Compiled by SEMA Editors

Formula DRIFT has entered into a partnership with the Drift Masters European Championship to create an open dialogue between the two series that will allow greater alignment and collaboration between the two organizations.

Formula DRIFT Forms Strategic Partnership With Drift Masters European Championship

Formula DRIFT (FD) has entered into a partnership with the Drift Masters European Championship (DMEC) to create an open dialogue between the two series that will allow greater alignment and collaboration between FD and DMEC. Formula DRIFT co-founders Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage will soon travel to Torun, Poland, to continue discussions with the DMEC series organizers with a view to growing the partnership for the future. As part of the initial agreement, Formula DRIFT will award PRO licenses to the top eight drivers in the DMEC series who do not currently hold them. This will allow these drivers to compete at the highest level in Formula DRIFT for the following season. At the same time, all current FD PRO license holders will be eligible to compete in DMEC events for the entire championship season or selected rounds. To assist with their future entry into Formula Drift, the top three drivers from the DMEC series will be awarded a scholarship by FD and DMEC. It is also hoped that Formula DRIFT drivers will join the DMEC series, and both series will benefit from the influx of new drivers.

DENSO Sponsors NHRA Top Fuel Drag Racer Clay Millican

At the upcoming DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas, DENSO’s logo will wrap around the Clay Millican’s dragster to celebrate the longstanding relationship between Millican, his team sponsor Parts Plus and DENSO. In the NHRA, Millican’s career highlights include a world-record title with a best elapsed time of 3.628 seconds, set this year at the season opener in Pomona, California, where he broke his own record (3.631 seconds) set last year in Madison, Illinois. DENSO and Millican also support each other off the track. Millican, an advocate of road safety, helped to promote DENSO’s safety efforts in North America with a 10-city mobile road tour in 2017. Additionally, Millican has been a featured guest of DENSO’s at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where he spoke to youngsters about safe driving and his racing career, and at AAPEX in Las Vegas. In addition, DENSO is a supporting sponsor of all 24 races in the 2018 Mello Yello series crisscrossing the nation through November. DENSO’s other support for the NHRA includes the recent creation of the DENSO Spark Plugs 200 MPH Club to honor the first racers in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class who break the 200-mph barrier.

Beginning with the March 16 season opener of the NHRDA Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Drag Racing Series in Chandler, Arizona, Hot Shot’s Secret will support Save the Racks by donating $50 for every pass made during the drag-racing series, and will provide a $250 bonus for a second-place finish or a $500 bonus if Amalee Mueller wins the class.

Hot Shot’s Secret Partners with Amalee Mueller to Save the Racks

Hot Shot’s Secret will partner with NHRDA racer and pro puller Amalee Mueller to “Save The Racks.” Beginning with the March 16 season opener of the NHRDA Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Drag Racing Series in Chandler, Arizona, Hot Shot’s Secret will support Save the Racks by donating $50 for every pass made during the drag-racing series, and will provide a $250 bonus for a second-place finish or a $500 bonus if Mueller wins the class. Starting the season, Mueller won the 10.90 index class, racking up a donation total of $850 from Hot Shot’s Secret. In addition, Hot Shot’s Secret will also make donations following the same schedule for all passes run by Mueller’s father, Edgar Artecona, to support this cause. All funds collected throughout the season will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in October during the NHRDA World Finals, which coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness month. This year, Mueller is unveiling a new “Save the Racks” wrapped Pro Stock truck built by Lavon Miller and the Firepunk Diesel team, D&J Precision and fueled by Exergy Performance, at the Oklahoma Diesel Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 18–19.

VP Racing Fuels Extends Partnership With Sebring International Raceway; Signs Multi-Year Agreement With SCORE International

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the signing of a long-term agreement with Sebring International Raceway to provide fuel service as its Official Racing Fuel partner. VP Racing Fuels has provided fuel to the track since 2015, and also provided on-site fuel service for its 2018 IMSA SportsCar Championship, IMSA Prototype Challenge, Continental Tire and GT3 Cup events.

In addition, VP Racing Fuels has signed a long-term agreement with SCORE International as its official fuel. As the 2018 SCORE season launches April 5, in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, VP Racing Fuel distributors Dion/Amber Racing Services and Amber De Mexico will provide fuel service and offer special pricing to SCORE competitors who take advantage of the pre-order system available through the SCORE registration system for all events. VP’s sponsorship of SCORE is also a key part of the initiative to expand the VP products presence throughout Mexico.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. government has launched an investigation into whether extra-large steel wheels imported from China are being dumped or illegally subsidized. The petitioners are Accuride Corp. and Maxion Wheels Acron LLC, and the subject wheels have 22.5–24.5-in. wheel diameters, and are generally used on trucks, trailers, military and agricultural vehicles.

This is the second time in recent years that the government has investigated steel wheels from China. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) found that dumping (sales below fair market value) and unfair Chinese government subsidization was occurring, but the International Trade Commission (ITC) found that the imports were not injuring or threatening to injure U.S. industry and dismissed the case. The DOC will now make new preliminary calculations on whether dumping/subsidies are occurring while the ITC contacts foreign producers, exporters and U.S. importers for specific information in determining harm to U.S. industry.

The subject merchandise falls under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule categories: 8708.70.4530, 8708.70.4560, 8708.70.6030, 8708.70.6060, 8716.90.5045 and 8716.90.5059. Wheels meeting the scope description may also enter under the following subheadings: 4011.20.1015, 4011.20.5020 and 8708.99.48.50. The alleged AD (dumping) and CVD (subsidies) margins are: AD: 11.3% to 231.7%; CVD: 0.03% to 77.27%.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. government has launched an investigation into whether extra-large steel wheels imported from China are being dumped or illegally subsidized. The petitioners are Accuride Corp. and Maxion Wheels Acron LLC, and the subject wheels have 22.5–24.5-in. wheel diameters, and are generally used on trucks, trailers, military and agricultural vehicles.

This is the second time in recent years that the government has investigated steel wheels from China. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) found that dumping (sales below fair market value) and unfair Chinese government subsidization was occurring, but the International Trade Commission (ITC) found that the imports were not injuring or threatening to injure U.S. industry and dismissed the case. The DOC will now make new preliminary calculations on whether dumping/subsidies are occurring while the ITC contacts foreign producers, exporters and U.S. importers for specific information in determining harm to U.S. industry.

The subject merchandise falls under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule categories: 8708.70.4530, 8708.70.4560, 8708.70.6030, 8708.70.6060, 8716.90.5045 and 8716.90.5059. Wheels meeting the scope description may also enter under the following subheadings: 4011.20.1015, 4011.20.5020 and 8708.99.48.50. The alleged AD (dumping) and CVD (subsidies) margins are: AD: 11.3% to 231.7%; CVD: 0.03% to 77.27%.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. government has launched an investigation into whether extra-large steel wheels imported from China are being dumped or illegally subsidized. The petitioners are Accuride Corp. and Maxion Wheels Acron LLC, and the subject wheels have 22.5–24.5-in. wheel diameters, and are generally used on trucks, trailers, military and agricultural vehicles.

This is the second time in recent years that the government has investigated steel wheels from China. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) found that dumping (sales below fair market value) and unfair Chinese government subsidization was occurring, but the International Trade Commission (ITC) found that the imports were not injuring or threatening to injure U.S. industry and dismissed the case. The DOC will now make new preliminary calculations on whether dumping/subsidies are occurring while the ITC contacts foreign producers, exporters and U.S. importers for specific information in determining harm to U.S. industry.

The subject merchandise falls under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule categories: 8708.70.4530, 8708.70.4560, 8708.70.6030, 8708.70.6060, 8716.90.5045 and 8716.90.5059. Wheels meeting the scope description may also enter under the following subheadings: 4011.20.1015, 4011.20.5020 and 8708.99.48.50. The alleged AD (dumping) and CVD (subsidies) margins are: AD: 11.3% to 231.7%; CVD: 0.03% to 77.27%.

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

By SEMA Editors

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates at a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip, including the Golden Nugget.

The Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com features a real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2018 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas. The page also offers information, such as price, location and shuttle availability, to help showgoers determine the hotel that best accommodates their needs.

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip. Here are examples of the hotels available:

• Golden Nugget Las Vegas - $169 per night
• Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - $164 per night
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - $267 per night

Read more about the benefits of booking through the Show’s official housing provider. 

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 SEMA Editors

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates at a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip, including the Golden Nugget.

The Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com features a real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2018 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas. The page also offers information, such as price, location and shuttle availability, to help showgoers determine the hotel that best accommodates their needs.

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip. Here are examples of the hotels available:

• Golden Nugget Las Vegas - $169 per night
• Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - $164 per night
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - $267 per night

Read more about the benefits of booking through the Show’s official housing provider. 

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 SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a list of about 1,300 product categories covering nearly $50 billion worth of U.S. imports from China that could be subject to a proposed 25% tariff. The product list includes chemicals, metal products, machinery, measurement and medical devices, weapons and seats for aircraft and motor vehicles. The list is subject to public comment and revision. A public hearing is scheduled for May 15 before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Parties interested in appearing at the hearing must register by April 23. Written comments are due by May 11.

The tariffs could go into effect in June or even later. The list could also be reduced if U.S./Chinese negotiators make progress on addressing trade disputes. The U.S. is pressing for more equitable tariffs and free trade and an end to practices that force companies to transfer their technology to China. The Chinese have threatened retaliatory tariffs, many of which are targeted at U.S. agricultural products. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a list of about 1,300 product categories covering nearly $50 billion worth of U.S. imports from China that could be subject to a proposed 25% tariff. The product list includes chemicals, metal products, machinery, measurement and medical devices, weapons and seats for aircraft and motor vehicles. The list is subject to public comment and revision. A public hearing is scheduled for May 15 before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Parties interested in appearing at the hearing must register by April 23. Written comments are due by May 11.

The tariffs could go into effect in June or even later. The list could also be reduced if U.S./Chinese negotiators make progress on addressing trade disputes. The U.S. is pressing for more equitable tariffs and free trade and an end to practices that force companies to transfer their technology to China. The Chinese have threatened retaliatory tariffs, many of which are targeted at U.S. agricultural products. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a list of about 1,300 product categories covering nearly $50 billion worth of U.S. imports from China that could be subject to a proposed 25% tariff. The product list includes chemicals, metal products, machinery, measurement and medical devices, weapons and seats for aircraft and motor vehicles. The list is subject to public comment and revision. A public hearing is scheduled for May 15 before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Parties interested in appearing at the hearing must register by April 23. Written comments are due by May 11.

The tariffs could go into effect in June or even later. The list could also be reduced if U.S./Chinese negotiators make progress on addressing trade disputes. The U.S. is pressing for more equitable tariffs and free trade and an end to practices that force companies to transfer their technology to China. The Chinese have threatened retaliatory tariffs, many of which are targeted at U.S. agricultural products. 

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Peter Coleman

Coleman Joins VP Racing Fuels as Business Development Consultant in Europe

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced that Peter Coleman of Birmingham, United Kingdom, has been named business development consultant for Europe. Coleman has extensive sales and marketing experience with the international brands STP and Armor All, and most recently as brand manager for Bridgestone.

“Horsepower Wars” 2018 Season and HorsepowerWars.com Launched

Power Automedia’s competition-based automotive show, “Horsepower Wars,” in partnership with Royal Purple, has debuted, along with the launch of its video platform HorsepowerWars.com. The “Horsepower Wars” production team has released a sizzle reel, overviewing the first season’s episodes.

• Pony Wars: Camaro vs. Mustang – A ’17 Ford Mustang GT and a ’17 Chevrolet Camaro SS go head-to-head on a dyno, road course and dragstrip, first with $5,000 to spend on bolt-ons, then with superchargers and all the teams can get their hands on for $15,000.
• $10K Drag Shootout – Teams are given $10,000 to buy, build and race a drag car in just 10 days with a plethora of surprises and challenges along the way. The score is settled at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, in September.
• Coyote vs. LS Shootout 2: Boost – “Horsepower Wars” revisits the simple, yet controversial, debut into the series, but this time with two boosted versions of each engine, $15,000 each and as much horsepower as possible.
• True Street Chassis Dyno Showdown – The rules are simple: 100-mile drive, license, registration, insurance and 100% pump gas in the tank. Three back-to-back runs with the highest average power wins.

Tom Corton

Restyling Industry Veteran Tom Corton Announces Retirement

Restyling industry veteran Tom Corton, whose automotive career spanned more than three decades, has retired from his position as sales manager for Roadwire Leather and Signature Automotive Products to pursue an active retirement, according to a recent company announcement. Corton launched his automotive career in 1984 with American Honda. He subsequently moved into the aftermarket arena, assuming the position of national sales manager for American Sunroof Corporation (ASC). Following his stint at ASC, in 2004, Corton joined the sales team at Inalfa Sunroofs, which later changed its name to Signature Automotive Products. For the past 14 years, he served as a sales manager for Signature and Roadwire Leather, both of which are Roadwire Inc. subsidiaries.

Truck Hero Inc. Announces Further Business Expansion in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Truck Hero Inc. has announced the purchase of an additional office at 4670 Runway Blvd. in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The new location totals 60,000 sq. ft., and is located near the company’s existing facilities at 5400 Data Ct. and 5400 S. State Rd. This office will house Truck Hero’s Center of Excellence for Research, Development and Testing to support the company’s pipeline of aftermarket truck and Jeep accessories. Signature Associates was the exclusive broker for this purchase.

In-N-Out Burger and HOT ROD Celebrate 70 Years With Joint Anniversary Party

HOT ROD and In-N-Out Burger have announced a joint 70th anniversary party at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California, Saturday, November 17, 2018, to celebrate 70 years since both Southern California businesses opened within 25 miles of each other. The 70th anniversary party will include an opportunity for historic vehicles to drag race, on-site In-N-Out cookout trucks, an outdoor car show featuring historic race cars, special historical exhibits and the chance to view the history of HOT ROD and meet the HOT ROD staff. Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. Spectator tickets are on sale now. Advance tickets are $15, on-site tickets are $20. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. Show participant pre-registration is $40, $50 on-site. Show participant plus racer is $65 for pre-registration, $75 on-site. Register now as a participant or purchase spectator tickets. For more information, visit HOT ROD’s website.

CURT Group Announces Launch of New Websites

CURT Group has launched all-new websites for three of its brands. Curtmfg.com, Ariesautomotive.com and Luvernetruck.com have been reinvented with a new mobile-responsive platform, simplified navigation and enhanced vehicle lookup. These three websites went live April 3, each one featuring improved functionality and simplified taxonomy for a more user-friendly experience. A key area of focus was CURT’s vehicle lookup tool, which features more comprehensive ACES/PIES data, making it easier for visitors to look up their vehicle by year, make and model and quickly find the parts that fit their vehicle.

Nexen Tire USA Launches All-New Education Portal

Nexen Tire USA has launched its all-new education portal, designed to elevate customer service, marketing efforts and ultimately sales. As part of Nexen’s online redesign, tire professionals will be able to read the latest Nexen brand, motorsports and overall tire industry news; complete tire training modules to improve their customer service and marketing capabilities; earn points toward purchases on the Nexen Tire Store; and access Nexen-branded gear and quarterly giveaways.

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.