By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) continues to reach out to its members to see how they are adapting and rising above challenges in today’s changing landscape.

In a recent video submitted by ETTN Select Committee member Jonathan Mill, he shares his insights on how Alloy Studios has created new business opportunities by repurposing pre-recorded video content to produce new eCommerce social media packages for their clients. Take a look:

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN Member Insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You will also have the opportunity to be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.
Additional updates and resources are also available to assist ETTN members and their business at www.sema.org/coronavirus.

The Ford Mustang Bullitt is set to be sunset after the ’20 model year, and its replacement—the Mustang Mach 1—is set to arrive for 2021. These shots give the most comprehensive look at what to expect when the Mach 1 hits dealers.

This Mach 1 prototype wears thin camo front and rear and matches the recently teased shots of the Mach 1 even down to the rims. These shots get weird though on the inside. Where you’d expect to see a Mach 1 steering wheel logo sits a Bullitt badge. On top of that, the six-speed manual shift knob from the Bullitt is clearly visible. It’s assumed that these are just carryover parts used for the prototype, but it’s still interesting to see that they raided the Bullitt parts bin.

The Mustang Mach 1 will come equipped with the 5.0 (rumored by sources to be pushing 515hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque), and will feature a six-speed manual. It will launch for the ’21 model year. Expect an official debut near the end of 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford Mustang Bullitt is set to be sunset after the ’20 model year, and its replacement—the Mustang Mach 1—is set to arrive for 2021. These shots give the most comprehensive look at what to expect when the Mach 1 hits dealers.

This Mach 1 prototype wears thin camo front and rear and matches the recently teased shots of the Mach 1 even down to the rims. These shots get weird though on the inside. Where you’d expect to see a Mach 1 steering wheel logo sits a Bullitt badge. On top of that, the six-speed manual shift knob from the Bullitt is clearly visible. It’s assumed that these are just carryover parts used for the prototype, but it’s still interesting to see that they raided the Bullitt parts bin.

The Mustang Mach 1 will come equipped with the 5.0 (rumored by sources to be pushing 515hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque), and will feature a six-speed manual. It will launch for the ’21 model year. Expect an official debut near the end of 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford Mustang Bullitt is set to be sunset after the ’20 model year, and its replacement—the Mustang Mach 1—is set to arrive for 2021. These shots give the most comprehensive look at what to expect when the Mach 1 hits dealers.

This Mach 1 prototype wears thin camo front and rear and matches the recently teased shots of the Mach 1 even down to the rims. These shots get weird though on the inside. Where you’d expect to see a Mach 1 steering wheel logo sits a Bullitt badge. On top of that, the six-speed manual shift knob from the Bullitt is clearly visible. It’s assumed that these are just carryover parts used for the prototype, but it’s still interesting to see that they raided the Bullitt parts bin.

The Mustang Mach 1 will come equipped with the 5.0 (rumored by sources to be pushing 515hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque), and will feature a six-speed manual. It will launch for the ’21 model year. Expect an official debut near the end of 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford Mustang Bullitt is set to be sunset after the ’20 model year, and its replacement—the Mustang Mach 1—is set to arrive for 2021. These shots give the most comprehensive look at what to expect when the Mach 1 hits dealers.

This Mach 1 prototype wears thin camo front and rear and matches the recently teased shots of the Mach 1 even down to the rims. These shots get weird though on the inside. Where you’d expect to see a Mach 1 steering wheel logo sits a Bullitt badge. On top of that, the six-speed manual shift knob from the Bullitt is clearly visible. It’s assumed that these are just carryover parts used for the prototype, but it’s still interesting to see that they raided the Bullitt parts bin.

The Mustang Mach 1 will come equipped with the 5.0 (rumored by sources to be pushing 515hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque), and will feature a six-speed manual. It will launch for the ’21 model year. Expect an official debut near the end of 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford Mustang Bullitt is set to be sunset after the ’20 model year, and its replacement—the Mustang Mach 1—is set to arrive for 2021. These shots give the most comprehensive look at what to expect when the Mach 1 hits dealers.

This Mach 1 prototype wears thin camo front and rear and matches the recently teased shots of the Mach 1 even down to the rims. These shots get weird though on the inside. Where you’d expect to see a Mach 1 steering wheel logo sits a Bullitt badge. On top of that, the six-speed manual shift knob from the Bullitt is clearly visible. It’s assumed that these are just carryover parts used for the prototype, but it’s still interesting to see that they raided the Bullitt parts bin.

The Mustang Mach 1 will come equipped with the 5.0 (rumored by sources to be pushing 515hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque), and will feature a six-speed manual. It will launch for the ’21 model year. Expect an official debut near the end of 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NASCAR has announced the next installment of events in its return to racing, featuring races at Pocono Raceway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Announces Next Installment in Return to Racing Schedule

NASCAR has announced the next installment of events in its return to racing, featuring races at Pocono Raceway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway. FOX will close out its NASCAR Cup Series season with the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Wednesday, July 15), while the NASCAR Xfinity Series season on FOX platforms will conclude at Kentucky Speedway (Friday, July 10). In turn, NASCAR welcomes back NBC for its sixth consecutive year of coverage when the NASCAR Xfinity Series (Saturday, July 4) and NASCAR Cup Series (Sunday, July 5) returns to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the Fourth of July weekend. NBC will carry coverage of the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series through the balance of the season, including the new playoffs schedule that is currently scheduled to culminate with the crowning of three NASCAR national series champions at Phoenix Raceway in November. The third installment of the 2020 schedule can be found on NASCAR's website.

52nd SCORE Baja 500 Not in July Due to Coronavirus

Following further review with Government Authorities regarding the conditions in Ensenada under the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) Stoplight Monitoring System activated in Mexico as of June 1, SCORE International has announced that the 52nd SCORE Baja 500 will not take place as scheduled, July 14-19. SCORE International will provide information regarding the 2020 SCORE World Desert Championship schedule as soon as possible while continuing to work with Municipal, State and Federal authorities in monitoring the very fluid health and safety conditions in Baja California. For additional information, visit www.score-international.com.

NHRA Announces Revised Schedule for Pro Mod, Top Fuel Harley, Factory Stock Showdown and Mountain Motor Pro Stock

After announcing a revised Mello Yello Drag Racing Series national event schedule last week, NHRA officials have announced the schedules for the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by J&A Service, the Mickey Thompson Tires NHRA Top Fuel Harley Series, the SAMTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown Series and the Mountain Motor Pro Stock category. The revised schedule will consist of 12 total events for Pro Mod, 10 total events for Top Fuel Harley (the category participated in the first two national events of the season), eight events for Factory Stock Showdown and four events for Mountain Motor Pro Stock. For the full schedule, visit the NHRA website.

Indy Lights Schedule on Hiatus Until 2021

INDYCAR and Andersen Promotions announced that Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires competition will be deferred until 2021 following a joint meeting to address several variables affecting the 2020 calendar. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and modifications to the INDYCAR race calendar as a result, multiple companion events were canceled for the series, rendering the 2020 season no longer viable. For more information, visit www.indylights.com.

The JEGS Allstars competition will take place this year at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.

JEGS Allstars Competition to Take Place at U.S. Nationals in 2020

The JEGS Allstars competition will take place this year at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. The special event, originally scheduled to take place at its traditional site at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, was moved after that event had to be canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Competitors in Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Top Dragster, and Top Sportsman will compete for a share of the $124,000 purse. Event sponsor JEGS has also offered a double-up bonus to racers who win the JEGS Allstars and Sunday’s U.S. Nationals title in the same category. Each of the winning team members will share in a $20,000 bonus from JEGS Mail Order.

Masters Of Motors Dyno Competition Postponed

JE Pistons has announced that this year’s Masters of Motors dyno competition has been postponed to 2021 due to health concerns related to the coronavirus. Organizers previously announced the event would feature two classes, the ARP Early Iron Class and the Holley Performance Everyman’s LS Class.

Bondurant High Performance Driving School—which reopens Sunday, June 14—announced plans for an extensive track and facility expansion.

Bondurant Driving School Launches Track Expansion

Bondurant High Performance Driving School—which reopens Sunday, June 14—announced plans for an extensive track and facility expansion, marking the first time in 30 years that the Chandler, Arizona, facility will undergo a transformation of the scale. Phase One of the renovation includes upgrades to the classrooms, welcome center, student lounge and gift shop. It also includes the expansion of the school’s event center for corporate events, group outings, and celebrations. Phase Two of the project includes pulverizing and resurfacing the 1.6-mile road course. Enhancements are also being made to the school’s basic training area, which doubles as a site for regional car shows and other outdoor events. Added health and safety precautions for guests have also been announced, including social distancing measures during all indoor and track instruction, hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility, and complete cleaning and sanitation of both the interior and exterior of all cars prior to use. The summer schedule opens with the Advanced Formula Road Racing course featuring the school’s newest fleet—Ligier JS F4 open wheel race cars.

Formula DRIFT Updates 2020 Schedule

Formula DRIFT has announced a further revision to its 2020 championship schedule. This takes into consideration the ongoing delays and numerous issues related to the national COVID-19 recovery.  

• World Wide Technology Raceway – PRO round 1 & 2, PRO2 round 1: September 4-6
• Evergreen Speedway – PRO round 3 & 4, PRO2 round 2: September 25-27
• Texas Motor Speedway  – PRO round 5 & 6, PRO2 round 3: October 16-18
• Irwindale Speedway  – PRO round 7 & 8, PRO2 round 4: November 20-22

The 2020 Formula DRIFT PRO and PRO2 Championships kicks off on September 4-6 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Visit the Formula DRIFT website for a full statement from Jim Liaw, president of Formula DRIFT.

Quinn Houff will pilot the Permatex StarCom Racing #00 Camaro.

Permatex Kicks Off 2020 NASCAR Program With StarCom Racing at Martinsville Speedway

Permatex has announced that the company will kick off its 2020 NASCAR Program during the Blue Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500 on June 10. The #00 Permatex-sponsored Chevrolet Camaro will make its 2020 NASCAR Cup Series debut with StarCom Racing at Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia. The race, which will be the first Cup night race in the 73-year history of The Half-Mile of Mayhem, will be run without fans in attendance and broadcast nationally on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on June 10 at 7:00 p.m. (EDT). The 2020 season marks the second consecutive season that Permatex has sponsored a StarCom Racing car. The car will be piloted by driver Quin Houff.

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

By Linda Spencer

Join SEMA for an upcoming webinar, entitled “International Sales: Brand Protection Abroad”—the second in the series of Exporting Best Practices. In this one-hour session, experts will review a best practices checklist to protect your trademarks and patents abroad.

On June 17, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), SEMA Vice President, Government and Legal Affairs Daniel Ingber will moderate the panel with Curtiss Dossier, partner at Knobbe Martens and David Abrahams, associate at Webster, Chamberlain & Bean. The IPR attorneys will offer professional advice how to grow your export sales while taking necessary steps to protect your brand and identity from overseas infringers.

Register now!

By Linda Spencer

Join SEMA for an upcoming webinar, entitled “International Sales: Brand Protection Abroad”—the second in the series of Exporting Best Practices. In this one-hour session, experts will review a best practices checklist to protect your trademarks and patents abroad.

On June 17, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), SEMA Vice President, Government and Legal Affairs Daniel Ingber will moderate the panel with Curtiss Dossier, partner at Knobbe Martens and David Abrahams, associate at Webster, Chamberlain & Bean. The IPR attorneys will offer professional advice how to grow your export sales while taking necessary steps to protect your brand and identity from overseas infringers.

Register now!

Compiled by SEMA Editors

On May 20, Turn 14 Distribution signed a definitive agreement under which Turn 14 Distribution acquired substantially all of Motovicity’s assets.

Turn 14 Distribution Welcomes Former Motovicity Distribution Staff

Turn 14 Distribution has hired several members of the Motovicity Distribution staff to its team after its recent acquisition of the Michigan-based warehouse distributor. The new hires include staff in sales, purchasing, customer support and marketing.

“Turn 14 Distribution has been and still is committed to the retention and re-hire of the team that was in place at Motovicity Distribution. To date, 100% of the previous staff were contacted by Turn 14 Distribution’s human resources department. Eighty-one percent of the staff were given offers of employment, and 27% have committed as of this writing, with more commitments expected,” said Beth Haley, director of human resources, Turn 14 Distribution.

On May 20, Turn 14 Distribution signed a definitive agreement under which Turn 14 Distribution acquired substantially all of Motovicity’s assets. This transaction marks Turn 14 Distribution’s first asset purchase agreement since its formation in 2007. Moving forward, Motovicity’s operations will cease, and the company will operate exclusively under the name Turn 14 Distribution.

Kyle Fickler

Kyle Fickler Named Director of Sales and New Business Development for Driven Racing Oil

Driven Racing Oil has hired Kyle Fickler as its director of sales and new business development. Fickler will oversee sales, new business development, customer relations and training. Fickler’s industry experience includes director of business development for Aeromotive, vice president of sales and marketing at Weld Racing, two consecutive terms on the SEMA Board of Directors and is currently the SEMA treasurer. He also served as the chairman of the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturer Council (MPMC) and was on the NHRA Performance Aftermarket Advisory Council (PAAC). Fickler is a lifelong, passionate motorsports enthusiast with multiple NHRA wins in his Super Comp dragster, including his most recent 2019 NHRA National Event win at Heartland Motorsports. 

Mil-Spec’s new facility is outfitted with expanded manufacturing capacity with more work bays to meet increased demand.

Mil-Spec Automotive Unveils State-of-the-Art 3.5-Acre Michigan Headquarters

Now fully operational, Mil-Spec Automotive has officially completed the development and renovation of a brand-new, state-of-the-art 37,944-sq.-ft. facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. To celebrate, Mil-Spec Automotive is showcasing the facility while unveiling some of its newest custom H1 and F-150 creations. On the production side, the new facility is outfitted with expanded manufacturing capacity with more work bays to meet increased demand. A new modern 5,640-sq.-ft. showroom space will also display finished vehicles for clients.

In addition, the company recently launched a new series of F-150 trucks to join the ranks of its H1 custom builds. More vehicle projects are on the way as the Mil-Spec Automotive team continues expanding into other platforms while increasing production. As part of the new headquarters unveiling, Mil-Spec Automotive is also showcasing a pair of H1 Hummer designs currently in-stock and available. Part of the Mil-Spec Automotive Launch Edition series, the two new bespoke trucks showcased feature increased power plants that include 500hp/1,000 lb.-ft. with LBZ 6.6L Duramax diesel engines mated to Allison six-speed automatic transmissions.

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.