By SEMA News Editors
Whelen Engineering Named Mazda MX-5 Cup Title Sponsor
Whelen Engineering, an emergency warning equipment manufacturer based in Chester, Connecticut, is partnering with Mazda Motorsports to become the new title sponsor of the Mazda MX-5 Cup series beginning in 2024.
The 14-race, IMSA-sanctioned season begins on January 25 as part of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
For more information, see the full announcement at imsa.com.
Formula DRIFT Announces New Judging and Competition Staff for 2024
After 20 years of competition, Formula DRIFT judge Ryan Lanteigne and Race Control Director Pat Gentilli will be leaving their roles with the series.
Reese Marin, an experienced driver, instructor and competition spotter, will replace Lanteigne. Vernon Zwaneveld, a stuntman, drift instructor and a long-standing judge with the Drift Masters European Championship, will replace outgoing judge Chris Uhl, who will assume a new role as race control director.
Marin and Zwaneveld will sit alongside veteran Formula DRIFT judges Brian Eggert and Robbie Nishida on a rotating basis, with three judges participating in each round.
For more information, visit formulad.com.
Hyundai Announces 2024 Racing Program
Hyundai is set to field seven Hyundai Elantra N TCR entries in the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) season.
Hyundai will be represented by reigning IMPC team champions Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) with four race cars, as well as Deily Motorsports with one entry and Victor Gonzalez Racing with two.
Additionally, the Hyundai Hope On Wheels program will return for the full season in 2024, pledging $100 to support pediatric cancer research for every lap a Hyundai Elantra N TCR is in the lead during every race of the season. In 2023, the manufacturer donated $100 for every lap a Hyundai vehicle was in the lead during the final two races of the 2023 season, raising nearly $20,000 to support pediatric cancer research.
For more information, visit hyundaiusa.com.
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