2023 Ultra4 King of the Hammers Results

The 2023 running of the Can-Am Hammers Championship, the UTV race of King Of The Hammers is in the books. Multi-time winner Kyle Chaney took the lead from Bryce Menzies shortly after lap one. From there, Chaney pulled out a big lead navigating through the rock trails with Phil Blurton and Dustin Jones in tow.  Once the group got deep into Sledge Hammer, Cole Clark in a single seat RZR and Blurton were was able to get around Jones. By this time, Chaney had built a 30-minute lead and was already through the rock sections and headed back to the last fast section towards the finish. At the end of the day, it was Chaney taking his third win in a row for Can-Am.

Here is the order as they came to the finish line of the 2023 Can-Am Hammers Championship:

• Kyle Chaney, Can-Am X3 (Pro Stock Turbo)-Yokohama Tires
• Phil Blurton, Can-Am X3 (Pro Mod)-BFG Tires
• Cole Clark, Polaris RZR XPT (Pro Mod)-Maxxis Tires
• Dustin Jones, Can-Am X3 (Pro Mod)-Maxxis Tires
• Hunter Miller, Can-Am X3(Pro Stock Turbo)-Maxxis Tires
• Travis Zollinger, Can-Am X3 (Pro Mod)-BFG Tires
• Cody Miller, Can-Am X3(Pro Stock Turbo)-Maxxis Tires
• Jay Shaw, Can-Am X3(Pro Mod)-Maxxis Tires
• Robert Parker, Can-Am X3(Pro Mod)-Maxxis Tires.
• Casey Currie, Polaris RZR Pro R (Open UTV)-Nitto Tires

Open UTV

• Casey Currie, Polaris RZR Pro R
• Shanon Campbell
• Micheal Lee
• Ronald Beck
• Trey Price
• Joe Gould

Pro Mod UTV

• Phil Blurton, Can-Am X3
• Cole Clark
• Dustin Jones
• Travis Zollinger
• Jay Shaw
• Robert Parker
• Terry Madden
• Cameron Steele
• Dennis Durmas
• Ronnie Anderson

Pro Stock N/A UTV

• Kyle Anderson, Yamaha RMAX 2 1000
• AJ Hoover

Pro Stock Turbo UTV

• Kyle Chaney, Can-Am X3
• Hunter Miller
• Cody Miller
• Brian Deegan
• David Dzida
• William Martin
• Luis Gonzale
• Bryan Suratt
• Jason Weller
• Ben Cahill

Sportsman Stock UTV

• Brian Tilton
• Hubert Rowland

Click here for complete results.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

The Jeep brand celebrated 20 years of the Wrangler Rubicon at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show with the Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary editions, the most capable Wranglers yet.

Available on both the ’23 Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and ’23 Wrangler Rubicon 392, the Rubicon 20th Anniversary editions each deliver the Wrangler Rubicon’s go-anywhere capability.

“Twenty years ago, a small group of enthusiastic Jeep engineers affectionately known as the ‘Lunatic Fringe,’ with grit and determination and their personal credit cards, designed, engineered and developed the most capable Wrangler yet—the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon—and over-delivered on everyone’s expectations because they knew it was what Jeep customers wanted,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “Today, the Rubicon model represents about a quarter of overall Wrangler sales, with more than 700,000 sold worldwide, and include the electrified Rubicon 4xe, the best-selling and most capable PHEV in America. That same spirit of determination and ingenuity that led to the creation of the Wrangler Rubicon lives on in these new 20th anniversary special editions, which for the first time, bring available 37s to the Wrangler, providing unmatched capability.”

The limited run of ’23 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 20th Anniversary and ’23 Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary, available for order this month, are priced at a starting U.S. MSRP of $69,585 and $90,895, respectively (all prices exclude $1,795 destination charge). Production of the Rubicon 20th anniversary models is scheduled to begin at the Toledo (Ohio) Assembly Complex this quarter, with vehicles arriving in dealerships in Q2 of 2023.

The ’23 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 20th Anniversary, based on the Rubicon 4xe model and powered by a 375hp 470-lb.-ft. plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, delivers 21 miles of all-electric range, 49 MPGe and a nearly silent off-road experience. The equipment list of the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 20th Anniversary special edition includes:

• New interpretation of the Jeep brand seven-slot grille.
• 20th Anniversary hood decals in electric blue theme.
• 20th Anniversary swing gate plaque.
• 20th Anniversary shifter medallion.
• Triple hoop grille guard.
• Steel bumpers (winch-capable front)
• 33-in. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires
• 17x7.5-in. beadlock-capable wheels
• 83-piece tool kit with canvas bag
• Integrated front off-road camera
• Heavy-duty steel rock sliders
• Gorilla glass windshield
• Red-and-black leather seats
• Red leather-wrapped instrument panel bolster
• Auxiliary switches
• All-weather slush mats

The Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary, based on the Rubicon 392 model and powered by a 470hp 470-lb.-ft. V8, accelerates from 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds, making it the quickest, fastest and most powerful Wrangler. The Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary’s list of special-edition content includes:

• Xtreme Recon Package
• 35-in. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires
• 17x8-in. beadlock-capable wheels
• 4.56 rear axle ratio
• Hinge-gate reinforcement by Mopar
• Jack spacer by Mopar
• Tire relocation kit by Mopar
• Wheel flare extensions
• New interpretation of the iconic Jeep brand seven-slot grille
• 20th Anniversary hood decals in 392 bronze theme
• 20th Anniversary swing gate plaque
• 20th Anniversary shifter medallion
• Half-inch suspension lift
• On-board air compressor
• Triple hoop grille guard
• Steel bumpers (winch-capable front)
• 83-piece tool kit with canvas bag
• Heavy-duty steel rock sliders
• Integrated front off-road camera
• Gorilla glass windshield
• Red-and-black leather seats
• Red leather-wrapped instrument panel bolster
• All-weather slush mats
• Auxiliary switches

The Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary special editions are available in nine exterior colors, including Earl, Firecracker Red, Punk’n, Hydro Blue, Sarge Green, Silver Zynith, Sting Gray, black and Bright White, with the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 20th Anniversary also available in Granite Crystal.

Exclusive to the Rubicon 20th Anniversary editions and limited to just 150 units, an available Rubicon 20th Anniversary Level II upfit by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) brings 37-in. tires to the Wrangler for the first time, taking the Wrangler Rubicon’s 4x4 capability to an even higher level. This package includes:

• 37-in. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires
• Warn VR EVO 10-S winch
• AEV 17-in. Savegre II wheels
• AEV 2.5-in. DualSport RT Suspension System with Bilstein 5100 shocks
• AEV 7000 Series off-road lights
• AEV EX front bumper
• AEV rear bumper
• AEV front skid plate
• AEV tire carrier
• AEV off-road jack base
• AEV ProCal SNAP module
• AEV vehicle build plaque
• AEV steering damper
• 4.56:1 axle ratio (4xe)
• Mopar performance wipers with integrated washer jets

The Rubicon 20th Anniversary Level II upfit by AEV carries an MSRP of $21,983 for the 20th Anniversary Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and $20,135 for the 20th Anniversary Wrangler Rubicon 392 (all prices exclude $995 upfit logistics charge).

For more information and specs, visit www.jeep.com.

SEMA-member Wayne Sipe, owner of Interstate Muffler in Staunton, Virginia, recently had an op-ed published in the Harrisonburg News-Record in Virginia advocating for the repeal of the state’s 2035 ICE engine ban.

Click here to read the op-ed.

The Virginia House of Delegates approved SEMA-supported legislation (H.B. 1378) to repeal the law tying the state to California’s motor-vehicle emissions standards. Under current law, sales of new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles will be banned starting in 2035. The bill now awaits consideration in the Virginia State Senate.

SEMA does not believe that the government—Virginia’s or California’s—should be choosing winners and losers in the automotive market. Virginians should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families.

Click here to tell Virginia lawmakers to repeal the internal combustion engine ban.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

To keep businesses in the restylers/accessory market up-to-date on programs and events available to their companies, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting a virtual general membership meeting, Tuesday, February 24, at 9:00 a.m. (PST).

General membership meetings are the ideal time to learn about what the council has planned for the year and get updated on programs available to help automotive restylers succeed in the marketplace. Participants will join members at large, connect with the select committee and tap into resources that address common challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket.

This is a can’t-miss event for those who want to expand their footprint in the restyling industry, as you’ll get to network, ask questions and learn how to maximize your PRO membership.

Click here for all the details and to RSVP so you don’t miss out.

Here’s another look at the ’24 Ford F-150, this time though we caught the top-tier Limited SuperCrew.

The ’21 F-150 debuted in June 2020 with all new looks, and now it’s that time again (just on the heels of the new Tundra). The Limited will have a revised front end with new headlights, grille and front fascia. Around back, the Limited should feature a revised tailgate (with optional multi-use feature), bumper and taillights. Inside, expect updates to the gauge cluster and center stack. This ’24 Limited also gains some new 22-in. rims along with what appears to be door handles with a different finish.

Power for the Limited is expected to come from the 3.5 L PowerBoost hybrid V6, but it’s still unknown if there will be upgrades to performance.

Expect an official debut in mid-2023.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

SEMA Show attendees and exhibitors can start making travel arrangements by taking advantage of the discounted airfare options available through the SEMA Show travel page.

SEMA Show organizers work with major air carriers to offer discounted airfare for exhibitors, attendees and media heading to the SEMA Show. Alaska, Delta and United are among the airlines offering up to 10% off on round-trip airfare to Las Vegas.

Each airline provides discounts for all Showgoers, whether they arrive a few days before the Show, or leave several days after. The valid travel dates that the discounts are available are below.

Travel Dates for Airfare Discounts

Alaska Airlines

• October 27, 2023–November 8, 2023
• Discount: 7% off published fares.
• Online Reservations: www.alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECME606
• Phone Reservations: Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435, a $15 per-person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations.

Delta Airlines

• October 25, 2023–November 8, 2023
• Discount: 5%–10%
• Online Reservations: www.delta.com and enter the Meeting Event Code NM2EE in the box provided on the “Book a Flight” page.
• For guidelines and questions, contact the Delta Meeting Network Desk at 1-800-328-2216 or at DeltaMeetingNetwork@delta.com.

United Airlines

• October 24, 2023–November 6, 2023
• Discount: 2%–10%
• Online Reservations: www.united.com and enter your offer code ZN38 in the Promotions and Certificates box when searching for your flights.
• Phone Reservations: United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122, provide them with the following information: Z Code: ZN38, Agreement Code: 978830. Note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone.

For rates, booking information, discount codes and additional details on airfare, visit the SEMA Show travel page.

The 2023 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth to secure booth space for the 2023 SEMA Show.

Complete information about the 2023 Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.   

In partnership with Honda, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 Honda Civic Type R, to be held February 28–March 2.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

This event will include a ’23 Honda Civic Type R equipped with:

• A 2.0L Turbo: 315 hp and 310 lb.-ft.
• Limited-slip differential
• 13.8-in. front rotors and 12-in. rear rotors
• 6MT with rev-matching
• Weighted aluminum shift knob
• Adaptive dampers
• Four drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, +R and a new Individual mode
• 19-in. alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
• LED headlights and taillights
• Rear spoiler
• Exhaust system features a straight through design and active exhaust valve
• Honda Sensing
• Type R-exclusive red racing seats and carpet
• 10.2-in. configurable digital instrument cluster
• 9-in. color touchscreen with navigation
• LogR Performance Datalogger
• 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless charging
• Sirius XM satellite radio
• Active sound control

Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage and will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Click here for event registration details.

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Auto-Body Technician
Canepa

Canepa is hiring an auto-body technician who is quality-minded, hardworking and dedicated to providing the highest level of workmanship in the industry. Candidates must have automotive experience, a minimum of four years of auto-body experience, referred knowledge of restoration style of bodywork, strong bodywork skills and early domestic and musclecar experience.

Advertising Sales Representative
Power Automedia

Power Automedia is hiring an advertising sales representative to assist and be part of a team of business development managers. This position will be responsible for prospecting new endemic and near-endemic brands, and nurturing accounts that are not currently part of the Power Automedia family, ideally building early relationships and coordinating opportunities with the BDMs in addition to managing some business in partnership with the BDMs. Candidates must be passionate automotive enthusiasts and have one or more years of experience in automotive media, marketing or aftermarket product sales.

Vehicle and Fuel Systems Calibration Engineer
Nostrum High Performance

Nostrum High Performance is hiring a vehicle and fuel systems calibration engineer responsible for calibrating vehicles, conducting product validation and regulatory compliance testing and supporting the release of calibration data packages. You will work with a variety of software and hardware tools and collaborate with the test engineering team to develop and release data packages. Candidates must have a B.S. in engineering or a similar science and have intimate knowledge of gasoline engine combustion systems, operation and controls.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

Avalanche Andretti Formula E Announces Partnership With NAGASE Group

Avalanche Andretti Formula E has announced an official partnership with NAGASE Group—a global leader in innovative products and solutions through its expertise in chemicals, plastics, electronics, automotive and life sciences—for the 2022/2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. NAGASE Group will be featured on both Avalanche Andretti Porsche 99X Electric entries throughout Season 9, making its first appearance at the upcoming CORE Diriyah E-Prix for Rounds 2 and 3 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

FIA Launches Applications for Prospective Formula 1 Teams

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has launched an application process to identify prospective teams seeking to participate at a competitive level in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

“For the first time ever, as part of the selection conditions, we are requesting that candidates set out how they would meet the FIA’s sustainability benchmarks and how they would make a positive societal impact through sport,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “The process is a logical extension of the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations from engine manufacturers, which has attracted Audi to Formula 1 and created interest among other potential entrants.”

For the first time ever, candidates are required to address how they would manage the sustainability challenge and how it plans to achieve a net-zero CO2 impact by 2030. In addition, prospective F1 teams would also need to illustrate how they intend to achieve a positive societal impact through participation in the sport. For more information, visit the FIA announcement here.

PROJECT X Named Official Lighting Partner of Ultra4 USA

PROJECT X has been named the official lighting partner of Ultra4 USA for the 2023 and 2024 race seasons. The marketing partnership is the first of its kind for PROJECT X, as it continues to expand their market to off-road motorsports fans and racers alike.

PROJECT X first began participating in Ultra4 USA in 2021, by putting its off-road lighting products to the ultimate test on brand ambassadors Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s and Loren Healy’s unlimited class race cars. Over the course of two race seasons, these Ultra4 USA applications have continued to prove their durability and performance and has spearheaded PROJECT X’s product development with the direct feedback of world-class drivers.

“We are excited to join forces with Ultra4 USA and support off-road motorsports on this level. At PROJECT X, we not only believe in supporting the off road community but being an active part in it. We look forward to a partnership that helps us grow the sport and connect with racers and enthusiasts for years to come.”, said Jared Chavez, director of brand development for PROJECT X.

NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion Leaders

NASCAR has honored advocates and trailblazers throughout the sport during its 15th annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards. Ten individuals and organizations who set an example by advocating for diversity and inclusion across NASCAR were honored during a ceremony in Los Angeles.

“We continue to make significant progress in increasing diversity and inclusion across our sport, a collective effort made possible thanks to those receiving awards today,” said NASCAR President Steve Phelps said. “Their contributions are helping drive our sport forward, and these awards celebrate the passion and commitment of leaders who are bolstering our efforts to build a more inclusive NASCAR culture.”

The 2023 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Award recipients included Chris Justice (Crew Member Award); Nick Sanchez (Developmental Series Driver Award); Jamie Little (Sam Belnavis Industry Ambassador Award); Sports Biz Camps (Institution Award); Daniel Suárez (National Series Driver Award); Susan Wong (Outstanding Intern Award); Advance Auto Parts (Partner Award); 23XI Racing (Team Award); Daytona International Speedway (Track Award); and Nathan Lyons (Young Racer Award).

For more information, visit nascar.com.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.