Compiled by SEMA Editors

Fredric Aasbo drove to victory in Canada last weekend. Photo credit: SR by Toyota

Victory for Fredric Aasbo in Canada

Fredric Aasbo topped the podium in Canada last weekend and, with three rounds remaining in the 2016 Formula Drift season, the defending champion is in a close fight for the points lead. Aasbo defeated two-time champion Chris Forsberg for the event win. As the season heads into the home stretch, a battle of champions has emerged at the top of the standings. Defending champ Aasbo is three points behind 2010 title winner Vaughn Gittin Jr. and 27 points ahead of Forsberg. Next, teams travel to Monroe, Washington, August 5–6, for Throwdown at Evergreen Speedway. The championship then travels to Fort Worth, Texas, September 9–10, before wrapping up the year with the California season ender at Irwindale Speedway October 7–8.

VP Racing Fuels Inks Multi-Year Title Partnership With Gateway Dirt Nationals

As part of a multi-year agreement, VP Racing Fuels has acquired title partnership for the largest indoor stock car race in 34 years—the VP Racing Fuels Gateway Dirt Nationals. VP Racing Fuels will also be the official fuel of the Gateway Dirt Nationals and the exclusive trackside fuel service provider. In addition to naming rights and exclusive trackside fuel sales, VP will engage in on-site activation promoting its product lines for general consumers.

CJ Greaves leads his father Johnny Greaves in PRO 4WD. Photo credit: TORC Series

A Perfect Weekend for CJ Greaves at ERX Motor Park

CJ Greaves dominated last weekend’s short-course truck racing at ERX Motor Park as TORC: The Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL made its first-ever stop at a new Minneapolis track. Greaves won both PRO 4WD and PRO 2WD last Sunday to make it a weekend sweep in both classes, while the Atturo Tire PRO Light win went to Shawn Morris. And in a first for the TORC Series, Corry Weller and Scott Decker came out on top in the brand-new PRO UTV competition.

Bruce Block received the Carrillo Rod Championship Award.

Bruce Block Wins the Unlimited Heads-Up Class at East Coast Diesel Nationals

Bruce Block took the championship in the Unlimited Heads-Up diesel drag racing class at Numidia Dragway last Saturday. With more than 10 other trucks in the class, these trucks all run 9–10 seconds in the quarter mile. Block in his ’04 Dodge Ram ran three times to get to the top with a final run against Chris Nolt in his ’06 Dodge. During the final run and halfway down the track, Nolt blew his turbo giving the edge and win to Block.

Toyo Tires Unleashes “The Ferret” With Off-Road Champion BJ Baldwin Behind the Wheel

Toyo Tires has unleashed “The Ferret” with off-road champion BJ Baldwin behind the wheel. This video features Baldwin taking the highly modified Ferret through forests, deserts and water as well as across seemingly impossible obstacles. The Ferret was constructed using a ’59 British Ferret 4x4 military scout vehicle as a platform. Heavily modified from its original design by Action Vehicle Engineering, it has six Toyo Open Country tires mounted on custom wheels, two of which are powered by hydraulic motors operated from inside. Its modified suspension with King Shocks allows The Ferret to travel rough terrain. To give it a boost in horsepower, American muscle was added by installing a Chevrolet LS engine in the rear. Atop The Ferret is a custom-built launcher with a grappling hook that is attached to a winch cable.

Champion Oil to Sponsor New York to Paris Racing Team

Champion Brands LLC has announced the sponsorship of the ’29 Model A Speedster, owned by Jack Crabtree of Gosse Creek, South Carolina, in the 110th Anniversary running of the 1908 Great Auto Race from New York to Paris. Crabtree will begin an 85-day journey starting in June 2018 from Times Square heading west to San Francisco. The vehicles will board a ship bound for Yokohama, Japan, then enter the continent of Asia at the port of Vladivostok, Russia. Paralleling the Trans-Siberian Railroad, the Champion’s Model A Speedster will head for Moscow, on to Berlin and finish at the Eiffel Tower in October 2018.

Is this another final special-edition Dodge Viper?

This particular prototype was caught running outside of a Roush test facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and didn't want to hold still for the camera. In fact, there was no catching this V10 monster after the camera was spotted.

Dodge has released a number of Viper ACR special editors to commemorate the Viper’s last year of production, and this appears to feature a matte black and stripes color scheme, different than other editions currently planned. Performance upgrades aren’t expected, however.

Dodge is piling on the special Viper editions this year and will likely continue to do so as production comes to a close.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

View our previous Spy Shots:

• 2018 RAM 4500 HD
• 2017 F-150 Diesel “Lion” 3.0L V6
• 2018 Jeep Wrangler Confirms 6-Speed Manual

Is this another final special-edition Dodge Viper?

This particular prototype was caught running outside of a Roush test facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and didn't want to hold still for the camera. In fact, there was no catching this V10 monster after the camera was spotted.

Dodge has released a number of Viper ACR special editors to commemorate the Viper’s last year of production, and this appears to feature a matte black and stripes color scheme, different than other editions currently planned. Performance upgrades aren’t expected, however.

Dodge is piling on the special Viper editions this year and will likely continue to do so as production comes to a close.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

View our previous Spy Shots:

• 2018 RAM 4500 HD
• 2017 F-150 Diesel “Lion” 3.0L V6
• 2018 Jeep Wrangler Confirms 6-Speed Manual

Is this another final special-edition Dodge Viper?

This particular prototype was caught running outside of a Roush test facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and didn't want to hold still for the camera. In fact, there was no catching this V10 monster after the camera was spotted.

Dodge has released a number of Viper ACR special editors to commemorate the Viper’s last year of production, and this appears to feature a matte black and stripes color scheme, different than other editions currently planned. Performance upgrades aren’t expected, however.

Dodge is piling on the special Viper editions this year and will likely continue to do so as production comes to a close.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

View our previous Spy Shots:

• 2018 RAM 4500 HD
• 2017 F-150 Diesel “Lion” 3.0L V6
• 2018 Jeep Wrangler Confirms 6-Speed Manual

Is this another final special-edition Dodge Viper?

This particular prototype was caught running outside of a Roush test facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and didn't want to hold still for the camera. In fact, there was no catching this V10 monster after the camera was spotted.

Dodge has released a number of Viper ACR special editors to commemorate the Viper’s last year of production, and this appears to feature a matte black and stripes color scheme, different than other editions currently planned. Performance upgrades aren’t expected, however.

Dodge is piling on the special Viper editions this year and will likely continue to do so as production comes to a close.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

View our previous Spy Shots:

• 2018 RAM 4500 HD
• 2017 F-150 Diesel “Lion” 3.0L V6
• 2018 Jeep Wrangler Confirms 6-Speed Manual

Is this another final special-edition Dodge Viper?

This particular prototype was caught running outside of a Roush test facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and didn't want to hold still for the camera. In fact, there was no catching this V10 monster after the camera was spotted.

Dodge has released a number of Viper ACR special editors to commemorate the Viper’s last year of production, and this appears to feature a matte black and stripes color scheme, different than other editions currently planned. Performance upgrades aren’t expected, however.

Dodge is piling on the special Viper editions this year and will likely continue to do so as production comes to a close.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

View our previous Spy Shots:

• 2018 RAM 4500 HD
• 2017 F-150 Diesel “Lion” 3.0L V6
• 2018 Jeep Wrangler Confirms 6-Speed Manual

Is this another final special-edition Dodge Viper?

This particular prototype was caught running outside of a Roush test facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and didn't want to hold still for the camera. In fact, there was no catching this V10 monster after the camera was spotted.

Dodge has released a number of Viper ACR special editors to commemorate the Viper’s last year of production, and this appears to feature a matte black and stripes color scheme, different than other editions currently planned. Performance upgrades aren’t expected, however.

Dodge is piling on the special Viper editions this year and will likely continue to do so as production comes to a close.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

View our previous Spy Shots:

• 2018 RAM 4500 HD
• 2017 F-150 Diesel “Lion” 3.0L V6
• 2018 Jeep Wrangler Confirms 6-Speed Manual

Is this another final special-edition Dodge Viper?

This particular prototype was caught running outside of a Roush test facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and didn't want to hold still for the camera. In fact, there was no catching this V10 monster after the camera was spotted.

Dodge has released a number of Viper ACR special editors to commemorate the Viper’s last year of production, and this appears to feature a matte black and stripes color scheme, different than other editions currently planned. Performance upgrades aren’t expected, however.

Dodge is piling on the special Viper editions this year and will likely continue to do so as production comes to a close.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

View our previous Spy Shots:

• 2018 RAM 4500 HD
• 2017 F-150 Diesel “Lion” 3.0L V6
• 2018 Jeep Wrangler Confirms 6-Speed Manual

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there’s a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit YEN's website

SEMA Launch Pad Voting Now Live

From nearly 80 competitors, the top 13 young automotive entrepreneurs have been named in the fourth annual SEMA Launch Pad Presented by YEN competition. Representing new, innovative products and services in the specialty automotive aftermarket, these next-gen automotive leaders are looking for their big break to launch their businesses to the next level. Watch their short business pitches on YEN’s Facebook page and vote today!

Your vote will decide the 10 competitors who will pitch their business to a celebrity judging panel at the SEMA Show, including automotive industry juggernauts Jim Cozzie, Ron Coleman, Jessi Combs, Brian Rowland and Dave Ziozios.

Voting ends September 1, with the live on-stage competition occurring November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in the SEMA Show Super Session Room N258 (second floor, North Hall).

Top 13 SEMA Launch Pad Competitors – Vote Now!

Aaron Aldrich, owner, Any Level Lift
Product: Any Level Lift

Richard Baverstock, founder/CEO, Mogol Inc.
Product: Glide

Matt Corish, co-founder, V12LS.com
Product: V12 LS Engine

Steed Dolan, owner, Steeds Tech
Product: Banshee Controller

John Paul Gusewelle, COO, Metal Conditioner Squared LLC
Product: MC2/Metal Container Squared

Justin Hartenstein, president/founder, ORACLE Lighting
Product: Jeep Wrangler LED Integrated Side Mirrors

Amanda Holbert, president, Plasma Glide LLC
Product: PlasmaGlide

Bryce Hudson, owner, Grip Clean
Product: All Natural Industrial Hand Soap

Wesley Jurica, co-owner, Gigabit Games LLC
Product: CrawlrCam

Xavier Miller, owner/founder, Spultronix LLC
Product: Motorsports Electronics

Kevin Patrick, president, Exomotive LLC
Product: Exocet

Sarah Powell, COO, Turnberry Innovations
Product: CorBox and GapSaver

Irina Slavina, Co-founder/General Counsel, Hudway LLC
Product: HUDWAY Glass

Back to Top

Visit HRIA's website

HRIA General Membership Meeting

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host a general membership meeting at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals on August 3, one day before the event opens. General membership meetings are a great opportunity to learn more about the council and the resources available exclusively to HRIA members. Attendees will hear the latest updates from the select committee and enjoy an open discussion on the hot-rod industry.

With the SEMA Show just around the corner, the select committee will announce opportunities to volunteer at the Show and other ways to become more involved in council activities. Enjoy refreshments while connecting with hot-rod professionals.

The meeting will take place Wednesday, August 3, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. in the Saddle and Sirloin Club, Freedom Hall.

Register here!

HRIA Education Day Moves to NSRA Nationals

HRIA is moving its Education Day sessions to the NSRA Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Twelve manufacturers will give one-hour presentations on their product lines, and present tips and tricks for restoration projects. The Education Day will take place Thursday, August 4, with sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m., and the last session concluding at 4:15 p.m. (There will be two simultaneous presentations per hour.) The sessions will be classroom style, with some manufacturers hosting panel discussions, and others sticking to a traditional presentation format. These valuable sessions are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees.

This is a popular event, and seats are limited. Reserve your spot today for the sessions that most interest you.

HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge

If you are attending the NSRA Nationals, you don’t want to miss the HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge, taking place Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6, on the show floor. The annual HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge is an opportunity to showcase the skills of nationally known hot-rod builders while raising money for SEMA Cares charities benefiting Childhelp and Victory Junction facilities.

Cheer on the builders as they race their one-of-a-kind, small-scale pinewood cars for recognition and a good cause. After the races, the pinewoods will be displayed in the HRIA booth and then auctioned off during the HRIA Industry Awards Reception at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

If you have questions regarding any of these events, contact SEMA Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

 Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there’s a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit YEN's website

SEMA Launch Pad Voting Now Live

From nearly 80 competitors, the top 13 young automotive entrepreneurs have been named in the fourth annual SEMA Launch Pad Presented by YEN competition. Representing new, innovative products and services in the specialty automotive aftermarket, these next-gen automotive leaders are looking for their big break to launch their businesses to the next level. Watch their short business pitches on YEN’s Facebook page and vote today!

Your vote will decide the 10 competitors who will pitch their business to a celebrity judging panel at the SEMA Show, including automotive industry juggernauts Jim Cozzie, Ron Coleman, Jessi Combs, Brian Rowland and Dave Ziozios.

Voting ends September 1, with the live on-stage competition occurring November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in the SEMA Show Super Session Room N258 (second floor, North Hall).

Top 13 SEMA Launch Pad Competitors – Vote Now!

Aaron Aldrich, owner, Any Level Lift
Product: Any Level Lift

Richard Baverstock, founder/CEO, Mogol Inc.
Product: Glide

Matt Corish, co-founder, V12LS.com
Product: V12 LS Engine

Steed Dolan, owner, Steeds Tech
Product: Banshee Controller

John Paul Gusewelle, COO, Metal Conditioner Squared LLC
Product: MC2/Metal Container Squared

Justin Hartenstein, president/founder, ORACLE Lighting
Product: Jeep Wrangler LED Integrated Side Mirrors

Amanda Holbert, president, Plasma Glide LLC
Product: PlasmaGlide

Bryce Hudson, owner, Grip Clean
Product: All Natural Industrial Hand Soap

Wesley Jurica, co-owner, Gigabit Games LLC
Product: CrawlrCam

Xavier Miller, owner/founder, Spultronix LLC
Product: Motorsports Electronics

Kevin Patrick, president, Exomotive LLC
Product: Exocet

Sarah Powell, COO, Turnberry Innovations
Product: CorBox and GapSaver

Irina Slavina, Co-founder/General Counsel, Hudway LLC
Product: HUDWAY Glass

Back to Top

Visit HRIA's website

HRIA General Membership Meeting

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host a general membership meeting at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals on August 3, one day before the event opens. General membership meetings are a great opportunity to learn more about the council and the resources available exclusively to HRIA members. Attendees will hear the latest updates from the select committee and enjoy an open discussion on the hot-rod industry.

With the SEMA Show just around the corner, the select committee will announce opportunities to volunteer at the Show and other ways to become more involved in council activities. Enjoy refreshments while connecting with hot-rod professionals.

The meeting will take place Wednesday, August 3, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. in the Saddle and Sirloin Club, Freedom Hall.

Register here!

HRIA Education Day Moves to NSRA Nationals

HRIA is moving its Education Day sessions to the NSRA Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Twelve manufacturers will give one-hour presentations on their product lines, and present tips and tricks for restoration projects. The Education Day will take place Thursday, August 4, with sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m., and the last session concluding at 4:15 p.m. (There will be two simultaneous presentations per hour.) The sessions will be classroom style, with some manufacturers hosting panel discussions, and others sticking to a traditional presentation format. These valuable sessions are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees.

This is a popular event, and seats are limited. Reserve your spot today for the sessions that most interest you.

HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge

If you are attending the NSRA Nationals, you don’t want to miss the HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge, taking place Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6, on the show floor. The annual HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge is an opportunity to showcase the skills of nationally known hot-rod builders while raising money for SEMA Cares charities benefiting Childhelp and Victory Junction facilities.

Cheer on the builders as they race their one-of-a-kind, small-scale pinewood cars for recognition and a good cause. After the races, the pinewoods will be displayed in the HRIA booth and then auctioned off during the HRIA Industry Awards Reception at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

If you have questions regarding any of these events, contact SEMA Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

 Back to Top