Compiled by SEMA Editors
O’Donnell, VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist Make Monster Jam History
VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist, driven by Lee O'Donnell, made history by pulling off the first-ever front flip in a Monster Jam monster truck event at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas last weekend. The stunt propelled O’Donnell to the 2017 Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Championship—the first for both O'Donnell and the Mad Scientist Monster Jam truck. O’Donnell’s unexpected move began with pulling a high-speed wheelie after a jump. He then hit another jump while his front wheels were up in the air, causing the back end of his truck to launch up, eventually somersaulting over the front end of his truck. The Mad Scientist Monster Jam truck began competing in 2016, and now adorns VP-branded gas stations and convenience stores, which VP has been rolling out across the United States. The Mad Scientist icon also appears on packages of new VP-branded products for the mass consumer market.
 State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) pose with a Dallara DW12 Verizon IndyCar in the Empire State Plaza. |
New York State Legislature Recognizes Watkins Glen International in Albany
A New York State Motorsports Exhibit officially opened last week in the Empire State Plaza. Meanwhile, a resolution proclaiming April 19–25 Motorsports Appreciation Week in the State of New York passed through the legislature earlier this month, and Watkins Glen International was lauded for being home to the state’s largest sporting event—the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race weekend each August—which attracts fans from all 50 states and 16 countries around the world.
Polaris Jumps into Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
Polaris has partnered with Team Lucas for the 2017 season. Polaris will introduce its new fan and dealer ride-along program during the new, seven-weekend, 13-race Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series season and at the Lucas Oil Regional Off-road Racing Series events. The ride-alongs will be a joint venture between Polaris and Rockstar Energy Drink with the Rockstar UTV Wolfpack Team providing machines and drivers. As part of the program, Polaris also will give away a brand-new ’17 Polaris RZR XP Turbo at the end of the season. Interested parties can sign up at any Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series or Regional Off Road Racing Series event.
 “Recoil 4” features world champion off-road racer “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin racing in his 850hp Trophy Truck through the streets of Havana, Cuba. |
“Recoil 4” Takes Viewers on Thrill Ride Through Streets of Havana
“Recoil 4”—a seven-minute cinematic thrill ride through the streets of Havana, Cuba—was released this week. Produced by Sweatpants Media and presented by Toyo Tires, the storyline features world champion off-road racer “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin racing in his 850hp Trophy Truck from an all-night dominos game to meet up with his race team on the opposite side of the island. The action scenes, including the longest residential jump in a Trophy Truck at 191 ft., were shot exclusively in the island nation that has been closed to American filmmakers for decades. All six stunts featured in “Recoil” are real and the collaborative result between Baldwin and legendary freestyle motocross and Nitro Circus star turned filmmaker Andy Bell. Sponsors include Toyo Tires, Monster Energy, Rigid Industries and King Shocks.
DENSO Returns to NHRA Las Vegas Nationals as Title Sponsor
DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. is back at the track this weekend as the title rights sponsor of the 18th annual DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals is the fourth stop of the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. DENSO is also a supporting sponsor of all 24 races in the series that crisscrosses the nation through November.
Avon Tyres Continues Support of M Gymkhana Series
Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America has committed to continued support of M Gymkhana as a presenting partner for both the Northern and Southern California advanced motorcycle riding series for 2017. M Gymkhana is a California-based motorcycle gymkhana series featuring events designed to challenge riders’ ability to navigate a pre-designed course in the shortest time and with the fewest errors.