By SEMA Editors

Performance Racing Industry Magazine’s June 2016 Electric Hybrid Racing spread will be recognized in the upcoming American Inhouse Design Annual and on the Graphic Design USA website later this year.

Performance Racing Industry Magazine and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show have been recognized by Graphic Design USA (GD USA) with Best American Inhouse Design Awards.

The 2016 PRI Trade Show campaign, along with the magazine’s 2017 PRI Media Kit, June 2016 Electric Hybrid Racing spread and March 2017 EcoBoost spread, will be recognized in the upcoming American Inhouse Design Annual and on the GD USA website later this year.

“I’m very proud of our talented art and editorial teams,” said PRI Director of Marketing and Creative Rob Hiner. “PRI has a hard-working in-house crew that strives to provide the racing industry with valuable, high-quality resources.”

The American Inhouse Design Awards are the original and premier showcase for outstanding work by in-house designers. For more than five decades, Graphic Design USA has sponsored competitions that spotlight areas of excellence and opportunity. It is a unique opportunity for in-house departments to be recognized for their creativity, the challenges they face, and most importantly, the value that they bring to their businesses and institutions.

In 2017, nearly 5,000 entries were submitted, but only a highly selective 15% were recognized with a Certificate of Excellence. Winners this year will be showcased in the upcoming American Inhouse Design printed annual, the digital annual, and the GD USA website.

Performance Racing Industry Magazine is published monthly for the B2B motorsports marketplace. The 30th annual PRI Trade Show will be held December 7–9, 2017, in Indianapolis. For more information, visit www.performanceracing.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Event winners Antron Brown, Ron Capps and Tanner Gray.

Capps, Brown and Gray Take Home Wallys at the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals Presented by Minties

Ron Capps raced his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T to his fourth consecutive Funny Car victory this season last Sunday at the 29th annual Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties at Heartland Park Topeka. Antron Brown (Top Fuel) and Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) were also winners in their respective categories at the eighth event of 24 on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series schedule. Defending world champion Capps raced to a 3.924-second pass at 321.42 mph to defeat teammate and No. 1 qualifier Matt Hagan in his Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car. In Top Fuel, three-time and defending world champion Brown raced to his first career victory at Heartland Park Topeka, second of this season and 63rd of his career in his Matco Tools dragster. His pass of 3.709 at 332.75 defeated the losing pass of 3.836 at 256.70 of Steve Torrence in his Capco Contractors dragster. In Pro Stock, Gray clenched the second Wally of his rookie season when Jeg Coughlin Jr. red lit during the final round. Gray powered his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro to a 6.580 pass at 210.87. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at the fifth annual NHRA New England Nationals, June 2–4, at New England Dragway.

Motul is sponsoring Samantha Tan in the 2017 Pirelli World Challenge.

Motul Named Official Lubricant Partner of Canadian Rally Championship, Subaru Rally Team Canada, Will Sponsor Samantha Tan in 2017 Pirelli World Challenge

Motul has been officially named the official lubricant partner of the annual Canadian Rally Championship. The announcement came after Motul signed a two-year oil partnership, functioning as the official lubricant partner for the championship series in both 2017 and 2018. Motul has also been officially named as the official lubricant partner of the Subaru Rally Team Canada (SRTC) for 2017. SRTC’s vehicles are maintained and serviced by Rocket Rally Racing. After a long hiatus, this partnership marks Motul’s first year partnering with Subaru Rally Team Canada/Rocket Rally in more than a decade. In addition, Motul is sponsoring Samantha Tan, a 19-year-old racecar driver from Gormley, Ontario, Canada, in the 2017 Pirelli World Challenge. For the first time, Tan will drive for her own team, ST Racing, along with her teammate Nick Wittmer, both competing in the TC class.

Throughout the month of March 2017, SpeedVideo broadcasts racked up more than 2.7 million views and 16.2 million minutes of viewing time.

SpeedVideo’s Live Broadcasts in March 2017 Reach More Than 16 Million Minutes of Viewing Time

Throughout the month of March, the SpeedVideo team traveled across the United States live broadcasting eight different drag-racing events. The broadcasts were streamed to SpeedVideo.com and leading social media platforms, racking up more than 2.7 million views and 16.2 million minutes of viewing time. The total audience for the month of March 2017 includes:

• 2.7 million video streams.
• 87% North American audience.
• 16.2 million minutes of broadcast time.
• 586,000 unique viewers.

SpeedVideo’s live drag-racing broadcasts will continue throughout 2017, covering events from the NMRA, NMCA, Dirty South, PDRA, Redemption, Outlaw Armageddon, Shakedown at the Summit, Miller Brothers Productions and more. View the events in HD at www.speedvideo.com.

Greg Adler piloted the Team 4 Wheel Parts Pro 4 to his first podium finish of the 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series season.

Greg Adler Pilots Team 4 Wheel Parts to Pro 4 Podium

Greg Adler piloted the Team 4 Wheel Parts Pro 4 to his first podium finish of the 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series season as he bolted to a second-place result in last Saturday’s main event at the Baja International Off-Road facility in Ensenada, Mexico. Adler posted consistent lap times throughout the May 20–21 doubleheader at the wide open, purpose-built track on Estero Beach, driving to his best finish of the season and his best finish in the team’s Pro 4 race truck that was acquired just prior to the 2016 season. Last Sunday’s weekend finale had the beginnings of a carbon copy of the prior day’s effort as Adler was on pace to make a repeat trip to the podium. Battling his way to secure himself a position in the top three, he found himself knocking on the door of the leaders. Late in the race, while dicing for that final spot, contact with another driver cut a tire and forced him to pull off the track for a quick pit stop. The series now heads to the Utah Motorsports Complex in Tooele, Utah, for rounds 5 and 6. Future events include doubleheaders in Wheatland, Missouri, and San Bernardino, California, before racing returns to Chandler, Arizona, for the season finale and Lucas Oil Challenge Cup.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Event winners Antron Brown, Ron Capps and Tanner Gray.

Capps, Brown and Gray Take Home Wallys at the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals Presented by Minties

Ron Capps raced his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T to his fourth consecutive Funny Car victory this season last Sunday at the 29th annual Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties at Heartland Park Topeka. Antron Brown (Top Fuel) and Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) were also winners in their respective categories at the eighth event of 24 on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series schedule. Defending world champion Capps raced to a 3.924-second pass at 321.42 mph to defeat teammate and No. 1 qualifier Matt Hagan in his Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car. In Top Fuel, three-time and defending world champion Brown raced to his first career victory at Heartland Park Topeka, second of this season and 63rd of his career in his Matco Tools dragster. His pass of 3.709 at 332.75 defeated the losing pass of 3.836 at 256.70 of Steve Torrence in his Capco Contractors dragster. In Pro Stock, Gray clenched the second Wally of his rookie season when Jeg Coughlin Jr. red lit during the final round. Gray powered his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro to a 6.580 pass at 210.87. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at the fifth annual NHRA New England Nationals, June 2–4, at New England Dragway.

Motul is sponsoring Samantha Tan in the 2017 Pirelli World Challenge.

Motul Named Official Lubricant Partner of Canadian Rally Championship, Subaru Rally Team Canada, Will Sponsor Samantha Tan in 2017 Pirelli World Challenge

Motul has been officially named the official lubricant partner of the annual Canadian Rally Championship. The announcement came after Motul signed a two-year oil partnership, functioning as the official lubricant partner for the championship series in both 2017 and 2018. Motul has also been officially named as the official lubricant partner of the Subaru Rally Team Canada (SRTC) for 2017. SRTC’s vehicles are maintained and serviced by Rocket Rally Racing. After a long hiatus, this partnership marks Motul’s first year partnering with Subaru Rally Team Canada/Rocket Rally in more than a decade. In addition, Motul is sponsoring Samantha Tan, a 19-year-old racecar driver from Gormley, Ontario, Canada, in the 2017 Pirelli World Challenge. For the first time, Tan will drive for her own team, ST Racing, along with her teammate Nick Wittmer, both competing in the TC class.

Throughout the month of March 2017, SpeedVideo broadcasts racked up more than 2.7 million views and 16.2 million minutes of viewing time.

SpeedVideo’s Live Broadcasts in March 2017 Reach More Than 16 Million Minutes of Viewing Time

Throughout the month of March, the SpeedVideo team traveled across the United States live broadcasting eight different drag-racing events. The broadcasts were streamed to SpeedVideo.com and leading social media platforms, racking up more than 2.7 million views and 16.2 million minutes of viewing time. The total audience for the month of March 2017 includes:

• 2.7 million video streams.
• 87% North American audience.
• 16.2 million minutes of broadcast time.
• 586,000 unique viewers.

SpeedVideo’s live drag-racing broadcasts will continue throughout 2017, covering events from the NMRA, NMCA, Dirty South, PDRA, Redemption, Outlaw Armageddon, Shakedown at the Summit, Miller Brothers Productions and more. View the events in HD at www.speedvideo.com.

Greg Adler piloted the Team 4 Wheel Parts Pro 4 to his first podium finish of the 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series season.

Greg Adler Pilots Team 4 Wheel Parts to Pro 4 Podium

Greg Adler piloted the Team 4 Wheel Parts Pro 4 to his first podium finish of the 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series season as he bolted to a second-place result in last Saturday’s main event at the Baja International Off-Road facility in Ensenada, Mexico. Adler posted consistent lap times throughout the May 20–21 doubleheader at the wide open, purpose-built track on Estero Beach, driving to his best finish of the season and his best finish in the team’s Pro 4 race truck that was acquired just prior to the 2016 season. Last Sunday’s weekend finale had the beginnings of a carbon copy of the prior day’s effort as Adler was on pace to make a repeat trip to the podium. Battling his way to secure himself a position in the top three, he found himself knocking on the door of the leaders. Late in the race, while dicing for that final spot, contact with another driver cut a tire and forced him to pull off the track for a quick pit stop. The series now heads to the Utah Motorsports Complex in Tooele, Utah, for rounds 5 and 6. Future events include doubleheaders in Wheatland, Missouri, and San Bernardino, California, before racing returns to Chandler, Arizona, for the season finale and Lucas Oil Challenge Cup.

By Zane Clark

SEMA Show speaker Shama Hyder, founder and CEO of the Marketing Zen Group, shares tips on how to create online visibility for your company. SEMA Show Education offers attendees a wide range of business and industry experts that can boost your business and your career.

View the complete 2017 SEMA Show Education lineup.

For more information, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.

By Zane Clark

SEMA Show speaker Shama Hyder, founder and CEO of the Marketing Zen Group, shares tips on how to create online visibility for your company. SEMA Show Education offers attendees a wide range of business and industry experts that can boost your business and your career.

View the complete 2017 SEMA Show Education lineup.

For more information, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.

By Zane Clark

John Waraniak	Jeff Varick	Scott Wolin

Join SEMA in Detroit, Wednesday, June 14, for an exclusive educational and networking event. Attendees will hear from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Michigan District Office, who will share insights on how to finance business growth through help with working capital, real estate, business acquisition, debt refinancing, export finance and more.

Another panel of experts will also discuss how advanced vehicle technology is transforming the automotive and aftermarket industries, and explore the challenges and opportunities posed by evolving vehicle technologies and mobility options.

SEMA will then host an exclusive networking reception for attendees.

Panelists include:

• John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology, SEMA
• Jeff Varick, president, Brandmotion
• Scott Wolin, district sales manager—restyling, Chicago Parts & Sound LLC

As a bonus, on the following morning, attendees are invited to tour both the American Center for Mobility and the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as Mcity, at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus, and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Hosted by SEMA’s Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), attendees will enjoy a private guided tour of the facility.

When: Wednesday, June 14, 3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, 30559 Flynn Dr., Romulus, MI 48174
Cost:  $25 SEMA members/$35 non-members. Fees include the education program, networking mixer and optional tour (June 15).

Space is limited, so register now!

For more information, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.

By Zane Clark

John Waraniak	Jeff Varick	Scott Wolin

Join SEMA in Detroit, Wednesday, June 14, for an exclusive educational and networking event. Attendees will hear from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Michigan District Office, who will share insights on how to finance business growth through help with working capital, real estate, business acquisition, debt refinancing, export finance and more.

Another panel of experts will also discuss how advanced vehicle technology is transforming the automotive and aftermarket industries, and explore the challenges and opportunities posed by evolving vehicle technologies and mobility options.

SEMA will then host an exclusive networking reception for attendees.

Panelists include:

• John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology, SEMA
• Jeff Varick, president, Brandmotion
• Scott Wolin, district sales manager—restyling, Chicago Parts & Sound LLC

As a bonus, on the following morning, attendees are invited to tour both the American Center for Mobility and the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as Mcity, at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus, and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Hosted by SEMA’s Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), attendees will enjoy a private guided tour of the facility.

When: Wednesday, June 14, 3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, 30559 Flynn Dr., Romulus, MI 48174
Cost:  $25 SEMA members/$35 non-members. Fees include the education program, networking mixer and optional tour (June 15).

Space is limited, so register now!

For more information, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

From left: Brian Moyer, Steele Rubber Products; Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO; Wade Kawasaki, Coker Group; Rep. Patrick McHenry; Doug Evans, Bonnier Corporation; Joanna Sheere, Steele Rubber Products; John Stewart, SEMA; Jim Cozzie, Brenton Productions; Eric Snyder, SEMA.

More than 115 representatives from SEMA gathered in the nation’s capital to participate in SEMA’s 2017 Washington Rally, Wednesday, May 17. Racing business owners and industry leaders took to the halls of Congress to remind lawmakers of the cultural and economic importance of motorsports and the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

A top focus during the rally was H.R. 350/S.203, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM Act) of 2017. The bipartisan bill would protect Americans’ right to modify street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the industry’s right to sell the parts that enable racers to compete. The RPM Act now has 118 co-sponsors in the House and 29 co-sponsors in the Senate, and the number continues to grow. Members also talked to their lawmakers about other issues facing the specialty-equipment industry, including countering burdensome regulations, preventing higher ethanol content in gasoline and fighting counterfeit products.

“I thank the SEMA members who traveled to Washington, D.C., to talk to lawmakers about the issues that are most important to our industry, including the RPM Act,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Doug Evans. “The record-setting turnout underscores our industry’s passion and commitment to getting the RPM Act across the finish line. Passage of this bipartisan bill is the only way to make it clear that it is legal to modify a street vehicle into a racecar used exclusively at the track now and into the future. We urge members of Congress to pass this critical bill and protect motorsports for generations to come.”

This year’s event, which was the largest SEMA Rally to date, marks the 14th time representatives from SEMA have held a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The event raises SEMA’s profile on Capitol Hill and plays a pivotal role in the association’s advocacy efforts.

SEMA members who couldn’t make it to the rally this year are urged to reach out to the SEMA D.C. office at san@sema.org and learn how to they can get in touch with their lawmakers in Congress. They can also see what happened at the rally on SEMA’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages using #SaveOurRacecars and #SEMARally2017.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

From left: Brian Moyer, Steele Rubber Products; Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO; Wade Kawasaki, Coker Group; Rep. Patrick McHenry; Doug Evans, Bonnier Corporation; Joanna Sheere, Steele Rubber Products; John Stewart, SEMA; Jim Cozzie, Brenton Productions; Eric Snyder, SEMA.

More than 115 representatives from SEMA gathered in the nation’s capital to participate in SEMA’s 2017 Washington Rally, Wednesday, May 17. Racing business owners and industry leaders took to the halls of Congress to remind lawmakers of the cultural and economic importance of motorsports and the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

A top focus during the rally was H.R. 350/S.203, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM Act) of 2017. The bipartisan bill would protect Americans’ right to modify street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the industry’s right to sell the parts that enable racers to compete. The RPM Act now has 118 co-sponsors in the House and 29 co-sponsors in the Senate, and the number continues to grow. Members also talked to their lawmakers about other issues facing the specialty-equipment industry, including countering burdensome regulations, preventing higher ethanol content in gasoline and fighting counterfeit products.

“I thank the SEMA members who traveled to Washington, D.C., to talk to lawmakers about the issues that are most important to our industry, including the RPM Act,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Doug Evans. “The record-setting turnout underscores our industry’s passion and commitment to getting the RPM Act across the finish line. Passage of this bipartisan bill is the only way to make it clear that it is legal to modify a street vehicle into a racecar used exclusively at the track now and into the future. We urge members of Congress to pass this critical bill and protect motorsports for generations to come.”

This year’s event, which was the largest SEMA Rally to date, marks the 14th time representatives from SEMA have held a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The event raises SEMA’s profile on Capitol Hill and plays a pivotal role in the association’s advocacy efforts.

SEMA members who couldn’t make it to the rally this year are urged to reach out to the SEMA D.C. office at san@sema.org and learn how to they can get in touch with their lawmakers in Congress. They can also see what happened at the rally on SEMA’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages using #SaveOurRacecars and #SEMARally2017.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

From left: Brian Moyer, Steele Rubber Products; Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO; Wade Kawasaki, Coker Group; Rep. Patrick McHenry; Doug Evans, Bonnier Corporation; Joanna Sheere, Steele Rubber Products; John Stewart, SEMA; Jim Cozzie, Brenton Productions; Eric Snyder, SEMA.

More than 115 representatives from SEMA gathered in the nation’s capital to participate in SEMA’s 2017 Washington Rally, Wednesday, May 17. Racing business owners and industry leaders took to the halls of Congress to remind lawmakers of the cultural and economic importance of motorsports and the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

A top focus during the rally was H.R. 350/S.203, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM Act) of 2017. The bipartisan bill would protect Americans’ right to modify street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the industry’s right to sell the parts that enable racers to compete. The RPM Act now has 118 co-sponsors in the House and 29 co-sponsors in the Senate, and the number continues to grow. Members also talked to their lawmakers about other issues facing the specialty-equipment industry, including countering burdensome regulations, preventing higher ethanol content in gasoline and fighting counterfeit products.

“I thank the SEMA members who traveled to Washington, D.C., to talk to lawmakers about the issues that are most important to our industry, including the RPM Act,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Doug Evans. “The record-setting turnout underscores our industry’s passion and commitment to getting the RPM Act across the finish line. Passage of this bipartisan bill is the only way to make it clear that it is legal to modify a street vehicle into a racecar used exclusively at the track now and into the future. We urge members of Congress to pass this critical bill and protect motorsports for generations to come.”

This year’s event, which was the largest SEMA Rally to date, marks the 14th time representatives from SEMA have held a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The event raises SEMA’s profile on Capitol Hill and plays a pivotal role in the association’s advocacy efforts.

SEMA members who couldn’t make it to the rally this year are urged to reach out to the SEMA D.C. office at san@sema.org and learn how to they can get in touch with their lawmakers in Congress. They can also see what happened at the rally on SEMA’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages using #SaveOurRacecars and #SEMARally2017.