This is the ’17 Fiat 124 Spider, caught while out testing in Metro Detroit.

What was once a Mazda that was going to be an Alfa Romeo is now a Mazda that's going to be called a Fiat. The ’16 MX-5 Miata's platform will serve as the basis for the revival of the 124 Spider name, which was on a wildly popular Fiat roadster in the ’70s. It's also going to give U.S. Fiat dealers some flashy new product.

The 124 Spider will use the Miata's platform and factory, but the Fiat will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four seen in all of the 500 variants and the Dodge Dart. A six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124 (hope it's the traditional torque converter option).

Not much is known about what the car will look like, given that it was originally announced in 2012 as an Alfa Romeo, but Fiat swears they're not slapping a new badge on a Miata body, so expect cues that bring it in line with the 500 family—or even something reminiscent of the old 124 Spider that was styled by Pininfarina.

Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Sales should begin in time for summer 2016.

Photo credit: SpiedBilde, Brian Williams

This is the ’17 Fiat 124 Spider, caught while out testing in Metro Detroit.

What was once a Mazda that was going to be an Alfa Romeo is now a Mazda that's going to be called a Fiat. The ’16 MX-5 Miata's platform will serve as the basis for the revival of the 124 Spider name, which was on a wildly popular Fiat roadster in the ’70s. It's also going to give U.S. Fiat dealers some flashy new product.

The 124 Spider will use the Miata's platform and factory, but the Fiat will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four seen in all of the 500 variants and the Dodge Dart. A six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124 (hope it's the traditional torque converter option).

Not much is known about what the car will look like, given that it was originally announced in 2012 as an Alfa Romeo, but Fiat swears they're not slapping a new badge on a Miata body, so expect cues that bring it in line with the 500 family—or even something reminiscent of the old 124 Spider that was styled by Pininfarina.

Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Sales should begin in time for summer 2016.

Photo credit: SpiedBilde, Brian Williams

This is the ’17 Fiat 124 Spider, caught while out testing in Metro Detroit.

What was once a Mazda that was going to be an Alfa Romeo is now a Mazda that's going to be called a Fiat. The ’16 MX-5 Miata's platform will serve as the basis for the revival of the 124 Spider name, which was on a wildly popular Fiat roadster in the ’70s. It's also going to give U.S. Fiat dealers some flashy new product.

The 124 Spider will use the Miata's platform and factory, but the Fiat will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four seen in all of the 500 variants and the Dodge Dart. A six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124 (hope it's the traditional torque converter option).

Not much is known about what the car will look like, given that it was originally announced in 2012 as an Alfa Romeo, but Fiat swears they're not slapping a new badge on a Miata body, so expect cues that bring it in line with the 500 family—or even something reminiscent of the old 124 Spider that was styled by Pininfarina.

Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Sales should begin in time for summer 2016.

Photo credit: SpiedBilde, Brian Williams

DUB President Myles Kovacs explains how overcoming life’s obstacles helped build the inspiration and vision he has, for business and life, today.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6.

DUB President Myles Kovacs explains how overcoming life’s obstacles helped build the inspiration and vision he has, for business and life, today.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6.

DUB President Myles Kovacs explains how overcoming life’s obstacles helped build the inspiration and vision he has, for business and life, today.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6.

By John Stewart

The theme was gratitude and collaboration at an open-house event showcasing the new headquarters for the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. The event took place Saturday, June 20, and was attended by a broad group of enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students.

The group came together to celebrate the new home for the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts program, which has been developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year automotive program allows students to gain the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry. The curriculum includes skills in basic mechanics, diagnosis and service, auto body, metal fabrication and restoration, and is designed to prepare students for continued study in college or the workplace.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross-section of industry sources, including SEMA and notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation. Galeta “Gigi” Carleton, president of the Petersen Foundation, was on hand to help celebrate naming the new, larger facility, which will be known as Robert E. Petersen Garage, Home of the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts at Fairplex.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of a donation for $10,000 to AXC from SEMA. The $10,000 was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA, which allowed the purchase of a Jeep that was modified and presented at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. AXC students contributed to the build, which took place in the SEMA Garage. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

Also on display was the LA Roadsters 50th Anniversary “Spirit of McGee” roadster, which will be completed through collaboration between industry sponsors and AXC students. Upon completion, the roadster will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson 2016, with proceeds benefiting AXC.

To make a donation, visit www.tlcfairplex.com, click “donate now” and choose “CTEC Auto/AXC.”

Galeta “Gigi” Carleton, president of the Petersen Foundation, was on hand to help celebrate naming the new, larger facility, which will be known as the Robert E. Petersen Garage, Home of the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts at Fairplex. From left to right: Elin Dowd, vice president and executive director at TLC; Alex Xydias; Theresa Contreras, automotive program specialist; Gigi Carleton; Jon Blikenstaff, chair of the AXC Advisory Committee; Don Kendrick, chair of the CTEC Steering Committee.	Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of a donation for $10,000 to AXC from SEMA. Mike Spagnola, (left) SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, (right) SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check to Jon Bilkenstaff of the AXC.
The LA Roadsters 50th Anniversary “Spirit of McGee” roadster will be completed through collaboration between industry sponsors and AXC students. Upon completion, the roadster will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson 2016, with proceeds benefiting AXC.	The new home for the Alex Xydias Center for the Automotive Arts is the Robert E. Petersen Garage at Fairplex in Pomona, California.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Fredric Aasbo battles to a win in New Jersey. (Photo credit: Scion Racing)

Fredric Aasbo Wins Event at Wall Speedway

Rockstar Energy Drink driver Fredric Aasbo won a wet New Jersey event last weekend at Wall Speedway. Even when it's dry, Wall Speedway is a challenging stop on the Formula Drift calendar. Drivers must maintain drift across the bank, straightaway and inside turn of the oval without falling afoul of the grabby guardrails that give "The Gauntlet" its nickname.

Aasbo qualified second and made his way through the early rounds in mixed conditions, advancing past Mats Baribeau, Jhonnattan Castro and Chelsea DeNofa. In the last battle of the day, Aasbo met Irish driver Dean Kearney to take the win. It is his second win in four rounds this year. He dominated the streets of Long Beach in April at the 2015 Formula Drift opener. It is also Aasbo's second straight win at Wall Speedway. He scored his first series victory there last season. As the series rounds the mid-point, Aasbo and the Rockstar Energy Drink/Hankook Tire Scion tC are now third in the championship standings—seven points off the lead.

Aasbo and Papadakis Racing will next appear in the Formula Drift championship for Round 5: Throwdown at Evergreen Speedway near Seattle, July 24–25. For more information, visit www.formuladrift.com.

	Manpower to Horsepower students in Royal Purple apparel stand among Royal Purple-sponsored race cars utilized in the organization’s motorsports career training program. (Photo credit: Manpower to Horsepower)

Royal Purple Salutes Manpower to Horsepower at Marine Corps Air Station Red Bull Global Rallycross Race

Royal Purple is celebrating its partnership with veterans organization, Manpower to Horsepower, in an NBC Sports video feature on July 5 at the Red Bull Global Rallycross Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River race in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Manpower to Horsepower is an organization that seeks to help combat veterans re-acclimate to civilian life by providing specialized training and job placement for careers in motorsports. Filmed on location at the MCAS New River Red Bull Global Rallycross race, Royal Purple will honor Manpower to Horsepower in a three-minute NBC Sports video by offering a behind-the-scenes look at the organization and its efforts to help the men and woman of the U.S. armed forces thrive in civilian life.

Area 51 Motorsports Take the Checkered Flag at ALM Enduro Series at the Autobahn

Despite inclement weather, a large field had assembled for the first enduro of the 2015 season with a wide variety of cars including Radicals, Porsches, BMWs, a Mustang and Spec Miatas. On lap 40, Jamie Gleitsman and Rich Jaeger of Area 51 Motorsports would take over the lead and never look back as they took the checkered flag with more than a one-minute lead on the #50 ALM Positioners Miata of Brett Scroggin and Amy Wittkamper. Doug Grunnet and Tony Kester driving the #55 ALM Positioners Miata took third place. The next round, 5 Hour Into the Night Challenge, will be held September 19.

	The NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing will feature some of the world's fastest American musclecars and trucks with several classes reaching speeds of 250+ mph.

NMRA vs. NMCA at Route 66 Raceway, July 30–August 2

The NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing, sponsored by Nitto Tire, will be held July 30–August 2. It will feature some of the world's fastest American musclecars and trucks with several classes reaching speeds of 250+ mph and engines that are capable of more than 3,000 hp. This is the only event where NMRA racers compete directly with NMCA racers for bragging rights and the Nitto Tire Diamond Tree Super Bowl rings. Presented by Keystone Automotive and Flowmaster, this event includes heads-up drag racing, an all-American car show on both Saturday and Sunday, a giant swap meet, a manufacturers midway, burnout contests, the Aerospace Components Winner's Circle and more.

Whelden Does the Hat Trick in Utah in Touring; Akhromtsev Goes from First to Last to First in GT

Michael Whelden, driving the San Rafael Mitsubishi/Hawk Mitsubishi Lancer, started from pole position in the Touring class and led every lap on his way to victory and set the fastest lap. In the GT class, Daniel Akhromtsev started on pole in his Red Star Racing BMW M3 and scored a victory. Tom Milburn won the Sportsman category in his Bay Area Drafting Acura RSX.

	The ’16 Hudson Hill-Climber driven by Howard Sharp and navigated by Doug Sharp has won the 2,400-mile, nine-day, 2015 Great Race.

Champion Racing Oil Team Wins 2015 Great Race

The Champion Oil ’16 Hudson Hill-Climber driven by Howard Sharp and navigated by Doug Sharp won the 2,400-mile, nine-day, 2015 Great Race—a professional road rally. The team got the overall win for the second time in their racing career, and also won the 2015 Champion Motor Oil Top Performer Trophy. In all, their prizes include trophies, $50,000 in cash, an all-expense-paid trip to a professional Japanese Road Rally and a garage full of Champion Motor Oil. The Great Race, presented by Hemmings Motor News, Hagerty Insurance and Coker Tire, is an automotive competition based on precision driving and navigational skills in classic, antique and vintage automobiles. This year the race was from St. Louis to Santa Monica, California. The competition, which was founded in 1983, contains numerous timed endurance rally stages.

Lucas Oil Modified Series 75 Presented by LoanMart to Return to Irwindale

The Lucas Oil Modified touring series will make a return appearance at Irwindale Speedway on Saturday night, September 19, for a 75-lap event—the eighth in their closely contested 2015 10-race championship schedule. For a complete schedule of events and the latest race results, visit www.irwindaleventcenter.com. 

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Fredric Aasbo battles to a win in New Jersey. (Photo credit: Scion Racing)

Fredric Aasbo Wins Event at Wall Speedway

Rockstar Energy Drink driver Fredric Aasbo won a wet New Jersey event last weekend at Wall Speedway. Even when it's dry, Wall Speedway is a challenging stop on the Formula Drift calendar. Drivers must maintain drift across the bank, straightaway and inside turn of the oval without falling afoul of the grabby guardrails that give "The Gauntlet" its nickname.

Aasbo qualified second and made his way through the early rounds in mixed conditions, advancing past Mats Baribeau, Jhonnattan Castro and Chelsea DeNofa. In the last battle of the day, Aasbo met Irish driver Dean Kearney to take the win. It is his second win in four rounds this year. He dominated the streets of Long Beach in April at the 2015 Formula Drift opener. It is also Aasbo's second straight win at Wall Speedway. He scored his first series victory there last season. As the series rounds the mid-point, Aasbo and the Rockstar Energy Drink/Hankook Tire Scion tC are now third in the championship standings—seven points off the lead.

Aasbo and Papadakis Racing will next appear in the Formula Drift championship for Round 5: Throwdown at Evergreen Speedway near Seattle, July 24–25. For more information, visit www.formuladrift.com.

	Manpower to Horsepower students in Royal Purple apparel stand among Royal Purple-sponsored race cars utilized in the organization’s motorsports career training program. (Photo credit: Manpower to Horsepower)

Royal Purple Salutes Manpower to Horsepower at Marine Corps Air Station Red Bull Global Rallycross Race

Royal Purple is celebrating its partnership with veterans organization, Manpower to Horsepower, in an NBC Sports video feature on July 5 at the Red Bull Global Rallycross Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River race in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Manpower to Horsepower is an organization that seeks to help combat veterans re-acclimate to civilian life by providing specialized training and job placement for careers in motorsports. Filmed on location at the MCAS New River Red Bull Global Rallycross race, Royal Purple will honor Manpower to Horsepower in a three-minute NBC Sports video by offering a behind-the-scenes look at the organization and its efforts to help the men and woman of the U.S. armed forces thrive in civilian life.

Area 51 Motorsports Take the Checkered Flag at ALM Enduro Series at the Autobahn

Despite inclement weather, a large field had assembled for the first enduro of the 2015 season with a wide variety of cars including Radicals, Porsches, BMWs, a Mustang and Spec Miatas. On lap 40, Jamie Gleitsman and Rich Jaeger of Area 51 Motorsports would take over the lead and never look back as they took the checkered flag with more than a one-minute lead on the #50 ALM Positioners Miata of Brett Scroggin and Amy Wittkamper. Doug Grunnet and Tony Kester driving the #55 ALM Positioners Miata took third place. The next round, 5 Hour Into the Night Challenge, will be held September 19.

	The NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing will feature some of the world's fastest American musclecars and trucks with several classes reaching speeds of 250+ mph.

NMRA vs. NMCA at Route 66 Raceway, July 30–August 2

The NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing, sponsored by Nitto Tire, will be held July 30–August 2. It will feature some of the world's fastest American musclecars and trucks with several classes reaching speeds of 250+ mph and engines that are capable of more than 3,000 hp. This is the only event where NMRA racers compete directly with NMCA racers for bragging rights and the Nitto Tire Diamond Tree Super Bowl rings. Presented by Keystone Automotive and Flowmaster, this event includes heads-up drag racing, an all-American car show on both Saturday and Sunday, a giant swap meet, a manufacturers midway, burnout contests, the Aerospace Components Winner's Circle and more.

Whelden Does the Hat Trick in Utah in Touring; Akhromtsev Goes from First to Last to First in GT

Michael Whelden, driving the San Rafael Mitsubishi/Hawk Mitsubishi Lancer, started from pole position in the Touring class and led every lap on his way to victory and set the fastest lap. In the GT class, Daniel Akhromtsev started on pole in his Red Star Racing BMW M3 and scored a victory. Tom Milburn won the Sportsman category in his Bay Area Drafting Acura RSX.

	The ’16 Hudson Hill-Climber driven by Howard Sharp and navigated by Doug Sharp has won the 2,400-mile, nine-day, 2015 Great Race.

Champion Racing Oil Team Wins 2015 Great Race

The Champion Oil ’16 Hudson Hill-Climber driven by Howard Sharp and navigated by Doug Sharp won the 2,400-mile, nine-day, 2015 Great Race—a professional road rally. The team got the overall win for the second time in their racing career, and also won the 2015 Champion Motor Oil Top Performer Trophy. In all, their prizes include trophies, $50,000 in cash, an all-expense-paid trip to a professional Japanese Road Rally and a garage full of Champion Motor Oil. The Great Race, presented by Hemmings Motor News, Hagerty Insurance and Coker Tire, is an automotive competition based on precision driving and navigational skills in classic, antique and vintage automobiles. This year the race was from St. Louis to Santa Monica, California. The competition, which was founded in 1983, contains numerous timed endurance rally stages.

Lucas Oil Modified Series 75 Presented by LoanMart to Return to Irwindale

The Lucas Oil Modified touring series will make a return appearance at Irwindale Speedway on Saturday night, September 19, for a 75-lap event—the eighth in their closely contested 2015 10-race championship schedule. For a complete schedule of events and the latest race results, visit www.irwindaleventcenter.com.