoGP, Monster Jam, Dakar Rally, and more.
 
The 2021 Progressive AFT season kicks off with a Volusia Half-Mile doubleheader event at Volusia Speedway Park on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13, 2021. Tickets for this season-opening extravaganza are on sale now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3321/#raceSchedule.
 
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.
Tickets for 51st Annual DAYTONA Supercross on March 6 Reaches Socially-Distanced Limited Capacity
Speedway News

Tickets for 51st Annual DAYTONA Supercross on March 6 Reaches Socially-Distanced Limited Capacity

Wednesday, Mar 03

 Daytona International Speedway announced today that socially-distanced grandstand seating and hospitality packages for the 51st annual DAYTONA Supercross, scheduled for this Saturday night, March 6, have reached limited capacity.

 

To ensure the safest environment possible for guests, Daytona International Speedway is implementing enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures including screening guests before entering the facility, requiring face coverings to be worn and six feet social distancing maintained throughout their visit.

 

“The DAYTONA Supercross is an iconic event and we’re excited to celebrate with the many fans here at the World Center of Racing,” said Chip Wile, President of Daytona International Speedway. “We take great responsibility to ensure our guest’s safety during their visit while providing an outstanding event experience.”

 

The DAYTONA Supercross, the longest continuous Supercross race in America dating back to 1971, will feature the best Supercross riders in the world battling for a coveted win in this special Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship event. Fans can tune-in on Saturday, March 6 beginning at 7 p.m. on NBCSN as Eli Tomac races towards a possible fifth DAYTONA Supercross victory and current series points’ leader Ken Roczen seeks his first Daytona win.

 

Daytona Beach celebrates its 80th annual Bike Week beginning March 5. Fans and visitors can enjoy the Bike Week Motorcycle Marketplace at Daytona International Speedway available March 5 through March 13. The area’s largest motorcycle marketplace will feature the nation’s top motorcycle parts and apparel vendors. This will be the only Bike Week location in the Daytona Beach area offering free manufacturer demo rides. Participating manufacturers include BMW, Kawasaki, Indian, Polaris, Vanderhall and Yamaha, Guests can also enjoy Harley-Davidson Thunder Alley featuring free live music and the latest Harley-Davidson rides and gear.

 

Tickets are still available for America’s most historic motorcycle race, the 79th DAYTONA 200, on Saturday, March 13 and start at $30 with kids 12 and under free. To purchase tickets, please visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

 

For information on other Daytona International Speedway Bike Week events, please visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway and see the latest speedway news on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

 

Mia Chapman Back in Action With Solid 2021 Debut at Parker 250
Racing News

Mia Chapman Back in Action With Solid 2021 Debut at Parker 250

Wednesday, Mar 03
Red Bull athlete Mia Chapman’s second season of desert racing since making the full-time switch from short course off-road kicked off with a solid season debut at the Parker 250, the first round of the 2021 Best in the Desert season for UTV racers. After drawing a starting position near the front of the field, Chapman and her new-look #1937 Polaris RZR persevered through one of the most challenging races of the year to take a 13th place class finish on the weekend.
 
2021 marked the first year that the Parker 250 for UTVs, motorcycles, and quads and Parker 425 for cars and trucks swapped spots on the calendar, and the race drew its traditional who’s who of the top teams in the sport in the process. Events in Parker are also known for taking a massive toll on both car and driver, and this year’s UTV action was no exception, with well over 100 entries in the premier classes, including Chapman in the UTV Pro NA division.
 
But while some of the biggest names in the sport struggled and eventually fell out of the event, Chapman would fight through a handful of mechanical gremlins along the way to earn a finish. In spite of the treacherous terrain, her Yokohama tires ran without a single flat all day.
 
“I’m really happy to get out of our first event of the season in Parker with a finish,” said Chapman. “This race sets the tone for the entire year, and for us to overcome all of the challenges that this race presents to cross the line was a statement about our 2021 campaign. We kept going through every obstacle, and our Yokohama tires held up all day with no flats. I’m really looking forward to the next time I can get back in the car to build on what we accomplished this weekend!”
 
Mia Chapman is supported by Red Bull, R-N-R Steel, Yokohama, Kicker Performance Audio, Walker Evans Racing, Vision Wheel, Rigid Industries, Jim Beaver’s Down & Dirty Show Powered By Polaris RZR, Action Sports Canopies, Muzzys, Sparco, DynoJet, AiM Sports, Xtreme Racing Fabrication, and Rugged Radios. For more information on Mia Chapman and her off-road racing career, visit www.miachapman.com or follow Mia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
 
 
Alex Tagliani reveals his racing agenda for 2021
Racing News

Alex Tagliani reveals his racing agenda for 2021

Wednesday, Mar 03
Racecar driver Alex Tagliani will very busy this spring with a business and two racing programs in action in early May. With all this in mind, it does not stop the prominent Quebec driver to spend a lot of his time thinking of driving his Chevrolet Camaro RONA - VIAGRA - St-Hubert in the opening rounds of the NASCAR Pinty's Series. Last year at the Salon International de l'Auto in Québec City, car #18 was unveiled with VIAGRA as its new co-primary sponsor next to RONA and St-Hubert. With this sponsorship, the iconic VIAGRA brand was celebrating its 20th anniversary in Canada. The Team 22 Racing number 18 car will also be sporting secondary sponsors colours such as CanTorque, Fast Wheels and 440 Laval Chevrolet amongst others on tracks in Ontario and Quebec.


During the shortened 2020 non-championship season, Team 22 Racing used the oval races to test numerous set ups in order to validate what worked best or what made the car unstable and difficult to drive on this type of track. On road courses, car #18 has always performed well if we look at past results with a couple of wins at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, Toronto Indy and a win at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. We realise that it's not the performances on road courses that stopped the team on its way to a championship title but performances on ovals.


Back in 2018, Alex was runner-up in the final standings a few points back from the champion. Everything was played out in the final race of the season at Jukasa Motor Speedway oval track. This winter, it was Team 22 Racing's mission to go back to where they were in 2018 to make 2021 a very competitive season for car #18. It is for this reason that Tag's mechanics worked so hard over the wintertime to get the RONA - VIAGRA - St-Hubert car in top shape for the upcoming season.


"Despite the pandemic that keeps spreading its attacks on people, my 2021 racing seasons will be very busy," confirmed Alex Tagliani. "The 12 NASCAR Pinty's races will be held at eight tracks with five in Ontario and three in Quebec. Three of events will be twin feature races.


"I am really looking forward to get back on track, as are the race fans eager to see us compete door-to-door for the win at every corner of the track.


"NASCAR did amazing job behind the scene and worked closely with the promoters to have an early schedule and to ensure a race season for the drivers the crew and the all the Fans In Canada. We all learned the hard way, with the pandemic, I think now we are all going to appreciate racing even more", concluded Tagliani.


The NASCAR Pinty's Series 2021 season
The NASCAR Pinty's Series returns with a full racing season for 2021 with 12 races on its schedule and Alex Tagliani is ready to go. On May 23, he will be at the wheel of his Chevrolet Camaro RONA - VIAGRA - St-Hubert for the opening round at Sunset Speedway in Innisfil, Ontario were he won in 2015 and in 2016. A month later on Saturday June 19, NASCAR drivers will head to the 0.625-mile oval track at Jukasa Motor Speedway located near Hamilton for the first of their two races there, the other being the season finale on September 25.


Then, Team 22 Racing will be competing on July 18 at Flamboro Speedway in Millgrove, Ontario for their first of three twin races of the season. A month later, it's the beginning of the busy part of the schedule for Alex with the Pinty's Series in Quebec for the first time. On Sunday August 15, it's the annual Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, always filled with door-to-door and bumper-to-bumper restart thrillers. Two days later, the series is back in Ontario for its first-ever dirt track race at the Ohsweken Speedway. Tag's Chevrolet Camaro RONA - VIAGRA - St-Hubert will return in Quebec at the end of August for three races at two tracks in two days. Saturday, August 28, round 7 of 12 of the 2021 schedule will be held at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel and the next day, Autodrome Chaudière in Junction Vallée south of Québec City will host the second twin race of the schedule. The season ends in September with tree races in Ontario. The last twin race date awaits Tag and Team 22 Racing at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park road course on Sunday September 5 and 20 days later Jukasa Speedway host the season finale to crown the 2021 season champion.


Fans can still Alex Tagliani during the off season by visiting www.tagliani.com, or by following him on Twitter at @TAGLIANI, or @TAGLIANI18 on Instagram and like him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Tagliani.
TireRack.com iRacing eSeries Heads to Season Finale
eRacing News

TireRack.com iRacing eSeries Heads to Season Finale

Wednesday, Mar 03
The five-event, 10-race TireRack.com Road to Indy iRacing eSeries Presented by Cooper Tires will conclude virtually on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this evening to settle a championship that has pitted current Road to Indy drivers against future series prospects. Six different drivers have claimed race wins with championship contenders Max Esterson and Braden Eves showcasing their skills with a pair of victories each.
 
The drive of the eSeries thus far however has been from England’s Toby Sowery, who returns to Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires competition with Juncos Racing this season. Sowery is the most recent race winner following a stunning drive from 26th on the grid at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to notch his first eSeries victory.
 
Esterson, 18, from Water Mill, N.Y., heads into the season finale with a 25-point lead (172 to 147) over Eves, 21, of New Albany, Ohio, who returns to the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires in 2021 with Exclusive Autosport. Young guns rounding out the top five include Bryson Morris, 16, of Mount Juliet, Tenn., with 132 points, Mac Clark, 16, of Campbellville, Canada with 112 points and Max Kaeser, 17, of Keystone, Colo., with 105 points.
 
The top-five finishing positions in the championship will secure an invitation to the All-Star Invitational to be held virtually on Wednesday evening, March 10, at World Wide Technology Raceway. The event will feature a host of former Road to Indy drivers and champions.
 
“With four of the five races now complete in this year’s eSeries, and with last week’s round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca providing our best racing of the season, I’m expecting an epic battle for the championship at Mid-Ohio tonight,” commented Rob Howden, Road to Indy Series Development Director. “In addition, finishing in the top-five in the final standings will secure those drivers invitations into our All-Star race next Wednesday night, which is certain to give us storylines to follow all evening. Mid-Ohio is a tough place to pass, as we all know, so outright pace will be crucial as qualifying well will have extra importance.”
 
Returning to represent the World Karting Association is 13-year-old Dean Dybdahl, from Grand Island, Fla., the youngest driver in the field who earned his second invitation by winning the WKA’s A-Maxx Racing eSports Series Championship. Dybdahl impressed in his debut at Road America bringing home a fourth and sixth-place finish. He has also been invited to represent the WKA in the All-Star Invitational.
 
 
In total, $3,500 in cash awards will be distributed to the top-three finishers in the championship – including the champion’s prize of $2,000 and one hour of sim time at every race on the 2021 schedule provided by SimMetric Driver Performance Labs, the Official Sim Partner of the Road to Indy.
 
Coverage from a virtual Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course can be found on the Cooper Tire Facebook page, the Road to Indy TV website and App, ApexRacingTV’s YouTube and Facebook and the series’ respective websites. In addition, live coverage will be carried by REV TV Canada.
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