Toto Wolff is one of the longest-standing team principals on the Formula 1 grid. Usually watching from inside the Mercedes garage, Wolff looks at home within the hustle and bustle of motorsport. And while his headphones don’t always survive a race weekend, he’s been one of the most successful voices on the grid after he joined the sport in 2009.

But before he became a titan of both business and motorsport, the Austrian was an 18-year-old struggling to afford even the fuel for his SEAT Ibiza while he worked at the Österreichring, now named the Red Bull Ring.

“I used to work at the Red Bull Ring. It has always felt a bit like a second home,” he reflected via a release from Mercedes. “Back then it was known as the Österreichring. I was 18 years old, and a driving instructor.”

While chasing his own motorsport aspirations, the now-billionaire was working as a driving instructor at the track to fund his dreams.

“I was trying to make a living and finance my own driving career,” he continued. “The best part was always getting to shake down the cars at the end of the day when everyone else had gone home.”

1991 was a big year for motorsport in the country. The now-famous circuit had been removed from the F1 calendar due to safety concerns despite the 5.911-kilometre layout being famous for its challenging turns. But with the sport evolving and safety standards showing equal growth, it failed to make the cut.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

But while F1 was out, other motorsports continued at the famous venue, allowing it to live on with the Austrian Superbike Championship being a favourite for track-goers.

Wolff struggled financially despite his tenacity.

“I would sleep in a farmhouse near to the track while I was doing the instructing, the people were super lovely and friendly,” he said. “I would drive back and forth between Vienna in those days, in my SEAT Ibiza. I could barely afford the fuel.”

While also continuing his education at Vienna University, this was a challenging time for the team chief.

“Yeah, hand to mouth because I had no financial support from home. I tried to make the uni, so-so and I got the offer from the best Formula Ford team back in the day to work as an instructor on the old Spielberg.”

His excitement for motorsport stemmed from a friend of his, who was driving in the German Formula 3 Championship at the time. 

“I was with some friends, we were visiting Amsterdam, don’t ask why, and we were driving back and passing the Nurburgring.

“One of my dear friends was one of the frontrunners in the German Formula 3 Championship back in the time and I was fascinated by the environment, loved cars and drivers and decided I wanted to give it a go.

“I found out about everything and decided to buy myself a SEAT Ibiza, a tiny little SEAT car. I could make it with my pocket money and earning a little bit extra.

“I could just make the monthly leasing rates and I started to race the car. Sold my road car, raced the car and drove it on the road. This is how my racing started.”

“It means a lot when a partner believes in what we’re doing and chooses to grow with us,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “The No. 24 team has competed at a high level, and William continues to elevate his role as a driver, a leader and a spokesperson. All-Pro is expanding the program because it supports business goals, strengthens their connection with customers and reflects the performance-driven culture they’ve developed. We’re proud of this long-term commitment and can’t wait to see what’s next.”

The first race for the All-Pro Auto Reconditioning No. 24 Chevrolet will be the Chicago Street Race on Sunday, July 6. Coverage of the race will be on TNT, the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

-Photo credit: Hendrick Motorsports

American Honda has renewed its long-standing partnership with the Pro Motocross Championship, continuing its deep-rooted legacy in U.S. motocross by serving as title sponsor of the iconic RedBud National, set for July 5 and broadcast live on NBC.

Now in its 50th year, the Pro Motocross Championship remains a cornerstone of the SuperMotocross (SMX) World Championship season. Honda’s sponsorship of RedBud marks a continuation of its alignment with one of the sport’s most celebrated rounds, traditionally held during Independence Day weekend at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Michigan.

“Honda and RedBud are a dream pairing. RedBud is arguably the crown jewel of Pro Motocross, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the Fourth of July with the most passionate fans in the sport.” — Brandon Wilson, American Honda’s Manager of Racing & Advertising

This year’s Honda RedBud National will also welcome a motorsports legend to the festivities. Toni Bou, the 37-time FIM Trials World Champion, will serve as Grand Marshal and headline a trials exhibition alongside teammate Gabriel Moncelli aboard Montesa Honda Cota 4RT machines. The appearance comes just ahead of the TrialGP round in Rhode Island and marks a rare crossover moment between motocross and trials disciplines.

On the track, Team Honda HRC Progressive has made a strong start in 2025, with Jett Lawrence dominating the 450 Class through the first four rounds. The team has also continued a streak of success at Honda-sponsored events dating back to 2022, including wins at Fox Raceway and Unadilla.

As Honda enters another chapter with the Pro Motocross Championship, industry leaders are welcoming the renewed partnership. “Honda has been an anchor brand in motocross for decades,” says Davey Coombs, president of MX Sports Pro Racing. “Their support is not only a nod to history, but also a commitment to the future of powersports. We’re also honored to spotlight Toni Bou—he is quite literally the greatest of all time in trials.”

For powersports dealers, the announcement highlights Honda’s ongoing commitment to both motorsports and brand visibility. The national spotlight on RedBud, combined with the presence of global icons like Bou, presents an opportunity to engage riders and fans alike with a legendary brand that continues to evolve.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) today announced that its longest-standing partner, E.J. Prescott, Inc. (Team EJP), will serve as the title sponsor of the Team EJP 175 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) playoff race on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 and multiple years to come.

“My father Peter has been involved with New Hampshire Motor Speedway since the first shovel went into the ground,” said third-generation E.J. Prescott, Inc., President and CEO Steven Prescott. “I am proud to say that since the first NASCAR event at NHMS in 1990, the Prescott family has never missed a NASCAR event at the speedway. We are so excited not only to be a part of the return of the Truck Series to NHMS, but also to have our company’s name on the Team EJP 175.”

Under Peter’s leadership, Team EJP has been deeply involved with “The Magic Mile” and NASCAR for decades, holding the oldest active ticket account and standing as the longest partnership in NHMS history. E.J. Prescott, Inc. provided all the materials for the water, wastewater and stormwater systems at the facility, and several of the employees, Steven included, spent time at NHMS installing and servicing the infrastructure.

“We are absolutely thrilled to put Team EJP’s name on our NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoff race,” said New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath. “Peter Prescott worked closely with the Bahre family to build New Hampshire International Speedway and played an important role in making New Hampshire Motor Speedway what it is today, and it’s exciting to see Steven continue to carry that torch.”

Through the years of NASCAR involvement, with Peter either owning or sponsoring a team, Team EJP Racing has played an important role in the career development of stars like Steve Park, Kevin LePage, Ricky Craven, Andy Santerre and Denny Hamlin. Steven tried his hand at racing for his father in the Legend Car Series (1993-98), picking up more than 30 feature wins as well as track and series titles. He also raced on the PRO Tour truck series (1997-99), picking up 17 poles and enjoying 19 victory lane celebrations and back-to-back series titles (1998 and 1999). In 2000, he made three starts in the NCTS behind the wheel of the family-owned No. 03 Chevrolet Silverado; one of those being at “The Magic Mile.” He then stepped down as driver for Team EJP Racing and became team owner until 2005, always remaining an active part of the team. Now under Steven’s leadership, Team EJP has continued to help local, regional and national touring series drivers through sponsorship.

“NHMS and racing in general has meant so much to my family over the years,” said Prescott. “I am honored to have this opportunity to not only continue what my grandfather Everett and my father Peter started, but also to engrain our whole team into the excitement of New England’s only NASCAR Playoffs weekend. I can’t think of a better or more exciting way to celebrate our 70^th anniversary.”

Through the partnership, Team EJP will receive a multitude of assets, including the ability to host customers and employees throughout the event weekend, offering them unique experiences such as being named the Grand Marshal or Honorary Starter of the race, as well as signage throughout the property.

The NCTS last raced at NHMS in September 2017. This year’s Team EJP 175 will be the 21^st NCTS event overall at NHMS’s flat 1.058-mile oval and is a critical stop in the NCTS playoffs, as the field of championship contenders will be reduced from 10 to eight after the event.

The Team EJP 175 NCTS playoff race at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 is one of three NASCAR races at “The Magic Mile” from Sept. 19-21. It will be preceded on Doubleheader Saturday by the Mohegan Sun 100 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) race at 9:15 a.m. and followed by the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) playoff race at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Tickets:
For tickets and camping for New England’s only NASCAR Playoffs weekend, featuring the NCS and Team EJP 175 NCTS playoff races, Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race and SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels, fans should visit NHMS.com or call 833-4LOUDON. Tickets for kids 12 and under are just $10 on Sunday, free on Doubleheader Saturday and start at $10 on Friday.

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