Compiled by SEMA Editors
 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES have jointly announced the cancellation of the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey IndyCar doubleheader, September 18–20. |
NTT INDYCAR Series and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to Extend Agreement
Due to California’s increasing restrictions on public gatherings and sporting events to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES have jointly announced the cancellation of the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey IndyCar doubleheader, September 18–20. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and INDYCAR management have been discussing a contract extension that would annually return the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to the circuit. The original agreement is set to end after the 2021 race, but all involved parties agree Monterey is the perfect venue and destination for fans, sponsors and teams to enjoy and want to ensure it remains on future INDYCAR seasons. Ticket and camping purchasers will automatically be credited with a price protection for the 2021 race weekend. Or ticket purchasers may request a full refund by contacting the ticket and accommodations Office at tickets@laguna-seca.com.
OPTIMA Batteries Adds Two New PowerPro Ambassadors: Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin Jr.
OPTIMA Batteries has announced a formal partnership with two new racers, Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin Jr. Both drivers will join the OPTIMA PowerPro Ambassador ranks—a position held by some of motorsports’ leading drivers. The ambassador program allows racers of all segments access to OPTIMA’s technology and events. This news of Foust and Gittin joining the OPTIMA PowerPro Ambassador program comes amidst OPTIMA’s new website launch and the release of OPTIMA’s H7 battery later this summer.
 There will be no Formula 1 races in North America or Brazil in 2020. |
Formula 1 Confirms No North American, Brazil Races In 2020
Formula 1 officials have confirmed that it would not be possible to race in Brazil, the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2020. Formula 1 said the decision was “due to the fluid nature of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, local restrictions and the importance of keeping communities and our colleagues safe,” and had been made after ongoing discussions and close collaboration with the respective partners in the affected countries. The 2020 F1 calendar currently comprises of 13 races, with new events in Portimao, Imola and Nurburgring most recently announced.
NASCAR Announces No Practice Or Qualifying For Remainder Of 2020 Events
NASCAR competition officials have announced that the remaining national series events on the 2020 schedule will be held without practice and qualifying. The move is part of a continued effort to limit at-track time for teams, officials, safety workers and other essential personnel under COVID-19 health protocols. The safeguards—which include at-track screening and limited team rosters—have been in place since NASCAR returned to the track in May after a two-month layoff because of the coronavirus outbreak.
 Three-time King of the Mountain David Donner will drive a Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport in the 2020 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. |
000 Announces Six-Time Pikes Peak Winner David Donner Will Race One-of-a-Kind Art Car In This Year’s Race to the Clouds
As teams prepare for the 2020 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb sponsored by Gran Turismo, the Colorado race welcomes an unexpected entry in the form of the 000 art car—a Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport driven by three-time King of the Mountain David Donner. Donner is no stranger to the event, having taken three overall wins and three class wins at an event that has long attracted top rally and racing drivers from around the world—with many of them supported by manufacturer teams. The colorful art car was designed by 000 creative director Justin Page and wrapped by Pro Graphics Install of Denver. Its design takes a cue from Rare Shades—an event series launched by 000 in collaboration with PTSRS to highlight Porsche's in unusual colors or Paint to Sample. Page’s design includes many “Easter eggs,” with the zeroes in the magazine’s logo appearing throughout the car.
Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals Presented by Minties Postponed Until Fall Due to County Restrictions
NHRA has announced that the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties at Heartland Motorsports Park, scheduled for August 21–23, in Topeka, Kansas, has been postponed until the fall with an exact date to be determined, for pandemic-related reasons. NHRA and Heartland Motorsports Park are working together with the Shawnee County Health Department to develop a plan to reschedule the event. Event ticket holders will receive more information from Heartland Motorsports Park and NHRA via email soon and are encouraged to visit www.heartlandmotorsports.us to learn about their options. The remainder of NHRA’s 2020 schedule remains the same, but is subject to change based on state and local guidelines. For more information about the NHRA schedule and the COVID-19 protocols, visit www.NHRA.com.
For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.