By SEMA Editors

Kia Sorento Yosemite Edition.

Kia Unveils Two Rugged XLine Sorento Concepts

As the next step in Kia’s capability-focused product strategy, the all-new 2021 Sorento is poised to bring customers a new level of trailready toughness not yet seen from the brand. To celebrate this rugged personality, Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled a pair of custom-built Sorento SUVs – the Yosemite Edition and the Zion Edition – during the brand’s virtual national dealer meeting last week. The two wilderness-themed SUVs build upon the production Sorento XLine model, a variant that highlights offroad prowess with unique 20-inch wheels, increased ride height to 8.3in., improved approach/departure angles, more advanced AWD with snow-mode, and a more robust roof rack than the outgoing Sorento.

Kia Sorento Zion Edition.

Customized by LGECTE Motorsports of San Dimas, CA, each vehicle receives its namesake and inspiration from the outdoor environments found in America’s great national parks. The Sorento Yosemite Edition is a dream build for high elevation adventuring and mountain living, painted in “Pine Green” in a matte finish with gloss and matte black accents. The Sorento Zion Edition is a desert escape vehicle made for stomping dunes, painted in “Desert Sand” in a gloss finish with gloss black accents.

Both feature custom fender flares that sit atop 20-inch wheels and 32-inch all-terrain tires. Body armor includes custom skid plates and brush guards in a satin chrome finish. For packing gear, the Yosemite edition wears a brawny roof rack, while the Zion Edition comes equipped with a full-length cargo top.

The 2021 Kia Sorento will arrive in showrooms beginning in November. Customers can tailor their Sorento to their lifestyle and needs with attachments such as roof rack crossbars, tow hitches for trailers, and side steps for easier load-in of toys.

GM EV Plant to Employ 5G Technology

GM's all-electric vehicle assembly plant is the first automotive plant in the U.S. to install dedicated 5G fixed mobile network technology.

General Motors announced that Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, the company’s all-electric vehicle assembly plant, is the first automotive plant in the U.S. to install dedicated 5G fixed mobile network technology. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband service is operating now at Factory ZERO, with its exponential increases in both bandwidth and speed supporting the ongoing transformation of the plant as it prepares to begin producing EVs in 2021.

Factory ZERO is being completely retooled with a $2.2 billion investment, the largest ever for a GM manufacturing facility. Once fully operational, the plant will create more than 2,200 good-paying U.S. manufacturing jobs. Both the upcoming GMC HUMMER EV and the Cruise Origin will be built at Factory ZERO on GM’s Ultium battery platform. Ultium is flexible enough to build a wide range of EVs —cars, trucks and more — and is the heart of GM’s future EV lineup.

Key benefits of 5G in a manufacturing plant include reliability, speed and sheer scale. 5G’s massive bandwidth offers scalability to manage thousands of devices across Factory ZERO’s more than 4 million square feet of space, with ample capacity to support emerging technologies.

“Factory ZERO will be GM’s flagship assembly plant in our journey to an all-electric future,” said Phil Kienle, GM vice president of North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations. “Installing 5G at Factory ZERO is an essential step in the transformation of this plant, and signals how important advanced manufacturing is in the ongoing race to an EV future.”

Today, the Internet of Things is transforming manufacturing plants, enabling connected devices to deliver important benefits to quality and safety. Countless systems and equipment rely on connectivity, such as robotics, sensors and the Automated Guided Vehicles that deliver materials across the factory floor.

E.C.D. Shows Off One-of-a-Kind Defender D90 Resto-mod

Each vehicle produced by E.C.D. is fully bespoke, a one-off that is fully designed by the client and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified A.S.E. craftsmen.

E.C.D. Automotive Design, known for custom lifestyle vehicles, has delivered a one-of-a-kind convertible D90 with a baby-blue hue and a custom teak bed. Each vehicle produced by E.C.D. is fully bespoke, a one-off that is fully designed by the client and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified A.S.E. craftsmen.

Project Kutter may look baby blue in hue, but the soft-top D90 is actually painted in a Cool Grav Khaki gloss paint with all-silver accents. Powered by a 6.2L V8, Project Kutter has a 6-speed automatic transmission, upgraded Ashcroft axles, and an upgraded suspension setup with Performance Bilstein shock absorbers. This D90 rides on 18" Hawke Design in silver wheels with a handmade Badger Coachworks Light Oak canvas top and a convertible style wheel carrier also in silver.

One of Project Kutter’s most stunning features in the Brazilian Teak rear bed. Inside, Project Kutter’s stake bed is complemented with Relicate Mineral Blue leather with custom detailed diagonal weave "Tuxedo" inserts in each of its classic Puma seats and matching door cards. The build has a Nardi Classic steering wheel wrapped in Navy Leather, White Hot Gauges with navy numbers and pointers, navy seatbelts, and Wilton Wool Blue Carpet in its front area. This D90 has its share of modern touches with an Alpine radio, JL Audio speakers, rear ac, built-in wifi, a Ravelco Anti-Theft system, and a battery charger plug-in point at the rear of the vehicle.

By SEMA Editors

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

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

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

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

NHTSA had identified four core ADS functions:

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

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

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

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

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

NHTSA had identified four core ADS functions:

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

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

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

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

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

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

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

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

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

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Champion Oil is expanding its Racing Contingency Program for 2021.

Champion Oil Expands Truck and Tractor Pulling Contingency Program

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

NHRA Announces Complete 2021 National Event Schedule

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

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

View the complete schedule.

New Owners For Crandon International Raceway

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

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

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

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

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

Evergreen Speedway Announces Director Of Business Development

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

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

By John Santos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By John Santos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By John Santos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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