By SEMA Editors

A new book chronicles the famous speed laboratory known as the Bonneville Salt Flats. Written by “Landspeed” Louise Ann Noeth with a forward by Alex Xydias, the 128-page book includes more than 200 images and art as it covers the history of Bonneville racing from 1914 to 2020.  The book is part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. Bonneville’s unique salt crust is a perfect venue for setting speed records.

Since 1949, the annual “Speed Week” has permitted thousands of men and women to test the record books for every type of vehicle, from hot rods and custom cars to motorcycles, trucks, and streamliners.

It has also brought together families and racing teams in the common quest to see how fast their vehicle will go. Visit www.landspeedproductions.biz for more information.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued an advanced proposed rule to begin creating a framework for regulatory oversight of Automated Driving Systems (ADS). The agency is seeking public comment on ADS safety issues to be addressed as they enter the marketplace. The framework is intended to define, assess, and manage ADS performance safety issues while providing flexibility for continued design innovation.

NHTSA had identified four core ADS functions:

• Sensing: ability of the automated vehicle (AV) to receive information from its environment;
• Perception: ability of the AV to interpret the information received through sensors;
• Planning: ability of the AV to establish and navigate a route to its destination; and
• Control: ability of the AV to execute the driving functions necessary to carry out the driving plan.

Although wide-scale deployment of AVs may be several years away, the technology to be incorporated in the vehicles is being actively developed and tested—from cameras, radar, and LiDAR to global position satellite (GPS) data, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and vehicle-to-everything devices. The technology is being incorporated into new crash avoidance safety systems such as automated braking and lane departure warnings.

NHTSA notes that it is premature for the agency to issue safety standards or other performance standards for ADS competency. However, the advance proposed rule is intended to help identify aspects of ADS safety performance that may need the most attention. NHTSA has presented 25 questions in seeking public feedback on a range of topics including how to prioritize core elements of ADS safety performance, how to evaluate the functions, and how to consider regulatory oversight of the systems (guidance documents, industry best practices, safety standards, etc.)

For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued an advanced proposed rule to begin creating a framework for regulatory oversight of Automated Driving Systems (ADS). The agency is seeking public comment on ADS safety issues to be addressed as they enter the marketplace. The framework is intended to define, assess, and manage ADS performance safety issues while providing flexibility for continued design innovation.

NHTSA had identified four core ADS functions:

• Sensing: ability of the automated vehicle (AV) to receive information from its environment;
• Perception: ability of the AV to interpret the information received through sensors;
• Planning: ability of the AV to establish and navigate a route to its destination; and
• Control: ability of the AV to execute the driving functions necessary to carry out the driving plan.

Although wide-scale deployment of AVs may be several years away, the technology to be incorporated in the vehicles is being actively developed and tested—from cameras, radar, and LiDAR to global position satellite (GPS) data, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and vehicle-to-everything devices. The technology is being incorporated into new crash avoidance safety systems such as automated braking and lane departure warnings.

NHTSA notes that it is premature for the agency to issue safety standards or other performance standards for ADS competency. However, the advance proposed rule is intended to help identify aspects of ADS safety performance that may need the most attention. NHTSA has presented 25 questions in seeking public feedback on a range of topics including how to prioritize core elements of ADS safety performance, how to evaluate the functions, and how to consider regulatory oversight of the systems (guidance documents, industry best practices, safety standards, etc.)

For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has ruled that a PPP loan borrower may not deduct eligible expenses on its 2020 tax return if the borrower has a reasonable expectation that the PPP loan will be forgiven. The ruling applies to a covered PPP loan for which the taxpayer has filed or intends to file an application for forgiveness by the end of the taxable year. A “reasonable expectation” would exist if the PPP loan had been used to pay expenses outlined in the CARES Act (payroll, rent, interest on the mortgage, covered utility payment, etc.).

The IRS has also ruled that the PPP borrower may claim a deduction on its 2020 tax return if the borrower’s forgiveness application is denied in whole or in part, or if the borrower does not seek forgiveness. If the tax return has already been filed, the borrower may amend it.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has ruled that a PPP loan borrower may not deduct eligible expenses on its 2020 tax return if the borrower has a reasonable expectation that the PPP loan will be forgiven. The ruling applies to a covered PPP loan for which the taxpayer has filed or intends to file an application for forgiveness by the end of the taxable year. A “reasonable expectation” would exist if the PPP loan had been used to pay expenses outlined in the CARES Act (payroll, rent, interest on the mortgage, covered utility payment, etc.).

The IRS has also ruled that the PPP borrower may claim a deduction on its 2020 tax return if the borrower’s forgiveness application is denied in whole or in part, or if the borrower does not seek forgiveness. If the tax return has already been filed, the borrower may amend it.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Champion Oil is expanding its Racing Contingency Program for 2021.

Champion Oil Expands Truck and Tractor Pulling Contingency Program

Champion Oil has announced the expansion of their Racing Contingency Program for 2021. The marketing program is designed to link Champion performance products directly with truck and tractor pullers in all racing classes of competition and in most sanctioned events in North America. The 2021 Champion Truck and Tractor Pullers Contingency Program includes, but is not limited to racing events such as: National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA), WNY Pro Pulling Series – New York and Canada, Outlaw Pulling Series, Hot Farm Pulling Series Club, Diesel Motorsports (NADM), SS Pulling Series, Smoke & Speed, Northwest PA Tractor & Truck pullers Association, Truck & Tractor Pulling (TNT), Mid Missouri Pulling, Outlaw Diesel Super Series (ODSS), Texas truck & Tractor Pullers Association (TTTPA), Pro Pulling League, Illinois Tractor Pulling Association (ITPA), Rudy’s Diesel Truck Jam, etc. Trucks or tractors pull a heavy drag sled along a 35 ft. wide, 330 ft. long track, with the winner being the vehicle that pulls the drag sled the farthest. Racing teams and racers can apply for the Champion Racing Oil Contingency Program now through June 30, 2021. 

NHRA Announces Complete 2021 National Event Schedule

NHRA officials have announced the details of the 2021 Camping World Drag Racing Series 23-event season, revealing national event pro category qualifying days and specialty series schedules. The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series' 70th anniversary season begins March 11-14, with the 52nd annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway and concludes November 11-14 with the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona. Teams in Top Fuel and Funny Car will compete at every 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series event. Pro Stock, which celebrated its 50th year in 2020, will race at 18. The Pro Stock Motorcycle class will compete at 16 races.

Officials also announced the continuation of its quick-draw qualifying format in 2021. At 17 events, professional teams will run three qualifying sessions over two days, Friday and Saturday, with final eliminations on Sunday. At five events, pro teams will run two qualifying sessions on Saturday with final eliminations on Sunday. The format, which was utilized as NHRA first returned to racing in July 2020, provides racing excitement and allows economic balance for all stakeholders. NHRA expects to return to the customary four qualifying runs in the future.

View the complete schedule.

New Owners For Crandon International Raceway

Officials from Crandon International Raceway have announced that the historic facility and all its assets have been purchased by off-road racer, business owner and Crandon native Jamey Flannery. One of the most iconic motorsports venues in the world, the 400-plus acre track located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin has hosted some of the largest off-road races in motorsports since first opening in 1984. Flannery will operate the track as a business venture, replacing the current non-profit club structure. Crandon International Raceway features a 1.75-mile short-course off-road track, more than 2,100 designated grass camping sites, a modern grandstand and a hospitality facility, a designated off-road park, corporate hospitality suites, a trap range, and a VIP center and office at the location’s original barn.

Fans attending the 2021 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire, set for January 11–16, at the River Spirit Expo Center, will be required to wear a mask and have their temperature checked.

25% Capacity, Masks, Temperature Checks For 2021 Chili Bowl

Fans attending the 2021 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire, set for January 11–16, at the River Spirit Expo Center, will be required to wear a mask and have their temperature checked. Currently, the 35th annual event has been placed at a 25% capacity. Masks must completely cover the individual’s nose and mouth. Any attendee with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed into the Tulsa, Oklahoma, facility. Once admitted, all attendees will be required to follow all other River Spirit Expo guidelines. Current ticket holders who do not wish to attend in 2021 are encouraged to contact the Chili Bowl office at 918-838-3777 by November 20. The tickets may be held for renewal prior to the 2022 event.

In recent related news, FloSports, the sports streaming and original content network, has announced the acquisition of streaming rights for the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire. The 10-year deal was signed for FloSports to broadcast the indoor midget racing event to racing fans worldwide. For more information, visit www.chilibowl.com.

Evergreen Speedway Announces Director Of Business Development

Evergreen Speedway, the super-oval race track based in Monroe, Washington, has hired longtime Everett AquaSox executive Brian Sloan as the director of business development. Sloan is a marketing specialist who has established and cultivated high-profile community and advertising partnerships in the Puget Sound area. As an executive with the Everett AquaSox, Sloan was honored in 2010 as the Northwest League’s Executive of the Year. Most recently, he worked as director of business development with a local promotions company in Bellevue, working with more than 100 professional and collegiate teams, helping each partner with their annual promotional calendars.

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

By John Santos

Unlike in previous years, the 2021 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held entirely online.

Journalists may now register for the 2021 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 26–28, entirely online.

With the event being held online, the registration process is different this year. Media will be required to fill out a registration form to receive instructions on how to log in to the Event Portal.

One registration will be required for each media group, which may include multiple individuals.

Also, the program will schedule meetings from 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PST). Journalists who would like to block specific days/times will need to indicate so on the registration form. Once the meetings are set and distributed in January, media and manufacturers will be able to schedule meetings before or after the official event hours if both parties agree.

The upcoming online event provides media with a great opportunity to connect with manufacturing companies and learn about new product lines, updates within their company and the latest industry trends. Media participation is free to all editorial representatives, making it the most affordable and efficient way to gather detailed information for editorial content that may be dispersed throughout the whole year.

Early registration is encouraged to provide reporters with an opportunity to participate in the priority selection period, during which journalists will select the companies they like to meet with prior to having their schedule created.

For more information regarding the event, visit www.sema.org/mtc.

By John Santos

Unlike in previous years, the 2021 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held entirely online.

Journalists may now register for the 2021 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 26–28, entirely online.

With the event being held online, the registration process is different this year. Media will be required to fill out a registration form to receive instructions on how to log in to the Event Portal.

One registration will be required for each media group, which may include multiple individuals.

Also, the program will schedule meetings from 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PST). Journalists who would like to block specific days/times will need to indicate so on the registration form. Once the meetings are set and distributed in January, media and manufacturers will be able to schedule meetings before or after the official event hours if both parties agree.

The upcoming online event provides media with a great opportunity to connect with manufacturing companies and learn about new product lines, updates within their company and the latest industry trends. Media participation is free to all editorial representatives, making it the most affordable and efficient way to gather detailed information for editorial content that may be dispersed throughout the whole year.

Early registration is encouraged to provide reporters with an opportunity to participate in the priority selection period, during which journalists will select the companies they like to meet with prior to having their schedule created.

For more information regarding the event, visit www.sema.org/mtc.

By John Santos

Unlike in previous years, the 2021 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held entirely online.

Journalists may now register for the 2021 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 26–28, entirely online.

With the event being held online, the registration process is different this year. Media will be required to fill out a registration form to receive instructions on how to log in to the Event Portal.

One registration will be required for each media group, which may include multiple individuals.

Also, the program will schedule meetings from 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PST). Journalists who would like to block specific days/times will need to indicate so on the registration form. Once the meetings are set and distributed in January, media and manufacturers will be able to schedule meetings before or after the official event hours if both parties agree.

The upcoming online event provides media with a great opportunity to connect with manufacturing companies and learn about new product lines, updates within their company and the latest industry trends. Media participation is free to all editorial representatives, making it the most affordable and efficient way to gather detailed information for editorial content that may be dispersed throughout the whole year.

Early registration is encouraged to provide reporters with an opportunity to participate in the priority selection period, during which journalists will select the companies they like to meet with prior to having their schedule created.

For more information regarding the event, visit www.sema.org/mtc.

By Kyle Cheng

In the new “SEMA State of the Industry” report, SEMA Market Research looks at the current state of the specialty-equipment industry, including how companies have adapted to the virus, current sales and forecasts, industry trends, and outlook for the future.

Despite the disruption from the virus, new research shows that the specialty-equipment industry is bouncing back and optimistic for the future.

Approximately 70% of companies think the industry will be back to its pre-pandemic levels by the middle of next year, and 90% think it will be back by the end of 2021 at the latest.

In the new “SEMA State of the Industry” report, SEMA Market Research looks at the current state of the specialty-equipment industry, including how companies have adapted to the virus, current sales and forecasts, industry trends, and outlook for the future.

Most companies met or exceeded their sales goals in Q3 2020: 79% of manufacturers, 70% of distributors, and 69% of retailers.

• 55% of companies expect their 2020 sales to finish higher or at least the same as 2019.
• 93% of companies report being mostly business as usual or only impacted short term.
• Despite the pandemic, in-store and physical channels continue to drive our industry’s sales and outpace online sales.

Want to learn more about the current state of the specialty-equipment industry? Download the new “SEMA State of the Industry – Fall 2020” report today at  www.sema.org/research.