This is the ’19 Dodge Charger HellCat, caught for the first time while testing outside of SRT’s headquarters.

The Charger will get a mild facelift for 2019 before a new version finally comes in 2021, based on the Alfa Romeo Giulia platform. For now, the HellCat gets a modified grille, front fascia and hood, though it’s likely to be fairly similar to the current model. Expect some mild performance upgrades, too, although horsepower may not stray from the magic 707 number.

The Charger may also benefit from some of FCA’s newer driver assistance technologies, while the HellCat itself may also benefit from better ways to put its enormous power on the ground from its supercharged V8. Expect to see the new Charger late this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Kyle Cheng

The SEMA Industry Indicators Report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

The SEMA Industry Indicators Report for May is now available from SEMA Market Research. This month, the report also includes highlights from the SEMA Industry Perspectives Report.

View the SEMA Industry Indicators Report for May.

The monthly indicators report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

The United States continues to enjoy a strong economy. Unemployment remains low, dropping in April to below 4%—the first time in nearly 18 years. More people are buying new trucks and SUVs than ever before. However, crude oil prices are putting upward pressure on gas prices, which are rising as we officially enter the summer driving season.

To view all SEMA Market Research reports and resources, visit www.sema.org/market-research.

By Kyle Cheng

The SEMA Industry Indicators Report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

The SEMA Industry Indicators Report for May is now available from SEMA Market Research. This month, the report also includes highlights from the SEMA Industry Perspectives Report.

View the SEMA Industry Indicators Report for May.

The monthly indicators report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

The United States continues to enjoy a strong economy. Unemployment remains low, dropping in April to below 4%—the first time in nearly 18 years. More people are buying new trucks and SUVs than ever before. However, crude oil prices are putting upward pressure on gas prices, which are rising as we officially enter the summer driving season.

To view all SEMA Market Research reports and resources, visit www.sema.org/market-research.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Mark Stahl (center) won the BILSTEIN Madonna Award at the NORRA Mexican 1000.

Mark Stahl Wins BILSTEIN Madonna Award at the NORRA Mexican 1000

Mark Stahl crossed the finish line winning the Legends Truck Class at the NORRA Mexican 1000, and qualifyied as the first and fastest finisher on BILSTEIN shock absorbers. The BILSTEIN Madonna Award is given to “an individual who wins a championship in a major American racing series, displays sportsmanship and positive character traits on and off the track and possesses an intense desire to win while overcoming adversities.”

Driving his ’07 Chevy Corvette Z06, Morris Malone earned “Fastest Badass” with the overall top speed at Never Lift Half-Mile.

Morris Malone Earns “Fastest Badass,” First Place in RWD at Never Lift Half-Mile

Driving his ’07 Chevy Corvette Z06, Morris Malone earned “Fastest Badass” with the overall top speed and first place in the RWD class during both days of the Never Lift Half-Mile in Coalinga, California, April 28–29. Sunday was the day he broke the RWD half-mile world record of 236 mph. Motovicity, in collaboration with Shift-S3ctor, brought together some of the fastest cars, top performance brands and best builders and shops for the event. For complete results, visit the Never Lift website.

VP Racing Fuels Named Official Fuel of DIRTcar Midwest

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced it has extended a decade-long relationship with World Racing Group, expanding its sponsorship to include being named the official fuel of DIRTcar Midwest.

Leah Pritchett piloted her FireAde dragster to a pass of 3.874 seconds at 322.42 mph during the final round of eliminations to defeat Blake Alexander.

Pritchett, C. Force, Nobile and Krawiec Victorious at NHRA Southern Nationals

Female NHRA nitro racers dominated Top Fuel and Funny Car as Leah Pritchett and Courtney Force were victorious in their respective categories last Sunday at the 38th annual NHRA Southern Nationals Powered by Mello Yello at Atlanta Dragway. Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the seventh of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Pritchett locked in her first Top Fuel win of the season as she piloted her FireAde dragster to a pass of 3.874 seconds at 322.42 mph during the final round of eliminations to defeat Blake Alexander. This is her first Wally since Brainerd 2017, first event victory at Atlanta Raceway, and sixth overall. Pritchett is the first of Don Schumacher Racing’s Top Fuel drivers to go to the winner’s circle this season. Force claimed her second Funny Car victory this season with a pass of 4.046 at 313.73 in her Advance Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro against Matt Hagan. After earning the No. 1 qualifier on Saturday, Force secured her 10th career victory making her the most victorious female Funny Car driver in the history of NHRA. In Pro Stock, Nobile powered his Mountain View Tire Chevrolet Camaro to a victory run of 6.599 at 209.72 to defeat Tanner Gray in his Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro in the final round. Nobile is now the points leaders for Pro Stock. Defending world champion Krawiec rode his motorcycle to the winner’s circle with a pass of 6.922 at 194.91 on his Screamin’ Eagles Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties at Heartland Motorsports Park, May 18–20, in Topeka, Kansas.

David Mormon cruised into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle, thanks to an 11.028 on 11.00 index, besting John Butsko and his ’63 Falcon.

The Pennsylvania Derby—CJ Pony Parts NMRA Ford Motorsport Nationals Presented by Vortech Superchargers Race Wrap

The 18th running of the CJ Pony Parts NMRA Ford Motorsport Nationals, presented by Vortech Superchargers, took place last weekend at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Manny Buginga in his turbocharged ’03 SVT Cobra faced current points leader and top qualifier Andy Manson in the final round. Buginga left the starting line with a .023 light, which proved to be the deciding factor. Buginga streaked to the finish line first with 4.309 at 170.39 mph run to Manson’s quicker, but losing, 4.292 at 170.13 mph.

Edelbrock Renegade: Tony Hobson raced into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle for the first time after defeating Brian Mitchell with a 7.370 at 187.08 mph.

ProCharger Coyote Modified: Haley James raced to her second victory of 2018, thanks to her competitor John Kauderer lighting the red light. James posted a 7.616 at 181.94 mph.

Steeda Limited Street: Chad Wendell found himself in the finals and on the bumper, allowing Kelly Shotwell to slip by and celebrate, once again, in the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: The competition was halted due to rain, and the class will be completed during the NMRA SuperNationals at National Trail Raceway the weekend of June 7–10. It will be Louis Sylvester taking on Dan Ryntz when the racing resumes next month. G-Force Racing Transmission Coyote Stock is another category cut short by the rain, and the three racers that are left in competition are Darin Hendricks, Jacob Lamb and Steve Kurlmchak.

The two index categories that were whittled down the final rounds but not completed were Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle and ARP Open Comp. In the Modular Muscle final, Jason Henson will face Don Bowles and his AmeriGas-sponsored ’05 Roush Mustang. The Open Comp final features two veterans in the index eliminator—Saul Walker and Michael Lewandowski.

Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Johnny “Lightning” Wiker beat defending champion Randy Conway and his Coyote-powered Ranger.

ROUSH Performance Super Stang: Robert Ball topped Miles Wagoner in a double breakout victory—10.708 on a 10.74 index, while Wagoner was the bigger offender with a 10.256 on 10.30 index.

Race Star Wheels Ford Muscle: David Mormon cruised into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle, thanks to an 11.028 on 11.00 index, besting John Butsko and his ’63 Falcon. Butsko ran 12.275 on a 12.25 index and the major difference was Mormann’s .030 advantage on the starting line.

QA1 True Street: Mike Jovanis secured the victory with an 8.113 average. Tim Schmoyer was the 9-second winner. Other wins came from Joseph Cascio (10-second), Nathan Seagrave (11-second), Chris Nusbaum (12-second), Trish Linkus (13-second), Christian Cornwell (14-second) and Jonathan Plumber (15-second).

Super Ford Bracket Showdown was cut short because of the rain, cancelling the king of the hill shootout last Sunday. NMRA officials, however, doubled the purse on Saturday in all four bracket racing categories. The winners included Gary Simpers (Fast Ford B1), Matt Riccheza (Quick Ford B2), Jay Fitts (Street Ford B3) and Ray Goelz (Nostalgia Ford B4).

The six-race NMRA Drag Racing Series, presented by Keytsone Automotive, moves to Hebron, Ohio, for the NMRA SuperNationals, June 7–10, at National Trail Raceway.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Mark Stahl (center) won the BILSTEIN Madonna Award at the NORRA Mexican 1000.

Mark Stahl Wins BILSTEIN Madonna Award at the NORRA Mexican 1000

Mark Stahl crossed the finish line winning the Legends Truck Class at the NORRA Mexican 1000, and qualifyied as the first and fastest finisher on BILSTEIN shock absorbers. The BILSTEIN Madonna Award is given to “an individual who wins a championship in a major American racing series, displays sportsmanship and positive character traits on and off the track and possesses an intense desire to win while overcoming adversities.”

Driving his ’07 Chevy Corvette Z06, Morris Malone earned “Fastest Badass” with the overall top speed at Never Lift Half-Mile.

Morris Malone Earns “Fastest Badass,” First Place in RWD at Never Lift Half-Mile

Driving his ’07 Chevy Corvette Z06, Morris Malone earned “Fastest Badass” with the overall top speed and first place in the RWD class during both days of the Never Lift Half-Mile in Coalinga, California, April 28–29. Sunday was the day he broke the RWD half-mile world record of 236 mph. Motovicity, in collaboration with Shift-S3ctor, brought together some of the fastest cars, top performance brands and best builders and shops for the event. For complete results, visit the Never Lift website.

VP Racing Fuels Named Official Fuel of DIRTcar Midwest

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced it has extended a decade-long relationship with World Racing Group, expanding its sponsorship to include being named the official fuel of DIRTcar Midwest.

Leah Pritchett piloted her FireAde dragster to a pass of 3.874 seconds at 322.42 mph during the final round of eliminations to defeat Blake Alexander.

Pritchett, C. Force, Nobile and Krawiec Victorious at NHRA Southern Nationals

Female NHRA nitro racers dominated Top Fuel and Funny Car as Leah Pritchett and Courtney Force were victorious in their respective categories last Sunday at the 38th annual NHRA Southern Nationals Powered by Mello Yello at Atlanta Dragway. Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the seventh of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Pritchett locked in her first Top Fuel win of the season as she piloted her FireAde dragster to a pass of 3.874 seconds at 322.42 mph during the final round of eliminations to defeat Blake Alexander. This is her first Wally since Brainerd 2017, first event victory at Atlanta Raceway, and sixth overall. Pritchett is the first of Don Schumacher Racing’s Top Fuel drivers to go to the winner’s circle this season. Force claimed her second Funny Car victory this season with a pass of 4.046 at 313.73 in her Advance Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro against Matt Hagan. After earning the No. 1 qualifier on Saturday, Force secured her 10th career victory making her the most victorious female Funny Car driver in the history of NHRA. In Pro Stock, Nobile powered his Mountain View Tire Chevrolet Camaro to a victory run of 6.599 at 209.72 to defeat Tanner Gray in his Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro in the final round. Nobile is now the points leaders for Pro Stock. Defending world champion Krawiec rode his motorcycle to the winner’s circle with a pass of 6.922 at 194.91 on his Screamin’ Eagles Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties at Heartland Motorsports Park, May 18–20, in Topeka, Kansas.

David Mormon cruised into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle, thanks to an 11.028 on 11.00 index, besting John Butsko and his ’63 Falcon.

The Pennsylvania Derby—CJ Pony Parts NMRA Ford Motorsport Nationals Presented by Vortech Superchargers Race Wrap

The 18th running of the CJ Pony Parts NMRA Ford Motorsport Nationals, presented by Vortech Superchargers, took place last weekend at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Manny Buginga in his turbocharged ’03 SVT Cobra faced current points leader and top qualifier Andy Manson in the final round. Buginga left the starting line with a .023 light, which proved to be the deciding factor. Buginga streaked to the finish line first with 4.309 at 170.39 mph run to Manson’s quicker, but losing, 4.292 at 170.13 mph.

Edelbrock Renegade: Tony Hobson raced into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle for the first time after defeating Brian Mitchell with a 7.370 at 187.08 mph.

ProCharger Coyote Modified: Haley James raced to her second victory of 2018, thanks to her competitor John Kauderer lighting the red light. James posted a 7.616 at 181.94 mph.

Steeda Limited Street: Chad Wendell found himself in the finals and on the bumper, allowing Kelly Shotwell to slip by and celebrate, once again, in the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: The competition was halted due to rain, and the class will be completed during the NMRA SuperNationals at National Trail Raceway the weekend of June 7–10. It will be Louis Sylvester taking on Dan Ryntz when the racing resumes next month. G-Force Racing Transmission Coyote Stock is another category cut short by the rain, and the three racers that are left in competition are Darin Hendricks, Jacob Lamb and Steve Kurlmchak.

The two index categories that were whittled down the final rounds but not completed were Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle and ARP Open Comp. In the Modular Muscle final, Jason Henson will face Don Bowles and his AmeriGas-sponsored ’05 Roush Mustang. The Open Comp final features two veterans in the index eliminator—Saul Walker and Michael Lewandowski.

Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Johnny “Lightning” Wiker beat defending champion Randy Conway and his Coyote-powered Ranger.

ROUSH Performance Super Stang: Robert Ball topped Miles Wagoner in a double breakout victory—10.708 on a 10.74 index, while Wagoner was the bigger offender with a 10.256 on 10.30 index.

Race Star Wheels Ford Muscle: David Mormon cruised into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle, thanks to an 11.028 on 11.00 index, besting John Butsko and his ’63 Falcon. Butsko ran 12.275 on a 12.25 index and the major difference was Mormann’s .030 advantage on the starting line.

QA1 True Street: Mike Jovanis secured the victory with an 8.113 average. Tim Schmoyer was the 9-second winner. Other wins came from Joseph Cascio (10-second), Nathan Seagrave (11-second), Chris Nusbaum (12-second), Trish Linkus (13-second), Christian Cornwell (14-second) and Jonathan Plumber (15-second).

Super Ford Bracket Showdown was cut short because of the rain, cancelling the king of the hill shootout last Sunday. NMRA officials, however, doubled the purse on Saturday in all four bracket racing categories. The winners included Gary Simpers (Fast Ford B1), Matt Riccheza (Quick Ford B2), Jay Fitts (Street Ford B3) and Ray Goelz (Nostalgia Ford B4).

The six-race NMRA Drag Racing Series, presented by Keytsone Automotive, moves to Hebron, Ohio, for the NMRA SuperNationals, June 7–10, at National Trail Raceway.

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

By Jim Graven

SEMA members are encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Data Co-op’s (SDC) Platinum Rewards Program to receive $10,000 in marketing exposure at the 2018 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is offering $10,000 in marketing outreach to participating SDC suppliers exhibiting at the 2018 SEMA Show that achieve or maintain Platinum status. Enroll now, as the deadline is July 13—just two months away! The SDC is an industry-owned and -operated project that provides full product data-management capabilities to participating suppliers at the lowest possible cost.

Participating SDC suppliers exhibiting at the 2018 SEMA Show that achieve or maintain SDC Platinum status (prior to July 13) will receive $10,000 in marketing exposure, including:

• Carpet/floor ad near booth location.
• Meter-panel listing in the SEMA Show’s lobbies.
• Ad listing in the 2018 September, October and November issues of SEMA News magazine.
• Ad listing in each of the four SEMA Show Daily magazines.

Questions? Visit www.semadatacoop.org. The SDC East Coast/Midwest contact is Jim Graven, 888-958-6698, ext. 4, email. The West Coast SDC contact is Tim Stewart, 888-958-6698, ext. 9.

By Jim Graven

SEMA members are encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Data Co-op’s (SDC) Platinum Rewards Program to receive $10,000 in marketing exposure at the 2018 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is offering $10,000 in marketing outreach to participating SDC suppliers exhibiting at the 2018 SEMA Show that achieve or maintain Platinum status. Enroll now, as the deadline is July 13—just two months away! The SDC is an industry-owned and -operated project that provides full product data-management capabilities to participating suppliers at the lowest possible cost.

Participating SDC suppliers exhibiting at the 2018 SEMA Show that achieve or maintain SDC Platinum status (prior to July 13) will receive $10,000 in marketing exposure, including:

• Carpet/floor ad near booth location.
• Meter-panel listing in the SEMA Show’s lobbies.
• Ad listing in the 2018 September, October and November issues of SEMA News magazine.
• Ad listing in each of the four SEMA Show Daily magazines.

Questions? Visit www.semadatacoop.org. The SDC East Coast/Midwest contact is Jim Graven, 888-958-6698, ext. 4, email. The West Coast SDC contact is Tim Stewart, 888-958-6698, ext. 9.

By Jim Graven

SEMA members are encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Data Co-op’s (SDC) Platinum Rewards Program to receive $10,000 in marketing exposure at the 2018 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is offering $10,000 in marketing outreach to participating SDC suppliers exhibiting at the 2018 SEMA Show that achieve or maintain Platinum status. Enroll now, as the deadline is July 13—just two months away! The SDC is an industry-owned and -operated project that provides full product data-management capabilities to participating suppliers at the lowest possible cost.

Participating SDC suppliers exhibiting at the 2018 SEMA Show that achieve or maintain SDC Platinum status (prior to July 13) will receive $10,000 in marketing exposure, including:

• Carpet/floor ad near booth location.
• Meter-panel listing in the SEMA Show’s lobbies.
• Ad listing in the 2018 September, October and November issues of SEMA News magazine.
• Ad listing in each of the four SEMA Show Daily magazines.

Questions? Visit www.semadatacoop.org. The SDC East Coast/Midwest contact is Jim Graven, 888-958-6698, ext. 4, email. The West Coast SDC contact is Tim Stewart, 888-958-6698, ext. 9.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A version of SEMA-model legislation to ease the process by which replica, assembled, kit and reconstructed cars are titled and registered was signed into law.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to ease the process by which replica, assembled, kit and reconstructed cars are titled and registered was signed into law. The law easies the process for titling and registering a “replica vehicle,” “assembled vehicle,” “kit vehicle” and “reconstructed vehicle.” 

For details, contact Daniel Ingber at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A version of SEMA-model legislation to ease the process by which replica, assembled, kit and reconstructed cars are titled and registered was signed into law.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to ease the process by which replica, assembled, kit and reconstructed cars are titled and registered was signed into law. The law easies the process for titling and registering a “replica vehicle,” “assembled vehicle,” “kit vehicle” and “reconstructed vehicle.” 

For details, contact Daniel Ingber at stateleg@sema.org.