By Jason Catullo

Veteran Showgoers know that creating a plan is key to making the most of their SEMA Show experience. With the new SEMA Show Mobile App, locating exhibitors anywhere at the Show, scanning products in the New Products Showcase, viewing the Show's layout and scheduling education seminars have been made easier than ever.  

To quickly navigate the Las Vegas Convention Center, the app will take you where you want to go from anywhere on the Show floor. Simply enter your current location by booth number, exhibitor name or room number, then enter the destination you want to go, and the app will supply you with the best route.

In one of the main attractions of the SEMA Show—the New Products Showcase—Showgoers can use the app to scan a company’s products, receive details and photos, have the case where the product is located highlighted on the Showcase layout and receive directions to that exhibitor's booth.

“The updated, responsive SEMA Show Mobile App is the one tool that all attendees should download,” said SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso. “It’s designed to keep Showgoers informed, on time and in touch, so they can return to their businesses having taken advantage of all the Show has to offer.”

Other app features include a “Maps” section that contains the layouts of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s halls and grounds, an “Events” tab that includes the times and locations of the Show’s seminars and special events and the “Celebrity Appearance” button that features the schedule of all of the special appearances by notable industry celebrities and personalities.

Download the SEMA Show Mobile App from www.SEMAShow.com/app, the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

By Jason Catullo

Veteran Showgoers know that creating a plan is key to making the most of their SEMA Show experience. With the new SEMA Show Mobile App, locating exhibitors anywhere at the Show, scanning products in the New Products Showcase, viewing the Show's layout and scheduling education seminars have been made easier than ever.  

To quickly navigate the Las Vegas Convention Center, the app will take you where you want to go from anywhere on the Show floor. Simply enter your current location by booth number, exhibitor name or room number, then enter the destination you want to go, and the app will supply you with the best route.

In one of the main attractions of the SEMA Show—the New Products Showcase—Showgoers can use the app to scan a company’s products, receive details and photos, have the case where the product is located highlighted on the Showcase layout and receive directions to that exhibitor's booth.

“The updated, responsive SEMA Show Mobile App is the one tool that all attendees should download,” said SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso. “It’s designed to keep Showgoers informed, on time and in touch, so they can return to their businesses having taken advantage of all the Show has to offer.”

Other app features include a “Maps” section that contains the layouts of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s halls and grounds, an “Events” tab that includes the times and locations of the Show’s seminars and special events and the “Celebrity Appearance” button that features the schedule of all of the special appearances by notable industry celebrities and personalities.

Download the SEMA Show Mobile App from www.SEMAShow.com/app, the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump signed the “Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017” (S. 791) into law. Senator Gary Peters’ (D-MI) legislation directs the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce for Intellectual Property and the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to enter into a partnership agreement to develop an intellectual property (IP) protection training program and educational materials. The law also requires the training program to educate small businesses on domestic and international IP protection when developing business plans and growth strategies. Additionally, the bill directs the agencies to use existing materials to develop the training program, which may be provided either online or at physical locations, including at an SBA Small Business Development Center and the USPTO headquarters and regional offices.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump signed the “Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017” (S. 791) into law. Senator Gary Peters’ (D-MI) legislation directs the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce for Intellectual Property and the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to enter into a partnership agreement to develop an intellectual property (IP) protection training program and educational materials. The law also requires the training program to educate small businesses on domestic and international IP protection when developing business plans and growth strategies. Additionally, the bill directs the agencies to use existing materials to develop the training program, which may be provided either online or at physical locations, including at an SBA Small Business Development Center and the USPTO headquarters and regional offices.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump signed the “Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017” (S. 791) into law. Senator Gary Peters’ (D-MI) legislation directs the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce for Intellectual Property and the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to enter into a partnership agreement to develop an intellectual property (IP) protection training program and educational materials. The law also requires the training program to educate small businesses on domestic and international IP protection when developing business plans and growth strategies. Additionally, the bill directs the agencies to use existing materials to develop the training program, which may be provided either online or at physical locations, including at an SBA Small Business Development Center and the USPTO headquarters and regional offices.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit will be held Thursday, November 1, at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Summit will feature three sessions, each designed to host discussion between companies and individuals who are able to highlight emerging trends that influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

The second session, entitled “The Evolution of OEM Networks and Expectations,” will take place November 1, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

In this 90-minute panel discussion, representatives from General Motors, Mercedes-Benz USA, Nissan Group of America and Volvo Cars USA will share details of their distinct program structures and elaborate on how the expectations have evolved to their present state.

As vehicle architecture and technology advance, so do the expectations of those performing repairs. Specialization and commitment to repair procedure adherence become increasingly more paramount, and many automakers have shifted their models of creating OEM collision-repair networks to ensure that consumers have vetted options if collision-repair services become necessary.

The session will be moderated by Aaron Clark, vice president, technical compliance for Assured Performance Network, and David Gruskos, president, Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc.

Panelists will include:

• John Eck, General Motors Co.
  Collision Manager, Customer Care & Aftersales    
• Kenneth Park, Volvo Cars USA
  Certified Collision Program Manager
• Ben Cid, Mercedes-Benz USA
  Collision Business Manager
• Mark Zoba, Nissan Group of America
  Manager, Collision Network Growth & Strategy

There has never been a better time to gain an understanding of what OEMs expect of the collision-repair community. To secure your spot to learn directly from General Motors, Volvo Cars USA, Mercedes-Benz USA and Nissan Group of America about their certified networks, visit www.scrs.com/rde.

The final afternoon session, to be held from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., will explore “The Future Impact of Telematics, Technology, Transportation and the Collision Industry.” For this two-hour session, SCRS welcomes back TEDx speaker and author of “The Zero Dollar Car” John Ellis of Ellis & Associates. Ellis is an expert in big data and how it will change the business models of the world’s leading sectors. For this session, SCRS has brought together thought leaders with OEM, technology, claims and fleet backgrounds to explore how the future of automotive technology inside the vehicle will change external interactions in the event of a loss. Whether communicating with individuals or associated organizations, there is a great deal of development in the area where technology interfaces and telematics data will impact collision-repair business models.

Panelists will include:

• Andreas Hecht, CCC Information Services
  SVP, general manager OEM   
• Derik Reiser, Enterprise Holdings Inc.
  AVP, technology innovation
• Charlene Wehman, Subaru of America Inc.
  cross-car line planning manager – telematics
• James Levendusky, Verisk
  vice president, telematics

The panelists will share direct experience in their world of connectivity, and help the repair audience consider and understand the work being done to integrate point-of-impact data, telematics and connectivity between respective parties. Most importantly, attendees will gain visibility into what that connectivity means to repairers, the work they do on the shop floor and their relationship to the consumer and others in the process.

Register for all three sessions of the 2018 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, or visit www.scrs.com/rde.

The other session included in the 2018 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit includes:

9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
“The Rules—and Challenges—of Structural Repair on Modern Architecture”

In addition, registration is open for the SCRS’ IDEAS Collide Showcase, Friday, November 2, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Register now for the IDEAS Collide Showcase, or visit www.scrs.com/rde.

“The IDEAS Collide Showcase was really to take an approach similar to TED Talks, but with the SCRS twist of being specific to the collision-repair industry,” shares SCRS Vice Chairman Brett Bailey. “We introduced it by calling for speakers that were willing to explore big ideas worthy of consideration, but capable of delivering those ideas in a condensed timeframe.”

The two-hour program will tackle topics that either highlight disruption or provide solution in the collision-repair industry. Ten speakers will deliver fast-paced presentations designed to stimulate thought, innovation and resolution of business challenges with brash, outspoken and thought-provoking concepts. The lineup includes:

• Jeff Hendler     
  owner, JD Hendler/Associates
• M. Scott Ulnick
  managing principal, Ducker Worldwide
• Dan Langford
  innovation director, Nevada Center for Advanced Mobility
  Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development
• Pete Tagliapietra
  president, NuGen IT
• Kevin Dunn
  CEO, Decisely
• Amir Hever
  CEO, UVeye
• John Shoemaker
  business development manager, BASF Automotive Refinish North America
• Matthew Doude
  associate director, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems
  Mississippi State University
• Jason Verlen
  SVP product management, strategy and marketing, CCC Information Services
• John Ellis
  principal, Ellis & Associates
  Author, The Zero Dollar Car

The IDEAS Collide Showcase will be included in the Full Series Pass option available at www.scrs.com/rde, or as a stand-alone session that can be selected online.

For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, visit www.scrs.com, call 877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.

By SEMA Editors

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit will be held Thursday, November 1, at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Summit will feature three sessions, each designed to host discussion between companies and individuals who are able to highlight emerging trends that influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

The second session, entitled “The Evolution of OEM Networks and Expectations,” will take place November 1, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

In this 90-minute panel discussion, representatives from General Motors, Mercedes-Benz USA, Nissan Group of America and Volvo Cars USA will share details of their distinct program structures and elaborate on how the expectations have evolved to their present state.

As vehicle architecture and technology advance, so do the expectations of those performing repairs. Specialization and commitment to repair procedure adherence become increasingly more paramount, and many automakers have shifted their models of creating OEM collision-repair networks to ensure that consumers have vetted options if collision-repair services become necessary.

The session will be moderated by Aaron Clark, vice president, technical compliance for Assured Performance Network, and David Gruskos, president, Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc.

Panelists will include:

• John Eck, General Motors Co.
  Collision Manager, Customer Care & Aftersales    
• Kenneth Park, Volvo Cars USA
  Certified Collision Program Manager
• Ben Cid, Mercedes-Benz USA
  Collision Business Manager
• Mark Zoba, Nissan Group of America
  Manager, Collision Network Growth & Strategy

There has never been a better time to gain an understanding of what OEMs expect of the collision-repair community. To secure your spot to learn directly from General Motors, Volvo Cars USA, Mercedes-Benz USA and Nissan Group of America about their certified networks, visit www.scrs.com/rde.

The final afternoon session, to be held from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., will explore “The Future Impact of Telematics, Technology, Transportation and the Collision Industry.” For this two-hour session, SCRS welcomes back TEDx speaker and author of “The Zero Dollar Car” John Ellis of Ellis & Associates. Ellis is an expert in big data and how it will change the business models of the world’s leading sectors. For this session, SCRS has brought together thought leaders with OEM, technology, claims and fleet backgrounds to explore how the future of automotive technology inside the vehicle will change external interactions in the event of a loss. Whether communicating with individuals or associated organizations, there is a great deal of development in the area where technology interfaces and telematics data will impact collision-repair business models.

Panelists will include:

• Andreas Hecht, CCC Information Services
  SVP, general manager OEM   
• Derik Reiser, Enterprise Holdings Inc.
  AVP, technology innovation
• Charlene Wehman, Subaru of America Inc.
  cross-car line planning manager – telematics
• James Levendusky, Verisk
  vice president, telematics

The panelists will share direct experience in their world of connectivity, and help the repair audience consider and understand the work being done to integrate point-of-impact data, telematics and connectivity between respective parties. Most importantly, attendees will gain visibility into what that connectivity means to repairers, the work they do on the shop floor and their relationship to the consumer and others in the process.

Register for all three sessions of the 2018 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, or visit www.scrs.com/rde.

The other session included in the 2018 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit includes:

9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
“The Rules—and Challenges—of Structural Repair on Modern Architecture”

In addition, registration is open for the SCRS’ IDEAS Collide Showcase, Friday, November 2, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Register now for the IDEAS Collide Showcase, or visit www.scrs.com/rde.

“The IDEAS Collide Showcase was really to take an approach similar to TED Talks, but with the SCRS twist of being specific to the collision-repair industry,” shares SCRS Vice Chairman Brett Bailey. “We introduced it by calling for speakers that were willing to explore big ideas worthy of consideration, but capable of delivering those ideas in a condensed timeframe.”

The two-hour program will tackle topics that either highlight disruption or provide solution in the collision-repair industry. Ten speakers will deliver fast-paced presentations designed to stimulate thought, innovation and resolution of business challenges with brash, outspoken and thought-provoking concepts. The lineup includes:

• Jeff Hendler     
  owner, JD Hendler/Associates
• M. Scott Ulnick
  managing principal, Ducker Worldwide
• Dan Langford
  innovation director, Nevada Center for Advanced Mobility
  Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development
• Pete Tagliapietra
  president, NuGen IT
• Kevin Dunn
  CEO, Decisely
• Amir Hever
  CEO, UVeye
• John Shoemaker
  business development manager, BASF Automotive Refinish North America
• Matthew Doude
  associate director, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems
  Mississippi State University
• Jason Verlen
  SVP product management, strategy and marketing, CCC Information Services
• John Ellis
  principal, Ellis & Associates
  Author, The Zero Dollar Car

The IDEAS Collide Showcase will be included in the Full Series Pass option available at www.scrs.com/rde, or as a stand-alone session that can be selected online.

For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, visit www.scrs.com, call 877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.

By SEMA Editors

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit will be held Thursday, November 1, at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Summit will feature three sessions, each designed to host discussion between companies and individuals who are able to highlight emerging trends that influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

The second session, entitled “The Evolution of OEM Networks and Expectations,” will take place November 1, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

In this 90-minute panel discussion, representatives from General Motors, Mercedes-Benz USA, Nissan Group of America and Volvo Cars USA will share details of their distinct program structures and elaborate on how the expectations have evolved to their present state.

As vehicle architecture and technology advance, so do the expectations of those performing repairs. Specialization and commitment to repair procedure adherence become increasingly more paramount, and many automakers have shifted their models of creating OEM collision-repair networks to ensure that consumers have vetted options if collision-repair services become necessary.

The session will be moderated by Aaron Clark, vice president, technical compliance for Assured Performance Network, and David Gruskos, president, Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc.

Panelists will include:

• John Eck, General Motors Co.
  Collision Manager, Customer Care & Aftersales    
• Kenneth Park, Volvo Cars USA
  Certified Collision Program Manager
• Ben Cid, Mercedes-Benz USA
  Collision Business Manager
• Mark Zoba, Nissan Group of America
  Manager, Collision Network Growth & Strategy

There has never been a better time to gain an understanding of what OEMs expect of the collision-repair community. To secure your spot to learn directly from General Motors, Volvo Cars USA, Mercedes-Benz USA and Nissan Group of America about their certified networks, visit www.scrs.com/rde.

The final afternoon session, to be held from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., will explore “The Future Impact of Telematics, Technology, Transportation and the Collision Industry.” For this two-hour session, SCRS welcomes back TEDx speaker and author of “The Zero Dollar Car” John Ellis of Ellis & Associates. Ellis is an expert in big data and how it will change the business models of the world’s leading sectors. For this session, SCRS has brought together thought leaders with OEM, technology, claims and fleet backgrounds to explore how the future of automotive technology inside the vehicle will change external interactions in the event of a loss. Whether communicating with individuals or associated organizations, there is a great deal of development in the area where technology interfaces and telematics data will impact collision-repair business models.

Panelists will include:

• Andreas Hecht, CCC Information Services
  SVP, general manager OEM   
• Derik Reiser, Enterprise Holdings Inc.
  AVP, technology innovation
• Charlene Wehman, Subaru of America Inc.
  cross-car line planning manager – telematics
• James Levendusky, Verisk
  vice president, telematics

The panelists will share direct experience in their world of connectivity, and help the repair audience consider and understand the work being done to integrate point-of-impact data, telematics and connectivity between respective parties. Most importantly, attendees will gain visibility into what that connectivity means to repairers, the work they do on the shop floor and their relationship to the consumer and others in the process.

Register for all three sessions of the 2018 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, or visit www.scrs.com/rde.

The other session included in the 2018 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit includes:

9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
“The Rules—and Challenges—of Structural Repair on Modern Architecture”

In addition, registration is open for the SCRS’ IDEAS Collide Showcase, Friday, November 2, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Register now for the IDEAS Collide Showcase, or visit www.scrs.com/rde.

“The IDEAS Collide Showcase was really to take an approach similar to TED Talks, but with the SCRS twist of being specific to the collision-repair industry,” shares SCRS Vice Chairman Brett Bailey. “We introduced it by calling for speakers that were willing to explore big ideas worthy of consideration, but capable of delivering those ideas in a condensed timeframe.”

The two-hour program will tackle topics that either highlight disruption or provide solution in the collision-repair industry. Ten speakers will deliver fast-paced presentations designed to stimulate thought, innovation and resolution of business challenges with brash, outspoken and thought-provoking concepts. The lineup includes:

• Jeff Hendler     
  owner, JD Hendler/Associates
• M. Scott Ulnick
  managing principal, Ducker Worldwide
• Dan Langford
  innovation director, Nevada Center for Advanced Mobility
  Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development
• Pete Tagliapietra
  president, NuGen IT
• Kevin Dunn
  CEO, Decisely
• Amir Hever
  CEO, UVeye
• John Shoemaker
  business development manager, BASF Automotive Refinish North America
• Matthew Doude
  associate director, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems
  Mississippi State University
• Jason Verlen
  SVP product management, strategy and marketing, CCC Information Services
• John Ellis
  principal, Ellis & Associates
  Author, The Zero Dollar Car

The IDEAS Collide Showcase will be included in the Full Series Pass option available at www.scrs.com/rde, or as a stand-alone session that can be selected online.

For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, visit www.scrs.com, call 877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.

By SEMA Editors

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit will be held Thursday, November 1, at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Summit will feature three sessions, each designed to host discussion between companies and individuals who are able to highlight emerging trends that influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

The second session, entitled “The Evolution of OEM Networks and Expectations,” will take place November 1, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

In this 90-minute panel discussion, representatives from General Motors, Mercedes-Benz USA, Nissan Group of America and Volvo Cars USA will share details of their distinct program structures and elaborate on how the expectations have evolved to their present state.

As vehicle architecture and technology advance, so do the expectations of those performing repairs. Specialization and commitment to repair procedure adherence become increasingly more paramount, and many automakers have shifted their models of creating OEM collision-repair networks to ensure that consumers have vetted options if collision-repair services become necessary.

The session will be moderated by Aaron Clark, vice president, technical compliance for Assured Performance Network, and David Gruskos, president, Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc.

Panelists will include:

• John Eck, General Motors Co.
  Collision Manager, Customer Care & Aftersales    
• Kenneth Park, Volvo Cars USA
  Certified Collision Program Manager
• Ben Cid, Mercedes-Benz USA
  Collision Business Manager
• Mark Zoba, Nissan Group of America
  Manager, Collision Network Growth & Strategy

There has never been a better time to gain an understanding of what OEMs expect of the collision-repair community. To secure your spot to learn directly from General Motors, Volvo Cars USA, Mercedes-Benz USA and Nissan Group of America about their certified networks, visit www.scrs.com/rde.

The final afternoon session, to be held from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., will explore “The Future Impact of Telematics, Technology, Transportation and the Collision Industry.” For this two-hour session, SCRS welcomes back TEDx speaker and author of “The Zero Dollar Car” John Ellis of Ellis & Associates. Ellis is an expert in big data and how it will change the business models of the world’s leading sectors. For this session, SCRS has brought together thought leaders with OEM, technology, claims and fleet backgrounds to explore how the future of automotive technology inside the vehicle will change external interactions in the event of a loss. Whether communicating with individuals or associated organizations, there is a great deal of development in the area where technology interfaces and telematics data will impact collision-repair business models.

Panelists will include:

• Andreas Hecht, CCC Information Services
  SVP, general manager OEM   
• Derik Reiser, Enterprise Holdings Inc.
  AVP, technology innovation
• Charlene Wehman, Subaru of America Inc.
  cross-car line planning manager – telematics
• James Levendusky, Verisk
  vice president, telematics

The panelists will share direct experience in their world of connectivity, and help the repair audience consider and understand the work being done to integrate point-of-impact data, telematics and connectivity between respective parties. Most importantly, attendees will gain visibility into what that connectivity means to repairers, the work they do on the shop floor and their relationship to the consumer and others in the process.

Register for all three sessions of the 2018 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, or visit www.scrs.com/rde.

The other session included in the 2018 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit includes:

9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
“The Rules—and Challenges—of Structural Repair on Modern Architecture”

In addition, registration is open for the SCRS’ IDEAS Collide Showcase, Friday, November 2, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Register now for the IDEAS Collide Showcase, or visit www.scrs.com/rde.

“The IDEAS Collide Showcase was really to take an approach similar to TED Talks, but with the SCRS twist of being specific to the collision-repair industry,” shares SCRS Vice Chairman Brett Bailey. “We introduced it by calling for speakers that were willing to explore big ideas worthy of consideration, but capable of delivering those ideas in a condensed timeframe.”

The two-hour program will tackle topics that either highlight disruption or provide solution in the collision-repair industry. Ten speakers will deliver fast-paced presentations designed to stimulate thought, innovation and resolution of business challenges with brash, outspoken and thought-provoking concepts. The lineup includes:

• Jeff Hendler     
  owner, JD Hendler/Associates
• M. Scott Ulnick
  managing principal, Ducker Worldwide
• Dan Langford
  innovation director, Nevada Center for Advanced Mobility
  Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development
• Pete Tagliapietra
  president, NuGen IT
• Kevin Dunn
  CEO, Decisely
• Amir Hever
  CEO, UVeye
• John Shoemaker
  business development manager, BASF Automotive Refinish North America
• Matthew Doude
  associate director, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems
  Mississippi State University
• Jason Verlen
  SVP product management, strategy and marketing, CCC Information Services
• John Ellis
  principal, Ellis & Associates
  Author, The Zero Dollar Car

The IDEAS Collide Showcase will be included in the Full Series Pass option available at www.scrs.com/rde, or as a stand-alone session that can be selected online.

For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, visit www.scrs.com, call 877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

In 2019, the NMRA Ford Nationals will feature a lineup of all-Ford championship and shootout drag-racing classes, car shows and special events.

2019 NMRA Ford Nationals Event Schedule

The NMRA Ford Nationals has announced the 2019 national event schedule:

February 28–March 3, 2019
25th Annual NMRA Spring Break Shootout
Bradenton Motorsports Park
Bradenton, Florida

April 4–7, 2019
11th Annual NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals
Atlanta Dragway
Commerce, Georgia

May 16–19, 2019
Inaugural NMRA Gateway Rumble
Gateway Motorsports Park
Madison, Illinois

June 27–30, 2019
19th Annual NMRA Ford Motorsport Nationals
Maple Grove Raceway
Mohnton, Pennsylvania

July 25–28, 2019
14th Annual NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing
Route 66 Raceway
Joliet, Illinois

September 26–29, 2019
21st Annual NMRA All-Ford World Finals
Beech Bend Raceway
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Top Fuel points leader Torrence has swept the first three races during Countdown to the Championship after his pass of 3.786-seconds at 325.92 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster defeated Terry McMillen’s 3.826 at 321.04 in the final round.

Torrence, Hight, Gray and Tonglet Victorious at AAA Texas NHRA Fallnationals

Steve Torrence piloted his dragster to the Top Fuel winners circle last Sunday afternoon to secure his first career victory at his hometown race, the AAA Texas NHRA Nationals at Texas Motorplex. Robert Hight (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the third of six playoff events during the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. Top Fuel points leader Torrence has swept the first three races during Countdown to the Championship after his pass of 3.786 seconds at 325.92 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster defeated Terry McMillen’s 3.826 at 321.04 in the final round. With the win, Torrence now has a 103-point lead over the category. Defending event and world champion Hight powered his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS to his second consecutive win with his pass of 3.955 at 325.69 to defeat J.R. Todd’s 3.984 at 319.52 in his DHL Toyota Camry. Hight has a 50-point lead over Todd after the win. Pro Stock’s Gray grabbed his second consecutive victory during the Countdown to the Championship with his pass of 6.622 at 207.62 in his Valvoline/Gray Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro to take down No. 1 qualifier Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the final round. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Tonglet earned his fourth victory of 2018 and 20th of his career with his run of 6.892 at 194.80 to team owner Jerry Savoie’s 6.907 at 193.88. The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues October 12–14 with the fourth race in the Countdown to the Championship, the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Formula DRIFT driver Chris Forsberg was inducted into the LA Sportswalk of Fame Monday, October 8.

Chris Forsberg Becomes First Formula DRIFT Driver Inducted Into LA Sportswalk of Fame

In a ceremony that took place Monday, October 8, in front of the Battleship Iowa in the Port of Los Angeles, Chris Forsberg was singled out for his success in the Formula DRIFT (FD) series over the past 15 years. The LA Sportswalk of Fame began in 1978 to honor the men and women who reach the top of their sports. For 2018, Forsberg was among 11 athletes selected for the award. He stood alongside NASCAR, IndyCar and off-road legend Robby Gordon, as well as 11-time Baja champion Johnny Campbell. Forseberg earned his place by virtue of being the most successful Formula DRIFT driver, with three championship titles earned in 2009, 2014 and 2016. He’s currently the second most successful in terms of round wins, with nine to his name, and has 36 podium places, which is more than any FD driver. He currently sits fourth in the 2018 FD Pro standings going into the final round this weekend.

At the wheel of his Holley EFI-powered Blackbird ’15 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, Geoff Turk knocked off defending series champion Scott Libersher in the final round.

Turk Clinches NMCA Holley EFI Factory Super Cars Championship With Another 7-Second Blast

Geoff Turk, who became the first member of the Holley EFI 7 Second Club with a historic 7.99 at the NMCA season opener, Muscle Car Mayhem, in Bradenton, Florida, ended 2018 with another seven-second charge at the World Street Finals in Indianapolis. He paced the field with a 7.98 and wrapped up the NMCA Holley EFI Factory Super Cars Championship with another victory. At the wheel of his Holley EFI-powered Blackbird ’15 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, Turk led all qualifiers with the only seven-second pass of the weekend, then plowed through eliminations with times of 8.03, 8.10, 8.13, and 8.06, all at between 169 and 171 mph, to win going away. In the final round, Turk knocked off defending series champion Scott Libersher. 

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.