By SEMA News Editors
Derek Chang Named President and CEO of Liberty Media
Derek Chang has been named the president and CEO of Liberty Media, the parent company of Formula 1.
Chang, a director of Liberty Media since March 2021, is a veteran executive across the global media, sports and entertainment industries. He has led corporate development and investment teams at prominent companies during various stages of growth including EverPass Media, the NBA, DIRECTV, Scripps, Charter and TCI.
Chang will start in his new role on February 1. John Malone, chairman of Liberty Media, will serve as interim CEO until that time. Chang will join the executive committee of the Liberty Media Board with John Malone, Vice Chairman Dob Bennett and Chase Carey. Additionally, Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, will report to a committee of the Liberty Media board comprised of Bennett, Carey and Chang.
For more information, visit libertymedia.com.
USAC Appoints Don Hawk as Silver Crown Series Director
Speedway, Indiana-based United States Auto Club (USAC) has appointed Don Hawk as the new series director for the USAC Silver Crown Division, effective immediately.
Hawk's extensive background includes a role as president of Dale Earnhardt Inc., director of regional racing development for NASCAR, chief racing development officer and executive vice president for Speedway Motorsports Inc., and most recently, the CEO of SRX.
As series director, Hawk will oversee all aspects of the division's operations, working closely with competitors, promoters and sponsors to ensure continued growth and success.
For more information, visit usacracing.com.
Russ O'Blenes to Lead New Cadillac Formula 1 Power Units Venture
TWG Motorsports and General Motors today announced the formation of GM Performance Power Units LLC, a new company that will build Formula 1 vehicles and power units by the end of the decade, making Cadillac a "full works" team.
Industry veteran Russ O'Blenes has been named CEO of the new venture, which will build powertrains for the Cadillac Formula 1 team that will be on the grid in 2026.
With more than 30 years of motor racing engineering experience, O'Blenes is currently director of the GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance team. He also previously led development of the GM Performance and Racing Center in Pontiac, Michigan, and the commercialization of the brand's eCrate initiative for performance car builders and EV enthusiasts.
Development and testing of the team's Formula 1 prototype engine technology is already underway, according to the company. Plans are in place to open a dedicated facility for Performance Power Units LLC near GM's Charlotte Technical Center in 2026. As previously announced, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team will utilize Ferrari power units until the GM engines are approved for racing use.
For more information, visit Cadillac.com.
41-Race ASCS National Tour Features New Stops, Marquee Events
Photo courtesy of Emily Schwanke, ASCS
A new era in American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) history begins in 2025 with a 41-race national tour schedule, highlighted by new tracks and marquee 360 Sprint Car events.
The season starts Thursday–Saturday, January 30–February 1, at Volusia Speedway Park (Florida) for the opening nights of the 54th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals and concludes Friday–Saturday, November 14–15, with Fuzzy's Fall Fling at Creek County Speedway. Thirty-six dates on the new calendar are confirmed, leaving more announcements to come for the other six events.
Tickets to all 41 events of the 2025 ASCS National Tour can be purchased at the gate on race day. Those who cannot attend in person can watch live coverage on DIRTVision.
View the complete 2025 ASCS National Tour schedule online here. Read the full article on the ASCS Racing website here.