Compiled by SEMA Editors

Danny Thompson set a new land-speed record for a piston-powered vehicle in the Challenger 2 streamliner during Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Danny Thompson Sets Land Speed Record

Danny Thompson, son of legendary racer Mickey Thompson, set a new land-speed record for a piston-powered vehicle in the Challenger 2 streamliner during Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats utilizing Mickey Thompson Bonneville LSR tires. On August 11, Thompson clocked 446 mph, which was followed by a 450.909 run on August 14. His two-run average smashed his previous record average of 406.769 mph. In 1960, Mickey Thompson became the first American to exceed 400 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Travis Reeder swept to victory against Dylan Hughes in the Final, claiming the very first Formula DRIFT Link Pro 2 Championship win in St Louis.

Formula DRIFT Takes PRO and PRO 2 Categories to the New St. Louis Round for Return to Midwest

The 2018 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship and Link Pro 2 Championship headed to St Louis for Round Six: Advance Auto Parts Crossroads presented by Rain-X. Formula DRIFT brought both the Pro and Pro 2 categories; however, the drivers had to contend with a new track to learn and a storm that blew in last Friday afternoon, washing out the Pro 2 heats. The weekend schedule was rapidly revised for both the Pro and Pro 2 heats on Saturday.

View all the Pro Category finishers.

View all the Pro 2 Category finishers.

Round Seven of the 2018 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship and Round Three of the Formula DRIFT Link Pro 2 Championship take place in Dallas, September 14–15.

The Summit Racing/KB Racing partnership goes back to 2004, when Greg Anderson first competed under the Summit Racing banner; the company extended its sponsorship to Jason Line in 2005.

Summit Racing and KB Racing Sign Multi-Year Partnership

Summit Racing Equipment and KB Racing have announced a new multi-year partnership that extends Summit Racing’s sponsorship of NHRA Pro Stock racers Greg Anderson and Jason Line. The Summit Racing/KB Racing partnership goes back to 2004, when Anderson first competed under the Summit Racing banner; the company extended its sponsorship to Line in 2005. Together, the drivers have won six NHRA Pro Stock championships for Summit Racing—Anderson in 2004, 2005 and 2010; and Line in 2006, 2011 and 2016. Anderson remains first in the NHRA Pro Stock points standings heading into the 2018 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, August 16–19, in Brainerd, Minnesota. Line is in ninth place.

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

By Della Domingo

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One.

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One. Through the program, SEMA members can save up to 34% on next-day, second-day, three-day and commercial ground services, and up to 17% on residential ground service through UPS. Meridian One is available to help SEMA members identify the best program to meet their specific needs.

“There are so many shipping options that it’s possible for SEMA members to miss out on a program that may be offering greater discounts,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA membership director. “We’re pleased to have Meridian One manage the program and provide our members with a dedicated customer service team that knows and understands our industry’s shipping needs.”

“Meridian One is committed to helping SEMA members succeed and save money,” said Mickey Herbert, president and COO of Meridian One. “Our job is to align members’ needs and priorities with valuable programs they can trust.”

To learn more about the SEMA UPS program, visit, www.sema.org or call 1-800-MEMBERS.

By Della Domingo

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One.

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One. Through the program, SEMA members can save up to 34% on next-day, second-day, three-day and commercial ground services, and up to 17% on residential ground service through UPS. Meridian One is available to help SEMA members identify the best program to meet their specific needs.

“There are so many shipping options that it’s possible for SEMA members to miss out on a program that may be offering greater discounts,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA membership director. “We’re pleased to have Meridian One manage the program and provide our members with a dedicated customer service team that knows and understands our industry’s shipping needs.”

“Meridian One is committed to helping SEMA members succeed and save money,” said Mickey Herbert, president and COO of Meridian One. “Our job is to align members’ needs and priorities with valuable programs they can trust.”

To learn more about the SEMA UPS program, visit, www.sema.org or call 1-800-MEMBERS.

By Della Domingo

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One.

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One. Through the program, SEMA members can save up to 34% on next-day, second-day, three-day and commercial ground services, and up to 17% on residential ground service through UPS. Meridian One is available to help SEMA members identify the best program to meet their specific needs.

“There are so many shipping options that it’s possible for SEMA members to miss out on a program that may be offering greater discounts,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA membership director. “We’re pleased to have Meridian One manage the program and provide our members with a dedicated customer service team that knows and understands our industry’s shipping needs.”

“Meridian One is committed to helping SEMA members succeed and save money,” said Mickey Herbert, president and COO of Meridian One. “Our job is to align members’ needs and priorities with valuable programs they can trust.”

To learn more about the SEMA UPS program, visit, www.sema.org or call 1-800-MEMBERS.

By Della Domingo

With nearly 3,000 media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths.

Stay up-to-date on the latest 2018 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Find the most relevant news quickly and efficiently by sorting by type of announcement and/or market segment.

Below are some of the latest announcements found in the Online Media Center:

• REMA TIP TOP’S new Gooseneck Stitcher Is Designed to Improve Maneuverability and Reduce Stress and Fatigue
• Jeep Grand Cherokee TrackHawk and Dodge SUV Performance Header and Exhaust Kits From Kooks Headers
• Dual-Weave Interior Towels
• Daystar Dual Wheel Chock with 3-in. Plasma Rope
• ’07–’18 Jeep Wrangler JK 4-in. Lift Kit
• Extra-Large PFM Edgeless Drying Towel
• ’15–’18 Colorado/Canyon Leveling Kit
• Tuff Mudder High-Amp Alternators for Jeep Wrangler
• Borderless Design Provides Edge-to-Edge Absorbency
• Ensure Nothing But Supple Microfiber Touches Your Paint
• BrakeQuip Dealers Have the Adaptability to Provide Hose Assemblies for Your Custom Application
• Anderson Composites Introduces Carbon-Fiber Type-OE Hood for the ’18 Dodge Demon
• Ditch Hitch Is Serious About Vehicle Recovery Safety
• Focus Auto Design Inc. Releases Side Visors to Match Fender Flare
• HaulGauge Delivers Weight, Payload, Tongue Weight and More to Your Smart Phone via Bluetooth
• KISAE Expands Best-Selling Charger Lineup With Launch of DC-DC Models for RVs, Van Conversions and Off-Road
• HPS Performance ’04–’07 Subaru WRX STi 2.5L Turbo Black Shortram Air Intake and Heat Shield

Exhibitor Press releases can be found at www.semashow.com/press. Find all SEMA Show news at www.semashow.com/news.

All SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.

By Della Domingo

With nearly 3,000 media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths.

Stay up-to-date on the latest 2018 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Find the most relevant news quickly and efficiently by sorting by type of announcement and/or market segment.

Below are some of the latest announcements found in the Online Media Center:

• REMA TIP TOP’S new Gooseneck Stitcher Is Designed to Improve Maneuverability and Reduce Stress and Fatigue
• Jeep Grand Cherokee TrackHawk and Dodge SUV Performance Header and Exhaust Kits From Kooks Headers
• Dual-Weave Interior Towels
• Daystar Dual Wheel Chock with 3-in. Plasma Rope
• ’07–’18 Jeep Wrangler JK 4-in. Lift Kit
• Extra-Large PFM Edgeless Drying Towel
• ’15–’18 Colorado/Canyon Leveling Kit
• Tuff Mudder High-Amp Alternators for Jeep Wrangler
• Borderless Design Provides Edge-to-Edge Absorbency
• Ensure Nothing But Supple Microfiber Touches Your Paint
• BrakeQuip Dealers Have the Adaptability to Provide Hose Assemblies for Your Custom Application
• Anderson Composites Introduces Carbon-Fiber Type-OE Hood for the ’18 Dodge Demon
• Ditch Hitch Is Serious About Vehicle Recovery Safety
• Focus Auto Design Inc. Releases Side Visors to Match Fender Flare
• HaulGauge Delivers Weight, Payload, Tongue Weight and More to Your Smart Phone via Bluetooth
• KISAE Expands Best-Selling Charger Lineup With Launch of DC-DC Models for RVs, Van Conversions and Off-Road
• HPS Performance ’04–’07 Subaru WRX STi 2.5L Turbo Black Shortram Air Intake and Heat Shield

Exhibitor Press releases can be found at www.semashow.com/press. Find all SEMA Show news at www.semashow.com/news.

All SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.

By Della Domingo

With nearly 3,000 media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths.

Stay up-to-date on the latest 2018 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Find the most relevant news quickly and efficiently by sorting by type of announcement and/or market segment.

Below are some of the latest announcements found in the Online Media Center:

• REMA TIP TOP’S new Gooseneck Stitcher Is Designed to Improve Maneuverability and Reduce Stress and Fatigue
• Jeep Grand Cherokee TrackHawk and Dodge SUV Performance Header and Exhaust Kits From Kooks Headers
• Dual-Weave Interior Towels
• Daystar Dual Wheel Chock with 3-in. Plasma Rope
• ’07–’18 Jeep Wrangler JK 4-in. Lift Kit
• Extra-Large PFM Edgeless Drying Towel
• ’15–’18 Colorado/Canyon Leveling Kit
• Tuff Mudder High-Amp Alternators for Jeep Wrangler
• Borderless Design Provides Edge-to-Edge Absorbency
• Ensure Nothing But Supple Microfiber Touches Your Paint
• BrakeQuip Dealers Have the Adaptability to Provide Hose Assemblies for Your Custom Application
• Anderson Composites Introduces Carbon-Fiber Type-OE Hood for the ’18 Dodge Demon
• Ditch Hitch Is Serious About Vehicle Recovery Safety
• Focus Auto Design Inc. Releases Side Visors to Match Fender Flare
• HaulGauge Delivers Weight, Payload, Tongue Weight and More to Your Smart Phone via Bluetooth
• KISAE Expands Best-Selling Charger Lineup With Launch of DC-DC Models for RVs, Van Conversions and Off-Road
• HPS Performance ’04–’07 Subaru WRX STi 2.5L Turbo Black Shortram Air Intake and Heat Shield

Exhibitor Press releases can be found at www.semashow.com/press. Find all SEMA Show news at www.semashow.com/news.

All SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Inc. Magazine Ranks Kahn Media, Web River Group in the Inc. 5000

Inc. magazine has revealed that Kahn Media is No. 2,848 on its 37th annual Inc. 5000—a ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Web River Group, parent company of 4WheelOnline.com was ranked No. 4,242. The list represents a look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s small-business segment. The companies in the 2018 Inc. 5000 have been competitive within their markets, and have achieved a three-year average growth of 538.2%, and a median rate of 171.8%. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $206.1 billion in 2017, accounting for 664,095 jobs over the past three years. This announcement comes as Kahn Media is experiencing its 10th year in business, having recently been named the No. 1 PR agency in the region by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal and being selected as part of the Forbes Agency Council.

LIQUI MOLY to Become Official Sponsor of 2019 World Handball Championship

The German oil and additive specialist LIQUI MOLY is now the official sponsor of the World Handball Championship, which will take place in Denmark and Germany in January. During the 96 games of the world championship, the blue and red logo will be visible behind the goal and on the LED hoardings, among other places.

Rancho Jeep Wrangler JL Suspension System Passes Federal Rollover Safety Test

Engineered for versatile on- and off-road performance, the latest Rancho performance suspension system for the ’18 Jeep Wrangler JL recently met the requirements of the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 126–Electronic Stability Control Systems (FMVSS-126) test. The Rancho team tested an ’18 Jeep Wrangler JL that utilized a Rancho 4.5-in. crawler short-arm system, RS5000X shock absorbers, BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/AKO2 37/12.50/17 tires and Vision Nemesis 17-in. wheels. The Jeep JL testing took place at Arizona Proving Grounds in Wittman, Arizona, and was completed by Link Engineering Company of Dearborn, Michigan.

River City Rods & Fabrication will display a ’76 Ford GTB100 project truck in the Energy Suspension booth at the 2018 SEMA Show.

River City’s Build “El Chapo” Begins to Take Shape

Work is progressing on River City Rods & Fabrication’s ’76 Ford GTB100 project truck that’s headed to the Energy Suspension booth at the 2018 SEMA Show. A follow-up to the Davenport, Iowa, shop’s ’68 C30 camper project that took last year’s SEMA Show by storm, the GTB100 build recently passed two milestones—completion of its Roadster Shop chassis, and selection of the nickname “El Chapo,” which translates to “Shorty.” Currently, the crew is continuing fabrication work, even as it prepares to drop the retro-influenced Coyote engine into the turnkey chassis. One of the shops goals is to professionally represent the project’s cadre of manufacturer sponsors, which includes: Energy Suspension, PPG, ididit, Odyssey Battery, Performance Business Media, Painless Performance Products, Holley, Magnaflow, Wilwood, Thermo-Tec, Currie Enterprises, Precision Weatherstripping, Kicker, Falken Tires, Jalopy Hat Company, Aeromotive, Ridetech, 3M, White Diamond Detail Products, Coverking, Dakota Digital, Roadster Shop and Billet Specialties. The GTB100’s SEMA Show unveiling is set for Tuesday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m. in the Energy Suspension Booth #23267 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Rep. Posey (center) accepts an award from Doug Evans, SEMA’s immediate past-chair/secretary of the Board of Directors (left) and Chris Kersting, SEMA’s President and CEO.

U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-FL) is a former racer and has been one of SEMA’s strongest allies in Congress since he was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008. As the House co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance & Motorsports Caucus, SEMA works closely with Congressman Posey and his staff. This longstanding relationship dates back to Rep. Posey’s days in the Florida State Legislature, when SEMA worked with him to pass laws simplifying the process for titling and registering street rods, creating a new classification for custom vehicles and exempting vehicles that occasionally transport personal property to a motorsports facility from commercial motor carrier regulations.

Eddy Dunn (left), owner of Truck City Accessories, and Rick Podliska from Rep. Posey’s office outside of the company’s Melbourne, Florida, showroom.

Earlier this week, Rick Podliska, senior policy adviser to Rep. Posey, and Kyra Thomas, executive assistant, sat down with Eddy Dunn, owner of Truck City Accessories, at the company’s Melbourne, Florida, showroom. Established in 1993, Truck City Accessories retails and installs a wide variety of products for trucks, RVs and SUVs. Products range from bed caps, liners and extenders to hitches, grilles, running boards, lighting and exhaust systems, to name a few.

“It was a pleasure to host key members of Representative Posey’s staff at Truck City Accessories,” said Dunn. “As a small-business owner, I appreciated Rick and Kyra taking time to meet with me. We had a great discussion on the topics important to me and other SEMA members, including the current economy and our ability to gain access to the financing needed to continue growing our business.”

If you would like to host your member of Congress or their staff at your business, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Rep. Posey (center) accepts an award from Doug Evans, SEMA’s immediate past-chair/secretary of the Board of Directors (left) and Chris Kersting, SEMA’s President and CEO.

U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-FL) is a former racer and has been one of SEMA’s strongest allies in Congress since he was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008. As the House co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance & Motorsports Caucus, SEMA works closely with Congressman Posey and his staff. This longstanding relationship dates back to Rep. Posey’s days in the Florida State Legislature, when SEMA worked with him to pass laws simplifying the process for titling and registering street rods, creating a new classification for custom vehicles and exempting vehicles that occasionally transport personal property to a motorsports facility from commercial motor carrier regulations.

Eddy Dunn (left), owner of Truck City Accessories, and Rick Podliska from Rep. Posey’s office outside of the company’s Melbourne, Florida, showroom.

Earlier this week, Rick Podliska, senior policy adviser to Rep. Posey, and Kyra Thomas, executive assistant, sat down with Eddy Dunn, owner of Truck City Accessories, at the company’s Melbourne, Florida, showroom. Established in 1993, Truck City Accessories retails and installs a wide variety of products for trucks, RVs and SUVs. Products range from bed caps, liners and extenders to hitches, grilles, running boards, lighting and exhaust systems, to name a few.

“It was a pleasure to host key members of Representative Posey’s staff at Truck City Accessories,” said Dunn. “As a small-business owner, I appreciated Rick and Kyra taking time to meet with me. We had a great discussion on the topics important to me and other SEMA members, including the current economy and our ability to gain access to the financing needed to continue growing our business.”

If you would like to host your member of Congress or their staff at your business, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.