A gloomy forecast could only delay, not derail, Kallee Mills and company at US 131 Motorsports Park, where the team clinched the N/T 275 title with the ’68 Camaro “Kong” and lit the boards with a personal-best 3.601-second pass in the screw-blown Pro Mod Camaro “Scarlet.” Rain erased Wednesday testing at the Shakedown in M-Town, but tuner Lee White hustled once the track dried. Scarlet ripped a 3.66 in Thursday shakedowns, then thundered to 3.601 to qualify third in what proved the quickest Mid-West Drag Racing Series Pro Mod field to date.

“Shakedown at M-Town was unforgettable here at Kallee Mills Motorsports. I finally got my own win at a Duck X Productions event,” Mills said, a member of the Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 Class of 2023.

Scarlet’s 3.601 came when the team most needed it.

“Rolling into Q4 we were sitting right on the bump with a .65 and my team knew we needed a low .60 to be in the top half of the field. We rolled up and went 3.601—that put us number three in a tight field.”

First-round tire shake and a .004-second red-light pushed Scarlet into the Slammers bracket, yet Mills and crew used the extra laps to prove the pace was no fluke, carding a 3.62 while working through the second-chance race.

While Scarlet cooled, Mills turned her focus to Kong and the N/T 275 ladder. Recent chassis and suspension changes paid immediate dividends, and each pass edged the gorgeous gold Camaro closer to the final.

“We made some major changes to Kong and they definitely made a difference,” she said. “I told her on Friday night after all the things she was pulling that if she didn’t straighten up she was getting left in Michigan, but she came through with a win so we loaded her up and she’s going to get some much-needed love.”

In the last round Mills and Kong faced Todd Bennett. Both cars left together, but Kong surged ahead by a car length to seal the victory and deliver Mills’ first Duck X event win.

“I am seriously living my dream; I’m on cloud nine. I am truly blessed with the people that I am surrounded by,” Mills added, praising crew chiefs Mikey, Tayler, and her father, Dewayne, along with lead tuner White: “No matter the tire or combination, Lee [White] can make a car go fast and he makes my job easy.”

She also made sure to single out the wider team that keeps the operation rolling.

“To my mom and dad, thank you for instilling values and always having my back no matter what. I can’t say enough about my team and my family for all their hard work on the cars. And a big thank you to Paul and Jeanne Hayden and American Pride Golf Carts for their unwavering support. It was also super cool to have Larry and Brody Jeffers come out, spend the weekend and support us – it’s always a great time.”

The weekend haul – a class victory, a career-best 3.60, and a pair of stout 3.62s – has the Oklahoma-based operation brimming with confidence heading to the Summer Smackdown, June 26-28 at Flying H Drag Strip, the fourth stop on the Mid-West Drag Racing Series tour.

This story was originally published on June 3, 2025.

Harvia Plc (CEO: Matias Järnefelt; hereafter “Harvia”) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Operating Officer, President: Koji Sato; hereafter “Toyota”) teamed up to produce a concept model for what is believed to be the world’s first hydrogen-powered sauna (as of this writing, according to the investigations of Harvia and Toyota). The collaboration represents a step toward a more sustainable future for saunas by combining Harvia’s sauna expertise with Toyota’s hydrogen combustion technology.

The two companies will introduce the hydrogen sauna concept at two upcoming events in Jyväskylä, Finland. These demonstrations aim to explore new uses for hydrogen and contribute to carbon neutrality.

The hydrogen sauna concept will be presented at the “World Sauna Forum” (June 4-5, 2025) and during part of “Rally Finland” (July 31-August 2, 2025) in Jyväskylä.

By applying hydrogen to sauna heaters, the system generates only steam and warm air, emitting no CO2 during use. This offers an attractive alternative to conventional heating methods.

The concept model aims to capture the essence of traditional smoke sauna, known for their gentle and soothing heat. The hydrogen combustion heater channels flames and warm air through sauna stones, heating them evenly from all sides. This process envelops the space in a soft warmth and produces the pleasant steam, or löyly, when water is poured on the stones.

“This collaboration with Toyota allows us to push the boundaries of sauna innovation and demonstrate our dedication to environmental responsibility,” says Timo Harvia, Head of Innovation and Technology at Harvia. “Toyota’s deep expertise in hydrogen handling and combustion gave us a safe and efficient way to pursue hydrogen as a clean energy source―something we might not have considered this soon without such a trusted partner. In doing so, we are not only exploring ways to minimize environmental impact but also creating a new kind of sauna experience that honors tradition while embracing the future.”

“Jyväskylä is a key location for Toyota and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (CEO: Yuichiro Haruna, hereafter “TGR-WRT”), with whom we have worked together for many years,” says Mitsumasa Yamagata, President of Hydrogen Factory at Toyota. “This project builds on the strong trust established with the local community under the leadership of Chairman Akio Toyoda. Thanks to the initiative of the Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Executive Director: Haruka Arai, hereafter “Cefmof”), we’ve had the opportunity to partner with Harvia. Harvia’s dedication to craftsmanship has been truly encouraging, and I believe this hydrogen sauna opens new possibilities for the future of hydrogen use.”

Harvia, a global leader in sauna and spa experiences, is committed to advancing well-being through sustainable and innovative solutions. The company integrates environmental responsibility across its operations―from product development and manufacturing to energy efficiency and supply chain management―continuously seeking ways to minimize environmental impact while delivering high-quality wellness experiences worldwide.

Toyota views hydrogen as an important fuel in pursuit of carbon neutrality and has been promoting various initiatives in the areas of “Create, Transport, Store, and Use” hydrogen in collaborating with partners across various industries. Moving forward, Toyota will continue to accelerate the efforts to further promote hydrogen utilization towards realizing a hydrogen society.

Atlanta Motor Speedway looks to be setting up for something big. According to Joseph Srigley of TobyChristie.com, the racetrack will be making a “major news announcement” at 11:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday.

Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith, track general manager Brandon Hutchinson and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will be present for the announcement. Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing and Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing will also be in attendance.

While the official reveal will come in less than 24 hours, the expectation is that Atlanta will be undergoing a name change. This past weekend, a fan on Reddit (u/Positive_Action_7539) posted a picture of the grandstands. Where it would normally say “Atlanta Motor Speedway,” it now says “EchoPark Speedway.”

CLAREMONT, N.H. — Colton Hull won a thriller. Cody Schoolcraft found a pot of gold in the last turn, and Stephen Donahue earned his first Thrasher Road victory lap ever. It all happened Friday at Claremont Motorsports Park.
Both Carlos Grenier and Kyle Templeton stayed undefeated on the young season, but no one went home happier than Donahue, who held off the best of the best to win the Tour Type Late Model main event.

Ryan Farewell and Tim Churchill led the RE Hinkley Fuels Super Streets to the green Friday, with Farewell grabbing the head and bringing Robert Hagar with him. On lap three, Hagar took over, his mirror soon filled by Brandon Gray.
The two would race under a blanket until the checkers were almost in sight. Contact in turn three on the final lap sent Hagar spinning, and two-time winner Cody Schoolcraft — comfortably in third — to the winner’s circle. 

In the Tour Type Late Models, Stephen Donahue led all the way, holding 16-time track champ Aaron Fellows eight lengths behind him until scoring the caution-free win. Bay State hot shoe Jaret Curtis was third.

Travis Handt sat on the pole as the LaValley Building Supply Pure went green but Colton Hull — from back in row three — had the top spot on lap two. Hull, gunning for his second win of the year, was quickly joined by Jimmy Zellman and Real Deal Kyle Kenny, and the race was on. The potent trio would race under a blanket the rest of the way, with Zellman looking low, low, low until settling for second just inches shy of victory. Kenny, in third, stayed atop the points parade, while Carter Conroy and Tyler Wheatley rounded out the top five.

Kyle Templeton made easy work of scoring his third win of the season. The hometown star took the lead on lap two and quickly sped off into the night.
Behind Templeton, Sean Lantas, Pat Houle and Garrett Labounty put on a classic battle. Lantas won.
Ford pilot Seth Drown led the first five laps of the JP’s Trucking Ridge Runner feature, then giving way to storming Carlos Grenier, whose Friday victory kept him perfect on the young season. Drown held strong to come home second, and Trevyr Young was a close third.

Claremont Motorsports Park returns to action next Friday, June 6, with a huge seven-division features-only card of racing. Post time is 7 p.m.

CLAREMONT MOTORSPORTS PARK MAY 30 TO PERFORMERS
TOUR TYPE LATE MODELS: Stephen Donahue, Aaron Fellows, Jaret Curtis, Allen Fellows, Craig Smith, Aaron Fellows Jr.
SUPER STREETS: Cody Schoolcraft, Tim Churchill, Ryan Farewell, Travis Sykes, Ryan Bell, Aiden White, Robert Hagar, David Tibodeau, Travis Cass.

PURE STOLKS: Colton Hull, Jimmy Zellman, Kyle Kenny, Carter Conroy, Tyler Wheatley, Gage Dillingham, Tim Taft, Eric Laurendeau, Nathan Waterman, Travis Handt.

MINI STOLKS: Kyle Templeton, Sean Lantas, Pat Houle, Garrett LaBounty, David Pratt, Lane Lantas, Bradey LaMotte.

RIDGE RUNNERS: Carlos Grenier, Seth Drown, Trevyr Young, James Rhodes, Bryanna Buck, Madison Cousino.

DETROIT (WISH) — The penalties continue from the IndyCar Series as another race on the Streets of Detroit is in the books.

After an exciting finish seeing Kyle Kirkwood win his second race of the season, IndyCar announced a post-race technical violation for Santino Ferrucci, who finished second to Kirkwood.

In a release, IndyCar said Ferrucci’s No. 14 car was discovered during inspection to be “under the required driver ballast weight following the event.” The A.J. Foyt Racing entry was also 10 pounds over the minimum weight requirement for road and street courses on the schedule.

The exact rule Ferrucci’s team violated is as follows:

• Rule 14.4.2. Driver Equivalency Weight
  • Rule 14.4.2.2. Driver Equivalency Weight must bring the combined weight of the Driver and Driver ballast to 185 pounds.
  • Rule 14.4.2.5. The Driver ballast weight tolerance is 0.00 to + 1.00 pounds. The Driver Equivalency Weight must be installed and secured in the designed location forward of the seatback. This location may only be used for Driver ballast.

Despite the discrepancy, Ferrucci was allowed to keep his second-place finish but was fined $25,000 and forfeited all points towards the championship and prize money.

A.J. Foyt Racing also released a statement Monday acknowledging the penalty, saying, “This was an unintentional oversight, and we take full responsibility for the mistake.”

FULL STATEMENT

Ferrucci and the rest of the IndyCar teams will now set their eyes on the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at Gateway Sunday, June 15.

Another post-race technical inspection failure in IndyCar this week — the second round since the Penske problem prior to the 500 — this time for Santino Ferrucci and the No. 14 car of AJ Foyt Racing after the team’s second-place finish in Sunday’s Detroit Grand Prix.

On Monday, IndyCar announced the discovery during the post-race technical inspection of the #14 AJ Foyt Racing car that the driver ballast, used to bring the combined weight of the driver and ballast to 185 pounds, was underweight. It was also found that the ballast was not within the tolerance range of 0.00 to +1.00 pounds.

According to the series, the weight of car No. 14 was found to be 10 pounds over the minimum weight requirement of 1,785 pounds for road and street circuits. The car competed over the minimum weight requirement on track.

AJ Foyt Racing violated rule 14.4.2. (Driver Equivalency Weight), Rule 14.4.2.2. (Driver Equivalency Weight must bring the combined weight of the Driver and Driver ballast to 185 pounds), and Rule 14.4.2.5 (The Driver ballast weight tolerance is 0.00 to + 1.00 pounds. The Driver Equivalency Weight must be installed and secured in the designed location forward of the seatback. This location may only be used for Driver ballast).

IndyCar says the rule exists “to equalize the weight of varying-sized drivers so there is no advantage based on the weight of the driver”.

Ferrucci and the No. 14 team will keep their second-place finish, the best IndyCar finish of the 27-year-old driver’s career. However, the team has been fined $25,000 and will forfeit 25 championship driver and entrant points. They will also not receive the bonus point for leading a lap. The No. 14 team is also ineligible for engine points and the associated race prize money.

Within an hour of the announcement from IndyCar, AJ Foyt Racing released its own statement accepting the penalty, emphasizing that “we recognize that compliance with every rule is critical to ensuring fairness in this sport, no matter how minor the deviation may seem.”

Ferrucci started 21st on Sunday and was running in the middle of the pack after pitting on lap 65 of 100 when Callum Ilott of Prema Racing lost a wheel, causing a full-course yellow. Having already pitted alongside Kyffin Simpson and Marcus Armstrong, Ferrucci advanced in the standings when the rest of the field had to stop during the caution.

Ferrucci found himself in the lead at the restart. While he wasn’t able to hold off the eventual winner, Kyle Kirkwood, the Connecticut native managed to keep second place at the checkered flag.

Santino Ferrucci, A. J. Foyt Enterprises, Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

“Huge, huge shoutout to this whole team,” a happy Ferrucci after the race. “We were struggling in qualifying. I struggled. I made a lot of mistakes. I was really hard on myself yesterday, because I felt like it was all me. Pit stops were phenomenal. The stand was amazing – I mean, perfect strategy. I just got lucky with that yellow.”

The Detroit Grand Prix was the second consecutive IndyCar event in which the runner-up was penalized the day after the race. Marcus Ericsson, who finished second in the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, failed the post-race technical inspection with his No. 28 car. He was sent to the back of the field alongside his teammate, Kirkwood.