Photos courtesy of Racing America

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) – The motorsports community is mourning the loss of Michael Printup, the former president of Watkins Glen International (WGI), who passed away unexpectedly yesterday at the age of 60. With a career spanning more than three decades, Printup dedicated his life to the sport he loved, leaving an indelible mark on the racing world.

Printup spent 15 years at Watkins Glen International, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the track’s legacy and fostering its connection with fans and the local community. After his time at WGI, he continued his work in motorsports as the Chief Operating Officer at Racing America.

Those who worked closely with Printup remember him as a humble leader who never sought the spotlight. Lee Giannone, CEO of Racing America, shared his reflections on Printup’s character and leadership. Giannone noted that Printup never put himself on a pedestal, instead focusing on building a strong team and fostering a culture that reflected his values. Even in the wake of his passing, Giannone expressed confidence in the quality of the staff Printup assembled, describing them as a testament to his leadership and vision.

Giannone also shared personal memories of Printup, highlighting his deep connection with the Watkins Glen community. Whether attending events or dining out, Printup was often stopped by fans and locals eager to greet him—a reflection of the genuine relationships he built over the years. Giannone described Printup as someone who was not only respected but also adored by those who knew him.

Reflecting on Printup’s impact, Giannone said, “We know how much Michael was adored in the community, and he was certainly a good friend for me. I joined as the CEO of Pro Motorsports Holdings, now Racing America, in February of this year. Michael was really the piece of that puzzle for me that made it possible to accomplish all that we did this year. Whether they remember Michael Printup, the man, or enjoy all the things that he helped to make permanent, I think that’s what you would know about him when you look around and you say, you know, this is a pretty special place that was helped to be put together by a pretty special man. And that’s how I would look at it. I’m sure Michael would enjoy that.”

As the motorsports world reflects on Michael Printup’s life and contributions, his legacy is evident in the relationships he built, the communities he touched, and the lasting impact he had on the sport he loved.

WENY News extends our deepest condolences to those at Watkins Glen International, Racing America and the Printup family.

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We head to Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson where we find a Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle that has been given a total custom Mexican makeover. In this video we meet the owner of this custom sport bike and we show off all the amazing Mexican artwork on the side of his bike, as well as his lights, the C&S Swingarm, the multiple motorcycle speakers, the big 300 back tire and many other cool features! Enjoy this close look at one of the most amazing custom Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycles we have ever seen “La Mamalona”

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Seven people from northeast Indiana have been called for statewide service.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun on Friday announced his appointments to 30 state boards and commissions, including the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, the Indiana Motorsports Commissioner and the State Board of Dentistry.

The Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities is meant to advance social and policy changes that lead to meaningful inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in all aspects of life, the state’s website said.

Baun has appointed Fort Wayne City Clerk Lana Keesling and Corinna Wyss, The League’s financial controller, to that council. Their terms expire in September 2028.

The Indiana Motorsports Commission was created in 2013. It finances construction of and lease of real estate and personal property improvements for the benefit of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, according to the state’s website.

Tom Kelley, president of Kelley Automotive Group in Fort Wayne, was reappointed to that commission. His term ends at the end of 2029.

The state’s website said the State Board of Dentistry grants licenses related to dentistry to individuals and facilities in the dental field.

Matthew Kolkman, a dentist with Grabill Family Dentistry, was reappointed to the board. His term expires at the end of November 2029.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission regulates electric, natural gas, steam, water and wastewater utilities.

Braun appointed former state Sen. Andy Zay of Huntington to a four-year term on the commission that expires at the end of March 2030. Zay announced his resignation from his Senate seat last month because of his appointment to the commission.

The Behavior Analyst Committee establishes rules, sets standards and oversees licensing for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts, according to the state’s website.

Jill Forte, CEO of the Children’s Autism Center, from Huntington County, was named to the committee. Her term expires at the end of 2029.

Indiana code says the Statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee supports local domestic violence review teams by collecting and analyzing data, providing needed expertise and establishing and sponsoring training programs for members of local domestic violence review teams.

Leslie Dowden of the Adams County Coroner’s Office will serve on the statewide committee. Dowden’s term expires at the end of 2027.

Braun announced 66 appointments to state boards and commissions Friday from different parts of the state. Each had varying term lengths with the shortest term running until Aug. 31 and the longest term being Zay’s on the utility regulatory commission.

Jamey Price is one of the world’s top motorsports photographers. You’ll see his work from Formula 1 and IMSA tracks in dozens of publications during the year, but you’ll have to buy a book to get his coolest shots.

Price has been carrying around a $10 NASCAR novelty film camera and taking shots at many of the events he covers. He’s now collected them in a new book, “Racing Unfiltered: A Year in Motorsports Captured on Film.”

He joined Gary Gastelu and Alex Nunez on the latest edition of The GAS podcast to talk about the project and what the life on the road and track is like as he shoots thousands of photos each day trying to capture perfect shots of cars flying by at up to 200 mph, while also looking for the intimate images behind the scenes.

SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN TO THE GAS: AN AMERICAN CARS AND RACING PODCAST ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM

Logan Sargeant (pictured), the American racing driver born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 31, 2000, competed in Formula 1 with Williams from 2023 to 2024. Over 36 Grand Prix starts, he scored a single point, finishing 21st in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship. His tenure ended mid-2024 after a heavy crash in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, with Williams replacing him with Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Following his F1 exit, Sargeant took time away from full-time competition in early 2025 before returning to racing later that year. He made his IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut in the LMP2 class, contesting the final two rounds with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in an Oreca 07 Gibson, achieving a best result of fourth in class at the Motul Petit Le Mans.

As of early 2026, Sargeant has shifted his focus to sports car racing in the IMSA series. On January 2, 2026, Era Motorsport announced his participation in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, marking his debut in the iconic endurance race. He will drive the No. 18 Oreca 07 Gibson in the LMP2 class, sharing duties with Ferdinand Habsburg (a multiple LMP2 champion in WEC, ELMS, and Asian Le Mans Series), Naveen Rao (full-season driver), and a yet-to-be-confirmed fourth driver (provisionally listed as James Roe in earlier entries). Era Motorsport, a team with two prior Rolex 24 LMP2 victories, fields a strong lineup for the event, which kicks off the 2026 IMSA season on January 22-25.

Sargeant, a Florida native from the same town as IndyCar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I’m super excited to be tackling my first-ever Daytona 24 with Era to kick off 2026. It’s a race I’ve always wanted to be part of, with how close it is to home. It’ll be great to get acquainted with my teammates at the Roar and push hard to come away with a Rolex at the end of the race.”

This move aligns with a broader pivot to endurance racing for the 25-year-old, who comes from a prominent family—his uncle is billionaire businessman Harry Sargeant III, involved in shipping and oil. Despite this background, Sargeant has pursued a professional racing career, progressing from a 2015 CIK-FIA Karting World Championship win (the first by an American since 1978) through junior formulas to F1 and now sports cars.

While many former F1 drivers transition to IndyCar or other series, Sargeant has chosen IMSA’s endurance format. Speculation about a potential World Endurance Championship (WEC) program persists, including past links to programs like Genesis Magma Racing (which he withdrew from) and a 2025 Bahrain rookie test in a Proton Competition Ford Mustang GT3, but no confirmed full-season WEC entry has been announced as of January 2026. His current commitment is the Daytona one-off, with potential for further IMSA races.

Sargeant, known for his competitive junior record and clean-cut appearance that has drawn fan attention, aims to rebuild his reputation in the team-oriented world of sports car racing.

Racing America is devastated to confirm the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup at 60 years of age. Michael was an icon in motorsports, a great partner and a friend. His passion for racing and commitment to the industry made a lasting impact on the sport. He will be deeply missed. Racing America sends our thoughts and condolences to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.

Michael first joined Racing America in July 2023 as the President of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). In January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, as well as all racing operations. A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Michael spent nearly three decades working for NASCAR, most notably in the role of president of Watkins Glen International. He was also president of Americrown and oversaw the Levy food service contract for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks.

Michael leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, two boys Brendan (and wife Caitlin) and Matthew, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Vivienne.

A memorial service for Michael will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home (303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483)