Fri, 10/21/2016 - 16:12

mustang

This is a first look at the ’18 Ford Mustang GT. The 5.0L exhaust note was undeniable on this beast.

The Mustang will get some minor changes for 2018 to keep it fresh after its comprehensive redo in 2015. The styling should be tweaked with new special editions and trim packages offered, such as the Mach 1.

More significant changes are expected under the skin, with a new 10-speed automatic finding its way into the Mustang, along with likely changes to improve power and economy. It's unclear if the naturally aspirated V6 will continue.

Expect to see the ’18 Mustang early next year.

mustang

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Fri, 10/21/2016 - 16:12

mustang

This is a first look at the ’18 Ford Mustang GT. The 5.0L exhaust note was undeniable on this beast.

The Mustang will get some minor changes for 2018 to keep it fresh after its comprehensive redo in 2015. The styling should be tweaked with new special editions and trim packages offered, such as the Mach 1.

More significant changes are expected under the skin, with a new 10-speed automatic finding its way into the Mustang, along with likely changes to improve power and economy. It's unclear if the naturally aspirated V6 will continue.

Expect to see the ’18 Mustang early next year.

mustang

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Fri, 10/21/2016 - 16:12

mustang

This is a first look at the ’18 Ford Mustang GT. The 5.0L exhaust note was undeniable on this beast.

The Mustang will get some minor changes for 2018 to keep it fresh after its comprehensive redo in 2015. The styling should be tweaked with new special editions and trim packages offered, such as the Mach 1.

More significant changes are expected under the skin, with a new 10-speed automatic finding its way into the Mustang, along with likely changes to improve power and economy. It's unclear if the naturally aspirated V6 will continue.

Expect to see the ’18 Mustang early next year.

mustang

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Fri, 10/21/2016 - 16:12

mustang

This is a first look at the ’18 Ford Mustang GT. The 5.0L exhaust note was undeniable on this beast.

The Mustang will get some minor changes for 2018 to keep it fresh after its comprehensive redo in 2015. The styling should be tweaked with new special editions and trim packages offered, such as the Mach 1.

More significant changes are expected under the skin, with a new 10-speed automatic finding its way into the Mustang, along with likely changes to improve power and economy. It's unclear if the naturally aspirated V6 will continue.

Expect to see the ’18 Mustang early next year.

mustang

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 16:28

By SEMA Editors

icar
At the 2016 SEMA Show, I-CAR will give presentations and live demonstrations on topics and trends relevant to the rapid technological changes the collision industry is currently facing.

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), will once again deliver leading vehicle technology discussions at the 2016 SEMA Show. Attendees will watch forward-thinking presentations and live demonstrations on topics and trends relevant to the rapid technological changes the collision industry is currently facing.

The presentations and demonstrations will have a strong focus on the latest vehicle-specific trends and procedures that contribute to complete, safe and quality repairs. The presentations kick off Tuesday, November 1, featuring “I-CAR: Collision Repair Diagnostics” at 1:00 p.m., presented by Jason Bartanen, I-CAR’s director of industry relations.

Bartanen will co-present with his I-CAR colleague Josh McFarlin, director of curriculum and product development, on “The Need for Training on Today’s New Vehicles and Technologies,” Wednesday, November 2, at 1:00 p.m. Bartanen will also co-present with Collision Hub’s Kristen Felder on “Cool Tools,” Thursday, November 3, at 1:00 p.m.

I-CAR’s CEO and President John Van Alstyne kicks off the presentations Friday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m., with “I-CAR Knowledge and Skills—The Requisite Foundation for Repair Excellence,” a comprehensive look at the industry, emerging trends and I-CAR’s role.

A full lineup of vehicle-related presentations are on tap, including 3M and I-CAR sharing on the Ford F-150, BMW on the new 7 Series, Honda on the Pilot and Civic, Audi on multi-material hybrid construction and other collision-repair updates from Porsche, Audi, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.

In addition to OEM presentations, the stage will feature presentations on carbon-fiber design and repair techniques, collision diagnostic services (CDS) on both remote vehicle diagnostics with Astech2 and on zero-point calibration for occupant classification systems, Fusor on bonding and mechanical bonding, and I-CAR on advanced joining techniques.

SCRS presentations will take place at 11:30 a.m. each day of the Show and include:

  • “Lessons From Beyond the Repair: Highlighting the Importance of Proper Repairs With American Honda” on Monday, November 1
  • Participants of the OEM Collision Repair Roundtable will discuss “Accessing and Utilizing OEM Collision-Repair Procedures and Documentation” on Tuesday, November 2
  • “Color Matching and Styling: More than Painting by Numbers” featuring industry leaders from PPG, including renowned refinish specialist Charley Hutton of Charley Hutton’s Color Studio on Wednesday, November 3
  • “Documenting Commonly Performed and Often Overlooked Collision Repair Estimate Items” with Ron Reichen and Guests on Thursday, November 4.

The collaboration between I-CAR and SCRS also extends into other sessions as well, highlighted by Bartanen’s participation in a panel discussion as part of SCRS’ OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, Thursday, November 3.

The session on “Restoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics” will place Bartanen and I-CAR on a panel with other solutions providers in the industry (Bosch Diagnostics, Snap-On Diagnostics, Collision Diagnostic services and AirPro Diagnostics), and the conversation will identify the mechanisms and resources available to the collision-repair community to address scan, calibration and diagnostic requirements.

Repairers in attendance will leave with a better understanding of resources and options available to their business. Panel moderator John Ellis, of Ellis & Associates, previously served as global technologist and head of the Ford Developer Program—the automotive industry's first-ever software developer program.

In addition to delivering technical presentations at SEMA, I-CAR will also offer some of its newest and most popular courses. To see a full list of presentations and courses offered by I-CAR at SEMA, visit www.I-CAR.com/SEMA

For more information on SCRS Repairer Driven Education series, or the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2016 SEMA Show, visit: www.scrs.com/rde.

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 16:28

By SEMA Editors

icar
At the 2016 SEMA Show, I-CAR will give presentations and live demonstrations on topics and trends relevant to the rapid technological changes the collision industry is currently facing.

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), will once again deliver leading vehicle technology discussions at the 2016 SEMA Show. Attendees will watch forward-thinking presentations and live demonstrations on topics and trends relevant to the rapid technological changes the collision industry is currently facing.

The presentations and demonstrations will have a strong focus on the latest vehicle-specific trends and procedures that contribute to complete, safe and quality repairs. The presentations kick off Tuesday, November 1, featuring “I-CAR: Collision Repair Diagnostics” at 1:00 p.m., presented by Jason Bartanen, I-CAR’s director of industry relations.

Bartanen will co-present with his I-CAR colleague Josh McFarlin, director of curriculum and product development, on “The Need for Training on Today’s New Vehicles and Technologies,” Wednesday, November 2, at 1:00 p.m. Bartanen will also co-present with Collision Hub’s Kristen Felder on “Cool Tools,” Thursday, November 3, at 1:00 p.m.

I-CAR’s CEO and President John Van Alstyne kicks off the presentations Friday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m., with “I-CAR Knowledge and Skills—The Requisite Foundation for Repair Excellence,” a comprehensive look at the industry, emerging trends and I-CAR’s role.

A full lineup of vehicle-related presentations are on tap, including 3M and I-CAR sharing on the Ford F-150, BMW on the new 7 Series, Honda on the Pilot and Civic, Audi on multi-material hybrid construction and other collision-repair updates from Porsche, Audi, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.

In addition to OEM presentations, the stage will feature presentations on carbon-fiber design and repair techniques, collision diagnostic services (CDS) on both remote vehicle diagnostics with Astech2 and on zero-point calibration for occupant classification systems, Fusor on bonding and mechanical bonding, and I-CAR on advanced joining techniques.

SCRS presentations will take place at 11:30 a.m. each day of the Show and include:

  • “Lessons From Beyond the Repair: Highlighting the Importance of Proper Repairs With American Honda” on Monday, November 1
  • Participants of the OEM Collision Repair Roundtable will discuss “Accessing and Utilizing OEM Collision-Repair Procedures and Documentation” on Tuesday, November 2
  • “Color Matching and Styling: More than Painting by Numbers” featuring industry leaders from PPG, including renowned refinish specialist Charley Hutton of Charley Hutton’s Color Studio on Wednesday, November 3
  • “Documenting Commonly Performed and Often Overlooked Collision Repair Estimate Items” with Ron Reichen and Guests on Thursday, November 4.

The collaboration between I-CAR and SCRS also extends into other sessions as well, highlighted by Bartanen’s participation in a panel discussion as part of SCRS’ OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, Thursday, November 3.

The session on “Restoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics” will place Bartanen and I-CAR on a panel with other solutions providers in the industry (Bosch Diagnostics, Snap-On Diagnostics, Collision Diagnostic services and AirPro Diagnostics), and the conversation will identify the mechanisms and resources available to the collision-repair community to address scan, calibration and diagnostic requirements.

Repairers in attendance will leave with a better understanding of resources and options available to their business. Panel moderator John Ellis, of Ellis & Associates, previously served as global technologist and head of the Ford Developer Program—the automotive industry's first-ever software developer program.

In addition to delivering technical presentations at SEMA, I-CAR will also offer some of its newest and most popular courses. To see a full list of presentations and courses offered by I-CAR at SEMA, visit www.I-CAR.com/SEMA

For more information on SCRS Repairer Driven Education series, or the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2016 SEMA Show, visit: www.scrs.com/rde.

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 16:28

By SEMA Editors

icar
At the 2016 SEMA Show, I-CAR will give presentations and live demonstrations on topics and trends relevant to the rapid technological changes the collision industry is currently facing.

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), will once again deliver leading vehicle technology discussions at the 2016 SEMA Show. Attendees will watch forward-thinking presentations and live demonstrations on topics and trends relevant to the rapid technological changes the collision industry is currently facing.

The presentations and demonstrations will have a strong focus on the latest vehicle-specific trends and procedures that contribute to complete, safe and quality repairs. The presentations kick off Tuesday, November 1, featuring “I-CAR: Collision Repair Diagnostics” at 1:00 p.m., presented by Jason Bartanen, I-CAR’s director of industry relations.

Bartanen will co-present with his I-CAR colleague Josh McFarlin, director of curriculum and product development, on “The Need for Training on Today’s New Vehicles and Technologies,” Wednesday, November 2, at 1:00 p.m. Bartanen will also co-present with Collision Hub’s Kristen Felder on “Cool Tools,” Thursday, November 3, at 1:00 p.m.

I-CAR’s CEO and President John Van Alstyne kicks off the presentations Friday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m., with “I-CAR Knowledge and Skills—The Requisite Foundation for Repair Excellence,” a comprehensive look at the industry, emerging trends and I-CAR’s role.

A full lineup of vehicle-related presentations are on tap, including 3M and I-CAR sharing on the Ford F-150, BMW on the new 7 Series, Honda on the Pilot and Civic, Audi on multi-material hybrid construction and other collision-repair updates from Porsche, Audi, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.

In addition to OEM presentations, the stage will feature presentations on carbon-fiber design and repair techniques, collision diagnostic services (CDS) on both remote vehicle diagnostics with Astech2 and on zero-point calibration for occupant classification systems, Fusor on bonding and mechanical bonding, and I-CAR on advanced joining techniques.

SCRS presentations will take place at 11:30 a.m. each day of the Show and include:

  • “Lessons From Beyond the Repair: Highlighting the Importance of Proper Repairs With American Honda” on Monday, November 1
  • Participants of the OEM Collision Repair Roundtable will discuss “Accessing and Utilizing OEM Collision-Repair Procedures and Documentation” on Tuesday, November 2
  • “Color Matching and Styling: More than Painting by Numbers” featuring industry leaders from PPG, including renowned refinish specialist Charley Hutton of Charley Hutton’s Color Studio on Wednesday, November 3
  • “Documenting Commonly Performed and Often Overlooked Collision Repair Estimate Items” with Ron Reichen and Guests on Thursday, November 4.

The collaboration between I-CAR and SCRS also extends into other sessions as well, highlighted by Bartanen’s participation in a panel discussion as part of SCRS’ OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, Thursday, November 3.

The session on “Restoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics” will place Bartanen and I-CAR on a panel with other solutions providers in the industry (Bosch Diagnostics, Snap-On Diagnostics, Collision Diagnostic services and AirPro Diagnostics), and the conversation will identify the mechanisms and resources available to the collision-repair community to address scan, calibration and diagnostic requirements.

Repairers in attendance will leave with a better understanding of resources and options available to their business. Panel moderator John Ellis, of Ellis & Associates, previously served as global technologist and head of the Ford Developer Program—the automotive industry's first-ever software developer program.

In addition to delivering technical presentations at SEMA, I-CAR will also offer some of its newest and most popular courses. To see a full list of presentations and courses offered by I-CAR at SEMA, visit www.I-CAR.com/SEMA

For more information on SCRS Repairer Driven Education series, or the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2016 SEMA Show, visit: www.scrs.com/rde.

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 16:28

By SEMA Editors

icar
At the 2016 SEMA Show, I-CAR will give presentations and live demonstrations on topics and trends relevant to the rapid technological changes the collision industry is currently facing.

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), will once again deliver leading vehicle technology discussions at the 2016 SEMA Show. Attendees will watch forward-thinking presentations and live demonstrations on topics and trends relevant to the rapid technological changes the collision industry is currently facing.

The presentations and demonstrations will have a strong focus on the latest vehicle-specific trends and procedures that contribute to complete, safe and quality repairs. The presentations kick off Tuesday, November 1, featuring “I-CAR: Collision Repair Diagnostics” at 1:00 p.m., presented by Jason Bartanen, I-CAR’s director of industry relations.

Bartanen will co-present with his I-CAR colleague Josh McFarlin, director of curriculum and product development, on “The Need for Training on Today’s New Vehicles and Technologies,” Wednesday, November 2, at 1:00 p.m. Bartanen will also co-present with Collision Hub’s Kristen Felder on “Cool Tools,” Thursday, November 3, at 1:00 p.m.

I-CAR’s CEO and President John Van Alstyne kicks off the presentations Friday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m., with “I-CAR Knowledge and Skills—The Requisite Foundation for Repair Excellence,” a comprehensive look at the industry, emerging trends and I-CAR’s role.

A full lineup of vehicle-related presentations are on tap, including 3M and I-CAR sharing on the Ford F-150, BMW on the new 7 Series, Honda on the Pilot and Civic, Audi on multi-material hybrid construction and other collision-repair updates from Porsche, Audi, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.

In addition to OEM presentations, the stage will feature presentations on carbon-fiber design and repair techniques, collision diagnostic services (CDS) on both remote vehicle diagnostics with Astech2 and on zero-point calibration for occupant classification systems, Fusor on bonding and mechanical bonding, and I-CAR on advanced joining techniques.

SCRS presentations will take place at 11:30 a.m. each day of the Show and include:

  • “Lessons From Beyond the Repair: Highlighting the Importance of Proper Repairs With American Honda” on Monday, November 1
  • Participants of the OEM Collision Repair Roundtable will discuss “Accessing and Utilizing OEM Collision-Repair Procedures and Documentation” on Tuesday, November 2
  • “Color Matching and Styling: More than Painting by Numbers” featuring industry leaders from PPG, including renowned refinish specialist Charley Hutton of Charley Hutton’s Color Studio on Wednesday, November 3
  • “Documenting Commonly Performed and Often Overlooked Collision Repair Estimate Items” with Ron Reichen and Guests on Thursday, November 4.

The collaboration between I-CAR and SCRS also extends into other sessions as well, highlighted by Bartanen’s participation in a panel discussion as part of SCRS’ OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, Thursday, November 3.

The session on “Restoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics” will place Bartanen and I-CAR on a panel with other solutions providers in the industry (Bosch Diagnostics, Snap-On Diagnostics, Collision Diagnostic services and AirPro Diagnostics), and the conversation will identify the mechanisms and resources available to the collision-repair community to address scan, calibration and diagnostic requirements.

Repairers in attendance will leave with a better understanding of resources and options available to their business. Panel moderator John Ellis, of Ellis & Associates, previously served as global technologist and head of the Ford Developer Program—the automotive industry's first-ever software developer program.

In addition to delivering technical presentations at SEMA, I-CAR will also offer some of its newest and most popular courses. To see a full list of presentations and courses offered by I-CAR at SEMA, visit www.I-CAR.com/SEMA

For more information on SCRS Repairer Driven Education series, or the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2016 SEMA Show, visit: www.scrs.com/rde.

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 16:00

Compiled by SEMA Editors


“Motorclub” invites viewers behind the scenes to share in the lives of professional racers both on and off the racetrack.

New NBCSN Show Offers Viewers Insider Access to Professional Motorsports

A new documentary series launching this fall offers viewers unprecedented access to the high-stakes world of professional auto racing. “Motorclub” focuses on the personal stories and experiences of leading action motorsport stars, including multi-series champion and stunt driver Tanner Foust, action sport superstar and Nitro Circus founder Travis Pastrana, motocross innovator and truck racer Brian Deegan, U.S. Formula One star turned rallycross champ Scott Speed, skateboarding and rallycross pro Bucky Lasek, FMX rider Jackson Strong and legendary drifter Ken Gushi.

“Motorclub” invites viewers behind the scenes to share in the lives of these compelling personalities both on and off the racetrack. The show joins the NBC Sports Network's schedule this fall, premiering alongside “Nitro Circus,” one of its most popular action sports programs. The first episode of “Motorclub” airs October 20 at 11:00 p.m. (EDT).

VP Racing Fuels Contingency Awards at Stake in PDRA Finals

The Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) will stage its final event of the season this weekend at Virginia Motorsports Park, and among the awards at stake is $5,700 in fuel credits posted by VP Racing Fuels—the Official Fuel of PDRA. The awards include $1,000 to the champion in each of the Pro automotive classes, $500 to Pro Extreme Motorcycle, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster champions and $100 each to the Junior Dragster and Top Junior Dragster champion. In addition to gift certificates in these amounts to be awarded at the end-of-year banquet, each class champion also will receive a VP Racing Fuels Championship jacket.

bestop
Bestop Team Wild and Free members Holly Freeman and Coralee Lack. 

Bestop Sponsors Two Race Teams in First All-Female Rebelle Rally

Bestop sponsored Team HD members Shelby Hall and Amy Lerner as well as Team Wild and Free members Holly Freeman and Coralee Lack in the inaugural Rebelle Rally—a seven-day off-road navigation and driving competition across the American Southwest, which took place October 15–21, 2016. The rally covered 1,200 miles of rugged terrain from Lake Tahoe to San Diego, and required competitors to find their way to 8–10 checkpoints each day using only a road book, map and compass. Hall and Lerner competed in the first women’s off-road navigation rally race in the United States in a ’15 Jeep Wrangler.

chevy
The Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series features vehicles equipped with Chevrolet LS and modern LT powerplants.

Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series 2017 Schedule

ProMedia Events, home of the NMCA Muscle Car Drag Racing Series presented by E3 Spark Plugs, has announced the 2017 schedule for the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series. Developed from the LSX Shootout, the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series features vehicles equipped with Chevrolet LS and modern LT powerplants. The series has six classes for all participant levels. The Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series will run at four select events:

May 18–21, 2017
16th Annual NMCA Bluegrass Nationals
Beech Bend Raceway Park – Bowling Green, Kentucky

August 24–27, 2017
16th Annual NMCA All-American Nationals
Summit Motorsports Park – Norwalk, Ohio

September 8–10, 2017
9th Annual Holley LS Fest
Beech Bend Raceway Park – Bowling Green, Kentucky

September 21–24, 2017
16th Annual NMCA World Street Finals featuring the LSX Shootout
Lucas Oil Raceway – Indianapolis

wrc
Volkswagen driver Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia won the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the fourth time with a victory at the Rally Spain.

Volkswagen driver Sébastien Ogier Wins Fourth World Rally Championship

Volkswagen driver Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia won the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the fourth time with a victory at the Rally Spain. Round 11 of the season saw the French duo wrap up the title with two races still to come to be crowned world rally champions in the Volkswagen Polo R WRC for the fourth year in a row, having previously won in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The Rally Spain also represented a milestone for the Polo R WRC—the car’s 50th start in the World Rally Championship ended with win number 41 for the 318hp, four-wheel drive powerhouse. No other car in the history of the World Rally Championship has racked up as many victories in such a short time as the Polo. The Manufacturers’ Championship will be decided in one of the two rallies still to come with Volkswagen leading with 62 points from Hyundai.

block
Ken Block’s new film series entitled Climbkhana—to be released in summer 2017—features his ’65 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2.

Toyo Tires and Ken Block Announce All-New Video Series “Climbkhana”

Toyo Tire U.S.A. has teamed up with World RallyX driver Ken Block to present a new film series entitled “Climbkhana,” featuring Block’s ’65 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2, which was upgraded for the film and now features a twin-turbo, methanol-powered, 1,400-hp V8 engine, along with Toyo Proxes R888R tires. Coinciding with the launch of the film, the Proxes R888R is now available in the United States for the first time ever. Block’s Hoonigan Media Machine began filming the project this fall at Historic Pikes Peak. Joining Gymkhana creative veteran and Hoonigan’s own Brian Scotto for director duties is Jeff Zwart. The commercial director, known best for his work with Porsche through RadicalMedia, also holds three records and eight class wins over the 15 times he has raced up the Colorado mountain. The film will be released in summer 2017.

bob
Bob Vandergriff Sr.

Quarter Mile Foundation and Hedman Husler Hedders to Roast Bob Vandergriff Sr.

The Quarter Mile Foundation has announced “Hustling a Husler”—A Roast and Toast of Bob Vandergriff Sr., presented by Hedman Husler Hedders and the Quarter Mile Foundation, and sponsored by the Marriott Indianapolis Downtown, Thursday evening, December 8, 2016. The event will take place following the close of the first day of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, in the ballroom of the Marriott Indianapolis Downtown. The event promises to draw many celebrities from the motorsports and performance aftermarket communities. The roasters will be a mystery panel of industry legends with long-time connections to NHRA drag racing and the automotive aftermarket. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by a beef and salmon duet dinner at 7:00 p.m., with the roast and live auction starting at 8:00 p.m. in the hotel’s ballroom on the second floor. Sponsorship of VIP tables will be available at $2,500 each, reserved tables will be available at $1,200 and individual tickets will be $120 per person. The deadline to order tickets is December 2.

Mickey Thompson Sponsors 21st Annual Million Dollar Race

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels returns to The Million Dollar Race this year as a $25,000 contingency sponsor of The Triple. Racers are preparing for the 21st annual Million Dollar Race scheduled October 20–23, hosted by Montgomery Motorsports Park. The event offers the largest payday in drag-racing history, with an additional $50,000 in racer appreciation giveaways. The Million Dollar Race showcases the best of 1/8-mile bracket racing.

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 16:00

Compiled by SEMA Editors


“Motorclub” invites viewers behind the scenes to share in the lives of professional racers both on and off the racetrack.

New NBCSN Show Offers Viewers Insider Access to Professional Motorsports

A new documentary series launching this fall offers viewers unprecedented access to the high-stakes world of professional auto racing. “Motorclub” focuses on the personal stories and experiences of leading action motorsport stars, including multi-series champion and stunt driver Tanner Foust, action sport superstar and Nitro Circus founder Travis Pastrana, motocross innovator and truck racer Brian Deegan, U.S. Formula One star turned rallycross champ Scott Speed, skateboarding and rallycross pro Bucky Lasek, FMX rider Jackson Strong and legendary drifter Ken Gushi.

“Motorclub” invites viewers behind the scenes to share in the lives of these compelling personalities both on and off the racetrack. The show joins the NBC Sports Network's schedule this fall, premiering alongside “Nitro Circus,” one of its most popular action sports programs. The first episode of “Motorclub” airs October 20 at 11:00 p.m. (EDT).

VP Racing Fuels Contingency Awards at Stake in PDRA Finals

The Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) will stage its final event of the season this weekend at Virginia Motorsports Park, and among the awards at stake is $5,700 in fuel credits posted by VP Racing Fuels—the Official Fuel of PDRA. The awards include $1,000 to the champion in each of the Pro automotive classes, $500 to Pro Extreme Motorcycle, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster champions and $100 each to the Junior Dragster and Top Junior Dragster champion. In addition to gift certificates in these amounts to be awarded at the end-of-year banquet, each class champion also will receive a VP Racing Fuels Championship jacket.

bestop
Bestop Team Wild and Free members Holly Freeman and Coralee Lack. 

Bestop Sponsors Two Race Teams in First All-Female Rebelle Rally

Bestop sponsored Team HD members Shelby Hall and Amy Lerner as well as Team Wild and Free members Holly Freeman and Coralee Lack in the inaugural Rebelle Rally—a seven-day off-road navigation and driving competition across the American Southwest, which took place October 15–21, 2016. The rally covered 1,200 miles of rugged terrain from Lake Tahoe to San Diego, and required competitors to find their way to 8–10 checkpoints each day using only a road book, map and compass. Hall and Lerner competed in the first women’s off-road navigation rally race in the United States in a ’15 Jeep Wrangler.

chevy
The Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series features vehicles equipped with Chevrolet LS and modern LT powerplants.

Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series 2017 Schedule

ProMedia Events, home of the NMCA Muscle Car Drag Racing Series presented by E3 Spark Plugs, has announced the 2017 schedule for the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series. Developed from the LSX Shootout, the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series features vehicles equipped with Chevrolet LS and modern LT powerplants. The series has six classes for all participant levels. The Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series will run at four select events:

May 18–21, 2017
16th Annual NMCA Bluegrass Nationals
Beech Bend Raceway Park – Bowling Green, Kentucky

August 24–27, 2017
16th Annual NMCA All-American Nationals
Summit Motorsports Park – Norwalk, Ohio

September 8–10, 2017
9th Annual Holley LS Fest
Beech Bend Raceway Park – Bowling Green, Kentucky

September 21–24, 2017
16th Annual NMCA World Street Finals featuring the LSX Shootout
Lucas Oil Raceway – Indianapolis

wrc
Volkswagen driver Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia won the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the fourth time with a victory at the Rally Spain.

Volkswagen driver Sébastien Ogier Wins Fourth World Rally Championship

Volkswagen driver Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia won the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the fourth time with a victory at the Rally Spain. Round 11 of the season saw the French duo wrap up the title with two races still to come to be crowned world rally champions in the Volkswagen Polo R WRC for the fourth year in a row, having previously won in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The Rally Spain also represented a milestone for the Polo R WRC—the car’s 50th start in the World Rally Championship ended with win number 41 for the 318hp, four-wheel drive powerhouse. No other car in the history of the World Rally Championship has racked up as many victories in such a short time as the Polo. The Manufacturers’ Championship will be decided in one of the two rallies still to come with Volkswagen leading with 62 points from Hyundai.

block
Ken Block’s new film series entitled Climbkhana—to be released in summer 2017—features his ’65 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2.

Toyo Tires and Ken Block Announce All-New Video Series “Climbkhana”

Toyo Tire U.S.A. has teamed up with World RallyX driver Ken Block to present a new film series entitled “Climbkhana,” featuring Block’s ’65 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2, which was upgraded for the film and now features a twin-turbo, methanol-powered, 1,400-hp V8 engine, along with Toyo Proxes R888R tires. Coinciding with the launch of the film, the Proxes R888R is now available in the United States for the first time ever. Block’s Hoonigan Media Machine began filming the project this fall at Historic Pikes Peak. Joining Gymkhana creative veteran and Hoonigan’s own Brian Scotto for director duties is Jeff Zwart. The commercial director, known best for his work with Porsche through RadicalMedia, also holds three records and eight class wins over the 15 times he has raced up the Colorado mountain. The film will be released in summer 2017.

bob
Bob Vandergriff Sr.

Quarter Mile Foundation and Hedman Husler Hedders to Roast Bob Vandergriff Sr.

The Quarter Mile Foundation has announced “Hustling a Husler”—A Roast and Toast of Bob Vandergriff Sr., presented by Hedman Husler Hedders and the Quarter Mile Foundation, and sponsored by the Marriott Indianapolis Downtown, Thursday evening, December 8, 2016. The event will take place following the close of the first day of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, in the ballroom of the Marriott Indianapolis Downtown. The event promises to draw many celebrities from the motorsports and performance aftermarket communities. The roasters will be a mystery panel of industry legends with long-time connections to NHRA drag racing and the automotive aftermarket. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by a beef and salmon duet dinner at 7:00 p.m., with the roast and live auction starting at 8:00 p.m. in the hotel’s ballroom on the second floor. Sponsorship of VIP tables will be available at $2,500 each, reserved tables will be available at $1,200 and individual tickets will be $120 per person. The deadline to order tickets is December 2.

Mickey Thompson Sponsors 21st Annual Million Dollar Race

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels returns to The Million Dollar Race this year as a $25,000 contingency sponsor of The Triple. Racers are preparing for the 21st annual Million Dollar Race scheduled October 20–23, hosted by Montgomery Motorsports Park. The event offers the largest payday in drag-racing history, with an additional $50,000 in racer appreciation giveaways. The Million Dollar Race showcases the best of 1/8-mile bracket racing.