By SEMA News Editors
Penske Entertainment Acquires Grand Prix Association of Long Beach
Penske Entertainment, owner of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has acquired the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach from longtime owner Gerald R. Forsythe. The association administers the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the longest-running major street circuit in North America.
The purchase is expected to provide significant investment for the marquee NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, to further enhance the event, the company said in a statement announcing the acquisition.
"We're incredibly proud to be the new stewards of this cherished and iconic event," said Roger Penske. "This is the most historic and prestigious street circuit race in North America, and we're excited to work with [Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach President and CEO] Jim Michaelian and his great team in Long Beach to ensure continued success and growth over the long term. This race and its loyal fans matter so much to everyone across the INDYCAR community, and we're looking forward to a very special 50th-anniversary celebration this April, as well."
Working alongside the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach team, Penske Entertainment plans to invest in bolstering and enhancing the experience for race fans, sponsors and hospitality customers.
For more information, visit indycar.com or gplb.com.
WIMNA Partners With Bell Racing Helmets, IMS for Taylor Swift-Inspired Racing Helmet Sweepstakes
Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) has partnered with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and Bell Racing Helmets to create 12 custom helmets inspired by Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour.
Eleven of the custom helmets were auctioned to support WIMNA's mission--to create more opportunities for women in motorsports--but one helmet will be given away in a sweepstakes, open now through December 13.
Those registered to attend the 2024 PRI Show, and the Women with Drive IV Summit, held in Indianapolis ahead of the 2024 PRI Show, can see the remaining helmet at the Bell Racing Helmet booth #1913.
This collaboration, supported by WIMNA, and the following female drivers, including Tatiana Calderon, Jamie Chadwick, Courtney Crone, Sabré Cook, Ashley Freiberg, Pippa Mann, Taylor Reimer, Isabella Robusto, Amanda Sorensen and WIMNA co-founder Lyn St. James, aims to raise awareness and encourage women's participation in all areas of motorsport.
Each helmet, wrapped by local artists Hurricane Designs, represents a different era of Taylor Swift's music and was brought to life by the IMS design team: Lucy Laux, Shae Beechler, Mandy Walsh, Chloie Fisher, Caden Elzy and Grace Keller.
All proceeds will go to support WIMNA to create more opportunities for women in motorsports.
Click here for more information or to enter the sweepstakes.
Southern All Stars Super Late Model Series Under New Ownership
The Coltman Farms Racing Southern All Stars Super Late Model Series is now under new ownership.
A group of investors--led by longtime racer and promoter Ray Cook--has recently purchased the series from Matt Wagner. Wagner has owned the regional tour, founded in 1983 by National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer B.J. Parker, since 2012.
The new ownership is currently developing a schedule for the 2025 race season with approximately 25 races expected to appear on the calendar, including the already confirmed season-opener, scheduled for Saturday, January 25, at I-75 Raceway in Sweetwater, Tennessee.
Any tracks interested in hosting a SAS event in 2025 can contact Cook at 828-360-5353.
More news and information regarding the 2025 season will be announced at a later date.
For more information, visit sasdirt.com.
Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series Announces 2025 Schedule
The Red Line Synthetic Oil Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) has revealed its 2025 event schedule.
The series will return to the six racetracks it visited in 2024, starting at GALOT Motorsports Park in Benson, North Carolina, and finishing at Virginia Motorsports Park in North Dinwiddie, Virginia.
The 2025 Red Line Oil PDRA season will kick off at GALOT Motorsports Park on April 2-5, and will conclude on October 2-5 at Virginia Motorsports Park.
PDRA officials will have additional announcements and news regarding the 2025 season during the 2024 PRI Show, December 12-14, in Indianapolis, Indiana, along with crowning the series champions during the Red Line Oil PDRA Awards Banquet on Friday, December 13, at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott.
For more information, visit pdra660.com.
See the full 2025 Red Line Oil PDRA schedule below:
