Compiled by SEMA Editors

John Urist’s brand-new ’16 Mustang will sport unique Turn 14 Distribution livery, and underhood, will feature an all-new turbocharged 5.0L Coyote engine.

Turn 14 Distribution Announces Sponsorship of Multi-Time NMRA Champion John Urist

Turn 14 Distribution has entered into a title sponsorship with John Urist for the 2016 NMRA Street Outlaw season. Urist is in the process of putting the finishing touches on a brand-new ’16 Mustang currently under construction. The car will sport unique Turn 14 Distribution livery, and underhood, will feature an all-new turbocharged 5.0L Coyote engine. The six-race NMRA season kicks off at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida, March 3-6, and concludes September 29–October 2 at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Formula DRIFT Extends Partnership With Road Atlanta Into 2018

Formula DRIFT presented by BlackVue has renewed their partnership with Road Atlanta for three years extending into 2018. The inaugural Formula DRIFT event was held at Road Atlanta in 2004 and will now be one of the longest relationships for the series. Formula DRIFT held the first event in Road Atlanta back in 2004, and 2016 will mark the 13th consecutive season for the series and the venue. Formula DRIFT returns to Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, May 6–7, 2016, for Round 2. The 2016 Formula DRIFT Championship begins April 9–10 in Long Beach, California.

Wilwood Disc Brakes Returns as Trans Am TA2 Class Rookie Sponsor; Adds TA4 Class

Wilwood will return to the Trans Am Series in 2016 as the official Rookie of the Race and Rookie of the Year sponsor in the TA2 Class and new TA4 Class. Both the Trans Am TA2 and TA4 Classes will race the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. The TA2 Class platform includes high-performance, purpose-built race cars while the new TA4 Class is dedicated to year-specific production-based models. Within both the TA2 and TA4 classes, Wilwood will provide a $500 product certificate to the highest-finishing eligible rookie after each race. At the completion of the season, the Rookie of the Year from each class will receive a complete brake kit. To be eligible, rookies must display the Wilwood contingency decal on their race car prior to participating in official on-track race activities.

The 22nd Annual Nitto Tire Spring Break Shootout will kick off the 2016 NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals season at Bradenton Motorsports Park, March 3–6.

22nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords

The 22nd Annual Nitto Tire Spring Break Shootout will kick off the 2016 NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals season at Bradenton Motorsports Park, March 3–6. Specialty events will include the Watson Racing Cobra Jet Shootout with some of the country's best Ford Cobra Jet drivers piloting their factory rides, the VMP Performance Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout and the Fluid Turbo Concepts Turbo Coyote Shootout.

Champion Racing Oil Teams up with MB Motorsports in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series; Sponsors All Stars for Autism Professional Road Rally

Champion has announced a product support partnership with Missouri-based MB Motorsports that runs the full 2016 schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Champion has also announced the associate sponsorship of the 11th Annual “All Stars for Autism” Road Rally presented by Hemmings Motor News, May 5–8, 2016. The rally event this year, as part of its competitive driving course, will make a lunch pit-stop at Champion headquarters during their 60th Anniversary celebration May 6.

Fernando Alonso Announced as Official Ambassador for the 2016 Grand Prix of Europe

Baku City Circuit (BCC) has announced two-time Formula 1 world champion and current McLaren-Honda driver Fernando Alonso as the official ambassador for the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe. Alonso counts as one of the most successful and popular drivers in F1’s history, with two world titles, 32 Grand Prix victories and 97 podium finishes to his name. As part of his role, Alonso will visit Baku for two days, March 8–9. In doing so, he becomes the first F1 driver to visit Baku, where he will observe the progress being made on the city’s streets as the Baku City Circuit nears completion. During his visit he will be able to see first-hand some of the many challenges that await his McLaren this summer, including the sequence of narrow, uphill, winding turns along Baku’s Old Town walls and the main straight where cars are estimated to hit speeds of up to 340 km/h.

14th Annual Ross Racing Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem to Launch This Weekend

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, presented by E3 Spark Plugs, will begin a new season next weekend as musclecar racers from across the country head to Bradenton Motorsports Park for the 14th Annual Ross Racing Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem. The event will feature six small-tire classes, the all-new Xtreme Pro Mod class, Outlaw 632 and more. VP Racing Fuels Xtreme Pro Mod allows for competition among boosted and nitrous-assisted cars as the race length has now been shortened to the eighth-mile. The Holley EFI Factory Super Cars class, which will make its debut in Bradenton, brings together late-model muscle from Chevy, Ford and Mopar.

Irwindale Event Center and Lucas Oil Products have renewed and expanded their promotional partnership for the 2016 season on the facility's NHRA dragstrip.

Lucas Oil Products, MAVTV, New LucasOilRacing.TV Back as Irwindale Event Center 2016 Season Sponsors

Irwindale Event Center and Lucas Oil Products have announced the renewal and expansion of their long-standing promotional partnership for the 2016 season on both the facility's NHRA dragstrip and its NASCAR Oval. In addition to the promotion of Lucas Oil Products and Lucas-owned MAVTV, both of which have had significant exposure at Irwindale over the years, this season Lucas’ new app named “LucasOilRacing.TV” will join the other Lucas interests in making motorsport more accessible to millions. Programming will include live racing, expanded pre- and post-race action, behind-the-scenes content, unseen interviews, automobile build shows and an extensive library of motorsports content and racing from around the globe.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Returns as Official NMRA Series Sponsor

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels returns to the NMRA racing scene this season as an official series sponsor for all national NMRA events. The company will provide contingency awards in all Pro and Sportsman classes, as well as special-event classes. The NMRA launches its 2016 season at Bradenton Motorsports Park, March 3–6, with the 22nd Annual Spring Break Shootout.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

John Urist’s brand-new ’16 Mustang will sport unique Turn 14 Distribution livery, and underhood, will feature an all-new turbocharged 5.0L Coyote engine.

Turn 14 Distribution Announces Sponsorship of Multi-Time NMRA Champion John Urist

Turn 14 Distribution has entered into a title sponsorship with John Urist for the 2016 NMRA Street Outlaw season. Urist is in the process of putting the finishing touches on a brand-new ’16 Mustang currently under construction. The car will sport unique Turn 14 Distribution livery, and underhood, will feature an all-new turbocharged 5.0L Coyote engine. The six-race NMRA season kicks off at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida, March 3-6, and concludes September 29–October 2 at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Formula DRIFT Extends Partnership With Road Atlanta Into 2018

Formula DRIFT presented by BlackVue has renewed their partnership with Road Atlanta for three years extending into 2018. The inaugural Formula DRIFT event was held at Road Atlanta in 2004 and will now be one of the longest relationships for the series. Formula DRIFT held the first event in Road Atlanta back in 2004, and 2016 will mark the 13th consecutive season for the series and the venue. Formula DRIFT returns to Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, May 6–7, 2016, for Round 2. The 2016 Formula DRIFT Championship begins April 9–10 in Long Beach, California.

Wilwood Disc Brakes Returns as Trans Am TA2 Class Rookie Sponsor; Adds TA4 Class

Wilwood will return to the Trans Am Series in 2016 as the official Rookie of the Race and Rookie of the Year sponsor in the TA2 Class and new TA4 Class. Both the Trans Am TA2 and TA4 Classes will race the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. The TA2 Class platform includes high-performance, purpose-built race cars while the new TA4 Class is dedicated to year-specific production-based models. Within both the TA2 and TA4 classes, Wilwood will provide a $500 product certificate to the highest-finishing eligible rookie after each race. At the completion of the season, the Rookie of the Year from each class will receive a complete brake kit. To be eligible, rookies must display the Wilwood contingency decal on their race car prior to participating in official on-track race activities.

The 22nd Annual Nitto Tire Spring Break Shootout will kick off the 2016 NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals season at Bradenton Motorsports Park, March 3–6.

22nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords

The 22nd Annual Nitto Tire Spring Break Shootout will kick off the 2016 NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals season at Bradenton Motorsports Park, March 3–6. Specialty events will include the Watson Racing Cobra Jet Shootout with some of the country's best Ford Cobra Jet drivers piloting their factory rides, the VMP Performance Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout and the Fluid Turbo Concepts Turbo Coyote Shootout.

Champion Racing Oil Teams up with MB Motorsports in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series; Sponsors All Stars for Autism Professional Road Rally

Champion has announced a product support partnership with Missouri-based MB Motorsports that runs the full 2016 schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Champion has also announced the associate sponsorship of the 11th Annual “All Stars for Autism” Road Rally presented by Hemmings Motor News, May 5–8, 2016. The rally event this year, as part of its competitive driving course, will make a lunch pit-stop at Champion headquarters during their 60th Anniversary celebration May 6.

Fernando Alonso Announced as Official Ambassador for the 2016 Grand Prix of Europe

Baku City Circuit (BCC) has announced two-time Formula 1 world champion and current McLaren-Honda driver Fernando Alonso as the official ambassador for the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe. Alonso counts as one of the most successful and popular drivers in F1’s history, with two world titles, 32 Grand Prix victories and 97 podium finishes to his name. As part of his role, Alonso will visit Baku for two days, March 8–9. In doing so, he becomes the first F1 driver to visit Baku, where he will observe the progress being made on the city’s streets as the Baku City Circuit nears completion. During his visit he will be able to see first-hand some of the many challenges that await his McLaren this summer, including the sequence of narrow, uphill, winding turns along Baku’s Old Town walls and the main straight where cars are estimated to hit speeds of up to 340 km/h.

14th Annual Ross Racing Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem to Launch This Weekend

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, presented by E3 Spark Plugs, will begin a new season next weekend as musclecar racers from across the country head to Bradenton Motorsports Park for the 14th Annual Ross Racing Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem. The event will feature six small-tire classes, the all-new Xtreme Pro Mod class, Outlaw 632 and more. VP Racing Fuels Xtreme Pro Mod allows for competition among boosted and nitrous-assisted cars as the race length has now been shortened to the eighth-mile. The Holley EFI Factory Super Cars class, which will make its debut in Bradenton, brings together late-model muscle from Chevy, Ford and Mopar.

Irwindale Event Center and Lucas Oil Products have renewed and expanded their promotional partnership for the 2016 season on the facility's NHRA dragstrip.

Lucas Oil Products, MAVTV, New LucasOilRacing.TV Back as Irwindale Event Center 2016 Season Sponsors

Irwindale Event Center and Lucas Oil Products have announced the renewal and expansion of their long-standing promotional partnership for the 2016 season on both the facility's NHRA dragstrip and its NASCAR Oval. In addition to the promotion of Lucas Oil Products and Lucas-owned MAVTV, both of which have had significant exposure at Irwindale over the years, this season Lucas’ new app named “LucasOilRacing.TV” will join the other Lucas interests in making motorsport more accessible to millions. Programming will include live racing, expanded pre- and post-race action, behind-the-scenes content, unseen interviews, automobile build shows and an extensive library of motorsports content and racing from around the globe.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Returns as Official NMRA Series Sponsor

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels returns to the NMRA racing scene this season as an official series sponsor for all national NMRA events. The company will provide contingency awards in all Pro and Sportsman classes, as well as special-event classes. The NMRA launches its 2016 season at Bradenton Motorsports Park, March 3–6, with the 22nd Annual Spring Break Shootout.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

By SEMA Editors

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Nominations are now being accepted for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Are you facing a business challenge that is bigger than your own company? See an opportunity for change and growth in the market? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? If so, it may be time for you to volunteer and make your voice heard.

The elected select committee of each council and network serves as the volunteer leadership for the group. Because these elected volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change, they are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. Currently, there are 10 council and network groups within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee today by using the quick and easy online nomination form. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), March 21, 2016. The select committee elections will take place in May.

For more information about SEMA's councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Katie Carson.

By SEMA Editors

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Nominations are now being accepted for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Are you facing a business challenge that is bigger than your own company? See an opportunity for change and growth in the market? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? If so, it may be time for you to volunteer and make your voice heard.

The elected select committee of each council and network serves as the volunteer leadership for the group. Because these elected volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change, they are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. Currently, there are 10 council and network groups within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee today by using the quick and easy online nomination form. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), March 21, 2016. The select committee elections will take place in May.

For more information about SEMA's councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Katie Carson.

By SEMA Editors

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Nominations are now being accepted for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Are you facing a business challenge that is bigger than your own company? See an opportunity for change and growth in the market? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? If so, it may be time for you to volunteer and make your voice heard.

The elected select committee of each council and network serves as the volunteer leadership for the group. Because these elected volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change, they are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. Currently, there are 10 council and network groups within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee today by using the quick and easy online nomination form. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), March 21, 2016. The select committee elections will take place in May.

For more information about SEMA's councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Katie Carson.

By AJ Carney

Have you registered yet? SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Miami where members and prospective members will gather at National Performance Warehouse, Wednesday, March 9, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with other automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with other automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

Have you registered yet? SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Miami where members and prospective members will gather at National Performance Warehouse, Wednesday, March 9, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with other automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with other automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

Past SEMA Hall of Fame inductees gathered at the 2015 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

Submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame nomination by March 11. The SEMA Hall of Fame Award has been established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of and significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.