Compiled by SEMA Editors
Camry were debuted to the public as part of what NASCAR calls a
“new era of the rebirth of stock.”
Next Gen Cars Unveiled for 2022 Cup Series
The Next Gen models for NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2022 have been unveiled at The Park Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang and Toyota TRD Camry were debuted to the public as part of what NASCAR calls a “new era of the rebirth of stock.” All three OEMs worked with competition officials to design the new models with bigger wheels, a musclecar coupe-style appearance and the potential for the transition to hybrid power in the future. The Next Gen vehicles are also highlighted by a symmetrical body, which removes the skew and tail offset from the centerline that is used to create a right-side side force. This will help decrease aerodynamic dependence and “increase the emphasis on car setup in the hands of teams and drivers,” NASCAR said.
Officials anticipate two different rules packages for 2022—a low-downforce, low-drag, high-horsepower one for short tracks and road courses, along with a high-downforce, lower horsepower package for intermediate-sized tracks (1.5 miles) and longer. Target horsepower figures for the rules packages are still being determined. The unveiling comes after NASCAR had previously pushed the planned 2021 debut of the Next Gen car to 2022. The NASCAR Next Gen cars will make their competition debut on February 20, 2022, at Daytona International Speedway for the 64th annual Daytona 500. For more information and specifications, visit here or nascar.com.
Formula 4 United States Championship powered by Honda and the
Formula Regional Americas Championship powered by Honda.
New Technical Director Announced for F4 US, FR Americas
Parella Motorsports Holdings, in conjunction with SCCA Pro Racing, has appointed Aaron Coalwell as the new technical director for the Formula 4 United States Championship powered by Honda and the Formula Regional Americas Championship powered by Honda. Buddy Fey, who has served in the position for the two junior formula series for three full seasons, had previously announced his retirement earlier this year. Coalwell has supported Fey in the decision-making process for the last month and will officially assume the position full-time after the combined Brainerd International Raceway event, July 16–18. Coalwell has officiated in the SCCA since the late ’90s, serving in several technical leadership positions, including operating as the World Challenge technical manager for six seasons (2002–2008). He has also served as a tech official for two F4 U.S. events in 2017 before taking on his full-time role as the technical series director for the Trans Am Series. He will continue his responsibilities with Trans Am. F4 U.S. and FR Americas return to action for a tripleheader weekend at Road America, May 14–17, joining the Road America Vintage Racing Festival.
CRC Industries, Pocono Raceway Announce Camping World Truck Series Entitlement Partnership
CRC Industries has announced its entitlement partnership with Pocono Raceway, as the track will host the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for the CRC Brakleen 150. The partnership will come together for the Pocono Raceway Doubleheader Weekend, featuring five NASCAR and ARCA races over three days. The green flag will wave for the CRC Brakleen 150 at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 26. Operating at full capacity, Pocono Raceway’s Doubleheader Weekend schedule will include an ARCA Menards Series race on Friday, June 25, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series CRC Brakleen 150 and a NASCAR Cup Series race on Saturday, June 26, followed by the NASCAR XFINITY Series and the second of two NASCAR Cup Series races on Sunday, June 27. For tickets, visit www.poconoraceway.com.
New Scholarship Available for Female Minorities in Motorsports
The STEAM Sports Foundation has launched a new scholarship for minority women seeking careers in the automotive industry with an emphasis on engineering, alternative energy, or autonomous vehicle development. The $5,000 scholarship, applicable for the 2021–2022 academic year, is designed to spur greater involvement by women in the auto and motorsports industries. Eligible students include high school seniors, university and technical college students who have at least one year remaining before graduation. The application deadline is June 15. Interested students can apply here. For more information, visit www.dickinsonpg.com/scholarship-instructions.
For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.