Following a successful multi-race major sponsorship deal with two-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders in the second half of 2017, Mark Melling of Melling Performance has announced a new partnership with Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman for 2018.

Melling Performance will take up primary sponsorship of the racecar at 16 of 24 races next season, and serve as a major associate sponsor at the remaining eight national events. Mell-Gear, their aftermarket replacement timing brand, with also be on board in addition to the Melling Performance engine parts brand.

"Hopefully the next winner's circle celebration will be all about Melling Performance and Mell-Gear," Enders said. "I'm a happy girl right now knowing we can focus on helping grow their brand rather than spending all our time looking for sponsors. This is going to be a very productive off-season."  (Ron Lewis photo)  [11/01/17]

The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series returns to premiere racing facilities during the 17th consecutive year for the upcoming 2018 season.

The upcoming 2018 schedule will feature 44 divisional events with a minimum of six in each of the seven divisions. There will also be 26 regional events featuring the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes.

Bonus programs available to competitors in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series include the $100,000 JEGS Allstars. Individual divisions will also have additional bonus programs available to racers.

Click here for a PDF of the 2018 LODRS schedule. [11/01/17]

The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series on November 2-5. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street.

The division’s Pacific Division Top Sportsman Series, Top Dragster Series and the NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series will also run in conjunction with the event. In addition, the postponed Salt Lake City Divisional event from August will be completed on Wednesday prior to the final event.

The event also marks the final stop on the nationwide series to earn points toward regional and divisional championships for all classes and the second to last stop for NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series National Championship points. [11/01/17]

Custom Automotive Network (CAN), formerly Performance Warehouse Association,, has announced election results for its Board of Directors.

Scott Wahlstrom, Marketing Manager at Motor State Distributing, has been elected Chairman-Elect for 2018-2019 term with continuing duties as Chairman and Past-Chairman through 2023. He is currently serving as a Director on the CAN Board of Directors.

Joining the CAN Board of Directors for the 2018-2019 term are Bob Barra of Premier Performance Products Distribution, Brett Corning of Midstates Inc., and Royal Coburn of Trucktech Distributing.

"All four of our elected Board Members have a deep passion for this industry. I'm confident they will work hard to fulfill CAN's vision and commitment to growing members’ businesses and promoting networking opportunities,” stated Tracie Nunez, President.

The association’s mission is to assist the custom automotive industry to expand, maintain and promote the distribution of custom automotive products. The trade association consists of about 500 member companies.  [11/01/17]