Chevrolet will announce the details of its revised SEMA Show Design Awards soon. Builders are urged to contact Rich Downing with any immediate questions.

By SEMA Editors

The Chevrolet SEMA Dollar Vehicle Program will be discontinued and replaced with an enhanced Chevrolet SEMA Design Awards program for 2016.

Dollar vehicles will not be awarded; however, Chevrolet SEMA Design Award recipients should anticipate additional exposure and benefits at the SEMA Show and through Chevrolet’s various marketing channels.

Details of the revised Chevrolet SEMA Design Awards program for 2016 will be announced soon. Builders are urged to contact Rich Downing with any immediate questions.

By SEMA Editors

The current SEMA Board of Directors, led by Chairman Doug Evans (front center).

SEMA has announced its 2016 Board of Directors candidates. The Board consists of 10 directors, the chairman, the chairman-elect, immediate-past chairman and secretary/treasurer. While the number of seats on the Board are limited, the election provides all SEMA-member companies with the opportunity to influence the specialty-equipment industry’s future.

Voting will take place online May 11–24, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company's primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company's designated primary contact between May 9–10.

Winners will be announced by May 27 and formally welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors during the SEMA Installation Gala, July 29.

Here are the candidates for this year’s election:

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

• Chris Douglas – vice president of marketing, COMP Performance Group
• Dave Edmondson – senior vice president, Roadwire
• Kyle Fickler – director of business development, Aeromotive Inc.
• Rick Love – executive vice president, Vintage Air

Manufacturer’s Representative Category (one open seat)

• Les Rudd – president, Bob Cook Sales
• Rich Butler – CEO, R&R Marketing

The SEMA Board of Directors is a group of individuals who volunteer their time to provide leadership and guidance for the association. The members of the board provide a critical leadership role by serving the industry and all of the businesses within it.

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Susan Alfonso at 909-978-6671 or susana@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The current SEMA Board of Directors, led by Chairman Doug Evans (front center).

SEMA has announced its 2016 Board of Directors candidates. The Board consists of 10 directors, the chairman, the chairman-elect, immediate-past chairman and secretary/treasurer. While the number of seats on the Board are limited, the election provides all SEMA-member companies with the opportunity to influence the specialty-equipment industry’s future.

Voting will take place online May 11–24, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company's primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company's designated primary contact between May 9–10.

Winners will be announced by May 27 and formally welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors during the SEMA Installation Gala, July 29.

Here are the candidates for this year’s election:

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

• Chris Douglas – vice president of marketing, COMP Performance Group
• Dave Edmondson – senior vice president, Roadwire
• Kyle Fickler – director of business development, Aeromotive Inc.
• Rick Love – executive vice president, Vintage Air

Manufacturer’s Representative Category (one open seat)

• Les Rudd – president, Bob Cook Sales
• Rich Butler – CEO, R&R Marketing

The SEMA Board of Directors is a group of individuals who volunteer their time to provide leadership and guidance for the association. The members of the board provide a critical leadership role by serving the industry and all of the businesses within it.

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Susan Alfonso at 909-978-6671 or susana@sema.org.

By Jason Catullo

Start planning now for the 2016 SEMA Show to capitalize on early-bird hotel discounts and advance rates.

The Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com features an updated, real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2016 SEMA Show.

The listing covers a range of properties to help exhibitors and attendees find the hotels and accommodations that meet their specific needs.

The official SEMA Show Housing Services provider is OnPeak. When booking through OnPeak, reservations come with guaranteed low rates and benefits, such as no resort fees, providing exhibitors the reassurance of working with a legitimate company.

Selecting the hotel location and room accommodations that meet your company’s needs at this point provides a strategic jumping-off point to plan your budget. Another advantage to planning now is the opportunity to capitalize on early-bird discounts and advance rates. These existing money-saving programs are the simplest ways for exhibitors to get the most value from their SEMA Show budget.

Benefits of Using OnPeak

• Guaranteed low rate: The housing bureau actively monitors Vegas hotels to ensure that they are offering the lowest possible rates. If guests do find a lower rate, OnPeak will match or beat the lower price.
• No hidden fees: Many hotels in Las Vegas advertise lower rates and charge an additional “resort fee.” SEMA and OnPeak have worked with hotels to waive such fees. The price quoted through OnPeak is all-inclusive and will not have other fees added to it.
• Exclusive room blocks: SEMA and OnPeak lock in prime blocks of rooms at host hotels. As a result, rooms may appear to be sold out to the rest of the world when they are actually being held for SEMA Showgoers who use SEMA Housing Services.
• Extra level of service: Because reservations made through OnPeak identify guests as SEMA Showgoers, the hotel staff provides a higher level of service and helps direct guests to Show-related programs, such as free shuttles. Guests also receive confirmation numbers in advance of the Show and can get hotel help from OnPeak staff at the Show.

To secure rooms through the official SEMA Housing Services, reservations should be made from the SEMA Show site and include the official housing seal. OnPeak can also be reached directly at 800-221-3531 or 212-532-1660.

For more information, visit the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page.

By Jason Catullo

Start planning now for the 2016 SEMA Show to capitalize on early-bird hotel discounts and advance rates.

The Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com features an updated, real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2016 SEMA Show.

The listing covers a range of properties to help exhibitors and attendees find the hotels and accommodations that meet their specific needs.

The official SEMA Show Housing Services provider is OnPeak. When booking through OnPeak, reservations come with guaranteed low rates and benefits, such as no resort fees, providing exhibitors the reassurance of working with a legitimate company.

Selecting the hotel location and room accommodations that meet your company’s needs at this point provides a strategic jumping-off point to plan your budget. Another advantage to planning now is the opportunity to capitalize on early-bird discounts and advance rates. These existing money-saving programs are the simplest ways for exhibitors to get the most value from their SEMA Show budget.

Benefits of Using OnPeak

• Guaranteed low rate: The housing bureau actively monitors Vegas hotels to ensure that they are offering the lowest possible rates. If guests do find a lower rate, OnPeak will match or beat the lower price.
• No hidden fees: Many hotels in Las Vegas advertise lower rates and charge an additional “resort fee.” SEMA and OnPeak have worked with hotels to waive such fees. The price quoted through OnPeak is all-inclusive and will not have other fees added to it.
• Exclusive room blocks: SEMA and OnPeak lock in prime blocks of rooms at host hotels. As a result, rooms may appear to be sold out to the rest of the world when they are actually being held for SEMA Showgoers who use SEMA Housing Services.
• Extra level of service: Because reservations made through OnPeak identify guests as SEMA Showgoers, the hotel staff provides a higher level of service and helps direct guests to Show-related programs, such as free shuttles. Guests also receive confirmation numbers in advance of the Show and can get hotel help from OnPeak staff at the Show.

To secure rooms through the official SEMA Housing Services, reservations should be made from the SEMA Show site and include the official housing seal. OnPeak can also be reached directly at 800-221-3531 or 212-532-1660.

For more information, visit the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page.

By SEMA Editors

The Veloster is one of the four vehicles that Hyundai is highlighting for its 2016 SEMA Show Project Vehicle Program.

Hyundai Motor America is currently accepting project-vehicle proposals for companies planning to modify a Hyundai vehicle for the 2016 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

Hyundai’s SEMA Show Program focuses on tuners and suppliers dedicated to creating exciting, aspirational vehicle modifications for the performance market.

For 2016, Hyundai will focus on four models:

• Tucson
• Santa Fe Sport/Santa Fe
• Elantra
• Veloster

Hyundai encourages the modification and display of its vehicles in other exhibitor booths. Only Hyundai production vehicles are available for modification. Support and discount details are included in the RFP.

Deadline for proposals is April 4, with winning bids announced later that month. SEMA exhibitors who have worked with OEMs in the past and are interested in working with Hyundai are encouraged to contact Mike Nino (mnino@hmausa.com), Hyundai’s Accessory Planning Manager, to discuss potential proposals.

By SEMA Editors

The Veloster is one of the four vehicles that Hyundai is highlighting for its 2016 SEMA Show Project Vehicle Program.

Hyundai Motor America is currently accepting project-vehicle proposals for companies planning to modify a Hyundai vehicle for the 2016 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

Hyundai’s SEMA Show Program focuses on tuners and suppliers dedicated to creating exciting, aspirational vehicle modifications for the performance market.

For 2016, Hyundai will focus on four models:

• Tucson
• Santa Fe Sport/Santa Fe
• Elantra
• Veloster

Hyundai encourages the modification and display of its vehicles in other exhibitor booths. Only Hyundai production vehicles are available for modification. Support and discount details are included in the RFP.

Deadline for proposals is April 4, with winning bids announced later that month. SEMA exhibitors who have worked with OEMs in the past and are interested in working with Hyundai are encouraged to contact Mike Nino (mnino@hmausa.com), Hyundai’s Accessory Planning Manager, to discuss potential proposals.

By SEMA Editors

The Veloster is one of the four vehicles that Hyundai is highlighting for its 2016 SEMA Show Project Vehicle Program.

Hyundai Motor America is currently accepting project-vehicle proposals for companies planning to modify a Hyundai vehicle for the 2016 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

Hyundai’s SEMA Show Program focuses on tuners and suppliers dedicated to creating exciting, aspirational vehicle modifications for the performance market.

For 2016, Hyundai will focus on four models:

• Tucson
• Santa Fe Sport/Santa Fe
• Elantra
• Veloster

Hyundai encourages the modification and display of its vehicles in other exhibitor booths. Only Hyundai production vehicles are available for modification. Support and discount details are included in the RFP.

Deadline for proposals is April 4, with winning bids announced later that month. SEMA exhibitors who have worked with OEMs in the past and are interested in working with Hyundai are encouraged to contact Mike Nino (mnino@hmausa.com), Hyundai’s Accessory Planning Manager, to discuss potential proposals.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

4 Wheel Parts President and CEO Greg Adler will challenge for a championship in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series’ marquee Pro 4 division.

4 Wheel Parts Renews Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Partnership

4 Wheel Parts renewed its multi-tiered partnership with Lucas Oil Products and the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series. The agreement is comprised of 4 Wheel Parts being named “Official Off-Road Parts Retailer” of the short-course off-road racing series, the expansion of its successful “Youth Ticket Program,” along with a Lucas Oil Products marketing and promotional effort in all 74 North American 4 Wheel Parts retail store locations. The Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series 16-round season is set to kick-off March 19 in Chandler, Arizona. 4 Wheel Parts President and CEO Greg Adler will challenge for a championship in the series’ marquee Pro 4 division.

FASTRAK Extends Partnership With VP Racing Fuels

The FASTRAK Racing Series announced that VP Racing Fuels will continue as the Official Fuel of FASTRAK, including both the FASTRAK weekly series and touring series throughout the United States. As part of the multi-year agreement, VP will be the Preferred Fuel Provider for all FASTRAK racing and receive significant brand exposure at race venues and on the series’ digital and social media platforms.

Turn 14 Distribution Sponsors TS Performance Outlaw Diesel Drag Race and Sled Pull

Turn 14 Distribution has agreed to sponsor the 2016 edition of the TS Performance Outlaw Diesel Drag Race & Sled Pull. The drag-racing portion of the event takes place Friday, June 3, at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky—also the home of TS Performance. There are six drag classes scheduled for competition, from ET Bracket to Pro Mod and Pro Dragster diesel machines. Time trials start at 10:00 a.m., with qualifying and eliminations scheduled shortly afterward. On Friday afternoon, Jim Roberts Community Park in Franklin, Kentucky, becomes the home of the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League sled-pull competition portion of the event. Eight separate classes from the 2.6 class to the Super Modified Tractor class will be on-hand. The 2.6 class begins pulling at 11:00 a.m., with the main pulls scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

RallySport Direct Announces Partnership with Cosworth to Expand Offerings of Performance Products for Enthusiasts in North America

RallySport Direct has announced a new partnership with Cosworth to provide the same level of performance products for the U.S. enthusiast market that has been available from Cosworth in Europe and around the world. Partnering with RallySport Direct as the master distributor for North America, Cosworth is providing more products, better inventory availability, customer support, and service into the U.S. market than ever before.

The 2016 NMRA Keystone Automotive drag-racing season opened the first weekend of March.

Race Wrap for 22nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords

The 2016 NMRA Keystone Automotive drag-racing season broke out in an all-out slugfest at Bradenton Motorsports Park during the opening weekend of March. The 22nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords is the first of six races for the all-Ford series.

• VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Dwayne Barbaree and Russell Stone push their Kuntz and Company-powered ’90 Mustang LX coupe into the Aerospace Components Winner's Circle with a win over newcomer Vince Palazzolo.
• Edelbrock Renegade: The supercharged coupe of Alton Clements ran 7.64 at 181 mph to Hellion Racing B-Team’s Frank Varela, who had gone 7.78 at 177 mph.
• ProCharger Coyote Modified: “Johnny Lightning” Wiker cruised to the win over Joe Guertin with an 8.01 at 175 mph.
• G-Force Transmission Pure Street: Teddy Weaver broke Jimmy Wilson’s five-race win streak by going 9.62 at 139 mph to Wilson’s 9.97 at 139 mph.
• American Racing Headers Factory Stock: James Meredith took off grabbing the victory with a 10.60 at 123 mph to Matt Amrine's 10.85 at 125 mph.
• Race Pages Coyote Stock: Jacob Lamb rolled out an NMRA career best of 10.27 at 129 mph to beat defending class champion Drew Lyons, who had logged a 10.37 at 128 mph performance.
• Fluid Turbo Concepts Turbo Coyote Shootout: Justin Jordan ran a career-best time of 7.74 at 175 mph to top Ronnie Reynolds, who ran 7.78 at 182 mph.
• Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle: UPR Products’ Bill Putnam ran a career best of 10.87 at 125 mph over Brad Gusler of BG Racing to score a second victory in the EcoBoost Battle.
• VMP Performance Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout: Brian Devilbiss and his Devil's Reject ’13 Shelby GT500 beat Rick Kaknes with an 8.11 at 181 mph over Kaknes’ 10.38 at 137 mph.
• Muscle Mustangs Spring Break Shootout: Randy Seward became a three-time Spring Break Shootout winner when he defeated Raul Torres. The Calypso Green turbo coupe charged to the finish line with an 8.53 at 166 mph to Torres’ 8.81 at 152 mph.
• Roush Performance Super Stang: Marco Ponce Jr.’s Real Deal Boss beat Brenspeed’s Marvin Knack with an 11.57 dial-in through four rounds of eliminations.
• Ford Muscle: Danny Towe and his ’70 Mustang beat Tom Osterkamp and his twin-turbo Mustang.
• Exedy Racing Modular Muscle: The SN95 of Charlie McCulloch took the win over Rick Doern and his ’07 Mustang GT.
• Flex-a-lite Open Comp: Greg Essen beat Dennis Corn, who ran .002 under his index and handed the automatic win over to Essen.
• Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Randy Conway used his ’84 Ranger to earn a victory at the season-opening race over M.J. Smith.
• QA1 True Street: Randy Seward took the overall winner title thanks to an 8.32 average.
• TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout: Jeff Smith beat RIck Kaknes with a slower 10.48 at 137 mph to Kaknes’ 10.28 at 142 mph.

The next stop on the NMRA tour is Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia, for the eighth-annual Borla Exhaust NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals presented by Miller Welders, April 7–10.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Returns as 2016 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Sponsor, NMCA Series and Radial Wars Class Sponsor

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels begins another season as a returning sponsor of the 2016 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS). Mickey Thompson will provide the Baja Pro, Baja ATZP3 and Sportsman S/T racing tires in the Pro 2, Pro 4, Pro Lite and Pro Buggy classes. This year’s LOORRS Team M/T includes Brian Deegan and Myan Spaccarelli in Pro 2; Eric Barron in Pro 4; Ronnie Faisst, and Brad DeBerti in Pro Lite; Taylor Atchison, Garrett George, Darren Hardesty Jr. and Mike Valentine in Pro Buggy.

Mickey Thompson also returns to NMCA racing as an official series and Radial Wars class sponsor. The company will offer contingency awards for all Pro, Sportsman and special-event classes, and Mickey Thompson Motorsports will be on-site offering trackside support during most events.

NMCA Announces New Pro Stock Class

NMCA Pro Stock—an all-new naturally aspirated class created by Bob Book, Richard Maskin and NMCA Tech Director Dave Werremeyer—is basically a no-limits small-block Pro Stock class in which any domestic car or truck body is permitted, as well as cross breeding of powerplant and bodies.

Pro Stock will be contested as a Shootout class at the final three 2016 NMCA events:

• June 23–26, 2016 – 15th Annual NMCA All-American Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis
• July 28–31, 2016 – 11th Annual NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing at Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, Illinois
• August 25–28, 2016 – 14th Annual NMCA World Street Finals, Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio

In 2017, plans are being made for Pro Stock to battle it out at all NMCA events for a class championship with the winner crowned during the NMCA Awards Ceremony at the PRI Show in Indianapolis.

NASCAR at Irwindale Speedway “Night of Destruction” Results

Seidner’s Collision Centers Enduro – 15 laps

1. Willey Whatley, Moreno Valley
2. Dan Souto, San Diego
3. Robert Rice, Hawthorne

Seidner’s Collision Centers Figure 8 – 30 laps

1. Robert Rice, Hawthorne
2. Steve Belling, Rialto
3. Neil Himes, Crestline

Robertson Solar Southwest Tour Trucks – 30 laps

1. Ryan Partridge, Rancho Cucamonga
2. Ron Nava, Encinitas
3. Zack St. Onge, Upland

Seidner’s Collision Centers Skid Plate Cars – 20 laps

1. Mike Digregario, Temple City
2. Robert Rice, Hawthorne
3. Austin "Smokey" Lee, Rancho Cucamonga

Pick Your Part Demolition Derby

1. Jeffrey Best, Valencia
2. Jonathan Destrfano
3. Tommy Mason, Canyon Country

Trailer Race

1. Tommy Mason, Canyon Country
2. Robert Rice, Hawthorne
3. Robbie Salcido, Perris

NASCAR Names Ford Motor Company Winner Of “Driving Business Award”

Days after Ford Motor Co. celebrated its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory of the season, the manufacturer will take home its third NASCAR “Driving Business Award.” Ford is the first three-time recipient of the annual award, which is bestowed upon the Official NASCAR Partner that demonstrates leadership and results through its participation in the NASCAR Fuel for Business (NFFB) Council.

The brand-new EXR LV02 race car will see official competition at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca March 18–20.

EXR LV02 to Debut in U.S. Competition at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

The brand-new EXR LV02 race car will see official competition on a U.S. racetrack for the first time ever, March 18–20, when the EXR Racing Series fields a three-car team in the SCCA San Francisco Region’s Club Racing opener at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Driving the EXR LV02 vehicles are co-founder Romain Thievin, team manager Alex Premat and sporting advisor Tristan Vautier. The EXR Racing Series travels to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for its second race weekend, May 20–22.

Wilwood Announces 2016 Sponsorships/Partnerships

Wilwood Disc Brakes and the United Sprint Car Series (USCS) have renewed their partnership recognizing the California-based brake manufacturer as the official disc brakes of USCS and related series for its 20th anniversary season. USCS hosts three divisions, including winged 360 sprint cars, outlaw open-wheel modifieds and 600cc micro/mini sprint cars. Wilwood will provide support for each division with product certificates to the 360 sprint car and 600cc sprint car hard chargers, and modified first heat race winner at every USCS event. Wilwood also has renewed its sponsorship with Maryland Performance Center (MPC) and its Real Street Class through the 2016 season.

In addition, Wilwood has teamed up with the WISSOTA Promoters Association to be a sponsor for the WISSOTA/PolyDome Dirt Track Series in 2016. The WISSOTA Promoters Association is a non-profit organization overseeing approximately 50 race tracks in the United States and Canada. Divisions include Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Midwest Modifieds, Street Stocks, Mod Fours, Pure Stocks and Hornets. As part of the sponsorship, Wilwood will provide product and product certificates for each division, which will be distributed at the national awards banquet at the end of the year.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

4 Wheel Parts President and CEO Greg Adler will challenge for a championship in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series’ marquee Pro 4 division.

4 Wheel Parts Renews Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Partnership

4 Wheel Parts renewed its multi-tiered partnership with Lucas Oil Products and the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series. The agreement is comprised of 4 Wheel Parts being named “Official Off-Road Parts Retailer” of the short-course off-road racing series, the expansion of its successful “Youth Ticket Program,” along with a Lucas Oil Products marketing and promotional effort in all 74 North American 4 Wheel Parts retail store locations. The Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series 16-round season is set to kick-off March 19 in Chandler, Arizona. 4 Wheel Parts President and CEO Greg Adler will challenge for a championship in the series’ marquee Pro 4 division.

FASTRAK Extends Partnership With VP Racing Fuels

The FASTRAK Racing Series announced that VP Racing Fuels will continue as the Official Fuel of FASTRAK, including both the FASTRAK weekly series and touring series throughout the United States. As part of the multi-year agreement, VP will be the Preferred Fuel Provider for all FASTRAK racing and receive significant brand exposure at race venues and on the series’ digital and social media platforms.

Turn 14 Distribution Sponsors TS Performance Outlaw Diesel Drag Race and Sled Pull

Turn 14 Distribution has agreed to sponsor the 2016 edition of the TS Performance Outlaw Diesel Drag Race & Sled Pull. The drag-racing portion of the event takes place Friday, June 3, at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky—also the home of TS Performance. There are six drag classes scheduled for competition, from ET Bracket to Pro Mod and Pro Dragster diesel machines. Time trials start at 10:00 a.m., with qualifying and eliminations scheduled shortly afterward. On Friday afternoon, Jim Roberts Community Park in Franklin, Kentucky, becomes the home of the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League sled-pull competition portion of the event. Eight separate classes from the 2.6 class to the Super Modified Tractor class will be on-hand. The 2.6 class begins pulling at 11:00 a.m., with the main pulls scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

RallySport Direct Announces Partnership with Cosworth to Expand Offerings of Performance Products for Enthusiasts in North America

RallySport Direct has announced a new partnership with Cosworth to provide the same level of performance products for the U.S. enthusiast market that has been available from Cosworth in Europe and around the world. Partnering with RallySport Direct as the master distributor for North America, Cosworth is providing more products, better inventory availability, customer support, and service into the U.S. market than ever before.

The 2016 NMRA Keystone Automotive drag-racing season opened the first weekend of March.

Race Wrap for 22nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords

The 2016 NMRA Keystone Automotive drag-racing season broke out in an all-out slugfest at Bradenton Motorsports Park during the opening weekend of March. The 22nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords is the first of six races for the all-Ford series.

• VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Dwayne Barbaree and Russell Stone push their Kuntz and Company-powered ’90 Mustang LX coupe into the Aerospace Components Winner's Circle with a win over newcomer Vince Palazzolo.
• Edelbrock Renegade: The supercharged coupe of Alton Clements ran 7.64 at 181 mph to Hellion Racing B-Team’s Frank Varela, who had gone 7.78 at 177 mph.
• ProCharger Coyote Modified: “Johnny Lightning” Wiker cruised to the win over Joe Guertin with an 8.01 at 175 mph.
• G-Force Transmission Pure Street: Teddy Weaver broke Jimmy Wilson’s five-race win streak by going 9.62 at 139 mph to Wilson’s 9.97 at 139 mph.
• American Racing Headers Factory Stock: James Meredith took off grabbing the victory with a 10.60 at 123 mph to Matt Amrine's 10.85 at 125 mph.
• Race Pages Coyote Stock: Jacob Lamb rolled out an NMRA career best of 10.27 at 129 mph to beat defending class champion Drew Lyons, who had logged a 10.37 at 128 mph performance.
• Fluid Turbo Concepts Turbo Coyote Shootout: Justin Jordan ran a career-best time of 7.74 at 175 mph to top Ronnie Reynolds, who ran 7.78 at 182 mph.
• Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle: UPR Products’ Bill Putnam ran a career best of 10.87 at 125 mph over Brad Gusler of BG Racing to score a second victory in the EcoBoost Battle.
• VMP Performance Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout: Brian Devilbiss and his Devil's Reject ’13 Shelby GT500 beat Rick Kaknes with an 8.11 at 181 mph over Kaknes’ 10.38 at 137 mph.
• Muscle Mustangs Spring Break Shootout: Randy Seward became a three-time Spring Break Shootout winner when he defeated Raul Torres. The Calypso Green turbo coupe charged to the finish line with an 8.53 at 166 mph to Torres’ 8.81 at 152 mph.
• Roush Performance Super Stang: Marco Ponce Jr.’s Real Deal Boss beat Brenspeed’s Marvin Knack with an 11.57 dial-in through four rounds of eliminations.
• Ford Muscle: Danny Towe and his ’70 Mustang beat Tom Osterkamp and his twin-turbo Mustang.
• Exedy Racing Modular Muscle: The SN95 of Charlie McCulloch took the win over Rick Doern and his ’07 Mustang GT.
• Flex-a-lite Open Comp: Greg Essen beat Dennis Corn, who ran .002 under his index and handed the automatic win over to Essen.
• Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Randy Conway used his ’84 Ranger to earn a victory at the season-opening race over M.J. Smith.
• QA1 True Street: Randy Seward took the overall winner title thanks to an 8.32 average.
• TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout: Jeff Smith beat RIck Kaknes with a slower 10.48 at 137 mph to Kaknes’ 10.28 at 142 mph.

The next stop on the NMRA tour is Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia, for the eighth-annual Borla Exhaust NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals presented by Miller Welders, April 7–10.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Returns as 2016 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Sponsor, NMCA Series and Radial Wars Class Sponsor

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels begins another season as a returning sponsor of the 2016 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS). Mickey Thompson will provide the Baja Pro, Baja ATZP3 and Sportsman S/T racing tires in the Pro 2, Pro 4, Pro Lite and Pro Buggy classes. This year’s LOORRS Team M/T includes Brian Deegan and Myan Spaccarelli in Pro 2; Eric Barron in Pro 4; Ronnie Faisst, and Brad DeBerti in Pro Lite; Taylor Atchison, Garrett George, Darren Hardesty Jr. and Mike Valentine in Pro Buggy.

Mickey Thompson also returns to NMCA racing as an official series and Radial Wars class sponsor. The company will offer contingency awards for all Pro, Sportsman and special-event classes, and Mickey Thompson Motorsports will be on-site offering trackside support during most events.

NMCA Announces New Pro Stock Class

NMCA Pro Stock—an all-new naturally aspirated class created by Bob Book, Richard Maskin and NMCA Tech Director Dave Werremeyer—is basically a no-limits small-block Pro Stock class in which any domestic car or truck body is permitted, as well as cross breeding of powerplant and bodies.

Pro Stock will be contested as a Shootout class at the final three 2016 NMCA events:

• June 23–26, 2016 – 15th Annual NMCA All-American Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis
• July 28–31, 2016 – 11th Annual NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing at Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, Illinois
• August 25–28, 2016 – 14th Annual NMCA World Street Finals, Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio

In 2017, plans are being made for Pro Stock to battle it out at all NMCA events for a class championship with the winner crowned during the NMCA Awards Ceremony at the PRI Show in Indianapolis.

NASCAR at Irwindale Speedway “Night of Destruction” Results

Seidner’s Collision Centers Enduro – 15 laps

1. Willey Whatley, Moreno Valley
2. Dan Souto, San Diego
3. Robert Rice, Hawthorne

Seidner’s Collision Centers Figure 8 – 30 laps

1. Robert Rice, Hawthorne
2. Steve Belling, Rialto
3. Neil Himes, Crestline

Robertson Solar Southwest Tour Trucks – 30 laps

1. Ryan Partridge, Rancho Cucamonga
2. Ron Nava, Encinitas
3. Zack St. Onge, Upland

Seidner’s Collision Centers Skid Plate Cars – 20 laps

1. Mike Digregario, Temple City
2. Robert Rice, Hawthorne
3. Austin "Smokey" Lee, Rancho Cucamonga

Pick Your Part Demolition Derby

1. Jeffrey Best, Valencia
2. Jonathan Destrfano
3. Tommy Mason, Canyon Country

Trailer Race

1. Tommy Mason, Canyon Country
2. Robert Rice, Hawthorne
3. Robbie Salcido, Perris

NASCAR Names Ford Motor Company Winner Of “Driving Business Award”

Days after Ford Motor Co. celebrated its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory of the season, the manufacturer will take home its third NASCAR “Driving Business Award.” Ford is the first three-time recipient of the annual award, which is bestowed upon the Official NASCAR Partner that demonstrates leadership and results through its participation in the NASCAR Fuel for Business (NFFB) Council.

The brand-new EXR LV02 race car will see official competition at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca March 18–20.

EXR LV02 to Debut in U.S. Competition at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

The brand-new EXR LV02 race car will see official competition on a U.S. racetrack for the first time ever, March 18–20, when the EXR Racing Series fields a three-car team in the SCCA San Francisco Region’s Club Racing opener at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Driving the EXR LV02 vehicles are co-founder Romain Thievin, team manager Alex Premat and sporting advisor Tristan Vautier. The EXR Racing Series travels to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for its second race weekend, May 20–22.

Wilwood Announces 2016 Sponsorships/Partnerships

Wilwood Disc Brakes and the United Sprint Car Series (USCS) have renewed their partnership recognizing the California-based brake manufacturer as the official disc brakes of USCS and related series for its 20th anniversary season. USCS hosts three divisions, including winged 360 sprint cars, outlaw open-wheel modifieds and 600cc micro/mini sprint cars. Wilwood will provide support for each division with product certificates to the 360 sprint car and 600cc sprint car hard chargers, and modified first heat race winner at every USCS event. Wilwood also has renewed its sponsorship with Maryland Performance Center (MPC) and its Real Street Class through the 2016 season.

In addition, Wilwood has teamed up with the WISSOTA Promoters Association to be a sponsor for the WISSOTA/PolyDome Dirt Track Series in 2016. The WISSOTA Promoters Association is a non-profit organization overseeing approximately 50 race tracks in the United States and Canada. Divisions include Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Midwest Modifieds, Street Stocks, Mod Fours, Pure Stocks and Hornets. As part of the sponsorship, Wilwood will provide product and product certificates for each division, which will be distributed at the national awards banquet at the end of the year.