Compiled by SEMA Editors

In the finals, Fredric Aasbo secured the victory over Michael Essa and moved into the top of the 2017 Pro Championship standings.

Fredric Aasbo is Victorious in Formula DRIFT Round 2: Unchartered Territory

Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship presented by BlackVue Dash Cameras returned to Orlando for Round 2: Uncharted Territory, where Fredric Aasbo in the Rockstar Energy Drink/Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM took the victory and moved into the lead in the standings. In the semi-finals, 2013 champion Michael Essa in the Achilles Tire/Essa Autosport BMW M3 defeated 2011 Formula DRIFT champion and number-one qualifier Dai Yoshihara in the Falken Tire/Turn 14 Distribution Subaru BRZ. The 2015 champion Aasbo defeated 2010 champion Vaughn Gittin in the Monster Energy/Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR. In the finals, Aasbo secured the victory over Essa and moved into the top of the 2017 Pro Championship standings. The action continues to Round 3: Road to the Championship at Road Atlanta, May 12–13. 

Torrence, Capps, McGaha and Tonglet Take Home Wally Trophies at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

Steve Torrence raced his way to the Top Fuel victory last Sunday in the eighth annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at ZMax Dragway. Ron Capps (Funny Car) Chris McGaha (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the sixth event on the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Torrence piloted his Capco Contractors dragster to a 3.783-second pass at 323.89 mph for the ninth victory of his career and first of the season. He defeated current points leader Leah Pritchett, eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher and Terry McMillen in the final round. Capps, the current Funny Car world champion, ran a 3.933 at 322.65 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger for his first NHRA Four-Wide Nationals win of his career. With the victory, Capps takes a 43-point lead over his teammate Matt Hagan. In Pro Stock, McGaha picked up his fifth career victory and first at zMax Dragway when he ran a 6.591 at 210.44 in his Harlow Sammons Chevy Camaro. He bested Greg Anderson, Shane Gray and Drew Skillman in the final round. Tonglet rode his Nitro Fish Racing Suzuki to a 6.864 at 195.00 pass to earn his 10th career victory and first of the season. He defeated three-time world champion, Eddie Krawiec and Andrew Hines on his way to his first four-wides win. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Atlanta Dragway, May 5–7.

Scott Speed in the No. 41 Oberto Circle K Beetle GRC led teammate Tanner Foust across the line, earning his 13th career win to take the early lead in the 2017 championship battle.

Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross Sweeps Memphis Season Opener

Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross returned to the season-opening round of the 2017 Red Bull Global Rallycross championship claiming a 1–2 finish in last Saturday’s Final. Scott Speed in the No. 41 Oberto Circle K Beetle GRC led teammate Tanner Foust across the line, earning his 13th career win to take the early lead in the 2017 championship battle. Foust was also quick on the 1.18-mile Memphis International Raceway circuit. The No. 34 Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle GRC driver set the second-quickest qualifying time behind his teammate, setting up a difficult road through the rest of the weekend for the two-time series champion. Foust earned second-place finishes behind his teammate in the first two round of Heats, but took his first preliminary race win of the season in Heat 3B. That victory allowed Foust to start Semifinal B from the front, propelling him to victory in that race and a second-place grid position in the Final. Foust made it close for his teammate, but was unable to pass, earning yet another podium.

Royal Purple Synthetic Oil to Headline Mazda Road to Indy Rounds at Indianapolis

Royal Purple Synthetic Oil—the Official Oil of the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires—title all six rounds of competition at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 12–13. All races will be in support of the Lupus Foundation of America. May is Lupus Awareness Month, and Royal Purple Synthetic Oil and the Mazda Road to Indy have joined forces to help bring attention to this mysterious chronic autoimmune disease, which sees 16,000 new cases reported each year. All 50-plus cars across the three series will carry a decal in support of the Lupus Foundation of America, and a special hashtag—#RaceToEndLupus—will be utilized throughout the event. Fans can show their support by donating on behalf of their favorite drivers via a special page on the national Lupus Foundation website.

Holley LS Fest Starts Tomorrow at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Featuring GM’s LS engine platform, Holley LS Fest will be held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, May 5–7. For 2017, Holley is introducing an additional LS Fest event—LS Fest West. The event will feature LS-powered race cars, street rods, musclecars, trucks, late models and drift cars participating in drag-racing classes, autocross, 3S Challenge, Show-N-Shine, Dyno Challenge, Road Course Challenge, and Off-Road Challenge. Event/class champions will be crowned as well as an overall event champion for those competing in multiple events.

Mothers will be the official car care products sponsor of the National Hot Rod Association.

Mothers Polish to be the Official Car Care Sponsor of the NHRA

Mothers has announced that it will be the official car care products sponsor of the National Hot Rod Association. A Mothers Best Appearing Car Award will be presented at each NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event. Award winners will also receive a Mothers Detail Kit. This NHRA sponsorship builds upon Mothers additional partnerships, including Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and affiliations with the premier sports-car manufacturers, hot-rod builders and motorsport teams.

Wilwood Returns as Contingency Sponsor With POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League

Wilwood Disc Brakes will return as a contingency sponsor for the Performance Open Wheel Racing Inc. (POWRi) Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League through the 2017 season. The POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League is an open non-wing series that competes across America’s heartland, including Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Nebraska. As a contingency sponsor, Wilwood will provide a $50 product certificate to the Wilwood heat race winner at every 2017 POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League race.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

In the finals, Fredric Aasbo secured the victory over Michael Essa and moved into the top of the 2017 Pro Championship standings.

Fredric Aasbo is Victorious in Formula DRIFT Round 2: Unchartered Territory

Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship presented by BlackVue Dash Cameras returned to Orlando for Round 2: Uncharted Territory, where Fredric Aasbo in the Rockstar Energy Drink/Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM took the victory and moved into the lead in the standings. In the semi-finals, 2013 champion Michael Essa in the Achilles Tire/Essa Autosport BMW M3 defeated 2011 Formula DRIFT champion and number-one qualifier Dai Yoshihara in the Falken Tire/Turn 14 Distribution Subaru BRZ. The 2015 champion Aasbo defeated 2010 champion Vaughn Gittin in the Monster Energy/Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR. In the finals, Aasbo secured the victory over Essa and moved into the top of the 2017 Pro Championship standings. The action continues to Round 3: Road to the Championship at Road Atlanta, May 12–13. 

Torrence, Capps, McGaha and Tonglet Take Home Wally Trophies at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

Steve Torrence raced his way to the Top Fuel victory last Sunday in the eighth annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at ZMax Dragway. Ron Capps (Funny Car) Chris McGaha (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the sixth event on the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Torrence piloted his Capco Contractors dragster to a 3.783-second pass at 323.89 mph for the ninth victory of his career and first of the season. He defeated current points leader Leah Pritchett, eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher and Terry McMillen in the final round. Capps, the current Funny Car world champion, ran a 3.933 at 322.65 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger for his first NHRA Four-Wide Nationals win of his career. With the victory, Capps takes a 43-point lead over his teammate Matt Hagan. In Pro Stock, McGaha picked up his fifth career victory and first at zMax Dragway when he ran a 6.591 at 210.44 in his Harlow Sammons Chevy Camaro. He bested Greg Anderson, Shane Gray and Drew Skillman in the final round. Tonglet rode his Nitro Fish Racing Suzuki to a 6.864 at 195.00 pass to earn his 10th career victory and first of the season. He defeated three-time world champion, Eddie Krawiec and Andrew Hines on his way to his first four-wides win. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Atlanta Dragway, May 5–7.

Scott Speed in the No. 41 Oberto Circle K Beetle GRC led teammate Tanner Foust across the line, earning his 13th career win to take the early lead in the 2017 championship battle.

Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross Sweeps Memphis Season Opener

Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross returned to the season-opening round of the 2017 Red Bull Global Rallycross championship claiming a 1–2 finish in last Saturday’s Final. Scott Speed in the No. 41 Oberto Circle K Beetle GRC led teammate Tanner Foust across the line, earning his 13th career win to take the early lead in the 2017 championship battle. Foust was also quick on the 1.18-mile Memphis International Raceway circuit. The No. 34 Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle GRC driver set the second-quickest qualifying time behind his teammate, setting up a difficult road through the rest of the weekend for the two-time series champion. Foust earned second-place finishes behind his teammate in the first two round of Heats, but took his first preliminary race win of the season in Heat 3B. That victory allowed Foust to start Semifinal B from the front, propelling him to victory in that race and a second-place grid position in the Final. Foust made it close for his teammate, but was unable to pass, earning yet another podium.

Royal Purple Synthetic Oil to Headline Mazda Road to Indy Rounds at Indianapolis

Royal Purple Synthetic Oil—the Official Oil of the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires—title all six rounds of competition at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 12–13. All races will be in support of the Lupus Foundation of America. May is Lupus Awareness Month, and Royal Purple Synthetic Oil and the Mazda Road to Indy have joined forces to help bring attention to this mysterious chronic autoimmune disease, which sees 16,000 new cases reported each year. All 50-plus cars across the three series will carry a decal in support of the Lupus Foundation of America, and a special hashtag—#RaceToEndLupus—will be utilized throughout the event. Fans can show their support by donating on behalf of their favorite drivers via a special page on the national Lupus Foundation website.

Holley LS Fest Starts Tomorrow at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Featuring GM’s LS engine platform, Holley LS Fest will be held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, May 5–7. For 2017, Holley is introducing an additional LS Fest event—LS Fest West. The event will feature LS-powered race cars, street rods, musclecars, trucks, late models and drift cars participating in drag-racing classes, autocross, 3S Challenge, Show-N-Shine, Dyno Challenge, Road Course Challenge, and Off-Road Challenge. Event/class champions will be crowned as well as an overall event champion for those competing in multiple events.

Mothers will be the official car care products sponsor of the National Hot Rod Association.

Mothers Polish to be the Official Car Care Sponsor of the NHRA

Mothers has announced that it will be the official car care products sponsor of the National Hot Rod Association. A Mothers Best Appearing Car Award will be presented at each NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event. Award winners will also receive a Mothers Detail Kit. This NHRA sponsorship builds upon Mothers additional partnerships, including Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and affiliations with the premier sports-car manufacturers, hot-rod builders and motorsport teams.

Wilwood Returns as Contingency Sponsor With POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League

Wilwood Disc Brakes will return as a contingency sponsor for the Performance Open Wheel Racing Inc. (POWRi) Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League through the 2017 season. The POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League is an open non-wing series that competes across America’s heartland, including Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Nebraska. As a contingency sponsor, Wilwood will provide a $50 product certificate to the Wilwood heat race winner at every 2017 POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League race.

By Della Domingo

Registration for the 2017 SEMA Show is now open and offered in three categories: attendee, exhibitor, and media.

Registration to attend the 2017 SEMA Show is now open at www.semashow.com/register. The annual trade show for the automotive aftermarket is set for Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, 2017, in Las Vegas.

Registration is offered in three categories: attendee, exhibitor, and media.

Attendee: Distributors, retailers, installers and buyers who will meet with exhibitors at the 2017 SEMA Show should register using the “attendee” link. Applicants may be required to submit proof of industry employment, and approved attendees who register before the early October deadline will receive their badges in the mail.

Attendees may also sign up for special events and seminars, including those offered by the Society of Collision & Repair Specialists (SCRS), Tire Industry Association (TIA), Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), and the SEMA Show Education program, which typically hosts more than five-dozen sessions on topics such as trends, technologies and opportunities.

Exhibitor: The exhibitor category is for company personnel working in the booths of exhibiting companies. To secure an exhibitor badge, individuals will need to have the unique password and user ID that was provided via email to the primary (or key) contact at the exhibiting company. The primary contact may register the entire staff at one time quickly and easily.

Exhibitor badges are not to be used for non-employees, including contest winners, contractors, customers and vendors. Domestic exhibitors (United States/Canada) who register before the early October deadline will receive their badges in the mail. International exhibitor badges will be available for pick-up onsite upon presenting a matching government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.

During registration, exhibitors will also be able to order complimentary tickets to the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. Tickets to the banquet, which is attended by 3,000 Showgoers and considered by many to be the industry’s premier celebration, sell for $50 each.

Media: Journalists covering the SEMA Show can register for complimentary media credentials using the “media” link. Applicants may need to supply proof of media affiliation, such as bylined articles or business cards. All approved media will be able to pick up their credentials onsite in the SEMA Show Media Center—a fully functional pressroom with all the tools necessary to assist with reporting from the event.

“The SEMA Show is the world’s leading automotive trade event where manufacturers and buyers in the automotive aftermarket gather to do business each year,” said SEMA Vice President of Events & Communications Peter MacGillivray. “By registering early for this year’s SEMA Show, the applicant expedites the registration process, can save money and is kept up-to-date on breaking Show news.”

For more information about the 2017 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com. To register for the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/register. 

By Della Domingo

Registration for the 2017 SEMA Show is now open and offered in three categories: attendee, exhibitor, and media.

Registration to attend the 2017 SEMA Show is now open at www.semashow.com/register. The annual trade show for the automotive aftermarket is set for Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, 2017, in Las Vegas.

Registration is offered in three categories: attendee, exhibitor, and media.

Attendee: Distributors, retailers, installers and buyers who will meet with exhibitors at the 2017 SEMA Show should register using the “attendee” link. Applicants may be required to submit proof of industry employment, and approved attendees who register before the early October deadline will receive their badges in the mail.

Attendees may also sign up for special events and seminars, including those offered by the Society of Collision & Repair Specialists (SCRS), Tire Industry Association (TIA), Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), and the SEMA Show Education program, which typically hosts more than five-dozen sessions on topics such as trends, technologies and opportunities.

Exhibitor: The exhibitor category is for company personnel working in the booths of exhibiting companies. To secure an exhibitor badge, individuals will need to have the unique password and user ID that was provided via email to the primary (or key) contact at the exhibiting company. The primary contact may register the entire staff at one time quickly and easily.

Exhibitor badges are not to be used for non-employees, including contest winners, contractors, customers and vendors. Domestic exhibitors (United States/Canada) who register before the early October deadline will receive their badges in the mail. International exhibitor badges will be available for pick-up onsite upon presenting a matching government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.

During registration, exhibitors will also be able to order complimentary tickets to the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. Tickets to the banquet, which is attended by 3,000 Showgoers and considered by many to be the industry’s premier celebration, sell for $50 each.

Media: Journalists covering the SEMA Show can register for complimentary media credentials using the “media” link. Applicants may need to supply proof of media affiliation, such as bylined articles or business cards. All approved media will be able to pick up their credentials onsite in the SEMA Show Media Center—a fully functional pressroom with all the tools necessary to assist with reporting from the event.

“The SEMA Show is the world’s leading automotive trade event where manufacturers and buyers in the automotive aftermarket gather to do business each year,” said SEMA Vice President of Events & Communications Peter MacGillivray. “By registering early for this year’s SEMA Show, the applicant expedites the registration process, can save money and is kept up-to-date on breaking Show news.”

For more information about the 2017 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com. To register for the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/register. 

By Chad Simon

Exhibitors have begun selecting their spaces for the 2017 SEMA Show—to be held October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas—during the Priority Booth Space Selection Process, which kicked off earlier this week. This process ends May 19. View the online floorplan (click on the hall you wish to view) and watch as exhibitors secure their locations and confirm their booth numbers.

The Priority Booth Space Selection Process will include more than 2,000 exhibiting companies through its conclusion later this month. Companies that have yet to choose their booth location can check the floorplan throughout the day to see how the layout of the 2017 SEMA Show is developing. About an hour prior to their assigned selection time, exhibitors are encouraged to prepare by viewing the 2017 Show’s floorplan. Updated every 15 minutes, exhibitors can monitor their desired sections to gain a general idea of where they want to display.

The Central Hall—which includes the Racing & Performance, Hot Rod Alley, Restoration Marketplace and First-Time & Featured Exhibitors sections—is nearly full. The North Hall, which features the Collision Repair & Refinish, Mobile Electronics & Technology, Restyling & Car Care Accessories and Tools & Equipment sections, is currently being filled.

Exhibitors should have been contacted via email with their date and booth selection time range by April 27. Those who did not receive a correspondence, want to change the primary Show contact listed on their application, or have any other questions or concerns should contact a sales representative at sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.

Companies interested in buying a booth at the upcoming event can visit the SEMA Show website for more information; however, these exhibitors are not eligible to participate in the current space selection process.

By Chad Simon

Exhibitors have begun selecting their spaces for the 2017 SEMA Show—to be held October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas—during the Priority Booth Space Selection Process, which kicked off earlier this week. This process ends May 19. View the online floorplan (click on the hall you wish to view) and watch as exhibitors secure their locations and confirm their booth numbers.

The Priority Booth Space Selection Process will include more than 2,000 exhibiting companies through its conclusion later this month. Companies that have yet to choose their booth location can check the floorplan throughout the day to see how the layout of the 2017 SEMA Show is developing. About an hour prior to their assigned selection time, exhibitors are encouraged to prepare by viewing the 2017 Show’s floorplan. Updated every 15 minutes, exhibitors can monitor their desired sections to gain a general idea of where they want to display.

The Central Hall—which includes the Racing & Performance, Hot Rod Alley, Restoration Marketplace and First-Time & Featured Exhibitors sections—is nearly full. The North Hall, which features the Collision Repair & Refinish, Mobile Electronics & Technology, Restyling & Car Care Accessories and Tools & Equipment sections, is currently being filled.

Exhibitors should have been contacted via email with their date and booth selection time range by April 27. Those who did not receive a correspondence, want to change the primary Show contact listed on their application, or have any other questions or concerns should contact a sales representative at sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.

Companies interested in buying a booth at the upcoming event can visit the SEMA Show website for more information; however, these exhibitors are not eligible to participate in the current space selection process.

By Chad Simon

Exhibitors have begun selecting their spaces for the 2017 SEMA Show—to be held October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas—during the Priority Booth Space Selection Process, which kicked off earlier this week. This process ends May 19. View the online floorplan (click on the hall you wish to view) and watch as exhibitors secure their locations and confirm their booth numbers.

The Priority Booth Space Selection Process will include more than 2,000 exhibiting companies through its conclusion later this month. Companies that have yet to choose their booth location can check the floorplan throughout the day to see how the layout of the 2017 SEMA Show is developing. About an hour prior to their assigned selection time, exhibitors are encouraged to prepare by viewing the 2017 Show’s floorplan. Updated every 15 minutes, exhibitors can monitor their desired sections to gain a general idea of where they want to display.

The Central Hall—which includes the Racing & Performance, Hot Rod Alley, Restoration Marketplace and First-Time & Featured Exhibitors sections—is nearly full. The North Hall, which features the Collision Repair & Refinish, Mobile Electronics & Technology, Restyling & Car Care Accessories and Tools & Equipment sections, is currently being filled.

Exhibitors should have been contacted via email with their date and booth selection time range by April 27. Those who did not receive a correspondence, want to change the primary Show contact listed on their application, or have any other questions or concerns should contact a sales representative at sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.

Companies interested in buying a booth at the upcoming event can visit the SEMA Show website for more information; however, these exhibitors are not eligible to participate in the current space selection process.

By AJ Carney

SEMA Town Hall meetings enable personal interactions to take place that help business owners share the challenges and opportunities they face.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Chicago where members and prospective members will gather at Heidts Automotive Group, Tuesday, May 9, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

Register for the Town Hall in Chicago.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings highlight SEMA’s current programs and objectives with current and prospective SEMA members. With a collection of automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region, personal interactions take place that help business owners share the challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance member business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information on the 2017 Town Hall Series or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

SEMA Town Hall meetings enable personal interactions to take place that help business owners share the challenges and opportunities they face.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Chicago where members and prospective members will gather at Heidts Automotive Group, Tuesday, May 9, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

Register for the Town Hall in Chicago.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings highlight SEMA’s current programs and objectives with current and prospective SEMA members. With a collection of automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region, personal interactions take place that help business owners share the challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance member business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information on the 2017 Town Hall Series or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.

This is the ’19 Chevy Camaro, caught while testing in Colorado.

The Camaro will get a mid-cycle lift next year. Based on the camo on this prototype, the front and rear of the standard models will get some comprehensive changes from the A-pillar forward and at the rear.

To keep pace with the Ford Mustang, expect minor engine enhancements and more widespread use of the 10-speed automatic that is now offered on the ZL1. More technology features lifted from the Cadillac ATS are also likely to appear.

There is still the rumor of the return of the Z/28 on the sixth-generation Camaro, too.

Expect to see the revised Camaro next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde