MotoGP is experiencing one of the strongest growth periods in its 77-year history—and the future may be even bigger.In this Race Industry Week by EPARTRADE interview, Alfonso Cartujo, Sporting Director of Dorna Sports, delivers a deep dive into the current state of MotoGP, its record-setting 2025 season, and the bold strategic, technical, and commercial moves shaping the championship’s next era.🏍️ In this episode, we cover:• Why MotoGP just completed its most successful season ever• Marc Márquez’s historic championship comeback• What makes MotoGP the most competitive motorsport on the planet• How Sprint races and weekend formats transformed fan engagement• MotoGP’s aggressive global expansion (Brazil, South America & beyond)• Liberty Media’s impact on MotoGP’s commercial future• A new global rider development pathway starting at age 10• The introduction of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup• What the massive 2027 MotoGP regulation reset really means• Reduced engines, simplified aero & fewer electronic aids• Why rider skill will matter more than ever• How MotoGP manages one of the largest logistics operations in world sport• The massive supplier and technology ecosystem behind the grid• MotoGP’s long-term vision for digital growth, storytelling & fan accessFrom 22 Grands Prix, record attendance, and razor-thin competition to a full technical reset designed to control costs and increase parity, MotoGP is positioning itself as the most thrilling and globally relevant motorsport championship in the world.Whether you’re a MotoGP fan, engineer, team executive, manufacturer, or simply passionate about elite racing, this conversation offers rare insight into how MotoGP continues to evolve—without losing what makes it special.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#MotoGP #MotorcycleRacing#MarcMarquez #DornaSports#RaceIndustryWeek #EPARTRADE#Motorsport #Racing#MotoGP2027 #MotorcycleTech

A major manufacturer shake-up is coming to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series — and Kaulig Racing is at the center of it.In this exclusive Race Industry Week by EPARTRADE interview, Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing, reveals how the organization is leading Ram’s official return to NASCAR with an ambitious five-truck factory-supported program in 2026 — marking one of the most significant OEM moves in recent Truck Series history.From first meetings in Auburn Hills to building Ram trucks in-house at Kaulig’s North Carolina campus, Rice walks through how a simple idea turned into a full-scale manufacturer comeback.🔥 Key Topics Covered in This Interview:• Ram’s official return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series• Why Kaulig Racing was chosen as Ram’s exclusive partner• Building five Ram trucks from scratch — bodies, operations, and culture• Running two OEMs under one roof (Chevrolet Cup + Ram Trucks)• From 12 employees to 140+ and growing• Confirmed drivers: Justin Haley, Daniel Dye & “Butterbean” Queen• A rotating mystery driver truck — “Who’s driving this week?”• A bold driver search program to find NASCAR’s next superstar• Chasing the Manufacturer’s Championship — not just race wins• Why Ram is changing the way OEMs market in NASCAR• Leadership, culture, and Chris Rice’s emotional, driver-first approach• How Kaulig Racing is becoming fully independent and future-proofRice explains why modern NASCAR success is about more than trophies — it’s about people, culture, innovation, and creating long-term value for manufacturers and partners.With Ram re-entering the sport, Kaulig Racing expanding rapidly, and new ideas around driver development, fan engagement, and OEM collaboration, this episode offers a rare inside look at how the next era of NASCAR Truck Series racing is being built right now.Whether you’re a NASCAR fan, team owner, sponsor, OEM executive, or industry professional, this conversation delivers insight you won’t hear anywhere else.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#NASCAR #NASCARTrucks#RamTrucks #KauligRacing#ChrisRice #RaceIndustryWeek#EPARTRADE #MotorsportsBusiness

Motorsports icon Linda Vaughn, the legendary First Lady of Motorsports, joins Race Industry Week for one of the most heartfelt, candid, and inspiring conversations in the history of the event.Fresh off NHRA’s major announcements— including the new TSR Elite Top Fuel alliance with Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett and Richard Freeman — Vaughn reacts to drag racing’s new era and shares priceless stories from her six decades shaping American motorsport.From Big Daddy Don Garlits to Bruce Springsteen, from Pro Stock’s origins to NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, Vaughn brings unmatched perspective, humor, and passion for the sport she helped define.🔥 Topics Covered in This Interview:✔ The new Tony Stewart–Leah Pruett–Richard Freeman Top Fuel alliance✔ Why NHRA is entering one of its most exciting eras in decades✔ Her lifelong love affair with drag racing and “Big Daddy” Don Garlits✔ The importance of Made-in-America performance parts✔ Why Pro Stock still represents the soul of drag racing✔ Getting young people back into cars and hands-on racing culture✔ The sensory power of drag racing — why fans must experience it live✔ Safety, tire testing, and why collaboration matters at today’s speeds✔ Stories with legendary racers & global rock stars (Rolling Stones, Springsteen, Neil Diamond…)✔ Her on-air career, pit-lane reporting, and commitment to integrity✔ What she hopes to see in NHRA’s 75th season and at PRILinda Vaughn isn’t just a personality — she’s a living bridge between drag racing’s golden past, its rapidly evolving present, and an electrifying future filled with new teams, new stars, and renewed American manufacturing pride.Her message remains timeless:“Don’t forget where we come from. Drag racing built America — and can do it again.”Whether you’re a lifelong NHRA fan, a Pro Stock loyalist, or a newcomer discovering American motorsport, this is a conversation you’ll never forget.🔗 Race Industry WeekRace Industry Week features 60+ leaders from across the global motorsports ecosystem. Watch more sessions on the EPARTRADE YouTube channel or visit EPARTRADE.com for upcoming industry events.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#LindaVaughn #NHRA #DragRacing #ProStock #TopFuel #RaceIndustryWeek#EPARTRADE #Motorsports #DonGarlits #AmericanMuscle #PRIShow#LeahPruett #TonyStewartRacing #NHRA75 #DragRacingLegends#RacingHistory #MadeInAmerica #MotorsportStories #WomenInRacing

A groundbreaking shift in NHRA Top Fuel drag racing is underway.In this exclusive Race Industry Week by EPARTRADE conversation, Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett, and Elite Motorsports founder Richard Freeman officially unveil the TSR Elite alliance—a bold new partnership that combines elite on-track performance with a next-generation, B2B-driven business model designed to redefine how professional drag racing operates and grows.The TSR Elite alliance unites Tony Stewart Racing’s nitro program with Elite Motorsports’ Pro Stock, Mountain Motor Pro Stock, Pro Mod, and Top Fuel operations, creating one of the most comprehensive and scalable platforms in NHRA today.🔥 Key Topics Covered in This Interview:• The launch of the TSR Elite Top Fuel alliance• Tony Stewart’s full-time return to NHRA Top Fuel with R+L Carriers• Leah Pruett’s highly anticipated return to Top Fuel competition• How B2B partnerships are reshaping modern drag racing• Why racing is now “the smallest piece of the pie” for sponsors• Building sustainable programs beyond sponsorship decals• Solving real partner business challenges through motorsports• The role of collaboration vs. competition within TSR Elite• Michelle Damagala named VP of Operations for Elite Motorsports• Husband-and-wife rivalry at 330+ mph in NHRA Top Fuel• Fan experience, hospitality innovation, and pit-level access• The power of live NHRA racing vs. television• NHRA’s 75th anniversary and new media exposure via VICE• Expansion plans across Pro Stock, Pro Mod, and beyondStewart, Pruett, and Freeman explain why the future of drag racing depends on creating real value for partners, not just winning races—and how TSR Elite offers a template that other teams may soon need to follow.With elite talent, a collaborative mindset, a scalable partner ecosystem, and unprecedented access for fans, TSR Elite represents more than a superteam—it’s a new vision for the future of NHRA.Whether you’re a drag racing fan, sponsor, team owner, executive, or industry professional, this episode offers rare insight into how the sport is evolving—on and off the track.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#TonyStewart #LeahPruett#NHRA #TopFuel#TSRElite #DragRacing#RaceIndustryWeek #EPARTRADE#EliteMotorsports #MotorsportsBusiness

In this exclusive Race Industry Week by EPARTRADE interview, Tyler Gibbs, Group Vice President and President of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) USA, breaks down one of the most successful and transformative periods in Toyota’s NASCAR history.Just over a year into his presidency, Gibbs reflects on Toyota’s dominant 2025 NASCAR playoff run, the strength of its driver development pipeline, and how TRD is preparing for the next era of stock car racing—both in the U.S. and globally.🔑 Key Topics in This Interview:• Toyota’s historic NASCAR playoff performance across Cup, Xfinity & Trucks• Corey Heim’s championship season and Toyota’s driver development philosophy• How TRD builds long-term talent pipelines that benefit the entire sport• Joe Gibbs Racing’s growth and playoff execution• NASCAR’s global expansion, including the historic Fuji Speedway exhibition• Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), TRD and GR brand structure explained• The impact of street races in Chicago, Mexico City & new markets• Welcoming new OEMs like Honda into NASCAR• Future powertrain relevance and parity challenges• Engineering the move to 750-horsepower Cup engines• Tire degradation, strategy, and race storytelling• Commercial growth, technology partnerships, and production relevance• Emerging talent to watch, including Brent CrewsGibbs also shares personal insights from his first year as TRD President, including the responsibility of NASCAR Hall of Fame voting and the balance between honoring racing’s heritage while pushing innovation.This conversation offers a rare look inside Toyota’s competition strategy, leadership mindset, and vision for NASCAR’s future—from grassroots driver development to global brand alignment and next-generation engineering.Whether you’re a NASCAR fan, team member, engineer, OEM executive, or motorsports industry professional, this episode delivers valuable insight into how championships are built—and how the future of stock car racing is being shaped today.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#ToyotaTRD #NASCAR#TylerGibbs #ToyotaRacing#DriverDevelopment #StockCarRacing#RaceIndustryWeek #EPARTRADE#NASCARPlayoffs #Motorsports

Two years after the transition from Honda Performance Development (HPD) to Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), Honda’s North American racing operation has entered a powerful new era of global alignment, advanced technology, and talent development.During Race Industry Week by EPARTRADE, Kelvin Fu, Vice President of HRC US, explains how the move to a unified global HRC structure has unlocked new technical collaboration with Japan, accelerated innovation, and expanded Honda’s racing footprint across IMSA, IndyCar, Formula 1, and beyond.🔑 Key Topics Covered in This Interview:• Why Honda transitioned from HPD to HRC USA• Global integration with Honda Racing in Japan• Engineering and strategy behind the Acura GTP program in IMSA• Direct pit-stand involvement with Meyer Shank Racing• Four poles, multiple wins, and Detroit Grand Prix success• Honda’s dominant IndyCar season, including the Indy 500 and championships• Lessons learned from IndyCar’s hybrid powertrain era• Honda’s upcoming Formula 1 return with Aston Martin• Technology exchange between American racing and F1 development• Growth in software, electrical, and hybrid engineering talent• Evaluation of future series including NASCAR, Formula E, and Extreme H• How racing drives technology transfer, AI development, and production vehiclesFu also details how modern racing serves as Honda’s high-speed laboratory, feeding insights directly into production engineering—from hybrid systems and electrification to data analysis, AI, and sensor technology.As Honda prepares for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, continues its push for manufacturer championships, and builds toward a new Formula 1 era, HRC US is positioning itself at the intersection of performance, innovation, and global motorsport leadership.This episode is essential viewing for motorsports fans, engineers, OEM professionals, team members, and anyone interested in how factory racing programs shape the future of automotive technology.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#HondaRacing #HRCUS #Motorsport#Formula1 #IMSA #IndyCar#AcuraGTP #HybridRacing#RaceIndustryWeek #EPARTRADE#RacingTechnology #AutomotiveInnovation

During Race Industry Week by EPARTRADE, Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Racing, delivers a comprehensive update on Ford’s most ambitious motorsports expansion in decades—spanning Formula 1, Le Mans Hypercar, Dakar Rally, Mustang racing, and advanced electric performance demonstrators.Rushbrook outlines how Ford has unified all global motorsports operations under the Ford Racing banner, integrating engineering, marketing, and production performance to accelerate real-time technology transfer from the racetrack to the road.🔑 Key Topics Covered in This Interview:• Ford’s return to Formula 1 in 2026 with Red Bull Racing• Development of the Red Bull Ford Power Unit• Why the 2026 F1 regulation reset is the perfect entry point• Ford’s Hypercar program for Le Mans 2027 with Oreca• In-house powertrain development in Dearborn, Michigan• Mustang’s global racing footprint across NASCAR, Supercars & NHRA• Ford’s Dakar Rally debut with the Raptor T1+• Off-road dominance at Baja, King of the Hammers & Finke• Electric demonstrators: SuperVan, SuperTruck & Super Mach-E• Why Ford chose EV demonstrators over spec electric racing• Technology transfer across ICE, hybrid & electric platforms• Developing engineers and talent through high-pressure racing programsRushbrook also explains how Ford Racing uses motorsports as a technology incubator, stress-testing propulsion systems, software, materials and battery technology under the harshest competitive conditions—from deserts and endurance races to F1 simulation labs.With Formula 1, Le Mans Hypercar, Mustang racing, Dakar, and electric innovation converging over the next two seasons, Ford Racing is entering one of the most significant chapters in its 125-year motorsports history.This episode is essential viewing for motorsports fans, engineers, OEM professionals, team owners, sponsors, and anyone interested in how factory racing programs shape the future of performance vehicles.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#FordRacing #Formula1 #LeMans#Hypercar #DakarRally #MustangRacing#Motorsports #RaceIndustryWeek#EPARTRADE #FordPerformance#F12026 #LeMans2027#ElectricPerformance #RacingTechnology

During Race Industry Week by EPARTRADE, Jim Campbell, Vice President of Performance and Motorsports Commercial Operations at General Motors, delivers a comprehensive look at GM’s expanding global motorsports strategy—from Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 to a new 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Camaro, and the advanced simulation, CFD, AI and powertrain technology driving performance across every series.Broadcast from inside GM’s high-performance powertrain facility in Pontiac, Michigan, Campbell explains how this center anchors GM’s factory race programs and its Chevrolet Performance parts business—supporting programs in F1, NASCAR, IMSA, FIA WEC, IndyCar, NHRA, off-road racing, and more.🔑 Key Topics Covered in This Interview:• Cadillac’s acceptance as Formula 1’s 11th team• Why the 2026 F1 regulations are the right time for GM to enter• Cadillac F1 engineering hubs in Michigan & Charlotte• Ferrari customer engines and the roadmap to a Cadillac power unit• Sergio “Checo” Pérez and Valtteri Bottas joining the Cadillac F1 program• GM’s new Cadillac power unit facility in Charlotte• Chevrolet’s 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Camaro ZL1 update• 2025 NASCAR championships with Kyle Larson and Chevrolet• Shared simulation, CFD and AI tools across all GM race programs• Driver-in-the-loop simulators and tire modeling• How racing drives GM’s performance parts business• Motorsports as a talent-development engine inside GM• Global fan reaction to Cadillac’s F1 announcementCampbell also explains how technology transfer isn’t just hardware, but includes methods, data, simulation, and decision-making tools that flow between racing programs and production vehicles—making motorsports a critical part of GM’s business strategy.From Cadillac F1 to Corvette GT3, NASCAR Cup, NHRA, and beyond, this interview offers a rare inside look at how one of the world’s largest OEMs is positioning itself for the next era of global motorsport.This episode is essential viewing for racing fans, engineers, team owners, sponsors, and anyone interested in how OEM-backed motorsports programs are built and scaled.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#CadillacF1 #GeneralMotors #GMMotorsports#Formula1 #NASCAR #IMSA#ChevroletPerformance #CamaroZL1#MotorsportsTechnology #RaceIndustryWeek#EPARTRADE #RacingEngineering#CFD #Simulation #AIinMotorsport#CadillacRacing #FutureOfRacing

During Race Industry Week by EPARTRADE, Jonathan Applegate, Senior Manager of Mazda Motorsports, breaks down the continued growth, competitiveness, and future direction of the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Whelan—one of the most respected driver development championships in global motorsport.Fresh off the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout, Applegate explains how Mazda evaluates and invests in young talent, why the series has become a destination championship, and how the MX-5 Cup ladder connects grassroots racing to professional careers in IMSA, sports cars, and beyond.A major focus of the discussion is Mazda’s decision to move the 2025 Shootout to Circuit Florida, a brand-new track unavailable on simulators—ensuring a truly level playing field where adaptability, feedback, and learning speed mattered more than prior knowledge.🔑 Key Topics Covered in This Interview:• Inside the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout• Why Mazda chose a no-simulator venue for talent evaluation• MX-5 Cup and Spec MX-5 scholarship selection process• How drivers are evaluated beyond lap times• Media, professionalism, and business skills in driver development• Meet the scholarship winners: Max Stallone, Ethan Lampe & Charlotte Traynor• Mazda’s Women’s Initiative and diversity in motorsports• The growing youth movement in MX-5 Cup• Why MX-5 Cup thrives inside the IMSA paddock• The NASCAR connection and Martinsville showcase• Earl Bamber’s MX-5 Cup appearance and what it says about the series• Jeremy Fletcher’s championship journey and return for 2026• What to expect from the 2026 season, including Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayApplegate also explains how Mazda Motorsports has refined its development ladder, from grassroots club racing and Spec MX-5 all the way to MX-5 Cup and professional sports car opportunities—while keeping the program accessible, competitive, and relevant for a new generation of drivers.Whether you’re an aspiring racer, team owner, sponsor, engineer, or motorsports fan, this interview offers a rare inside look at how OEM-backed driver development really works—and why MX-5 Cup remains one of the most competitive proving grounds in racing.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#MazdaMotorsports #MX5Cup #MX5Racing#IMSA #SpecMX5 #DriverDevelopment#GrassrootsRacing #RoadRacing#Motorsports #RaceIndustryWeek#EPARTRADE #FutureOfRacing#WomenInMotorsport #RacingScholarship#MazdaMX5

During EPARTRADE’s 5th Annual Race Industry Week, Chris Stewart, Founder of Gridlife, shares how the series has grown into one of the most influential grassroots motorsports platforms in North America—blending wheel-to-wheel racing, track days, time attack, car culture, and live music into a single, immersive experience.After a 30% increase in entries during the 2024 season, Gridlife continues to expand regionally while staying true to its grassroots roots. In this candid conversation, Stewart explains how the series balances rapid growth with accessibility, affordability, and authenticity—key factors behind its strong appeal to the 18–34 demographic, which now makes up nearly 75% of attendees.🔑 Key Topics Covered in This Interview:• How Gridlife achieved record growth and expansion• The role of grassroots racing in modern motorsports• Why experience matters more than just track time• Blending motorsports and live music to grow car culture• Reaching and engaging a younger, diverse audience• The Rush Spec Series and new racing opportunities• Expansion into California and new regional markets• Staying authentic while scaling a motorsports business• Festival-style events vs. club racing weekends• What to expect from the 2025 Gridlife scheduleStewart also discusses the importance of community-driven growth, the strategic addition of leadership to support expansion, and how Gridlife is redefining what a motorsports event can be—creating a space where hardcore racers and first-time fans feel equally welcome.Whether you’re a grassroots racer, track-day driver, car-culture enthusiast, promoter, or brand looking to understand where the next generation of motorsports fans is coming from, this episode offers valuable insight into the future of racing culture.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#Gridlife #GrassrootsMotorsports #CarCulture#MotorsportMeetsMusic #TimeAttack#TrackDays #GrassrootsRacing#MotorsportsCommunity #RaceIndustryWeek#EPARTRADE #FutureOfRacing#Motorsports #RacingLifestyle