Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Returns July 11–12 in Indianapolis

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will be back in action at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, July 11–12, with Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle competition in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series plus two special companion events. The event is the first NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event since the COVID-19 pandemic and will be the third of 19 events that make up the 2020 schedule. The event also will be the first this season for the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, which was originally scheduled to begin competition at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in mid-March before all racing was halted.

2020 Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama Rescheduled for October 17–18

The seventh annual Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama, originally scheduled for April 25–26, will be held October 17–18, at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. American Force Wheel will be a presenting sponsor. Show participants who have credentials for the original April show can use them for the rescheduled October 17–18 weekend. Any participants with credentials who are unable to attend the rescheduled weekend should contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 770-946-4211. Pre-registration is now open for new participants. All participant registrations include infield vehicle admission to park in the show area, a pair of two-day tickets and free autocross entry. Spectator tickets for the 2020 Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama are $15 per day or $20 for a two-day weekend pass, and kids ages 12 and under get in free. Admission includes access to all areas of the show. For more event information and to purchase tickets, visit www.atlantamotorama.com.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Red Farmer and Mike Stefanik make up the Hall of Fame’s 12th class, and first with three members. In addition, Ralph Seagraves was named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

NASCAR Announces Hall Of Fame Class Of 2021, Landmark Award

NASCAR has announced the inductees who will comprise the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Red Farmer and Mike Stefanik make up the Hall of Fame’s 12th class, and first with three members. In addition, Ralph Seagraves was named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel met virtually to debate and vote upon the 15 nominees for the induction class of 2021 and the five nominees for the Landmark Award. The group also became the first to vote on two different Hall of Fame ballots. Beginning with the Class of 2021, each Hall of Fame class will feature two inductees from the Modern Era ballot and one from the Pioneer ballot. Earnhardt Jr. received 76% of the Modern Era ballot votes, Stefanik received 49%. Ricky Rudd finished third, followed by Neil Bonnett. Farmer received 71% of the Pioneer ballot votes. Hershel McGriff finished second. The voting panel includes representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks, media members, manufacturer representatives, competitors, recognized industry leaders, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion (Kyle Busch) and a nationwide fan vote conducted through NASCAR.com.

Flav-R-Pac Named Title Rights Sponsor of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Event at Pacific Raceways

Norpac’s Flav-R-Pac brand has signed a multi-year agreement to become the title rights sponsor of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event at Pacific Raceways, outside of Seattle. The 33rd annual FLav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals is set to take place July 31–August 2. One of three races on the famed Western Swing, Austin Prock (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) were last year’s event winners. Flav-R-Pac is a sponsor of John Force Racing’s Brittany Force and Prock. The Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals will feature racing from all four NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series categories and the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competition, showcasing future stars of the sport.

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

Here is a final development prototype of the ’21 Ford F-150 Platinum.

The high-end trim level features a large center infotainment display and an all-digital gauge cluster (currently showing an avg 16.8 mpg). Plus, the leather-wrapped steering wheel appears to have a new design. The console-mounted shifter, wrapped in leather, appears to be the stow-away unit seen earlier this year.

The buttons and controls on the center stack have a tasteful chrome surrounds for a high-end, premium feel. Platinum badging can be found on the front quarter panel inserts as well as on the steering wheel. That matches the various chrome accents on the exterior, such as on the grille surround, mirrors, and wheels.

The F-150 makes its official debut  June 25.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here is a final development prototype of the ’21 Ford F-150 Platinum.

The high-end trim level features a large center infotainment display and an all-digital gauge cluster (currently showing an avg 16.8 mpg). Plus, the leather-wrapped steering wheel appears to have a new design. The console-mounted shifter, wrapped in leather, appears to be the stow-away unit seen earlier this year.

The buttons and controls on the center stack have a tasteful chrome surrounds for a high-end, premium feel. Platinum badging can be found on the front quarter panel inserts as well as on the steering wheel. That matches the various chrome accents on the exterior, such as on the grille surround, mirrors, and wheels.

The F-150 makes its official debut  June 25.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here is a final development prototype of the ’21 Ford F-150 Platinum.

The high-end trim level features a large center infotainment display and an all-digital gauge cluster (currently showing an avg 16.8 mpg). Plus, the leather-wrapped steering wheel appears to have a new design. The console-mounted shifter, wrapped in leather, appears to be the stow-away unit seen earlier this year.

The buttons and controls on the center stack have a tasteful chrome surrounds for a high-end, premium feel. Platinum badging can be found on the front quarter panel inserts as well as on the steering wheel. That matches the various chrome accents on the exterior, such as on the grille surround, mirrors, and wheels.

The F-150 makes its official debut  June 25.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here is a final development prototype of the ’21 Ford F-150 Platinum.

The high-end trim level features a large center infotainment display and an all-digital gauge cluster (currently showing an avg 16.8 mpg). Plus, the leather-wrapped steering wheel appears to have a new design. The console-mounted shifter, wrapped in leather, appears to be the stow-away unit seen earlier this year.

The buttons and controls on the center stack have a tasteful chrome surrounds for a high-end, premium feel. Platinum badging can be found on the front quarter panel inserts as well as on the steering wheel. That matches the various chrome accents on the exterior, such as on the grille surround, mirrors, and wheels.

The F-150 makes its official debut  June 25.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here is a final development prototype of the ’21 Ford F-150 Platinum.

The high-end trim level features a large center infotainment display and an all-digital gauge cluster (currently showing an avg 16.8 mpg). Plus, the leather-wrapped steering wheel appears to have a new design. The console-mounted shifter, wrapped in leather, appears to be the stow-away unit seen earlier this year.

The buttons and controls on the center stack have a tasteful chrome surrounds for a high-end, premium feel. Platinum badging can be found on the front quarter panel inserts as well as on the steering wheel. That matches the various chrome accents on the exterior, such as on the grille surround, mirrors, and wheels.

The F-150 makes its official debut  June 25.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA’s virtual series “Industry Talks: Back to Business” kicks off June 26, with an informational session on how to rebuild partnerships and operations following the recent economic disruption.

SEMA’s recently launched virtual series “Industry Talks: Back to Business” kicks off June 26, with an informational session on how to rebuild partnerships and operations following the recent economic disruption.

Hosted by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), the event will address essential business practices for re-opening, how to build relationships with dealers and offer value to members through idea sharing on topics related to getting back to business straight from other restylers in the industry.

The event will be a virtual moderated panel discussion led by PRO Chair-Elect Josh Poulson and guest panelists Christina Jorge of Specialty Automotive Treatments, Dianna Brashler of Dealer Source, Bill Murphy of Attention to Detail, and Manny Moncada of Auto Haus Automotive Solutions. Attendees will watch and listen in as these shop owners share what new practices they have implemented in their businesses while fielding questions submitted by the audience.

“While many companies begin to operate again at full capacity, they are faced with new challenges and questions on how to strengthen their business operations and performance,” said Poulson. “This event will provide our members with insight on how other restylers and facilities are taking precautions and implementing new processes to help them get back to business in ways that are effective.”

Preregister now for “Rebuilding Partnerships and Operations Powered by PRO” taking place June 26, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT). 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA’s virtual series “Industry Talks: Back to Business” kicks off June 26, with an informational session on how to rebuild partnerships and operations following the recent economic disruption.

SEMA’s recently launched virtual series “Industry Talks: Back to Business” kicks off June 26, with an informational session on how to rebuild partnerships and operations following the recent economic disruption.

Hosted by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), the event will address essential business practices for re-opening, how to build relationships with dealers and offer value to members through idea sharing on topics related to getting back to business straight from other restylers in the industry.

The event will be a virtual moderated panel discussion led by PRO Chair-Elect Josh Poulson and guest panelists Christina Jorge of Specialty Automotive Treatments, Dianna Brashler of Dealer Source, Bill Murphy of Attention to Detail, and Manny Moncada of Auto Haus Automotive Solutions. Attendees will watch and listen in as these shop owners share what new practices they have implemented in their businesses while fielding questions submitted by the audience.

“While many companies begin to operate again at full capacity, they are faced with new challenges and questions on how to strengthen their business operations and performance,” said Poulson. “This event will provide our members with insight on how other restylers and facilities are taking precautions and implementing new processes to help them get back to business in ways that are effective.”

Preregister now for “Rebuilding Partnerships and Operations Powered by PRO” taking place June 26, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT). 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a final rule that provides drivers with additional flexibility in complying with its hours-of-service regulations. Major changes to the rule include:

• On-duty limits for short-haul operations will increase from 12 to 14 hours but maintain an 11-hour limit on driving time. The air-mile radius will increase from 100 to 150 air miles.
• Under certain adverse driving conditions, drivers can extend their driving window by up to two hours.
• Modifies the split sleeper berth provisions allowing greater flexibility for how a driver splits their sleeper berth time.
• Modifies the 30-minute break provision to require the break after eight hours of consecutive driving time (instead of on-duty time) and allows an on-duty/not driving period to qualify as the required break.

The rule takes effect September 29.

Click here for more information.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a final rule that provides drivers with additional flexibility in complying with its hours-of-service regulations. Major changes to the rule include:

• On-duty limits for short-haul operations will increase from 12 to 14 hours but maintain an 11-hour limit on driving time. The air-mile radius will increase from 100 to 150 air miles.
• Under certain adverse driving conditions, drivers can extend their driving window by up to two hours.
• Modifies the split sleeper berth provisions allowing greater flexibility for how a driver splits their sleeper berth time.
• Modifies the 30-minute break provision to require the break after eight hours of consecutive driving time (instead of on-duty time) and allows an on-duty/not driving period to qualify as the required break.

The rule takes effect September 29.

Click here for more information.