Motorsports
Robert annucci Obituary – NEW YORK, NY
Robert “Rob” Iannucci
OBITUARY
Visionary, Motorsports Pioneer, Attorney, Preservationist
Robert “Rob” Iannucci, a retired New York attorney, motorsports pioneer, and preservationist, passed away on December 7, 2025, at the age of 80. Rob was known for an unshakable passion for history in all its forms. Whether he was restoring buildings, reviving forgotten boats, or bringing legendary motorcycles back to life, he approached every endeavor with curiosity, conviction, and a passionate spirit. As a young adult working in auto garages, Rob discovered a fascination with how things worked. That early curiosity stayed with him for the rest of his life. Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Rob began his professional path in public service. He worked as a Brooklyn Assistant District Attorney, a social worker, and a probation officer in both New York and New Jersey. His commitment to community extended far beyond local borders. During his service in the Peace Corps in Jamaica and Barbados, he helped establish commercial fishermen’s cooperatives. It was an early reflection of his desire to strengthen communities by giving people the tools to succeed. It was also there that he met his wife and lifelong business partner, Sonia Ewers. Rob’s legacy shone brightly in the world of motorsports. As the founder of Historic Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the United States, he created Team Obsolete, a pioneering presence on the international racing stage. Between 1978 and 2002, his team competed in more than 1,800 races across the globe, from Norway to Japan, earning respect, admiration, and countless accolades. His riders included icons such as Giacomo Agostini, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, and Dave Roper, the only American to win the Isle of Man TT. Team Obsolete built one of the world’s most admired collections of museum-quality Grand Prix motorcycles, including the rare 1965 Honda RC165 250/6 and the AJS E95 Porcupine. The team continued to travel to race events, carrying Rob’s passion forward. Rob had a rare gift for recognizing potential where others saw only decline. In real estate, he restored and revived unique and distressed properties throughout the United States and the Caribbean. In Kingston, New York, the former capital of the state, he assembled and prepared for development three-quarters of a mile of waterfront property, acquiring 37 parcels in less than two years and building a strong working relationship with the City that continues today. In Downtown Brooklyn, he transformed a 50,000-square-foot commercial loft building, giving the building new purpose and providing the first office for the now-famous Etsy.com. His devotion to preservation extended to the water. Rob worked tirelessly to rescue WWII naval vessels through his nonprofit, the Fleet Obsolete Restoration Project. He saved several World War II PT Boats, an Army tug, and a 180-foot former floating hospital barge. Some of these vessels had seen action in the Pacific Theater and at Normandy. Under his care, they found new life and purpose, with ongoing efforts to prepare them for educational and humanitarian missions. Rob Iannucci lived with bold ambition and a deep reverence for the past. He believed that history deserved to be protected, honored, and shared. Whether it roared around a racetrack, sailed into danger, or stood weathered on a forgotten shoreline, he worked to keep it alive. His legacy endures in every engine he restored, every structure he saved, and every life he influenced along the way. He leaves behind family, longtime colleagues, and many friends. Each of them carries with them the inspiration of his work, his relentless curiosity, and his extraordinary passion.
Motorsports
Veteran Automotive Executive Andy Thomas Named Vice President of Manufacturer Relations At Ten Tenths Motor Club
CONCORD, N.C., Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ten Tenths Motor Club has named longtime automotive executive Andy Thomas as its new Vice President of Manufacturer Relations, bringing more than three decades of global experience in luxury automotive sales, marketing and brand management to the newly opened motorsports and lifestyle destination.

In his new role, Thomas will develop and maintain relationships with OEM partners to understand their needs, perspectives and objectives, while working to identify opportunities for growth by leveraging new and existing partnerships to increase facility usage.
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Thomas joins Ten Tenths Motor Club after serving as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for McLaren Automotive North Americasince 2015, where he led strategic marketing, communications and global strategy that helped drive record sales growth. During his decade with McLaren, Thomas oversaw experiential events in over 30 major metro markets and developed retail programs that significantly increased sales conversions and owner engagement.
“Andy’s reputation and relationships within the global automotive community are unmatched,” said Rick Hendrick, who founded Ten Tenths Motor Club in partnership with Speedway Motorsports. “His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our partnerships with manufacturers and luxury brands as we continue to establish Ten Tenths as a world-class venue for automotive experiences.”
Prior to McLaren, Thomas served in leadership roles with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in both Goodwood, U.K. and North America, where he guided global brand alignment and oversaw international marketing strategy across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Earlier in his career, he held key marketing and sales roles with BMW of North America, Ferrari North America and Land Rover North America, gaining experience in dealer relations, product marketing and luxury customer engagement.
“Our vision for Ten Tenths Motor Club is to establish the facility as not only a premier experience for passionate automotive enthusiasts, but also to create a destination for corporate events that is unmatched in the automotive industry,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “We look forward to Andy joining our efforts to invite manufacturers from around the world to Ten Tenths Motor Club and the greater Charlotte region.”
A Clemson University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Thomas also serves on the Board of the Erwin Center for Brand Communication at his alma mater. In that role, he mentors students, sponsors real-world marketing projects and connects students with opportunities across the automotive and luxury brand landscape.
A native of Salisbury, Maryland, Thomas began his career in dealer operations at Fox Chevrolet in Baltimore before joining the OEM side of the industry. His work has taken him across the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, building a broad network and a deep understanding of international brand collaboration.
“I’m thrilled to join Ten Tenths at such an exciting time,” Thomas said. “The club’s vision represents the next evolution of automotive lifestyle and performance culture. I look forward to connecting global manufacturers with this extraordinary facility and to becoming part of the Charlotte community.”
Located adjacent to the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ten Tenths Motor Club combines exclusive track access, curated events and premium hospitality to create an unparalleled environment for members and partners. The facility has quickly become a premier destination in the Charlotte metropolitan area for automotive launches, luxury brand activations, enthusiast experiences and special events. Tickets are now on sale for Ten Tenths Motor Club signature public event, Heritage Invitational, April 9-11, 2026.
About Ten Tenths Motor Club
Based in Concord, North Carolina, Ten Tenths Motor Club is a private automotive and lifestyle destination designed for those who live and breathe performance. Located beside Charlotte Motor Speedway, the club offers members access to exclusive driving experiences, signature events, and brand collaborations with the world’s most respected automotive manufacturers and luxury partners.
Learn more at www.tententhsmotorclub.com.
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SOURCE Speedway Motorsports
Motorsports
Mobil 1, Autodromo Again Partner on Limited-Edition, Auto-Inspired Watch
The Mobil 1 brand has again teamed up with Autodromo to introduce a limited-edition, automotive-inspired wristwatch—the Group B Mobil 1 Edition. After the sellout success of their first collaborative timepiece, the Monoposto Mobil 1 Edition, the companies return with a new design crafted for motorsports enthusiasts.
Inspired by the Group B rally era, a short-yet-iconic period from 1982-86, the watch draws from a chapter widely regarded as one of motorsports’ most thrilling, according to officials. Group B combined fearless driving with advanced materials and bold engineering, producing the kind of speed and spectacle that helped define modern performance culture. Drivers charged across mountain passes, desert roads and snowy forest stages in machines that continue to shape the way fans view the sport today.
Autodromo’s interpretation of this era blends that history with modern craftsmanship. The Mobil 1 Group B Pegasus Edition features a bimetallic case construction with a lightweight 39mm titanium capsule housed within a stainless steel outer structure. Designed with a unisex fit, the watch offers a versatile wear experience for collectors and fans alike.

The integrated stainless-steel bracelet is finished with a black DLC coating for a sharp, contemporary look, and a high-contrast dial inspired by vintage racing tachometers reinforces the motorsports influence. Each piece arrives in a handcrafted aluminum box, and the bracelet can be easily removed with a spring bar tool for those who prefer to swap in a strap.
Blending Innovation & Passion
Only 70 watches will be available at Autodromo.com (retail value: $995).
“Group B represents a moment in motorsports where innovation and passion were at their highest. It still inspires so much of what the Mobil 1 brand stands for,” says Austin Johansen, North America marketing manager on behalf of the Mobil 1 team. “We loved seeing the response to our first watch, and we are excited to bring fans a second collaboration that celebrates both performance and lifestyle.”
For Autodromo, the Group B silhouette is one of the brand’s most iconic designs, known for its slim profile, precision and early-1980s high-tech aesthetic.
“The Mobil 1 brand sits at the heart of automotive culture, so this collaboration continues to feel purposeful and exciting for us,” says Bradley Price, founder of Autodromo. “This edition is a chance to honor an unforgettable motorsports era and create something that feels fresh, collectible and full of character.”
Key features include:
- Bimetallic titanium and stainless steel case
- Stainless steel integrated bracelet with hidden butterfly clasp and black DLC coating
- Miyota 9015 automatic movement
- Sapphire crystal with antireflective coating
- Water resistant to 50 meters
- 39mm case diameter
- 9mm case thickness
- 75 mm lug to lug
- 20 mm lug width
- Packaged in a handcrafted aluminum collector’s box
Motorsports
Bigrock Motorsports Crowned Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2 Champions
The Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 2 concluded spectacularly with a historic Grand Finale at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Calicut. Megastar and ISRL Brand Ambassador Salman Khan was present on the ground, adding star power to an electrifying night of high-octane racing and live entertainment.
The finale witnessed a record-breaking turnout of over 32,000 fans, marking the highest-ever attendance for a motorsport event in India and reinforcing Kerala’s strong connection with motorsport and large-scale live sporting experiences.
Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2
Amid roaring crowds and intense on-track action, Team Bigrock Motorsports was crowned ISRL Season 2 Champions, capping off a fiercely competitive championship that unfolded across Pune, Hyderabad, and Calicut. The season showcased a compelling blend of international excellence and emerging Indian talent.
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The Calicut round delivered thrilling racing across all categories. Matt Moss from team BigRock Motorsports (Australia) claimed victory in the 450cc International class aboard the Kawasaki KX 450, while Calvin Fonvieille from team Apollo Indewheelers (France) dominated the 250cc International category on the Yamaha YZ 250. The 250cc India-Asia Mix class was won by Delvinator Alfarizi (Thailand) riding the KTM 250 SX – F, drawing thunderous applause from the packed stadium.
Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2 Result
Megastar Salman Khan, Brand Ambassador, ISRL, said: “Watching the Grand Finale in Calicut was truly special. The passion of the fans and the intensity of competition show how far Indian motorsport has come. ISRL is creating a platform where Indian riders can compete confidently alongside the world’s best.”
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Reflecting on the season, Veer Patel, Managing Director, ISRL, said: “Season 2 reflects the growing belief in Supercross across India. From Pune to Hyderabad and now Calicut, the record-breaking fan response shows the sport has truly found a home here, while we continue building strong pathways for Indian riders alongside world-class racing.”
Over the course of Season 2, 36 international riders from 21 countries, including Australia, France, the USA, Germany, Thailand, and South Africa, competed alongside India’s top riders such as Rugved Barguje, Ikshan Shanbhag, Prajwal Vishwanath, and Shlok Ghorpade, highlighting ISRL’s growing global stature.
Beyond the races, the Reise Moto ISRL Fan Park transformed EMS Corporation Stadium into a complete motorsport festival, featuring live music, racing simulators, interactive brand zones, food experiences, merchandise, and rider interactions, creating an immersive fan experience for families and enthusiasts alike.
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With Season 2 concluding on a historic high, the Indian Supercross Racing League now looks ahead to expanding its footprint, strengthening grassroots development, and further positioning India on the global Supercross map.
Motorsports
Nissan plans to double NISMO lineup by 2028
On the Dash:
- Nissan plans to expand its global NISMO lineup from five models to 10 by 2028.
- The move supports a broader turnaround strategy focused on motorsports and performance vehicles.
- U.S. availability remains limited, and not all future NISMO models will reach every market.
Nissan plans to significantly expand its high-performance NISMO lineup as part of a broader turnaround strategy to reverse years of slowing sales and rebuild brand momentum.
The automaker announced this week that it intends to double the number of NISMO models offered globally, growing the lineup from five vehicles today to 10 by 2028. The expansion is tied to Nissan’s ongoing transformation plan, which places renewed emphasis on motorsports, performance engineering and enthusiast-focused products.
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NISMO, short for Nissan Motorsports, represents the company’s performance division and delivers upgraded versions of standard models. These vehicles typically feature more powerful engines, sport-tuned suspensions and distinctive exterior styling cues that set them apart from the core lineup.
In the U.S., Nissan currently offers just two NISMO-branded vehicles. The NISMO Z delivers an additional 20 horsepower compared with the standard Z and includes track-focused upgrades such as an oil cooler, performance tires and racing-style seats. The NISMO Armada, a recent addition, produces 35 more horsepower than the standard full-size SUV and includes suspension revisions and exterior enhancements.
While Nissan confirmed the global expansion, it did not specify which vehicles will receive NISMO variants or how many will be sold in the U.S. The company also indicated that not all 10 models are expected to be available in every market.
As part of the strategy, Nissan said it is open to working with external performance partners to broaden the NISMO portfolio. Those collaborations could help accelerate development and expand the brand’s reach without relying solely on in-house resources.
The NISMO push signals a shift in priorities for Nissan as it looks to reconnect with driving enthusiasts and strengthen its brand image. Performance models have historically served as halo vehicles, helping attract showroom traffic and reinforce engineering credibility across the broader lineup.
Motorsports
The Inside Lane | Ep. 109: Matt Kaulig & Chris Rice
Devon Henry drives the inside lane, going inside the world of racing in the State of Arizona and NASCAR. In this episode of ‘The Inside Lane,’ Devon is joined by 29-time NASCAR National Series winners, two-time Xfinity Series regular season champions, and partners of the NASCAR Foundation. The Owner and the CEO of Kaulig Racing, in Welcome, North Carolina, it’s Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice.
Devon, Matt, and Chris dig into Chris’ health journey, the Speediatrics Fun Day, and NASCAR Foundation Speedy Bear Brigade. The trio also takes a deep dive into the philanthropy at Kaulig Racing and how it is affecting communities and children across North America.
0:59 Chris’ health journey
2:55 Kaulig Racing and Kaulig Giving charity and competition
4:37 The Speedy Bear Brigade
6:16 Building and growing the Speediatrics Fun Day
8:11 Giving back to the communities with the NASCAR Foundation
9:12 Mike Helton and winning the Betty Jane France Poker Tournament
10:28 How Kaulig Giving has impacted communities across North America
12:57 Teaching how to be philanthropic
15:46 How giving affects Matt and Chris
16:45 When Matt won a bike as a kid
17:12 The long lasting effect of the Speedy Bears
19:05 Samantha’s Gift of Hope
Motorsports
Lindblad to drive Red Bull F1 car on Delhi streets in 2026 showrun
The Red Bull team does more to promote Formula 1 around the world than any other team. Formula 1 owes Red Bull a debt of gratitude. Arvid Lindblad will make his first Formula 1 showrun as a Racing Bulls driver by taking a Red Bull F1 car onto the streets of Delhi for the Red Bull Moto Jam 2026
The ultimate celebration of motorsports is back says Red Bull!
Red Bull Moto Jam is one of India’s biggest motorsports festivals. After a first edition in Chennai, the motorsports spectacle visits the country’s capital with the second edition in 2026 taking place in Delhi NCR.
This first-of-a-kind multi-discipline motorsports extravaganza provides an immersive experience to thrill Indian fans.
The event will feature world-class athletes, including Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 driver Arvid Lindblad, who will dazzle the audience in a VCARB-branded F1 car.
Motorsports disciplines at Red Bull Moto Jam 2026:
- F1 car showrun
Drifting
Stunt biking
Freestyle motocross (FMX)
Stunt cars
“Yeah, obviously very excited,” Lindblad said of the upcoming event to Autocar India. “The news is out about Red Bull Moto Jam. I think it’s going to be a really cool event. It’s going to be amazing driving an F1 car on the streets of Delhi.
“Even more special, it’s going to be my first showrun as a Formula 1 driver and doing that here in India with my heritage and background is obviously something I’m very excited about.
“I think it’s going to be an amazing event. It’s going to be just before the F1 season starts. So really looking forward to coming back to India and having some fun.”
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