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- Category: International Racing
By: HMD Motorsports
December 19, 2024
December 19, 2024
HMD Motorsports is excited to welcome Sophia Floersch to the team for the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season. Following a decade in Europe’s competitive open-wheel ranks, Floersch now brings her extensive racing experience to America’s premier development series. Her transition to INDY NXT underscores HMD Motorsports' commitment to a dynamic and diverse driver lineup for the upcoming season.
Prior to finalizing her decision, Floersch took part in a series test with the team at Barber Motorsports Park last month. Her first time driving the Dallara IL-15 and on one of the most physically demanding tracks on the INDY NXT by Firestone schedule, Floersch turned 92 laps, steadily improving her pace throughout the day.
“I’m excited about joining HMD Motorsports and coming to the United States to race in the INDY NXT by Firestone Series,” expressed Floersch. “My aspiration has always been to race with the best of the best. From the beginning of my career, I’ve worked very hard with my team daily towards that goal. I’ve raced in different categories in most of the racing markets in the world. It was only natural for us to try the US now, as it is the biggest racing market worldwide.”
Floersch continued, “Also, the United States is more open to embracing a female racer, so this makes me very excited and optimistic about the things to come. The sport, the racing, the cars, and the tracks are real and pure. It's great to be welcomed so positively and friendly. You can feel the real racer energy inside HMD Motorsports. I can hardly wait and will be very happy when it starts in March in St. Pete.”
Advancing through the European racing ladder, Floersch progressed from the ADAC Formula 4 Championship to the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2018. She continued to develop her career in 2019 by competing in the Formula Regional European Championship, finishing seventh in the standings. Floersch has since competed in FIA Formula 3 over multiple seasons, debuting in 2020 and returning in 2023 and 2024. Alongside her single-seater pursuits, she has also raced in the European Le Mans Series in the LMP2 class, earning two podium finishes. Sophia was quickest in the 2021 WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain, after finishing 2020 in the ninth position in the all-female team of Richard Mille Racing at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
“We are excited to have Sophia confirmed for INDY NXT in 2025,” added HMD Team President Mike Maurini. “She has a great team behind her, and we feel she will be able to make waves in North America. With her ultimate goal to advance to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, we look forward to helping her improve and achieve success in INDY NXT and help try to advance her career to the next level.”
In recent years, INDY NXT by Firestone has welcomed a rising number of female drivers to the series. After over a decade-long gap without female representation, three women have competed in the past two seasons alone. In 2025, Floersch will become the fifth woman to race in the series in recent years, joining fellow rookie and HMD Motorsports teammate Hailie Deegan.
Remaining the largest team on the grid, Floersch joins already signed drivers Caio Collet, Josh Pierson, Tommy Smith, Bryce Aron, Nolan Allaer and Hailie Deegan at HMD Motorsports. Stay tuned as the team continues to confirm their 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone lineup of drivers.
Please be sure to follow HMD Motorsports on Facebook, X, and Instagram by searching @HMDMotorsports.
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- Category: International Racing
By: NASCAR
November 14, 2024
November 14, 2024
Winston Salem, North Carolina – Work is well underway to get Bowman Gray Stadium ready for its next generation of racing, which begins next year with The Clash on Feb. 1-2, 2025. NASCAR, City of Winston-Salem, and Winston-Salem State University announced several initiatives today that are preparing the facility for a future that includes the return of NASCAR Cup Series racing to its historic quarter-mile oval for the first time since 1971.
Improvements include:
A brand-new Musco lighting system that is custom designed to improve track lighting and visibility, reduce energy consumption, enhance the overall experience for drivers and fans, and provide the necessary illumination for nationally-televised racing events, beginning with the 2025 NASCAR Clash on FOX. Funding for the lighting system will come from a pandemic recovery grant that was awarded to the City of Winston-Salem in 2022 as part of the North Carolina Motorsports Relief Fund.
Installation of SAFER barrier, the innovative and life-saving steel and foam energy reduction system, and new catch fences featured at every NASCAR national series racetrack.
“Part of being good stewards of Bowman Gray Stadium includes preparing it to host compelling events that rightfully place it in the national spotlight,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President, Chief Venue and Racing Innovation Officer. “We are grateful to Musco for providing the premium event lighting product to illuminate this historic venue. The preparations in advance of The Clash will position this national treasure as a showcase of national and grassroots racing for the next generation and beyond.”
The Total Light Control – TLC for LED™ system from Musco features patented light control that prevents glare from affecting drivers, spectators, and television cameras. The new LED system features Musco's Show-Light® Pro special effects technology that allows for the creation of customized light shows on the racetrack, with color-changing fixtures and light-to-music synchronization for a world-class entertainment experience.
“Bowman Gray is a fantastic venue with a storied history in both racing and football,” said Musco CEO Jeff Rogers. “We’re looking forward to working on this project with NASCAR. Lighting The Clash is exciting, but leaving a legacy LED lighting system for local racing and Winston-Salem State University football makes the project even more special.”
Musco lighting solutions provide the high light levels required for television broadcast, the uniformity and glare control specified by international racing organization safety standards, and an unforgettable race night experience for spectators – at the venue and broadcast on television or online. Installation will begin in December and will be completed in advance of The Clash in February.
“The City of Winston-Salem is thrilled that NASCAR has chosen to kick off their 2025 season by holding The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium,” said City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. “We value the partnership with Musco, NASCAR, and WSSU to provide enhanced stadium lighting that will position the stadium and community to host future national events and improve the fan experience for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series at Bowman Gray Stadium and WSSU Football. This lighting system complements the $9 million that the City invested in improvements to Bowman Gray Stadium a few years ago. The City Council and I want to thank Musco for their investment in our historic stadium and their commitment to the Winston-Salem community.”
“This collaboration with NASCAR is a testament to their strong commitment to community engagement,” said Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Bonita Brown. “The installation of new lighting will enhance the experience for our student-athletes, fans and the broader community, making our stadium a brighter and more inviting place for everyone. We are thrilled about these improvements as well as the ongoing partnership we have with NASCAR that offers our students exposure to the motorsports industry.”
Crews began preparing Bowman Gray Stadium for SAFER barrier installation on Oct. 21 with the removal of the previous guardrail system. Installation of the new barriers and catch fencing is anticipated to be completed by the first week of January.
A scant number of tickets remain for the inaugural NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, Feb. 1-2. A full schedule of weekend activities will be released in the near future, but both days will include NASCAR Cup Series cars on track concluding with The Clash broadcast live on FOX on Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to visit NASCARClash.com to secure their seats now while supplies last.
To learn more about the 2025 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series season with weekly modified, sportsman, street stock and stadium stock competition, visit bowmangrayracing.com.
About Bowman Gray Stadium
Built in 1937, Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile short track, holds a special place in NASCAR history as the longest-running weekly racetrack. The racetrack hosted 29 NASCAR Grand National, now NASCAR Cup Series, races from 1958 to 1971 and hosted several East Series races from 2011 to 2015. The Cup Series will return in 2025 with The Clash for the first time since 1971. For more information, visit bowmangrayracing.com.
About Musco
For nearly 50 years, Musco has specialized in sports lighting and technology, with innovations in glare reduction and light control responsible to the needs of facility owners, players, fans, neighbors, and the night sky. Musco’s TLC for LED® system, Show-Light® Pro special effects technology, and Mini-Pitch System™ modular sports solution provide unmatched quality, performance, and reliability. Musco’s solutions are found at neighborhood ballfields, professional tracks and speedways, NFL and MLB stadiums, NBA and NHL arenas, major collegiate facilities, and the Olympic Games. Every Musco system is backed by a long-term parts and labor warranty, eliminating maintenance concerns and costs well into the future. Learn more at www.musco.com.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.
For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and Snapchat.
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region, and beyond. It is ranked the No. 1 university in North Carolina for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment. For more information, visit www.wssu.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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- Category: International Racing
By: Creventic
September 24, 2024
September 24, 2024
Gennep, Netherlands – The Michelin 24H SERIES will be hosted at five Grand Prix-calibre circuits in four different countries in 2025, with series mainstays Mugello and Barcelona bookending the European season and Circuit Paul Ricard making a welcome return.
The Michelin 12H MUGELLO was hosted for a 10th time in 2024, and kicks off CREVENTIC’s European season in 2025 on 21-22-23 March. The Michelin 24H BARCELONA meanwhile, which celebrated its 25th edition earlier this month, is scheduled to bring the curtain down on CREVENTIC’s 2025 European season on 26-27-28 September. In-between, the 24H SERIES is set to visit the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the increasingly popular Michelin 12H SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS in April, the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for only the third time for the Michelin 12H MISANO in May, and Circuit Paul Ricard in July, the latter of which brings the Michelin 12H PAUL RICARD back to the 24H SERIES for the first time since 2021.
Helen Roukens, team relations: “We’re very pleased to confirm that the Michelin 12H MUGELLO and the Michelin 24H BARCELONA – two of our most popular events – will once again be the backbone of our European calendar in 2025. We’re also excited to welcome back the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli and Circuit Paul Ricard for our first season officially supported by Michelin Tires. We’re very confident these world class venues will provide competitors with the action and sporting challenges many have come to expect from the 24H SERIES.”
The Michelin 12H MISANO, the Michelin 12H PAUL RICARD and the Michelin 24H BARCELONA will run uninterrupted for their full 12-hour and 24-hour durations respectively. Both the Michelin 12H MUGELLO and the Michelin 12H SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS will run as split-events with a mid-race overnight ‘intervention.’
CREVENTIC’s European season in 2025 also marks 10 years since the 24H SERIES was awarded full international championship status for 2015 by the FIA.
Michelin 12H MUGELLO
(21-22-23 March)
First hosted in 2014, and held every year bar one since then, the Michelin 12H MUGELLO is an established part of the 24H SERIES’ annual program. Since 2014, the 12-hour event has been CREVENTIC’s European season opener nine times, and even the Dutch promoter’s European season finale in 2020. Among the more popular 24H SERIES events, the Michelin 12H MUGELLO has featured an impressive number of first-time winners through the years, including AF Corse, V8 Racing, Samantha Tan Racing, Team GP-Elite, and Haas RT, the latter, remarkably, in only its third ever race start. 2017 Overall GT Teams’ ‘Continents’ champion Herberth Motorsport also sealed its first series win in Mugello in 2015, and would go on to record an event record third in 2021.
For almost 10 years, the inaugural 12H MUGELLO in 2014 boasted the closest ever finish to a 24H SERIES endurance event, with overall winner AF Corse beating runner-up Stadler Motorsport by just 5.417 seconds. A record that would only be broken at the 12H KUWAIT in December 2023.
Michelin 12H SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
(18-19-20 April)
Set to be held for the seventh time in 2025, the Michelin 12H SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS made its first appearance on the 24H SERIES calendar as a TCE-only event in 2017. Hosted as an uninterrupted 12-hour race in 2018 (which also welcomed GT competitors for the first time), the Michelin 12H SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS was moved to its now-traditional April date in 2019. Fittingly, the event featured its most barnstorming finish yet when the overall lead swapped hands from Herberth Motorsport to champion-elect Scuderia Praha on the penultimate lap.
Back on the 24H SERIES calendar in 2022 after a Covid-related hiatus, the Michelin 12H SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS bade farewell to series mainstays CP Racing with a “fairy-tale” win in 2024, celebrated a first victory for the Saintéloc Junior Team in 2023, and has routinely featured some of the most exciting on-track action as grid sizes have continued to grow beyond 50-plus.
Michelin 12H MISANO
(9-10 May)
Named in honour of the MotoGP frontrunner and 250cc world champion who tragically passed away at the venue in 2011, the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli featured on the 24H SERIES calendar for the first time in 2017. Memorably, the TCE-only ‘24H MISANO’ – as it then was – marked the competitive debut for Hyundai’s brand-new i30 TCR car, the 24H SERIES return of 1988 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Jan Lammers, and the 24H SERIES debuts of five-time overall Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro and World Touring Car Championship legend Gabriele Tarquini.
Hosted as a 12-hour event upon its return to the calendar in 2024, the Michelin 12H MISANO saw the Saintéloc Junior Team secure a controlled win. In a nod to the competitiveness of the latest generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the top three in the 992 class finished inside the overall top five, including an overall podium for Fulgenzi Racing!
Michelin 12H PAUL RICARD
(4-5 July)
Back on the calendar for the first time since 2021, the Michelin 12H PAUL RICARD has featured some of the more eclectic grids in the 24H SERIES’ tenured history since the inaugural edition – as the ‘24H CIRCUIT PAUL RICARD’ – in 2015. Five different manufacturers for example were in contention for overall victory at a very wet race in 2017. Australian independent MARC Cars meanwhile took a fourth consecutive win with its bespoke Focus V8 at Paul Ricard in 2015, a race that also featured Lotus’ Evora GT4 and even Maserati’s Gran Turismo.
While Herberth Motorsport has routinely been the team to beat at Paul Ricard with victories in 2016, 2017 and 2021, Britain’s Ram Racing breaks the Bavarian team’s monopoly with its first series win at Le Castellet in 2015.
Michelin 24H BARCELONA – Trofeo Fermí Vélez
(26-27-28 September)
The most tenured event on the 24H SERIES calendar, the Michelin 24H BARCELONA, which began life as the ‘24 Horas de Barcelona de Automovilismo’ in 1998, was hosted for the 25th time earlier this month, and continues its illustrious history in 2025 in its now-traditional September slot (ironically, the ’98 edition was actually held in July).
Revived by CREVENTIC for 2011, and welcoming GT entrants for the first time that year, the Michelin 24H BARCELONA has rapidly become one of the toughest and most prestigious European endurance events each year. Michelin 24H DUBAI winners Schubert Motorsport (2011), IMSA LS Group Performance (2010) and Herberth Motorsport (2017) for example have all taken overall honours in Catalunya, with the Bavarian team making history in 2024 as the only team to win the event four times outright. Lapidus Racing secured a memorable victory for McLaren in 2012 – Woking’s most recent success in the 24H SERIES – and even Spain’s NM Racing Team ensured Ginetta is on the overall winners’ list courtesy of the one-off, TCE-only edition in 2017.
Since 2003, the event has paid tribute to two-time Sebring 12 Hours winner, Group C2 World Sports Car Champion, and Barcelona native Fermín Vélez, for whom the event’s main prize has been named.
Ahead of the European season, CREVENTIC will host the third edition of the 24H SERIES Middle East Trophy in 2024/2025. After official Dubai Autodrome Track Days on 17-18 December, the 20th edition of the Michelin 24H DUBAI opens a brand-new year of motor racing on 10-11-12 January at the Dubai Autodrome. One week later, the Michelin 6H ABU DHABI will be held on 17-18-19 January at the famed Yas Marina Circuit.
Further details can be found at 24hseries.com/races.
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- Category: International Racing
By: HMD Motorsport
October 14, 2024
October 14, 2024
After making her way through the ranks of dirt racing and stock car racing, 23-year-old Hailie Deegan will shift her focus to open-wheel racing in 2025, competing in INDY NXT by Firestone with HMD Motorsports. Deegan will pilot the #38 entry for the full 14-race calendar of INDY NXT, the premier development series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Hailie becomes the fifth confirmed driver for HMD Motorsports, joining teammates Caio Collet, Josh Pierson, Tommy Smith, and Bryce Aron.
“I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to working with a proven program in HMD Motorsports,” explained Deegan, who will make her INDY NXT debut at the Chris Griffis Test on October 18. “I have much to learn, but I am ready to go. The team brings a wealth of knowledge for me to pull from, and I look forward to soaking up as much of that as possible before my race debut next March in St. Petersburg.”
While Deegan has not yet competed in any open-wheel racing, she has been hard at work in preparation for the upcoming season. Deegan and HMD Motorsports will officially begin their partnership at the end of this week at the annual INDY NXT by Firestone open test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Working closely with Nathan Toney—former HMD Motorsports engineer and owner of Toney Driver Development—Deegan has completed test sessions at various circuits. Hailie will gain her first open-wheel race experience later this month in the final race of the Formula Regional Americas season at Circuit of the Americas.
“Hailie, and especially the Deegan name, are huge in motorsports, and we welcome them to the HMD Motorsports family,” explained Team President Mike Maurini. “Hailie has already been out to the shop and is taking the move to open-wheel racing seriously. She is looking for a place in the Indianapolis area to be emersed with the team and is already working with her engineer. We want to make sure she and all the other HMD Motorsports drivers are as ready as possible for every on-track session.”
Deegan comes to the series with a diverse racing resume. Her experience spans several championships, including the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS), NASCAR K&N Pro Series, ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Truck Series, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In LOORRS, Deegan earned a class championship in 2013, a regional title in 2015, and a national championship in 2016, earning Driver of the Year that same season. Competing in both the East and West Championships of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series in 2018 and 2019, Deegan earned a combined three wins and ten additional top-five finishes. Deegan also became the first female driver to win a race in the series. In 2019 and 2020, Deegan claimed three podium finishes in the ARCA Menards Series.
Deegan’s progression continued as she made her NASCAR Truck Series debut in 2020. Across three full seasons, she earned five top-ten finishes. In 2024, she stepped up to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, competing in a partial season and achieving a best finish of 12th.
Stay tuned as HMD Motorsports continues to confirm their 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone lineup of drivers.
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- Category: International Racing
By:Wayne Taylor Racing
September 5, 2024
September 5, 2024
Cadillac Racing announced that its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship program will expand to three Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) factory cars beginning with the start of the 2025 season.
Cadillac Racing welcomes the return of Wayne Taylor Racing along with reigning IMSA GTP champion Action Express Racing to run three Cadillac V-Series.R race cars powered by the purpose-built Cadillac 5.5L DOHC V8 engine.
Drivers will be announced in the future.
“Cadillac Racing is thrilled to run an expanded three-car factory program in the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “Wayne Taylor Racing and Action Express Racing bring decades of proven racing and technical expertise, and we look forward to continued success on the track.”
GM Motorsports’ history with Wayne Taylor dates to 1990 when the South African native turned his first laps in the U.S. as a General Motors factory driver in a Chevrolet-powered GTP race car. His success as a driver and team owner has included racing with multiple GM brands including Chevrolet and Cadillac. During its previous relationship with Cadillac (2017-2020), Wayne Taylor Racing won three Rolex 24 At Daytona titles (2017, 2019, 2020), two Petit Le Mans races (2018, 2020) and the Twelve Hours of Sebring event (2017). In 2017, the team set an unprecedented five-race win streak with the Cadillac DPi and went on to win the IMSA WeatherTech Driver and Manufacturer’s Championships.
“I am so glad to return to the Cadillac family," said Wayne Taylor, team principal, whose team last raced for Cadillac in the 2020 IMSA season. "Having teamed with GM for so many years, with so many wins and championships, and having enjoyed such a fantastic relationship with them, this global program we have put together could not be more thrilling. We have exciting things coming and I look forward to discussing our commercial relationships in the coming months.”
Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing will run two Cadillac V-Series.Rs in the 2025 IMSA season.
Action Express Racing, the 2023 GTP team/driver champion and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup team/driver champion with Cadillac Racing, will race in 2025 as Cadillac Whelen and will continue to run the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R in IMSA’s premier class.
Action Express Racing has had an alliance with GM since 2012 in IMSA, initially with the Corvette DP and Chevrolet 5.5L V8 engine and since 2017 with Cadillac Racing’s DPi and GTP programs.
“All of us at Action Express Racing are thrilled that Cadillac has chosen us again to represent their iconic brand,” team manager Gary Nelson said. “I have worked closely with GM for my entire career in motorsports. We have always been impressed with the people we work with at Cadillac. We are excited to compete for wins and championships at the highest level of sports car racing in America.”
Cadillac Racing has earned nine Manufacturer Championships in sports car racing since 2005 and five IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer Championships with 69 total sports car victories, including 30 in IMSA prototype competition since 2017.
The Cadillac V-Series.R marks the third generation Cadillac prototype race car and first with an electric motor component. The car – co-developed by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and chassis constructor Dallara – incorporates key Cadillac V-Series production car design elements, such as vertical lighting and floating blades.
About Wayne Taylor Racing Based in Indianapolis, Wayne Taylor Racing is part of Andretti Global, combining the resources of two championship-caliber teams to compete in the top classes of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the North America Lamborghini Super Trofeo series.
About Action Express Racing Founded in 2010, the Denver, N.C.-based team has an unrivaled record in IMSA competition, claiming the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Team and Driver championships, as well as securing the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2023 North American Endurance Championships titles.