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Other series racing

NAPA NAMED OFFICIAL AUTO PARTS STORE OF NHRA IN FIRST-TIME PARTNERSHIP

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 12, 2024) – For the first time ever, NAPA will team up with NHRA as an official partner, becoming the “Official Auto Parts Store of NHRA” as part of an exciting multi-year agreement.

NHRA and NAPA officials announced the long-term partnership today, which is set to begin with the 2025 season in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

NAPA has a long and storied history in NHRA drag racing. Since 2008, NAPA has been the primary sponsor on the 11,000-horsepower Funny Car of three-time world champion Ron Capps. This partnership with Capps, the standout driver, 76-time event winner and 152-time finalist will continue, as NAPA looks to strengthen an already impressive footprint in the NHRA drag racing.

As part of the partnership, NAPA will also become a presenting sponsor of the NHRA Youth and Education Services (YES) program. The NHRA YES Program is the only full-time education initiative in motorsports, offering quality educational content and activities for schools and youth organizations nationwide. It invites students to NHRA national events to see firsthand the career opportunities within the motorsports field.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with NHRA and become the ‘Official Auto Parts Store of NHRA.’ This multi-year agreement underscores our commitment to the sport and our dedication to supporting the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and professionals through the NHRA YES Program,” said Emily Schneider, Senior Director of Marketing at NAPA Auto Parts. “We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with Ron Capps and the entire NHRA community, and we are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring.”

As part of the program, which brings thousands of students to the track each year, NAPA will look to showcase how S.T.E.M. education is applied in career in the automotive area, focusing on attracting a new generation of technicians to America’s largest network of parts and care, with nearly 6,000 Auto Parts stores and over 16,000 Auto Care centers across the country.

Along with prominent track signage and displays at each of the 20 NHRA national events, NAPA’s Carlyle Tools brand will be on display in the midway at 15 races during the 2025 campaign. The season begins March 6-9 with the 56th annual NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone at NHRA to announce this first-ever partnership with NAPA,” NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said. “They’ve been tremendous partners with Ron and his Funny Car team for so many years and it’s a huge thrill to now add them as the ‘Official Auto Parts Store of NHRA.’ They have continually showcased an incredible passion and commitment to motorsports, and we look forward continuing to grow this relationship and seeing the impact they can also have as part of our YES Program.”

For more information on NHRA, including the full 2025 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com. For more information on NAPA, please visit www.napaonline.com.

About NAPA

Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 16,000 auto care and collision centers in the U.S., NAPA has America’s largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

December 12, 2024
Wright Motorsports Unveils 2025 IMSA WeatherTech Championship Roster

BATAVIA, Ohio, (December 12, 2024) – Celebrating 25 years of excellence, Wright Motorsports is proud to announce its entry into the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. The team will field the No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R with the dynamic duo of Adam Adelson and Elliott Skeer returning as full-season drivers, joined by endurance specialists Tom Sargent and Ayhancan Güven.

“It’s a pleasure to have Adam and Elliott back for another season,” said Team Owner John Wright. “Their growth during their first IMSA WeatherTech season was remarkable, and they brought a great deal of energy to the team. Their victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway proved they have what it takes to excel in this highly competitive class, and we’re excited to build on that success in 2025.”

Adelson and Skeer showcased undeniable chemistry in their 2024 campaign, earning their first GTD-class podium at the grueling Twelve Hours of Sebring. They followed it with another third-place finish at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca before clinching their maiden WeatherTech victory at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The iconic road course also served as the location where they later secured the championship title together with Wright in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America championship. This year, they continue competing together for a full season in WeatherTech, racing in the 11-race championship.

Joining Adelson and Skeer for the Michelin Endurance Cup events, Tom Sargent brings a wealth of talent and a proven track record. The Australian driver progressed through karting and Formula Ford before entering North American sports car racing. A race winner in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America and the 2024 Fanatec GT World Challenge America series, Sargent will bolster the team’s efforts in endurance competition.

Rounding out the roster, Ayhancan Güven will join the lineup for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The 26-year-old Turkish driver began his motorsport journey in karting before transitioning to sim racing and earning a place as a Porsche Junior driver in 2019. Güven holds multiple titles, including championships in the Porsche Carrera Cup France, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Benelux, and the Asian Le Mans Series. The Rolex 24 will mark his debut with Wright Motorsports.

The 2025 season launches with the Roar Before the 24 on January 17, the official pre-season test for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The iconic Rolex 24 At Daytona, the longest race on the calendar, follows on January 25-26. For more information, visit IMSA.com.

DRIVER QUOTES

Adam Adelson

Coming into Daytona this year for the second time is a totally different feeling. Last year, we had no idea what to expect during the IMSA season, but we quickly found that the preparation we did was paying off. This year we actually know what to expect and can rely on that experience to try and bring home even better results. Aside from that, I’m beyond excited to be racing with Tom and Ayancan, who are both exceptional talents. We may have one of the youngest driver lineups in the field, but with that comes plenty of motivation and hunger for success on track.

Elliott Skeer

I’m thrilled to be back racing with Adam again and building on the incredible chemistry we’ve developed on and off the track. This season, we’re ready to give it a proper championship fight and push ourselves to a new level. I’m equally excited to welcome Tom to the team and help him get up to speed in IMSA. Ayhancan is a fantastic pick for the lineup, and his experience in the car will be a huge asset for Daytona. Together, we’re poised for an amazing year, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish!

Tom Sargent

To say I am excited to be driving in the #120 Wright Motorsports Porsche in the IMSA WeatherTech series is an understatement. Making my IMSA debut, and with such a well-established and successful team, is my dream start to this championship. To be able to partner with Adam and Elliot for the endurance rounds, and for them to put their confidence in me to do my side of the job is extremely encouraging for the work I have put in to get here.

Ayhancan Guven

I’m excited to join Wright Motorsports for my Rolex 24 At Daytona debut. It’s the best way to start the new motorsport year. With the team and lineup, we have, we should definitely aim for the class win. I can’t wait to meet and work together with the crew towards a successful weekend.

Wright Motorsports
Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series and international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship. In 2021, Wright Motorsports had a wildly successful season, capturing nine championships across their five racing efforts.

December 12, 2024
NHRA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF LANDMARK 75TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN FOR 2026 SEASON
Initial plans released for 75th season in 2026, including 75th anniversary logo and rings, commemorative ticket and more

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 12, 2024) – Set to celebrate its landmark 75th season in 2026, NHRA officials revealed a series of special plans today to kick off the campaign for the historic year in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

NHRA revealed a special 75th anniversary logo for the 2026 season to launch the campaign, as NHRA looks to celebrate 75 years of incredible racing, founder Wally Parks and the incredible legends that have played a huge role in NHRA’s illustrious history.

The buildup to the landmark 75th season in 2026 will take place throughout the 2025 campaign with several initiatives set to take place this year, starting at the season-kickoff NHRA Gatornationals on March 6-9 at Gainesville Raceway.

Some of the items introduced today at the 75th anniversary campaign launch include:
- 75TH ANNIVERSARY RINGS: NHRA also revealed special 75th anniversary replica rings that will be given to fans who renew their tickets for the 2026 race throughout the upcoming season. These rings will be a replica of the 75th anniversary rings given to the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series world champions in 2026.
- COMMEMORATIVE TICKETS: Each fan can purchase a special commemorative ticket for 2026 events to celebrate the landmark 75th season.
- SPECIAL 2026 WALLY TROPHY: The NHRA will introduce a new and unique Wally trophy that will be given to all race winners during the 2026 season. The 75th anniversary Wally will only be given out during the 2026 year.
- WALLY PARKS DOCUMENTARY: A comprehensive and first-time full-length documentary on iconic NHRA Founder Wally Parks will be released during the 2026 season.
- TOP 75 DRIVER LIST: Much like the Top 50 NHRA Driver List that was released during the 50th anniversary season in 2001, the NHRA will release its Top 75 Driver List during the 2026 season. The Top 75 Drivers list will also be released in book form.
- 75TH ANNIVERSARY COFFEE TABLE BOOK: A high-quality hardcover coffee table book will be released in alignment with the 75th anniversary as a must-have for any fan, detailing the incredible history of the NHRA, from its humble beginnings to its current status.
“The 75th anniversary of NHRA drag racing marks a landmark moment in our sport’s history and we’re excited to kick off the campaign for that historic season in 2026 throughout our upcoming 2025 season,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “From a special logo and 75th anniversary rings, we’re thrilled to introduce several initiatives already for that celebratory season in 2026 and we will have many more to announce throughout 2025 in this exciting year-long buildup. NHRA has an incredible history – as well as a bright future – and we look forward to celebrating that with our fans, race teams, member track and partners.”

Additional announcements and initiatives for the 75th anniversary season in 2026 will be released throughout the 2025 campaign. NHRA legends will also be included in the year-long celebration that year, with appearances and special celebrations to be announced in the coming weeks and months.

For more information on NHRA, including the full 2025 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
December 12, 2024
NHRA RELEASES 2025 SCHEDULES FOR SPECIALTY CLASSES

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 11, 2024) – NHRA announced today the 2025 season schedule for each of its five specialty classes.

The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock and Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle classes will return to the track at several NHRA national events throughout the 2025 season, giving fans a variety of thrilling options at races across the country.

The fan-favorite Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series will kick off its 10-race season at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville before heading to the NHRA Arizona Nationals, returning to Phoenix and Firebird Motorsports Park after a successful debut in 2024. The regular season will continue with races at the four-wide race in Charlotte, Chicago and Bristol, with the final race before the playoffs taking place in Richmond.

The category’s Road to the Championship playoffs begin at the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, continuing to the Charlotte fall race and St. Louis. Finally, NHRA will crown a Pro Mod champion at the fall race in Las Vegas. Can reigning 2024 champion Jordan Lazic go back-to-back, or will a new champion claim the title in 2025? Fans will be treated to fierce competition all season from the drivers of the standout class.

The ultra-competitive NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ class crowned Mark Pawuk the world champion last season, as the veteran won his first championship in the category. The factory hot rod class will have eight events during the 2025 season, beginning in Gainesville.

From there, Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown will race at the four-wide event in Charlotte, Chicago, Bristol and Norwalk, also taking part in the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis. The season then heads to Reading and Maple Grove Raceway before wrapping up their 2025 campaign at the NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis.

In 2024, the NHRA Holley EFI Factory X division made its debut as an official class and racing enthusiasts were thrilled to welcome a new category to the NHRA ranks. The class’s sophomore season will start at the NHRA spring race at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte and continue for an eight-race series. Stops also include Chicago, Richmond, Norwalk and the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, as well Reading and St. Louis.

The category will finish its 2025 season in Dallas for the first time, as a champion will be crowned at the 40th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex. Long-time NHRA racer Greg Stanfield earned the world title this season.

The Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock category has long been a fan-favorite category, boasting big speeds, big engines and popular hood scoops. The class was an official category in 2024, with Johnny Pluchino walking away with the championship.

This season, Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock will expand to an eight-race season, beginning at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte in late April. The year continues in Epping, Bristol and Norwalk for a busy June, and then will compete at Brainerd International Raceway in August. After a pair of September dates in Reading and the Charlotte fall race, the category will crown its champion in St. Louis as the class continues to grow at an impressive rate.

Finally, the Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle division is once again set for a four-race season, beginning at the Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance in Chicago and continuing to Richmond, Brainerd and the Charlotte fall event. World champion and fan-favorite Larry “Spiderman” McBride will again be on track on his record-breaking motorcycle, looking to again incredible speeds of well more than 200 mph.

For more information on NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

December 11, 2024
AO Racing’s Spike the Dragon Ready to Soar with LMP2 Lineup

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (December 11, 2024) – AO Racing’s beloved dragon, Spike, is ready to spread his wings for his sophomore season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The team has unveiled an impressive driver lineup for its seven-race campaign, led by returning driver PJ Hyett in the distinctive purple-and-orange LMP2 machine. Four-time IMSA Champion Dane Cameron will join Hyett for the full-season effort, while Jonny Edgar and Christian Rasmussen round out the roster for endurance events, including the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.

“We’ve been putting a lot of effort into elevating the level of competitiveness of our LMP2 program these last few months,” said Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette. “To have the reigning IMSA and ELMS champions joining us along with another Daytona winner from last year is very special. I can’t wait to see what PJ, Dane, Jonny, and Christian can accomplish in Spike at Daytona and for the 2025 season.”

AO Racing’s debut LMP2 season showed tremendous promise. Hyett earned an astonishing four pole positions in just seven races, more than any other driver in the series. Although PJ and Spike are still chasing their first win, the addition of Cameron’s wealth of experience provides a robust foundation to contend for the championship.

Jonny Edgar, fresh off a title-winning season with AO by TF in the European Le Mans Series, will bolster the team’s efforts in the Michelin Endurance Cup, which comprises five extended events. Meanwhile, reigning Rolex 24 At Daytona winner Christian Rasmussen will join the team for the iconic endurance race, completing a formidable driver lineup.

The 2025 LMP2 Championship calendar mirrors that of 2024, kicking off with the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 25-26.

DRIVER QUOTES

PJ Hyett | Full Season

We have an outstanding team ready to let Spike soar for our second LMP2 season, I can’t wait for Daytona!

Dane Cameron | Full Season

I am excited to join AO Racing and Spike in 2025. I think that PJ and Gunnar are creating something really special with Spike and Rexy, making new sportscar fans every race. LMP2 looks to be extremely competitive but we have a great line-up and everything we need to succeed this season. The goal is to bring PJ and Spike their first IMSA wins and championship.

Jonny Edgar | Michelin Endurance Cup

I am very grateful for the opportunity to join AO for the endurance rounds of the 2025 IMSA season. It is a privilege to be a part of the team, and I am hoping to continue the success I had with AO by TF in ELMS this season. Having teammates with so much experience will be great for me to learn from, and I cannot wait to work with PJ, Dane, and Christian. We all have the same goal; to win races and the championship!

Christian Rasmussen |Rolex 24 At Daytona

I’m really excited about the chance to race with AO Racing for the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Winning in ’24 was an amazing experience, and I think we’ve got a great shot at being right up front. With the lineup AO’s put together—PJ, Dane, and Johnny—I’m pumped about what we can achieve together.

About AO Racing

Founded in 2022 by PJ Hyett and Gunnar Jeannette, AO Racing has swiftly risen to prominence in the world of professional sports car racing. With an unwavering commitment to on-track excellence and fan engagement, AO Racing commands attention with its fun liveries and fan-friendly presence, becoming a dynamic force in the sport. Central to AO Racing’s success is its unique blend of performance and personality. The iconic liveries of “Rexy” and “Roxy,” the T-Rex Porsche 911 GT3 Rawrs and “Spike” the LMP2 Dragon have captivated fans worldwide, earning AO Racing a dedicated following. With a focus on making racing accessible and enjoyable for enthusiasts of all ages, AO Racing has become a beloved favorite among motorsport lovers. The team has a global footprint, with strong efforts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Asian Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series, and the FIA World Endurance Championship. With passion, precision, and a touch of flair, AO Racing is writing the next chapter in the annals of motorsport history.

December 11, 2024
NHRA RELEASES PRO STOCK AND PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE SCHEDULES FOR 2025 SEASON

Pro Stock to compete at 18 races with GETTRX All-Star Callout moving to Norwalk; PSM to race at 15 events, GETTRX All-Star Callout again in Sonoma

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 11, 2024) – NHRA announced today the 2025 schedule for the Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle categories in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, including the dates for the GETTRX NHRA All-Star Callout in both categories.

The talent-heavy Pro Stock category will compete at 18 races during the 2025 campaign, racing at every event on the NHRA national tour except for Chicago and Richmond. The 74th season of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series opens with the 55th annual NHRA Gatornationals on March 6-9 at legendary Gainesville Raceway, the first of 20 races next year.

Top Fuel and Funny Car will compete at all 20 events, while Pro Stock will race at 18 events and Pro Stock Motorcycle will be contested at 15 races. After taking place in Chicago the previous two seasons, the GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout will also get a new destination in 2025, as the fan-favorite one-day specialty race will take place as part of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals on Saturday, June 28 at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

Greg Anderson is the defending winner of the Callout, while Anderson also enters the 2025 season as the reigning world champion, clinching his sixth world championship in a winner-take-all final round against KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn at the finale in Pomona.

Pro Stock Motorcycle will compete at 15 events during the 2025 campaign, beginning with the category’s traditional opener in Gainesville. Pro Stock Motorcycle will also race at the four-wide race in Charlotte and return to Chicago for the third straight year. Following a busy June that includes races in Bristol, Richmond and Norwalk, the class will again compete in Seattle, where the class raced for the first time in 2023, and Sonoma. The GETTRX Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout will also take place at the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals on Saturday, July 27, as Matt Smith will look to repeat his specialty race win.

After a one-race break, Pro Stock Motorcycle will then return at Indy, finishing the season at the final seven events. Gaige Herrera won the championship in the two-wheeled category for a second straight year, picking up 10 event wins along the way.

All four professional categories will also race in all six events in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Callout races will take place in Top Fuel and Funny Car as well, with the Top Fuel All-Star Callout taking place in Gainesville and the Funny Car All-Star Callout thrilling fans at the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indy.

The popular Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, which brings competitive racing, a bonus purse and bonus championship points to Saturday qualifying, will return in 2025 as well, taking place at 13 regular-season events, including four-wide races at Las Vegas and Charlotte.

For more information on NHRA, including the full 2025 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

December 11, 2024
RAFA Racing Merging With Smooge Racing in Advance of 2025 Season
- The Pair of Championship-Winning Sports Car Racing Organizations To Race Under the RAFA Racing Tent Beginning in 2025
- The Long Standing Relationship With Toyota Gazoo Racing North America Will Remain a Key Part of the Team’s Plans, Ranging Across Multiple Race Series
HOUSTON, Texas (December 10, 2024) – Two outstanding sports car racing teams have merged beginning with the 2025 season, combining the championship-winning results of Kevin Conway’s program at Smooge Racing with the up-and-coming drivers and marketing machine of RAFA Racing for a full-fledged IMSA and SRO America effort.

The combined effort will race under the RAFA Racing Team banner in both paddocks. Standing for “Race As Family Always,” the RAFA Racing Team made its debut in 2023 with a runner-up finish in the McLaren Trophy Europe Series, and expanded that footprint to include a championship-winning effort in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and in the SRO GT4 European Series during 2024.

Conway-led race teams have been crowned SRO GT4 America team and driver champions utilizing the Toyota GR Supra GT4 platform, and multi-time race winners in Lamborghini Super Trofeo. The new-look RAFA Racing Team will continue to support the existing Toyota Gazoo Racing and Lamborghini Squadra Corsa relationships established by Conway’s team in 2025.

With driver line-ups to be confirmed in the coming weeks, RAFA Racing will appear in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge and SRO GT4 America utilizing the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 along with an LMP3 car in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Likewise, the team will have a multi-car presence in the IMSA-sanctioned Lamborghini Super Trofeo paddock for 2025. An outside partnership will also include RAFA Racing branding and drivers in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup.

“This was not necessarily an opportunity we were searching for, but merging our efforts with Kevin’s makes perfect sense for the RAFA Racing team, our program, and our future goals,” RAFA Racing founder Rafael Martinez said. “We’ve worked with some fantastic teams over the past couple of years, but this relationship and the existing partnerships with Toyota Gazoo Racing North America and Lamborghini Squadra Corsa are something special. It’s a logical step in our mission, and a great way to make our debut at this level here in the States.”

The RAFA Racing team is just a part of the RAFA Family of businesses. The RAFA umbrella encompasses a variety of automotive and motorsports-related businesses, including RAFA Media (The Race, Driver DataBase, WTF1, WTF Talent, Grid Finder, Traxion GG), 8TWELVE Wheels, 812 Brands, and RAFA Racing Club, amongst others. Each business, including the RAFA Racing Team, has a mission to bring motorsports to the masses.

That includes the racing program, where three-time Call of Duty World Champion and X Games medalist Ian “Crimsix” Porter captured the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America championship in his rookie season after a move from sim racing, and French driver Caroline Candas earned the Mobil 1 Female Driver Development and Porsche Junior titles in the same class for RAFA Racing. Each utilized a RAFA Racing Team partnership to advance their careers in ways that likely would not have happened otherwise.

“I’m looking forward to pairing our efforts with the larger group at RAFA Racing,” Conway said. “The off-track activities that RAFA Racing is already involved in will not only augment our existing relationships but give them a chance to grow. It’s going to be a busy upcoming season, but we’re ready to make a difference immediately both on and off the race track.”

The new-look RAFA Racing Team will make its IMSA debut during the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona with the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, followed by the Michelin Pilot Challenge four-hour race the next week in advance of the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

About RAFA Racing Club:

RAFA Racing, utilizing the motto “Race As Family Always,” is a motorsports club and race team founded by and made for high-performance auto drivers, supporters, and fans of all types. Started by Rafael Martinez, the Club aims to create a space for high-performance car enthusiasts to enjoy like-minded individuals, network and share ideas on and off the track, and bond as one team with a common interest. The RAFA Racing Team made its debut in 2023 with a runner-up finish in the McLaren Trophy Europe Series, and expanded that footprint to include a championship-winning effort in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and podium finishes in SRO GT4 Europe in 2024. The Club’s off-track presence can be felt on social media and beyond, including YouTube, Instagram and Facebook and at RafaRacing.Club.
December 10, 2024
Bittersweet end to Formula 2 season for Crawford

Texan second in Qatar Sprint Race but eliminated in both Middle East Feature rounds

ABU DAHBI, United Arab Emirates (9 Dec. 2024) – 19 year old Texan Jak Crawford’s second FIA Formula 2 Championship season came to a bittersweet conclusion this weekend, with a pair of strong runs in Sprint Races negated by early disappointment in both Feature events in back-to-back rounds in the Middle East.

The young American finished second in last weekend’s Sprint Race in the inaugural F2 event at the Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit, gaining two positions on the final lap.

The Qatar event was Crawford’s second-consecutive runner-up finish in Sprint Races, and third of the season as the Formula 1 hopeful was engaged in a terrific battle for position for most of the event before coming on strong at the finish.

“It was quite a crazy one,” Crawford said. “There was a lot of action. It was tricky to pass as well, but eventually, I got the job done.”

The following day, though, he was eliminated by contact after 13 laps in the Feature race. The contact cost critical points and momentum against Crawford’s pursuit of third in the 2024 championship after having qualified sixth for the Sunday Feature.

“We weren’t really the fastest, at Qatar, we missed a bit of pace, but we were definitely in the top five all weekend,” said Crawford. “We had a slow stop, and we lost a lot of positions with the safety car, then I made a mistake on my side trying to go for a move that didn’t work out, and I had to retire with damage.”

Returning to race action just one week later at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, Crawford’s push for points was frustrated by a suboptimal run in the all-important qualifying session. Crawford was fastest early in the 30-minute session, but ended up 16th – putting him near the back of the grid for both weekend races as a grid penalty compounded the challenge.

“We just missed the right tire window on my car, and we didn’t find the optimum grip of the tires,” Crawford said.

Starting 20th, Crawford was 13th and maintained that position for 15 laps, managing his tires, before he was able to put on a late-race charge that put him in a points-paying eighth-place. His closing laps featured a hard charge to the finish that included taking 12th on the 18th of 23 laps, then improving four positions on the final lap through passes and penalties to score points in the final Sprint of the year as he gained more positions than any other driver.

“It was quite chaotic, and I was just trying to work my way though the chaos,” he said. “I found myself in 14th after Lap 1, and there were a couple of penalties and a couple of people dropping off with tire deg, and I found myself in eighth at the end.”

The final Feature race of the weekend didn’t help Crawfords points position as a technical issue with the brakes saw his race ending just a few laps after the start.

Starting 14th for Sunday’s feature, Crawford was quick off the line before encountering problems.

“I had a good start, but I got hit from behind in the first corner, which spun me into someone else,” he explained. “At that point, I was at the back, but I still had the possibility for a decent race. Then I had a brake failure. They turned off completely, and that was quite a scary moment. It was an unfortunate way to end the year, for sure.”

Crawford ended the 14-event campaign fifth in the points, with 21 top-10 finishes. He ended up with six podium finishes, highlighted by a Feature Race victory at Barcelona. His racecraft also impressed, as he was the top overaker of the year.

“It was definitely a tough season,” Crawford said. “We had some bad moments, but there were also some very good moments with some good results. I’m very, very happy at the end. It’s just unfortunate what happened in the last two Features.”

Looking ahead to the 2025 Formula 2 campaign, which will mark Crawford’s first time returning to the same race team, Crawford is hopeful that the team will up its game in qualifying and that he can fight for the title as he anticipates even more Formula 1 engagement in his role with Aramco Aston Martin.

Ahead of that, Crawford, who continues to field interest from teams for a future in F1, will be getting additional time at Yas Marina’s circuit this week.

“On Tuesday, I’m in the Young Driver’s Test with the Aston Martin Formula 1 car, then I had three days of Formula 2 testing right after that, so there will be many days of driving at Abu Dhabi!”

Crawford then hopes to spend a few days in the U.S. for Christmas, before it’s off to a well-deserved vacation prior to returning to DAMS Lucas Oil Racing for the 2025 Formula 2 champaign.

December 10, 2024
Rick Ware Named to West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Induction Set for March 13 in Las Vegas as Part of NASCAR Race Weekend and Includes AJ Allmendinger, Chuck Gurney, Davey Hamilton, Jeff Jefferson, Justin Marks and Boris Said

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 9, 2024) – A diverse motorsports career that began more than 40 years ago and continues to this day has earned racing team owner and Los Angeles native Rick Ware a place in the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Induction is set for March 13 in Las Vegas in conjunction with the NASCAR race weekend March 14-16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Joining Ware among the Class of 2025 are AJ Allmendinger (Los Gatos, California), Chuck Gurney (Oakland, California), Davey Hamilton (Nampa, Idaho), Jeff Jefferson (Naches, Washington), Justin Marks (Menlo Park, California) and Boris Said (Carlsbad, California).

“It’s truly an honor to be a part of the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2025,” said Ware, owner of Rick Ware Racing (RWR). “I’m a proud Californian and growing up on the West Coast put me right in the heart of racing and hot-rod culture. For me, there was no better place to be, and to join such an esteemed group of racers who came from the same region of the country as me is an incredible, full-circle moment.

“I’ve been to some of the most iconic venues in North American motorsports, first as a fan with my dad, then as a driver, and then as a team owner. Riverside, Long Beach, Pomona, Irwindale, Del Mar, Ontario, Laguna Seca, Ascot… I look back and realize just how blessed I’ve been. And then to make a career out of motorsports and to be recognized for all the time, energy and effort we put into everything we do at RWR, really means a lot. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Hall’s nominating committee.”

Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for nearly five decades. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt.

Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Ware’s home track, Riverside International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries forced Ware out of the driver’s seat and into fulltime team ownership.

In 1995, RWR was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship.

RWR is coming off one of its best seasons in 2024 where its NHRA Top Fuel driver Clay Millican won the prestigious U.S. Nationals and rider Kody Klopp won the AMA American Flat Track 450cc class championship.

Millican’s victory was RWR’s fourth NHRA Top Fuel win since entering NHRA in 2023. Klopp’s title secured RWR’s third championship. RWR rider Shane McElrath won the 2022 FIM World Supercross 250cc class title. RWR’s first championship came in sports cars, specifically the Asian Le Mans Series, where co-drivers Cody Ware and Gustas Grinbergas won the 2019-2020 LMP2 class title.

“We do this because we love it,” Ware said. “Racing is hard, really hard. So, you’ve got to have a passion for it. The hard times make you appreciate success so much more, and our success comes from our people. We have excellent people at RWR and I’m proud of their skills and their spirit. This honor is directly attributable to them, and I’m very thankful.”

The West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame was conceived in 2001 as a means of recognizing significant contributors and contributions to the sport. It was founded to preserve the history and heritage of the sizeable role West Coast stock car and motorsports figures have played in the ever advancing world of professional racing.

To obtain media credentials for coverage of the 24th West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame dinner and awards, please contact Owen A. Kearns at 661-342-2983.

December 9, 2024
DAMS Lucas Oil completes 2025 Formula 2 line up with Kush Maini

DAMS Lucas Oil is delighted to announce that Alpine Academy member Kush Maini will compete for the team in the 2025 FIA Formula 2 season.

The Indian driver has raced in F2 for the previous two seasons, taking one victory and five further podiums throughout his time in the championship, securing P13 in the recently concluded 2024 campaign.

In a strong junior career so far, Maini impressed by taking wins in British Formula 3 becoming Vice-Champion in 2020. He then moved on to compete in F3 Asian Championship before heading into FIA Formula 3, scoring a podium at the Hungaroring. The 24-year-old has also raced in Formula Renault Eurocup and World Endurance Championship.

DAMS Lucas Oil has now confirmed its full line up for the 2025 Formula 2 season with Maini alongside Jak Crawford, and both drivers will participate in this week’s post-season testing in Abu Dhabi. The experienced pair will get their 2025 competitive campaign underway in Melbourne on March 14-16 and the full calendar can be found here.

Kush Maini

“I’m thrilled to be joining a team with such a strong pedigree and history in Formula 2 like DAMS Lucas Oil. I feel like my story in this championship isn’t completed yet, and I know that this is the right crew to help me further my career. I’ve taken pole positions and won races, so now it’s all about consistently delivering over the course of a campaign. I can’t wait to get started this week with post-season testing alongside Jak, and to form an experienced team as we look to battle for the championship in 2025.”

“We’re pleased to confirm Kush for next year as he’s a talented driver who has shown excellent raw speed throughout his time in the series. We know that together with our experienced team we can find the correct balance and ensure Kush has a consistent level of performance. We believe with Jak and Kush that we have a very strong partnership, which can help us to consistently fight at the front of the grid in 2025.”

About DAMS
DAMS is a professional racing team founded in 1988 by Jean-Paul Driot, currently competing in FIA Formula 2, F1’s main feeder series. Ahead of the 2022 season, ex-F1 driver Charles Pic took control of the team. So far, 33 DAMS drivers have reached F1, with many more going on to become professional racing drivers. In its history, DAMS has won 15 drivers’ titles, 16 teams’ championships and has scored over 170 race victories.

December 9, 2024