Thu, 10/27/2016 - 12:52

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Experience NHRA Toyota Nationals in Vegas With Club Nitro Platinum Package

The biggest names in professional drag racing will roll into Las Vegas, October 27–30, for the 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Experience the event like never before with a Club Nitro Platinum Package, which includes platinum seats, access to the Club Nitro hospitality tent, food and beverage each day, a private viewing area adjacent to the burnout box, reserved parking, and Q&A sessions with NHRA’s tops stars. Book a Club Nitro experience by calling 800-644-4444 or visiting www.LVMS.com.

scherer
Team Nitto driver Jason Scherer has been crowned the 2016 Ultra4 national champion.

Jason Scherer Wins Ultra4 National Championship

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. has announced that Team Nitto driver Jason Scherer has been crowned the 2016 Ultra4 national champion after placing third in the final race of the season, held at Wild West Motorsports Park in Reno, Nevada, last Saturday. Nitto’s team of off-road racers also swept the Ultra4 Western Regional series with a 1-2-3 finish for Erik Miller, Jason Scherer and Shannon Campbell. In addition to the Ultra4 4400 Unlimited class wins, Team Nitto’s Rick Waterbury also secured another national championship win in the 4800 Legends class. The the 2017 Ultra4 season kicks off on February 3, 2017, with the King of the Hammers race in Johnson Valley, California.

General Tire Wins Pro Lite Unlimited Championship with Jerett Brooks

Jerett Brooks put an exclamation point on his dominating Pro Lite Unlimited season last weekend at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park by winning the Pro Lite Challenge Cup and the championship. Brooks started the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series weekend strong as he set the fast time for qualifying last Saturday, which earned him an additional championship point allowing him to win the Pro Lite Unlimited Championship by just starting the feature race. Brooks finished second in last Saturday’s final points race before winning the $10,000 Challenge Cup race last Sunday.

Team M/T Sweeps LOORS Pro Buggy Championship Podium

The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) hosted its championship round 15 to wrap up the series at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona, this past weekend. Point standings were close in the Pro Buggy class, with three Team M/T racers—Garrett George, Darren Hardesty Jr. and Mike Valentine—in range to earn the championship. Hardesty earned the top spot in the Pro Buggy class by securing a first-place finish. George’s fourth-place finish earned him enough points to secure second place in the series. Valentine finished in third place overall.

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Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing Announces 2017 Inductees to the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing has released the names of the individuals to be inducted into the Museum’s International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. They include the late Jeff Byrd, president/general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway for Speedway Motorsports; brothers “Jeep” (Gerald) and Ronnie Hampshire; the late racer and second SEMA president Dean Moon, whose “Mooneyes” logo has become an icon with racers and street performance enthusiasts; Joe and Dellie Reath, husband-and-wife operators of Reath Automotive; Joe (“Gentleman Joe”) Schubeck, top fuel/top gas car racer and founder of Lakewood Industries; Bill (“Wild Bill”) Shrewsberry, one of the founding fathers of the “wheelstander” exhibition cars; and Larry Sutton, who served as one of the sport’s most well-known race starters. The 2017 recipient of the Founder’s Award is veteran photographer, journalist and author Bob McClurg. The inductees will be honored at the 27th annual International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Banquet presented by Lucas Oil Products, to be held March 16, 2017, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel Gainesville in Gainesville, Florida.

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 10:50

By Clint Simone and Carr Winn

SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party that is open to consumers—will kick-off for the third time ever, Friday, November 4, immediately following the close of the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Also for the third year, SEMA Ignited will serve as the backdrop for “SEMA: Battle of the Builders® (BOTB),” hosted by Adrienne Janic and Chris Jacobs, during which the top three finalists will learn their outcomes.

Kyle Mohan, 2016 Mazda MX-5

SEMA News sat down with Kyle Mohan, a driver in the Formula Drift racing series who is entering his ’16 Mazda MX-5 into the BOTB competition. Mohan, a driver who has raced for years, brings a purpose-built racecar with a highly-custom version of Mazda’s famous rotary engine. The unique motor is the platform for Mohan’s 1,000hp drifting machine.

In addition to having tire-smoking levels of power, the Miata is also the shortest wheelbase car in the Formula Drift series. Mohan and his team widened the front track of the car to give the most stability possible when holding an extended drift during competition. Additions like the  massive rear wing and racing bodykit finish off the package as a no compromises racecar.

While highlighting the special characteristics of his car, Mohan spoke to the BOTB competition and what it means to be entering such a diverse field of custom builds.

Big Mike, ’92 Honda Prelude

Big Mike grew up as an avid automotive enthusiast, specifically in the import/tuner culture. Drawing from this, he has built many cars over the years, including several that fit into the import category. For 2016, his project is a ’92 Honda Prelude, built for the Torco Oils booth. The super-customized Prelude includes an array of interior and exterior modifications, making it a unique interpretation on an import classic.

The Prelude is powered by a 2.0L Honda Accord engine that is boosted by a Honeywell GTX28 turbo with a V-band turbine housing, a TurbosmartUSA wastegate, an AEM fuel rail and other custom pieces. Beyond the powertrain, exterior modifications include a vented hood, custom side skirts, carbon-fiber mirrors and more. Lastly, the interior of the Prelude received a once-over as well, sporting Sparco front seats, an Aim Sports electronic dash, a Rywire engine harness and other advanced modifications.

There were more than 27,000 registered attendees for the 2015 event—up 20% from the previous year. Held in the Gold Lot just steps away from the Las Vegas Convention Center, SEMA Ignited will feature automotive demonstrations, celebrity appearances, industry icons, food, music, cackle cars, Formula Drift action and a live taping of the 2016 BOTB competition that will premiere in early 2017 on the Velocity Channel. Vehicles from the SEMA Show will begin to parade out of the convention center around 4:00 p.m., and make their way to SEMA Ignited as thousands of fans line the streets of Las Vegas to catch a glimpse of the Show’s wildest rides.

Last year, 220 of the world’s best builders entered the BOTB competition, but it was Bobby Alloway who walked away with the top prize.

For more information, visit the SEMA Ignited and SEMA Battle of the Builders websites.

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 10:50

By Clint Simone and Carr Winn

SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party that is open to consumers—will kick-off for the third time ever, Friday, November 4, immediately following the close of the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Also for the third year, SEMA Ignited will serve as the backdrop for “SEMA: Battle of the Builders® (BOTB),” hosted by Adrienne Janic and Chris Jacobs, during which the top three finalists will learn their outcomes.

Kyle Mohan, 2016 Mazda MX-5

SEMA News sat down with Kyle Mohan, a driver in the Formula Drift racing series who is entering his ’16 Mazda MX-5 into the BOTB competition. Mohan, a driver who has raced for years, brings a purpose-built racecar with a highly-custom version of Mazda’s famous rotary engine. The unique motor is the platform for Mohan’s 1,000hp drifting machine.

In addition to having tire-smoking levels of power, the Miata is also the shortest wheelbase car in the Formula Drift series. Mohan and his team widened the front track of the car to give the most stability possible when holding an extended drift during competition. Additions like the  massive rear wing and racing bodykit finish off the package as a no compromises racecar.

While highlighting the special characteristics of his car, Mohan spoke to the BOTB competition and what it means to be entering such a diverse field of custom builds.

Big Mike, ’92 Honda Prelude

Big Mike grew up as an avid automotive enthusiast, specifically in the import/tuner culture. Drawing from this, he has built many cars over the years, including several that fit into the import category. For 2016, his project is a ’92 Honda Prelude, built for the Torco Oils booth. The super-customized Prelude includes an array of interior and exterior modifications, making it a unique interpretation on an import classic.

The Prelude is powered by a 2.0L Honda Accord engine that is boosted by a Honeywell GTX28 turbo with a V-band turbine housing, a TurbosmartUSA wastegate, an AEM fuel rail and other custom pieces. Beyond the powertrain, exterior modifications include a vented hood, custom side skirts, carbon-fiber mirrors and more. Lastly, the interior of the Prelude received a once-over as well, sporting Sparco front seats, an Aim Sports electronic dash, a Rywire engine harness and other advanced modifications.

There were more than 27,000 registered attendees for the 2015 event—up 20% from the previous year. Held in the Gold Lot just steps away from the Las Vegas Convention Center, SEMA Ignited will feature automotive demonstrations, celebrity appearances, industry icons, food, music, cackle cars, Formula Drift action and a live taping of the 2016 BOTB competition that will premiere in early 2017 on the Velocity Channel. Vehicles from the SEMA Show will begin to parade out of the convention center around 4:00 p.m., and make their way to SEMA Ignited as thousands of fans line the streets of Las Vegas to catch a glimpse of the Show’s wildest rides.

Last year, 220 of the world’s best builders entered the BOTB competition, but it was Bobby Alloway who walked away with the top prize.

For more information, visit the SEMA Ignited and SEMA Battle of the Builders websites.

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 10:50

By Clint Simone and Carr Winn

SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party that is open to consumers—will kick-off for the third time ever, Friday, November 4, immediately following the close of the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Also for the third year, SEMA Ignited will serve as the backdrop for “SEMA: Battle of the Builders® (BOTB),” hosted by Adrienne Janic and Chris Jacobs, during which the top three finalists will learn their outcomes.

Kyle Mohan, 2016 Mazda MX-5

SEMA News sat down with Kyle Mohan, a driver in the Formula Drift racing series who is entering his ’16 Mazda MX-5 into the BOTB competition. Mohan, a driver who has raced for years, brings a purpose-built racecar with a highly-custom version of Mazda’s famous rotary engine. The unique motor is the platform for Mohan’s 1,000hp drifting machine.

In addition to having tire-smoking levels of power, the Miata is also the shortest wheelbase car in the Formula Drift series. Mohan and his team widened the front track of the car to give the most stability possible when holding an extended drift during competition. Additions like the  massive rear wing and racing bodykit finish off the package as a no compromises racecar.

While highlighting the special characteristics of his car, Mohan spoke to the BOTB competition and what it means to be entering such a diverse field of custom builds.

Big Mike, ’92 Honda Prelude

Big Mike grew up as an avid automotive enthusiast, specifically in the import/tuner culture. Drawing from this, he has built many cars over the years, including several that fit into the import category. For 2016, his project is a ’92 Honda Prelude, built for the Torco Oils booth. The super-customized Prelude includes an array of interior and exterior modifications, making it a unique interpretation on an import classic.

The Prelude is powered by a 2.0L Honda Accord engine that is boosted by a Honeywell GTX28 turbo with a V-band turbine housing, a TurbosmartUSA wastegate, an AEM fuel rail and other custom pieces. Beyond the powertrain, exterior modifications include a vented hood, custom side skirts, carbon-fiber mirrors and more. Lastly, the interior of the Prelude received a once-over as well, sporting Sparco front seats, an Aim Sports electronic dash, a Rywire engine harness and other advanced modifications.

There were more than 27,000 registered attendees for the 2015 event—up 20% from the previous year. Held in the Gold Lot just steps away from the Las Vegas Convention Center, SEMA Ignited will feature automotive demonstrations, celebrity appearances, industry icons, food, music, cackle cars, Formula Drift action and a live taping of the 2016 BOTB competition that will premiere in early 2017 on the Velocity Channel. Vehicles from the SEMA Show will begin to parade out of the convention center around 4:00 p.m., and make their way to SEMA Ignited as thousands of fans line the streets of Las Vegas to catch a glimpse of the Show’s wildest rides.

Last year, 220 of the world’s best builders entered the BOTB competition, but it was Bobby Alloway who walked away with the top prize.

For more information, visit the SEMA Ignited and SEMA Battle of the Builders websites.

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 10:50

By Clint Simone and Carr Winn

SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party that is open to consumers—will kick-off for the third time ever, Friday, November 4, immediately following the close of the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Also for the third year, SEMA Ignited will serve as the backdrop for “SEMA: Battle of the Builders® (BOTB),” hosted by Adrienne Janic and Chris Jacobs, during which the top three finalists will learn their outcomes.

Kyle Mohan, 2016 Mazda MX-5

SEMA News sat down with Kyle Mohan, a driver in the Formula Drift racing series who is entering his ’16 Mazda MX-5 into the BOTB competition. Mohan, a driver who has raced for years, brings a purpose-built racecar with a highly-custom version of Mazda’s famous rotary engine. The unique motor is the platform for Mohan’s 1,000hp drifting machine.

In addition to having tire-smoking levels of power, the Miata is also the shortest wheelbase car in the Formula Drift series. Mohan and his team widened the front track of the car to give the most stability possible when holding an extended drift during competition. Additions like the  massive rear wing and racing bodykit finish off the package as a no compromises racecar.

While highlighting the special characteristics of his car, Mohan spoke to the BOTB competition and what it means to be entering such a diverse field of custom builds.

Big Mike, ’92 Honda Prelude

Big Mike grew up as an avid automotive enthusiast, specifically in the import/tuner culture. Drawing from this, he has built many cars over the years, including several that fit into the import category. For 2016, his project is a ’92 Honda Prelude, built for the Torco Oils booth. The super-customized Prelude includes an array of interior and exterior modifications, making it a unique interpretation on an import classic.

The Prelude is powered by a 2.0L Honda Accord engine that is boosted by a Honeywell GTX28 turbo with a V-band turbine housing, a TurbosmartUSA wastegate, an AEM fuel rail and other custom pieces. Beyond the powertrain, exterior modifications include a vented hood, custom side skirts, carbon-fiber mirrors and more. Lastly, the interior of the Prelude received a once-over as well, sporting Sparco front seats, an Aim Sports electronic dash, a Rywire engine harness and other advanced modifications.

There were more than 27,000 registered attendees for the 2015 event—up 20% from the previous year. Held in the Gold Lot just steps away from the Las Vegas Convention Center, SEMA Ignited will feature automotive demonstrations, celebrity appearances, industry icons, food, music, cackle cars, Formula Drift action and a live taping of the 2016 BOTB competition that will premiere in early 2017 on the Velocity Channel. Vehicles from the SEMA Show will begin to parade out of the convention center around 4:00 p.m., and make their way to SEMA Ignited as thousands of fans line the streets of Las Vegas to catch a glimpse of the Show’s wildest rides.

Last year, 220 of the world’s best builders entered the BOTB competition, but it was Bobby Alloway who walked away with the top prize.

For more information, visit the SEMA Ignited and SEMA Battle of the Builders websites.

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 10:38

By SEMA Editors

gran
The Gran Turismo Awards will be based on five categories: Asian Import, Domestic, Euro, Hot Rod, and Truck/SUV.

Do you think your car has what it takes to be digitally immortalized in Gran Turismo? Sony PlayStation is back once again at the 2016 SEMA Show, in search of the aftermarket’s absolute best and most beautiful vehicles to be modeled for the video game.

Five expert judges are called upon to inspect vehicles based on five categories: Asian Import, Domestic, Euro, Hot Rod, and Truck/SUV. Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of the game, along with his staff, will review the category winners and select a Best in Show, which will be reproduced digitally and included in a future edition of Gran Turismo.

Enter for your chance at glory. Entries will be accepted until October 31, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT).

 

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 10:38

By SEMA Editors

gran
The Gran Turismo Awards will be based on five categories: Asian Import, Domestic, Euro, Hot Rod, and Truck/SUV.

Do you think your car has what it takes to be digitally immortalized in Gran Turismo? Sony PlayStation is back once again at the 2016 SEMA Show, in search of the aftermarket’s absolute best and most beautiful vehicles to be modeled for the video game.

Five expert judges are called upon to inspect vehicles based on five categories: Asian Import, Domestic, Euro, Hot Rod, and Truck/SUV. Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of the game, along with his staff, will review the category winners and select a Best in Show, which will be reproduced digitally and included in a future edition of Gran Turismo.

Enter for your chance at glory. Entries will be accepted until October 31, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT).

 

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 10:38

By SEMA Editors

gran
The Gran Turismo Awards will be based on five categories: Asian Import, Domestic, Euro, Hot Rod, and Truck/SUV.

Do you think your car has what it takes to be digitally immortalized in Gran Turismo? Sony PlayStation is back once again at the 2016 SEMA Show, in search of the aftermarket’s absolute best and most beautiful vehicles to be modeled for the video game.

Five expert judges are called upon to inspect vehicles based on five categories: Asian Import, Domestic, Euro, Hot Rod, and Truck/SUV. Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of the game, along with his staff, will review the category winners and select a Best in Show, which will be reproduced digitally and included in a future edition of Gran Turismo.

Enter for your chance at glory. Entries will be accepted until October 31, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT).

 

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 10:33

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a guidance document intended to help protect motor vehicles from cyber attacks and unauthorized access.

The 22-page document identifies recommended best practices for motor vehicle and equipment designers, manufacturers, suppliers, alterers and modifiers. The guidance takes a layered approach with respect to detection and response, and accelerated adaptation of lessons learned through attacks and information sharing. NHTSA notes that the auto industry should provide strong vehicle cybersecurity protections, but not unduly restrict access to aftermarket devices and service providers. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 10:33

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a guidance document intended to help protect motor vehicles from cyber attacks and unauthorized access.

The 22-page document identifies recommended best practices for motor vehicle and equipment designers, manufacturers, suppliers, alterers and modifiers. The guidance takes a layered approach with respect to detection and response, and accelerated adaptation of lessons learned through attacks and information sharing. NHTSA notes that the auto industry should provide strong vehicle cybersecurity protections, but not unduly restrict access to aftermarket devices and service providers. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.