By SEMA Editors

Created by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the GR Supra Racing Concept has a pure front-engine/rear-wheel-drive configuration and makes use of lightweight materials in its construction.

Toyota unveiled the GR Supra Racing Concept at the 2018 SEMA Show, reviving the name of Toyota’s most celebrated sportscar capable of performing both on the road and on the racetrack. The Supra badge first appeared in 1978 on a larger and more powerful version of the second-generation Celica before becoming established as a successful model in its own right. Known as the A40, the original Supra was followed by three further generations: the A60 in 1981, A70 in 1986 and A80 in 1993.

The GT sportscar remained in production until 2002, and in its final generation, it was Toyota’s most powerful production model. The fourth-generation Supra, introduced in 1993, became the dominant force in the All-Japan GT racing—today’s Super GT series—winning the GT500 class four times. The Toyota Supra also competed in American IMSA sportscar racing in the ’80s and twice appeared at Le Mans in the ’90s.

GR Supra Racing Concept

A compact, two-door car, the GR Supra Racing Concept has a pure front-engine/rear-wheel-drive configuration and makes use of lightweight materials in its construction. Created by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the large “90” race number on its doors is a historical reference to Supra’s codename and a visual clue to the fact that this concept heralds Supra’s return in a fifth generation. The GR Supra will participate in international motorsport events, including the World Rally Championship, World Endurance Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours race, and will also be featured in a new update of the Gran Turismo Sport video game, scheduled for release in April 2018.

Design, Chassis and Equipment Features

The racing concept has a bodywork design that includes a large rear wing. It makes extensive use of strong but lightweight composite material for elements such as the wide front and rear bumpers, front splitter and rear diffuser, side skirts, door mirror housings and the rear wing. The hood is crafted from the same material and features louvred air inlets. The windscreen and side windows are made of plastic. The concept’s chassis features a lowered front and rear suspension using OE components. BBS racing wheels with center-nut attachment are fitted with Michelin racing tires. The braking system uses Brembo Racing callipers and discs and there is a racing exhaust. The cabin is entirely competition-focused and is fitted with a racing dashboard and OMP driver’s seat and safety harness. OMP has also supplied the quick-release steering wheel, mounted on a racing column and equipped with a paddle shift system. The doors are lined with carbon-fiber panels and the dashboard includes a racing display. Competition safety requirements are met by a full roll cage and fire extinguishers, and the fuel and brake lines, pedal box, battery and wiring looms are all designed to competition standard.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has proposed price increases to take effect January 27, 2019, which are being considered by the Postal Regulatory Commission. The proposal would raise mailing service costs by an average of 2.5% to make up for the USPS’ revenue shortfall, which totaled $2.7 billion in the last fiscal year. A First-Class “forever” stamp (1 oz. letters) would increase from 50 to 55 cents, while mailing service rates, including magazines and catalogs, would increase by 2.5%. Below is a breakdown of proposed price changes for mailing services and domestic priority mail flat-rate shipping:

The U.S. Department of State announced that the United States intends to withdraw from the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a 192-country postal agreement, which sets the fees that national mail carriers may charge. U.S. frustration with the UPU is largely due to a provision dating back to the ’60s that offers discounts to companies based in under-developed countries, which has enabled Chinese companies to ship parcels weighing under 4.4 lbs. to U.S. customers at rates up to 70% below what domestic companies are charged. The State Department intends to renegotiate rates to ensure that American manufacturers are not placed at a disadvantage, which will ultimately determine whether the United States completes the one-year process of withdrawing from the pact.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has proposed price increases to take effect January 27, 2019, which are being considered by the Postal Regulatory Commission. The proposal would raise mailing service costs by an average of 2.5% to make up for the USPS’ revenue shortfall, which totaled $2.7 billion in the last fiscal year. A First-Class “forever” stamp (1 oz. letters) would increase from 50 to 55 cents, while mailing service rates, including magazines and catalogs, would increase by 2.5%. Below is a breakdown of proposed price changes for mailing services and domestic priority mail flat-rate shipping:

The U.S. Department of State announced that the United States intends to withdraw from the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a 192-country postal agreement, which sets the fees that national mail carriers may charge. U.S. frustration with the UPU is largely due to a provision dating back to the ’60s that offers discounts to companies based in under-developed countries, which has enabled Chinese companies to ship parcels weighing under 4.4 lbs. to U.S. customers at rates up to 70% below what domestic companies are charged. The State Department intends to renegotiate rates to ensure that American manufacturers are not placed at a disadvantage, which will ultimately determine whether the United States completes the one-year process of withdrawing from the pact.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By John Stewart

The NHRA Breakfast will be held Wednesday, October 31, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino Paradise Events Center.

The 2018 NHRA Breakfast, held Wednesday, October 31, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Paradise Events Center, will showcase celebrity drivers who have been on the road to “Fifty Years of the NHRA Gatornationals.” The breakfast will feature drag-racing legends Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and current NHRA driver John Force. FOX broadcast announcer Brian Lohnes will serve 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. A continental breakfast will be served to a capacity crowd of attendees, on hand to share in the panel’s great stories, histories and laughs.

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

The annual NHRA Breakfast is a key feature of the 2018 SEMA Show—the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world—which draws the industry’s brightest minds and products under one roof, the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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 John Stewart

The NHRA Breakfast will be held Wednesday, October 31, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino Paradise Events Center.

The 2018 NHRA Breakfast, held Wednesday, October 31, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Paradise Events Center, will showcase celebrity drivers who have been on the road to “Fifty Years of the NHRA Gatornationals.” The breakfast will feature drag-racing legends Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and current NHRA driver John Force. FOX broadcast announcer Brian Lohnes will serve 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. A continental breakfast will be served to a capacity crowd of attendees, on hand to share in the panel’s great stories, histories and laughs.

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

The annual NHRA Breakfast is a key feature of the 2018 SEMA Show—the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world—which draws the industry’s brightest minds and products under one roof, the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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 John Stewart

The NHRA Breakfast will be held Wednesday, October 31, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino Paradise Events Center.

The 2018 NHRA Breakfast, held Wednesday, October 31, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Paradise Events Center, will showcase celebrity drivers who have been on the road to “Fifty Years of the NHRA Gatornationals.” The breakfast will feature drag-racing legends Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and current NHRA driver John Force. FOX broadcast announcer Brian Lohnes will serve 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. A continental breakfast will be served to a capacity crowd of attendees, on hand to share in the panel’s great stories, histories and laughs.

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

The annual NHRA Breakfast is a key feature of the 2018 SEMA Show—the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world—which draws the industry’s brightest minds and products under one roof, the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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 Linda Spencer

The SEMA International Happy Hour provides attendees the opportunity to network with international buyers, distributors and international media.

Registration for the 2018 International Happy Hour (IHH)—the SEMA Show’s largest annual international specialty-equipment trade gathering—is still open. Network with international buyers, distributors and international media, Wednesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., in room N255 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 1,000 companies are expected to attend the 15th annual event, which is open to all 2018 SEMA Show exhibitors.

The IHH will also feature a panel of distinguished international journalists who serve as SEMA Global Media Award judges.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255

Buyer registration is complimentary, but required. For more information, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA’s senior director, international and government affairs.

Exhibitors: Register now for the International Happy Hour.

By Linda Spencer

The SEMA International Happy Hour provides attendees the opportunity to network with international buyers, distributors and international media.

Registration for the 2018 International Happy Hour (IHH)—the SEMA Show’s largest annual international specialty-equipment trade gathering—is still open. Network with international buyers, distributors and international media, Wednesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., in room N255 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 1,000 companies are expected to attend the 15th annual event, which is open to all 2018 SEMA Show exhibitors.

The IHH will also feature a panel of distinguished international journalists who serve as SEMA Global Media Award judges.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255

Buyer registration is complimentary, but required. For more information, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA’s senior director, international and government affairs.

Exhibitors: Register now for the International Happy Hour.

By Linda Spencer

The SEMA International Happy Hour provides attendees the opportunity to network with international buyers, distributors and international media.

Registration for the 2018 International Happy Hour (IHH)—the SEMA Show’s largest annual international specialty-equipment trade gathering—is still open. Network with international buyers, distributors and international media, Wednesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., in room N255 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 1,000 companies are expected to attend the 15th annual event, which is open to all 2018 SEMA Show exhibitors.

The IHH will also feature a panel of distinguished international journalists who serve as SEMA Global Media Award judges.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255

Buyer registration is complimentary, but required. For more information, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA’s senior director, international and government affairs.

Exhibitors: Register now for the International Happy Hour.

By AJ Carney

To recognize attendees who make education a priority, new for 2018, SEMA Education will highlight regular seminar attendees as Power Users.

Participation in SEMA Show Education has grown exponentially over the last several years as professionals and small-business owners look to keep current on the latest trends and technologies affecting the automotive industry.

To recognize attendees who make education a priority, new for 2018, SEMA Education will highlight regular seminar attendees as Power Users. Interested?

It’s easy to launch your Power User status at the 2018 SEMA Show:

• Visit the Quad, located in the upper North Hall (outside N251).
• Snag your free custom lanyard and Power User pass.
• Attend three seminars throughout the week. That’s right, any three you want!
• At the end of each seminar you attend, see the room ambassador on your way out and get your user pass hole-punched.
• Stop back by the Quad and snag your limited-edition SEMA swag while supplies last.

“Individuals and companies recognize the value of business education and are making an investment in professional development,” said Zane Clark, SEMA’s senior director of education. “We are seeing company after company incorporating education into their strategic Show plans this year to ensure that they are maximizing their time and resources on-site.”  

At the close of the Show, attendees will receive a Power User questionnaire to help gauge the pulse of SEMA’s ever-evolving education program. Your feedback will help drive the 2019 seminar schedule. Learn more about the program.  

For questions, email AJ Carney, SEMA’s senior manager of education services.

Get started, register for your first seminar today! Recommended seminars:

• SEMA Suggested: 3 Seminars Featuring Automotive Personalities.
• SEMA Suggested: Market Research Trends to Help Your Business.
• SEMA Suggested: 3 Seminars on How to Leverage Data in Decision Making.