Compiled by SEMA Editors

Scott Dixon took control of the Honda Indy Toronto on Lap 33 of the 85-lap contest, and went on to score his third victory of 2018.

Dixon, Honda Win in Toronto

Scott Dixon took control of the Honda Indy Toronto on Lap 33 of the 85-lap contest, and went on to score his third victory of 2018 and take a 62-point lead in the fight for the title. Dixon’s 44th career win, behind only IndyCar legends A.J. Foyt (67) and Mario Andretti (52), gives him 464 points after 12 of 17 races. Josef Newgarden, who finished ninth, is second in the standings with 402 points. Honda’s seventh win of the season gives it an unofficial 135-point lead (1,017–882) over rival Chevrolet in the chase for the Manufacturers' Championship. The Verizon IndyCar Series now takes a week off before the July 29 Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

MSR Commits To IMSA WeatherTech Championship

Meyer Shank Racing will field the No. 86 Acura NSX GT3 for the rest of the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship after originally planning to only contest in the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup (TPNAEC). After opening the season with a TPNAEC win at Daytona, scoring a class win at the Detroit Grand Prix for the second year running with a demonstrative 1-2 team finish, and then racing to another TPNAEC round win at Watkins Glen, the No. 86 Acura NSX GT3 currently holds second in the IMSA GTD class championship. Meyer Shank Racing will now compete with two full season entries for the remainder of the season as the No. 86 Acura NSX GT3 joins the No. 93 Acura NSX GT3 entry at Lime Rock Park, Road America, VIR, Laguna Seca and Road Atlanta. Mike Shank, who recently concluded an agreement that saw the team take on a new name and co-owner with Jim Meyer, has made the commitment to race all the way to the end of the season.

MBVDirt is a brand-new social media campaign that will ultimately end with one driver earning a seat in the MBVDirt Midget for the 2019 Chili Bowl Nationals.

Mt Baker Vapor Delivers Chili Bowl Opportunity

Mt Baker Vapor and Landon Simon Racing have officially launched MBVDirt—a brand-new social media campaign that will ultimately end with one driver earning a seat in the MBVDirt Midget for the 2019 Chili Bowl Nationals. To sign up, visit www.MBVDirt.com and register as either a driver or fan. Drivers will receive a packet in the mail with a 10-in. MBVDirt decal and a short list of requirements to remain eligible throughout the remainder of the season. The goal of this campaign is to encourage people to stop smoking.

IndyCar to Race at Laguna Seca in 2019

IndyCar and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca have announced that the historic Northern California road course with deep IndyCar roots will return to the schedule in 2019. The three-year agreement, approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors overseeing the operation of the facility, calls for Laguna Seca to be the host site of the final race of the 2019 Verizon IndyCar Series season. Next year’s race weekend will be September 20–22. The remainder of the series schedule will be announced later. Laguna Seca held IndyCar races annually from 1983–2004. The 2.238-mile permanent road course near Monterey, California, was the site of the season finale from 1989–1996.

Wyatt Alexander of Ellsworth, Maine, was the grand-prize winner of Valvoline’s Fast Track to Fame contest.

Valvoline Awards Grassroots Racer $50,000 to Pursue Racing Career

Valvoline Inc. has announced Wyatt Alexander of Ellsworth, Maine, as the grand-prize winner of its Fast Track to Fame contest. The program, which was launched nationwide in February in support of grassroots racing, invited amateur racers of all backgrounds and experience levels to participate. The contest operated in two rounds, with the second round controlled exclusively by public voting. Valvoline received more than 800 driver entries and thousands of user votes throughout the program. Alexander is a third-generation mechanic and racecar driver with aspirations of racing professionally. In the meantime, the 18-year-old is enrolled full-time at UNC Charlotte studying mechanical engineering while he works part-time for two race teams.

(L–R): Wade Robinson, managing director, Axalta Racing Americas; Don Smolenski, president, Philadelphia Eagles; Joe McDougall, EVP and president global refinish and EMEA, Axalta; Ben May, president, Pocono Raceway.

Axalta Unveils New Paint Scheme on No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Axalta and the Philadelphia Eagles have unveiled a new paint scheme for the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 race car, celebrating the world champion Philadelphia Eagles on the field and STEM educators in the classroom. Since 2015, the Philadelphia Eagles and Axalta have teamed up on the Axalta All-Pro Teachers program, celebrating outstanding sixth through 12th grade teachers who focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Axalta All-Pro Teacher program recognizes exceptional STEM teachers for their contributions to their students, school and community, and names 10 teachers each year who receive community recognition, continuing education opportunities and financial contributions to their school programs. The No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, driven by Alex Bowman, will race  July 29 at the Gander Outdoors 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway.

Subaru Confirms Entries in the 2018 Nitro World Games’ Inaugural Rallycross.

Subaru Confirms Entries in the 2018 Nitro World Games’ Inaugural Rallycross

Subaru of America Inc. has confirmed a three-car entry in the first Nitro Rallycross (NRX) at the upcoming Nitro World Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. Team drivers Travis Pastrana, Chris Atkinson and Patrik Sandell will pilot identically prepared ’18 Subaru WRX STI Rallycross supercars developed by technical partner Vermont SportsCar. The third annual Nitro World Games takes place September 22–23, and will introduce Nitro Rallycross to its existing lineup of action sports events. The Nitro Rallycross will air on Motor Trend Network.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Scott Dixon took control of the Honda Indy Toronto on Lap 33 of the 85-lap contest, and went on to score his third victory of 2018.

Dixon, Honda Win in Toronto

Scott Dixon took control of the Honda Indy Toronto on Lap 33 of the 85-lap contest, and went on to score his third victory of 2018 and take a 62-point lead in the fight for the title. Dixon’s 44th career win, behind only IndyCar legends A.J. Foyt (67) and Mario Andretti (52), gives him 464 points after 12 of 17 races. Josef Newgarden, who finished ninth, is second in the standings with 402 points. Honda’s seventh win of the season gives it an unofficial 135-point lead (1,017–882) over rival Chevrolet in the chase for the Manufacturers' Championship. The Verizon IndyCar Series now takes a week off before the July 29 Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

MSR Commits To IMSA WeatherTech Championship

Meyer Shank Racing will field the No. 86 Acura NSX GT3 for the rest of the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship after originally planning to only contest in the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup (TPNAEC). After opening the season with a TPNAEC win at Daytona, scoring a class win at the Detroit Grand Prix for the second year running with a demonstrative 1-2 team finish, and then racing to another TPNAEC round win at Watkins Glen, the No. 86 Acura NSX GT3 currently holds second in the IMSA GTD class championship. Meyer Shank Racing will now compete with two full season entries for the remainder of the season as the No. 86 Acura NSX GT3 joins the No. 93 Acura NSX GT3 entry at Lime Rock Park, Road America, VIR, Laguna Seca and Road Atlanta. Mike Shank, who recently concluded an agreement that saw the team take on a new name and co-owner with Jim Meyer, has made the commitment to race all the way to the end of the season.

MBVDirt is a brand-new social media campaign that will ultimately end with one driver earning a seat in the MBVDirt Midget for the 2019 Chili Bowl Nationals.

Mt Baker Vapor Delivers Chili Bowl Opportunity

Mt Baker Vapor and Landon Simon Racing have officially launched MBVDirt—a brand-new social media campaign that will ultimately end with one driver earning a seat in the MBVDirt Midget for the 2019 Chili Bowl Nationals. To sign up, visit www.MBVDirt.com and register as either a driver or fan. Drivers will receive a packet in the mail with a 10-in. MBVDirt decal and a short list of requirements to remain eligible throughout the remainder of the season. The goal of this campaign is to encourage people to stop smoking.

IndyCar to Race at Laguna Seca in 2019

IndyCar and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca have announced that the historic Northern California road course with deep IndyCar roots will return to the schedule in 2019. The three-year agreement, approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors overseeing the operation of the facility, calls for Laguna Seca to be the host site of the final race of the 2019 Verizon IndyCar Series season. Next year’s race weekend will be September 20–22. The remainder of the series schedule will be announced later. Laguna Seca held IndyCar races annually from 1983–2004. The 2.238-mile permanent road course near Monterey, California, was the site of the season finale from 1989–1996.

Wyatt Alexander of Ellsworth, Maine, was the grand-prize winner of Valvoline’s Fast Track to Fame contest.

Valvoline Awards Grassroots Racer $50,000 to Pursue Racing Career

Valvoline Inc. has announced Wyatt Alexander of Ellsworth, Maine, as the grand-prize winner of its Fast Track to Fame contest. The program, which was launched nationwide in February in support of grassroots racing, invited amateur racers of all backgrounds and experience levels to participate. The contest operated in two rounds, with the second round controlled exclusively by public voting. Valvoline received more than 800 driver entries and thousands of user votes throughout the program. Alexander is a third-generation mechanic and racecar driver with aspirations of racing professionally. In the meantime, the 18-year-old is enrolled full-time at UNC Charlotte studying mechanical engineering while he works part-time for two race teams.

(L–R): Wade Robinson, managing director, Axalta Racing Americas; Don Smolenski, president, Philadelphia Eagles; Joe McDougall, EVP and president global refinish and EMEA, Axalta; Ben May, president, Pocono Raceway.

Axalta Unveils New Paint Scheme on No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Axalta and the Philadelphia Eagles have unveiled a new paint scheme for the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 race car, celebrating the world champion Philadelphia Eagles on the field and STEM educators in the classroom. Since 2015, the Philadelphia Eagles and Axalta have teamed up on the Axalta All-Pro Teachers program, celebrating outstanding sixth through 12th grade teachers who focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Axalta All-Pro Teacher program recognizes exceptional STEM teachers for their contributions to their students, school and community, and names 10 teachers each year who receive community recognition, continuing education opportunities and financial contributions to their school programs. The No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, driven by Alex Bowman, will race  July 29 at the Gander Outdoors 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway.

Subaru Confirms Entries in the 2018 Nitro World Games’ Inaugural Rallycross.

Subaru Confirms Entries in the 2018 Nitro World Games’ Inaugural Rallycross

Subaru of America Inc. has confirmed a three-car entry in the first Nitro Rallycross (NRX) at the upcoming Nitro World Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. Team drivers Travis Pastrana, Chris Atkinson and Patrik Sandell will pilot identically prepared ’18 Subaru WRX STI Rallycross supercars developed by technical partner Vermont SportsCar. The third annual Nitro World Games takes place September 22–23, and will introduce Nitro Rallycross to its existing lineup of action sports events. The Nitro Rallycross will air on Motor Trend Network.

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

Matt and Shane Corish talk about their project build and explain their experience with SEMA.

Matt and Shane Corish talk about their project build and explain their experience with SEMA.

By Luis Morales

SEMA Garage engineers have 3D scanned the Dynacorn ’67 Ford Mustang Fastback and ’69 Chevy Camaro and uploaded the files to the Tech Transfer 3D scan repository.

For the first time, the SEMA Garage has expanded its Tech Transfer program to include an aftermarket product manufacturer. Dynacorn International LLC, manufacturer of replacement body shells, has made two of its most popular models available through the Tech Transfer program. SEMA Garage engineers have 3D scanned the Dynacorn ’67 Ford Mustang Fastback and ’69 Chevy Camaro and uploaded the files to the Tech Transfer 3D scan repository.

Dynacorn offers musclecar enthusiasts OEM-licensed body shells, which serve as an easy way to restore a classic car or build one from the ground up.

The SEMA Garage Tech Transfer program has been successful in offering OEM CAD data directly from the OEMs to aftermarket manufacturers. The SEMA Garage is now expanding this offering to include data directly from aftermarket suppliers and manufacturers. Data is now available through the Tech Transfer program via the 3D scan repository.

“We are excited to offer CAD data obtained through 3D scanning parts from aftermarket manufacturers,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “This technology will help ensure proper fitment of our members’ parts for vehicle builders.” 

For those who are not current Tech Transfer members but would like more information on how to join, contact techtransfer@sema.org, or visit the SEMA Garage website for additional services and the Dynacorn website for more information on their products.

By Luis Morales

SEMA Garage engineers have 3D scanned the Dynacorn ’67 Ford Mustang Fastback and ’69 Chevy Camaro and uploaded the files to the Tech Transfer 3D scan repository.

For the first time, the SEMA Garage has expanded its Tech Transfer program to include an aftermarket product manufacturer. Dynacorn International LLC, manufacturer of replacement body shells, has made two of its most popular models available through the Tech Transfer program. SEMA Garage engineers have 3D scanned the Dynacorn ’67 Ford Mustang Fastback and ’69 Chevy Camaro and uploaded the files to the Tech Transfer 3D scan repository.

Dynacorn offers musclecar enthusiasts OEM-licensed body shells, which serve as an easy way to restore a classic car or build one from the ground up.

The SEMA Garage Tech Transfer program has been successful in offering OEM CAD data directly from the OEMs to aftermarket manufacturers. The SEMA Garage is now expanding this offering to include data directly from aftermarket suppliers and manufacturers. Data is now available through the Tech Transfer program via the 3D scan repository.

“We are excited to offer CAD data obtained through 3D scanning parts from aftermarket manufacturers,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “This technology will help ensure proper fitment of our members’ parts for vehicle builders.” 

For those who are not current Tech Transfer members but would like more information on how to join, contact techtransfer@sema.org, or visit the SEMA Garage website for additional services and the Dynacorn website for more information on their products.

By Luis Morales

SEMA Garage engineers have 3D scanned the Dynacorn ’67 Ford Mustang Fastback and ’69 Chevy Camaro and uploaded the files to the Tech Transfer 3D scan repository.

For the first time, the SEMA Garage has expanded its Tech Transfer program to include an aftermarket product manufacturer. Dynacorn International LLC, manufacturer of replacement body shells, has made two of its most popular models available through the Tech Transfer program. SEMA Garage engineers have 3D scanned the Dynacorn ’67 Ford Mustang Fastback and ’69 Chevy Camaro and uploaded the files to the Tech Transfer 3D scan repository.

Dynacorn offers musclecar enthusiasts OEM-licensed body shells, which serve as an easy way to restore a classic car or build one from the ground up.

The SEMA Garage Tech Transfer program has been successful in offering OEM CAD data directly from the OEMs to aftermarket manufacturers. The SEMA Garage is now expanding this offering to include data directly from aftermarket suppliers and manufacturers. Data is now available through the Tech Transfer program via the 3D scan repository.

“We are excited to offer CAD data obtained through 3D scanning parts from aftermarket manufacturers,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “This technology will help ensure proper fitment of our members’ parts for vehicle builders.” 

For those who are not current Tech Transfer members but would like more information on how to join, contact techtransfer@sema.org, or visit the SEMA Garage website for additional services and the Dynacorn website for more information on their products.

By Matt Kennedy

After an eighth straight year of post-recession growth, retail spending on specialty-equipment parts reached $43 billion in the United States last year, and is currently projected to keep growing, according to the 2018 SEMA Market Report.

In 2017, American consumers spent more money than ever modifying their vehicles. After an eighth straight year of post-recession growth, retail spending on specialty-equipment parts reached $43 billion in the United States last year, and is currently projected to keep growing. To learn more about the size and shape of the specialty-equipment market, download the just-released 2018 SEMA Market Report.

Highlights from the report include:

• Pickups accounted for 29% of all dollars consumers spent in 2017 on upgrading and modifying their vehicles.
• In-store purchases accounted for roughly two-thirds of all 2017 retail sales dollars.
• 33% of all specialty-equipment consumers were under 30.
• Consumers spent nearly as much buying from specialty automotive retailer websites as they did on in-store purchases.
• 42% of all forced induction products (turbochargers, superchargers, etc.) purchased were DIY installed.

The 2018 SEMA Market Report provides more detail than ever on how the types of products your company sells are bought, obtained and installed. The report also includes information on specialty automotive consumers, key industry and economic trends and insights into the vehicles on the road.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/research and download 2018 SEMA Market Report today. Additional research can also be accessed, including the latest Industry Indicators Report, which analyzes current economic trends and how they relate to the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Have questions or feedback for the SEMA Market Research team? Let us know.

By Matt Kennedy

After an eighth straight year of post-recession growth, retail spending on specialty-equipment parts reached $43 billion in the United States last year, and is currently projected to keep growing, according to the 2018 SEMA Market Report.

In 2017, American consumers spent more money than ever modifying their vehicles. After an eighth straight year of post-recession growth, retail spending on specialty-equipment parts reached $43 billion in the United States last year, and is currently projected to keep growing. To learn more about the size and shape of the specialty-equipment market, download the just-released 2018 SEMA Market Report.

Highlights from the report include:

• Pickups accounted for 29% of all dollars consumers spent in 2017 on upgrading and modifying their vehicles.
• In-store purchases accounted for roughly two-thirds of all 2017 retail sales dollars.
• 33% of all specialty-equipment consumers were under 30.
• Consumers spent nearly as much buying from specialty automotive retailer websites as they did on in-store purchases.
• 42% of all forced induction products (turbochargers, superchargers, etc.) purchased were DIY installed.

The 2018 SEMA Market Report provides more detail than ever on how the types of products your company sells are bought, obtained and installed. The report also includes information on specialty automotive consumers, key industry and economic trends and insights into the vehicles on the road.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/research and download 2018 SEMA Market Report today. Additional research can also be accessed, including the latest Industry Indicators Report, which analyzes current economic trends and how they relate to the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Have questions or feedback for the SEMA Market Research team? Let us know.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

HR 857, the “California Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act,” expands some wilderness designations but prohibits the secretary of the interior from closing any roads or trails that are currently open for motorized recreational access.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed SEMA-supported legislation that would permanently designate six existing OHV areas comprising 300,000 acres in San Bernardino County: Johnson Valley (expanded by 11,000 acres), Spangler Hills, El Mirage, Rasor, Dumont Dunes and Stoddard Valley. HR 857, the “California Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act,” expands some wilderness designations but prohibits the secretary of the interior from closing any roads or trails that are currently open for motorized recreational access. The bill now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. 

SEMA requests your help in asking your U.S. senators to support the bill. For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.