By SEMA Editors

The NHRA Breakfast featured drag-racing legends Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and John Force.

The 2018 NHRA Breakfast in the Westgate Paradise Events Center showcased celebrity drivers who have been on the road to “Fifty Years of the NHRA Gatornationals.” The event featured drag racing legends Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme as well as current NHRA driver John Force.

FOX broadcast announcer Brian Lohnes served as the panel moderator, asking probing questions to provide attendees with a revealing glimpse into some of the best-kept stories of the historic Gatornationals.

“To have John Force, Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme all on one stage is a very rare occurrence,” Lohnes stated.

More About The Panel

Kenny Bernstein – Nicknamed the “King of Speed,” Bernstein was the first driver to break the elusive 300 mph barrier at the Gatornationals in 1992. He’s won the Gatornationals four times in his career and was the first driver in history to win a championship in both Funny Car and Top Fuel.

Joe Amato – Amato secured 52 national event wins in Top Fuel and five world championship titles. He raced to three career victories at the Gatornationals. He was the first driver in the sports history to run 280-mph in 1987 and a 4.5-second pass in 1996.

Don “The Snake” Prudhomme – Prudhomme had 49 national event victories – 35 in Funny Car and 14 in Top Fuel - as well as four consecutive Funny Car world championships. Five of those event wins happening at Gainesville Raceway. As a team owner, he garnered two Top Fuel world championships with Larry Dixon as his driver in 2002 and 2003.

John Force - A 16-time Funny Car world champion, Force has 149 career victories and counting, making him the winningest driver in NHRA history. He has secured eight career victories at the Gatornationals, most recently in 2017.

By SEMA Editors

The NHRA Breakfast featured drag-racing legends Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and John Force.

The 2018 NHRA Breakfast in the Westgate Paradise Events Center showcased celebrity drivers who have been on the road to “Fifty Years of the NHRA Gatornationals.” The event featured drag racing legends Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme as well as current NHRA driver John Force.

FOX broadcast announcer Brian Lohnes served as the panel moderator, asking probing questions to provide attendees with a revealing glimpse into some of the best-kept stories of the historic Gatornationals.

“To have John Force, Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme all on one stage is a very rare occurrence,” Lohnes stated.

More About The Panel

Kenny Bernstein – Nicknamed the “King of Speed,” Bernstein was the first driver to break the elusive 300 mph barrier at the Gatornationals in 1992. He’s won the Gatornationals four times in his career and was the first driver in history to win a championship in both Funny Car and Top Fuel.

Joe Amato – Amato secured 52 national event wins in Top Fuel and five world championship titles. He raced to three career victories at the Gatornationals. He was the first driver in the sports history to run 280-mph in 1987 and a 4.5-second pass in 1996.

Don “The Snake” Prudhomme – Prudhomme had 49 national event victories – 35 in Funny Car and 14 in Top Fuel - as well as four consecutive Funny Car world championships. Five of those event wins happening at Gainesville Raceway. As a team owner, he garnered two Top Fuel world championships with Larry Dixon as his driver in 2002 and 2003.

John Force - A 16-time Funny Car world champion, Force has 149 career victories and counting, making him the winningest driver in NHRA history. He has secured eight career victories at the Gatornationals, most recently in 2017.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Ignited will give the general public a first look at vehicles and products from the 2018 SEMA Show at a new location this year—the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Platinum Lot, located on the east side of LVCC (on Swenson Street, between Desert Inn Road and Sierra Vista Drive).

SEMA Ignited will give the general public a first look at vehicles and products from the 2018 SEMA Show at a new location this year—the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Platinum Lot, located on the east side of LVCC (on Swenson St., between Desert Inn Rd. and Sierra Vista Dr.).

Following four days behind closed doors at LVCC, hundreds of custom-built vehicles will roll out of the Convention Center on Friday, November 2, and assemble at SEMA Ignited.

SEMA Ignited is an open-to-the-public extravaganza that includes food, entertainment, iconic builders, hundreds of customized SEMA Show vehicles, and much more. Spectators may also be included in a nationwide television special, as producers film the announcement of the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders winner during the event. The program will premiere on the Velocity Channel in 2019 and document several builders’ journeys to the SEMA Show.

This year, SEMA Ignited will also feature the special, high-flying Nitro Circus Freestyle Motocross (FMX) show. The FMX show will join KIA, Formula Drift and Joe Schubeck's vintage dragster cacklefest in bringing high-performance action to SEMA Showgoers and Las Vegas locals.

SEMA Show attendees receive complimentary admission with their Show badge, while general admission to SEMA Ignited is $20. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid general admission ticket. 

Additional information is available at www.semaignited.com.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Ignited will give the general public a first look at vehicles and products from the 2018 SEMA Show at a new location this year—the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Platinum Lot, located on the east side of LVCC (on Swenson Street, between Desert Inn Road and Sierra Vista Drive).

SEMA Ignited will give the general public a first look at vehicles and products from the 2018 SEMA Show at a new location this year—the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Platinum Lot, located on the east side of LVCC (on Swenson St., between Desert Inn Rd. and Sierra Vista Dr.).

Following four days behind closed doors at LVCC, hundreds of custom-built vehicles will roll out of the Convention Center on Friday, November 2, and assemble at SEMA Ignited.

SEMA Ignited is an open-to-the-public extravaganza that includes food, entertainment, iconic builders, hundreds of customized SEMA Show vehicles, and much more. Spectators may also be included in a nationwide television special, as producers film the announcement of the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders winner during the event. The program will premiere on the Velocity Channel in 2019 and document several builders’ journeys to the SEMA Show.

This year, SEMA Ignited will also feature the special, high-flying Nitro Circus Freestyle Motocross (FMX) show. The FMX show will join KIA, Formula Drift and Joe Schubeck's vintage dragster cacklefest in bringing high-performance action to SEMA Showgoers and Las Vegas locals.

SEMA Show attendees receive complimentary admission with their Show badge, while general admission to SEMA Ignited is $20. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid general admission ticket. 

Additional information is available at www.semaignited.com.

By SEMA Editors

The 2018 Mothers Shine Award winner is the “NickelBack” ’67 Camaro SS, built by Ed Denkenberger and the team at Superior Autoworks in Frederica, Delaware.

The 2018 Mothers Shine Award winner is the “NickelBack” ’67 Camaro SS, built by Ed Denkenberger and the team at Superior Autoworks in Frederica, Delaware. After body modifications were completed, the exterior was treated with PPG Sandstone Gold paint, complemented with nickel-plated trim.

The interior is by Steve Holcomb at Pro Auto Custom Interiors. Powered by a 355 cu. in. LT1 small block Chevy, the under-hood accessories include a Magnuson 2300 supercharger and methanol injection. Suspension systems in the front and rear were both provided by Heidts, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires wrap around Evod Industries wheels to finish out the build.

The car is owned by Greg and Chris Allen of Selbyville, Delaware, who co-designed it with Denkenberger. It is featured at the Mothers Big Rig in the Silver Lot, booth #61008.

By SEMA Editors

The 2018 Mothers Shine Award winner is the “NickelBack” ’67 Camaro SS, built by Ed Denkenberger and the team at Superior Autoworks in Frederica, Delaware.

The 2018 Mothers Shine Award winner is the “NickelBack” ’67 Camaro SS, built by Ed Denkenberger and the team at Superior Autoworks in Frederica, Delaware. After body modifications were completed, the exterior was treated with PPG Sandstone Gold paint, complemented with nickel-plated trim.

The interior is by Steve Holcomb at Pro Auto Custom Interiors. Powered by a 355 cu. in. LT1 small block Chevy, the under-hood accessories include a Magnuson 2300 supercharger and methanol injection. Suspension systems in the front and rear were both provided by Heidts, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires wrap around Evod Industries wheels to finish out the build.

The car is owned by Greg and Chris Allen of Selbyville, Delaware, who co-designed it with Denkenberger. It is featured at the Mothers Big Rig in the Silver Lot, booth #61008.

By SEMA Editors

Hot Wheels announced Luis Rodriguez and his 2JetZ custom car as the winner of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

Hot Wheels announced Luis Rodriguez and his 2JetZ custom car as the winner of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, a 15-stop tour that scoured the nation in search of a custom car worthy of being made into a 1:64 die-cast toy. The tour was launched in celebration of the brand’s 50th anniversary. Rodriguez’s 2JetZ, an open-wheeled jet car, was chosen from more than 3,600 custom cars entered in the Legends Tour and selected for its originality and arresting design. The announcement was made at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where all 15 finalist cars are on display alongside Hot Wheels’ fleet of life-size vehicles.

The 2JetZ design is inspired by a fighter plane in honor of American veterans. With more than 600 hp and a driver’s seat in the middle of the vehicle, the car is crafted with a focus on high performance and high-end design.

A team of judges, including Hot Wheels designers and automotive influencers, chose the Legends Tour winner for its authenticity, originality and garage spirit. The final team included Jay Leno, host of Jay Leno’s Garage; YouTube influencer Tanner Fox; legendary Hot Wheels car designer Larry Wood; and car enthusiast Magnus Walker, among others.

SEMA Show attendees are invited to visit the Hot Wheels Pavilion (booth #61045 in Silver Lot 1) to see all Legends Tour finalist cars and vehicles from the Hot Wheels fleet. Also on display are Hot Wheels’ 50th anniversary collaborations, including PUMA’s custom sneakers inspired by the life-sized Hot Wheels cars and MOMO’s Hot Wheels 50th anniversary-inspired, high-performance steering wheel and shifter.

The Legends Tour winner’s life-size car and die-cast version will be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, a collection of one-of-a-kind cars immortalized as Hot Wheels die-casts that meet the brand’s style and performance standards.

To check out the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, visit www.HotWheels.com/GarageofLegends.

By SEMA Editors

Hot Wheels announced Luis Rodriguez and his 2JetZ custom car as the winner of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

Hot Wheels announced Luis Rodriguez and his 2JetZ custom car as the winner of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, a 15-stop tour that scoured the nation in search of a custom car worthy of being made into a 1:64 die-cast toy. The tour was launched in celebration of the brand’s 50th anniversary. Rodriguez’s 2JetZ, an open-wheeled jet car, was chosen from more than 3,600 custom cars entered in the Legends Tour and selected for its originality and arresting design. The announcement was made at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where all 15 finalist cars are on display alongside Hot Wheels’ fleet of life-size vehicles.

The 2JetZ design is inspired by a fighter plane in honor of American veterans. With more than 600 hp and a driver’s seat in the middle of the vehicle, the car is crafted with a focus on high performance and high-end design.

A team of judges, including Hot Wheels designers and automotive influencers, chose the Legends Tour winner for its authenticity, originality and garage spirit. The final team included Jay Leno, host of Jay Leno’s Garage; YouTube influencer Tanner Fox; legendary Hot Wheels car designer Larry Wood; and car enthusiast Magnus Walker, among others.

SEMA Show attendees are invited to visit the Hot Wheels Pavilion (booth #61045 in Silver Lot 1) to see all Legends Tour finalist cars and vehicles from the Hot Wheels fleet. Also on display are Hot Wheels’ 50th anniversary collaborations, including PUMA’s custom sneakers inspired by the life-sized Hot Wheels cars and MOMO’s Hot Wheels 50th anniversary-inspired, high-performance steering wheel and shifter.

The Legends Tour winner’s life-size car and die-cast version will be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, a collection of one-of-a-kind cars immortalized as Hot Wheels die-casts that meet the brand’s style and performance standards.

To check out the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, visit www.HotWheels.com/GarageofLegends.

By SEMA Editors

Wade Kawasaki, Coker Group president and COO, announced a strategic partnership with German tire distributor Münchner Oldtimer Reifen (MOR).

The Coker Group has announced a strategic partnership with German tire distributor Münchner Oldtimer Reifen (MOR) GmbH. Based in Holzkirchen, Germany, MOR is a supplier of vintage and classic vehicle tires that has been in business for nearly 35 years. The acquisition of MOR represents the progression of the Coker Group’s international expansion into new and growing world markets. MOR and its founder and managing partner Val-entin Schaal will continue to oversee the company with the existing leadership team.

“The Coker Group is excited to expand its European operations with MOR,” said Wade Kawasaki, Coker Group president and COO. “MOR’s decades of experience and deep roots in the European vintage vehicle market will provide a great basis for partnership. Valentin’s dedication to providing the highest level of customer service and top-quality products to customers is a value we share here at Coker.”

MOR’s acquisition by Coker enables further access to the growing European market of vintage tire customers. 

By SEMA Editors

Wade Kawasaki, Coker Group president and COO, announced a strategic partnership with German tire distributor Münchner Oldtimer Reifen (MOR).

The Coker Group has announced a strategic partnership with German tire distributor Münchner Oldtimer Reifen (MOR) GmbH. Based in Holzkirchen, Germany, MOR is a supplier of vintage and classic vehicle tires that has been in business for nearly 35 years. The acquisition of MOR represents the progression of the Coker Group’s international expansion into new and growing world markets. MOR and its founder and managing partner Val-entin Schaal will continue to oversee the company with the existing leadership team.

“The Coker Group is excited to expand its European operations with MOR,” said Wade Kawasaki, Coker Group president and COO. “MOR’s decades of experience and deep roots in the European vintage vehicle market will provide a great basis for partnership. Valentin’s dedication to providing the highest level of customer service and top-quality products to customers is a value we share here at Coker.”

MOR’s acquisition by Coker enables further access to the growing European market of vintage tire customers.