By SEMA News Editors
TRD’s David Wilson to Retire; Tyler Gibbs Promoted
David Wilson, group vice president and president of Toyota Racing Development, USA (TRD), has announced his retirement effective December 16, 2024.
David Wilson
Highlights among his 35-year career at the subsidiary of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA, include helping Toyota, Lexus and Gazoo Racing North America (GRNA) drivers and teams to victories in the Baja 500 and 1000, 12 Hours of Sebring, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis 500, the Chili Bowl, the NHRA US Nationals and more.
General Manager Tyler Gibbs will assume the role as president of TRD. He will be responsible for all TRD operations and activities in North America, including overseeing the organization’s headquarters and engine operations in Costa Mesa, California, the GR Garage and Toyota Performance Center (TPC) in Mooresville, North Carolina, and the chassis and team support operation in Salisbury, North Carolina.
UNLTD Off-Road Racing Releases 2025 Championship Series Schedule
Unlimited Off-Road Racing (UNLTD) has released the official schedule for its 2025 season.
The four-event season will kick off with the Parker 400 in Parker, Arizona, in January, followed by the 57th Annual Mint 400 in March. The Reno 600, a single-loop race, joins the calendar in late spring before the season concludes in October with the California 300 in Barstow.
The full UNLTD Off-Road Racing Championship Series 2025 Schedule:
"We are incredibly excited about the 2025 season," said Matt Martelli, CEO of UNLTD Off-Road Racing. "With the addition of the Reno 600 and the return of our staple events, we are committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for both our competitors and fans. Each race offers a unique challenge, and we can't wait to see the off-road racing community come together to celebrate the sport we love."
For more information, visit unlimitedoffroadracing.com.
Spire Motorsports Announces New Crew Chiefs for 2025
Rodney Childers, a 40-time NASCAR Cup Series race-winning crew chief, and Travis Peterson, currently crew chief for Michael McDowell at Front Row Motorsports, will join the Spire Motorsports Cup Series team in 2025.
Ryan Sparks, crew chief for the team's No. 7 team, will transition to the role of competition director at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
For more information, visit spire-motorsports.com.
Mickey Thompson Hosts Annual Dragster Adventure Challenge at Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School
Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels recently hosted a group of employees, dealers and distributors at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School to participate in the Dragster Adventure Challenge.
The event was held at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, with Wheel Pros' Dan Pack winning a 16-car eliminations ladder.
Mickey Thompson has been the official tire supplier for all vehicles in the program since 1999. Participants received instruction and training before piloting the full-size dragsters capable of reaching 130 mph in the quarter-mile.
For more information, visit frankhawley.com or mickeythompsontires.com.
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