Compiled by SEMA Editors

Antron Brown piloted to the winner’s circle with a run of 3.835 seconds at 322.84 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to take down teammate Leah Pritchett in the finals.

Brown, Capps and Gray Victorious at the CatSpot NHRA Northwest Nationals

Antron Brown, three-time Top Fuel world champion, locked down his first victory of the season last Sunday as he emerged victorious at the 31st annual CatSpot NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways. Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) were also winners in their respective categories at the 16th of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Brown piloted to the winner’s circle with a run of 3.835 seconds at 322.84 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to take down teammate Leah Pritchett in the finals. Capps used a 4.033 at 314.90 in his Pennzoil Synthetics/NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T to beat points leader Courtney Force in the finals to eliminate John Force Racing’s hopes of sweeping the Western Swing. In Pro Stock, Gray drove to a 6.632 at 210.05 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro to defeat Deric Kramer in the final round. Gray qualified fourth and locked in his position in the Countdown playoffs. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota, August 16–19.

The 2018 National Speedway Directory lists detailed information on a total of more than 1,300 auto-racing facilities.

2018 National Speedway Directory Comes to Race Tracks

Now available, the 2018 National Speedway Directory lists detailed information on a total of more than 1,300 auto-racing facilities, including oval tracks, dragstrips and road courses. Listings for approximately 300 sanctions, 60 racing publications and 70 racing-related museums pushes the total to more than 1,730 motorsports related listings. Series schedules for 2018 are also included. Price per copy is $15 (including postage) or two copies for $25. Orders can be placed online or by emailing twfrost@speedwaysonline.com. Checks or money orders can be sent to National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091. In addition, the brand-new completely updated History of America's Speedway—Past and Present is also available. The fourth edition lists information on more than 9,000 auto-racing facilities. The book is 853 pages with more than 700 photos spread throughout.

Unlimited Desert Truck Race Added to King of the Hammers Week

A new desert race is coming to the 2019 King of The Hammers (KOH) week lineup. The Toyo Tires Desert Invitational Presented by Monster Energy will feature 30 elite off-road desert racers in an invitation-only, traditional open-desert, off-road truck race in Johnson Valley, California. The event marks the return of unlimited off-road racing to Southern California, and is also the first time that four wheel drive will not be required of trucks to compete during KOH Week. The invited teams will vie for a $125,000 prize purse—said to be the richest off-road race in the history of the sport. The winner will take home $100,000, second place will earn $15,000 and third place will grab $10,000. The driver with the fastest lap of the day earns an additional $3,750. With increases in prize money to the Ultra4 class to match, the payout for KOH week exceeds $300,000.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Antron Brown piloted to the winner’s circle with a run of 3.835 seconds at 322.84 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to take down teammate Leah Pritchett in the finals.

Brown, Capps and Gray Victorious at the CatSpot NHRA Northwest Nationals

Antron Brown, three-time Top Fuel world champion, locked down his first victory of the season last Sunday as he emerged victorious at the 31st annual CatSpot NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways. Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) were also winners in their respective categories at the 16th of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Brown piloted to the winner’s circle with a run of 3.835 seconds at 322.84 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to take down teammate Leah Pritchett in the finals. Capps used a 4.033 at 314.90 in his Pennzoil Synthetics/NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T to beat points leader Courtney Force in the finals to eliminate John Force Racing’s hopes of sweeping the Western Swing. In Pro Stock, Gray drove to a 6.632 at 210.05 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro to defeat Deric Kramer in the final round. Gray qualified fourth and locked in his position in the Countdown playoffs. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota, August 16–19.

The 2018 National Speedway Directory lists detailed information on a total of more than 1,300 auto-racing facilities.

2018 National Speedway Directory Comes to Race Tracks

Now available, the 2018 National Speedway Directory lists detailed information on a total of more than 1,300 auto-racing facilities, including oval tracks, dragstrips and road courses. Listings for approximately 300 sanctions, 60 racing publications and 70 racing-related museums pushes the total to more than 1,730 motorsports related listings. Series schedules for 2018 are also included. Price per copy is $15 (including postage) or two copies for $25. Orders can be placed online or by emailing twfrost@speedwaysonline.com. Checks or money orders can be sent to National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091. In addition, the brand-new completely updated History of America's Speedway—Past and Present is also available. The fourth edition lists information on more than 9,000 auto-racing facilities. The book is 853 pages with more than 700 photos spread throughout.

Unlimited Desert Truck Race Added to King of the Hammers Week

A new desert race is coming to the 2019 King of The Hammers (KOH) week lineup. The Toyo Tires Desert Invitational Presented by Monster Energy will feature 30 elite off-road desert racers in an invitation-only, traditional open-desert, off-road truck race in Johnson Valley, California. The event marks the return of unlimited off-road racing to Southern California, and is also the first time that four wheel drive will not be required of trucks to compete during KOH Week. The invited teams will vie for a $125,000 prize purse—said to be the richest off-road race in the history of the sport. The winner will take home $100,000, second place will earn $15,000 and third place will grab $10,000. The driver with the fastest lap of the day earns an additional $3,750. With increases in prize money to the Ultra4 class to match, the payout for KOH week exceeds $300,000.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

The 2018 SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase for the first time features a Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity for exhibitors to add value and additional exposure to their presence in the New Products Showcase—The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination.

The cost is $499 per product, and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January 2019 issue of SEMA News.
• Bonus: Those who purchase this promotion package before September 6 will be included in the Spotlight Product Listing section in the November 2019 issue of SEMA News.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product if entered by Friday, October 5, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the Showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

The 2018 SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase for the first time features a Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity for exhibitors to add value and additional exposure to their presence in the New Products Showcase—The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination.

The cost is $499 per product, and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January 2019 issue of SEMA News.
• Bonus: Those who purchase this promotion package before September 6 will be included in the Spotlight Product Listing section in the November 2019 issue of SEMA News.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product if entered by Friday, October 5, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the Showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

The 2018 SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase for the first time features a Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity for exhibitors to add value and additional exposure to their presence in the New Products Showcase—The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination.

The cost is $499 per product, and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January 2019 issue of SEMA News.
• Bonus: Those who purchase this promotion package before September 6 will be included in the Spotlight Product Listing section in the November 2019 issue of SEMA News.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product if entered by Friday, October 5, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the Showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

By Juan Torres

Trevor Wilson’s ’11 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport earned him the Young Guns title at this year’s Silver Lake Jeep Invasion and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas to compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

Trevor Wilson, an on-call firefighter for Fire Station 14 of the Newton Township Fire Department in Michigan, had been looking for the perfect Wrangler to build his dream Jeep, and he found it in 2015 when he came across a ’11 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport with very few modifications and low miles.

The Wrangler was the perfect canvas to build a Jeep with a fire and rescue theme that Wilson could use during a fire emergency. He equipped it with nearly everything that was required by the state of Michigan to be a Basic Life Support ambulance, and even named it “Jeep 14” in representation of where he and his father work.

“Although Jeep 14 is a personally owned vehicle and not directly a part of the Station 14 fleet, my father and I use it to respond to emergencies on a regular basis,” said Wilson, who recently employed the Wrangler during a house fire emergency. “I used three of the onboard fire extinguishers to put out the fire before more extensive property damage could occur. All occupants of the home were safe.”

The modified firefighting Wrangler earned Wilson the Young Guns title at this year’s Silver Lake Jeep Invasion and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where he will compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders and display Jeep 14 in a designated feature spot—a benefit typically reserved exclusively for exhibitors at the trade-only event.

“It is extremely rewarding to see all of my hard work pay off, especially on the level that is the SEMA Young Guns competition,” said Wilson. “I’m looking forward to proudly representing the Jeep community and young builders at the SEMA Show."

As a promoter of youth automotive programs, Wilson is excited to be a part of the SEMA Young Guns program and put Jeep 14 up against other top builds in the country in Las Vegas.

“The SEMA Young Guns Battle of the Builders helps to drive the interest of young individuals in the automotive industry. I hope to see increased participation from young builders for many years to come,” said Wilson. “I strongly encourage companies within the auto industry to invest in youth programs and to continue promoting our industry’s future.”

The SEMA Young Guns program makes it possible for younger enthusiasts who may not already have a vehicle at the 2018 SEMA Show to network with industry leaders. This year, a total of 14 Young Guns prize packages will be awarded at select regional events throughout the country.

“Young Guns is a strategic initiative that builds excitement and involvement among younger builders in the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “The reception to the program has been amazing, and we’re thrilled to build upon its success.”

SEMA Show builders interested in gaining national exposure by showcasing their cars and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition have until Friday, August 31, to register. Only feature or booth vehicles that have been accepted by SEMA for display at the 2018 SEMA Show and are not currently under an embargo at the time of entry will be considered for the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders.

By Juan Torres

Trevor Wilson’s ’11 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport earned him the Young Guns title at this year’s Silver Lake Jeep Invasion and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas to compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

Trevor Wilson, an on-call firefighter for Fire Station 14 of the Newton Township Fire Department in Michigan, had been looking for the perfect Wrangler to build his dream Jeep, and he found it in 2015 when he came across a ’11 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport with very few modifications and low miles.

The Wrangler was the perfect canvas to build a Jeep with a fire and rescue theme that Wilson could use during a fire emergency. He equipped it with nearly everything that was required by the state of Michigan to be a Basic Life Support ambulance, and even named it “Jeep 14” in representation of where he and his father work.

“Although Jeep 14 is a personally owned vehicle and not directly a part of the Station 14 fleet, my father and I use it to respond to emergencies on a regular basis,” said Wilson, who recently employed the Wrangler during a house fire emergency. “I used three of the onboard fire extinguishers to put out the fire before more extensive property damage could occur. All occupants of the home were safe.”

The modified firefighting Wrangler earned Wilson the Young Guns title at this year’s Silver Lake Jeep Invasion and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where he will compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders and display Jeep 14 in a designated feature spot—a benefit typically reserved exclusively for exhibitors at the trade-only event.

“It is extremely rewarding to see all of my hard work pay off, especially on the level that is the SEMA Young Guns competition,” said Wilson. “I’m looking forward to proudly representing the Jeep community and young builders at the SEMA Show."

As a promoter of youth automotive programs, Wilson is excited to be a part of the SEMA Young Guns program and put Jeep 14 up against other top builds in the country in Las Vegas.

“The SEMA Young Guns Battle of the Builders helps to drive the interest of young individuals in the automotive industry. I hope to see increased participation from young builders for many years to come,” said Wilson. “I strongly encourage companies within the auto industry to invest in youth programs and to continue promoting our industry’s future.”

The SEMA Young Guns program makes it possible for younger enthusiasts who may not already have a vehicle at the 2018 SEMA Show to network with industry leaders. This year, a total of 14 Young Guns prize packages will be awarded at select regional events throughout the country.

“Young Guns is a strategic initiative that builds excitement and involvement among younger builders in the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “The reception to the program has been amazing, and we’re thrilled to build upon its success.”

SEMA Show builders interested in gaining national exposure by showcasing their cars and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition have until Friday, August 31, to register. Only feature or booth vehicles that have been accepted by SEMA for display at the 2018 SEMA Show and are not currently under an embargo at the time of entry will be considered for the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders.

By Juan Torres

Trevor Wilson’s ’11 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport earned him the Young Guns title at this year’s Silver Lake Jeep Invasion and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas to compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

Trevor Wilson, an on-call firefighter for Fire Station 14 of the Newton Township Fire Department in Michigan, had been looking for the perfect Wrangler to build his dream Jeep, and he found it in 2015 when he came across a ’11 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport with very few modifications and low miles.

The Wrangler was the perfect canvas to build a Jeep with a fire and rescue theme that Wilson could use during a fire emergency. He equipped it with nearly everything that was required by the state of Michigan to be a Basic Life Support ambulance, and even named it “Jeep 14” in representation of where he and his father work.

“Although Jeep 14 is a personally owned vehicle and not directly a part of the Station 14 fleet, my father and I use it to respond to emergencies on a regular basis,” said Wilson, who recently employed the Wrangler during a house fire emergency. “I used three of the onboard fire extinguishers to put out the fire before more extensive property damage could occur. All occupants of the home were safe.”

The modified firefighting Wrangler earned Wilson the Young Guns title at this year’s Silver Lake Jeep Invasion and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where he will compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders and display Jeep 14 in a designated feature spot—a benefit typically reserved exclusively for exhibitors at the trade-only event.

“It is extremely rewarding to see all of my hard work pay off, especially on the level that is the SEMA Young Guns competition,” said Wilson. “I’m looking forward to proudly representing the Jeep community and young builders at the SEMA Show."

As a promoter of youth automotive programs, Wilson is excited to be a part of the SEMA Young Guns program and put Jeep 14 up against other top builds in the country in Las Vegas.

“The SEMA Young Guns Battle of the Builders helps to drive the interest of young individuals in the automotive industry. I hope to see increased participation from young builders for many years to come,” said Wilson. “I strongly encourage companies within the auto industry to invest in youth programs and to continue promoting our industry’s future.”

The SEMA Young Guns program makes it possible for younger enthusiasts who may not already have a vehicle at the 2018 SEMA Show to network with industry leaders. This year, a total of 14 Young Guns prize packages will be awarded at select regional events throughout the country.

“Young Guns is a strategic initiative that builds excitement and involvement among younger builders in the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “The reception to the program has been amazing, and we’re thrilled to build upon its success.”

SEMA Show builders interested in gaining national exposure by showcasing their cars and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition have until Friday, August 31, to register. Only feature or booth vehicles that have been accepted by SEMA for display at the 2018 SEMA Show and are not currently under an embargo at the time of entry will be considered for the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Trump Administration has finalized a second list of Chinese products worth $16 billion that will be subject to 25% tariffs beginning August 23. The list covers 279 tariff categories, including many types of plastics.

Since July 6, Customs has been collecting duties on a first list of products valued at $34 billion. The subject product list includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices. This list is subject to exclusion requests. Companies may file product exclusion requests at Docket USTR-2018-0025. Such requests should address whether the product is only available from China and whether the imposition of duties will cause severe economic harm. 

In addition to the current tariffs totalling $50 billion, President Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on another $200 billion worth of products from China. The tariffs could be imposed as early as October. The initial list covers hundreds of consumer products, from fish to furniture and apparel. It includes many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, steering wheel components, rubber gaskets, transmission belts, brake pads, windshields and suspension springs. The deadline for submitting comments on the third round of tariffs is September 6.

The U.S. tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by Chinese government and companies. Negotiations have stalled to date, and China is imposing retaliatory 25% tariffs totaling about $50 billion. Most of the tariffs imposed by China are for agricultural products, but the list also includes vehicles such as large passenger cars and motorcycles. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Trump Administration has finalized a second list of Chinese products worth $16 billion that will be subject to 25% tariffs beginning August 23. The list covers 279 tariff categories, including many types of plastics.

Since July 6, Customs has been collecting duties on a first list of products valued at $34 billion. The subject product list includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices. This list is subject to exclusion requests. Companies may file product exclusion requests at Docket USTR-2018-0025. Such requests should address whether the product is only available from China and whether the imposition of duties will cause severe economic harm. 

In addition to the current tariffs totalling $50 billion, President Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on another $200 billion worth of products from China. The tariffs could be imposed as early as October. The initial list covers hundreds of consumer products, from fish to furniture and apparel. It includes many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, steering wheel components, rubber gaskets, transmission belts, brake pads, windshields and suspension springs. The deadline for submitting comments on the third round of tariffs is September 6.

The U.S. tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by Chinese government and companies. Negotiations have stalled to date, and China is imposing retaliatory 25% tariffs totaling about $50 billion. Most of the tariffs imposed by China are for agricultural products, but the list also includes vehicles such as large passenger cars and motorcycles. 

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