Compiled by SEMA Editors
head match between teammates Fredric Aasbo and Ryan Tuerck.
Photo credit: Larry Chen Photo
Papadakis Racing Toyotas Score 1-2 Finish in St. Louis
Rockstar Energy Toyota driver Fredric Aasbo scored victory in St. Louis after an all-Toyota, all-Nitto Tire Final battle with teammate Ryan Tuerck. The one-two finish narrows the points standings as the Formula DRIFT series returns to California for the final two rounds of the season. Aasbo and Tuerck were the drivers to beat in St. Louis and they delivered a show of skill in the opening corners of their Final battle. But a misstep from Tuerck saw him tap the wall with his Gumout/Nitto Tire/Mobil 1 Toyota Corolla hatchback and the battle win went to Aasbo. The St. Louis win narrows the points gap at the top of the championship and both drivers are in the hunt for the title with just two rounds to go. Aasbo currently sits third—just 19 points off the lead. Tuerck is a close fourth. The victory brings Aasbo’s record-setting career wins tally to 16. Next up for the Papadakis Racing Toyota team is a return home to Los Angeles for an exciting Round 6 on the Streets of Long Beach, September 17–18. The season finale takes place at Irwindale Speedway October 22–23.
Driver Jesse Iwuji, NFL Hall Of Famer Emmitt Smith Form Xfinity Team
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Jesse Iwuji has partnered with NFL Hall of Fame recipient Emmitt Smith to form Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, a race team set to debut in the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. The team will utilize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives and esports simulator racing to “connect with lower-income communities” and “serve as a pipeline for people to get in the sport. Whether they want to drive… crew chief, engineer, whatever it is,” Iwuji said to NASCAR.com.
Iwuji will serve as a driver-owner for the team. Now in the US Navy Reserves, he served in active duty from 2010–2017. Since 2015, he has competed in five Xfinity Series races and has started in 14 Camping World Truck Series races. Smith, a longtime running back primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, has known Iwuji for around 20 years. Last October, Smith’s company Notable Live sponsored Iwuji’s No. 99 car in the Xfinity Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. For more information, visit jesseiwuji.com.
NHRA Set for Return to Maple Grove
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs are back with a visit to Maple Grove Raceway for the 36th annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil set for September 10–12. The event serves as the first of seven playoff races during the 2021 season and marks the series’ return to the 1/5-mile dragstrip in Berks County, Pennsylvania, for the first time since 2019.
Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes will be highlighted during the weekend, which will also be televised on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including final eliminations on Sunday, September 12 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT). The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will also compete along with the Top Fuel Harley Drag Racing Series. To purchase tickets, visit maplegroveraceway.com. For more information, visit nhra.com.
SVRA Releases 17-Race Schedule for 2022
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) has announced a 17-race schedule for 2022, which also marks the tenth anniversary of SVRA’s acquisition by Parella Motorsports Holdings. The SpeedTour weekends include vintage racing, contemporary sports cars and other features.
2022 SVRA/SpeedTour Schedule
- Auto Club Speedway—February 4–6
- Sebring International Raceway—February 24–27
- Charlotte Motor Speedway—March 17–20
- Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta—March 24–27
- NOLA Motorsports Park—April 8–10
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca—April 21–24
- Sonoma Raceway—April 28–May 1
- Road America—May 19–22
- Lime Rock Park—May 27–30
- The Ridge Motorsports Park—June 10–12
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway—June 16–19
- Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course—June 23–26
- Portland International Raceway—July 21–24
- Watkins Glen International—September 7–11
- Virginia International Raceway—October 6–9
- Utah Motorsport Campus—October 14–16
- Circuit of The Americas—November 3–6
For more information, visit svra.com.
For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.