By Drew Hardin

Photography: Petersen Publishing Company Archives

Car Craft magazine gathered members of the LA Roadsters Club at Riverside in fall 1965 to test the then-new Street Hemi in a Dodge Coronet convertible. Note the all-new Charger at left.

In the mid-'60s, Car Craft magazine came up with a novel approach to new car testing: Put the vehicles in the hands of car club members to see what real-world enthusiasts like and dislike about Detroit's latest performance cars.

The car club road test that associate editor Steve Scott wrote for the February 1966 issue was a significant one. The magazine asked members of the Los Angeles Roadsters Club to give their opinions about the new, street-tuned version of Chrysler's 426 Hemi.

Today, the LA Roadsters is one of the premier car clubs in Southern California. Probably its best-known activity is hosting the Father's Day Roadster Show and swap meet at the LA County Fairgrounds. In 1965, the club was just eight years old, yet it had become "almost legendary," Scott wrote, for its "beautiful club cars, touring road cruises, car shows, drags, and all those other good things that really spell out the sport—hot rodding." He said Car Craft "had been saving them for just the right car, and it looked as though the '66 'Street Hemi' was it."

A HEMI-POWERED CORONET

Scott brought the club members together with a Hemi-powered Coronet convertible during a press preview of '66 Dodge models at Riverside International Raceway. With its three-mile road course and quarter-mile drag strip, "What better facility could we have asked for?"

The guys started their day "touring the road course, trading the Hemi off between drivers, yet constantly chaperoned (better yet, surrounded) by a flotilla of roadsters for an escort," Scott said. Darryl Norenberg's photography from that day has several shots contrasting the club's vintage tin with the squared-shouldered lines of the restyled Coronet.

Club members were then briefed about the new engine by Dodge Planning Engineer Chuck Kelly. He walked them through the changes made so the race Hemi could function in a street car. The compression ratio dropped from 12.5:1 to 10.25:1 "for smooth running when using commercially available premium octane gasoline," he explained. Low-speed operation required a camshaft with reduced duration. A pair of Carter four-barrel AFB carburetors mounted inline on an aluminum dual-plane intake—rather than the racing cross-ram—fed the engine. Exhaust exited through "new header-type cast-iron exhaust manifolds with large, 2-1/2-inch pipes and dual exhaust system for lower back pressures," Kelly said. "When you're out there driving it, you'll be surprised with the response it's got."

The Coronet leads a group of hot rods through Riverside's S-turns. "Clean body lines and wide grille give the viewer the impression that here is a car with class, but one designed only for transportation," wrote Steve Scott. "Nothing could be further from the truth, though, because this one honks on." 

QUICK, HEALTHY THROTTLE RESPONSE

"That's one thing the club remarked about right off, once they were turned loose for runs around the track," Scott said. "Quick, healthy action of the 3,345-pound maroon convertible to every change of the throttle. It was something they didn't expect for an engine with all the power this one had. Usually an engine in the 425-hp neighborhood has a tendency to hesitate slightly before pulling ahead when kicked hard. With all this power and response, engine noise from inside the car was negligible, except for that healthy four-barrel sound that kind of gets you right there!"

Club member Ron Hurd had more drag racing experience than the others, so he drove during acceleration tests. The Hemi was joined to a TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a 3.23:1-geared rearend. Hurd tested the car "very systematically" by making runs shifting the gears manually, and also just leaving it in Drive "where it will shift at a pre-determined point which the factory felt would be best for racing purposes," Scott said. The latter worked the best: The Coronet ran as quickly as 14.17 seconds and as fast as 98.03 mph. When the club bolted on a pair of Mickey Thompson cheater slicks, the ET dropped to 14.11 seconds, and the mph climbed to 98.68.

"It's hard to believe the hard feeling it had coming out of the hole," Hurd said. "With all the ponies this car has at its command for pulling the tires off the line, I had expected a lot of rear-end hop for the first 50 feet or so, especially when you consider there isn't anything in the way of a tangible traction-bar setup at the rear at all."

For Hemi use, Dodge augmented the Coronet's suspension with "extra leaf springs, one on each side, in the rear suspension," Scott noted. "Torsion bar thickness has been increased on the front suspension. The control of the ride is also aided by utilizing heavy-duty shocks and a sway bar greater than the optional unit available for the standard Coronet."

Scott also said sister publication Hot Rod magazine tested the Coronet at Lions Drag Strip after the press event. Technical Editor Eric Dahlquist brought the quarter-mile ETs down to the 13.20-13.40 range and trap speeds up to 106 mph by making some "small alterations on the 426, such as changing the curve on the ignition advance by grinding the weights, installing a set of Doug's headers, and a few other little supertuning goodies."

During their day at Riverside, club members weighed in on other aspects of the new Coronet.

Club members couldn't resist running the new Hemi against their hot rods. Scott "handled the Hemi well but couldn't catch" Ron Hurd's Model T roadster.

A CAR WITH YOUTH APPEAL

"I'm all for the progressive theme of clean lines and functional overall design that Dodge has built into the car," said Ed Aston. "It's definitely directed at the younger set, as was made evident when Dodge dropped in the 426. The dash is really groovy, with gauges instead of 'idiot lights,' and the steering wheel being located lower feels great."

Aston did not care for the Coronet's upholstery "since it carries that 'mail order seat cover,' look," he said. "Of course, with the plusher interior of the Coronet 500, that's a different story. Here you get the swingin' looking buckets and a good combo of pleats that really reach out and grab you. This is the kind of interior that goes with the Hemi."

Tom Booth liked the restyled body lines. "Overall feeling of the body shape is one of a clean, uncluttered theme that is tastefully followed throughout. It isn't an overpowering appearance of goodies and extra frills." He said the "Delta-shaped taillights really identify the car as a Dodge and are individual enough to keep the look strictly that of a Coronet." The "nearly flat, large hood looks wild," he said, "but it's a bit shaky, lacking a feeling of stability while being opened and closed."

Scott ended the story with the thoughts of club president Steve Kelly, who had just landed a job as an assistant editor at Motor Trend and would go on to a lengthy career at Petersen Publishing. Kelly was "impressed with the Street Hemi for another reason that didn't even enter our minds," Scott said.

"The benefits of the dependability and power offered with the high performance go together to form what I can foresee as a very popular tow car," Kelly said. "There are more than enough suds to pull almost anything around, and the extra-beefy suspension would easily handle the problems you run into while towing a car and trailer."

👉 TO READ MORE LIKE THIS FOR FREE, sign up for a digital subscription to SEMA Magazine on Zinio here.

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "LA ROADSTERS TEST THE NEW 426 HEMI" and more automotive culture-related coverage in the October 2025 issue here.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.

Lexus LFR Spotted on the 'Ring

SEMA News sources snapped new photos of the Lexus LFR at the Nürburgring recently, and the sighting comprised no fewer than three versions of this blue-blooded model.

It's not tricky at all to see that one of them had a large rear wing and a fat chin spoiler, another one had a smaller wing, and a third prototype didn't feature one at all. Thus, it is obvious that the future Lexus LFR will be offered in different versions--all more or less electrified: The Lexus LFR has its electric trickery at the rear, behind the driver and passenger, visible in some of the spy shots.

The new LFR has been in the making for a long time, and it is the spiritual successor to the LFA. The LFA was made between 2010 and 2012 and utilized a V10 under that long hood, making 553 hp.

The LFR will clearly be more potent, while supposedly losing two cylinders in the process. The model is expected to feature a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine with self-charging assistance and could boast in the region of 900 hp, sources said. It should also have carbon fiber bodywork and an aluminum chassis, so it promises to be extremely exciting. The Lexus LFR is expected to make its debut in 2026.

Inside, both the infotainment system and flat-bottom steering wheel appear to be production-ready items on these prototypes. The air conditioning and heating controls just under the central touchscreen appear to be intended for series production as well, and the same may be said about the center console. Gifted with a toggle switch gear selector, the LFR also features plenty of glass-black trim on its center console.

Lexus went for a black and red interior theme for this prototype, which also rocks two massive paddle shifters on the steering wheel rather than the steering column. A grand tourer with seriously impressive aero, the LFR is also being developed with GT3 racing in mind.

Jaguar Type 00 Previews the Brand's All-Electric Revival

With its future Gran Turismo, the British car manufacturer Jaguar is now focusing entirely on electric vehicles (EVs) and is throwing design traditions overboard.

It has been eight years since Jaguar unveiled its last new model, and it will be at least another year before the next one arrives, but the company is showing signs of life with a prototype of the production version of its all-electric Gran Turismo. It was teased as a two-door concept last December, but the production model will clearly be a four-door GT with a very long hood, according to recently captured images.

Introducing the new model in 2027, the Brits won't only say goodbye to the combustion engine, but also to the volume business, and prepare for the rise to an electric luxury brand, brand boss Rawdon Glover announced last year.

In doing so, Jaguar is focusing on a new design that features unusual proportions: The new model, which is more than 16 ft. long, has an unusually long bonnet for an electric car and a completely new face. Inside, the brand is focusing primarily on a small number of screens and new materials, says Head of Design Gerry McGovern.

Technically, much remains vague. However, the new cars should have a range of almost 500 miles, be able to recharge for more than 190 miles in 15 minutes. The prototype is also equipped with variable air inlets in the front bumper to balance cooling and aerodynamics according to demand.

The revival of Jaguar is set to begin in 2027 with this four-door Gran Turismo, before two further models complete the realignment by the end of the decade. These new EVs will be based on a dedicated EV platform named JEA (Jaguar Electrified Architecture) and will feature a NACS connector on vehicles delivered to North America. Jaguar has previously said a bespoke platform is important for separating Jaguar vehicles from sister company Land Rover.

The British car brand Jaguar, which belongs to the Indian conglomerate Tata Group, wants to produce only electric vehicles from 2027. As part of the transformation plan, all current Jaguar models, including the electric I-Pace, will be phased out before the launch of the new EVs.

Audi Q9 Horch to Open New Chapter for Audi Luxury Vehicles

With the Audi Q9 Horch, Audi is preparing to enter a new league of luxury SUVs, aimed at competing at the very top of the market, directly against models like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. The "Horch" designation is deliberately chosen to emphasize exclusivity and prestige: Horch was one of Germany's original luxury car brands before merging into Auto Union--the precursor to Audi.

Early prototypes of the Q9 Horch reveal a significantly larger body than the current Audi Q7 and a redesigned Singleframe grille featuring strong vertical slats--a nod to classic Horch designs. At the rear, the license plate has been moved down into the bumper, suggesting a newly styled tailgate with distinctive design elements. Inside, the Q9 Horch is expected to offer top-grade materials such as Nappa leather, generous rear-seat space and a cocoon-like atmosphere for passengers, according to sources.

The Q9 is built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), a modular base that supports both traditional combustion engines and hybrid systems. For now, a fully electric version is not expected.

Exact figures are not yet confirmed, but industry reports suggest a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 as the top option. Additionally, V6-based plug-in hybrid variants may be offered in select markets to balance performance and efficiency.

Given its scale and positioning, Audi is aiming the Q9 Horch primarily at markets with strong demand for luxury SUVs--particularly the United States, China and the Middle East. The official debut is expected around 2026, though regional launch timelines remain under wraps.

By Ashley Reyes

There is still time to submit nominations for the SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) Robert E. Petersen Media Award, an award that honors an automotive journalist for their impact on the motorsports industry.  

👉 Nominate here by January 2.  

Created in memory of Hot Rod magazine founder Robert E. Petersen, the award recognizes a journalist who has elevated the stature and raised awareness of the motorsports industry with positive content.  

"Journalists play a vital role in telling the stories of this great industry," said MPMC Council Director Marcy Yanus. "This award honors their contributions and ensures that their legacy and impact are never forgotten."  

The Robert E. Petersen Award recipient will be announced in January 2026 during the reception at the MPMC Media Trade Conference, an exclusive event that brings together manufacturers and media for three days of networking and collaboration, January 27-29, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South in Anaheim, California.

Don't miss your chance to join MPMC in celebrating the content that moves the motorsports industry forward. Nominate today! 

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

Enthusiast Auto Holdings

Vice President of Sales in Wadsworth, Ohio

Enthusiast Auto Holdings, the e-commerce company, seeks a leader for its retail, wholesale and installer (B2B) team.

McLeod Racing

Technical Sales Representative in Anaheim, California

McLeod Racing is looking to add another team member; applicants must be well-spoken and have a mechanical understanding of cars.

New Creations 517 LLC

Paint and Body Technician in Lattimore, North Carolina

The company seeks someone to provide metal/panel replacement, body work and paint work.

Whether you're an employer or an industry professional, the SEMA Career Center offers powerful tools—like resume writing help, coaching and employer search features for job seekers, plus free internship postings and affordable access to qualified candidates for employers. Get started at jobs.sema.org. 

SEMA makes no representation or warranty of any kind concerning the reliability or accuracy of information provided directly or indirectly on or through semajobs.com or its related sites. All information is provided on an "as-is" basis. Users of this site do so at their own risk. Read more Terms & Conditions here.

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

Racetech USA

Full Carbon 8119 Series Drag Race Seat Range

Racetech USA has launched its lightest seat range ever with the full carbon-fiber 8119 series, the manufacturer announced. The RT8119 and RT8119HR are designed with Racetech’s proven ergonomic shell architecture and built from premium carbon fiber. The RT8119 will be offered in two sizes, ranging from 11.76 to 11.86 lbs., while its head restraint counterpart, the RT8119HR, will be offered in three sizes, ranging from 11.66 lbs. to 12.1 lbs. Both seat models accept a seven-point harness with reverse submarine belts in alignment with the latest NHRA tech regulations.

Racetech-usa.com

McLeod Racing

Pro Pack Clutch Kits for V6 Ford Mustangs

McLeod has released its new Pro Pack Single-Disc Clutch Kits for V6 Ford Mustangs. Each kit includes the Super Street Pro Single-Disc Clutch, engineered for both street and track enthusiasts. The dual organic and ceramic clutch disc ensures smooth and consistent engagement, while the high-clamp-load pressure plate delivers easy pedal effort, according to the manufacturer. The kit includes a billet steel flywheel and is tailored to fit both cable-driven and hydraulic applications. Cable-driven models feature a cable, quadrant and adjuster, while hydraulic applications include a hydraulic bearing and stainless-steel line.

Jeep JL and Gladiator Adventure Series Upgrade

The McLeod Adventure Series clutch system for Jeep JL and Gladiator eliminates weak points of the stock setup with durable, race-proven materials, according to McLeod. Features include a 45-lb. billet steel flywheel for improved heat dissipation and drivability, an 11-in. pressure plate and reinforced disc designed to correct OEM misalignment issues, an all-metal release system to replace all plastic components and plug-and-play fitment.

McleodRacing.com

Competition Clutch

245 Series Twin-Disc Clutch Kits for Toyota 2JZ to T56 Transmission

Competition Clutch is now offering its 245 Series Twin-Disc Clutch Kit for Toyota 2JZ to T56 transmissions, available in both street and track versions. The 245 Series will be offered with a range of power-handling options, including Stage 1 (up to 800 hp) with dual organic discs, Stage 2 (up to 1,000 hp) built with ceramic twin discs and Stage 3 (up to 1,200 hp) with a twin ceramic disc setup.

Competitionclutch.com

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish overall win went to Troy Trepanier and his '36 Ford roadster.

This year's SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish once again showcased the industry's most talented builders and most ambitious custom creations, culminating in an unforgettable finale on the SEMA Show floor. From early judging rounds to the final unveiling of this year's champion, the competition delivered standout craftsmanship, intense creativity and plenty of can't-miss moments. The competition was ultimately won by Troy Trepanier and his '36 Ford roadster (read more here).

The following gallery captures the builds, the builders, the behind-the-scenes action and the excitement of the crowd as the top contenders battled for the industry's highest honor during this year's 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas.

Relive the innovation, energy and artistry that defined this year's Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish with the below SEMA Live presented by AutoZone recap video (starting at 2:10:50), and the following photo gallery.

Mastery on Display: Highlights From 2025 Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish

Crowds gather as the top finalists are revealed on the SEMA Battle of the Builders stage.

This year's SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition featured some tough competition all year, but especially leading up to the Final Four vehicles seen below.

Troy Trepanier's overall winning '36 Ford Roadster.

Tim Franklin's '60 Porsche Custom 356.

Thomas Dickerson's '67 Chevrolet C10.

Ron Jones' '73 Volkswagen Thing.

Custom craftsmanship was on full display during this year's SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition.

Subscribe to SEMA News using the "Stay tuned" widget at the bottom of the webpage for more 2025 SEMA Show coverage, or visit semashow.com.

The following is a message to SEMA Members from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola about the 2026 Board of Directors nominations, which are now open to SEMA members online here:

Dear SEMA Member:

A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

Previously, the board was comprised of representatives from four distinct sectors of the industry: manufacturing, distributor/retailer, manufacturer's representative, organizations and services. Under the newly amended bylaws, board members will be selected based on their relevant industry and association knowledge and leadership experience, without the limitation of the specific sector affiliation. This change is designed to enhance the board's overall strength and flexibility by widening the pool of potential candidates and allowing the nominating committee to focus on identifying the most capable and qualified individuals.

"This evolution in our governance structure is a reflection of the dynamic nature of our industry," said SEMA Board of Directors Chair Melanie White. "By focusing on expertise and leadership rather than sector representation, we're positioning the association to better serve our members and adapt to future challenges."

This evolution also expands opportunities for all SEMA members to participate in board service, removing previous structural limitations and enabling broader engagement across the membership. The nominating committee will continue to play a key role by offering guidance on board composition, including member categories and industry areas that may benefit from representation.

"This change empowers us to build a Board that truly reflects the diversity and depth of our industry," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "It's a forward-thinking move that will help us remain relevant, responsive, and resilient while opening the door for more members to contribute their expertise at the highest level."

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors, which are now open here and at the link below, are due on Monday, January 5, 2026. 

We urge you to take part in the nominations process--our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee. Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola

SEMA President and CEO

This article was originally published on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

With President Trump and Sen. Warren both voicing support, the military right-to-repair issue gains rare cross-aisle momentum, and SEMA's advocacy is shaping the national conversation.
 

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is tapping into SEMA's position as a leader on the military right-to-repair issue, sharing the aftermarket's perspective as she amplifies the fight nationally. SEMA is prominently featured in Sen. Warren's recent press release on the issue, including a quote from the organization and a citation of our letter, signed by more than 300 small businesses seeking to supply the military with vehicle parts to support readiness. 

• The bipartisan effort, which has won over President Trump, would insert right-to-repair reforms into the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), opening a potential new pathway for aftermarket industry businesses to engage in government contracting to sell their parts to the military. 

Sen. Warren's engagement with SEMA further elevates the role our industry plays in Washington, D.C., as a solution-oriented industry seeking common-sense solutions that empower American small businesses and enable the aftermarket to innovate and thrive. In fact, in a letter to the National Defense Industrial Association, the trade association for big defense contractors, regarding its opposition to the bipartisan right to repair reform in the FY 2026 NDAA, Warren emphasizes the importance of the specialty automotive aftermarket, which emerged after service members returned home from World War II and put to use skills learned during their service. 

"Before the consolidation of the defense industrial base and after World War II, tens of thousands of service members returned home and created the specialty automotive aftermarket," wrote Warren. "They utilized their engineering expertise to improve the performance of motor vehicles, creating products to increase everything from horsepower to handling to the style of their vehicles. Allowing these same opportunities for service members to develop skills repairing and maintaining complex systems will benefit them--and the entire American economy--in their post-military careers."

Questions? Contact SEMA's Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs, Eric Snyder, at erics@sema.org.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Radflo Suspension Technology as the council's newest member spotlight company. Get to know their story in the SEMA News interview with AJ Grasso, Radflo Suspension Technology sales and marketing manager, below. 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of Radflo Shocks. How did the company start and what was your breakthrough moment?   

AG: In the late '80s, on the rugged terrain just outside Johannesburg, South Africa, two brothers--Glenn and Warren Classen--were chasing more than just speed. They were chasing perfection. Becoming a family of racers, weekends meant wrenching on trucks and testing limits in the wild African bush. But as their ambitions grew, they ran into a hard truth: the suspension systems available at the time simply couldn't keep up. 

So, they built their own. 

What began as a garage project--hand-fabricating shock absorbers to survive the punishing terrain of off-road rally raids--quickly turned into something more. Friends noticed. Racers asked for custom builds. Word spread. The brothers didn't just create shocks that performed; they created shocks that lasted. 

By the mid-'90s, their reputation had crossed oceans. Teams competing in Baja, Dakar and King of the Hammers started taking notice. That's when Glenn Classen made the leap. He packed up his tools, his passion, and his relentless pursuit of excellence, and moved operations to Southern California--the beating heart of off-road racing. There, Radflo Suspension Technology was born. 

Today, Radflo builds high-performance shock absorbers and suspension systems for racing, recreational, mining, emergency, and military applications. Whether it's a custom setup for a desert pre-runner, a reliable kit for an overland rig, or precision-tuned coilovers for a rock crawler, every Radflo product is engineered to perform and custom-made to order. 

But no matter how far the company has come, that garage spirit remains. Radflo is still family-owned. Still testing in the real world. Still listening to racers, builders and adventurers. Still obsessed with building the best shock possible. 

SN: What's going on these days? What projects are you most excited about?   

AG: One of our proudest recent innovations is the launch of our UTV-specific internal bypass shocks called the WORKS SERIES with DYNAMIC RIDE TECHNOLOGY, developed from the ground up for today's high-performance side-by-sides. As UTVs get faster, more powerful, and more capable, their suspension demands the same sophistication as full-size off-road race vehicles. That's where Radflo comes in. These shocks aren't just rebranded automotive dampers--they're purpose-built for UTV dynamics, tested in the dunes, dialed in on the rocks, and race-proven in the desert. 

SN: What's the best piece of advice you have for professionals getting started in the aftermarket?   

AG: "Don't chase trends--chase problems and solve them better than anyone else." 

In the aftermarket world, it's easy to get caught up in hype--what's flashy, what's trending, what everyone on social media is building. But real, lasting success comes from listening to the people in the pits, on the trails, and behind the wheel. Focus on solving real problems--whether that's improving ride quality, simplifying installation, or delivering better durability where others fall short. 

That's how Radflo was built: by listening, engineering, testing, and refining--over and over again. If you make products that genuinely perform, your reputation will do more marketing than any ad campaign ever could. 

So be patient, be curious, and stay close to your customers. The aftermarket isn't just about parts--it's about people who rely on those parts when failure isn't an option. 

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates. 

By SEMA News Editors

Avery Dennison Announces 2026 Training Schedule

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions has announced its 2026 training and certification exam schedule.

The company's expert-led workshops provide in-depth, hands-on instruction with a wide range of films, including Supreme Wrapping Film/Vehicle Color Change, Commercial Wraps, Wet-Apply and Dry-Apply Paint Protection Film, and Automotive and Architectural Window Film. All skill levels are welcome and no previous experience is required.

New Classes and Learning Opportunities for 2026:

• PrismaPro Dry-Apply Color PPF Training--This workshop will feature the new dry-apply color paint protection film (launching in 2026) and help installers learn best-practice techniques for installing these films.
• Commercial Wrap Training--Updated class instruction to focus on commercial wrapping, with each session now including transit vans.
• Advanced Wrap Training--Now available to all installers who have taken an Avery Dennison wrap training course over the past five years; the course is no longer limited to only certified wrap installers.

Wrap training class size will be reduced by 22% in 2026, the company announced, to allow more personal instruction and more hands-on time for each student. 

"Our expert-led workshops are designed to support all skill levels. Participants gain in-depth knowledge, plus learn tips and tricks that distinguish excellent installers," said Graeme McKnight, marketing program associate at Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions. "After training by an Avery Dennison specialist, attendees will be able to deliver professional results that consistently exceed customer expectations."

Avery Dennison training sessions offer live demonstrations and hands-on practice with trusted, experienced trainers, and 90% of each course focuses on hands-on learning to improve cutting skills, learn material properties and refine installation techniques. 

Available from applicable classes, participants receive a free roll of film, free installation tools and a 33% discount for a one-year membership to The Wrap Institute. 

Wrap training may be combined with the Avery Dennison Certified Wrap Installer (CWI) exam.

For more information about the Avery Dennison 2026 installation training and certification classes, go to graphics.averydennison.com/training. 

Wharton Automotive Group Welcomes Tom Kundrick as Director of Motorsports, Announces McLeod, Competition Clutch Distribution and Product Expansions

Wharton Automotive Group, parent company of McLeod, FTI Performance, Silver Sport Transmissions, Competition Clutch and Independence Driveline, has named Tom Kundrick as its new director of motorsports.

In his new role, Kundrick will lead the group's motorsports initiatives, connecting the racer with the industry's best driveline components and technical support.

Kundrick brings more than a decade of experience in the performance aftermarket, including key roles at Mickey Thompson and Pro Torque. With deep roots in the racing community, he will work directly with teams and drivers to ensure they have the right drivetrain components to reach the winner's circle, the company said.

"My goal is to deliver top-quality driveline products on time," said Kundrick, based in Ohio. "I'm excited to represent the Wharton Automotive Group brands at the track and to help develop products that the racer truly needs."

McLeod Named TREMEC International Elite Distributor

McLeod has been appointed a TREMEC International Elite Distributor, expanding its reach and ability to supply high-performance aftermarket TREMEC transmissions and driveline components to enthusiasts.

TREMEC manufactures aftermarket performance manual transmissions, including the TKX, T-56 Magnum and T-5 series. As an Elite Distributor, McLeod will provide international customers with access to the full lineup of TREMEC performance transmissions and technical support, along with global shipping capabilities.

"Becoming a TREMEC International Elite Distributor reinforces our dedication to performance enthusiasts worldwide," said Bob Scheid, vice president of McLeod. "TREMEC's transmissions are the gold standard for performance builds, and McLeod is proud to make them more accessible to customers everywhere."

Competition Clutch Expands into European Market with New Line of Street and Track Clutches

Competition Clutch, a manufacturer of high-performance clutch systems, is expanding into the European performance market with a complete line of street and track clutches designed for BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche applications.

The new line will feature multiple performance levels tailored to the needs of European enthusiasts. Initial product releases will begin before the end of 2025, with a wider range launching in early 2026.

"Our mission is to bring Competition Clutch's performance and reliability to a broader audience," said Chris Troxel, brand manager for Competition Clutch, based in Anaheim, California. "European enthusiasts expect precision, durability and drivability--and that's exactly what these new clutches deliver, whether on the street or at the track."

For more information, visit mcleodracing.com or competitionclutch.com.

F1 Arcade Las Vegas to Host Official Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Events

F1 Arcade Las Vegas, the newly opened entertainment venue, will host a lineup of events in celebration of the upcoming Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

F1 Arcade Las Vegas is inviting guests to attend the Official After-Party on Thursday, November 20, the Official Las Vegas Qualifying Watch Party on Friday, November 21, the Official Las Vegas Watch Party on Saturday, November 22, and brunch on Sunday, November 23.

At all watch parties, guests will be able to catch the action live on the venue's TV screens with commentary, along with DJs and hosts, plus quizzes, competitions and chances to win exciting prizes. Unlimited sim racing across the venue's 87 full-motion simulators one hour before each race and throughout the watch parties and after party will also be available.

For more information, visit f1arcade.com.