By Lindsay Bianco

Hypertech helped to raise a total of $1,400 for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Fund through its Grand Prix slot-car races on a 1:32-scale four-lane track provided by Fife, Washington’s Hornby America.

SEMA-member company Hypertech helped to raise a total of $1,400 for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Fund. During the 2017 SEMA Show, Hypertech chose a fun, unique way to showcase its products by conducting the Hypertech Grand Prix slot-car races on a 1:32-scale four-lane track provided by Fife, Washington’s Hornby America. Those who raced the diminutive vehicles had the opportunity to make charitable donations to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Students from the California State University San Bernardino were also on hand at the booth to help with donations and experience the SEMA Show through the lens of an exhibiting company.

Conceived by Hypertech CEO Amy Faulk, the plan was put into action, along with the idea to accept donations to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. For the past four years at the SEMA Show, students from California State University San Bernardino voluntarily worked the Hypertech booth to learn more about the industry and have an opportunity to network with companies, and this was a way to pay back their participation.

“Most college students have debt from the cost of school, so they understand and appreciate any kind of funds that are raised or given,” said Hypertech CEO Amy Faulk.

Through charitable donations such as this one, SEMA is able to help students from all over the country pay their way through college. To learn more and support SEMA scholarships, visit www.sema.org/scholarships/donations.

By Zane Clark

Nearly 400 high school and college students are expected to attend the transportation career fair to be held March 16, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA will partner with the Collision Repair Education Foundation and the TechForce Foundation to host a transportation (collision, auto service, heavy duty, etc.) career fair, March 16, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Hundreds of high school and college students and industry employers are expected to attend the event.

With close to 400 students registered to attend, companies interested in connecting with top talent are strongly encouraged to participate.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet with these students.

Event Details:

8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. – Event open to students to attend and meet industry employers.

Company Participation:

$1,000 – Company is provided a table and a copy of the student résumé registration list.

Register your company for this event by emailing brandon.eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

By Zane Clark

Nearly 400 high school and college students are expected to attend the transportation career fair to be held March 16, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA will partner with the Collision Repair Education Foundation and the TechForce Foundation to host a transportation (collision, auto service, heavy duty, etc.) career fair, March 16, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Hundreds of high school and college students and industry employers are expected to attend the event.

With close to 400 students registered to attend, companies interested in connecting with top talent are strongly encouraged to participate.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet with these students.

Event Details:

8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. – Event open to students to attend and meet industry employers.

Company Participation:

$1,000 – Company is provided a table and a copy of the student résumé registration list.

Register your company for this event by emailing brandon.eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

By Zane Clark

Nearly 400 high school and college students are expected to attend the transportation career fair to be held March 16, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA will partner with the Collision Repair Education Foundation and the TechForce Foundation to host a transportation (collision, auto service, heavy duty, etc.) career fair, March 16, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Hundreds of high school and college students and industry employers are expected to attend the event.

With close to 400 students registered to attend, companies interested in connecting with top talent are strongly encouraged to participate.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet with these students.

Event Details:

8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. – Event open to students to attend and meet industry employers.

Company Participation:

$1,000 – Company is provided a table and a copy of the student résumé registration list.

Register your company for this event by emailing brandon.eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Chair-Elect Tray Smith discusses what ARMO is all about and explains some of its initiatives.

SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Chair-Elect Tray Smith discusses what ARMO is all about and explains some of its initiatives.

SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Chair-Elect Tray Smith discusses what ARMO is all about and explains some of its initiatives.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Dan and Allan from Trinity Motorsports in Pooler, Georgia, won Meyer Distributing’s ’17 Jeep Wrangler JKU giveaway.

Meyer Distributing Gives Away a ’17 Jeep Wrangler JKU

Meyer Distributing teamed up with some of its top brands for a ’17 Jeep Wrangler JKU giveaway, also known as #ProjectHypergreen on social media. The winners of the Jeep were Dan and Allan from Trinity Motorsports in Pooler, Georgia. The project Jeep includes:

• Fabtech – 3-in. trail long-travel suspension system with Dirt Logics 2.25 ResiShocks and driveshafts.
• Iron Cross Automotive – front and rear bumpers, steel flares, side arm steps.
• Warn – 9,000-lb. winch with Epic hook and shackles.
• Yukon Gear and Axle – 4.88 ring and pinion, upgraded axles.
• Bestop – Black Twill Trektop NX Glide, floor mats and underseat security.
• Borla – ATAK axle back exhaust system with black tips.
• Rigid – rock lights, side shooters, chase light, heated LED headlamps.
• Mickey Thompson – 37-in. Deegan 38 tires and 17-in. Deegan Pro wheels.
• DBA – performance rotors and pads.
• Hypertech – Speedo calibrator.
• Advanced Accessory Concepts – trigger light controller.
• Artec Industries – inner fender liners.

Rockford Fosgate has announced a partnership with UTVUnderground.

Rockford Fosgate Partners with UTVUnderground

Rockford Fosgate has announced it has partnered with UTVUnderground—an all-inclusive unlimited terrain vehicle (UTV) site contributed to by both enthusiasts and manufacturers alike. Through this partnership, Rockford Fosgate gains access to UTVUnderground’s website presence, social-media following, onsite activation schedule and in-house content creation team.

Turn 14 Distribution Adds N-FAB, Tonno Pro, Lund to Line Card

Turn 14 Distribution has increased its truck and off-road accessory offerings with the addition of N-FAB to its line card. N-FAB manufactures nerf bars, pre-runners and other off-road accessories. Turn 14 Distribution has also increased its product coverage in the truck accessories market with the addition of Tonno Pro and its catalog of tonneau covers and also LUND’s product line.

Ringbrothers recently showcased their Aeromotive-equipped ’72 Prestone AMC Javelin AMX in an episode of the YouTube series “Jay Leno’s Garage.”

Ringbrothers Names Aeromotive Fuel Tank and Pump of Choice for Custom Performance Vehicle Builds

Aeromotive has been chosen by Ringbrothers as the fuel tank and pump of choice for the majority of the company’s future custom vehicle builds. The exception will be vehicles that are OE projects that need to remain stock. Recently, the Ringbrothers were invited to showcase their Aeromotive-equipped ’72 Prestone AMC Javelin AMX with Jay Leno for an episode of the YouTube series “Jay Leno’s Garage.”

Wick Named Business Development Representative for VP Racing Fuels

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the appointment of Ron Wick as business development representative to support significant growth by VP Racing Fuels in the Midwestern United States’ dirt-racing market.

Each team in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge is comprised of two individuals; one team member must be between 5–18 years of age and completely disassemble and reassemble a complete single-cylinder OHV engine, utilizing only basic hand tools.

Junior Hot Rodders Engine Challenge Starts Second Season at Race and Performance Expo

The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge kicked off February 24–25 at the Race and Performance Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois. Each team is comprised of two individuals; one team member must be between 5–18 years of age and completely disassemble and reassemble a complete single-cylinder OHV engine utilizing only basic hand tools. The next event will be featured as part of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow at the Piston Power Show in Cleveland, March 16–18.

Motovicity Adds Nitrous Express to Line Card

Motovicity Distribution has added Nitrous Express to its line card. The nitrous-oxide company utilizes technology that allows it to make accurate dyno-proven horsepower claims, as every component and system must be tested before it ever makes it to the customer.

Acme Manufacturing Co. Names Mike Lamb Customer Service and Parts Sales Manager

Acme Manufacturing Co. has announced the appointment of Mike Lamb to customer service and parts sales manager. He replaces Bob Swanson, who announced his retirement in February after 30 years of employment at Acme, addressing customer-service parts need and after-sales technical support. Lamb joined Acme in 2003 as a product support service engineer.

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.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Charlie McCullough defeated Gary Parker in Exedy Racing Clutches Modular Muscle.

24th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout Race Wrap

The 2018 NMRA Drag Racing season, presented by Keystone Automotive, debuted last weekend. QA1 True Street took center stage at Bradenton Motorsports Park, with a record 152 cars entering. Here are the results:

JLT Performance Spring Break Shootout: True Street winner Randy Seward defeated True Street runner-up Jeff Bloem with an 8.80 to Bloem’s 9.48 elapsed time.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Andy Manson took the win with a 4.31 to Manny Buginga’s off-pace 4.78.

Edelbrock Renegade: Bart Tobener took the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle after Frank Varela tripped his red light at the start of the final round. Tobener had qualified his Coyote-powered S550 Mustang at the top of the list with a 7.33 elapsed time.

ProCharger Coyote Modified: Haley James faced 2017 class champion Tommy Annunziata and his Cobra Jet Mustang in the final round, where she edged Annunziata out for the win, 7.62 to 7.65.

Steeda Limited Street: Kelly Shotwell, with an 8.83, defeated Kent Nine’s 11.39.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Tyler Eichhorn edged out Clair Stewart for the 10.23 to 10.32 win.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: In the final round, Dan Ryntz defeated John Leslie Jr., 10.45 to 10.71.

Race Star Wheels Ford Muscle: Kevin McKenna cut Krystie Wagoner at the tree in the final round, and edged her out at the stripe for the class win and trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Exedy Racing Clutches Modular Muscle: Gary Parker had the slightly better reaction time, but he broke out, running 11.06 on an 11.07 index, giving Charlie McCullough the win.

ARP Open Comp: In the final round of competition, 2017 champion Dennis Corn was victorious over Tim Hamilton.

Detroit Locker Truck and Lightning: Bob Cochran was victorious over James Steamer in the final round of eliminations after Steamer went -.008 red at the start.

Roush Performance Super Stang: Marvin Knack defeated John Golliday in the final round of eliminations.

Cobra Jet Showdown: Rod Heltzel suffered problems off the line, but watched as his competitor in the final round Ken Miele drove through the finish, broke out of his dial-in and handed Heltzel the win.

Cobra Jet Challenge: Gardner Stone defeated Robby Mazza.

ididit Outlaw True Street: Mike Jovanis won the eighth-mile, no-time class over Jeff Bloem.

Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout: Paul Hardcastle and his ’03 Terminator Cobra defeated Jon Pavia and his ’03 Cobra in a 9.31-to-10.26 win.

Hellion Turbo Coyote Shootout: Christian Morillo had a better start, but Justin Jordan slipped by at the stripe in a 7.50 to 7.90 win.

QA1 True Street: Randy Seward took the overall winner title, thanks to an 8.37 average. The overall runner-up was Canadian Jeff Bloem, who finished the challenge with an 8.57 average. Other True Street class winners for the 2018 season opener include Don Julio (9-second), Carl DiBlasi (10-second), Connie Greiner (11-second), Robin Whiteford-Quinton (12-second), David Berry (13-second), Aaron Donton (14-second) and Rodney Ward (15-second).

Tremec Stick Shift Shootout: William Rinehart grabbed the better reaction time, but it was Karl Goin who got to the stripe first.

The next stop on the NMRA tour is Atlanta Dragway for the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals presented by MAHLE, April 5–8, 2018.

Johnny Sauter won the Camping World Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

Johnny Sauter Wins Truck Series Opener

NASCAR veteran Johnny Sauter won the Camping World Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Sauter went past pole winner David Gilliland with eight laps remaining in the NextEra Energy Resources 250 and held off GMS Racing teammate Justin Haley to take the checkered flag by less than 1/10 of a second. Sauter earned his third victory at Daytona and the 18th of his career.

Rockford Fosgate Named a Supporting Sponsor For The Mint 400

Rockford Fosgate has announced it has been named a supporting sponsor for The Mint 400, held in Las Vegas, March 7–11. Rockford Fosgate’s full line of powersports products will be on display March 8–9 at the Odyssey Battery Tech & Contingency on Fremont Street. The Mint 400, which first began in 1967, is held annually near Las Vegas, and is considered the oldest active off-road desert race in America.

Robbie Nishida

JE Pistons Partners With Formula DRIFT for Livestream Video Segments

JE Pistons will launch a new technical video segment that will air during Formula DRIFT’s livestream broadcasts. Former Formula DRIFT driver Robbie Nishida will host two JE Pistons-sponsored technical segments during each of the nine livestream broadcasts. The videos are designed to educate viewers on everything from the art of drifting to making power under the hood, chassis setup and more. Each video can be viewed during the Formula DRIFT livestream and will be available post-race via the series’ social media channels. The 2018 Formula DRIFT Championship kicks-off in Long Beach, California, April 6–7.

Mopar-powered competitors in model-year ’05 and newer FCA US LLC vehicles will receive complimentary entry to battle it out in the NMCA Dodge/Mopar Hemi Shootout category.

Dodge//SRT and Mopar Brands to Offer Complimentary Drag-Race Experience for 2018 NMCA Competitors

The Dodge//SRT and Mopar brands are teaming up with the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) to offer complimentary customer drag-racing experiences exclusively at NMCA race events for the 2018 season. Mopar-powered competitors in model-year ’05-and-newer FCA US LLC vehicles will receive complimentary entry to battle it out in the NMCA Dodge/Mopar Hemi Shootout category, giving owners the opportunity to race their vehicles in a sanctioned and secure dragstrip environment. Dodge/Mopar Hemi Shootout fields are expected to draw a mix of modern-day FCA US vehicle nameplates, such as Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles in a variety of models, including the 485hp Dodge Challenger and Charger Scat Pack models, 707hp Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat models, the 840hp Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, as well as Chrysler 300, RAM truck and Jeep vehicles. The NMCA season kicks off with the 16th annual NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida, March 8–11, 2018.

SCORE Inks Multi-Year Contract With Polaris RZR as Official UTV of SCORE World Desert Championship

SCORE International has announced a new multi-year agreement with Polaris Industries that designates Polaris RZR as SCORE’s Official UTV. In the new extended agreement, Polaris will also provide SCORE with a number of Polaris RZR UTVs to use at its four races as well as being utilized on the course-marking expeditions for the four rugged SCORE Baja race routes. The four-race 2018 SCORE World Desert Championship launches the first week of April in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Charlie McCullough defeated Gary Parker in Exedy Racing Clutches Modular Muscle.

24th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout Race Wrap

The 2018 NMRA Drag Racing season, presented by Keystone Automotive, debuted last weekend. QA1 True Street took center stage at Bradenton Motorsports Park, with a record 152 cars entering. Here are the results:

JLT Performance Spring Break Shootout: True Street winner Randy Seward defeated True Street runner-up Jeff Bloem with an 8.80 to Bloem’s 9.48 elapsed time.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Andy Manson took the win with a 4.31 to Manny Buginga’s off-pace 4.78.

Edelbrock Renegade: Bart Tobener took the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle after Frank Varela tripped his red light at the start of the final round. Tobener had qualified his Coyote-powered S550 Mustang at the top of the list with a 7.33 elapsed time.

ProCharger Coyote Modified: Haley James faced 2017 class champion Tommy Annunziata and his Cobra Jet Mustang in the final round, where she edged Annunziata out for the win, 7.62 to 7.65.

Steeda Limited Street: Kelly Shotwell, with an 8.83, defeated Kent Nine’s 11.39.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Tyler Eichhorn edged out Clair Stewart for the 10.23 to 10.32 win.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: In the final round, Dan Ryntz defeated John Leslie Jr., 10.45 to 10.71.

Race Star Wheels Ford Muscle: Kevin McKenna cut Krystie Wagoner at the tree in the final round, and edged her out at the stripe for the class win and trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Exedy Racing Clutches Modular Muscle: Gary Parker had the slightly better reaction time, but he broke out, running 11.06 on an 11.07 index, giving Charlie McCullough the win.

ARP Open Comp: In the final round of competition, 2017 champion Dennis Corn was victorious over Tim Hamilton.

Detroit Locker Truck and Lightning: Bob Cochran was victorious over James Steamer in the final round of eliminations after Steamer went -.008 red at the start.

Roush Performance Super Stang: Marvin Knack defeated John Golliday in the final round of eliminations.

Cobra Jet Showdown: Rod Heltzel suffered problems off the line, but watched as his competitor in the final round Ken Miele drove through the finish, broke out of his dial-in and handed Heltzel the win.

Cobra Jet Challenge: Gardner Stone defeated Robby Mazza.

ididit Outlaw True Street: Mike Jovanis won the eighth-mile, no-time class over Jeff Bloem.

Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout: Paul Hardcastle and his ’03 Terminator Cobra defeated Jon Pavia and his ’03 Cobra in a 9.31-to-10.26 win.

Hellion Turbo Coyote Shootout: Christian Morillo had a better start, but Justin Jordan slipped by at the stripe in a 7.50 to 7.90 win.

QA1 True Street: Randy Seward took the overall winner title, thanks to an 8.37 average. The overall runner-up was Canadian Jeff Bloem, who finished the challenge with an 8.57 average. Other True Street class winners for the 2018 season opener include Don Julio (9-second), Carl DiBlasi (10-second), Connie Greiner (11-second), Robin Whiteford-Quinton (12-second), David Berry (13-second), Aaron Donton (14-second) and Rodney Ward (15-second).

Tremec Stick Shift Shootout: William Rinehart grabbed the better reaction time, but it was Karl Goin who got to the stripe first.

The next stop on the NMRA tour is Atlanta Dragway for the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals presented by MAHLE, April 5–8, 2018.

Johnny Sauter won the Camping World Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

Johnny Sauter Wins Truck Series Opener

NASCAR veteran Johnny Sauter won the Camping World Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Sauter went past pole winner David Gilliland with eight laps remaining in the NextEra Energy Resources 250 and held off GMS Racing teammate Justin Haley to take the checkered flag by less than 1/10 of a second. Sauter earned his third victory at Daytona and the 18th of his career.

Rockford Fosgate Named a Supporting Sponsor For The Mint 400

Rockford Fosgate has announced it has been named a supporting sponsor for The Mint 400, held in Las Vegas, March 7–11. Rockford Fosgate’s full line of powersports products will be on display March 8–9 at the Odyssey Battery Tech & Contingency on Fremont Street. The Mint 400, which first began in 1967, is held annually near Las Vegas, and is considered the oldest active off-road desert race in America.

Robbie Nishida

JE Pistons Partners With Formula DRIFT for Livestream Video Segments

JE Pistons will launch a new technical video segment that will air during Formula DRIFT’s livestream broadcasts. Former Formula DRIFT driver Robbie Nishida will host two JE Pistons-sponsored technical segments during each of the nine livestream broadcasts. The videos are designed to educate viewers on everything from the art of drifting to making power under the hood, chassis setup and more. Each video can be viewed during the Formula DRIFT livestream and will be available post-race via the series’ social media channels. The 2018 Formula DRIFT Championship kicks-off in Long Beach, California, April 6–7.

Mopar-powered competitors in model-year ’05 and newer FCA US LLC vehicles will receive complimentary entry to battle it out in the NMCA Dodge/Mopar Hemi Shootout category.

Dodge//SRT and Mopar Brands to Offer Complimentary Drag-Race Experience for 2018 NMCA Competitors

The Dodge//SRT and Mopar brands are teaming up with the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) to offer complimentary customer drag-racing experiences exclusively at NMCA race events for the 2018 season. Mopar-powered competitors in model-year ’05-and-newer FCA US LLC vehicles will receive complimentary entry to battle it out in the NMCA Dodge/Mopar Hemi Shootout category, giving owners the opportunity to race their vehicles in a sanctioned and secure dragstrip environment. Dodge/Mopar Hemi Shootout fields are expected to draw a mix of modern-day FCA US vehicle nameplates, such as Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles in a variety of models, including the 485hp Dodge Challenger and Charger Scat Pack models, 707hp Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat models, the 840hp Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, as well as Chrysler 300, RAM truck and Jeep vehicles. The NMCA season kicks off with the 16th annual NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida, March 8–11, 2018.

SCORE Inks Multi-Year Contract With Polaris RZR as Official UTV of SCORE World Desert Championship

SCORE International has announced a new multi-year agreement with Polaris Industries that designates Polaris RZR as SCORE’s Official UTV. In the new extended agreement, Polaris will also provide SCORE with a number of Polaris RZR UTVs to use at its four races as well as being utilized on the course-marking expeditions for the four rugged SCORE Baja race routes. The four-race 2018 SCORE World Desert Championship launches the first week of April in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.