Compiled by SEMA Editors

Several motorsports facilities and tracks across the nation announced plans to reopen and host race events, while following recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Race Tracks Announce Plans to Open Gates

Several motorsports facilities and tracks across the nation announced plans to reopen and host race events, while following recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). SEMA has also released a Coronavirus Updates & Resources page.

California
Perris Auto Speedway
Perris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian has announced the half-mile clay oval will open its 2020 season on May 23, with the annual “Salute to Indy” event featuring the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series. The track will also open for private practice sessions as soon as May 2. For more information on the practice sessions and its guidelines, visit here. For more information, visit www.perrisautospeedway.com.

Georgia
Gresham Motorsports Park
Local drivers can schedule a private practice session at Gresham Motorsports Park in accordance with up-to-date social distancing regulations. To schedule a session, contact info@racegmp.com. Additionally, Gresham Motorsports Park has delayed the Peach State Classic until October 23-25. For more information, visit www.racegmp.com.

Iowa
Knoxville Raceway
Officials have announced the Knoxville Raceway season opener is set for Saturday, May 16. For more information, visit www.knoxvilleraceway.com.

North Carolina
Tri-County Race Track
The Schaeffer’s Oil Tarheel Invitational presented by PitStopUSA.com, a 40-lap Super Late Model event, is scheduled to take place April 30 without fans in attendance. Track officials have contacted local authorities for approval to run the event. For more information, visit www.tricountyracetrack.net.

Ohio
Brushcreek Motorsports Complex
In close consultation with local officials and stringent adherence to state guidelines, including executive orders from Governor Mike Dewine, Brushcreek Motorsports Complex in Peebles, Ohio, will host its 20th annual season-opening event on Saturday, May 9, featuring UMP-style late models, modifieds, Legend cars and more. Although no spectators will be allowed in the grandstands, the BMC website has information on extremely limited trackside parking. Participants will be limited with carefully placed parking areas a recommended distance away. Fans are encouraged to support the track and the industry by tuning into the broadcast on Pit Row TV. For more information, including the government regulations that will be implemented on race day, visit www.brushcreekmotorsports.com.

Tennessee
Four Eastern Tennessee dirt track owners, Mitch McCarter (411 Speedway), Roger Sellers (Smoky Mountain Speedway), Gary Hall (Tazewell Speedway) and Landon Stallard (Volunteer Speedway) have agreed on a revised schedule of events for the 2020 season. The calendar opens Saturday, May 2, at 411 with a $2,500-to-win Topless Outlaws event. An open practice will also be held at Tazewell the same night. The following week, Tazewell and Volunteer will host their respective weekly racing series. For more information and the complete schedules, visit here or visit www.411motorspeedway.net.

South Carolina
Cherokee Speedway
The inaugural Palmetto Invitational paying $10,000-to-win Super Late Model event is set to take place on May 2. Fans can watch the pay-per-view race on Speed51.com, as no spectators will be allowed in the stands. The track will also host closed practice sessions. For more information, visit www.cherokeespeedwaysc.com.

Darlington Dragway
Darlington Dragway, with permission from the South Carolina Department of Commerce, will hold test sessions under strict guidelines, as reported by Drag Illustrated. Guidelines include social distancing, temperature checks, and no spectators. Deputies will be on hand to ensure the guidelines are followed. For more information, visit www.racedarlingtondragway.com.

Wisconsin
Slinger Super Speedway
Although some events through May have been canceled, Slinger Super Speedway plans to return to racing May 17, when Super Late Models will take to the track, followed by the EH Wolf & Sons Memorial Day Spectacular on May 24. For more information, visit www.slingersuperspeedway.com.

Terry McMillen and the AMALIE Motor Oil team was crowned the inaugural VRHRA Top Fuel champion.

Terry McMillen Wins VRHRA Championship

Born the day after the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals was postponed, the Virtual Reality Drag Racing Association (VRHRA) was the brainchild of CompetitionPlus.com founder and publisher Bobby Bennett and his staff. The goal was a four-race fan vote series. Soon after the beginning of this endeavor Bennett contracted COVID-19 and his staff pressed on running the events and eventually crowning Terry McMillen and the AMALIE Motor Oil team the inaugural VRHRA Top Fuel champion. The events netted a total in excess of 1.1 million fan votes and McMillen garnered the lion share throughout the series advancing to three final rounds, winning twice and picking up two No. 1 qualifiers. With the win in the series finale, McMillen locked up his second win and the series championship. He nudged out Kalitta Motorsports Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon in the final round for the race victory. It was his second round win over No. 1 qualifier Justin Ashley that clinched the inaugural Top Fuel crown. McMillen and his Amalie Motor Oil team continue to work in their shop preparing for the conclusion of the NHRA season currently scheduled to restart the first weekend of June with the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

NASCAR Teams May Return To Work, Deemed “Essential”

NASCAR’s North Carolina-based teams may be able to return to work soon, as announced by State Governor Roy Cooper during a press conference earlier this week. Although the state's stay-at-home order has been extended through May 8, Gov. Cooper said that it was his understanding that NASCAR teams were allowed to remain open under the current state executive order. Gov. Cooper also announced he is in discussions with NASCAR officials, track owners and team owners in regard to the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day weekend. There is a possibility for the race to commence without fans, but an official announcement will be made "pretty soon." For the latest NASCAR schedule, visit www.nascar.com.

SCORE Revises 2020 SCORE World Desert Championship Schedule

Adjusting to the changing times, SCORE International has announced further revisions of its 2020 racing schedule with new race dates for the first two events. The three rounds of the revised 2020 SCORE World Desert Championship will start with a new date for the SCORE Baja 500 (July 14–19), a new date for the SCORE San Felipe 250 (September 22-27) and the previously announced season-ending SCORE Baja 1000 (November 17-22). For additional information, visit the SCORE website at www.score-international.com.

SpeedVideo.com to Broadcast Of Winter Meltdown 5 No-Prep Shootout

Speedvideo will broadcast the Winter Meltdown 5 No-Prep Shootout, December 4-5, 2020. According to Winter Meltdown 5 organizer Matt Plotkin of Project X Promotions, this will be a true no-prep event that will challenge both drivers and tuners to navigate the track. Winter Meltdown 5 will feature Big Tire, Small Tire, True Street, King of the Tailgate, Full-Size Truck, 6.0 Index, 7.0 Index, and Junior Dragsters classes. Speedvideo.com will broadcast Winter Meltdown to annual or monthly subscribers.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Hagerty Launches Grant Program to Help Automotive Enthusiast Businesses Recover From COVID-19 Economic Slow-Down

Hagerty has announced the launch of its “Restore the Roar” grant initiative to help jumpstart U.S.-based enthusiast vehicle restoration shops, specialty parts manufacturers and other related businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 economic decline. Applications are available online and due by May 4. Grants will range from $5,000–$10,000 and be awarded in mid-May.

To be considered for the Hagerty "Restore the Roar" small business grants, a business must:

• Be independently owned and operated.
• Have fewer than 20 employees.
• Have annual revenue less than $5 million.
• Be 50 percent focused on the collectible and enthusiast vehicle industry.
• Demonstrate need based on the crisis’ impact on business.
• Demonstrate how the funds will be used.

For full qualification details and to access the grant application, visit Hagerty’s Restore the Roar website.

Ashley Khan

ITW Permatex Names Ashley Khan as Marketing Manager

Permatex has named Ashley Khan marketing manager for the Permatex and Versachem portfolio of products. Paco Agrafojo, Permatex director of marketing, made the announcement and noted that Khan will be based in Hartford, Connecticut, and lead a team of brand marketers in the Permatex Engine Repair Group. Khan joins Permatex in her third role with Illinois Tool Works, most recently serving as the brand marketing manager for Permatex Canada Inc., where she managed the company’s Rain-X, Slime, Fix-A-Flat, Black Magic and Gumout brands. Prior to joining Permatex Canada in 2016, Khan held a variety of roles at several advertising agencies and domestic and internationally integrated advertising campaigns for Fortune 500 brands, including General Motors, State Farm and Dell.

Kustom Built Cars Offers Graduates a Chance to Learn Auto Restoration

Kustom Built Cars is once again offering free restoration workshops for five individuals age 18–25 who are interested in careers in the automotive restoration industry. The company specializes in teaching a variety of techniques under the guidance of a professional car builder, providing students the chance to learn and work hands-on, building a custom car from start to finish in a real working hot rod shop. To qualify, submit a 2-5-minute video clip of why you want to learn the trade and what type of job you'll pursue in the industry. The deadline to apply is July 15. The company will choose the five individuals for the workshops that begin August 5. To submit your video, complete the form at www.kustombuiltcars.com/video.

Yamaha Motorsports Launches “Deliver Your Ride” Program

Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, launched an all-new “Deliver Your Ride” program supporting Yamaha dealers that are able to complete vehicle purchases remotely and then deliver the product directly to customers. The new program includes ATV, side-by-side, motorcycle, and snowmobile products, and is available nationwide wherever dealers can legally and safely participate. The new Deliver Your Ride initiative was announced to Yamaha dealers on April 17, as a temporary program and Yamaha is working with dealers to assist with the implementation. Interested customers can contact their local Yamaha dealer or visit www.yamahamotorsports.com to determine availability in their area. This is a voluntary program and Yamaha is encouraging each dealer to determine the feasibility based on their local laws and capabilities.

Design Engineering Inc. Celebrates 25 Years

Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) is celebrating 25 years of sales, service and support of heat and sound control products. Founded in 1995 by performance industry veteran Dale Markley and his wife Nancy, DEI has designed and created “thermal tuning products” for the racing and performance aftermarket, as well as related industries such as aviation, powersports, marine and even locomotive. DEI is also known for its “build-to-spec" contract work for commercial, industrial and military-related businesses, along with myriad other industries. DEI won a SEMA Best New Performance-Racing product award in 2003 for its introduction of CryO2.

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.

It’s not too late to apply for a 2020 SEMA Show booth. The online Exhibitor Services Manual contains all of the resources pertinent to a successful exhibit at the SEMA Show. To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Simply click the buttons to the left to see the products and services available. 

It’s not too late to apply for a 2020 SEMA Show booth. The online Exhibitor Services Manual contains all of the resources pertinent to a successful exhibit at the SEMA Show. To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Simply click the buttons to the left to see the products and services available. 

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By SEMA Editors

John Evankovich	Ted Wentz III

SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the 2020 SEMA Board of Directors election. To assure your election-specific broadcast email arrives safely in your inbox on May 12, 2020, simply add the following email address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.  

If you do not receive your election email by May 12, 2020, please check your spam filter or junk mail folder. If you do not find it there, contact support@directvote.net.

The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Distributors/Retailers Category (one open seat):

• John Evankovich – Director, Sam’s Club
• Ted Wentz III – CEO, Quadratec, Inc.

The winner will be announced by May 29.

Get to know more about at JohnEvankovich and Ted Wentz III at www.sema.org/2020-bod-candidates.

By SEMA Editors

John Evankovich	Ted Wentz III

SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the 2020 SEMA Board of Directors election. To assure your election-specific broadcast email arrives safely in your inbox on May 12, 2020, simply add the following email address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.  

If you do not receive your election email by May 12, 2020, please check your spam filter or junk mail folder. If you do not find it there, contact support@directvote.net.

The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Distributors/Retailers Category (one open seat):

• John Evankovich – Director, Sam’s Club
• Ted Wentz III – CEO, Quadratec, Inc.

The winner will be announced by May 29.

Get to know more about at JohnEvankovich and Ted Wentz III at www.sema.org/2020-bod-candidates.

By Della Domingo

The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO).

Automotive aftermarket manufacturers seeking to develop products during “stay-at-home” orders can tap into several exclusive SEMA-member benefits that lend themselves to physical distancing. Available throughout the year and popular amongst SEMA manufacturing members, these benefits may prove even more valuable given the current landscape:

• Vehicles in Operations (VIO): The SEMA-member VIO program helps companies make informed decisions by understanding the number of target vehicles currently on the road for any make or model. The information is key to helping members identify the vehicle platforms that have the greatest opportunities, develop a strategic distribution strategy and target their marketing. To learn more, click here. 
• Tech Transfer/CAD Data: Computer Aided Design (CAD) data from automakers is available exclusively to SEMA-member manufacturers to assist with developing products quickly, accurately and efficiently. Through the SEMA Tech Transfer Program, members may be able to eliminate the need to source, disassemble and digitally create CAD models. More than 40,000 CAD files are already in the library and available to use, and additional data may be available through supplemental 3D scanning from the SEMA Garage. Click here for details about the Tech Transfer Program.
• Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing: When members have completed design for their aftermarket products, they may want to create a low-cost prototype before going into full production. SEMA’s 3D printing is available. Use of the machine and labor is available free of charge, and members simply pay for the cost of material. Click here for additional information about SEMA’s Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing Services.
• EO Preparation and Advocacy Services: The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO). Expert staff will help members review their products to determine what may be required to obtain an EO, assist with the application process and even interact with CARB on behalf of members. Details can be found here.

To learn more about how manufacturers can tap into resources to help with product development and other benefits, visit the SEMA website.

By Della Domingo

The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO).

Automotive aftermarket manufacturers seeking to develop products during “stay-at-home” orders can tap into several exclusive SEMA-member benefits that lend themselves to physical distancing. Available throughout the year and popular amongst SEMA manufacturing members, these benefits may prove even more valuable given the current landscape:

• Vehicles in Operations (VIO): The SEMA-member VIO program helps companies make informed decisions by understanding the number of target vehicles currently on the road for any make or model. The information is key to helping members identify the vehicle platforms that have the greatest opportunities, develop a strategic distribution strategy and target their marketing. To learn more, click here. 
• Tech Transfer/CAD Data: Computer Aided Design (CAD) data from automakers is available exclusively to SEMA-member manufacturers to assist with developing products quickly, accurately and efficiently. Through the SEMA Tech Transfer Program, members may be able to eliminate the need to source, disassemble and digitally create CAD models. More than 40,000 CAD files are already in the library and available to use, and additional data may be available through supplemental 3D scanning from the SEMA Garage. Click here for details about the Tech Transfer Program.
• Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing: When members have completed design for their aftermarket products, they may want to create a low-cost prototype before going into full production. SEMA’s 3D printing is available. Use of the machine and labor is available free of charge, and members simply pay for the cost of material. Click here for additional information about SEMA’s Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing Services.
• EO Preparation and Advocacy Services: The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO). Expert staff will help members review their products to determine what may be required to obtain an EO, assist with the application process and even interact with CARB on behalf of members. Details can be found here.

To learn more about how manufacturers can tap into resources to help with product development and other benefits, visit the SEMA website.

By Della Domingo

The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO).

Automotive aftermarket manufacturers seeking to develop products during “stay-at-home” orders can tap into several exclusive SEMA-member benefits that lend themselves to physical distancing. Available throughout the year and popular amongst SEMA manufacturing members, these benefits may prove even more valuable given the current landscape:

• Vehicles in Operations (VIO): The SEMA-member VIO program helps companies make informed decisions by understanding the number of target vehicles currently on the road for any make or model. The information is key to helping members identify the vehicle platforms that have the greatest opportunities, develop a strategic distribution strategy and target their marketing. To learn more, click here. 
• Tech Transfer/CAD Data: Computer Aided Design (CAD) data from automakers is available exclusively to SEMA-member manufacturers to assist with developing products quickly, accurately and efficiently. Through the SEMA Tech Transfer Program, members may be able to eliminate the need to source, disassemble and digitally create CAD models. More than 40,000 CAD files are already in the library and available to use, and additional data may be available through supplemental 3D scanning from the SEMA Garage. Click here for details about the Tech Transfer Program.
• Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing: When members have completed design for their aftermarket products, they may want to create a low-cost prototype before going into full production. SEMA’s 3D printing is available. Use of the machine and labor is available free of charge, and members simply pay for the cost of material. Click here for additional information about SEMA’s Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing Services.
• EO Preparation and Advocacy Services: The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO). Expert staff will help members review their products to determine what may be required to obtain an EO, assist with the application process and even interact with CARB on behalf of members. Details can be found here.

To learn more about how manufacturers can tap into resources to help with product development and other benefits, visit the SEMA website.