By SEMA Editors

In 2017, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will partner with Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) has announced the addition of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Dragster Series. In 2017, HROT will partner with Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series (MJSS), which is run by Dave Beimfohr, and is currently scheduled to feature nine events. Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series is greatly supported by Trevor Wiggins from COMP Cams and three-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown. With its partnership with the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series, HROT will be well on its way to establishing a nationwide program for Junior Dragsters. Both Brown’s and Wiggins’ children currently compete in the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series.

MJSS will bring an additional 600 students into the HROT program. With the growth of HROT and the addition of the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series, the HROT program will have approximately 1,600 students enrolled in 2017.

“This new alliance between HROT and the MJSS will allow us to reach a much larger segment of our young enthusiasts, giving them more opportunities to become involved with this great industry and sport. This is just the beginning,” Beimfohr said.

HROT will use this blueprint to expand the series over the next few years to become a Nationwide Jr. Dragster Program.

“The merger between Hot Rodders and Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series will extend the reach of this fantastic program,” said Lee Robinson, a national sales manager at Hedman Hedders. “The more kids that you can reach out to and show there are several different opportunities in the automotive world, the better.”

When informed of HROT merging with the Jr. Dragster Series, Antron Brown commented, “MJSS teaches great life lessons using science, technology, engineering and mathematics as its backbone. That is why the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow and MJSS are a perfect fit.”

For more information on the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Jr. Dragster Series, contact Beimfohr at dave@midwestjrseries.com or Rodney Bingham at rbingham@hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

By SEMA Editors

In 2017, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will partner with Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) has announced the addition of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Dragster Series. In 2017, HROT will partner with Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series (MJSS), which is run by Dave Beimfohr, and is currently scheduled to feature nine events. Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series is greatly supported by Trevor Wiggins from COMP Cams and three-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown. With its partnership with the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series, HROT will be well on its way to establishing a nationwide program for Junior Dragsters. Both Brown’s and Wiggins’ children currently compete in the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series.

MJSS will bring an additional 600 students into the HROT program. With the growth of HROT and the addition of the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series, the HROT program will have approximately 1,600 students enrolled in 2017.

“This new alliance between HROT and the MJSS will allow us to reach a much larger segment of our young enthusiasts, giving them more opportunities to become involved with this great industry and sport. This is just the beginning,” Beimfohr said.

HROT will use this blueprint to expand the series over the next few years to become a Nationwide Jr. Dragster Program.

“The merger between Hot Rodders and Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series will extend the reach of this fantastic program,” said Lee Robinson, a national sales manager at Hedman Hedders. “The more kids that you can reach out to and show there are several different opportunities in the automotive world, the better.”

When informed of HROT merging with the Jr. Dragster Series, Antron Brown commented, “MJSS teaches great life lessons using science, technology, engineering and mathematics as its backbone. That is why the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow and MJSS are a perfect fit.”

For more information on the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Jr. Dragster Series, contact Beimfohr at dave@midwestjrseries.com or Rodney Bingham at rbingham@hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

By Chad Simon

The Thermal Club is finalizes its third and final phase of track development.

Thermal Club Completes Newest Development

Beginning January 2017, pro racers and auto/motorcycle enthusiasts alike are expected to flock to Palm Springs, California, as The Thermal Club finalizes its third and final phase of track development, complete with modern safety technology. Previous additions to Thermal—the North and South Palm Circuits—received the highest accolades. Phase 3, the Desert Circuit, is poised to be no less impressive. Thermal has become the go-to club among the racing and driving communities, building upon innovation, safety and passion for motorsports as its core foundations. For driver protection, the Thermal Club outfitted all three track phases with state-of-the-art barrier technology pioneered by Impact Safety Systems (ISS) and created by long-time champion pro-racer RJ Valentine.

By Chad Simon

The Thermal Club is finalizes its third and final phase of track development.

Thermal Club Completes Newest Development

Beginning January 2017, pro racers and auto/motorcycle enthusiasts alike are expected to flock to Palm Springs, California, as The Thermal Club finalizes its third and final phase of track development, complete with modern safety technology. Previous additions to Thermal—the North and South Palm Circuits—received the highest accolades. Phase 3, the Desert Circuit, is poised to be no less impressive. Thermal has become the go-to club among the racing and driving communities, building upon innovation, safety and passion for motorsports as its core foundations. For driver protection, the Thermal Club outfitted all three track phases with state-of-the-art barrier technology pioneered by Impact Safety Systems (ISS) and created by long-time champion pro-racer RJ Valentine.

By SEMA Editors

MAVTV’s Dave Despain will host this year’s Grand Opening Breakfast.

Attendees of the 2016 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show will have ample opportunities to listen and learn from an array of industry leaders when the event kicks off in two weeks in Indianapolis. Known as Race Industry Week, the days leading up to and including the PRI Show offer more than 45 conferences, seminars and special events in and around the Indiana Convention Center beginning December 5. Among the week’s informational and educational opportunities include:

Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), December 6-7. This conference focuses on the latest engineering ideas, and gives those in attendance a chance to spend one-on-one time with experts, including Gale Banks Engineering President and CEO Gale Banks, Gary Patterson of ECR Engines, Roush Yates Engines Technical Director Jamie McNaughton, and Star Racing CEO George Bryce, among many others.

Race Track Business Conference (RTBC), December 7. Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles, Red Bull Global Rally Cross President Chip Pankow, and Racer Magazine CEO Paul Pfanner will be among the industry leaders taking part in eight presentations on the current status of motorsports, covering topics such as motorsports market research and legislation, risk management and track operations.

Grand Opening Breakfast, December 8. Hosted by MAVTV’s Dave Despain, this year’s breakfast provides a unique opportunity to hear from IndyCar legend Rick Mears and NASCAR star Jeff Gordon in a casual and intimate stage setting. It is offered free of charge to registered attendees and exhibitors.

Student Breakfast, December 9. New for this year, top-performing students and future industry leaders from throughout the country will join established experts in the racing industry during this free breakfast. NASCAR driver David Ragan will be among the featured speakers.

International Motorsports Trade Seminar, December 9. Wilfried Eibach (Eibach Springs) and Darrick Dong (Performance Friction Brakes) will lead a panel of top international buyers and sellers who will share their insights on purchasing international products for the U.S. market, selling U.S. products internationally, buying U.S. products for international markets, and selling foreign products in the United States. This inaugural seminar is offered free of charge, but RSVP is required.

This year’s PRI Show-sponsored seminars will include four of the industry’s most accomplished professionals—IndyCar legend Lyn St. James, driver/fabricator/TV personality Jessi Combs, Jennifer LaFever of Roush Yates Engines, and Jeanette DesJardins of Car Chix—discussing opportunities for women in motorsports on Friday, December 9. The following day, performance engine and turbocharging guru Ken Duttweiler will sit down for an exclusive Q&A with PRI editors, while in an adjacent room, world-class racer, broadcaster, entrepreneur, speaker and author Derek Daly delivers his acclaimed “Derek Daly Academy Driver Development Seminar” for young drivers and parents eager to learn the critical skills required to become a complete champion. Additional seminar topics on Friday and Saturday include digital marketing, social media and building successful business relationships.  

The 2016 PRI Trade Show will feature more than 1,100 companies throughout 3,300 booths showcasing the latest developments in auto-racing technology. Tens of thousands of buyers from all 50 states and 70 countries will be on hand for the three biggest business days in racing.

For a complete list of events, visit www.pri2016.com/events. To register, or for more on the 2016 PRI Trade Show, including hotel and and travel information, visit www.pri2016.com.

By SEMA Editors

MAVTV’s Dave Despain will host this year’s Grand Opening Breakfast.

Attendees of the 2016 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show will have ample opportunities to listen and learn from an array of industry leaders when the event kicks off in two weeks in Indianapolis. Known as Race Industry Week, the days leading up to and including the PRI Show offer more than 45 conferences, seminars and special events in and around the Indiana Convention Center beginning December 5. Among the week’s informational and educational opportunities include:

Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), December 6-7. This conference focuses on the latest engineering ideas, and gives those in attendance a chance to spend one-on-one time with experts, including Gale Banks Engineering President and CEO Gale Banks, Gary Patterson of ECR Engines, Roush Yates Engines Technical Director Jamie McNaughton, and Star Racing CEO George Bryce, among many others.

Race Track Business Conference (RTBC), December 7. Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles, Red Bull Global Rally Cross President Chip Pankow, and Racer Magazine CEO Paul Pfanner will be among the industry leaders taking part in eight presentations on the current status of motorsports, covering topics such as motorsports market research and legislation, risk management and track operations.

Grand Opening Breakfast, December 8. Hosted by MAVTV’s Dave Despain, this year’s breakfast provides a unique opportunity to hear from IndyCar legend Rick Mears and NASCAR star Jeff Gordon in a casual and intimate stage setting. It is offered free of charge to registered attendees and exhibitors.

Student Breakfast, December 9. New for this year, top-performing students and future industry leaders from throughout the country will join established experts in the racing industry during this free breakfast. NASCAR driver David Ragan will be among the featured speakers.

International Motorsports Trade Seminar, December 9. Wilfried Eibach (Eibach Springs) and Darrick Dong (Performance Friction Brakes) will lead a panel of top international buyers and sellers who will share their insights on purchasing international products for the U.S. market, selling U.S. products internationally, buying U.S. products for international markets, and selling foreign products in the United States. This inaugural seminar is offered free of charge, but RSVP is required.

This year’s PRI Show-sponsored seminars will include four of the industry’s most accomplished professionals—IndyCar legend Lyn St. James, driver/fabricator/TV personality Jessi Combs, Jennifer LaFever of Roush Yates Engines, and Jeanette DesJardins of Car Chix—discussing opportunities for women in motorsports on Friday, December 9. The following day, performance engine and turbocharging guru Ken Duttweiler will sit down for an exclusive Q&A with PRI editors, while in an adjacent room, world-class racer, broadcaster, entrepreneur, speaker and author Derek Daly delivers his acclaimed “Derek Daly Academy Driver Development Seminar” for young drivers and parents eager to learn the critical skills required to become a complete champion. Additional seminar topics on Friday and Saturday include digital marketing, social media and building successful business relationships.  

The 2016 PRI Trade Show will feature more than 1,100 companies throughout 3,300 booths showcasing the latest developments in auto-racing technology. Tens of thousands of buyers from all 50 states and 70 countries will be on hand for the three biggest business days in racing.

For a complete list of events, visit www.pri2016.com/events. To register, or for more on the 2016 PRI Trade Show, including hotel and and travel information, visit www.pri2016.com.

By Michael Hart

This year, speakers including Gale Banks of Gale Banks Engineering, George Bryce of STAR Racing and Brian Lebarron of Vibratech TVD & Fluidampr will explain the latest advances in motorsports and performance to design engineers, parts manufacturers and engine builders.

For 27 years, the annual Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) has been the most important event of the year to get cutting-edge information on engine technology. This year is no different as speakers including Gale Banks of Gale Banks Engineering, George Bryce of STAR Racing and Brian Lebarron of Vibratech TVD & Fluidampr will explain the latest advances in motorsports and performance to design engineers, parts manufacturers and engine builders.

However, this year’s AETC—to be held December 6–7, at the Indianapolis Convention Center—goes one step further.

As SEMA takes a big step to become more involved with AETC, SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak said, “We’re going to leverage the past and create the future. We want to add to AETC and truly make it the place to find out the latest in advanced engineering for the entire vehicle, including the engine and powertrain.”

Waraniak will lead a panel discussion entitled, “Advanced Engine Technology and Design Discussions With OEMs.” In this conference wrap-up session, he will talk to Dave Simon of Ford and Jamie McNaughton of Roush Yates Engines about how Ford works with its partners to develop automotive technology.

The discussion will be a deep dive into the development of products such as the Ford GT and Mustang, among others.

“This is how technology goes from the track to the street,” Waraniak said. “We’re going to tell the story of the Ford GT.”

AETC is held in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, so the conference and, in particular, the “Discussions With the OEMs” session, will give the innovators who attend PRI the chance to find out how they can take advantage of the kinds of partnerships companies such as Ford and Roush Yates have built.

Visit www.aetconline.com to learn more about the conference and register. Registration for the two-day conference includes not only the conference sessions, but also one-on-one time with presenters, lunches and dinners, and raffle prizes.

“Understanding and knowing the latest in advanced technology is crucial to the motorsports industry,” said PRI General Manager Bill Miller. “This top-rated conference focuses on these important topics.”

Register now!

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for more details.

By Michael Hart

This year, speakers including Gale Banks of Gale Banks Engineering, George Bryce of STAR Racing and Brian Lebarron of Vibratech TVD & Fluidampr will explain the latest advances in motorsports and performance to design engineers, parts manufacturers and engine builders.

For 27 years, the annual Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) has been the most important event of the year to get cutting-edge information on engine technology. This year is no different as speakers including Gale Banks of Gale Banks Engineering, George Bryce of STAR Racing and Brian Lebarron of Vibratech TVD & Fluidampr will explain the latest advances in motorsports and performance to design engineers, parts manufacturers and engine builders.

However, this year’s AETC—to be held December 6–7, at the Indianapolis Convention Center—goes one step further.

As SEMA takes a big step to become more involved with AETC, SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak said, “We’re going to leverage the past and create the future. We want to add to AETC and truly make it the place to find out the latest in advanced engineering for the entire vehicle, including the engine and powertrain.”

Waraniak will lead a panel discussion entitled, “Advanced Engine Technology and Design Discussions With OEMs.” In this conference wrap-up session, he will talk to Dave Simon of Ford and Jamie McNaughton of Roush Yates Engines about how Ford works with its partners to develop automotive technology.

The discussion will be a deep dive into the development of products such as the Ford GT and Mustang, among others.

“This is how technology goes from the track to the street,” Waraniak said. “We’re going to tell the story of the Ford GT.”

AETC is held in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, so the conference and, in particular, the “Discussions With the OEMs” session, will give the innovators who attend PRI the chance to find out how they can take advantage of the kinds of partnerships companies such as Ford and Roush Yates have built.

Visit www.aetconline.com to learn more about the conference and register. Registration for the two-day conference includes not only the conference sessions, but also one-on-one time with presenters, lunches and dinners, and raffle prizes.

“Understanding and knowing the latest in advanced technology is crucial to the motorsports industry,” said PRI General Manager Bill Miller. “This top-rated conference focuses on these important topics.”

Register now!

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for more details.

By Michael Hart

This year, speakers including Gale Banks of Gale Banks Engineering, George Bryce of STAR Racing and Brian Lebarron of Vibratech TVD & Fluidampr will explain the latest advances in motorsports and performance to design engineers, parts manufacturers and engine builders.

For 27 years, the annual Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) has been the most important event of the year to get cutting-edge information on engine technology. This year is no different as speakers including Gale Banks of Gale Banks Engineering, George Bryce of STAR Racing and Brian Lebarron of Vibratech TVD & Fluidampr will explain the latest advances in motorsports and performance to design engineers, parts manufacturers and engine builders.

However, this year’s AETC—to be held December 6–7, at the Indianapolis Convention Center—goes one step further.

As SEMA takes a big step to become more involved with AETC, SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak said, “We’re going to leverage the past and create the future. We want to add to AETC and truly make it the place to find out the latest in advanced engineering for the entire vehicle, including the engine and powertrain.”

Waraniak will lead a panel discussion entitled, “Advanced Engine Technology and Design Discussions With OEMs.” In this conference wrap-up session, he will talk to Dave Simon of Ford and Jamie McNaughton of Roush Yates Engines about how Ford works with its partners to develop automotive technology.

The discussion will be a deep dive into the development of products such as the Ford GT and Mustang, among others.

“This is how technology goes from the track to the street,” Waraniak said. “We’re going to tell the story of the Ford GT.”

AETC is held in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, so the conference and, in particular, the “Discussions With the OEMs” session, will give the innovators who attend PRI the chance to find out how they can take advantage of the kinds of partnerships companies such as Ford and Roush Yates have built.

Visit www.aetconline.com to learn more about the conference and register. Registration for the two-day conference includes not only the conference sessions, but also one-on-one time with presenters, lunches and dinners, and raffle prizes.

“Understanding and knowing the latest in advanced technology is crucial to the motorsports industry,” said PRI General Manager Bill Miller. “This top-rated conference focuses on these important topics.”

Register now!

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for more details.

By SEMA Editors

Register for the 2017 MPMC Media Trade Conference, Tuesday–Thursday, January 24–26, 2017, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

Reporters who register for the 2017 conference now will receive the best possible schedule with the companies that are most relevant to their audience.

Featuring members of SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), the Media Trade Conference brings media members and motorsports parts producers together for private, 30-minute meetings. The meetings are scheduled based on the companies that journalists select on their applications, so participants are encouraged to pay close attention to the companies they select. Journalists should also mark “Do Not Meet” for the companies outside of their editorial needs.

Register for the 2017 MPMC Media Trade Conference, Tuesday–Thursday, January 24–26, 2017, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

For questions regarding the event, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org.