By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump has directed the U.S. government to levy tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods to punish China for the theft of intellectual property (IP) and to address the trade deficit. A proposed list of Chinese-made goods subject to the tariffs will be announced within 15 days and may number around 1,300 specific imports.  The list will be subject to a public comment period before being finalized.  The administration’s intent is to target Chinese products that benefited from improper access to U.S. technology, such as through unfair acquisition or forced tech transfer.  The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will also turn to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to pursue allegations of unfair Chinese licensing practices.  China’s ability to invest in the U.S. technology sector will also be limited.

While SEMA, on behalf of its members, has registered complaints against Chinese companies for IP violations with the USTR, SEMA urges the Trump Administration to pursue this issue in a measured fashion that does not have unintended consequences for U.S. companies, workers and consumers. Along with the hasty roll-out of global steel and aluminum tariffs, SEMA is concerned that the response from our trading partners, including China, will be to impose retaliatory tariffs. SEMA is joining efforts with other business groups to counter unfair tariffs and support free and reciprocal trade. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Jason Catullo

SEMA members are encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Data Co-op’s (SDC) Platinum Rewards Program to receive $10,000 in marketing exposure at the 2018 SEMA Show.

SEMA-member manufacturers are encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Data Co-op’s (SDC) Platinum Rewards Program to receive $10,000 in marketing exposure at the 2018 SEMA Show. As an industry-owned and -operated project, the SDC provides full product data management capabilities to participating suppliers at the lowest possible cost.

“The SDC is an end-to-end solution to help you author, validate, store and distribute your product data. Do the work once, and serve all your data receivers from one source,” said SDC Senior Director of Membership Jim Graven. “By putting the spotlight on our Platinum suppliers at the 2018 SEMA Show, we plan to drive more buyer traffic to SDC members.”

Participating SDC Suppliers exhibiting at the 2018 SEMA Show that achieve or maintain SDC Platinum status (prior to July 13, 2018) will receive $10,000 in marketing exposure, including:

• Carpet/floor ad near booth location
• Meter-panel listing in the SEMA Show’s lobbies
• Ad listing in the 2018 September, October and November issues of SEMA News magazine
• Ad listing in each of the four SEMA Show Daily magazines

Questions? The West Coast contact for SDC is Tim Stewart, 888-958-6698, ext. 9, email: tims@semadatacoop.com. The East Coast contact for SDC is Jim Graven, 888-958-6698, ext. 4, email: jimg@semadatacoop.com.

Note: Platinum status is defined as meeting the data field requirements as categorized by the SDC Scorecard. Please contact your data analyst with any questions about your current status, or what is needed to achieve or maintain Platinum status.

By Jason Catullo

SEMA members are encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Data Co-op’s (SDC) Platinum Rewards Program to receive $10,000 in marketing exposure at the 2018 SEMA Show.

SEMA-member manufacturers are encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Data Co-op’s (SDC) Platinum Rewards Program to receive $10,000 in marketing exposure at the 2018 SEMA Show. As an industry-owned and -operated project, the SDC provides full product data management capabilities to participating suppliers at the lowest possible cost.

“The SDC is an end-to-end solution to help you author, validate, store and distribute your product data. Do the work once, and serve all your data receivers from one source,” said SDC Senior Director of Membership Jim Graven. “By putting the spotlight on our Platinum suppliers at the 2018 SEMA Show, we plan to drive more buyer traffic to SDC members.”

Participating SDC Suppliers exhibiting at the 2018 SEMA Show that achieve or maintain SDC Platinum status (prior to July 13, 2018) will receive $10,000 in marketing exposure, including:

• Carpet/floor ad near booth location
• Meter-panel listing in the SEMA Show’s lobbies
• Ad listing in the 2018 September, October and November issues of SEMA News magazine
• Ad listing in each of the four SEMA Show Daily magazines

Questions? The West Coast contact for SDC is Tim Stewart, 888-958-6698, ext. 9, email: tims@semadatacoop.com. The East Coast contact for SDC is Jim Graven, 888-958-6698, ext. 4, email: jimg@semadatacoop.com.

Note: Platinum status is defined as meeting the data field requirements as categorized by the SDC Scorecard. Please contact your data analyst with any questions about your current status, or what is needed to achieve or maintain Platinum status.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Don Barry

Edelbrock Appoints a New President and CEO

Edelbrock has announced the appointment of Don Barry to the position of president and CEO of Edelbrock LLC. Barry joins Edelbrock after most recently serving as the chief commercial officer of ISN, a distributor of automotive tools. Prior to ISN, Barry was the president and CEO of ACCEL Performance Group, which included the ACCEL, Mr. Gasket and Mallory brands. In this position, he successfully drove revenue and profit growth through the introduction of new product lines, brand repositioning and new customer acquisition. Barry entered the automotive aftermarket industry under Dorman Products Inc. as its senior vice president of sales, marketing and international. He also spent 16 years at 3M in positions of increasing responsibility and culminating as the president of the European Consumer and Office business unit. He began his career with S.C. Johnson & Son Inc., where he gained key insight into consumer products and purchase behavior.

Howell EFI Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary

Thirty years ago, co-owners Matt and Bill Howell opened their Howell EFI doors for business in Detroit. At the time, electronic fuel injection (EFI) was the rage, especially in the hot-rod, street-rod and four-wheel-drive markets. The Howells saw an opportunity to develop wiring harnesses that would allow a simpler conversion to EFI, especially in older, pre-computer vehicles. Today, the company offers a line of stand-alone and integrated wiring harnesses to adapt late-model GM V8 or 4.3L V6 engines to any vehicle, making it possible for installers with limited electronics experience to add fuel injection to most any chassis. This year, Howell EFI launched a new website and multiple new products and announced that Howell now provides almost universal TBI coverage for any make and model V6 or V8 engine that uses ignition other than points.

Team Motive Gear, from Katella High School NOCROP in Anaheim, California, came in first place at the Classic Auto Show in Los Angeles with a time of 26:43.

Two Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Teams Qualify at the Classic Auto Show, 88 participate in Juniors

The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge’s second event of the season was held at the second annual Classic Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center, March 2–4, where two teams from the Los Angeles area punched their tickets to the 2018 Dual National Championship Playoffs in November and December at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show. Team Motive Gear, from Katella High School NOCROP in Anaheim, California, came in first place with a time of 26:43. Team Speed Pro, from Rancho Alamitos High School in Garden Grove, California, came in second with a time of 31:05. To qualify, a team must finish disassembling and reassembling a small-block Chevrolet engine in less than 33 minutes, including penalties. 

In addition, the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge held its second event at the Classic Auto Show. Over the course of the three-day event, 88 youngsters took apart and rebuilt a small Briggs and Stratton engine. Each team is composed of two individuals with one team member being 5–18 years of age. Together, they must completely disassemble and reassemble a complete single-cylinder OHV engine, utilizing only basic hand tools. The idea is to help young individuals develop communication and problem-solving skills, self-esteem and an understanding of an internal combustion engine. For more information, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com or connect with them on social media.

Aldan American Suspension Signs Considine Sales & Marketing

Aldan American, based in Carson, California, recently signed Considine Sales & Marketing to represent its growing line of aftermarket coilovers and suspension products across 15 states.

The ’18 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will ride on Falken Tires’ SINCERA SN250A All-Season tire.

Falken Tires Selected as Original-Equipment Tire to All-New ’18 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Falken Tires’ SINCERA SN250A All-Season tire has been chosen by Mitsubishi Motors as an original-equipment supplier for the ’18 Eclipse Cross.

DENSO Named 2018 Distinguished OE Partner by APA

DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. has received the 2018 Distinguished Original Equipment (OE) Partner Award from Automotive Parts Associates (APA) Inc. The buying group, which represents more than $1 billion in purchasing power, announced the award March 8 during its 37th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. The honor marks the second time the APA has recognized DENSO as its top OE aftermarket supplier. DENSO was the recipient of the organization’s first Distinguished OE Partner Award when it was created in 2015. The Distinguished OE Partner Award recognizes a leading vendor that has successfully brought its OE products into the automotive aftermarket, supplied APA members with replacement parts of the highest quality and provided exceptional customer support for their operations and initiatives. APA is a member-owned cooperative of more than 80 shareholders of independent auto parts distributors with more than 400 locations throughout North America.

Yokohama Tire Corp. Earns Platinum Supplier Award From Caterpillar for Sixth Consecutive Year

For the sixth straight year, Yokohama Tire Corp. has earned Caterpillar’s premier supplier award: The Platinum Level Recertification in its Supplier Quality Excellence Process (SQEP). The award went to Yokohama’s factory in Onomichi, Japan, which produces OE and replacement off-the-road (OTR) tires for a wide range of equipment.
Caterpillar’s SQEP award recognizes suppliers that have exhibited excellent process control, shown a desire for ongoing continuous improvement and have provided quality products to Caterpillar.

Shelby Legendary Cars Announces New California Facility and Showroom

Shelby Legendary Cars, the official licensed builder of authentic ’60s Shelby continuation Cobras, Daytona Coupes and GT40s, has announced that the company has moved to a new location in Irvine, California, that features a larger showroom and customer reception area. The new California location reflects the company’s national expansion efforts to meet growing demand for Shelby heritage cars. Guests can view a variety of Shelby vehicles on display and work with a company representative to build their own continuation car. Earlier this year, the company also announced a limited run of Bob Bondurant-edition Shelby FIA Cobra roadsters and Daytona Coupes. Each will bear a CSX2000 series serial number and will be supplied as a turnkey, minus the engine and transmission. Those who purchase one of these continuation cars will enjoy a day of training at the Bondurant Racing School in Arizona.  

Hoonigan’s Gear Added to Motovicity’s Warehouse

Motovicity Distribution has added Hoonigan, the enthusiast-apparel brand, to its inventory.

Meyer Distributing Adds Banks Power to Lineup

Meyer Distributing has announced the addition of Banks Power to its lineup of aftermarket parts. Banks Power offers performance products for a variety of vehicles, including Jeeps, SUVs, marine, motorhome and diesel.

Turn 14 Distribution Adds AMP Research to Line Card

Turn 14 Distribution has added AMP Research to its line card to further extend the company’s truck accessory offerings.

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.

By Jason Catullo

Encore at Wynn is among several hotels in the SEMA Show block located within one mile of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Buyers and exhibitors participating in the 2018 SEMA Show are encouraged to book hotels early for the best selection and rates. SEMA Show management negotiates travel discounts and secures a limited number of reduced-rate hotel rooms to help make the stay in Las Vegas more affordable.

The SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page features a frequently updated, real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2018 Show.

Through services provided by OnPeak, Showgoers can book rooms with confidence, knowing that they’ll receive valuable benefits, such as guaranteed low rates, no penalties for adjustments or changes to reservations, and no booking, change or cancellation fees.

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that implies or claims to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts. Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

By Jason Catullo

Encore at Wynn is among several hotels in the SEMA Show block located within one mile of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Buyers and exhibitors participating in the 2018 SEMA Show are encouraged to book hotels early for the best selection and rates. SEMA Show management negotiates travel discounts and secures a limited number of reduced-rate hotel rooms to help make the stay in Las Vegas more affordable.

The SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page features a frequently updated, real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2018 Show.

Through services provided by OnPeak, Showgoers can book rooms with confidence, knowing that they’ll receive valuable benefits, such as guaranteed low rates, no penalties for adjustments or changes to reservations, and no booking, change or cancellation fees.

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that implies or claims to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts. Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Hector Arana Jr. made history last Friday when he reached 200.23 mph during his second qualifying run at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

Arana Jr. First to 200 mph on NHRA Drag Bike

Hector Arana Jr. made history last Friday when he reached 200.23 mph during his second qualifying run at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, making him the first Pro Stock Motorcycle rider to top 200 mph. He later improved to a 201.01-mph run last Saturday, resetting the world record. Arana, who races on Mickey Thompson ET Drag motorcycle tires, took home $10,000 from Denso Spark Plugs. The company announced the prize money prior to the race last Friday as the Pro Stock Motorcycles prepared to make their 2018 NHRA season debut at the Gatornationals. Arana set the previous record of 199.88 mph in 2015. The 200-mph barrier was expected to be broken in 2018.

The I.D. R Pikes Peak all-electric prototype race car will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, June 24, in Colorado.

Volkswagen Unveils Naming for I.D. R Pikes Peak Race Car

Volkswagen has named its latest motorsport project the I.D. R Pikes Peak. This all-electric prototype race car will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, June 24, in Colorado. The four-wheel-drive race car points to the sporting potential of the I.D. family of all-electric vehicles, and is also the first step toward a closer relationship between Volkswagen R and Volkswagen Motorsport. The Volkswagen brand plans to offer more than 20 fully electric cars by 2025. Manufacture of the first production model of the I.D. family is scheduled to start at the end of 2019 in Zwickau, Germany. The international Pikes Peak hillclimb, also known as the “Race to the Clouds,” has been held since 1916 near Colorado Springs. The 12.4-mile route starts at just above 9,000 ft. and climbs to the summit at 14,115 ft. above sea level.

Daniel Keilwitz will be joined by Eric Curran this week for the Pirelli World Challenge at Circuit of the Americas for the first race in the 2018 SprintX Championship.

Eric Curran Joins Callaway Competition USA for SprintX Championship

Following a successful debut for the Callaway Competition USA Corvette C7 GT3-R on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, earlier this month, German driver Daniel Keilwitz will be joined by American Eric Curran this week for the Pirelli World Challenge at Circuit of the Americas for the first race in the 2018 SprintX Championship. Also a competitor in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Curran will be able to provide knowledge of all five tracks on the Pirelli World Challenge 2018 SprintX calendar to co-driver Keilwitz, who is new to racing in the United States. Most recently, Curran celebrated a third-place finish in last weekend's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Heading into SprintX Rounds 1 and 2 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Keilwitz is tied for second place with CRP Racing’s Daniel Morad. The Pirelli World Challenge at Circuit of the Americas begins Thursday, March 22, with the series test day, and the races to follow, March 24–25.

Toyo Tires and NASA Celebrate 16 Years Supporting Amateur Road Racing

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has announced it will continue as the Official Tire of the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) in 2018. This represents the 16th year that Toyo Tires and NASA have committed to expanding the sport of amateur road racing together throughout the United States. As part of that long-standing partnership program, Toyo Tires and NASA have also announced the official 2018 Toyo Tires Contingency Support Program, which will again include Racing, Enduro and Time Trials. American Iron, Spec Iron, Spec Z, and CMC classes will be eligible for more than $5,000 in awards per weekend. Toyo Tires is also offering the largest single payout in the history of amateur road racing during the inaugural Toyo Tires Classic, which will award the overall winner with a cash payout of up to $80,000 and more than $130,000 in total cash awards to the Spec Miata competitors during the event. Toyo Tires is making well over $1 million in awards available to NASA competitors during the 2018 racing season. For complete details on the Toyo Tires Contingency Program, visit https://prizes.drivenasa.com/. 

In his Kalitta Air/DHL dragster, Richie Crampton took home the Top Fuel victory last Sunday afternoon at the 49th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Crampton, Beckman, T. Gray and Krawiec Win at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals

Richie Crampton took home the Top Fuel victory last Sunday afternoon at the 49th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the third of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Crampton got the uncontested win when he piloted his Kalitta Air/DHL dragster to the winning run of 3.854 seconds at 314.90 mph after Shawn Reed had to shut off his dragster on the starting line. Beckman claimed his first Funny Car victory at Gainesville with a hole-shot win of 4.035 at 323.58 in his Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T against teammate Matt Hagan, who defeated teammate Ron Capps in the semi-finals to advance to his second final round of the season. In Pro Stock, Gray powered his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro to victory with a run of 6.588 at 210.18 to defeat defending category world champion Bo Butner in the final round. Defending event and world champion Krawiec rode his bike to the winner’s circle with a pass of 6.824 at 198.44 on his Screamin’ Eagles Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the DENSO Spark Plug NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, April 6–8, in Las Vegas.

To show support for the company’s local track, Pacemakers Dragway Park, LSI recently hosted the dragway’s annual awards banquet at the company’s headquarters in Mt. Gilead, Ohio.

Lubrication Specialties Inc. Hosts Pacemakers Dragway Park Awards Banquet

In support of grassroots- and sportsman-style racing, Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI)—manufacturer of Hot Shot’s Secret—has recently announced a “Support Your Local Track” initiative for the 2018 season. To show support for the company’s local track, Pacemakers Dragway Park, LSI recently hosted the dragway’s annual awards banquet that was co-sponsored by TrickFlow and Summit Racing Equipment at the company’s headquarters in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. More than 100 racers and supportive family and friends attended the banquet to give recognition to the 2017 champions. Additionally, Hot Shot’s Secret is a sponsor of all six of the dragway’s Pacemakers Cash Days events, which feature automotive and motorcycle racing on an eighth-mile-length dragstrip.

NGK Announces Entitlement Sponsorship of NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. has announced its entitlement sponsorship of the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, which will be held April 27–29, at zMAX Dragway. The multi-year agreement gives NGK Spark Plugs top billing for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series’ original four-wide fracas.

View more racing and performance news from Performance Racing Industry (PRI).

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Hector Arana Jr. made history last Friday when he reached 200.23 mph during his second qualifying run at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

Arana Jr. First to 200 mph on NHRA Drag Bike

Hector Arana Jr. made history last Friday when he reached 200.23 mph during his second qualifying run at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, making him the first Pro Stock Motorcycle rider to top 200 mph. He later improved to a 201.01-mph run last Saturday, resetting the world record. Arana, who races on Mickey Thompson ET Drag motorcycle tires, took home $10,000 from Denso Spark Plugs. The company announced the prize money prior to the race last Friday as the Pro Stock Motorcycles prepared to make their 2018 NHRA season debut at the Gatornationals. Arana set the previous record of 199.88 mph in 2015. The 200-mph barrier was expected to be broken in 2018.

The I.D. R Pikes Peak all-electric prototype race car will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, June 24, in Colorado.

Volkswagen Unveils Naming for I.D. R Pikes Peak Race Car

Volkswagen has named its latest motorsport project the I.D. R Pikes Peak. This all-electric prototype race car will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, June 24, in Colorado. The four-wheel-drive race car points to the sporting potential of the I.D. family of all-electric vehicles, and is also the first step toward a closer relationship between Volkswagen R and Volkswagen Motorsport. The Volkswagen brand plans to offer more than 20 fully electric cars by 2025. Manufacture of the first production model of the I.D. family is scheduled to start at the end of 2019 in Zwickau, Germany. The international Pikes Peak hillclimb, also known as the “Race to the Clouds,” has been held since 1916 near Colorado Springs. The 12.4-mile route starts at just above 9,000 ft. and climbs to the summit at 14,115 ft. above sea level.

Daniel Keilwitz will be joined by Eric Curran this week for the Pirelli World Challenge at Circuit of the Americas for the first race in the 2018 SprintX Championship.

Eric Curran Joins Callaway Competition USA for SprintX Championship

Following a successful debut for the Callaway Competition USA Corvette C7 GT3-R on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, earlier this month, German driver Daniel Keilwitz will be joined by American Eric Curran this week for the Pirelli World Challenge at Circuit of the Americas for the first race in the 2018 SprintX Championship. Also a competitor in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Curran will be able to provide knowledge of all five tracks on the Pirelli World Challenge 2018 SprintX calendar to co-driver Keilwitz, who is new to racing in the United States. Most recently, Curran celebrated a third-place finish in last weekend's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Heading into SprintX Rounds 1 and 2 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Keilwitz is tied for second place with CRP Racing’s Daniel Morad. The Pirelli World Challenge at Circuit of the Americas begins Thursday, March 22, with the series test day, and the races to follow, March 24–25.

Toyo Tires and NASA Celebrate 16 Years Supporting Amateur Road Racing

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has announced it will continue as the Official Tire of the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) in 2018. This represents the 16th year that Toyo Tires and NASA have committed to expanding the sport of amateur road racing together throughout the United States. As part of that long-standing partnership program, Toyo Tires and NASA have also announced the official 2018 Toyo Tires Contingency Support Program, which will again include Racing, Enduro and Time Trials. American Iron, Spec Iron, Spec Z, and CMC classes will be eligible for more than $5,000 in awards per weekend. Toyo Tires is also offering the largest single payout in the history of amateur road racing during the inaugural Toyo Tires Classic, which will award the overall winner with a cash payout of up to $80,000 and more than $130,000 in total cash awards to the Spec Miata competitors during the event. Toyo Tires is making well over $1 million in awards available to NASA competitors during the 2018 racing season. For complete details on the Toyo Tires Contingency Program, visit https://prizes.drivenasa.com/. 

In his Kalitta Air/DHL dragster, Richie Crampton took home the Top Fuel victory last Sunday afternoon at the 49th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Crampton, Beckman, T. Gray and Krawiec Win at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals

Richie Crampton took home the Top Fuel victory last Sunday afternoon at the 49th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the third of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Crampton got the uncontested win when he piloted his Kalitta Air/DHL dragster to the winning run of 3.854 seconds at 314.90 mph after Shawn Reed had to shut off his dragster on the starting line. Beckman claimed his first Funny Car victory at Gainesville with a hole-shot win of 4.035 at 323.58 in his Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T against teammate Matt Hagan, who defeated teammate Ron Capps in the semi-finals to advance to his second final round of the season. In Pro Stock, Gray powered his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro to victory with a run of 6.588 at 210.18 to defeat defending category world champion Bo Butner in the final round. Defending event and world champion Krawiec rode his bike to the winner’s circle with a pass of 6.824 at 198.44 on his Screamin’ Eagles Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the DENSO Spark Plug NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, April 6–8, in Las Vegas.

To show support for the company’s local track, Pacemakers Dragway Park, LSI recently hosted the dragway’s annual awards banquet at the company’s headquarters in Mt. Gilead, Ohio.

Lubrication Specialties Inc. Hosts Pacemakers Dragway Park Awards Banquet

In support of grassroots- and sportsman-style racing, Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI)—manufacturer of Hot Shot’s Secret—has recently announced a “Support Your Local Track” initiative for the 2018 season. To show support for the company’s local track, Pacemakers Dragway Park, LSI recently hosted the dragway’s annual awards banquet that was co-sponsored by TrickFlow and Summit Racing Equipment at the company’s headquarters in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. More than 100 racers and supportive family and friends attended the banquet to give recognition to the 2017 champions. Additionally, Hot Shot’s Secret is a sponsor of all six of the dragway’s Pacemakers Cash Days events, which feature automotive and motorcycle racing on an eighth-mile-length dragstrip.

NGK Announces Entitlement Sponsorship of NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. has announced its entitlement sponsorship of the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, which will be held April 27–29, at zMAX Dragway. The multi-year agreement gives NGK Spark Plugs top billing for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series’ original four-wide fracas.

View more racing and performance news from Performance Racing Industry (PRI).

It appears that GMC will get its own version of the Silverado Trail Boss and, according to a source in the know, expect it to arrive under the All-Terrain nameplate.

GM recently debuted the ’19 Sierra 1500 at a special event in Detroit, but only included two trims in its introduction, the Denali and SLT. The All-Terrain would make a nice, rugged addition to the lineup, especially when combined with the Denali trim.

The Silverado Trail Boss is equipped with a 2-in. suspension lift, a locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho shocks, 18-in. wheels, and Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires. It’s safe to assume that the majority of that equipment will make its way to the Sierra All-Terrain.

Expect the All-Terrain to be optioned with the 5.3L V8, which will use an eight-speed automatic, and the 6.2L mated to the new 10-speed automatic. It should debut in the following months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

It appears that GMC will get its own version of the Silverado Trail Boss and, according to a source in the know, expect it to arrive under the All-Terrain nameplate.

GM recently debuted the ’19 Sierra 1500 at a special event in Detroit, but only included two trims in its introduction, the Denali and SLT. The All-Terrain would make a nice, rugged addition to the lineup, especially when combined with the Denali trim.

The Silverado Trail Boss is equipped with a 2-in. suspension lift, a locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho shocks, 18-in. wheels, and Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires. It’s safe to assume that the majority of that equipment will make its way to the Sierra All-Terrain.

Expect the All-Terrain to be optioned with the 5.3L V8, which will use an eight-speed automatic, and the 6.2L mated to the new 10-speed automatic. It should debut in the following months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde