Formula DRIFT has announced that Vice President Ryan Sage will assume the role of president of Formula DRIFT Holdings, LLC, as Jim Liaw moves to his new position at Performance Racing Industry (PRI). Liaw will remain a Formula DRIFT board member, focusing on the company’s international and Federation relationships, including the FIA Drifting Commission. Sage, who co-founded Formula DRIFT with Liaw, has served as vice president since 2004.
The 2021 Formula DRIFT season continues on the Streets of Long Beach, September 17–18, for Round 7 of the FD PRO Championship. Both the PRO and Link ECU PROSPEC Championship teams will then converge on the House of Drift—Irwindale Speedway—October 22–23 for the season finale.
VP Racing Fuels Expands With Behrent’s Performance Warehouse
VP Racing Fuels has announced the expansion of its product line with Behrent’s Performance Warehouse in Florida, New York. Customers may now purchase an expanded selection of VP Racing Fuels, including several grades of motor oils and lubricants, through Behrent’s Performance Warehouse at 38 Meadow Rd., Florida, NY 10921, or behrents.com/brand/vp-racing-fuel.asp.
Maxxsonics USA is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Maxxsonics USA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Founded in 2001 by a handful of consumer/mobile electronics veterans, Maxxsonics USA is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The company started as a “mobile-only” business and expanded its horizons into marine, then UTV and off-road. Over the last two decades, Maxxsonics USA has grown from a small, single-digit employee-size company to a larger middle-size company that has now expanded into Arizona. A growing product selection and ongoing presence at events and trade shows have increased visibility and popularity across the entire family of audio brands, which now include MB Quart, Hifonics, Crunch, and Autotek. From Jeep Beach to Sand Sports Super Show, and the SEMA Show to Overland Expo, Maxxsonics USA continues to expand awareness and exposure of the newest products and offerings where the industry and lifestyle demands.
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.
Tommy Johnson Jr. went 3.926 seconds at 330.23 mph in the 11,000-
hp Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, taking out John Force’s 3.946
in a side-by-side duel in the final round.
T. Johnson Jr., B. Torrence, Anderson and S. Johnson All Win MOPAR Express Lane NHRA Nationals Presented by Pennzoil
Filling in for defending world champ Matt Hagan, Funny Car veteran Tommy Johnson Jr. picked up a win last Sunday, powering to the victory at the 36th annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Maple Grove Raceway. Billy Torrence (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won at the 14th of 20 races during the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the first race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
With Hagan recovering from COVID-19, Johnson stepped in for his Don Schumacher Racing teammate at last week’s U.S. Nationals and this weekend’s playoff stop at Maple Grove Raceway. He went 3.926 seconds at 330.23 mph in the 11,000hp Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, taking out John Force’s 3.946 in a side-by-side duel in the final round.
In Top Fuel, Torrence turned in a 3.720 at 326.08 in his 11,000hp Capco Contractors dragster in the final round to knock off Justin Ashley. Torrence made a huge jump in points, moving from eighth to third on the strength of his second win this season and eighth in his career.
In Pro Stock, Anderson tied NHRA legend Warren Johnson for the most wins in class history, picking up his 97th career win with a victory over defending world champ Erica Enders in the final round. Anderson went 6.578 at 208.30 in the finals to beat Enders and earn his third victory of the season.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, S. Johnson finds himself in the points lead for the first time in seven years after beating Eddie Krawiec in the final round on his Mac Rak/Slick 50 Suzuki with a run of 6.775 at 196.87.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns September 17–19, with the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte.
NASCAR Announces Hall Of Fame Class of 2021
The NASCAR Hall of Fame and NASCAR have announced the inductees for the Class of 2021, the 12th class inducted into the program since its inception in 2010. The first class with three members instead of five comprises Dale Earnhardt Jr., Red Farmer and Mike Stefanik. The induction of this class brings the Hall’s total number of racing legends to 58. Additionally, Ralph Seagraves will be honored with the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.
The Class of 2021 Induction Ceremony will take place in Charlotte, Friday, January 21, 2022, as part of a three-day special program set for Thursday, January 20–Saturday, January 22. Tickets to the Class of 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Weekend events go on sale to the general public on Thursday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit nascarhall.com.
Don Prudhomme
Don Prudhomme, Richard Shute Named Texas Motorplex Legends
Iconic drag racer Don Prudhomme and award-winning drag-racing photographer Richard Shute will be recognized as Texas Motorplex Legends during the opening ceremonies of the 36th annual Texas NHRA Fall Nationals. Prudhomme won the Fall Nationals three times including a Funny Car title in 1989, Top Fuel in 1991 and his final professional Top Fuel win was recorded at the 1994 Fall Nationals. Shute has chronicled every Texas NHRA Fall Nationals winner’s circle as part of his 50-year career as one of the sport’s most popular photographers.
Richard Shute
Prudhomme concluded his 47th year in drag racing in 2009, his 15th season as an owner, after logging 32 seasons behind the wheel as one of the sport’s elite drivers. His remarkable driving career began in 1962 with his first Top Fuel victory at “Smokers March Meet” in Bakersfield, California, before ending with 49 NHRA career victories—the sixth most in NHRA history—following his farewell “Final Strike Tour” in 1994. For his career, Prudhomme reached the finals 68 times, posting 35 wins in 45 Funny Car finals and 14 wins in 23 Top Fuel finals rounds.
In 2020, Shute celebrated his 50th year of professionally pointing the lens at drag cars and archiving the history of the fastest accelerating machines on the planet. He began shooting professionally in 1971 and covered drag racing for several drag strips in Southern California. In 1979 he started Auto Imagery where he began photographing all NHRA’s national events. Shute still provides professional-quality photographic reproduction and film services out of his lab in Carlsbad, California.
The Texas NHRA Fall Nationals will be contested from October 7-10, with tickets available at www.stampedeofspeed.com.
Ted Van Zelst
John Force Racing Names New Chief Commercial Officer
John Force Racing has hired Ted Van Zelst as chief commercial officer (COO). In this new role, Van Zelst will be responsible for creating new partnerships, enhancing business-to-business relationships with existing partners and developing successful activation. Van Zelst joins John Force Racing with 25 years of experience, most recently serving as the president/CEO of Zeker Solutions, a consulting agency. He has also held senior leadership positions with NASCAR, the Detroit Pistons, WWE and the New York Islanders.
ICMS Accepting Nominations for Board of Directors
The International Council of Motorsport Sciences (ICMS) has announced the council is accepting nominations for its Board of Directors. The ICMS Board of Directors is made up of nine individuals that each serve a three-year term. Every year, there is an opportunity for three ICMS members to be elected to serve on the Board. Nominees will be considered based on their ability to help advance the mission of ICMS, which is to inform the international motorsports community, different scientific and medical disciplines, designers and constructors and the general public of the latest innovations and advancements in scientific research on human performance and safety in motorsport.
Interested parties should email Rob Seal, M.D., current chair of the board at rseal@ualberta.ca, and Tom Weisenbach, the ICMS executive director at tom@theicms.org, with a copy of your resume and the signature of two current members of the ICMS supporting your interest. All interested must notify Dr. Seal and Weisenbach no later than 5:00 p.m. (EDT), September 30. For more information, visit icmsmotorsportsafety.org.
National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame Announces 2021 Inductees
Danny Frye Sr., Jimmy LaManna, Ken Nichols, Fred ”Jiggs” Peters, Lowell Sachs, and Art Shanoian were announced as the latest inductees into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame. The announcement was made during the USAC National Midget Series event at Angell Park Speedway last weekend. The 37th annual Luncheon-Induction Ceremony will be held Friday, January 14, 2022, in conjunction with the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event will be held at Fair Meadow Hall on the Tulsa Fairgrounds adjacent to the Expo Center hosting the Chili Bowl. In addition, plaques will be on permanent display in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
SEMA Middle East Business Development Program attendees will
meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region.
Registration in now open for the 2022 SEMA Middle East Business Development program March 22–29. Participate in the first SEMA Middle East event taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region and can self-certify for $1,200 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs.
For those accepting the federal grant, trip fees begin at $4,600, and include all meals, hotel accommodations in Dubai and Riyadh, turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates, and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia. Flights to and from the United States are not included. Additional funds may be available from your state, and SEMA can assist you in exploring grant opportunities.
Participants will:
Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates—in a turnkey booth in the Dubai World Trade Center.
Attend seminar featuring top distributors.
Participate in official U.S. government briefings
Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
Attend networking receptions in both Dubai and Riyadh.
When it comes to trademark licensing, different companies have difference processes. Regardless of how your business chooses to approach the issue, a license can have a tremendous impact on how you work with manufacturers, resellers and even builders.
Learn about the importance of trademark licensing and what some restoration businesses have learned by attending the SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization’s (ARMO) third-quarter general membership meeting and trademark licensing discussion on Friday, September 17, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).
In addition to a virtual panel discussion focused on trademark licensing, participants will find out what is planned for the upcoming ARMO Reception and Builder Panel at the SEMA Show, upcoming installments of the ARMO Builder Series as well as other programs and resources available to members. The meeting, which is open to all current ARMO members and companies in the restoration industry, is the ideal time to address industry issues and connect with others in the market.
Josh Sanders of Enumclaw, Washington, was recently handed the keys to the hot-rod shop where he had been working for nearly a decade. The previous owner, Denny Olson, retired after 40 years and had been grooming Sanders to take over his shop.
Sanders is now ready to show off his builder chops for the first time at this year’s SEMA Show. His inaugural entry is a ’59 Corvette that arrived in pieces from a client in California. The three-year-long project allowed Sanders plenty of time to execute on the ideas he pitched to the client, and the results speak for themselves.
The restored Vette retains its heritage with gently massaged body work and some updated features that show off his craftsmanship and attention to detail. Inside the C1 you’ll find custom Classic Instruments gauges, a machined EVOD steering wheel and updated tech in the dash. Exterior modifications include Dapper Lighting LED headlights, EVOD one-off wheels and a pop-up taillight that hides the fuel filler. The engine bay was expertly shaved and tucked with the addition of a custom-made bank of three gauges, evening out the inner fender walls.
Sanders’ vehicle is one of hundreds of custom SEMA Show builds that will compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders. The competition shines the spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders. It allows enthusiasts and fans a chance to learn the stories behind the builds, get to know the builders and be inspired along the way.
Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more videos and builder interviews and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss any future episodes.
SEMA exhibitors are busy preparing for the SEMA Show and planning to reconnect with the industry in person for the first time since 2019. Attendees will be able to touch, feel and experience all the new products manufacturers have been developing. Make sure you don’t miss seeing the exciting new products at the Show; get a sneak peek at what they will show by regularly checking the Online Media Center.
Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:
PFI Speed owner Brent Leivestad (left) sat down with PRI
President Dr. Jamie Meyer to share his story.
As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) targets and increases enforcement against automotive aftermarket companies through its National Compliance Initiative, the federal agency is harming legitimate businesses in the motorsports industry. Despite the EPA’s nonbinding, informational claims that it is not targeting aftermarket companies that produce parts for dedicated race cars, the EPA continues to pursue cases based on supposition, impose inordinate monetary fines and pursue legal actions to the contrary.
Recently, the EPA issued a fine against PFI Speed, a small speed shop in Colorado, for selling just 37 Hondata S300s over a two-year span. The fine was issued after company owner Brent Leivestad complied with an EPA inquiry for details about the company’s sales. Without any other contact from the EPA, Leivestad was shocked to receive a letter accusing the shop of selling illegal products. The letter included an $18,000 fine that, if not paid within 30 days, could increase to as much as $180,000.
“I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t even believe it,” said Leivestad. “I am a speed shop and sell race parts—I didn’t know that was wrong. I didn’t understand the basis of the EPA’s claim, I didn’t go in front of any trial or talk to anybody from the EPA, and the threat of ‘settle and pay within 30 days or else’ felt like a real shakedown intended to deny my rights.”
To protect the motorsports industry against further EPA overreach, PRI is calling on the racing industry and enthusiasts to unite and urge Congress to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. The bipartisan bill will clarify that it is legal to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars, and that businesses can legally produce, market and install racing products.
“There are thousands of legitimate motorsports businesses that are at risk of EPA overreach,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, Performance Racing Industry (PRI) President. “The EPA is putting these businesses—which are typically small, homegrown, less sophisticated shops—in situations where they have to take on the full might of the federal government. The EPA is doing nothing to validate its enforcement efforts, and these small businesses are left with little choice but to comply.”
The EPA, which is responsible for enforcing the Clean Air Act (CAA), a 1970 law that regulates motor vehicles on streets and highways throughout the United States, has been fining businesses such as PFI Speed for producing, selling and installing race use-only products. The products are often used on vehicles that began as street cars and were subsequently converted into dedicated race cars that are trailered to and from the track, and never driven on streets or highways again.
The CAA only applies to vehicles driven on streets and highways, and the EPA contends that it is not targeting race-only vehicles. However, the EPA has pre-classified many motorsports products as illegal and is issuing fines without investigating the circumstances. Companies selling these products are presumed guilty by the EPA, regardless of the product’s use.
“The RPM Act must be passed into law to provide the racing community with certainty and confidence in the face of EPA threats,” said Meyer. “Without the RPM Act, businesses will shut down and the entire motorsports community will be severely impacted. It’s time for the motorsports community to push back and protect our racing rights.”
Leivestad agreed: “I’ve been doing this for 20-plus years, and it sounds like the EPA is trying to put us out of business. We need to get behind the RPM Act and get it pushed through now, more than ever.” Leivestad shared his full story with Meyer in a 30-minute interview available here.
Additional information about the RPM Act, which was recently introduced in the House of Representatives and is expected to be introduced in the Senate soon, can be found at SaveOurRaceCars.com. Motorsports businesses and enthusiasts are encouraged to contact their legislators and urge them to pass the RPM Act to clarify that it is legal to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars used solely on the track.
Whether it’s a driver, industry icon, TV personality or famous
vehicle, featuring a familiar face or iconic vehicle in your
booth provides buyers with an identifiable, visual connection
of the company's target market.
SEMA Show exhibitors planning to host a special appearance in their booth may submit their Celebrity Appearance Notification form up until Show time. Whether it’s a driver, industry icon, TV personality or famous vehicle, featuring a familiar face or iconic vehicle in your booth provides buyers with an identifiable, visual connection of the company’s target market.
Exhibitors can learn how to get the most out of their 2021 SEMA Show, as well as additional options to reach buyers, by contacting an account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289.
Information about the 2021 SEMA Show is available on www.SEMAShow.com.
Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.
SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show afterparty, is back in-
person and in Las Vegas. This year the event will take place at
the new LVCC West Hall parking lot.
It’s been two years since the sights of the parade of custom vehicles from behind the walls of the trade-only SEMA Show; Formula DRIFT competitors narrowly missing the cement drift box barriers; flames shooting from the chrome headers of vintage dragsters; the smells of nitrous and burning rubber; and the sounds of squealing tires, high-revving engines, the cheering crowd and rocking bands.
SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show afterparty, is back in-person and in Las Vegas. This year the event will take place at the new LVCC West Hall parking lot.
Credentialed 2021 SEMA Show attendees can access the event for free with their badge. Enthusiasts can access the event by purchasing one of two ticket types—a previously offered SEMA General Admission Ticket or the all-new SEMA Friday Experience that gives the ticket holder Friday access to the SEMA Show and to SEMA Ignited.
SEMA Ignited General Admission Ticket
View hundreds of cars and trucks as they parade out of the Las Vegas Convention Center, drifting by Formula DRIFT, food, music and much more.
What You Get: Includes entry to SEMA Ignited, Friday, November 5, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Price: $20 if purchased online or at the SEMA Ignited Ticket Office on Friday, November 5.
SEMA Friday Experience Ticket
For the first time ever, SEMA is offering a limited number of enthusiasts entry into the trade-only SEMA Show through the purchase of the SEMA Friday Experience ticket. The SEMA Show offers an attendee experience like no other trade show on the planet. It’s the best place to see the newest automotive performance products and to discover the latest product and vehicle trends.
What You Get: Includes Friday entry into the SEMA Show from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and entry into SEMA Ignited from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5.
Important Restrictions: Each person must pick up their own ticket. You may not send anyone else in your place. NO EXCEPTIONS. Please be prepared to show a valid government-issued photo ID when picking up your ticket. The name on your photo ID must match the name on this confirmation. No one under the age of 16, including infants, is allowed access to the exhibits. No exceptions. Show management does not provide childcare services on-site. Use of a school-issued ID to prove age is not acceptable unless it provides a date of birth. Tickets CANNOT be reproduced, transferred or resold. No day of purchases will be permitted.
Price: $60 if purchased by October 8, or $90 if purchased between October 9–November 4. No on-site ticket purchases will be permitted.
Through the SEMA Award, SEMA exhibitors that make the
products and accessories for today’s popular models identify
the vehicle platforms they believe are best for accessorizing.
As industry experts, SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to vote for the vehicles that best showcase their products.
In addition, a new category has been added to the 2021 SEMA Award Program. To recognize a fast-growing segment of the light-truck market, SEMA is adding “Mid-Size Truck of The Year” to the category list, which includes:
Car of The Year
Full-Size Truck of the Year
Mid-Size Truck of The Year
4x4/SUV of The Year
Sport Compact of The Year
Through the SEMA Award, SEMA exhibitors that make the products and accessories for today’s popular models identify the vehicle platforms they believe are best for accessorizing.
The program creates awareness for aftermarket products, and is an example of the ongoing collaboration SEMA has with automakers and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. SEMA also helps aftermarket manufacturers with product development through the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions and technology transfer.
Votes must be submitted by the September 30 deadline. The winners will be announced at the 2021 SEMA Show, November 2–5, in Las Vegas.
NASCAR Announces Hall Of Fame Class of 2021
When it comes to trademark licensing, different companies have difference processes. Regardless of how your business chooses to approach the issue, a license can have a tremendous impact on how you work with manufacturers, resellers and even builders. 
