Details
Category: The Business Of Racing
NASCAR and Ticketmaster are teaming up for 2025.
By: NASCAR
September 26, 2024

Daytona Beach, Florida – NASCAR has named Ticketmaster its official ticketing partner in a move that complements Ticketmaster's longtime partnership with Speedway Motorsports and further unifies ticketing for fans of the sport. Ticketmaster was chosen as the official ticketing partner following a thorough RFP process.

 

The partnership will make it easier than ever for fans to discover, purchase and enjoy NASCAR events at facilities nationwide, beginning with the 2025 racing season.

 

"We partnered with Ticketmaster as our new ticketing solution based on their advanced capabilities, deep industry insights, and proven best ticketing practices in sports. Their expertise will be key in consolidating all NASCAR-owned race events onto one efficient and accessible platform, improving our overall operations,” said Kari Gritton, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Consumer Strategy. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Ticketmaster to deliver a consistent and user-friendly purchasing experience that our fans expect.”

 

Fans will now be able to discover upcoming racing events on TikTok and Snapchat using Ticketmaster’s wide distribution network. The new and improved NASCAR Tracks App will fully integrate with Ticketmaster Ignite, giving fans seamless ticket management at their fingertips. With native ticket discovery, SafeTix entry, and other fan-friendly features, the Ignite platform leverages Ticketmaster technology to provide an engaging app experience from purchase through race day. The NASCAR Tracks App will be the single fan source for ticket and event-related information when attending NASCAR races.

 

Ticketmaster's SafeTix, Smart Queue and other industry-leading tools, along with new solutions tailored for NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports, will simplify entry, enhance security and drive growth in data management, pricing, marketing and distribution.

 

“Our longstanding partnership with Ticketmaster has provided efficiency and consistency through the purchase process as well as the operational excellence to serve our fans on race day,” said Speedway Motorsports Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Kevin Camper. “Ticketmaster is best in class for sports and entertainment, and our fans will continue to benefit from the ticketing industry’s best technology and service team.”

 

“NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports have the vision to build a frictionless fan experience, and we’re the right partner to help them achieve that goal,” said Marla Ostroff, Ticketmaster's Managing Director of North America. “The technologies, services and consultancy we provide are designed to empower our partners to refine their operations from A to Z – all with zero compromises to the fan experience.”

 

Tickets for 2024 Speedway Motorsports events and select 2025 races are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Select tickets for 2025 NASCAR-owned events will go on sale on Ticketmaster by the end of the year.

 

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 Speedway Motorsports

Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway and Kentucky Speedway. Speedway Motorsports provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiary; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through its U.S. Legend Cars International subsidiary; and produces and broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to radio stations nationwide through its Performance Racing Network subsidiary. For more information, visit www.speedwaymotorsports.com.

 

About Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster is the world’s largest ticket marketplace and the global market leader in live event ticketing products and services. Through official partnerships with thousands of venues, artists, sports teams, festivals, performing arts centers and theaters, Ticketmaster processes 600 million tickets per year across 35+ different countries. Ticketmaster is a part of Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV).

 

Details
Category: The Business Of Racing
Bridgestone has announced its Firestone brand will remain the sole tire supplier for all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, including the Indianapolis 500 and for INDY NXT by Firestone, as well as an official partner of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
By: IndyCar
September 12, 2024
Indianapolis, Indiana – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) and Penske Entertainment today announced a long-term extension to Firestone's role as the exclusive tire supplier of all INDYCAR-sanctioned racing. The agreement will keep Firestone as the sole tire supplier for all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, the INDY NXT by Firestone developmental series, and the annual Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
 
Firestone is currently in its 25th consecutive season as the exclusive tire supplier for the series. The extension reinforces Bridgestone’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation through motorsports. The Firestone brand continues its rich history in open-wheel racing, dating back more than a century.
 
“At Bridgestone, motorsports are our passion – always have been and always will be. This is particularly true for our Firestone brand, which has been part of world-class racing since winning the first Indy 500 in 1911,” said Paolo Ferrari, executive chairman and CEO, Bridgestone Americas. “We believe motorsports are the ultimate challenge for premium performance and a proving ground for advancing in our goals toward sustainable innovation. Our relationship with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES has been a critical part of these efforts, and we are proud to keep driving forward together.”
 
Through the Firestone brand, Bridgestone has worked closely with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and partners across the paddock to help advance developments in more sustainable racing. Bridgestone incorporated certain materials made from hard-to-recycle plastics and palm oil waste residue in Indy 500 race tires in 2023 and 2024. The company has also used guayule-derived natural rubber in the sidewall of alternate race tires the past two seasons.
 
Bridgestone’s motorsports initiatives are aligned with the company’s long-term sustainability goals. They also demonstrate alignment with INDYCAR’s efforts to work toward making the sport more sustainable.
 
“Our relationship with the team at Bridgestone continues to set an industry standard for success and innovation,” said Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation. “Firestone has been a foundational partner for our sport, from the very first Indy 500 to now, playing an integral role in the development of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and its highly competitive racing. We’re extremely proud to carry this long-term partnership forward into a very exciting and productive future together.”
 
The long-term extension includes Firestone’s role as presenting sponsor and sole tire supplier of the top-tier development series, INDY NXT by Firestone. The brand signed as presenting sponsor of INDY NXT in 2023 to help the sport develop the next generation of racing talent and engage new audiences. The agreement also renews Firestone’s status as official partner and tire supplier of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the largest spectator sporting facility on the planet.
 
The announcement reinforces Bridgestone’s investment and commitment to its workforce in Northeast Ohio. All Firestone Firehawk race tires are designed and manufactured at the Bridgestone Advanced Tire Production Center (ATPC) in Akron. The facility opened in 2022 across the street from the Bridgestone Americas Technology Center (ATC). This proximity allows the Firestone Race Tire Engineering team to work side-by-side with other tire engineers to transfer insights from racing into other innovation workstreams.
 
In addition to providing tire technology and on-track support, Firestone will continue its role as a key partner in the marketing and promotion of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone. The brand’s comprehensive, season-long activation features fan engagement, sponsorships and signage at multiple venues. It also includes robust social and digital media programs, traditional media and hospitality.
 
Bridgestone motorsports activities are leveraged globally as co-creation platforms to help deliver the values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment. This corporate commitment outlines eight areas where the company is focused on contributing to a more sustainable world. The ongoing relationship with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES supports the values of emotion, energy, ecology and empowerment.
 
For more company news, visit BridgestoneAmericas.com.
 
About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
 
Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Bridgestone Americas employs more than 50,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.
 
About INDYCAR
 
INDYCAR is the Indianapolis-based governing body for North America's premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES features an international field of the world's most versatile drivers – including two-time and reigning series champion Alex Palou, two-time series champion Will Power, six-time series champion Scott Dixon and two-time series champion and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden – who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. 
 
The 2024 season consists of 17 races in the United States and Canada and is highlighted by the historic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com. For more information on INDY NXT by Firestone, please visit www.indynxt.com.
 

Details
Category: The Business Of Racing
The CW will broadcast the postseason celebration on Sunday, November 24.
By: NASCAR
August 30, 2024 
Daytona Beach, Florida – The annual NASCAR Awards – the year-end celebration honoring the sport’s top talents and brightest stars – will have a new home in 2024 … Charlotte, N.C. Home to many of the sport’s drivers, race teams and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, this will be the first time the NASCAR Cup Series Awards will be hosted in the Queen City.
 
The 2024 NASCAR Awards will be held on Friday, Nov. 22 to formally honor all three national series champions (NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series) at the Charlotte Convention Center and will air on Sunday, Nov. 24 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. ET/PT on The CW. Tune in to watch the celebration of the 2024 national series champions. For the second-consecutive year in conjunction with the national series awards, NASCAR will host a celebration for the NASCAR Regional Series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series) and the NASCAR International Series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Mexico Series and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), on Thursday, Nov. 21.
 
“We are pleased to announce our move to the Queen City for our postseason celebrations.” said Michelle Byron, EVP, Chief Partnership and Licensing Officer at NASCAR. “Being able to trace many of our sport’s racing roots back to the North Carolina area, you can feel the energy and passion for NASCAR from the fans in Charlotte. We’re excited to officially crown our champions in the Queen City.”
 
Last year, 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer, and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion Ben Rhodes were honored in Music City. The formal postseason Awards is a tradition that stretches back to 1981, when the event was held in New York City. It has since relocated to Las Vegas from 2009 to 2019 and Nashville from 2019 to 2023.
 
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.
 

Details
Category: The Business Of Racing
IXO will be the new supplier of IndyCar diecast starting in 2025.
By: IndyCar
September 5, 2024
IXO Models will become the exclusive supplier of INDYCAR diecast collectible model vehicles and accessories starting with the 2025 season.
 
 
This partnership between INDYCAR and IXO’s U.S.-based affiliate, IXO America, will offer the highest-quality, innovative models for racing enthusiasts and collectors alike at INDYCAR events and retailers in time for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
 
 
The new line of INDYCAR replicas will feature an array of iconic teams and cars from North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, meticulously re-created to capture every nuance of the real track cars. From sleek aerodynamic designs to vibrant, authentic paint schemes, these models are a must-have for collectors and racing fans. Upgraded aero kits in both 1:64 and 1:18 scale, race-worn tires and new-to-market trackside vehicles are just some of the innovations IXO will bring to consumers.
 
 
“IXO has shown a commitment to quality and listening to customer feedback through its diecast models from many series around the globe,” INDYCAR Director, Events & Experiences Alexis Hurley said. “We know fans around the world will love the attention to detail of IXO products as more and more models roll out next year and beyond.”
 
 
The multiyear agreement marks a significant milestone for IXO. With over 25 years of diecast manufacturing experience, the brand is known for its meticulous attention to detail, superior craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality. IXO’s global presence and expertise in motorsports diecast will expand the reach of INDYCAR to diecast collectors and racing fans around the world.
 
 
"We are beyond excited to partner with INDYCAR and bring these incredible racing machines to life in diecast form," said Jeff Nelson, vice president of sales for IXO America. "Our team is passionate about delivering the highest-quality replica models, and we can't wait for fans to experience the thrill of owning a piece of INDYCAR history.
 
 
“This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the diecast model industry. IXO America has roots in ownership and design right here in Indianapolis, so our enthusiasm for INDYCAR is unparalleled in the market."
 
 
Fans should stay tuned to both IXO Models and INDYCAR social media channels and websites for the latest updates. For more information about IXO Models, visit www.ixomodels.com.
 

Details
Category: The Business Of Racing
Come From Away, the award-winning musical, tells the remarkable true story of those 7,000 stranded passengers in Gander on 9/11. (Photo- Chris Crockwell)
By: Targa Newfouondland
August 12, 2024 
Targa Newfoundland returns to race through the streets of Gander for the first time in years and we’ve named it the Come From Away Memorial Stage to commemorate the town’s role in sheltering thousands of stranded passengers following 9/11 and the hit musical that tells the story. 
 
“Gander was always a high point for participants in past Targa rallies,” said Targa Founder Robert Giannou. “Returning here now is particularly special as the town celebrates its pivotal role after 9/11.”  
 
Targa Newfoundland 2024 will run from September 12 to 19, 2024, beginning with a two-day drivers’ school in St. John’s before heading out to explore the province. The Gander stage will take place late afternoon, Sunday, September 15th.  
 
“We are delighted to welcome Targa back to Gander!” said Mayor Percy Farwell. “With the meticulous efforts and commitment of the organizers to ensure a safe and exciting event, residents and visitors can look forward to an opportunity to view a world class rally event and to get up close and personal with the cars and drivers at the related car shows. We look forward to this unique and exciting event.”  
 
Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration closed American airspace forcing 38 planes carrying close to 7000 passengers to divert to the airport in Gander, a town of 12,000 people. The people of Gander, Appleton, Glenwood and other communities took the stranded passengers in by providing food shelter, clothing, comfort and friendship.  
 
Gander was once known as the “Crossroads of the World” due to its perfectly positioned airport. Once the largest on earth, with runways big enough to land the space shuttle, it was a strategic location for refueling and a bustling centre during wartime. It was this airport that made this community and others in the region the focal point for human kindness and generosity as highlighted in the hit Broadway play Come From Away.  
 
Come From Away, the award-winning musical, tells the remarkable true story of those 7,000 stranded passengers — or “come from aways” — and the communities in Newfoundland and Labrador that welcomed them on 9/11.
 
Come From Away is performed at the Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre in Gander through Sept. 1, 2024. Learn more at www.comefromawaygander.ca
 
Targa Newfoundland
Since 2002, Targa Newfoundland has attracted professional and amateur racers from around the world.  Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of only three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world and the only tarmac rally in North America. This year’s event runs Sept. 12-19, 2024. Competitors will cover over 2000 km (about 1240 miles) including about 500 km (310 miles) of closed courses through spectacular scenery, towns and outports.  
 
  1. PPG Extends Presenting Sponsorship Of Brickyard 400 In Long-Term Agreement
  2. Liberty Global To Acquire Formula E Stake From Warner Bros. Discovery