By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have passed differing bills to overhaul the Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”). Lawmakers will now convene a conference committee to see if it is possible to agree on a single approach. Enacted in 1976, the TSCA directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate existing and new chemicals. For chemicals already in the marketplace, the EPA can consider whether they pose an unreasonable risk to health or to the environment. Newer chemicals are assessed by the EPA before they enter the market, whereby manufacturers must submit a premanufacturing notification to the EPA prior to producing or importing the chemical for commercial purposes.

Both the House and Senate bills would seek to improve the current EPA review process for chemicals already in the marketplace, simplify a patchwork of state and local laws and include a provision requiring EPA to assess chemicals based only on health and safety information rather than using cost as a factor. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The 2015 PRI Show saw tens of thousands of attendees from across the United States and more than 70 countries flock to the Indiana Convention Center for three days of intense shopping for the latest offerings from more than 1,200 manufacturers of racing and high-performance automotive components.

This year’s Machinery Row at the PRI Show in Indianapolis featured 122 exhibitors and 394 booths, and it was clearly evident that both the Show’s exhibitors and attendees left with optimism for the coming year.

“We had an outstanding group of exhibitors in Machinery Row again this year and the aisles were absolutely packed for three consecutive days,” said John Kilroy, Show producer. “More importantly, we had buyers and reports of orders being taken almost as soon as the show opened on Thursday.”

The latest products in virtually every form imaginable were on display at PRI.

“PRI is very impressive,” commented first-time show attendee Gary Friedlein, who runs Gary-Tech, a fab shop in Hannibal, Missouri. “I’ve seen a lot of stuff that I’ve never even seen before. We do a lot of fab work and we’re looking for ideas to try to get an edge. We’re looking at a possible dyno purchase—that’s where the future is and that’s what this show is all about—the future. It’s going to take me awhile to get out of Machinery Row. I’m a machinist by trade and I love this!”

Attendees gathered as numerous manufacturers not only put their products on display, but actually put them to work on the Show floor.  n one aisle, Centroid Performance Racing was machining four small-block Chevys simultaneously in its featured turn-key A560 XL with their new Port Block quad fixture. Other attendees were treated to in-the-booth seminars at Miller, where they conducted interactive question-and-answer sessions in regard to welding processes.

“I try to cover every aisle and just keep my eyes open,” relayed Robert Bartlett of Virkler & Bartlett, a Virginia-based motorsports power engineering company. “I’ll see something new that gets my attention. Most of our major machine purchases are made here. This is a place where you can see the machines work and put your hands on them.  That’s very important.”

Rottler Manufacturing not only gave attendees a first-time view at its new SG9HP grinder machine, but it also marked the first time some of the team’s own sales reps had seen their latest innovation.

“The Show was excellent this year,” said Melissa Moorhead of Rottler, who had 14 machines on display. “We had more people come by this year than we initially anticipated. We saw a good variety of customers. There were people who came in on opening day and shopped around for two days before making their buying decisions on Saturday, and then there were customers who came knowing what they wanted and they would go right to the booth and make their decisions right then. People want to know ‘what can our machines do for them? How can we support them? And in the big picture, how can we make our customers money? PRI is our favorite show from throughout the year and it’s our biggest show. Every year it seems to get bigger and better for us.”

Numerous others reported brisk sales throughout the three-day Show.

“We’ve had people in our booth all Show ready to buy, looking to get a quote on the spot and get a dynamometer on order,” said Mike Giles of SuperFlow, which featured the SF902S engine dynamometer and 750 and 1020 Flowbenches. “PRI is our core business. We sell a lot of different kinds of dynos, but our bread and butter forever has always been engine dynos, and this is where people come to buy them. This has been phenomenal.”

How good was this year’s Show? One exhibitor even noted, “we’ve sold everything on the Show floor except the car we’ve got on display.”

Overall, approximately 1,200 racing industry suppliers occupied 3,300 booths, while exhibiting the latest developments in auto-racing technology. Buyers from throughout the United States and 70 countries from around the globe were in attendance for the world's premier trade show for motorsports professionals. Preparations are already underway for the 2016 PRI Trade Show at the Indiana Convention Center, December 8–10.

By SEMA Editors

The 2015 PRI Show saw tens of thousands of attendees from across the United States and more than 70 countries flock to the Indiana Convention Center for three days of intense shopping for the latest offerings from more than 1,200 manufacturers of racing and high-performance automotive components.

This year’s Machinery Row at the PRI Show in Indianapolis featured 122 exhibitors and 394 booths, and it was clearly evident that both the Show’s exhibitors and attendees left with optimism for the coming year.

“We had an outstanding group of exhibitors in Machinery Row again this year and the aisles were absolutely packed for three consecutive days,” said John Kilroy, Show producer. “More importantly, we had buyers and reports of orders being taken almost as soon as the show opened on Thursday.”

The latest products in virtually every form imaginable were on display at PRI.

“PRI is very impressive,” commented first-time show attendee Gary Friedlein, who runs Gary-Tech, a fab shop in Hannibal, Missouri. “I’ve seen a lot of stuff that I’ve never even seen before. We do a lot of fab work and we’re looking for ideas to try to get an edge. We’re looking at a possible dyno purchase—that’s where the future is and that’s what this show is all about—the future. It’s going to take me awhile to get out of Machinery Row. I’m a machinist by trade and I love this!”

Attendees gathered as numerous manufacturers not only put their products on display, but actually put them to work on the Show floor.  n one aisle, Centroid Performance Racing was machining four small-block Chevys simultaneously in its featured turn-key A560 XL with their new Port Block quad fixture. Other attendees were treated to in-the-booth seminars at Miller, where they conducted interactive question-and-answer sessions in regard to welding processes.

“I try to cover every aisle and just keep my eyes open,” relayed Robert Bartlett of Virkler & Bartlett, a Virginia-based motorsports power engineering company. “I’ll see something new that gets my attention. Most of our major machine purchases are made here. This is a place where you can see the machines work and put your hands on them.  That’s very important.”

Rottler Manufacturing not only gave attendees a first-time view at its new SG9HP grinder machine, but it also marked the first time some of the team’s own sales reps had seen their latest innovation.

“The Show was excellent this year,” said Melissa Moorhead of Rottler, who had 14 machines on display. “We had more people come by this year than we initially anticipated. We saw a good variety of customers. There were people who came in on opening day and shopped around for two days before making their buying decisions on Saturday, and then there were customers who came knowing what they wanted and they would go right to the booth and make their decisions right then. People want to know ‘what can our machines do for them? How can we support them? And in the big picture, how can we make our customers money? PRI is our favorite show from throughout the year and it’s our biggest show. Every year it seems to get bigger and better for us.”

Numerous others reported brisk sales throughout the three-day Show.

“We’ve had people in our booth all Show ready to buy, looking to get a quote on the spot and get a dynamometer on order,” said Mike Giles of SuperFlow, which featured the SF902S engine dynamometer and 750 and 1020 Flowbenches. “PRI is our core business. We sell a lot of different kinds of dynos, but our bread and butter forever has always been engine dynos, and this is where people come to buy them. This has been phenomenal.”

How good was this year’s Show? One exhibitor even noted, “we’ve sold everything on the Show floor except the car we’ve got on display.”

Overall, approximately 1,200 racing industry suppliers occupied 3,300 booths, while exhibiting the latest developments in auto-racing technology. Buyers from throughout the United States and 70 countries from around the globe were in attendance for the world's premier trade show for motorsports professionals. Preparations are already underway for the 2016 PRI Trade Show at the Indiana Convention Center, December 8–10.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

John Force (left), CEO of John Force Racing, with WELD President and CEO Norm Young at the John Force Racing Shop.

WELD Announces Multi-Year Sponsorship Agreement With John Force Racing

WELD has announced a new multi-year sponsorship agreement with John Force Racing. Norm Young, president and CEO of WELD, and John Force, CEO of John Force Racing, made the joint announcement during a news conference at the 2015 PRI Show in Indianapolis. Force has been using WELD Racing wheel products for nearly 25 years. WELD Ambassadors from John Force Racing include Force, Courtney Force, Brittany Force and Robert Hight.

SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience and Qualifying Premier to Air This Sunday on CBS Sports Network

Helped by a huge assist from Supercross Hall of Fame legendary co-driver Ricky Johnson, RPM Racing’s Justin Matney earned the first starting position in the featured SCORE Trophy Truck division for 48th annual Bud Light SCORE Baja 1000 at qualifying at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Part of the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience at the Las Vegas Convention Center, both will be spotlighted during this Sunday’s premier telecast of the second annual event on the CBS Sports Network. The debut of the one-hour special will air on the CBS Sports Spectacular show at 9:00 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, followed by multiple additional scheduled airings of the popular programming. The race itself, held in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, was the season-finale of the five-race 2015 SCORE World Desert Championship. The two-hour telecast of the 2015 Bud Light SCORE Baja 1000 race will first air next Sunday, December 27 at 9:00 p.m. (EST).

VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist will compete on the 2016 Monster Jam tour and debut January 8.

VP Racing Fuels Unleashes “Mad Scientist” Monster Jam Truck

Feld Entertainment has announced that a brand-new Monster Jam truck—VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist—will compete on the 2016 Monster Jam tour and debut January 8 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The truck’s design was inspired by VP Racing Fuels’ founder Steve Burns. Over VP’s 40-year history, Burns acquired the “Mad Scientist” nickname and a reputation as a virtual maniac in his passion for performance and winning. VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist truck will be piloted by veteran Lee O’Donnell, who has been participating in Monster Jam events since 1999 and has competed at the Monster Jam World Finals many times.

Jonathan Gray will take the wheel of the PTE flagship ’14 Pro Mod Chevrolet Camaro for the 2016 NHRA race season.

Jonathan Gray New Driver of PTE Pro Mod Camaro for 2016 Season

Precision Turbo and Engine has announced that Jonathan Gray will take the wheel of the PTE flagship ’14 Pro Mod Chevrolet Camaro for the 2016 NHRA race season. The Camaro was previously driven by Don Walsh Jr. At the 2014 Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Walsh was the number-one qualifier in NHRA Pro Mod, and the PTE Camaro earned the honor of being named “Best Engineered Car.” Walsh earned more top qualifier honors that year, and took home a runner-up finish at the NHRA Pro Mod season finale race in Las Vegas. In 2015, Walsh was the leader in qualifying several more times, the Pro Mod winner in Houston, and the runner-up in Englishtown, New Jersey. He finished out the 2015 season fifth overall in NHRA Pro Mod championship points. For the upcoming 2016 NHRA Pro Mod season, veteran NHRA Pro Stock racer Gray will take over driving duties of the PTE Camaro.

(L-R) Jack Korpela (moderator), Fred Miller, Fred Larsen, Bruce Larson, Geoff Stilwell, Eileen Daniels, Ron Hope, Bob Muravez and Floyd E. Lippencotte Jr.

Quarter Mile Foundation Interviews Seven British Drag-Racing/Performance Industry Pioneers

The Quarter Mile Foundation received a donation from Beech Underwriting to allow the filming of interviews of seven British pioneers of drag racing and the performance aftermarket prior to the Installation Gala Dinner of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame, November 21, 2015. The interviews took place at the famed Savill Court Hotel in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, United Kingdom. Interviewer John Price, long-time announcer at Santa Pod Raceway and presenter of many hot-rod shows and drag-racing-related TV programs in the UK, drew out some of the early history of drag racing in Great Britain, and how racers from the United States and aftermarket companies influenced the sport and assisted its transplantation into Britain and Europe.

The interviewees included: Stu Bradbury, longtime chief starter at the Santa Pod Raceway and chairman of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame; Russ Carpenter, developer of the Daimler Hemi engine to run on nitro; John Hobbs, drag bike rider who competed in ’60s and ’70s; Gary Page, a versatile racer who raced Altereds, Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters from the ’70s to the present; Roy Phelps, founder of Santa Pod Raceway; Barry Sheavills, a diversified racer in the Altered, Top Methanol Dragster and Top Fuel Dragster classes; and Steve Trice, director of US Automotive.

The seven interviews added to the international history of the sport in the Foundation’s interview inventory. The inclusion of these seven interviews increased the total interviews collected to 240.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

John Force (left), CEO of John Force Racing, with WELD President and CEO Norm Young at the John Force Racing Shop.

WELD Announces Multi-Year Sponsorship Agreement With John Force Racing

WELD has announced a new multi-year sponsorship agreement with John Force Racing. Norm Young, president and CEO of WELD, and John Force, CEO of John Force Racing, made the joint announcement during a news conference at the 2015 PRI Show in Indianapolis. Force has been using WELD Racing wheel products for nearly 25 years. WELD Ambassadors from John Force Racing include Force, Courtney Force, Brittany Force and Robert Hight.

SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience and Qualifying Premier to Air This Sunday on CBS Sports Network

Helped by a huge assist from Supercross Hall of Fame legendary co-driver Ricky Johnson, RPM Racing’s Justin Matney earned the first starting position in the featured SCORE Trophy Truck division for 48th annual Bud Light SCORE Baja 1000 at qualifying at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Part of the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience at the Las Vegas Convention Center, both will be spotlighted during this Sunday’s premier telecast of the second annual event on the CBS Sports Network. The debut of the one-hour special will air on the CBS Sports Spectacular show at 9:00 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, followed by multiple additional scheduled airings of the popular programming. The race itself, held in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, was the season-finale of the five-race 2015 SCORE World Desert Championship. The two-hour telecast of the 2015 Bud Light SCORE Baja 1000 race will first air next Sunday, December 27 at 9:00 p.m. (EST).

VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist will compete on the 2016 Monster Jam tour and debut January 8.

VP Racing Fuels Unleashes “Mad Scientist” Monster Jam Truck

Feld Entertainment has announced that a brand-new Monster Jam truck—VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist—will compete on the 2016 Monster Jam tour and debut January 8 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The truck’s design was inspired by VP Racing Fuels’ founder Steve Burns. Over VP’s 40-year history, Burns acquired the “Mad Scientist” nickname and a reputation as a virtual maniac in his passion for performance and winning. VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist truck will be piloted by veteran Lee O’Donnell, who has been participating in Monster Jam events since 1999 and has competed at the Monster Jam World Finals many times.

Jonathan Gray will take the wheel of the PTE flagship ’14 Pro Mod Chevrolet Camaro for the 2016 NHRA race season.

Jonathan Gray New Driver of PTE Pro Mod Camaro for 2016 Season

Precision Turbo and Engine has announced that Jonathan Gray will take the wheel of the PTE flagship ’14 Pro Mod Chevrolet Camaro for the 2016 NHRA race season. The Camaro was previously driven by Don Walsh Jr. At the 2014 Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Walsh was the number-one qualifier in NHRA Pro Mod, and the PTE Camaro earned the honor of being named “Best Engineered Car.” Walsh earned more top qualifier honors that year, and took home a runner-up finish at the NHRA Pro Mod season finale race in Las Vegas. In 2015, Walsh was the leader in qualifying several more times, the Pro Mod winner in Houston, and the runner-up in Englishtown, New Jersey. He finished out the 2015 season fifth overall in NHRA Pro Mod championship points. For the upcoming 2016 NHRA Pro Mod season, veteran NHRA Pro Stock racer Gray will take over driving duties of the PTE Camaro.

(L-R) Jack Korpela (moderator), Fred Miller, Fred Larsen, Bruce Larson, Geoff Stilwell, Eileen Daniels, Ron Hope, Bob Muravez and Floyd E. Lippencotte Jr.

Quarter Mile Foundation Interviews Seven British Drag-Racing/Performance Industry Pioneers

The Quarter Mile Foundation received a donation from Beech Underwriting to allow the filming of interviews of seven British pioneers of drag racing and the performance aftermarket prior to the Installation Gala Dinner of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame, November 21, 2015. The interviews took place at the famed Savill Court Hotel in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, United Kingdom. Interviewer John Price, long-time announcer at Santa Pod Raceway and presenter of many hot-rod shows and drag-racing-related TV programs in the UK, drew out some of the early history of drag racing in Great Britain, and how racers from the United States and aftermarket companies influenced the sport and assisted its transplantation into Britain and Europe.

The interviewees included: Stu Bradbury, longtime chief starter at the Santa Pod Raceway and chairman of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame; Russ Carpenter, developer of the Daimler Hemi engine to run on nitro; John Hobbs, drag bike rider who competed in ’60s and ’70s; Gary Page, a versatile racer who raced Altereds, Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters from the ’70s to the present; Roy Phelps, founder of Santa Pod Raceway; Barry Sheavills, a diversified racer in the Altered, Top Methanol Dragster and Top Fuel Dragster classes; and Steve Trice, director of US Automotive.

The seven interviews added to the international history of the sport in the Foundation’s interview inventory. The inclusion of these seven interviews increased the total interviews collected to 240.

This is the Ford F-150, caught testing in Dearborn with a camo'd bed, Venturi exhaust tip and, of course, a new 3.0 V6 diesel engine.

Not wanting the fuel economy crown to go to the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel among full-size pickups, Ford is preparing to introduce a turbodiesel to the popular (and aluminum-bodied) F-150 line.

While logic might dictate Ford would use the 3.2L five-cylinder Power Stroke diesel that's been federalized for the Transit line of vans, insiders say the company will use the Lion V6. This 3.0L unit is basically what Jaguar Land Rover has just introduced to Americans in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Td6 models, with 254 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

The diesel is also slated to use the new 10-speed automatic that debuts in the ’17 Raptor. That may push its efficiency higher than the Ram's and into the 30 mpg territory, which would also beat the figures offered by the recently introduced Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon four-cylinder turbodiesels.

Expect the diesel F-150 to go on sale sometime after summer 2016, along with a recently announced hybrid F-150 in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the Ford F-150, caught testing in Dearborn with a camo'd bed, Venturi exhaust tip and, of course, a new 3.0 V6 diesel engine.

Not wanting the fuel economy crown to go to the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel among full-size pickups, Ford is preparing to introduce a turbodiesel to the popular (and aluminum-bodied) F-150 line.

While logic might dictate Ford would use the 3.2L five-cylinder Power Stroke diesel that's been federalized for the Transit line of vans, insiders say the company will use the Lion V6. This 3.0L unit is basically what Jaguar Land Rover has just introduced to Americans in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Td6 models, with 254 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

The diesel is also slated to use the new 10-speed automatic that debuts in the ’17 Raptor. That may push its efficiency higher than the Ram's and into the 30 mpg territory, which would also beat the figures offered by the recently introduced Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon four-cylinder turbodiesels.

Expect the diesel F-150 to go on sale sometime after summer 2016, along with a recently announced hybrid F-150 in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the Ford F-150, caught testing in Dearborn with a camo'd bed, Venturi exhaust tip and, of course, a new 3.0 V6 diesel engine.

Not wanting the fuel economy crown to go to the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel among full-size pickups, Ford is preparing to introduce a turbodiesel to the popular (and aluminum-bodied) F-150 line.

While logic might dictate Ford would use the 3.2L five-cylinder Power Stroke diesel that's been federalized for the Transit line of vans, insiders say the company will use the Lion V6. This 3.0L unit is basically what Jaguar Land Rover has just introduced to Americans in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Td6 models, with 254 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

The diesel is also slated to use the new 10-speed automatic that debuts in the ’17 Raptor. That may push its efficiency higher than the Ram's and into the 30 mpg territory, which would also beat the figures offered by the recently introduced Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon four-cylinder turbodiesels.

Expect the diesel F-150 to go on sale sometime after summer 2016, along with a recently announced hybrid F-150 in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the Ford F-150, caught testing in Dearborn with a camo'd bed, Venturi exhaust tip and, of course, a new 3.0 V6 diesel engine.

Not wanting the fuel economy crown to go to the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel among full-size pickups, Ford is preparing to introduce a turbodiesel to the popular (and aluminum-bodied) F-150 line.

While logic might dictate Ford would use the 3.2L five-cylinder Power Stroke diesel that's been federalized for the Transit line of vans, insiders say the company will use the Lion V6. This 3.0L unit is basically what Jaguar Land Rover has just introduced to Americans in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Td6 models, with 254 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

The diesel is also slated to use the new 10-speed automatic that debuts in the ’17 Raptor. That may push its efficiency higher than the Ram's and into the 30 mpg territory, which would also beat the figures offered by the recently introduced Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon four-cylinder turbodiesels.

Expect the diesel F-150 to go on sale sometime after summer 2016, along with a recently announced hybrid F-150 in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the Ford F-150, caught testing in Dearborn with a camo'd bed, Venturi exhaust tip and, of course, a new 3.0 V6 diesel engine.

Not wanting the fuel economy crown to go to the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel among full-size pickups, Ford is preparing to introduce a turbodiesel to the popular (and aluminum-bodied) F-150 line.

While logic might dictate Ford would use the 3.2L five-cylinder Power Stroke diesel that's been federalized for the Transit line of vans, insiders say the company will use the Lion V6. This 3.0L unit is basically what Jaguar Land Rover has just introduced to Americans in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Td6 models, with 254 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

The diesel is also slated to use the new 10-speed automatic that debuts in the ’17 Raptor. That may push its efficiency higher than the Ram's and into the 30 mpg territory, which would also beat the figures offered by the recently introduced Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon four-cylinder turbodiesels.

Expect the diesel F-150 to go on sale sometime after summer 2016, along with a recently announced hybrid F-150 in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde