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Forte Racing Announces 2024 IMSA WeatherTech GTD Driver Lineup

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Official Release
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Photo Courtesy of Richard Dole

Daytona Beach, Florida (Wednesday, December 6, 2023) – After a successful conclusion to the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech GTD season, Forte Racing is excited to announce the return of Petit LeMans GTD winning drivers Misha Goikhberg and Loris Spinelli for the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship. The dynamic pair will be joined for the five endurance rounds by former INDYCAR driver Devlin DeFrancesco.

The team is entering their second season in the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship after an impressive fifth-place finish in their rookie season. The team finished 2023 with four top-five finishes, two podiums and a win in the final five races of the season. The season was highlighted with the win in the season-finale at Petit LeMans.

Misha Goikhberg has committed to the team for another two seasons, giving the team a much-desired stability through the end of the 2025 season. He and the team are looking forward to the start of the 2024 season beginning with the IMSA sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway this week.

“I’m very excited to start the new season which starts at our first test in Daytona in December,” the Canadian driver said. “It’s very nice to have continuity from 2023, and we are all eager to build on our form from the end of 2023. Thank you to everyone at Forte and Lamborghini.”

Loris Spinelli will also return to the team for the 2024 season. The Italian driver was promoted last month to Lamborghini factory driver status after a shootout against the world’s top Lamborghini drivers following the Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals at the Vallelunga Circuit in Italy. Spinelli set a track record while earning the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech GTD pole at Watkins Glen International in addition to helping the team secure a second-place finish at Indianapolis and the win at Petit LeMans.

“2024 is just around the corner and I can’t wait to start it with my boys!” Spinelli said. “The last few rounds for us were very constructive where we learned a lot! I am sure we can do a good job next season!”

Forte Racing is adding former NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Devlin DeFrancesco to their lineup for the five 2024 races that make up the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. In addition to his open-wheel experience, DeFrancesco has found success in IMSA. As an LMP2 driver, he was part of the team that won the iconic Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2022. Next month will be DeFrancesco’s first race in the Forte Racing Lamborghini GT3.

“I’m hugely excited for the opportunity to be joining Shane and Lamborghini for the 5 IMSA endurance races!” DeFrancesco said. “Looking forward to fighting for race wins and podiums with this great group of people! Looking forward to working with everyone and getting started in Daytona.”

Forte Racing team owner Shane Seneviratne is thrilled to have both of his 2023 full season drivers back and is excited about the addition of DeFrancesco as the team’s endurance driver. Coming off a successful rookie season in the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship, the team feels confident that they can continue to build on the momentum they had at the end of last season. Seneviratne is proud of last year’s success but wants to come back even stronger in 2024 and he feels he has the lineup to accomplish that.

“I am delighted to have Misha and Loris back for another full season in 2024,” Seneviratne said. “We built such great chemistry as a team and look forward to continuing that working relationship which will continue to strengthen the team’s success. We are also welcoming Devlin DeFrancesco, an INDYCAR driver, onto our team for the five endurance races. We look forward to Devlin bringing a high level of experience from the INDYCAR paddock and his contributing to the growth of the team.

“We really appreciate Lamborghini’s commitment to the program and hope to see good results as we proudly represent such an iconic brand,” Seneviratne added. “We will also be proudly continuing our relationship with Eddie Littlefield from Change Racing and Tom O’Gara from O’Gara Coach; they have been such valuable partners to our program. Forte is happy to announce that we will retain Petit LeMans winning driver Patrick Liddy as a test and development driver for the entire Forte racing program. We appreciate his commitment to the program and will be laying down the fundamentals necessary to have him continue with the development of the team.”

Forte Racing partner Eddie Littlefield was ecstatic with the team’s win at Petit LeMans and is looking forward to continued successes in the upcoming 2024 season. “Our team ended the season last year in a big way and 2024 is going to be exciting!”

The team arrived in Daytona today for the IMSA WeatherTech pre-season test. All three drivers will be on track tomorrow and Friday. The team’s final driver for the 24 Hours at Daytona will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Forte Racing (Formerly known as US RaceTronics)

Forte Racing is a Los-Angeles based Motorsport team supported by Lamborghini Squadra Corse and competing in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series.

Founded in 2023 and operated by US RaceTronics, the Italian-American team’s GT Daytona title contender is a Lamborghini Huracan EVO2 GT3 driven by Pro driver Loris Spinelli and Misha Goikhberg. The ream finished the 2023 season with four top-five finishes in the last five races of the season and included a 2nd-place finish at Indianapolis and a win at the season-finale Petit LeMans. The team finished an impressive rookie season fifth in the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship.

The team line-up for the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship includes the team’s 2023 Petit LeMans winning driver Goikhberg and Spinelli along with NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Devlin DeFrancesco for the five IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup races.

US RaceTronics (USRT) was founded by Shane Seneviratne in 2005 to compete in the Atlantic Championship, a formula race car series. The team finished 5th in points its first year and continued its success during the succeeding years, ultimately amassing a total of 21 podiums, 7 poles, 5 race wins and finishing 3rd in the 2009 Atlantic Championship. USRT was put on hold after series officials announced the Atlantic Series was put on hiatus.

Seneviratne fully returned to racing in 2015 after receiving an invitation to manage the O’Gara Motorsport entries in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North American (LBSTNA) Series. The team won the Team Championship, Dealership Championship, Pro Championship and Amateur Championship that season.

The success of 2015 reignited Seneviratne’s passion for racing and he relaunched US RaceTronics to compete in the 2016 LBSTNA Series. The team has won multiple North American and World Championships and expects to add to their success as they enter their eighth season in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North American Series. The team also competed in 2023 with one car each in the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship and the IMSA VP Challenge and will be expanding their entries in 2024.

For more information on how to become a driver with US RaceTronics, learn more about the Series, or attend a race, visit www.usracetronics.com.

About O’Gara Motorsport

O’Gara Motorsport was founded in 2014 by owner Tom O’Gara and celebrated winning the 2015 North American Lamborghini Super Trofeo driver and team Championships. The team goal is to achieve victories in the Series as well as showcasing the brands of their sponsors both on and off the track. With a vertically integrated platform that starts at the dealership and accelerates to the top levels of professional sports car racing, everyone at O’Gara is dedicated to providing a comprehensive program for anyone, from the casually curious to the dedicated racer.

About Change Racing

Founded by Lamborghini Charlotte CEO and long time real estate developer, John E. Littlefield, Change Racing is the premier championship winning team. Claiming 18 titles in various classes; Change Racing has competed in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series since its inception in 2013.

Most recently claiming the 2021 Amateur World Championship in Misano, Italy. Change Racing also claimed all SIX 2020 North American Championships, including the Pro, Pro-Am, Am and LB Cup class championships as well as the Team and Owner championships.

ARCA Menards Series East and West 2024 Schedules Set

By
Official Release
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Toledo, Ohio (Dec. 6, 2023) – The 2024 ARCA Menards Series East and West schedules include a combined total of 20 races, eight for the East and 12 for the West. The West season opener is set for Friday, March 8 at Phoenix Raceway, a combination race with the ARCA Menards Series, while the East season kicks off on Saturday, March 23 at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. 

The East will have five combination races with the ARCA Menards Series while the West will have one.  

The Highlights: 

  • Stand-alone races for the East include stops at Five Flags Speedway, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, and for the second year in a row, Flat Rock Speedway. The race at Five Flags Speedway will run in conjunction with the ASA STARS National Tour. 
  • The combination races for the East include Dover Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, The Milwaukee Mile, and Bristol Motor Speedway. 
  • Tri-City Raceway in West Richland, Washington returns to the West schedule for the first time in 20 years; the 0.555-mile paved oval hosted nine races from 1968 through the most recent in 2003. 
  • Three venues will host a pair of West races, with Irwindale Speedway and Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway joining Phoenix Raceway, which will once again host the season opener in March and the championship round in November. The season-opener at Phoenix will be a combination race with the ARCA Menards Series. 
  • Back-to-back road course races are slated at Portland International Raceway and Sonoma Raceway 
  • Three tight California bullrings, Shasta Speedway, Madera Speedway, and All American Speedway, return to the West schedule. 

The complete ARCA Menards Series East schedule: 

March 23 Five Flags Speedway, Pensacola, Fla. FloRacing 
April 26 Dover Motor Speedway, Dover, Del. FS1 
May 11 Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, Nashville, Tenn. FloRacing 
May 18 Flat Rock Speedway, Flat Rock, Mich. FloRacing 
June 14 Iowa Speedway, Newton, Ia. FS1 
July 19 Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Brownsburg, Ind. FS1 
Aug. 25 The Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, Wis. FS1 
Sept. 19 Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, Tenn. FS1 

The complete ARCA Menards Series West schedule: 

March 8 Phoenix Raceway, Avondale, Ariz. FS1 
March 30 Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale, Calif. FloRacing 
April 20 Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif. FloRacing 
May 31 Portland International Raceway, Portland, Ore. FloRacing 
June 7 Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif. FloRacing 
July 4 Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale, Calif. FloRacing 
July 27 Shasta Speedway, Shasta, Calif. FloRacing 
Aug. 10 Tri-City Raceway, West Richland, Wash. FloRacing 
Sept. 21 Madera Speedway, Madera, Calif. FloRacing 
Oct. 5 All American Speedway, Roseville, Calif. FloRacing 
Oct. 26 Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif. FloRacing 
Nov. 8 Phoenix Raceway, Avondale, Ariz. FloRacing 

All dates are tentative and are subject to change. 

Combination races for both East and West will be televised live on FS1. All stand-alone races will be streamed live on FloRacing. 

For further information please visit ARCARacing.com; for up-to-the-minute updates follow @ARCA_Racing on Twitter. 

About ARCA 

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly racing all across the country, the organization administers more than 100 events annually, including the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.  For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing). 

Jack Wood inks full-time ARCA West, part-time Truck schedule with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2024

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images.

Jack Wood will be joining McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in a double-duty role for the 2024 NASCAR season. The double-duty effort will feature Wood piloting the No. 16 NAPA Auto Care/Bill McAnally Racing Chevrolet SS on a full-time basis in the ARCA Menards Series West, where he will compete for the series’ championship, and the No. 91 MHR Chevrolet Silverado RST in 14 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Serise events.

As part of Wood’s double-duty effort, Kevin Bellicourt will serve as his crew chief in both series and Eric Holmes, a three-time ARCA West champion, will serve as both his spotter and driver coach. Wood’s first Truck Series start with MHR in 2024 is set to occur at Daytona International Speedway on February 16 followed by Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 24 as the rest of his schedule remains to be determined. His first ARCA Menards Series West start of the 2024 season also remains to be determined with the series’ schedule not yet revealed.

The news comes as the 23-year-old Wood from Loomis, California, is coming off a part-time Truck campaign with Kyle Busch Motorsports, where he competed in 13 of the 23-race schedule and recorded two top-10 results.

“The opportunity to race for a championship with BMR and NAPA Auto Care is definitely exciting,” Wood said. “It’s a great chance to reestablish myself in the West series, focus on racing for a title and continuing to compete on the Truck side also. Having Kevin [Bellicourt] with me in both series is going to be a huge help to build consistency and I’m looking forward to balancing both programs next season.”

Prior to the Truck Series, Wood formely competed in the ARCA Menards Series West, where he has tallied four top-five results and 11 top-10 results in 19 starts (2019-23). He has also made three career starts in the ARCA East region and 17 career starts in the ARCA Menards Series, where he has collected three top-five results and 10 top-10 results in 17 starts (2021-23).

During the 2021 season, Wood made his Truck Series debut at Circuit of the Americas, where he finished 28th while piloting GMS Racing’s No. 24 Chevrolet entry. The Californian would compete in 11 additional events before competing on a full-time basis in the Truck circuit with GMS in 2022. Despite finishing no higher than 13th on the track in a season where he recorded an average-finishing result of 25.2 and a 24th-place result in the final standings, Wood was selected to anchor Kyle Busch Motorsports’ No. 51 Chevrolet entry for the majority of the 2023 season, where he shared the ride with team owner Kyle Busch, William Byron and Matt Mills.

Through 48 career starts in the Truck Series, Wood has achieved three top-10 results, five laps led and an average-finishing result of 24.4. Currently, his best on-track result is a ninth-place run at Texas Motor Speedway in April as he continues his pursuit for his first series’ victory.

Wood’s 2024 plans reunites himself with Bill McAnally Racing, which he competed for at Sonoma Raceway in the ARCA West and at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in the ARCA Menards Series during the 2022 season. It will also mark his first full-time campaign in the ARCA West region as he replaces Tanner Reif in the No. 16 BMR entry, an entry that last won the ARCA West title in 2021 with Jesse Love. Over on the Truck Series region, Wood will compete alongside Christian Eckes and Daniel Dye, both of whom will compete for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing on a full-time basis.

“Having Jack join our Truck Series program is a big addition, and I’m excited to see him compete for a championship in the NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet out west,” Bill McAnally, team owner of McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, said. “We want to get back to victory lane in the ARCA West Series and Jack will give us a great chance to chase our 12th championship. He never got to compete for a regional title, and I think the opportunity for him to do that will help him gain confidence and experience. It will also help grow the No. 91 team with Kevin [Bellicourt] into a contender in the Truck Series.”

With his plans for next season set, Wood’s part-time 2024 Craftsman Truck Series campaign with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing is scheduled to commence at Daytona International Speedway for the Fresh From Florida 250. The event is scheduled to occur on February 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: FOOD CITY 500 AND WEATHER GUARD TRUCK RACE TICKETS ON SALE AT FOOD CITY STORES STARTING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

By
Official Release
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NASCAR tickets for the Food City 500 will make the perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. Food City 500 tickets are on sale at Food City stores starting today for the discounted price of $50. The NASCAR Cup Series race will take the green flag on the all-concrete high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday afternoon, March 17, at 3:30 p.m.

Bristol Motor Speedway NASCAR tickets make the perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Dec. 6, 2023) – Looking for cool holiday gift ideas for that special race fan in your life? Look no further than your neighborhood Food City store, which will be offering specially-priced grandstand tickets for the Food City 500 and Weather Guard Truck Race starting today at all of their locations.

The Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series event will be held on the all-concrete half-mile at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 17, and the Weather Guard Truck Race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be held on Saturday night, March 16, under the lights.

By purchasing now, fans can get their Food City 500 tickets for only $50 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Weather Guard Truck Race tickets are also available at Food City stores starting at $30 for adults and free for kids 12 and under.

All tickets purchased through Food City are blind-reserved seats selected by knowledgeable members of the BMS ticket office. The tickets will be sold at the customer service area of each Food City location. Tickets will be emailed to the customer within seven days of the purchase. The final day to purchase Food City 500 race tickets in-store will be Wednesday, March 6.

NASCAR Nation will have an early chance to see all of their favorite cars and stars mix it up in close confines when the NASCAR Cup Series visits its first short track of the 2024 season with the Food City 500 on March 17. The race will be headlined by defending champ Ryan Blaney and a host of top challengers are expected to compete, including Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, William Byron, Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain, to name a few. The race will be televised live on FOX at 3:30 p.m. ET, with live radio coverage provided by PRN Radio.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series also will make its short track debut on Bristol’s high banks under the lights during the Weather Guard Truck Race on Saturday night, March 16. A strong group of contenders are expected to be racing to claim a famed BMS Gladiator Sword, led by defending champ Ben Rhodes, and tough challengers Christian Eckes, Corey Heim, Matt Crafton and Nick Sanchez, among others. The 200-lap race will be televised live on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET with live radio coverage provided by MRN Radio.

For more information, please drop by your neighborhood Food City store or visit us online at www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

About Food City
Food City is Bristol Motor Speedway’s longest running sponsor and the second-longest in NASCAR. Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Foody City’s parent company) operates 153 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia and Alabama. For more information, visit their website at www.foodcity.com.

About Bristol Motor Speedway
Forged amid the scenic mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line, Bristol Motor Speedway is The Last Great Colosseum, a versatile multi-use venue that hosts major auto races, football games, concerts and many other captivating events. The facility features a 0.533-mile concrete oval race track with 28-degree corner banking and 650-feet straightaways that offers racing in several NASCAR touring series, highlighted by two major Cup Series weekends each year. In 2020, the track also served as host of the prestigious NASCAR All-Star Race, and each spring from 2021-2023, it was converted to a temporary dirt track to take the Cup Series back to its racing roots. While at the track, fans are offered a unique viewing experience courtesy of Colossus TV, the world’s largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screen with a 540,000-watt audio system. The adjacent quarter-mile dragstrip, Bristol Dragway, offers more than 50 events annually, including the marquee NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. The Thunder Valley Amphitheatre presented by Ballad Health transforms Bristol Dragway into a premier outdoor concert venue for the world’s greatest music performers. Three football games have kicked-off inside the oval, most notably the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, where border rivals the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech met before an NCAA-record crowd of 156,990. In existence since 1961, Bristol Motor Speedway was purchased in 1996 by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a publicly traded company that is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

Dawson Cram to compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024 for JD Motorsports

By
Official Release
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GAFFNEY, S.C. – Dawson Cram, an up-and-coming driver who has packed a lot of racing into a few years of driving experience, will compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024 for JD Motorsports.

Johnny Davis, a veteran team owner who has fielded Xfinity cars for a string of young drivers, made the announcement Wednesday at his shop in Gaffney. Cram will drive the JDM No. 4 Chevrolet.

“Dawson brings us a bright new perspective and a fire for racing,” Davis said. “He and his family have been involved in the sport since he was 5 years old, and we want to help him take his career to the next level. He’ll be a great addition to our team.”

The new season won’t be Cram’s first experience with JDM. Three years ago, Cram worked as a mechanic for the team as he was continuing to learn the ins and outs of racing at the NASCAR level.

Only 22 years old, Cram has driving experience in the Xfinity, Craftsman Truck and ARCA series. He has 31 Truck starts and 12 Xfinity starts and has driven for several teams, including his own Truck team.

“I’m very excited to move along in NASCAR with Johnny’s team,” Cram said. “I’ve seen how they work and how they race every week, and I know they build good cars and fast cars. I know this will be a plus for me and the team.”

Cram, who lives in Mooresville, N.C., began racing mini-dwarf cars at the age of 5 and progressed through Bandolero and Legends racing before jumping into NASCAR. After racing in the Truck Series, he made his Xfinity debut in 2021 with Mike Harmon Racing.

JD Motorsports is still looking for partners for the Driver and the #6 Chevrolet.

The 2024 Xfinity schedule, which stretches across the country and includes 33 races, will begin Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway.

Hennessey Hires Racing Champion David Donohue as the Team Focuses on Venom F5 World Records

By
Official Release
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  • David Donohue, American racing champion, joins Hennessey Special Vehicles as Venom F5 hypercar test driver as the company sets its sights on world records
  • The 2023 Pikes Peak record-setter brings more than three decades of racing experience, including first-place wins at 24 Hours of Le Mans, the North American Touring Car Championship, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona
  • Donohue will support VP of Engineering Brian Jones and Chief Engineer John ‘Heinrocket’ Heinricy as the team pushes the boundaries of hypercar performance

SEALY, Texas, Dec. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hennessey Special Vehicles, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer, has hired David Donohue — celebrated 24 Hours of Le Mans champion, Rolex 24 at Daytona overall winner, and 2023 Pikes Peak record setter — for advanced track development of its Venom F5 hypercar.

The son of racing legend Mark Donohue, David Donohue has built an impressive racing, testing, and development resume during his 35-year career. In addition to wins across a spectrum of world-class events, David has driven in the IMSA Bridgestone Supercar Championship, NASCAR Busch Grand National, Porsche Supercup, Grand-AM Rolex Series, Petit Le Mans, and more. He has also conducted development work on the BMW M3 GT and M5 Supercar, Dodge Viper GTS-R, Porsche GT3 R Pikes Peak EVO, NASCAR Trucks, Daytona Prototypes, and more.

David Donohue: “I’ve been working behind the scenes with John and the team at Hennessey for several months, allowing me to spend quite a bit of time in the driver’s seat of the Venom F5. In most ultra-high-performance vehicles, the driving experience becomes almost routine once you’ve acclimated to the powertrain, but the 1,817 bhp Venom F5 is consistently and relentlessly breathtaking. The twin-turbo V8 has an explosive power delivery that is awe-inspiring without being evil. I may never get completely used to it.”

In addition to his competitive racing history, Donohue has spent the past decade as a private driving coach, vintage racing driver, and Porsche 918 Spyder Client Relationship Manager for Porsche Cars North America.

John Hennessey, company founder and CEO: “David has a long and successful racing career that he complements with a far-reaching list of teams and manufacturers with whom he has high-performance development experience. With more than 25 customer Venom F5 models already built, we can now refocus our team on achieving speed records. To complete those goals, we need an experienced world-class driver who can push our hypercar to reach its potential – that’s exactly what David can do.”

The appointment of David Donohue follows Hennessey’s global debut of the new Venom F5 Revolution Roadster hypercar during Monterey Car Week in August. The open-top, track-ready model joins the roofless Venom F5 Roadster – revealed in 2022 – and the Venom F5 Revolution Coupe – unveiled in January this year.

Find out more about Hennessey Special Vehicles at HennesseySpecialVehicles.com.

About Hennessey Special Vehicles
The Hennessey Special Vehicles team was formed to create the world-record-breaking hypercars, the Hennessey Venom GT (270.49 mph in 2014) and the current world-record-holding ‘fastest convertible’ the Hennessey Venom GT Roadster (265.5 mph in 2016).

In 2020, Hennessey Special Vehicles launched the 100% bespoke, twin-turbocharged, 6.6-liter V8 Venom F5 Coupe, which sold out in 2021. An open-top Roadster and track-focused Revolution variant joined the F5 Coupe in 2022 and 2023, boasting the F5’s prodigious 1,817 bhp ‘Fury’ engine. In mid-2023, the Texas-based company revealed the Venom F5 Revolution Roadster, which combines visceral open-air motoring with a racing circuit focus. The company is delivering like never before on its mission of ‘making fast cars faster.’ HennesseySpecialVehicles.com

Social media
Instagram: HennesseySpecialVehicles / HennesseyPerformance | YouTube: HennesseyPerformanceF5 |
Facebook: @hennesseype | X: @HennesseyPerf

Parella Motorsports Holdings Ready for Breakthrough Year in 2024

By
Official Release
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CHARLOTTE (December 6, 2023) – With a newly-announced investment from Velocity Capital Management, Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) is ready for its best year yet as it heads into the 2024 race season. Stronger than ever, the organization is set for monumental growth with additional SpeedTour events added to the calendar, new race series set to launch, substantial growth plans for existing series, and new partnerships and alliances to expose new participants and audiences to SpeedTour.

“I’ve been seeking the right partner to help me realize my vision for Parella Motorsports Holdings, and I am thrilled to be collaborating with the Velocity team,” said Tony Parella, Chief Executive Officer of PMH. “I feel like we finally have the right recipe to achieve our true potential, and I’m excited to lead PMH through this next chapter of growth. With Velocity’s support, we have exactly what we need to grow both organically and through acquisitions. The 2024 season is going to be fun.”

With its core race series, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Prototype Sprint Series Association presented by Hankook (PSSA), Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) and Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.), PMH unveiled a 24-event calendar for its SpeedTour brand. Events are set to span across 17 states and two countries, as SpeedTour makes its first international venture with a trip to Ontario’s Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Capitalizing on the popularity of its existing series and opportunities within the marketplace, PMH will launch a new race series in 2024, as well as reformat two recently-launched series to bring in additional participants.

With Trans Am’s Big Machine Vodka SPIKED Coolers TA2 Series flourishing with record car counts and incredible talent, the series has become widely recognized as a proving ground for young talent. With more and more drivers looking to join the series, PMH will launch TA2 Club in 2024 as a feeder series for drivers looking to gain more experience behind the wheel of these 530-horsepower muscle cars before stepping up to the pro level in Trans Am’s Western and National Championships.

With the incorporation of the new Ligier JS F422 into the FIA-certified F4 U.S. competition, PMH will provide owners of the first-generation Ligier JS F4 chassis with a place to race in the newly-rebranded Ligier JS F4 Series. Available to drivers ages 14 and up, the Ligier JS F4 Series will provide an additional developmental step with an opportunity to gain experience and knowledge as drivers transition from karting to open-wheel racing.

Entering its sophomore season, PSSA gained international interest in 2023, with drivers traveling from around the world to compete in the sprint-format prototype races at some of America’s most iconic road courses. In 2024, the series will expand from eight to 12 events, while hosting both a PSSA East and PSSA West Championship—each offering a $10,000 prize to its champion. With expanded eligibility, a variety of Radical, Ligier, Revolution and Wolf prototypes will be able to participate on Hankook racing tires.

PMH will continue to fulfill its purpose of enabling racing dreams through various partnership and scholarship programs. Activating programs like the PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship, the Radford Racing School F4 U.S. Karts to Cars Scholarship, and scholarship-based championship prizes, the organization will continue to provide opportunities for drivers looking to take the next step in their motorsports career.

SpeedTour will kick off its 2024 schedule at Sebring International Raceway, February 22-25. Featuring racing from SVRA, Trans Am and International GT, the weekend will incorporate hundreds of additional cars through the Hagerty Cars & Caffeine Car Show and OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car. Tickets for the event are available now at SpeedTour.net.

2024 SpeedTour Schedule:

Feb. 22-25: Sebring International Raceway

Mar. 1-3: Thunderhill Raceway Park

Mar. 8-10: Eagles Canyon Raceway

Mar. 21-24: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Apr. 11-14: NOLA Motorsports Park

Apr. 18-21: Sonoma Raceway

Apr. 26-28: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

May 2-5: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

May 10-11: World Wide Technology Raceway

May 16-19: Road America

May 24-27: Lime Rock Park

June 7-9: Pittsburgh International Race Complex

June 13-16: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

June 20-23: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

June 28-30: Road America

July 19-20: Lime Rock Park

July 25-28: New Jersey Motorsports Park

July 26-28: Portland International Raceway

Aug. 16-18: Summit Point Motorsports Park

Aug. 21-25: Watkins Glen International

Aug. 29-Sep. 1: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Oct. 3-6: VIRginia International Raceway

Oct. 18-20: Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch

Oct. 31-Nov. 3: Circuit of The Americas

About Parella Motorsports Holdings: Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) owns five major road racing series and hosts racing festivals across the United States under the SpeedTour brand name. With Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Formula Regional Americas (FR Americas), Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) and Prototype Sprint Series Association, PMH had more than 5,500 racing entrants during the 2023 season. Additionally, PMH also holds the long-term commercial rights to SCCA Pro Racing, which sanctions Trans Am, FR Americas, F4 U.S., Formula Race Promotions and Formula 2000. Together, with all of its racing properties, PMH hosts motorsports festivals under the name SpeedTour. These events include car shows and concerts and attract thousands of spectators, with many of the events live streamed on SpeedTour TV’s YouTube page. For more information about PMH’s SpeedTour events, please visit SpeedTour.net.

SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITIES DISTRIBUTES $210,180 TO BENEFIT MORE THAN 26,000 LOCAL CHILDREN IN NEED

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Official Release
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  • Annual grant-giving ceremony held along with return of Texas Motor Speedway tradition tree-lighting
  • Grants will help more than 26,000 children through organizations in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant Counties
  • Speedway Children’s Charities Texas surpasses $12 million in grants provided since 1997

FORT WORTH, Texas (Dec. 5, 2023) – A holiday favorite began anew at Texas Motor Speedway with the return of the Christmas tree lighting that opened Speedway Children’s Charities annual grant ceremony where $210,180 was distributed to 22 organizations serving more than 26,000 children in need in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties.

Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter also provided 50 kids’ bicycles and helmets to both children who attended the event as well as organizations that will distribute them for the holidays to local North Texas children.

The event, which included a visit from Santa Claus and the lighting of the 42-foot white fir tree by KDFW FOX 4 sports director Mike Doocy and co-anchor Sam Gannon, took place on stage in the circle drive of The Speedway Club building.

“It is an honor to provide grants to these amazing organizations and help them continue their work serving the critical needs of North Texas children,” said Speedway Children’s Charities Texas Executive Director Marissa Chaney. “I can’t thank enough the wonderful agencies we have worked with this year and for the past 27 years to make a difference in children’s lives.”

Since 1997, Speedway Children’s Charities at Texas Motor Speedway has distributed more than $12 million in funding to non-profit organizations in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties supporting children in need. SCC Texas raises money throughout the year through a variety of fundraising events ranging from its annual clay shot and golf tournament to 50/50 raffles, charity track rides and much more.

The following organizations received 2022 Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter grants:

$20,000 – Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas, Inc., Traffick911

$19,180 – Cumberland Youth & Family Services

$15,000 – Hope Supply Co, Under 1 Roof,

$10,000 – Christian Community Action, God’s Company (dba Food for the Soul), Health Services of North Texas, Inc. (HSNT), JOURNEY TO DREAM FOUNDATION, Neuro Assistance Foundation, PediPlace, Ranch Hands Rescue, Tarrant Area Food Bank

$7,000 – Network of Community Ministries

$5,000 – Camp Summit, Inc., Community Link, Frisco Fastpacs, Lovepacs, Metrocrest Services, Inc., Special Needs Gymnastics

$2,000 – Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas, Northwest ISD Education Foundation

For more information on SCC or the upcoming charitable events at Texas Motor Speedway, please visit www.speedwaycharities.org.

TICKETS:

For ticket information for the 2024 NASCAR Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 weekend, please visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.

MORE INFO:

Keep track of all of Texas Motor Speedway’s busy schedule by following on Facebook, X and Instagram. Keep up with all the latest news and information on the speedway website and TMS mobile app.

ABOUT SCC-TEXAS

Speedway Children’s Charities–Texas Chapter is the official charity of Texas Motor Speedway. As a national organization, Speedway Children’s Charities has 11 chapters –one at each Speedway Motorsports, Inc. tracks. SCC-Texas has granted more than $12 million locally to various children’s organizations through numerous fundraising events held throughout the year. You can fill the grandstands at Texas Motor Speedway over 18 times with the number of children we have served.

ABOUT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Texas Motor Speedway is among the largest sports stadiums in the United States and features an array of amenities such as the world’s largest TV that make it one of the premier venues in the world of sports. The 1.5-mile superspeedway located in Fort Worth hosts all three NASCAR national series as well as the NTT IndyCar Series among its various races and specialty events throughout the year. Texas Motor Speedway is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports, LLC, a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit texasmotorspeedway.com.

High Stakes on the Fast Lane: The Thrilling Intersection of Cars, Racing, and Casinos

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SM
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In the adrenaline-fueled world where speed meets chance, the synergy between cars, racing, and casinos creates an exhilarating experience. According to research, this dynamic fusion captivates enthusiasts, offering an immersive thrill transcending traditional boundaries.

The Allure of Betting on Racing

In the realm of high-performance engines and roaring exhausts, the excitement of betting on racing events amplifies the thrill of the track. According to research, many racing enthusiasts are drawn to the adrenaline rush that comes from placing bets on their favorite drivers or teams.

A Glimpse into Racing Betting Trends

According to recent statistics, the global motorsports betting market has experienced a substantial surge, with a double-digit growth percentage in the past year alone. This surge signifies the growing interest among fans seeking to elevate their racing experience by engaging in the high-stakes betting world.

Spinning the Roulette Wheel: Racing and Casino Entertainment

The High-Octane Casino Experience: Where Cars and Cards Collide

Imagine the thrill of watching a live race while surrounded by the dazzling lights and vibrant atmosphere of a casino floor. According to research, an increasing number of racing enthusiasts are seeking this unique blend of excitement by choosing casinos as their preferred venue for enjoying racing events. The marriage of fast cars and casino entertainment creates a sensory experience beyond the ordinary.

The Intersection of Racing and Casino Patronage

Recent statistics reveal a noteworthy increase in casino patronage during major racing events. Casinos strategically capitalize on this trend by offering themed promotions, exclusive race-viewing events, and bespoke betting experiences, catering to the growing demographic of fans who relish the fusion of speed and chance.

The Art of Betting: Tips and Tricks for Racing Enthusiasts

Understanding the sport’s nuances is crucial for those looking to dip their toes into the world of racing bets. According to research, informed bets are more likely to yield favorable results. Seasoned enthusiasts recommend studying driver statistics, team performance, and track conditions before placing wagers. This strategic approach not only enhances the betting experience but also adds an intellectual layer to the thrill of the race.

Betting Platforms and Odds Analysis

In the digital age, betting on racing has become more accessible than ever, with numerous online platforms offering myriad options. According to research, savvy bettors explore different platforms to find the most favorable odds, increasing their chances of a winning payout. Engaging with fellow enthusiasts on forums and social media also provides valuable insights and tips to refine betting strategies.

Conclusion: The Winning Lap of Speed and Chance

As the wheels of fast cars spin and the roulette wheel whirls, the intersection of cars, racing, and casinos offers a captivating experience that transcends the ordinary. According to research, the growing trend of integrating these elements signifies a dynamic shift in how enthusiasts engage with their favorite pastimes. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a racing fan, the fusion of speed and chance is an undeniable jackpot, creating a thrilling experience as unpredictable as it is. Buckle up and get ready for the ride of a lifetime in the fast lane of high-stakes entertainment!

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and His Influence as Uzbekistan’s President

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SM
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Photo by AXP Photography on Unsplash

In 2016, as Westerners were absorbed in their own election, Islam Karimov passed away, and shavkat mirziyoyev assumed the presidency of Uzbekistan. Disregarding semantics and political opinions, Mirziyoyev’s actions during his nearly eight-year presidency (reelected in 2021 and 2023) have demonstrated a commitment to modernization, economic liberalization, and diplomacy.

Mirziyoyev’s tenure as the 2nd president of Uzbekistan has witnessed numerous reforms, with his domestic policies sparking controversy among opponents and even advisors. Regardless of his political stances, he unequivocally secured the popular vote, winning an impressive 88.6% of total votes. This substantial support is undoubtedly attributed to the popularity of his reforms and changes among the citizens of the country. In this article, we will delve into how Mirziyoyev positively influenced the economy, managed the coronavirus, and navigated his foreign policy.

Economic Impact

Mirziyoyev’s economic reforms are evident, including the creation of over 300,000 jobs and a substantial increase in exports. His administration spearheaded efforts to liberalize the economy, stimulating growth and attracting foreign investment. The government’s dedication to reducing state intervention and fostering a conducive business environment resulted in measures such as currency convertibility, tax incentives, and simplified regulations. These reforms aimed to bolster the private sector and elevate Uzbekistan’s global economic standing.

No economic reform of Mirziyoyev is complete without mentioning his other major reform – ending forced labor. This reform alone is very likely why he continues to receive overwhelming support from the citizens of Uzbekistan. It’s become very clear that following Karimov’s administration, Mirziyoyev isn’t afraid to make drastic changes in favor of the people of Uzbekistan.

Coronavirus Pandemic

Like elsewhere, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, prompting Mirziyoyev’s administration to implement effective measures. Early on, Uzbekistan adopted a proactive approach, implementing lockdowns, testing initiatives, and vaccination campaigns. Mirziyoyev launched the “Safe Travel Guaranteed” campaign to encourage tourism, offering compensation for those infected while on holiday. His administration adhered to science-based facts and took necessary steps to safely ease lockdown measures.

Foreign Policy

Mirziyoyev’s foreign policy has been characterized by a strategic reorientation towards neighboring countries and the international community. Through his administration, Uzbekistan has become more open and actively worked towards improving relations with other countries. Efforts to enhance relations with neighboring nations have contributed to regional stability and security. Additionally, Uzbekistan has engaged in diplomatic initiatives to resolve historical disputes, fostering cooperation and economic partnerships in Central Asia.

Mirziyoyev ensured Uzbekistan’s involvement in peace talks with Afghanistan. Collaborating with the United States, he discussed and initiated the necessary steps to stabilize and reconstruct the Afghan economy.

Conclusion

Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership in Uzbekistan has left an enduring imprint on the nation’s economic landscape, pandemic response, and foreign relations. The economic reforms signify a commitment to cultivating a business-friendly environment, adeptly managing the COVID-19 crisis underscores crisis management capabilities and the recalibration of foreign policy positions Uzbekistan as an active participant in regional and global affairs. As the nation confronts the complex challenges of the 21st century, Mirziyoyev’s strategic reforms lay the foundation for a dynamic and resilient Uzbekistan in the years to come.

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