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Shea Racing announces 2017 schedule

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Shea Racing announces 2017 scheduleTouring driver, Shea Holbrook and her team, Shea Racing announces 2017 schedule to kicking off another season of Pirelli World Challenge racing.   

This weekend, the team has a scheduled test session with suspension partner, KONI Shock Absorbers at Sebring International Raceway.   They will follow up with a second test session before the season opener at Virginia International Raceway, April 28-30th.  

Fielding 4 Honda entries this season, Shea and returning teammate Jason Ficher will compete in the Accord Touring Cars.   Tom O’Gorman and a yet-to-be-announced 4th driver will team up to campaign Honda Civic SIs in the TCA category.  

With the team and series growth we look forward to a successful year both on and off track,” says Holbrook.

Shea Racing 2017 schedule

  • April 28-30, Virginia International Raceway
  • May 19-21, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
  • May 26-27, Lime Rock Park
  • August 11-13, Utah Motorsport Campus
  • September 1-3, Circuit of the Americas
  • October 13-15, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

New website for Megan and Rachel Meyer

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New website for Megan and Rachel MeyerNHRA Top Alcohol Dragster drivers Megan Meyer and Rachel Meyer just launched a new website for their Randy Meyer Racing Team.  The new site, www.randymeyerracing.com, shares the history and real life information about the Randy Meyer Racing team and their journey in the NHRA Drag Racing Top Alochol Dragster racing class.

The new website for Megan and Rachel Meyer is devoted to sharing their experiences on the road and on the track with fans by providing the most up-to-date information on the team, class point standings, qualifying and race results, and national, regional and divisional point earnings.   Fans can keep track of where the team is with the up-to-date schedule of upcoming races, events and appearances.

“We are excited to be able to share so much information with our fans on our new website, randymeyerracing.com,” says Randy Meyer, team owner. “Our goal is to stay connected with our fans and keep everyone in the loop on all our driver’s latest happenings.”

Fans can access the site to read the latest news on the race team, watch the team’s videos for an up-close look, see photos and keep up with their outstanding stats. Easily follow the team and drivers on social media by following the team social link collection, and take advantage of the opportunity to sign up for their mailing list.   Learn about the marketing partners that the team trusts and promotes at each event. 

Meyers qualifies second in Gator Nationals

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Meyer qualifies second at Gator NationalsFresh off her first regional win of the season, NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver Megan Meyer qualifies second in Gator Nationals event before exiting in the quarterfinals.    

The returning sophomore driver posted a 5.237 at 276.01 mph pass in the first round of qualifying.  She improves in round two with a career best ET of 5.153 at 283.73 mph, tying Bill Reichert for the eighth quickest run ever in the Top Alcohol Dragster class.    Her teammate, Justin Ashley, just bested her qualifying effort in round three, bumping her from the No. 1 qualifying position.

Eliminations – Gator Nationals

In round one of eliminations, Megan Meyer would face Arthur Allen for the second time in her career, taking the win in their previous match up.    Meyer makes a solid 5.206 pass at 279.21 mph for the win, after Allen loses several cylinders at the start of the run.

Round two, Meyer would face defending event champion, Rich McPhillips.   McPhillips holds the advantage in previous match-ups with a 2-1 record.    Meyer and McPhillips met last year in the finals of the Gator Nationals event, where Megan would record her first runner-up finish.    McPhillips left first, and both would be neck-and-neck all the way to the finishline.   Though Megan would post a quicker and faster 5.238 at 280.43 mph, McPhillips would take the hole-shop victory with a 5.297 at 266.16 mph thanks to a 0.012 second reaction time.

Megan Meyer debuts new 2017 livery

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NHRA Drag Racing Top Alcohol Dragster driver Megan Meyer debuts new 2017 livery this weekend at the LODRS Division 2 Southeast Regional event, Prelude to the Gators, in Gainesville, FL.    

Megan Meyer debuts new 2017 livery

The Randy Meyer Racing A/Fuel Dragster welcomed new sponsors for the 2017, opting for a total redesign for Megan’s sophomore season.  The team returned to the well-received and recognized pink, purple and blue colored livery.    

I wanted to step into my sophomore year with a new look,” says Meyer.  “I love the way how the pink and purple and blue stand out on the track. A big thanks to Accelerated Designs for the layout and Fineline Graphics for printing the wrap.”

New sponsors come aboard for 2017 in Technician.Academy, Aeroquip, and ProThings and existing sponsors return in Meyer Truck Center, Lucas Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, Gunk Cleaners, Clevite Rings and Bearings, Horsepower & Heels, ARP Bolts, Taylor Cable, and Racepak for the new livery debut.

Megan Meyer debuts new 2017 liveryOriginally scheduled to unveil during the upcoming Gatornationals event, the team accomplished much during their pre-race test session at Gainesville Raceway.   Testing out new setups and tuning, they made quick progress during testing.

We were trying out new combinations with the car that did not meet our expectations on the first day, so we went back to our original game plan and the car ran a stout 5.202 E.T. at 279 mph for my first full quarter-mile pass.”

Megan Meyer Gainesville RegionalTesting went so well, the team decided to enter this weekend’s LODRS Division 2 Regional event “Prelude to the Gators”.   This means fans at the regional event get the added bonus of the unveiling as Megan steps up for her first race of the year.   

I am thrilled to be back at the race track; being at the Nitro Spring Training and the Winternationals as a crew member was a blast. I always enjoy going back to helping out on the top end and bottom end of the motors. But, my heart is set on driving, and I am more confident than ever in my team and in my race car that we will be championship contenders this year.”

Prelude to the Gators – Gainesville Regional

Teammates - Megan Meyer and Justin AshleyThere are 12 cars entered for this weekend’s Gainesville Regional event.  One of which is Megan’s new teammate, young upstart Justin Ashley in his TAD competition debut.    After Friday’s qualifying, the teammates captured the top of the qualifying order, with Megan running a 5.239 at 274.55 mph for the No. 2 position and Justin at No. 1 with a 5.205 at 278.86 mph.  

The pair will hit the track again tomorrow, battling it out for their first win of the season.

 
 

Upcoming Schedule – Megan Meyer Racing

  • Megan Meyer TADGatorNationals, March 16-19, FS2 | March 30 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET
  • Belle Rose Regional, April 7-9
  • SpringNationals, April 21-23, FS2 | May 4 | 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET
  • Four-Wide Nationals, April 28-30, FS2 | May 11 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET
  • Heartland Nationals, May 19-21, FS2 | June 1 | 8:30 – 9:30 PM ET
  • Tulsa Regional, June 22-25
  • Route 66 Nationals, July 6-9, FS2 | July 20 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET
  • St. Louis Regional, July 22-23
  • Topeka Regional, July 27-29
  • Lucas Oil Nationals, August 17-20, FS2 | Aug 31 | 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET
  • U.S. Nationals, August 30-Sept 4, FS2 | Sept 14 | 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET
  • Earlville Regional, September 8-10
  • Carolina Nationals, September 15-17, FS2 | Sept 28 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET
  • Dodge Nationals, September 21-24, FS2 | Oct 5 | 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET
  • Noble Regional, October 6-8
  • FallNationals, October 12-15, FS2 | Oct 26 | 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET

Michele Abbate races in Australia

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Michele Abbate races in Australia
After two seasons of global communication, Michele Abbate races in Australia for the 2017 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour.    The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) champion will join fellow Toyota 86 racers and four-time Australian production car champions, Pedders Racing, to take on the mountain challenge.

With three attempts on the Mount Panorama Circuit completed, Pedders Racing is ready to make an impact at the growing the Bathurst 6 Hour.   The event’s 72 place grid is on the verge of being full for the first time in over 75 years of racing at the iconic circuit. The renowned endurance race has committed to bringing the true roots of Australian motor sport production racing, back to the fore of prominence.

For Abbate, it’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race at one of the world’s greatest circuits. A dream so big, the young racer has cancelled her honeymoon to make the journey to Australia for the race.

Beginning in go-karts and autocross, Abbate made her racing debut with the Sports Car Club of America at the age of sixteen, notably achieving a podium finish behind two national champions in her debut outing. Expanding into road course racing and time attack, Abbate’s impressive performances and university education sealed the deal to become a factory driver for Scion Racing.

In her rookie year, Abbate became class Champion of the MotoIQ Pacific Tuner Car Championships in the National Auto Sport Association’s Southern California region, backing it up with a top four place in the overall standings in just her second season of the series.

Realizing opportunity as the renowned Scion FR-S (also known as the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ) hit the highs across the global automotive market, Abbate took the reins of team ownership with the new chassis and support from Scion Racing.  Her debut at the world famous Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in her first professional race with the United States Touring Car Championship series, Abbate took home another Rookie of the Year honor, while earning Scion its first manufacturer points in the history of the series.

Following two wins, ten podiums and a fourth of July 2015 championship victory in the SCCA USA Majors Tour Western Conference, Abbate of GRR Racing, went on to earn the Lindley Bothwell Driver of the Year Award, becoming the first female in the award’s 66-year history to take the honor. Abbate has since driven in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, as well as introduced a new Chevrolet SS 363 V8 GT-1 to the SCCA Majors Tour, while adding drift and motorcycles to her racing resume.  The events Michele Abbate races in Australia will now mark her international debut at none other than Mount Panorama, Bathurst.

Having gained sponsorship commitment, qualifying for the USA SCCA National Run-Offs led to a growing passion to take motor sport to the next level, so when the door was opened for a Bathurst co-drive with Australia’s Pedders Racing in a Toyota 86 chassis familiar to the Las Vegas native, it was a match made in motor sport heaven, and the American racer can’t wait to land ‘down under’.

“I couldn’t be more excited and thankful to take advantage of this amazing opportunity,” Abbate said.   “It has always been my dream to visit Australia and watch some of the best racing in the world, and, thanks to seasons of sharing information, a mutual commitment to the FRS (Toyota 86) chassis, and now with this open door from Pedders Racing, I don’t have to watch, I can actually get out there and race Bathurst!  We’ve been toying with the idea of joining forces for a while now, but our racing seasons and business commitments hadn’t fallen in line, so when the date was mentioned, my Crew Chief (fiancé) and I changed our plans because, let’s be honest, is there any where or any way better to do a honeymoon?!”

The Pedders Racing team has been competing at the national level for seven seasons, with victories, records and world-firsts achieved since debuting their Toyota 86 at the Mount Panorama (Bathurst) circuit in 2013. The volunteer managed team, supported by Pedders Suspension, who recently returned to the US automotive marketplace, introduced the world’s first 86 in a national production racing series with a fully FIA homologated chassis to allow for every opportunity.

Michele Abbate races in Australia
Photo Credit:  JOEL STRICKLAND

Securing four further world-firsts in their debut season, Pedders Racing’s #86 entry became a record holder with the first ever national circuit racing pole position, race win, round/event win, and topped off an outstanding 2013 season with the first ever national circuit racing Class Championship for the famed 86 chassis.

In a unique education-first partnership, and with Australia’s most promising motor sport professionals, the students of Motorsports Training Australia, at the helm of preparations, strategy and crew operation, Abbate’s signing to the seasoned production racing Pedders outfit could just prove to be the ticket to tame the mountain.

With high hopes shared across the Pacific, the #86 champion Toyota has undergone a complete mechanical and electrical review during the Australian Production Cars Series off season to give the greatest of opportunities when Easter rolls around.

Having first raced Bathurst alongside Australian movie and TV star Shane Jacobson (Kenny, 2006 film release), Pedders Racing driver and Team Principal, Grant Phillips, echoed the excitement of his latest star co-driver.

“We’ve had lots of exciting things happen to the team since we joined the national scene seven years ago, but to be able to secure the opportunity for an international driver to be with us at Bathurst is pretty up there,” says Jacobson.  “Michele (Abbate) has developed a strong pedigree of racing across every opportunity that she creates, and we’re very keen to get her to Australia and get her settled into the seat of our 86.  There’s no doubt that Michele’s knowledge of track racing, her understanding of the 86 chassis, and her entertaining approach will gel really well with our team, and it won’t just be a ‘bucket list’ experience for her as a driver, but also an outstanding experience for our MTA (Motorsports Training Australia) crew who take every moment as a unique opportunity to learn.”

The Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour will venture to the famed tarmac of Mount Panorama April 14 – 16, with free live coverage of the endurance race feature to be available online to a global audience via the event’s website at bathurst6hour.com.au.

Harli White kicks off 2017 in Florida

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Harli White Harli White kicks of 2017 in Florida this weekend when she makes her debut appearance at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa for the 16th annual Ronald Laney Memorial King of the 360s.

“I’ve watched a few videos of that track,” she said. “By the looks of it, it will be close to some tracks we raced on in Australia recently. My goal is to just get laps and try to make the show each night. It’s going to be a tough field of cars and a challenging track.”

With a large 60-race schedule set for 2017, White previously announced that she will tackle the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour for the first time in her career. While that will encompass the bulk of her events, White has more than a dozen additional races on the initial schedule of more than 60 shows across the country.    Harli spent most of the offseason competing in Australia for the first time in her career, and she is hopeful that experience will lead to success at new venues this season, including the one this Thursday through Saturday.  

White, who had never driven a 410 winged sprint car prior to the trip, competed in 13 races at three different tracks throughout December and January. She said the highlight was being a part of Team USA when it won the Origin of Speed event, which showcased eight states and territories, at Valvoline Raceway in Sydney, New South Wales, on Jan. 12.

“As a driver I have to be able to adapt to any track condition,” she said. “Dry slick is what we were hoping for in Australia. A slick track in the states will be nice.”

Regardless of the tricky track and stout competition, White said she is entering this season with a lot of confidence.

“We’re on top of our game going into the first race,” she said. “Everything is in line. It looks good and sounds good. We spent the hours preparing this year.  I learned a lot racing in Australia during the offseason, hopefully running the different tracks will help me quickly figure out these new tracks I’ll be going to.”

 

Car Chix at Race & Performance Expo

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Car Chix at Race & Performance ExpoNot able to attend the upcoming 10th Annual Race and Performance Expo?   Our friends over at Car Chix will be at Race & Performance Expo live streaming the event on the Car Chix Facebook page.   

The live feed will feature a special segment entitled “The Women of the Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stocks:  “Paying Tribute to the Legends” and a hand lettering demonstration by Kustom Kulture Artist, “Brando”.

“This will be must see event,” says Jeanette DesJardins, President and Founder of Car Chix. “It will be like taking a walk down memory lane of the good ‘ol days of drag racing with modern day technology, perspectives and views.”

The women of the Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stocks segment will be discussing their personal experiences in racing with Car Chix – how they first became involved with drag racing, their roles on the race team and what they see for the future of women in racing.  

World Renowned artist, “Brando” from Kustom Kulture will be free-hand lettering Mike Ruth’s Bob Glidden Nostalgia Pro Stock tribute car.  

The live stream event will be filmed by Amy Dayton of ARS Promotions for an upcoming segment of their hit TV show, ARS-TV.  In addition, a major sponsorship announcement is expected to be made with a leading performance manufacturer. 

Car Chix at Race & performance ExpoCar Chix at Race & Performance Expo Live Stream

Date:  Sunday, February 26th, 2017  2:00PM CST
Event: 10th Annual Race & Performance Expo
Location:  Heidts Hot Rods Booth  (#1221-1235)
Renaissance Convention Center
1551 Thoreau Dr N.
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Live Feed: Car Chix Facebook Page

Car Chix Booth | Calendar Signing

If you are in the area, Car Chix will have an action packed Saturday including a 2017 Car Chix Calendar Autograph Signing from 1-3pm at the Car Chix Booth (#1812) where attendees can meet with the Women of Motorsports Car Chix Calendar features.  

Motorsport Marketing Seminar | Car Chix

Jeanette DesJardins of Car Chix will be demonstrating how you can maximize your marketing efforts at the debut of the ‘Motorsports Marketing – Promoting You and Your Race Team’ Seminar from 3:15 – 3:55pm in the Prosperity Room.

 

Megan Meyer and Clevite Announce Partnership

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Clevite and Megan Meyer join forcesNHRA Drag Racing Top Alcohol Dragster driver Megan Meyer and Clevite have just announced a new associate sponsor partnership for the 2017 TAD season.    MAHLE Motorsports owned, Clevite® Engine Products has been a contingency sponsor of Randy Meyer Racing for over a decade, onboard the team’s many championship-winning vehicles, but has stepped up to support Meyer in her sophomore season of LODRS Top Alcohol Dragster competition.   

Meyer has been working hard during the off season to build existing partnerships and promote new ones.   Clevite stepping up to an Associate Partnership with the Randy Meyer Racing team allows them to showcase their exceptional promotional and media capabilities provided to their partners on a much larger scale.

Megan Meyer’s A/Fuel Dragster and the other Randy Meyer Racing vehicles have trusted Clevite rings and bearings in their engine program, depending on the quality and precision of Clevite Engine Products in their high horsepower dragsters.     

Meyer and CleviteThey are increasing their media and promo efforts and believe we are the best fit to help them out. We have used their bearings and rings for years and are very happy with the performance of their products.” — Megan Meyer

MAHLE is a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry. With its products for combustion engines and their  peripherals as well as solutions for electric vehicles, the group addresses all the crucial issues related to the powertrain and air conditioning technology—from engine systems and components to filtration to thermal management. In 2015, the group generated sales of approximately EUR 11.5 billion with around 76,000 employees and is represented in 34 countries with over 170 production locations.

“MAHLE has a long tradition in motorsports including Clevite, the most recognized brand engine in the world,” says Bill McKnight, Marketing Team Lead for MAHLE Aftermarket Inc.  “We have the opportunity to support racers from time to time and choose to support both those with long careers as well as what we feel are the best and brightest young people in motorsports. Megan Meyer is a great example of the latter. She’s smart, articulate, engaged and professional. With a large fan base, great driving skills and a solid work ethic, how could we ask for more!”

 The 2017 season begins at the NHRA Gatornationals event in March for Megan Meyer and will be her first race of the year with new associate affiliation with Clevite.

 

Pippa Mann partners with OrthoIndy

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Pippa Mann Partners with OrthoIndyIndycar driver Pippa Mann partners with OrthoIndy

Pippa Mann is excited to announce a new partnership with Indianapolis orthopedic care provider OrthoIndy.

“As a former patient of OrthoIndy, I was thrilled with the idea of partnering with them,” said Pippa. “OrthoIndy is the place the pro-athletes trust. Whatever sport we play, when we have broken bones, or orthopedic issues, getting them resolved not only so we can live our lives comfortably, but so we can perform again at the highest levels of our abilities after surgery or treatment is exceptionally important to us. The OrthoIndy staff are not only the best in the business in terms of clinical care, but after treating and work with so many pro-athletes, they understand the psychology of not only wanting to get better, but wanting to be able to return to competition as quickly as possible too.”

Founded over 50 years ago, OrthoIndy is one of the most highly respected orthopedic practices in the Midwest. With over 70 physicians providing care to central Indiana residents from more than 10 convenient locations, OrthoIndy provides leading-edge bone, joint, spine and muscle care. OrthoIndy physicians also provide care to the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Indians and Dance Kaleidoscope, as well as local colleges and high schools. 

Owned and operated by OrthoIndy physicians, OrthoIndy Hospital is central Indiana’s first specialty hospital with a direct focus on bone, joint, spine and muscle care and the most technologically advanced facility available for orthopedics in the Midwest. As a physician-owned hospital model, OrthoIndy Hospital’s top priorities are patient safety, satisfaction and outcomes. 

Quality patient care serves as the foundation for the physician-owned and operated hospital, which is evident in the ratings received from Press Ganey Associates, Inc. From 2013 to 2016 OrthoIndy Hospital was named a Guardian of Excellence Award winner for consistently achieving the 95th percentile of performance in patient satisfaction. From 2009 to 2012, OrthoIndy Hospital was named the Summit Award Winner for sustaining the highest level of customer satisfaction for three or more consecutive years.  

OrthoIndy has provided orthopedic care for the racing community for years. Statistics show that women are the primary healthcare decision makers in a household; therefore, it was important to OrthoIndy to align with a female athlete in the Indianapolis community. Pippa Mann is a strong female athlete in a male-dominated profession, who has proved you can do anything you set your mind to.

“The physicians, nurses and employees of OrthoIndy are excited to partner with Pippa,” said Jane Keller, CEO of OrthoIndy. “Pippa is passionate about giving back to the Indianapolis community we serve. We are proud to partner with her.” 

To stay up to date with OrthoIndy, and to find out first about any public appearances Pippa has as part of her partnership, connect with OrthoIndy on Facebook, or @OrthoIndy on Twitter and Instagram and Pippa Mann on Facebook, or @PippaMann on Twitter or Instagram. 

For more information on OrthoIndy, please call (317) 802-2000 or visit us at OrthoIndy.com.

Teryx Girls Back for King of the Hammer

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Teryx Girls
PHOTO: KATHY DURRETT

The all-female OffRoad team “Teryx Girls” – Driver Sara Price & Co-Driver Erica Sacks – have spent the past 12 months anxious to return to Hammertown and better their result at the King of the Hammers.   The toughest one day off-road race on the planet, The Teryx Girls are the only all-female team contesting the 2017 King of the Hammers event.

Last year, the duo impressed thousands of spectators in Johnson Valley, California as they sped through open desert and found unique lines through some of the technical rock crawling sections of the 2016 King of the Hammers course. Starting the 2016 event in the 20th position, the Teryx Girls came out of the desert section in 12th place going into the rocks, and made quick work of picking off enough cars to run in a 5th place spot before breaking out of the race.

“From the moment we realized we weren’t going to finish last year, we’ve been thinking about how this year we were going to get the job done,” said Price. “We could hear everyone cheering for the Teryx Girls last year and I expect we will see even more fans out in Johnson Valley this week. This race is as tough as they come and I know Teryx is up for the challenge.”

Teryx Girls Sara Price and Erica Sacks with their new UTVSara qualified the only 800cc to compete in the UTV Class Saturday the 4th for a impressive 20th start position against 46competitors that day and 70 Total entrants in class thus far.  The Teryx Girls Kawasaki Teryx was build specifically for the King Of the Hammers by IMG Motorsports, but a large percentage of stock parts were retained on the race side-by-side due to the proven strength and performance of the Kawasaki Teryx. 

Fans can watch the Teryx Girls race live on Wednesday, February 7 at www.ultra4racing.com/live or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeryxGirls > Hashtag #TeryxGirls on social media sites.