Created after industry members expressed a need for a viable marketplace solution in the absence of the 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, SEMA360 will connect manufacturers with qualified worldwide resellers and media.

Created after industry members expressed a need for a viable marketplace solution in the absence of the 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, SEMA360 will connect manufacturers with qualified worldwide resellers and media.

By Rich Hail

Established in 1999, Garrett’s Rod Shop out of Columbus, Ohio, has been creating works of automotive art. Founder, mechanic and fabricator Garrett Kitchen has been building hot rods since he was 14. His uncle would take him out to the drag strip to race his ’57 Chevy with a 409 under the hood. Around the same time, his uncle gave him a small-block Chevy engine and asked Kitchen to rebuild it for him. He did so successfully, and he was hooked. Kitchen’s first car was a ’39 Ford that he rebuilt with his father.

His entry for this year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders competition is dubbed the P-33 Roadster. The build is based on a ’33 Ford featuring a Bobby Alloway body. Hints of the P-51 Mustang fighter plane have been infused into the body panels suggesting some aeronautical influence into the grounded cruiser.

The Garrett’s Rod Shop touch includes a custom exhaust exiting out the side panels just behind the front wheels, tons of chrome, and an Army-green finish. The P-33 may not be fitted with the same Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 as its namesake, but the built-out V8 is sure to pack a punch. Kitchen won’t unveil the finished build until the SEMA360 event, so make sure to follow us on social media for all the latest updates.

Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more videos and builder interviews, and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss future episodes. For more details about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.semabotb.com.

Qualified industry personnel interested in attending SEMA360, the exclusive trade-only online marketplace taking place November 2-6, 2020, are invited to register at www.sema360.com.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• Industry Talks: Back to Business—Pivoting in a Pandemic: Technologies to Move Us Forward, Powered by ETTN, September 4, 2020
• SBN Virtual General Membership Meeting, September 8, 2020
• YEN Live Chat With Jonathan Wooley, September 9, 2020
• WTC Ambassador Virtual Meeting, September 15, 2020
• SEMA360, November 2–6, 2020
• PRI Trade Show, December 10–12, 2020, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By Ashley Reyes

With SEMA-member companies based in Texas and Louisiana, SEMA is working with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) to aid individuals and families in the industry who may have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Laura.

Founded in 1959, the AACF has been providing sustainable solutions to individuals in the industry who have fallen on hard times. The service is confidential and has helped struggling individuals who have exhausted other available resources.

SEMA members in need of assistance are encouraged to contact AACF directly at info@aacfi.org or visit www.aacfi.org.

Those interested in supporting AACF can make a tax-deductible donation at  www.aacfi.org/donate-today by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL 32886, or by calling 772-286-5500.  

As the only national nonprofit dedicated to serving more than 4.1 million employees of the automotive aftermarket, AACF provides emergency grant funding to aftermarket employees that lack sufficient means when they suffer catastrophic circumstances.

By Ashley Reyes

With SEMA-member companies based in Texas and Louisiana, SEMA is working with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) to aid individuals and families in the industry who may have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Laura.

Founded in 1959, the AACF has been providing sustainable solutions to individuals in the industry who have fallen on hard times. The service is confidential and has helped struggling individuals who have exhausted other available resources.

SEMA members in need of assistance are encouraged to contact AACF directly at info@aacfi.org or visit www.aacfi.org.

Those interested in supporting AACF can make a tax-deductible donation at  www.aacfi.org/donate-today by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL 32886, or by calling 772-286-5500.  

As the only national nonprofit dedicated to serving more than 4.1 million employees of the automotive aftermarket, AACF provides emergency grant funding to aftermarket employees that lack sufficient means when they suffer catastrophic circumstances.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has named Victoria Bundrant as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight member. Bundrant is a marketing specialist at 4 Wheel Parts—a global aftermarket leader in truck, Jeep, SUV and off-road performance products.

Find out what keeps her passionate about the industry, as she shares advice for managing change and always being prepared in her Q&A with SEMA and SBN.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Victoria Bundrant: It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive; it is those who can best manage change. This advice stands out to me, because it reminds me that I have to get out of my comfort zone to see new opportunities. This industry is constantly changing with new trends rising every season. Being able to easily maneuver allows myself to keep up with the changes and pushes me to continue learning and adapting. This is what helps me stay relevant. 

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

VB: This industry has a family type of community that no other industry has.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

VB: My Saturday activities change with the seasons. During the fall and winter, you can find me driving my RZR in the dunes. During the late Spring and Summer seasons, you can find me at the beach or at the lake.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

VB: When I am going into an important meeting, I am always trying to be as calm as possible and remind myself that I am prepared! I calm myself by reading through my notes and saying my responses to questions in my head. This keeps me relaxed by focusing on the material and not overthinking the situation. 

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

VB: I would go to lunch with Jon Bundrant. He is the founder of All-Pro Off-Road and just so happens to be my dad. He is the most influential person in my life and has taught me everything I know about the off-road industry.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has named Victoria Bundrant as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight member. Bundrant is a marketing specialist at 4 Wheel Parts—a global aftermarket leader in truck, Jeep, SUV and off-road performance products.

Find out what keeps her passionate about the industry, as she shares advice for managing change and always being prepared in her Q&A with SEMA and SBN.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Victoria Bundrant: It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive; it is those who can best manage change. This advice stands out to me, because it reminds me that I have to get out of my comfort zone to see new opportunities. This industry is constantly changing with new trends rising every season. Being able to easily maneuver allows myself to keep up with the changes and pushes me to continue learning and adapting. This is what helps me stay relevant. 

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

VB: This industry has a family type of community that no other industry has.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

VB: My Saturday activities change with the seasons. During the fall and winter, you can find me driving my RZR in the dunes. During the late Spring and Summer seasons, you can find me at the beach or at the lake.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

VB: When I am going into an important meeting, I am always trying to be as calm as possible and remind myself that I am prepared! I calm myself by reading through my notes and saying my responses to questions in my head. This keeps me relaxed by focusing on the material and not overthinking the situation. 

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

VB: I would go to lunch with Jon Bundrant. He is the founder of All-Pro Off-Road and just so happens to be my dad. He is the most influential person in my life and has taught me everything I know about the off-road industry.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Numerous enhancements to the ’21 Dodge Challenger MOPAR Drag Pak include an all-new 3.0L Whipple twin-screw supercharger, upgraded forged internals, new front accessory drive and a new fabricated aluminum ice tank with a clear lid that cools the supercharger intercooler.

MOPAR Now Taking Reservations for Race-Ready Challenger

Dodge//SRT and MOPAR are now taking reservations for the limited-production 50 serialized and non-VIN units of the new ’21 Dodge Challenger MOPAR Drag Pak. Order reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. At the heart of the new Drag Pak is the latest evolution of the supercharged 354-cubic-inch Gen-III HEMI V-8 engine, based on the same powerplant that won the 2018 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Factory Stock Showdown (FSS) and National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) Factory Supercar championships.

Numerous enhancements include an all-new 3.0L Whipple twin-screw supercharger, upgraded forged internals, new front accessory drive and a new fabricated aluminum ice tank with a clear lid that cools the supercharger intercooler. The engine combination has been fully validated by MOPAR engineers on the dyno, as well as the drag strip, and is approved for the NHRA FSS and NMCA classes. The new Drag Pak features an all-new roll cage fabricated to SFI Specification 25.5C (7.50 seconds ET NHRA certified) to not only handle the rigorous safety requirements of factory stock racing but also improve performance.

The all-new, four-link rear suspension is engineered to launch hard, quickly decimate the 60-ft. elapsed times and stay planted all the way down the quarter-mile. A new geometry setup with longer control arms increases the length of the rear swing arm, allowing better anti-squat control and increasing stability. It also incorporates a wishbone link for lateral control (replacing a Panhard Bar in prior models) and a larger-diameter anti-roll bar (250% stiffer than prior models).

A MOPAR K-member underpins the front suspension, featuring integrated solid engine mounts and a cut-out for easy oil pan removal. New for 2021 are exclusive double-adjustable Drag Pak-specific tuned Bilstein coilover shock absorbers supporting all four corners of the car. The new shocks improve weight transfer and body attitude for hard launches, as well as soak up track bumps and undulations at high speeds down the track. The shocks feature 10 settings (front and rear) for easy tuning of compression and rebound damping, allowing racers to adjust for diverse track conditions by simply turning the color-coded knobs.

Strange Engineering Pro Series II racing brakes on the front and rear provide ample stopping power after the finish line, with minimal losses due to brake drag on the way there.

The interior balances race-car function with factory comfort and technology. The instrument panel features a carbon-fiber bezel with three primary gauges—RPM, brake pressure and oil pressure. The driver bezel also features a Holley EFI Digital Dash with a 7-in., low-glare, full-color touchscreen display so drivers can tune and manage vehicle performance.

On the passenger side, a custom red and chrome Drag Pak serialized badge signifies the one-of-50 build sequence numbers. Driver comfort is achieved with the adjustable mounts that are included for the seats and racing pedals. Driver control is delivered through a mechanical floor shifter and lightweight steering column with quick-release steering wheel.   

An all-new motorsport electrical architecture setup includes the programmable Holley Dominator Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) vehicle-management system. In addition, a programmable Racepak Smartwire Power Distribution Module controls all electrical components using solid-state electronics, which eliminates the need for fuses and relays. These electronic modules are conveniently mounted to the body using bespoke mounts that allow for easy service with factory fit-and-finish.

A choice of lightweight Racetech composite seats and Racetech HANS-ready cam-lock harnesses are FIA- and SFI-compliant. Both driver and passenger seats feature the Drag Pak logo embroidered on the seat back; while the optional Head Restraint Seat Package features a winged driver seat.

Customers can head to www.dodgegarage.com/drag-pak to find complete vehicle configuration and ordering information. Production of the ’21 Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2021.

Bill Putnam continued his hot streak in the category when he pushed the UPR Products SN95 Mustang to the top line of the qualifying sheet, thanks to an 8.52 at 161 mph, edging out Chad Wendel who posted an 8.55 performance.

Race Wrap—2020 Arrington Performance NMRA/NMCA All-American Nationals Presented by Force Engineering

Earlier this summer, the Holley NMRA Ford Nationals saw several changes to its schedule when the Ford Motorsports Nationals was rolled into the NMCA All-American Nationals and eventually bringing the double race to US 131 Motorsports Park. Ultimately, the event became known as the Arrington Performance NMRA/NMCA All-American Nationals Presented by Force Engineering and it was spectacular with a record-setting 653 vehicles in competition between the two sanctioning bodies, all fighting to celebrate in the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

VP Racing Maddatives/Mickey Thompson Street Outlaw: Rob Goss faced off against Alan Felts in the finals. It was the classic supercharger vs. turbo match-up with Goss packing a ProCharger and Felts a turbo. The Dodge racer overcame a slight holeshot to drive past Felts with a 4.27 at 169 mph to a 4.35 at 168 mph.

Edelbrock Xtreme Street/Renegade: Defending Modified Street champion Martin Connelley met George Farkouh and his ’10 Camaro in the finals, where Connelley unleashed low ET event with a 4.64 at 153 mph to beat Farkouh’s 4.65 at 152 mph.

JDM Engineering Limited Street: Chad Wendel and Bill Putnam nearly match the other’s performance round after round until they found themselves in opposite lanes for the finals. Putnam used a perfect reaction time and record breaking 8.51 at 161 mph effort to visit the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle for the fourth straight event.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Veteran John Leslie Jr. grabbed the win over Mark Anderson and making a big move in locking down his first championship title.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Drew Lyons piloted Clair Stewart II’s notchback to the top qualifying position with a 10.13 at 130 mph. His luck continued on Sunday as he matched up against Nate Stymiest in the finals. Lyons got the automatic win when Stymiest went red at the launch. It would’ve been a close final as Lyons unleashed a 10.14 at 130 mph and Stymiest ran 10.20 at 130 mph.

ARP Open Comp: Gordon Harlow dispatched Scott Dronkers in the finals. Harlow ran 10.19 on a 10.14 index to best the local racer who ran 10.11 on a 10.02 index.

Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle: The final paired two veterans of the category: defending series champion Charlie McCulloch, who lined up against Adam Cox. The defending champion put together a great package when he nailed an 11.08 on a 10.96 to beat Cox to the stripe, who ran 10.26 on a 10.18.

ROUSH Performance Super Stang: Levi Wendel met defending world champion Larry Firestone in the big money round and drove right into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle thanks to an 11.38 on an 11.29 index.

Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Randy Conway in his Coyote-powered Ranger faced Mike Roup in the final round, where Conway nailed a 10.29 on a 10.27 index to turn on the win light over Roup, who posted an 11.39 on an 11.33 in his ’70 Ford Ranchero.

Race Pages Ford Muscle: David Mormann faced former champion and the number-one qualifier Danny Towe in the final round, where Mormann posted a 16.14 on a 16.00 index to take his second trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle of the year.

QA1/TorqStorm True Street: Rick Baum blasted to the overall win with a 9.23 in his Mustang, while Shawn McAlees secured the runner-up finish with a 9.75 average in his Firebird. Other standouts included Jason Wagoner, the 10-second winner in his GT500, Bob Hoffman, the 11-second winner in his Buick, Billy Meier, the 12-second winner in his Mustang and Michael Town, the 13-second winner in his Challenger. Also going all the way were Cody Dronkers, the 14-second winner in his Mustang and Rodney Ward, the 15-second winner in his Fusion.

The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals resumes October 1-4, for the biggest Ford motorsport event of the year—the Nitto Tire NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival—at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Regina Puckett scored a 12.00 on a 12.00 index to earn the win over Cody Poston, who broke out with a 10.48 on a 10.50 in the final round of eliminations.

Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series Drivers Motivated in Michigan

With Chevrolet headquarters located just two hours away in Detroit, drivers of the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series represented the car company during the Arrington Performance NMRA/NMCA All-American Nationals presented by Force Engineering, August 27-30, at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan.

LME Street King: Dennis Butt drove to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle after a 10.04 on a 10.00 dial and a better reaction time against Kurt Anderson, with a 10.003 on a 10.00 dial.

Proform Rumble: Regina Puckett scored a 12.00 on a 12.00 index to earn the win over Cody Poston, who broke out with a 10.48 on a 10.50 in the final round of eliminations.

Chevrolet Performance Stock presented by Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center: Ronnie Hackelton made it all the way to the final round of eliminations to find Shawn Calabrese waiting for him. When the tree dropped, both racers had comparable reaction times, but Calabrese earned the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle with a 10.34 over Hackleton’s 10.56.

Chevrolet Performance Street Car Challenge: Don Dixon drove to the overall win with an 10.38 average in his GTO, while Norm Jensen nailed the runner-up finish with a 10.42 average in his Camaro. Other winners included Kevin Rowand in the 11-second category in his Corvette, Doug Boardwell in the 13-second category in his Camaro, Stacy Hurt in the 14-second category in her Corvette and Larry Firestone in the 15-second category in his Silverado.

The next time Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series racers meet, it will be to chase championships and to try to put themselves in prime spots in points at the season-ending 19th Annual Nitrous Supply NMCA World Street Finals presented by Chevrolet Performance, September 24–27, at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indiana.

Eric Gustafson and Adam Flamholc met in the final round of eliminations. They leaped off the line with nearly identical reaction times, and it was anybody’s race until Flamholc was forced to pedal it and Gustafson went on to a 3.70 to win.

NMCA All-American Nationals Presented by Force Engineering Race Wrap

More than 650 racers rolled in for the Arrington Performance NMRA/NMCA All-American Nationals presented by Force Engineering, August 27–30, at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan.

VP Racing Lubricants Xtreme Pro Mod: Eric Gustafson and Adam Flamholc met in the final round of eliminations. They leaped off the line with nearly identical reaction times, and it was anybody’s race until Flamholc was forced to pedal it and Gustafson went on to a 3.70 to win.

Holley EFI Factory Super Cars: Drew Skillman sailed to a 7.62 in his Mustang Cobra Jet to lead qualifying, and he remained on point on his way to the final round of eliminations to face his father Bill Skillman, who ran uncontested as Drew Skillman wasn’t able to make the call to the lanes.

ARP Nitrous Pro Street: Tony Gillig scored a 4.39 against Derik Trimmer, who trapped a 4.52.

Dart NA 10.5 presented by Diamond Pistons: Leonard Long set the pace with a 7.83 in his Mustang. He lined up alongside Robbie Blankenship in the final round of eliminations, and Blankenship blasted to a 7.76 to take the win over Long, who lapped a 7.84.

Coan Engineering Stock/Super Stock Combo: Mark Howard and Dave Swanson met in the final, where Howard had a better reaction time and an 11.21 on an 11.15 dial to earn the win over Swanson, who was 8.23 on an 8.17 dial.

Quick Fuel Technology Nostalgia Super Stock: Doug Wright wrapped up the win with a 9.39 on a 9.25 index over Bruce Lang, who dipped under his 9.75 index with a 9.73.

Detroit Truetrac Nostalgia Muscle: The final round belonged to Ron Geer and Chad Brewer, and Geer got to the win despite breaking out with a 11.42 on an 11.50 index as Brewer turned on the red light.

MagnaFuel Open Comp: Doug Winters took the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle with a lifting 10.89 on a 10.53 when his opponent Dan Caissie was forced to get out of the throttle.

NMCA TorqStorm Superchargers and NMRA QA1 True Street: Rick Baum blasted to the overall win with a 9.23 in his Mustang, while Shawn McAlees secured the runner-up finish with a 9.75 average in his Firebird. Other standouts included Jason Wagoner, the 10-second winner in his GT500, Bob Hoffman, the 11-second winner in his Buick, Billy Meier, the 12-second winner in his Mustang and Michael Town, the 13-second winner in his Challenger. Also going all the way were Cody Dronkers, the 14-second winner in his Mustang and Rodney Ward, the 15-second winner in his Fusion.

Dodge // Mopar HEMI Shootout: John Keyes was the overall winner with a 9.89 average, while Tom Motycka was the runner-up with a 10.02 average. Alan Scruggs took the 10-second win, Jim Burr emerged as the 11-second winner, Jeff Smith secured the 12-second win and Alan Scanlan motored to the 13-second win. Putting the exclamation mark on the category was David Baker who was the 14-second winner. The eight quickest drivers in the Dodge//Mopar HEMI Shootout came together for the Arrington Performance HEMI Quick 8 presented by Red Line Oil, and John Keyes arrived at the win with a 9.91, after Alan Scruggs was disqualified.

Ford Performance Cobra Jet Showdown presented by Watson Racing: Charlie Downing, who was clocking 10.30s and 10.40s throughout the weekend, drove to the win when Steve Trombley turned on the red light in the final round of eliminations.

Chevrolet Performance COPO Camaro Shootout presented by COPO Parts Direct: Todd Patterson pulled off the win with a 9.33 on a 9.07 dial over Mike Pustelny, who was 10.75 on a 9.64 dial. There was also a shootout for naturally aspirated cars only, and Rich Rinkie won with a 9.11 against Clarence Harding.

Motor City Muscle Challenge: Rob McDonnough led qualifying with an 8.89 in his Camaro, but Shawn Stanisewski prevented him from pushing to the win in the final round of eliminations, as he got to the finish line first with a 8.97 with McDonnough hot on his heels with a 9.02.

Bracket Mayhem: Kevin Groenveld defeated Jeff Klimp with a 5.63 on a 5.62 dial to Klimp’s 7.69 on a 7.61 dial.

The 19th Annual Nitrous Supply NMCA World Street Finals, presented by Chevrolet Performance, will be held September 24–27, at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indiana.

Clint Vahsholtz won the overall championship and the Open Wheel division at Pikes Peak.

Clint Vahsholtz Is the King of the Mountain at Pikes Peak

Yokohama Tire-sponsored veteran racer Clint Vahsholtz won the overall championship and the Open Wheel division, while Blake “Bilko” Williams captured The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division at the 98th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Vahsholtz, driving a ’13 Ford Open covered the 12.42-mile Race to the Clouds in 9:35:490, setting a new record in the Open Wheel division. It was his first overall championship in 29 tries going up the mountain. Williams steered his ’16 Porsche GT4 Clubsport MR to the winner’s circle in 10:52.622.

Sanit Hand Sanitizer Teams Up With Justin Ashley Racing

Sanit Hand Sanitizer has joined Justin Ashley Racing and his Davis Motorsports team for the remainder of the 2020 season. Their new partnership is set to get off to a fast start beginning at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals on Labor Day Weekend. This event will also be host to the final round from the rain-delayed NHRA Summernationals held in Indianapolis just a few weeks earlier. Ashley is set to take on TJ Zizzo as they each compete for their first NHRA Top Fuel win. This will be the first time since 1997 two first time finalists will race in an NHRA Top Fuel final round.

California Hot Rod Reunion Canceled

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum officials have announced the cancellation of the 2020 California Hot Rod Reunion presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California. Event participants and ticket holders will receive more information from the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum via mail soon.

MANSCAPED will be added to Justin Ashley’s 11,000-hp Top Fuel dragster as a major associate sponsor.

Justin Ashley Racing Adds Manscaped Beginning at US Nationals

National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Rookie of the Year contender Justin Ashley has announced that MANSCAPED will be added to his 11,000-hp Top Fuel dragster as a major associate sponsor. The marketing partnership will cover the remainder of the 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season beginning this weekend at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, September 4–6. MANSCAPED has activated in other forms of motorsports but this will be its first involvement in NHRA competition. Ashley will add MANSCAPED to his Strutmasters.com Top Fuel dragster to three prominent locations—the front of the rear wing, the capsule roof and the front side panels which will receive excellent coverage during the FOX broadcasts. 

Nitrous Supply Named Title Sponsor of NMCA World Street Finals

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has announced Nitrous Supply as the title sponsor of the NMCA World Street Finals, September 24–27, at Lucas Oil Raceway. It is the fifth and final event of the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals season with championship hopes and dreams hanging in the balance The Nitrous Supply NMCA World Street Finals is also home to the longest running LS-based event, the Chevrolet Performance LSX Shootout Presented by Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center. The traditional event adds in a few parties, several LS/LT categories, and big bonuses with LSX engine blocks for the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series participants.

Steve Page

Sonoma Raceway President Set to Retire

After nearly three decades at the helm of one of Northern California’s premier motorsports facilities, Sonoma Raceway President and General Manager Steve Page announced that he will retire at the end of 2020. Page’s 29-year tenure at the road course and drag strip, which began in 1991 at then-Sears Point Raceway, spanned two owners and the evolution from an underdeveloped facility to a modern professional sports venue and performance automotive center. Page promoted and supervised events with a variety of the top racing series, including NASCAR, NHRA, and INDYCAR and more. In addition to ushering the 1,600-acre property through a $100 million modernization from 1999-2002, Page is a member of the Sonoma County business and non-profit community. Under his leadership, the Sonoma chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities has distributed more than $6.8 million to Sonoma County nonprofit youth organizations since 2001. Speedway Motorsports, the raceway’s parent company, will launch a national search to recruit candidates for the position.

Each of the next two events—September’s visit to Arizona’s Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and October’s visit to Southern California’s Glen Helen Raceway—will expand from weekend doubleheaders into three-day affairs.

LOORRS Expands Arizona and California Events for 2020

The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) presented by GEICO has announced an update to the current championship schedule that will ultimately condense the remaining events on the calendar into back-to-back tripleheaders. Each of the next two events—September’s visit to Arizona’s Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and October’s visit to Southern California’s Glen Helen Raceway—will expand from weekend doubleheaders into three-day affairs. The expansion of the events means the originally scheduled November race at Wild Horse Pass will no longer take place, according to series officials. With the updated schedule, the race at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park will now take place September 18–20. The new season finale at Glen Helen Raceway will occur one week later than originally scheduled and will now commence October 16–18. The final day serves as the Lucas Oil Challenge Cup, which annually brings each season to a conclusion. In accordance with local health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19, each of these remaining races will be run as competitor-only events, with no spectator access permitted.

Remaining 2020 NHRA Season Announced

NHRA has announced the remainder of the 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. In collaboration with all stakeholders, NHRA plans to hold six national events to complete the 2020 season. Dates for the remaining NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series are as follows:

• September 3-6: Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis
• September 25-27: Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Gainesville, Florida
• October 2-4: Mopar Express Lane NHRA Midwest Nationals presented by Pennzoil, St. Louis
• October 14-18: AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, Dallas
• October 23-25: Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil, Houston
• October 30-November 1: Dodge NHRA Finals presented by Pennzoil, Las Vegas

At the conclusion of the Dodge NHRA Finals in Las Vegas, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will crown its four champions in each of the respective professional categories, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Speedway Motorsports Announces Two Promotions

Speedway Motorsports' CEO Marcus Smith has announced the promotion of two veterans within the company. David MacDonald has been named vice president of marketing for Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he will also oversee responsibilities for the marketing efforts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In addition, longtime Charlotte Motor Speedway Vice President of Communications Scott Cooper has been promoted to senior vice president of public relations for Speedway Motorsports. Cooper will retain his role as the head of the track's communications team, while also overseeing responsibilities for New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Hot Shot’s Secret has announced a new educational video series, “Fuel Your Mind,” hosted by Bram Fulk.

Hot Shot’s Secret Introduces “Fuel Your Mind” Video Series

Hot Shot’s Secret has announced a new educational video series—“Fuel Your Mind.” The series, hosted by Bram Fulk, is now online and includes six episodes in the first season. This video series is focused strictly on educating the consumer about all things diesel so that they can make informed decisions about their engine. The series kicked off August 22, and will premier on the company’s YouTube channel every other Saturday at 2:00 p.m. (EDT). For the first season, six episodes will air on a bi-weekly basis covering the issues with diesel particulate filters (DPF), fuel injector systems, the basics of an engine and the science of oil. Season two is already in the works to cover even more topics, including an in-depth focus on oil and additives. To view the first Hot Shot’s Secret Fuel the Mind video on how a diesel engine works, visit Fuel Your Mind series page, or visit Hot Shot’s Secret YouTube channel.

Champion Increases Private Label OEM and Aftermarket Opportunities for Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission Fluid

Champion Brands is now offering private-label opportunities for Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission Fluids (w-DCT), available now for OE and aftermarket customers. According to Champion, w-DCT provide thermal and oxidative stability, enhanced wear protection for extended transmission life, low temperature performance, anti-shudder protection and friction properties, stable metal-to-metal friction properties and extreme load-carrying capacities and synchromesh performance.

Motion Industries Announces Acquisition of AMMC

Motion Industries Inc., the distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company, announced that it has completed the acquisition of Applied Machine and Motion Control, Inc. (AMMC). AMMC is a supplier of motion control and automation products and services.

Dave Furst Named IndyCar Vice President of Communications

Dave Furst, the television sports director from WRTV Channel 6 in Indianapolis, has been named the NTT IndyCar Series vice president of communications. Furst, a native of Newburgh, Indiana, has been with the ABC-affiliate WRTV Channel 6 since 1997, and was promoted to the position of sports director in 2002. During his tenure, the station received several awards and nearly two dozen Emmys, many for its Trackside 6 coverage from Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Month of May. Furst also works with the Pennzoil IndyCar Radio Network. 

Alex Parker

General Motors Chooses Redline Detection for Essential Equipment Program Across North America

Redline Detection has announced that it will provide essential equipment to General Motors that will be required in all 4,550 GM dealerships in the United States and Canada. The GMDE essential equipment program is being managed by Snap-on Business Solutions. GM dealer locations will receive the tool between August and December 2020.

“Turbocharged vehicles now make up nearly half of new GM models,” said Alex Parker, CMO of Redline. “GMDE has made PowerSmoke technology essential to ensure peak performance for the life of the vehicle. This program will result in dramatic warranty savings for the company with a fast ROI of just 8.2 weeks. The tool will provide substantial technician time savings for dealer service departments and will enhance GM’s already exceptional customer satisfaction rating,” said Parker.

CRC Industries Partners with NAPA Auto Parts to Support Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

CRC Industries Inc. has teamed up with NAPA Auto Parts to help raise money for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF)—a not-for-profit organization that supports United States military personnel who are suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS). Throughout September and October 2020, a portion of the sales of CRC Industries products at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores will be donated to the IFHF. In September, select CRC products will be eligible for the fundraising effort.

JRi Shocks Announces New Division, JRi Engineering Solutions

After receiving a multitude of project requests outside of automotive shock absorbers, JRi Shocks created JRi Engineering Solutions—a full-service engineering company with a primary focus on hydraulics and pneumatics. JRi Engineering Solutions has completed a gamut of projects in industries ranging from marine and aerospace to high-speed rail and biomechanical. To discuss project needs or to learn more about JRi Engineering Solutions, visit www.jriengineeringsolutions.com.

Dr. Shaun E. McAlmont

BorgWarner Appoints Dr. Shaun E. McAlmont to Board of Directors

BorgWarner has announced Dr. Shaun E. McAlmont has been named to its Board of Directors. Dr. McAlmont is the president of Career Learning Solutions at K12, Inc., a provider of online education programs, skills training and talent development. Before joining K12, Dr. McAlmont served as the president and CEO of Neumont College of Computer Science, and the CEO of Lincoln Educational Services, which includes the Lincoln Tech automotive training schools.

Johnson Valley Desert Clean-Up Day to Be Held September 19

Desert Clean-Up at Means Dry Lake Bed in Johnson Valley, California, will be held Saturday, September 19, from 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The event is supported by Baja Forged, Milestar Tires, LGE-CTS Motorsports, Real Deal, Icon Vehicle Dynamics and Motive Gear, among others. Water and lunch will be provided and social distancing should continue to be practiced. For more information, visit www.nationalcleanupday.org or contact sara@lge-cts.com. Register now.

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