Compiled by SEMA Editors

Justin Grant

Justin Grant Joins TOPP Motorsports Team for 2018 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Season

TOPP Motorsports has announced that sprint car driver Justin Grant has joined the team. Coming off a top-three finish in both driver and owner points independently for USAC National Sprints in 2017, the duo has partnered for the upcoming season to make a run at the USAC National Sprint title. Grant finished second in USAC National Sprint points by six points and received various honors for his versatility and performance. He was recently announced as the winner of the Prosource Fast Time Award Challenge for earning fast qualifier eight different times in 2017. Additionally, Grant was the only driver in 2017 to start all USAC National point races—Silver Crown, Midgets and Sprints—and was one of two drivers across all divisions to win feature events in each division. It was recently announced that Grant’s consistency in performance across the three National USAC divisions has earned him the Mike Curb “Super License” and a $5,000 award.

Formula DRIFT Announces 2018 Championship Calendar

Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship has announced the official 2018 calendar for the Pro and four Pro2 Championship. The 15th anniversary season will feature eight rounds of competition within the continental United States. Notable changes include the addition of Gateway Motorsports Park, located just outside St. Louis. Las Vegas will replace the Irwindale Speedway for the season finale, due to Irwindale’s closure this coming January.

2018 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship Schedule*

Round 1
April 6–7: Streets of Long Beach, Long Beach, California

Invitational: Super Drift Challenge at the Grand Prix of Long Beach**
April 13–14: Streets of Long Beach, Long Beach, California

Round 2
April 27–28: Orlando Speedworld, Orlando, Florida

Round 3
May 11–12: Road Atlanta, Atlanta, with Pro2

Round 4
June 1–2: Wall Stadium Speedway, Wall Township, New Jersey

Round 5
July 20–21: Evergreen Speedway, Monroe, Washington

Round 6
August 10–11: Gateway Motorsports Park, St. Louis, with Pro2

Round 7
September 14–5: Texas Motor Speedway, Dallas, with Pro2

Round 8
October 12–13: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, with Pro2

*Subject to Change
**Non-Championship Points Competition

Daniel Keilwitz	Michael Cooper

Callaway Competition USA Announces Factory Pirelli World Challenge Effort

On Thursday morning at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, Callaway Competition USA unveiled the Corvette C7 GT3-R, announcing Daniel Keilwitz and Michael Cooper as the two full-time drivers for the 2018 factory GT effort in the Pirelli World Challenge. Team owner Reeves Callaway and Pirelli World Challenge President and CEO Greg Gill opened the press event alongside a matte black carbon Corvette C7 GT3-R, one of two that will be entered as full season factory efforts in the GT class. The GT3-spec homologated Corvette C7 GT3-R will compete in the GT class in both the sprint races, as well as the two driver format SprintX races. Drivers for the SprintX events will be announced at a later date.

Irwindale Speedway Racing Results

Racing results from Irwindale Speedway, California, December 2:

Kern County Raceway Spec Mods (30 laps)
1. 32 Jason Galvin, Santa Clarita
2. 97 Tanner Wattenberger, Bakersfield
3. 8 Jim Coffey, Bakersfield
4. 4 Eric Brust, Morro Bay
5. 59 Anthony Barket, Bakersfield

Siedner’s Collision Centers Enduro Cars (20 laps)
1. 19 Rodney Argo, Gardena
2. 171 Casey Dennis, El Segundo
3. 81 Eddie Howell, Carson
4. 62 Brad Stellman, Gardena
5. 7 Robert Rice, Hawthorne

Robertson Solar Southwest Tour Trucks (40 laps)
1. 71 Dustin Vandermooren, Cerritos
2. 19 Chris Dalton, Anaheim
3. 78 Ronnie Davis Jr., Whittier
4. 27 Alec Martinez, Tustin
5. 77 Mike De Gregorio, Murrieta

Siedner’s Collision Centers Skid Plates (20 laps)
1. 16 Robert Salcido, Perris
2. 00 Jerry Best, Valencia
3. 99 Cole Schmidt, Whitter
4. 55 Ken Palmer, Los Angeles
5. 7 Robert Rice, Hawthorne

LKQ Pick Your Part Compact Figure 8 Race (20 laps)
1. 19 Rodney Argo, Gardena
2. 7 Robert Rice, Hawthorne
3. 64 Dewitt Jones, Santa Monica
4. 81 Eddie Howell, Carson
5. 92 Jeremy Queener, Mira Loma

LKQ Pick Your Part Double-Decker Jet Truck Burn-Down
1. LKQ Jet Truck
2. Double Decker stack of cars (DNF)

LKQ Pick Your Part Compact Car Demolition-Derby
1. 14 Adam Ditto, Monrovia
2. 87 Jonathon Destefano, Chino
3. 96 Tommy Mason, Alpha Centauri
4. 11 Ron Schmitt, Whittier
5. 40 Eric Dolan, Rancho Cucamonga

Tim Kennedy Trailer Race
1. 176 Cheryl Hyland, Glendora
2. 7 Robert Rice, Hawthorne
3. 95 Joe Labrasciano, Visalia

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Power Automedia’s new show, “Horsepower Wars,’ will debut in 2018.

Power Automedia to Launch “Horsepower Wars” Automotive Show

Power Automedia’s all-new original show “Horsepower Wars” is set to debut in 2018, and will showcase automotive shops, engine builders, racers and tuners. Each story will consist of a shootout, and viewers will witness the entire build process all the way to the end, when there will be a showdown on either a chassis dyno, engine dyno, road course or drag strip. “Horsepower Wars” content will include part 2 of the Coyote vs. LS Shootout, this time with a competition called the “$10K Drag Race Shootout,” where three build teams will be handed $3,000 in cash and $7,000 in Summit Racing gift cards to buy and build their cars in 10 days and then drag race it. The winner takes the car home, and viewers can enter a contest to take home the other two cars. Drag-racing teams that want to compete can apply to “Horsepower Wars” starting in January 2018. The official launch will take place in March 2018.

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels Expands Footprint with Larger Facility

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has a new facility in the company’s hometown of Stow, Ohio. The company’s new state-of-the-art headquarters and warehouse, which opened in September, covers 200,000 sq. ft., including 20,000 sq. ft. of office space. The facility serves as the eastern distribution center and corporate headquarters for Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, which includes both the Mickey Thompson and Dick Cepek brands. Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels’ new headquarters can be found at 4651 Prosper Dr., Stow, Ohio 44224.

AmericanTrucks.com and its sister store, AmericanMuscle.com, have joined to host a truck-parts giveaway valued at $17,760.

AmericanTrucks.com Continues Entry Period for $17,760 Truck Parts Giveaway

AmericanTrucks.com and its sister store, AmericanMuscle.com, have joined to host a truck-parts giveaway valued at $17,760—an amount selected in a patriotic theme for the year America was founded (1776). The American Build Giveaway will choose one finalist to receive the grand-prize package. A total of 76 runners-up are eligible to enter to win a limited-edition American Build Prize Pack. AmericanTrucks.com’s grand-prize winner will receive an additional $5,000 to cover the cost of installing the selected products. One entry per person per week during the entry period is allowed until the promotion ends, March 20, 2018. The grand-prize winner will be selected the final week of March, and the winner will be notified using the information they provided when entering the giveaway.

FCA US Officially Opens New MOPAR Parts Distribution Center in Metro Detroit

FCA US LLC officially opened a new 500,000-sq.-ft. MOPAR Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Metro Detroit, marking the second new MOPAR PDC to open in the United States this year. The Romulus, Michigan, facility employs more than 100 workers and represents an investment of $10.4 million by FCA US. With an additional PDC opened earlier this year in Winchester, Virginia, FCA US has invested $22.6 million in 2017 to strengthen its parts distribution network in the United States, with 23 PDCs in North America. Combined, the two facilities represent more than 170 jobs. In addition to U.S. growth, MOPAR has also recently expanded its international parts distribution network. In less than five years, MOPAR has added four new parts distribution centers, including joint ventures in Asia, Europe and South America. MOPAR has a footprint of more than 50 PDCs worldwide, including North America.

Renegade III, a ’74 Jeep CJ-5 reconstructed and enhanced for the 2017 SEMA Show by Greg Griffith, Mancave Designs and The AAM Group, was named to three post-Show top-builds lists.

Renegade III Project Jeep Lands on Three “Best of SEMA” Lists

Renegade III, a ’74 Jeep CJ-5 reconstructed and enhanced for the 2017 SEMA Show by Greg Griffith, Mancave Designs and The AAM Group, was named to three post-Show top-builds lists: two by the Four Wheeler Network (Top 10 Vintage Jeeps and Top 10 Jeeps) and Top 10 Jeeps by JPFreek Adventure magazine.

AirPro Diagnostics Names McCahill HR Director

AirPro Diagnostics has appointed Mark McCahill to director of human resources. With more than 20 years of experience, McCahill has balanced experience between start-ups and established Fortune 500 companies, and a background in staff and leadership development.

Jim Amerio

Prestone Appoints Jim Amerio Vice President of North American Sales

Prestone Products Corp. has announced it has hired Jim Amerio as its vice president of North American sales. Amerio joins Prestone with more than 25 years of sales experience and will drive the brand’s profitable volume and share growth. Amerio will take on the role of motivating and leading sales teams and capabilities, while building and expanding wiring with key customer leaders. He has broad experience across a variety of sales channels and a history of negotiating strategic relationships, resulting in increased focus on brands he has represented.

Sara Slaughter to Manage PR and Publicity for John Force Racing

John Force Racing (JFR) has announced that Sara Slaughter, most recently media relations manager for the NHRA, has joined the team as its new public relations director. Slaughter will manage all aspects of JFR’s public relations and publicity and will work closely with Vice President of Sales Steve Cole in the California office, and Director of Marketing Kelly Antonelli at JFR’s race headquarters in Brownsburg, Indiana.

Turn 14 Distribution Names MagnaFlow Supplier of the Year

Turn 14 Distribution announced that it has selected MagnaFlow as the winner of its Supplier of the Year award. Turn 14 Distribution honors one company each year with the award, highlighting a vendor that excels in not only the product it creates, but how it supports distributors. Considerations for the award include ease of warehouse receiving, accurate product data and co-op/marketing programs that help both companies mutually.

Dave Brzozowski

Dave Brzozowski Named Motorsports Manager at Wilwood

Dave Brzozowski has been named motorsports manager, overseeing all motorsports-related projects and opportunities for Wilwood Disc Brakes. Before joining Wilwood in 2012, Brzozowski spent more than three decades in various roles within pavement and dirt series, including USAC, World of Outlaws, CART, Champ Car and IRL. In his new role, Brzozowski will work with race teams and internal staff to gather important feedback from each racing market. He will also provide on-site support at races throughout the season.

Two Continental Technologies Earn CES 2018 Innovation Awards

Continental has announced that two of its technologies have earned CES 2018 Innovation Awards. The Ac2ated Sound speakerless audio system was named an honoree in the In-Vehicle Audio/Video product category, and the Continental Air Supply (CAirS) in the Eco-Design and Sustainable Technologies category. Products entered in this program are judged by a panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the trade media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 28 product categories.

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 Kyle Cheng

SEMA’s monthly “Industry Indicators Report” provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

In an effort to keep SEMA members informed about the current market and economic environment, SEMA Market Research has developed the monthly “Industry Indicators Report.” This report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

In addition to these economic indicators, the report will also showcase newly released data gathered from current SEMA Market Research reports and other topics of interest to the automotive aftermarket industry. This month, the report includes insights from the recent “SEMA Jeep Wrangler Report.”

Because this is a brand-new benefit for members, the SEMA Market Research department welcomes your feedback and suggestions.

To view the current “Industry Indicators Report,” visit www.sema.org/market-research.

By Kyle Cheng

SEMA’s monthly “Industry Indicators Report” provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

In an effort to keep SEMA members informed about the current market and economic environment, SEMA Market Research has developed the monthly “Industry Indicators Report.” This report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

In addition to these economic indicators, the report will also showcase newly released data gathered from current SEMA Market Research reports and other topics of interest to the automotive aftermarket industry. This month, the report includes insights from the recent “SEMA Jeep Wrangler Report.”

Because this is a brand-new benefit for members, the SEMA Market Research department welcomes your feedback and suggestions.

To view the current “Industry Indicators Report,” visit www.sema.org/market-research.

By Jenny Galvan

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs are being held this week at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

As the 2017 PRI Trade Show is in full swing, there are several events that SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturer’s Council (MPMC) is hosting today and tomorrow. If you are at the trade show, be sure to make time to attend these informative seminars. Also, stop by the MPMC reception on Friday, December 8, and join in on the networking fun.

Thursday, December 7

• Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers. NHRA and Fox Sports announcing celebrity Alan Reinhart will moderate this insightful discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

Friday, December 8

• How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals Seminar. When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I attend? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? Keynote speaker Alex Striler of Lucas Oil Motorsports will moderate the discussion with the following brand marketing managers: Regis Finn of Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Tony Yorkman of K&N Engineering, Amy Weyenberg of Miller Welders and Erica Turner of Two Rivers Marketing. Panelists will share insights about what they look for in a sponsorship proposal. Register now.

• Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4 Discussion. Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the countless regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity about common misconceptions or issues. Register now.

• MPMC Industry Reception. The reception serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with friends. Enjoy hot appetizers and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and members. A highlight of the event is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. The event is open to all manufacturers and media. Register now.

By Jenny Galvan

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs are being held this week at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

As the 2017 PRI Trade Show is in full swing, there are several events that SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturer’s Council (MPMC) is hosting today and tomorrow. If you are at the trade show, be sure to make time to attend these informative seminars. Also, stop by the MPMC reception on Friday, December 8, and join in on the networking fun.

Thursday, December 7

• Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers. NHRA and Fox Sports announcing celebrity Alan Reinhart will moderate this insightful discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

Friday, December 8

• How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals Seminar. When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I attend? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? Keynote speaker Alex Striler of Lucas Oil Motorsports will moderate the discussion with the following brand marketing managers: Regis Finn of Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Tony Yorkman of K&N Engineering, Amy Weyenberg of Miller Welders and Erica Turner of Two Rivers Marketing. Panelists will share insights about what they look for in a sponsorship proposal. Register now.

• Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4 Discussion. Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the countless regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity about common misconceptions or issues. Register now.

• MPMC Industry Reception. The reception serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with friends. Enjoy hot appetizers and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and members. A highlight of the event is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. The event is open to all manufacturers and media. Register now.

By Jenny Galvan

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs are being held this week at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

As the 2017 PRI Trade Show is in full swing, there are several events that SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturer’s Council (MPMC) is hosting today and tomorrow. If you are at the trade show, be sure to make time to attend these informative seminars. Also, stop by the MPMC reception on Friday, December 8, and join in on the networking fun.

Thursday, December 7

• Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers. NHRA and Fox Sports announcing celebrity Alan Reinhart will moderate this insightful discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

Friday, December 8

• How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals Seminar. When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I attend? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? Keynote speaker Alex Striler of Lucas Oil Motorsports will moderate the discussion with the following brand marketing managers: Regis Finn of Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Tony Yorkman of K&N Engineering, Amy Weyenberg of Miller Welders and Erica Turner of Two Rivers Marketing. Panelists will share insights about what they look for in a sponsorship proposal. Register now.

• Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4 Discussion. Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the countless regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity about common misconceptions or issues. Register now.

• MPMC Industry Reception. The reception serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with friends. Enjoy hot appetizers and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and members. A highlight of the event is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. The event is open to all manufacturers and media. Register now.

By Gavin Knapp

Select attendees have received an email invitation to participate in a survey about their 2017 SEMA Show experiences.

Last year, more than 90% of respondents said they had a good or outstanding experience at the SEMA Show. How was your experience this year?

SEMA's database of 2017 Show attendees was sent an email invitation to participate in a survey about Show experiences. If you receive this email from SEMA’s research partner Directions Research, please help by providing your feedback.

After taking the survey, as a token of SEMA’s appreciation for your time, you will be entered into a sweepstakes to win one of five $200 cash prizes and one $1,000 grand prize.  

SEMA uses the data from this survey to help improve the Show each year. With your help, next year’s Show will be even better.

As with all SEMA research, SEMA won’t share or publish your personal information or reveal your individual responses. SEMA takes its members’ privacy and security seriously, and wants to hear from you regardless of whether your experience at the Show was positive or negative.

By Gavin Knapp

Select attendees have received an email invitation to participate in a survey about their 2017 SEMA Show experiences.

Last year, more than 90% of respondents said they had a good or outstanding experience at the SEMA Show. How was your experience this year?

SEMA's database of 2017 Show attendees was sent an email invitation to participate in a survey about Show experiences. If you receive this email from SEMA’s research partner Directions Research, please help by providing your feedback.

After taking the survey, as a token of SEMA’s appreciation for your time, you will be entered into a sweepstakes to win one of five $200 cash prizes and one $1,000 grand prize.  

SEMA uses the data from this survey to help improve the Show each year. With your help, next year’s Show will be even better.

As with all SEMA research, SEMA won’t share or publish your personal information or reveal your individual responses. SEMA takes its members’ privacy and security seriously, and wants to hear from you regardless of whether your experience at the Show was positive or negative.

By Jenny Galvan

The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is scheduled to host its Motorsports & Performance Tech Roundtables, Friday, December 8, at the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis, where subject-matter experts will host discussions on their areas of expertise. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the experts, ask questions and participate in discussions, which will focus on the following topics:

• How to gain performance and drivability with electronically spooled/assisted turbocharging technology.
• How to run higher compression ratios using direct-injection technology.
• Trends in rapid prototyping and R&D tools to enhance engine/vehicle development and performance.
• How advanced simulation tools, such as GT Power and 3D CFD, can accelerate the engine-development process.
• How advancements in coatings reduce wear and friction and lead to increased performance.

For those planning to attend day two of the PRI Trade Show, register for this free event today.