The RPM Act needs your support.
Thu, 10/18/2018 - 10:02
Thu, 10/18/2018 - 10:02
The RPM Act needs your support.
Thu, 10/18/2018 - 09:49
Kyle Kuhnausen regularly attends the SEMA Show as a buyer, identifying products and trends to share with his clients. Kuhnausen will compete in this year's Battle of the Builders with his Datsun nicknamed “InZanity.”
https://youtu.be/pCfLQHZgnCM
Thu, 10/18/2018 - 09:49
Kyle Kuhnausen regularly attends the SEMA Show as a buyer, identifying products and trends to share with his clients. Kuhnausen will compete in this year's Battle of the Builders with his Datsun nicknamed “InZanity.”
https://youtu.be/pCfLQHZgnCM
Thu, 10/18/2018 - 09:40
Compiled by SEMA Editors
 James Deane was named the 2018 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro champion. |
James Deane Crowned 2018 Formula DRIFT Pro Champion in Season Finale
Formula DRIFT (FD) returned to Irwindale Speedway—the House of Drift for the season finale last weekend, where James Deane was named the 2018 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro champion. The result represented a miniscule four-point lead over Fredric Aasbo in one of the closest finishes in series history. Deane became only the second FD driver to win consecutive titles since Tanner Foust in 2007 and 2008. However, Vaughn Gittin Jr. was crowned the Formula DRIFT Irwindale winner over Aasbo. The 2019 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship and the Formula DRIFT Link ECU Pro 2 Championship schedules are still being finalized. The series organizers will announce the new schedule at the 2018 SEMA Show and post it to www.formulad.com.
 Steve Torrence went 3.703 seconds at 329.67 mph in his Capco Contractors/Torrence Racing dragster to defeat defending world champion Brittany Force in the final round. |
Torrence, Capps, Line and M. Smith Victorious at NHRA Carolina Nationals
Steve Torrence remained perfect in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship and won his fourth straight race in Top Fuel last Sunday with his victory at the 11th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals presented by WIX Filters at zMAX Dragway. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the fourth of six playoff events during the 2018 Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. Points leader Torrence went 3.703 seconds at 329.67 mph in his Capco Contractors/Torrence Racing dragster to defeat defending world champion Brittany Force in the final round. In sweeping both races at zMAX Dragway this season, Torrence, opened up a 169-point lead over Clay Millican with two races remaining in the 2018 season. In Funny Car, Capps went 3.890 at 331.20 in the final round in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T to defeat J.R. Todd, who slowed to a 4.311 at 214.96 in his DHL Toyota Camry. Todd reached his third final round in the Countdown to the Championship, and now trails Robert Hight by 11 points heading into the penultimate race of the 2018 season. Line grabbed his first victory of the season after going 6.531 at 211.89 in the final round in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevrolet Camaro to knock off points leader Tanner Gray. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Smith took over the points lead after a run of 6.830 at 196.64 on his Elite Motorsports Denso Auto Parts EBR against Chip Ellis. The Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues October 25–28 with the fifth race in the Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
 Christian Sourapas was the big winner taking home wins in both Trick Truck races with a total elapsed time of 2:06:36, easily taking home the overall. |
Method Race Wheels Laughlin Desert Classic Presented by Polaris Results
Christian Sourapas was the big winner taking home wins in both Trick Truck races with a total elapsed time of 2:06:36, easily taking home the overall. Tracy Graf followed Sourapas in second in Trick Trucks with a combined two heat race time of 2:10:52 for second overall. Ryan Poelman rounded out the Trick Truck podium with a combined time of 2:15:25. Ryan Hancock was the Class 6100 winner with a total time of 2:13:20. He was followed by Andrew Whitehead in second place at 2:15:22. Joshua Cobb won Trophy Lites Class 6000 at 2:42:55, followed by Ryan Winner at 2:46:44. Other Class Winners include Brock Heger in Class 1000, Bill Wingerning in Class 1500 and Tim Marques in Class 6200. Robert Van Beekum took home the overall win in the UTV Production Class in the first heat of the UTV Night Race by Baja Designs with Garrick Lastra taking the UTV Sportsman Class win. Heat 2 and the UTV Turbo Production Class winner was Phil Burton followed by Brett Comiskey, who won the UTV Unlimited class. The Fabtech Laughlin Leap came down to a four-way battle between Sam Berri, Justin Lofton, Pat Dean and Brandon Arthur, with Berri taking the win and the $10,000 first-place prize money. The next round in the Best in the Desert Series is the final round of the yea—the Pahrump Nugget “250” presented by Polaris, November 29–December 2, in Pahrump, Nevada.
PEAK Coolant & Antifreeze, BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid Expand Partnership With Haas F1 Team for 2019
Old World Industries, the makers of PEAK Coolant & Antifreeze and BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Equipment, has expanded its partnership with Haas F1 Team beginning with the 2019 FIA Formula One World Championship. PEAK and BlueDEF will be more visible in 2019, moving to the rear-wing endplates of the racecars driven by Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen. Since July with the British Grand Prix, PEAK and BlueDEF have been featured on the nose of the Haas VF-18s. The brands will retain this position through the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix before moving to the more prominent rear-wing endplate positions in 2019 to coincide with Old World Industries’ increased investment with Haas F1 Team. Old World Industries will augment its partnership with Haas F1 Team by also joining Stewart-Haas Racing, the championship-winning NASCAR team co-owned by Gene Haas and three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. PEAK Coolant & Antifreeze and BlueDEF Exhaust Fluid and Equipment will be the primary sponsor for driver Clint Bowyer and the No. 14 team for three Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races in 2019 with associate sponsorship on the No. 14 Ford Mustang at all other races.
For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.
Thu, 10/18/2018 - 09:40
Compiled by SEMA Editors
James Deane was named the 2018 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro champion. |
James Deane Crowned 2018 Formula DRIFT Pro Champion in Season Finale
Formula DRIFT (FD) returned to Irwindale Speedway—the House of Drift for the season finale last weekend, where James Deane was named the 2018 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro champion. The result represented a miniscule four-point lead over Fredric Aasbo in one of the closest finishes in series history. Deane became only the second FD driver to win consecutive titles since Tanner Foust in 2007 and 2008. However, Vaughn Gittin Jr. was crowned the Formula DRIFT Irwindale winner over Aasbo. The 2019 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship and the Formula DRIFT Link ECU Pro 2 Championship schedules are still being finalized. The series organizers will announce the new schedule at the 2018 SEMA Show and post it to www.formulad.com.
Steve Torrence went 3.703 seconds at 329.67 mph in his Capco Contractors/Torrence Racing dragster to defeat defending world champion Brittany Force in the final round. |
Torrence, Capps, Line and M. Smith Victorious at NHRA Carolina Nationals
Steve Torrence remained perfect in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship and won his fourth straight race in Top Fuel last Sunday with his victory at the 11th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals presented by WIX Filters at zMAX Dragway. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the fourth of six playoff events during the 2018 Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. Points leader Torrence went 3.703 seconds at 329.67 mph in his Capco Contractors/Torrence Racing dragster to defeat defending world champion Brittany Force in the final round. In sweeping both races at zMAX Dragway this season, Torrence, opened up a 169-point lead over Clay Millican with two races remaining in the 2018 season. In Funny Car, Capps went 3.890 at 331.20 in the final round in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T to defeat J.R. Todd, who slowed to a 4.311 at 214.96 in his DHL Toyota Camry. Todd reached his third final round in the Countdown to the Championship, and now trails Robert Hight by 11 points heading into the penultimate race of the 2018 season. Line grabbed his first victory of the season after going 6.531 at 211.89 in the final round in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevrolet Camaro to knock off points leader Tanner Gray. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Smith took over the points lead after a run of 6.830 at 196.64 on his Elite Motorsports Denso Auto Parts EBR against Chip Ellis. The Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues October 25–28 with the fifth race in the Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Christian Sourapas was the big winner taking home wins in both Trick Truck races with a total elapsed time of 2:06:36, easily taking home the overall. |
Method Race Wheels Laughlin Desert Classic Presented by Polaris Results
Christian Sourapas was the big winner taking home wins in both Trick Truck races with a total elapsed time of 2:06:36, easily taking home the overall. Tracy Graf followed Sourapas in second in Trick Trucks with a combined two heat race time of 2:10:52 for second overall. Ryan Poelman rounded out the Trick Truck podium with a combined time of 2:15:25. Ryan Hancock was the Class 6100 winner with a total time of 2:13:20. He was followed by Andrew Whitehead in second place at 2:15:22. Joshua Cobb won Trophy Lites Class 6000 at 2:42:55, followed by Ryan Winner at 2:46:44. Other Class Winners include Brock Heger in Class 1000, Bill Wingerning in Class 1500 and Tim Marques in Class 6200. Robert Van Beekum took home the overall win in the UTV Production Class in the first heat of the UTV Night Race by Baja Designs with Garrick Lastra taking the UTV Sportsman Class win. Heat 2 and the UTV Turbo Production Class winner was Phil Burton followed by Brett Comiskey, who won the UTV Unlimited class. The Fabtech Laughlin Leap came down to a four-way battle between Sam Berri, Justin Lofton, Pat Dean and Brandon Arthur, with Berri taking the win and the $10,000 first-place prize money. The next round in the Best in the Desert Series is the final round of the yea—the Pahrump Nugget “250” presented by Polaris, November 29–December 2, in Pahrump, Nevada.
PEAK Coolant & Antifreeze, BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid Expand Partnership With Haas F1 Team for 2019
Old World Industries, the makers of PEAK Coolant & Antifreeze and BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Equipment, has expanded its partnership with Haas F1 Team beginning with the 2019 FIA Formula One World Championship. PEAK and BlueDEF will be more visible in 2019, moving to the rear-wing endplates of the racecars driven by Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen. Since July with the British Grand Prix, PEAK and BlueDEF have been featured on the nose of the Haas VF-18s. The brands will retain this position through the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix before moving to the more prominent rear-wing endplate positions in 2019 to coincide with Old World Industries’ increased investment with Haas F1 Team. Old World Industries will augment its partnership with Haas F1 Team by also joining Stewart-Haas Racing, the championship-winning NASCAR team co-owned by Gene Haas and three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. PEAK Coolant & Antifreeze and BlueDEF Exhaust Fluid and Equipment will be the primary sponsor for driver Clint Bowyer and the No. 14 team for three Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races in 2019 with associate sponsorship on the No. 14 Ford Mustang at all other races.
For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.
Thu, 10/18/2018 - 09:30
By Zane Clark
 SEMA Education will host a seminar to review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). |
The Trump Administration has imposed and threatened to impose significant tariffs to address intellectual property theft and perceived global trade imbalances. The U.S. tariffs, along with retaliatory actions being taken by other countries, are causing significant turmoil within the auto industry, as companies seek to grapple with unexpected price hikes and supply-chain disruptions. This seminar will review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). The speakers will provide an analysis of current international trade negotiations and efforts to combat the tariffs.
When: Wednesday, October 31, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, Room N256
Register now for this important seminar!
Sign up. Show up. Preview all sessions and register.
Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.
Other Recommended Seminars:
Thu, 10/18/2018 - 09:30
By Zane Clark
SEMA Education will host a seminar to review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). |
The Trump Administration has imposed and threatened to impose significant tariffs to address intellectual property theft and perceived global trade imbalances. The U.S. tariffs, along with retaliatory actions being taken by other countries, are causing significant turmoil within the auto industry, as companies seek to grapple with unexpected price hikes and supply-chain disruptions. This seminar will review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). The speakers will provide an analysis of current international trade negotiations and efforts to combat the tariffs.
When: Wednesday, October 31, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, Room N256
Register now for this important seminar!
Sign up. Show up. Preview all sessions and register.
Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.
Other Recommended Seminars:
Thu, 10/18/2018 - 09:30
By Zane Clark
SEMA Education will host a seminar to review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). |
The Trump Administration has imposed and threatened to impose significant tariffs to address intellectual property theft and perceived global trade imbalances. The U.S. tariffs, along with retaliatory actions being taken by other countries, are causing significant turmoil within the auto industry, as companies seek to grapple with unexpected price hikes and supply-chain disruptions. This seminar will review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). The speakers will provide an analysis of current international trade negotiations and efforts to combat the tariffs.
When: Wednesday, October 31, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, Room N256
Register now for this important seminar!
Sign up. Show up. Preview all sessions and register.
Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.
Other Recommended Seminars:
Thu, 10/18/2018 - 09:20
Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Marsha Fitzgerald |
Coker Tire Hires Marsha Fitzgerald as Executive Assistant to Wade Kawasaki
Coker Tire has hired Marsha Fitzgerald as executive assistant to President and COO Wade Kawasaki. While not a native of Tennessee, Fitzgerald grew up in Chattanooga during her formative years. Following graduation from college, she and her husband moved to his hometown of Tampa, Florida, where she began her first career in education as a classroom teacher, a gifted education director and principal of the preschool-elementary divisions of a large private school. Following a career change, Fitzgerald spent the next 19 years as an executive assistant in various non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education developing and honing her experience and skills supporting C-level executives.
“ToyMakerz” Celebrity David Ankin to Appear at SEMA Show, Gearing Up for Season Three of Hit Show
David Ankin will make appearances and sign autographs in the History Channel booth at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, as the television show “ToyMakerz” announces it has entered into a partnership with A+E Television Networks (AETN) to air season three on The History Channel and FYI. Season three will kick off February 10, 2019, with Sunday morning episodes slated to air on The History Channel, reaching some 90 million homes. Immediate re-airs will occur on the FYI network in a prime-time Saturday night slot, reaching 56.1 million homes. Ankin is a master fabricator, creator and celebrity stuntman who has used ingenuity and his passion for bikes, cars, and hot rods to develop a diverse following of gearheads and motor vehicle enthusiasts of all types and families. Season 3 builds will include a twin-seat, front-engine dragster for the street, custom racing drones and a one-of-a-kind “Willys Exhibition Car.” Ankin will also appear in the KW booth at the SEMA Show, October 30, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., and speak on the Shell Pioneering Performance Stage at 11:30 a.m.
 The Master of Motors winner will receive the billet “Engine-uity” trophy and $4,500 in product certificates from supporting manufacturers. |
JE Pistons to Unveil Masters of Motors Competition at 2018 SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show
Beginning at the 2018 SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show, JE Pistons will recognize engine builders’ hard work, creativity and commitment to combustion with a new competition dubbed “Masters of Motors.” Judged by industry experts David Freiburger, Brian Lohnes, Steve Brulé and Mike Kojima, the competition will pit the top engines of SEMA and PRI against each other on the grounds of creativity, style, engineering and several other facets.
2018 Masters of Motors SEMA and PRI Classes include:
- Engine-uity Award (overall winner—80-lb. billet trophy)
- Sport Compact
- European
- Domestic
- Race Engine
- Nostalgia
- Power Adder
The Master of Motors winner will receive the billet “Engine-uity” trophy and $4,500 in product certificates from supporting manufacturers. All class winners will receive a $1,000 JE Pistons product certificate to be used on any set of JE pistons, rings or JE Pro Seal gaskets. Judging for Masters of Motors (SEMA) will begin Tuesday, October 30, and competitors are encouraged to register online to let judges know where to find their engines. The crowning of the inaugural Masters of Motors champion will take place October 31 at JE Pistons SEMA booth #22657 at 11:00 a.m. (PDT). Sign up for Masters of Motors.
 Eric Trimble |
Lubrication Specialties Inc. Announces Eric Trimble as Company’s New Marketing Coordinator
Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) has announced a new addition to the company’s marketing team. Eric Trimble has been hired as the company’s marketing coordinator and will report to Lubrication Specialties Director of Marketing Kyle Fischer. In this position, he will support all marketing endeavors, from trade-show support, media buys, public relations, advertising, social media and e-commerce. Trimble previously worked as a freelance writer for the Akron Beacon Journal and communications specialist for the Jefferson Center in Minneapolis. In 2017, he joined LSI as an account executive to grow and maintain sales for the Hot Shot’s Secret product line to commercial and industrial accounts in a 12-state territory.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.