Compiled by SEMA Editors

National Speedway Directory and Speed Sport Form Strategic Partnership

National Speedway Directory (NSD) has announced an exclusive strategic partnership with Speed Sport. National Speedway Directory, which has been the official source for track schedules, locations and data for more than 35 years, will now become part of the Speed Sport family, with content and product collaboration development beginning immediately. Speed Sport’s multi-platform approach and expertise in creating and delivering content will enable National Speedway Directory to refine and expand its market and product strategy. The collaboration will leverage both brands to drive presence and value for key industry stakeholders. Key elements of the alliance will include content sharing and co-branding on the respective websites and publications and collaboration and cross-marketing of other products, special events and media opportunities. Tentative plans include publishing an NSD – 2017/2018 Edition (late fall/early winter) and distributing NSD co-founder Allan E. Brown’s new America's Speedway—Past and Present – 4th Edition (late spring/early summer).

SpeedVideo has signed a multi-year broadcast agreement with the Redemption “No Prep” Drag Racing Series to live broadcast all four Redemption events.

SpeedVideo Signs Multi-Year Agreement to Live Broadcast Redemption “No Prep” Drag Racing

SpeedVideo has signed a multi-year broadcast agreement with the Redemption “No Prep” Drag Racing Series to live broadcast all four Redemption events. The Redemption series, which is sponsored by Scoggin-Dickey and Chevrolet Performance and run by Shannon Morgan, draws some of the biggest stars in No-Prep racing, from Big Tire, Small Tire, Outlaw Street, True Street and more. SpeedVideo will live broadcast the following Redemption events:

• Redemption 7.0 – Texas Motorplex, May 26–27, 2017
• Redemption 8.0 – Tulsa Raceway Park, Texas, June 30–July 1, 2017
• Redemption 9.0 – San Antonio Raceway, Texas, September 1–2, 2017
• Redemption 10.0 – Texas Motorplex, October 27–28, 2017

VP Racing Fuels Teams With Antron Brown to Support Grassroots Drag Racing; Gains New Distributor in Eastern Europe

In a new video released earlier this week, Antron Brown, the reigning NHRA Top Fuel champion and founder of the Midwest Junior Super Series, explains how his philosophy meshes perfectly with VP Racing Fuels.

“What sets VP apart from all the other fuel vendors is they start off with the grassroots. That was true in my case as a young motocross rider, where I learned from my dad to do things right the first time and only buy the best, and he always bought VP,” said Brown. “VP has become a big part of our Midwest Junior Super Series, getting involved in the early stages because VP cares about the youth and teaching them how to win by being consistent and always choosing the right ingredients to put in the race car to make it happen.”

In connection with its new video, VP will give away 50 hats signed by Antron for VP fans who submit short videos showing how VP is a part of their life. Fan videos can be submitted online, and the best 50 will be selected to receive an autographed VP hat. In addition to supporting Junior Dragsters, VP will again be an NHRA Major Contingency Sponsor in 2017, continuing its 41-year practice of posting substantial contingency awards for all NHRA Sportsman classes. The company also will continue its “Top 10” program, which awards free or half-price fuel to racers ranked in the Top 10 of each Sportsman class the previous year.

In addition, VP Racing Fuels has introduced its newest distributor, oils4cars s.r.o., based in Košice, Slovakia. As VP’s authorized dealer, oils4cars will service customers in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Austria with a full line of VP’s race-fuel blends.

Paul Lee

Paul Lee Announces Retirement From Funny Car Racing

NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver Paul Lee is retiring from the sport of drag racing. Lee suffered a heart attack over the winter and will not be returning to the seat of his McLeod Racing/Kalitta Motorsports Nitro Funny Car. Lee has been a lifelong fan and participant of NHRA drag racing, and has claimed victories in both Top Alcohol and Top Fuel Funny Cars. Lee’s racing operation, which is managed by Kalitta Motorsports, will be entered in some races this year to fulfill previous sponsor commitments. A driver will be announced when the time comes available. Co-crew chiefs Glen Huszar and Nick Casertano will continue their efforts to help the Funny Car teams of J.R. Todd and Alexis DeJoria. Lee will continue to support the Kalitta Motorsports organization for the years to come. He will also continue to own and operate McLeod Racing.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

National Speedway Directory and Speed Sport Form Strategic Partnership

National Speedway Directory (NSD) has announced an exclusive strategic partnership with Speed Sport. National Speedway Directory, which has been the official source for track schedules, locations and data for more than 35 years, will now become part of the Speed Sport family, with content and product collaboration development beginning immediately. Speed Sport’s multi-platform approach and expertise in creating and delivering content will enable National Speedway Directory to refine and expand its market and product strategy. The collaboration will leverage both brands to drive presence and value for key industry stakeholders. Key elements of the alliance will include content sharing and co-branding on the respective websites and publications and collaboration and cross-marketing of other products, special events and media opportunities. Tentative plans include publishing an NSD – 2017/2018 Edition (late fall/early winter) and distributing NSD co-founder Allan E. Brown’s new America's Speedway—Past and Present – 4th Edition (late spring/early summer).

SpeedVideo has signed a multi-year broadcast agreement with the Redemption “No Prep” Drag Racing Series to live broadcast all four Redemption events.

SpeedVideo Signs Multi-Year Agreement to Live Broadcast Redemption “No Prep” Drag Racing

SpeedVideo has signed a multi-year broadcast agreement with the Redemption “No Prep” Drag Racing Series to live broadcast all four Redemption events. The Redemption series, which is sponsored by Scoggin-Dickey and Chevrolet Performance and run by Shannon Morgan, draws some of the biggest stars in No-Prep racing, from Big Tire, Small Tire, Outlaw Street, True Street and more. SpeedVideo will live broadcast the following Redemption events:

• Redemption 7.0 – Texas Motorplex, May 26–27, 2017
• Redemption 8.0 – Tulsa Raceway Park, Texas, June 30–July 1, 2017
• Redemption 9.0 – San Antonio Raceway, Texas, September 1–2, 2017
• Redemption 10.0 – Texas Motorplex, October 27–28, 2017

VP Racing Fuels Teams With Antron Brown to Support Grassroots Drag Racing; Gains New Distributor in Eastern Europe

In a new video released earlier this week, Antron Brown, the reigning NHRA Top Fuel champion and founder of the Midwest Junior Super Series, explains how his philosophy meshes perfectly with VP Racing Fuels.

“What sets VP apart from all the other fuel vendors is they start off with the grassroots. That was true in my case as a young motocross rider, where I learned from my dad to do things right the first time and only buy the best, and he always bought VP,” said Brown. “VP has become a big part of our Midwest Junior Super Series, getting involved in the early stages because VP cares about the youth and teaching them how to win by being consistent and always choosing the right ingredients to put in the race car to make it happen.”

In connection with its new video, VP will give away 50 hats signed by Antron for VP fans who submit short videos showing how VP is a part of their life. Fan videos can be submitted online, and the best 50 will be selected to receive an autographed VP hat. In addition to supporting Junior Dragsters, VP will again be an NHRA Major Contingency Sponsor in 2017, continuing its 41-year practice of posting substantial contingency awards for all NHRA Sportsman classes. The company also will continue its “Top 10” program, which awards free or half-price fuel to racers ranked in the Top 10 of each Sportsman class the previous year.

In addition, VP Racing Fuels has introduced its newest distributor, oils4cars s.r.o., based in Košice, Slovakia. As VP’s authorized dealer, oils4cars will service customers in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Austria with a full line of VP’s race-fuel blends.

Paul Lee

Paul Lee Announces Retirement From Funny Car Racing

NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver Paul Lee is retiring from the sport of drag racing. Lee suffered a heart attack over the winter and will not be returning to the seat of his McLeod Racing/Kalitta Motorsports Nitro Funny Car. Lee has been a lifelong fan and participant of NHRA drag racing, and has claimed victories in both Top Alcohol and Top Fuel Funny Cars. Lee’s racing operation, which is managed by Kalitta Motorsports, will be entered in some races this year to fulfill previous sponsor commitments. A driver will be announced when the time comes available. Co-crew chiefs Glen Huszar and Nick Casertano will continue their efforts to help the Funny Car teams of J.R. Todd and Alexis DeJoria. Lee will continue to support the Kalitta Motorsports organization for the years to come. He will also continue to own and operate McLeod Racing.

By SEMA Editors

This is a revised Toyota Tundra, caught testing Southern California.

Toyota is looking to give the Tundra another update before a new version appears sometime around 2020. This model’s camouflaged front end makes it appear that the revisions will be far less comprehensive than the ones the truck received for 2014.

Expect a new grille, hood, headlights and revised trim pieces to keep the Tundra fresh for another couple of years. Some engine tweaks may also be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models is also slated for all of Toyota’s rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra, but it’s not clear if it will show up before the redesigned Tundra appears.

Expect to see this Tundra revision this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is a revised Toyota Tundra, caught testing Southern California.

Toyota is looking to give the Tundra another update before a new version appears sometime around 2020. This model’s camouflaged front end makes it appear that the revisions will be far less comprehensive than the ones the truck received for 2014.

Expect a new grille, hood, headlights and revised trim pieces to keep the Tundra fresh for another couple of years. Some engine tweaks may also be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models is also slated for all of Toyota’s rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra, but it’s not clear if it will show up before the redesigned Tundra appears.

Expect to see this Tundra revision this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is a revised Toyota Tundra, caught testing Southern California.

Toyota is looking to give the Tundra another update before a new version appears sometime around 2020. This model’s camouflaged front end makes it appear that the revisions will be far less comprehensive than the ones the truck received for 2014.

Expect a new grille, hood, headlights and revised trim pieces to keep the Tundra fresh for another couple of years. Some engine tweaks may also be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models is also slated for all of Toyota’s rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra, but it’s not clear if it will show up before the redesigned Tundra appears.

Expect to see this Tundra revision this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is a revised Toyota Tundra, caught testing Southern California.

Toyota is looking to give the Tundra another update before a new version appears sometime around 2020. This model’s camouflaged front end makes it appear that the revisions will be far less comprehensive than the ones the truck received for 2014.

Expect a new grille, hood, headlights and revised trim pieces to keep the Tundra fresh for another couple of years. Some engine tweaks may also be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models is also slated for all of Toyota’s rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra, but it’s not clear if it will show up before the redesigned Tundra appears.

Expect to see this Tundra revision this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is a revised Toyota Tundra, caught testing Southern California.

Toyota is looking to give the Tundra another update before a new version appears sometime around 2020. This model’s camouflaged front end makes it appear that the revisions will be far less comprehensive than the ones the truck received for 2014.

Expect a new grille, hood, headlights and revised trim pieces to keep the Tundra fresh for another couple of years. Some engine tweaks may also be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models is also slated for all of Toyota’s rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra, but it’s not clear if it will show up before the redesigned Tundra appears.

Expect to see this Tundra revision this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is a revised Toyota Tundra, caught testing Southern California.

Toyota is looking to give the Tundra another update before a new version appears sometime around 2020. This model’s camouflaged front end makes it appear that the revisions will be far less comprehensive than the ones the truck received for 2014.

Expect a new grille, hood, headlights and revised trim pieces to keep the Tundra fresh for another couple of years. Some engine tweaks may also be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models is also slated for all of Toyota’s rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra, but it’s not clear if it will show up before the redesigned Tundra appears.

Expect to see this Tundra revision this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is a revised Toyota Tundra, caught testing Southern California.

Toyota is looking to give the Tundra another update before a new version appears sometime around 2020. This model’s camouflaged front end makes it appear that the revisions will be far less comprehensive than the ones the truck received for 2014.

Expect a new grille, hood, headlights and revised trim pieces to keep the Tundra fresh for another couple of years. Some engine tweaks may also be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models is also slated for all of Toyota’s rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra, but it’s not clear if it will show up before the redesigned Tundra appears.

Expect to see this Tundra revision this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship offers dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

Scholarship applications for the 2017 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund are due March 1.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed and are paying off a loan for a program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information about the program, please contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA manager of education projects, at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.