Heading into 2021, Texas Motorplex—the only quarter-mile multi-use racing facility in North Texas and home of the NHRA FallNationals—will once again host more than three-dozen specialty events drawing fans from across the country. The 2021 schedule is the most diverse the facility has prepared with almost every national drag racing series represented, plus a variety of non-sport festivals. In 2020 Texas Motorplex was the first outdoor sporting facility to host events with fans. By instituting reasonable safety precautions, Texas Motorplex hosted the NHRA Texas FallNationals in October without issue, and the facility plans to continue to follow prescribed health and safety guidelines moving into 2021.
NHRA Announces Eight-Race 2021 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series Schedule
NHRA has announced the eight-race schedule for the 2021 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, featuring the NHRA Motorsports Museum’s Hot Rod Reunions. The series will feature thrilling racing action, highlighted by the crowd-pleasing, nitro-burning Nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters and Nostalgia Funny Cars. The 2021 season will begin at the Heritage Nostalgia Reunion, April 29–May 1, at Sacramento Raceway. The traditional season opening Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet at Auto Club Famoso Raceway was postponed until May due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will now be the series’ third event, following the Ignitor Funny Car Opener at Firebird Raceway. The series visits those three tracks twice, as well as Osage Casino Tulsa Raceway Park in September for the Nostalgia Nitro Nationals and Beech Bend Raceway Park for the National Hot Rod Reunion.
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by Automobile Club of Southern California will produce two Hot Rod Reunions during the season. The National Hot Rod Reunion will be held at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, June 17-19, while the California Hot Rod Reunion will close the season at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, October 22–24. Nostalgia Top Fuel will compete for points at five events during the season and Nostalgia Funny Car will compete for points at six events.
In addition to Nostalgia Top Fuel dragster and Nostalgia Funny Car, there are two groups of additional classes. Group 1 includes A/Fuel, Jr. Fuel, and 7.0 Eliminator, while Group 2 includes Nostalgia Eliminator l, Nostalgia Eliminator ll, Nostalgia Eliminator lll, A/Gas, B/Gas, C/Gas, D/Gas, and Hot Rod Eliminator. Drivers in each class will be able to run a combination of events that will award them points toward their respective championships.
The U.S. Congress passed a $900 billion coronavirus stimulus plan following months of contentious debate over the size and scope of the measure. A bipartisan group of lawmakers helped craft the final measure that President Trump signed into law on December 27, 2020. Key provisions include:
Business Aid
Revive the PPP program by providing $284 billion for first and second loans. The covered period for all PPP loans was extended to March 31, 2021. For second loans, businesses need to have suffered a 25% revenue loss during the pandemic.
Simplify the one-page forgiveness application for loans under $150k, whereby the lender can rely on the borrower’s attestation that the funds were used to pay for authorized expenses (payroll, rent, utilities, etc.).
Allow businesses that have had their PPP loans forgiven to also deduct the costs covered by those loans on their federal tax returns.
Expand PPP eligibility for certain nonprofits including 501(c)(6) organizations.
Provide $20 billion for targeted grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
Repeals a previous provision that required PPP borrowers to deduct their EIDL Advance from their PPP loan forgiveness amount.
Taxes
Renew the employee retention tax credit for businesses that keep workers on their payrolls.
Allow 100% deduction of corporate meal expenses on federal taxes through 2022. (Businesses have only been able to deduct 50% since the 1980s.)
Extend a variety of expiring tax credits including the 7-year recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes through December 31, 2025.
Stimulus Checks
Provide $600 stimulus checks per person, including adults and children. The direct payments are phased-out for people who earned between $75,000 and $99,000 in 2019.
Unemployment
Extend unemployment benefits up to $300 per week for 11 weeks (December 26 through March 14, 2021). More than 20 million people are estimated to still be on some form of unemployment aid.
Emergency Rental Assistance
Provide $25 billion in emergency assistance to renters.
Extend by one month a moratorium on evictions, which can be extended further by the Biden administration.
Money for Vaccine Distribution
Provide funds to procure vaccines and treatments; expand testing, tracing and mitigation; and for health care and mental health providers.
Other Categories
Provide targeted funds for schools, state highways, transit agencies and airports, and health-related expenses of states and local governments.
Protect consumers from huge surprise medical bills after receiving treatment from out-of-network providers.
Business Liability Protection, Aid to States
Lawmakers failed to include a SEMA-supported provision to provide limited liability protection from COVID-19 related lawsuits. (Many states have enacted such liability protections, including GA, KS, LA, MI, MS, NV, OH, OK, NC, TN, UT, and WY.)
The law also does not provide aid to states and local governments facing budget shortfalls.
For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
Pricing Analyst CJ Pony Parts is hiring a pricing analystresponsible for increasing the business’ competitiveness and profitability through strategic pricing analysis. In this role, you will be analyzing competitor pricing and comparing the outcomes of different pricing strategies. An accomplished pricing analyst is someone who can translate pricing data into actionable profit-enhancing strategies. Candidates must have an associate degree or 2–3 years’ equivalent experience.
Digital Marketing Manager Method Race Wheels is hiring a digital marketing manager.The company’s wholesale and direct-to-consumer efforts are underway, and they are looking to add someone who can take ownership of a few key sales channels—online marketplaces and managed online retail for distributor partners, including future international endeavors. The company is looking for someone who can share its passion and drive Method Race wheels to exciting new places.
Sales Associate Group-A Engineering is hiring a sales associate with a minimum of two years of experience in aftermarket part sales and an understanding of automotive, motorcycle and/or powersports performance industries. Candidates must have a positive attitude and be customer-service oriented.
In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage is excited to announce a Measuring Session for the upcoming 2021 Ford Bronco Sport!
The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure, and have close-up experience with the Bronco Sport ahead of the vehicle’s public release.
The featured 2021 Bronco Sport will contain the following specs:
Badlands Trim
4x4
2.0L EcoBoost Engine
8-speed Automatic Transmission
Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will take place over two separate weeks with scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, your appointment will be time limited.
Week 2: January 4, 2021 – January 8, 2021
*All registered attendees will be required to an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment. The vehicle will be sanitized in between each appointment.
The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:
As a member of the Association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.
The following seats are open for this year’s election:
Chairman-elect (1 open seat)
Manufacturers (2 open seats)
Distributors/Retailers (2 open seats)
Services (1 open seat)
Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.
A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. 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.
SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.
All media who are signed up for the 2021 MPMC Media Trade Conference should have received a confirmation email with important details about the event earlier this week.
More than 140 media representatives are signed up to participate in the 24th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 26–28. Taking place entirely online for the first time as a virtual event, the 2021 conference is the best way for journalists, reporters and freelancers to connect with motorsports manufacturers in live, video meetings for quality media interviews.
The email that was sent out earlier this week provides details about the personalized schedules that are being created for each media group, based on the requests that have been made during the application process.
Media who believe they should have received a confirmation email but did not, or those who have not signed up but would like to participate, are urged to contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org immediately.
Power Automedia Adds Video Podcasts to Products Offered in 2021
Power Automedia is making some changes to the products offered in the upcoming year with the addition of two video podcasts. The two video podcasts, also known as vodcasts, will be hosted on Street Muscle and Dragzine websites as well as most popular video platforms.
Followers of Street Muscle magazine are already familiar with the recurring podcast, RodCAST Live, which began airing episodes in January 2020. Vinny Costa and Greg Acosta take viewers and listeners on an all-encompassing dive into the deep-end of all things automotive with guests ranging from racers to journalists, manufacturers, car builders, industry personalities and more. RodCAST Live airs every Friday at 12:00 p.m. (PST) on the Street Muscle Facebook page and the newly created Street Muscle YouTube channel. It will soon launch natively on StreetMusclemag.com as well as other platforms. For those who are just learning of RodCAST Live and are interested in catching up, previous episodes will be uploaded to the Street Muscle YouTube channel every Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. (PST).
The Dragzine Podcast will transition to a video format, which will utilize the Power Automedia YouTube channel that had been recently rebranded as Dragzine. Episodes will debut every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. (PST) on Dragzine.com, the new YouTube, Facebook and IGTV.
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Permatex Launches Online Training Portal to Educate Parts and Service Professionals
Permatex has recently launched a new online training portal designed to educate countermen and professional automotive technicians on the company’s core product lines and latest product introductions. The training management system launches with three initial courses surrounding Permatex’s newest innovations: Permatex Orange Threadlockers, Permatex Red High Temperature Gasket Makers, and Permatex Epoxies. Each course provides product details and application information, along with FAQs and finishes with a quiz to test the user’s knowledge. Permatex will continue to expand the portal to offer comprehensive training on each product line.
A major component of the portal is a series of informational videos presented by industry professionals, including Permatex-sponsored Formula DRIFT Pro drivers Chris Forsberg, Ryan Tuerck and Dylan Hughes. These educational videos are used to highlight key features and benefits of each product while demonstrating correct application and techniques for proper use. Permatex’s Training Portal allows users to track their progress throughout each course. It also features a library of downloadable sales materials including sell sheets, brochures, and product selection guides.
Harts Diesel and Machine Announces New Turbo Division
Harts Diesel and Machine, known for its line of high-performance diesel parts, is expanding with the formation of Harts Turbo, a division focused on street/strip applications. Roger Conley will lead the new division as director of business development. Conley is a 30-year veteran in the high-performance aftermarket. His role will include product development, inventory management and distribution.
Chris Gabrelcik (left), founder and CEO of Hot Shot’s Secret, and Steve Sommers (right).
Hot Shot’s Secret Launches Late Night Live Stream Talk Show
Former 700WLW America’s Truckin’ Network host Steve Sommers is returning to the airwaves with a new five-hour live stream talk show direct from the brand new Hot Shot’s Secret studios. WLW-AM’s overnight America’s Truckin’ Network show broadcasted by iHeart radio reached a broad audience of overnight truckers, third-shift employees and anyone who was up and listening from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Now, Sommers is returning with a live stream, live call-in talk show scheduled also from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., thanks to longtime advertiser and supporter Hot Shot’s Secret.
Construction has already begun on the Hot Shot’s Secret studios in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area that will be the new home for “The Steve Sommers Overnight Drive” live program. The new studios are scheduled to be fully completed by the end of 2020, as Hot Shot’s Secret is planning to launch the new streaming show in January of 2021. The initial motivation is to get Sommers back on air as soon as possible, with long-term plans of massive distribution. More details on when and where to find the new program are coming soon. For more information about the new five hour live stream talk show, “The Steve Sommers Overnight Drive,” visit www.OvernightDriveRadio.com.
Hypertherm Introduces Extreme Bevel Plasma Consumables for Its MAXPRO200 Air and Oxygen Plasma System
Hypertherm has announced the release of extreme bevel consumables for its MAXPRO200 LongLife air and oxygen plasma cutting system. The consumables are designed for mechanized, robotic and handheld cutting, and are available for both air and oxygen cutting at 130 and 200 amps. MAXPRO200 owners and operators can choose to purchase the consumables separately or as part of a starter kit (part 528058) that includes consumables for all the extreme bevel cutting processes available for this system.
NHTSA Announces 2020 Update on AEB Installation by 20 Automakers
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced the progress of 20 automakers toward manufacturing passenger vehicles with low-speed automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. This is part of a voluntary effort by automakers in collaboration with NHTSA to equip almost all new passenger vehicles with low-speed AEB, including forward collision warning, by August 31, 2023. Ten manufacturers—Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo—are already installing AEB in all new passenger vehicles, three years ahead of schedule. During the period from September 1, 2019, through August 31, 2020, another four manufacturers—Ford, Honda, Kia and Nissan—equipped more than 75% of their new passenger vehicles with AEB. NHTSA estimates the agreement could make AEB standard on new cars three years faster than could be achieved through the regulatory process.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Here’s the upcoming refresh to the GMC Sierra Denali 1500 towing a trailer.
Expected to launch for the ’22 model year, the refresh will update the various perceived shortcomings of the GMC Sierra that was introduced for the ’19 model year. Noteworthy items to expect include new front and rear fascias, an all-new cockpit with a large center screen, an all-digital gauge cluster, plus Super Cruise on the range-topping Denali model.
