Compiled by SEMA Editors

NASCAR and some of the tracks they race on are doing their part to help in the fight against the coronavirus.

NASCAR Foundation and Race Tracks Join Fight Against Coronavirus

Racing events throughout the world have been cancelled due to the spread of the coronavirus. In light of that, NASCAR and some of the tracks they race on are doing their part to help in the fight against the virus.

The NASCAR Foundation: Through its website, The NASCAR Foundation is collecting donations to help families in need. Proceeds will go directly to delivering food, supplies, safety items and more to racing communities impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Series Invitational race at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway, proceeds went to Feed the Children in the Homestead-Miami area. In conjunction with the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Series Invitational race at virtual Texas Motor Speedway, the foundation is working with Speedway Children’s Charities—the official charity of Speedway Motorsports, which owns Texas Motor Speedway. The organizations will partner with the American Red Cross to help “lifesaving missions” in North Texas because of COVID-19.

Charlotte Motor Speedway: In partnership with the speedway, Atrium Health has created a Coronavirus Testing Center at zMAX Dragway, part of the Charlotte Motor Speedway complex. The remote testing site provides a convenient location for residents of northern Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties to have their tests performed, when ordered by their physician. Testing for COVID-19 is conducted without patients having to get out of their cars, which reduces the possibility of infecting other patients and healthcare workers. Tests are administered by appointment only from your physician.

Martinsville Speedway: The Virginia track is working with The Harvest Foundation and other local healthcare providers and government leaders to turn the speedway grounds into a COVID-19 testing center. The foundation indicated March 30 that an opening date, operating hours and other logistics will be announced later.

The Texas Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway all will have multiple blood drives. There has been a shortage of blood and plasma due to the pandemic. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Eric Hargan shared this video via twitter in case you have safety concerns donating blood.

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

NHRA officials have announced the revised 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. After announcing a revised 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. Tentative schedule announcements for the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will be announced soon. All NHRA-sanctioned drag-racing series competition is still suspended until further notice. View the schedule.

The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals and NMCA Muscle Car Nationals season openers kicked off in grand style over back-to-back weekends at Bradenton Motorsports Park. However, the huge momentum from each series was stopped cold as the COVID-19 pandemic tightened its grasp on the United States and around the world forcing our lives to adapt to a new normal.

Coming off the unscheduled break, the Power Festival in late May will now include both NMRA and NMCA at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway (Madison, Illinois) the weekend of May 28–31, now dubbed the Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center NMRA/NMCA Power Festival presented by HPJ Performance.

NMRA/NMCA Releases Updated 2020 Schedule

ProMedia Events & Publishing have made changes to the schedule to ensure the continuity of championship drag racing in both event series. The sudden change to the schedules are designed to ensure both sanctioning bodies offer the racers, sponsors and fans a full list of events in 2020 rather than shorten the number events. Coming off the unscheduled break, the Power Festival in late May will now include both NMRA and NMCA at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway (Madison, Illinois) the weekend of May 28–31, now dubbed the Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center NMRA/NMCA Power Festival presented by HPJ Performance. The Ford Motorsport Nationals has been removed from the 2020 schedule and the recently postponed Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals will run on that weekend of June 25–28 at Atlanta Dragway (Commerce, Georgia).

The series moves to Route 66 Raceway (Joliet, Illinois) for the as-scheduled Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing presented by Nickey Performance. The All-American Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park will host both the NMRA and NMCA championship series. The final two events on the 2020 schedules, the NMCA World Street Finals presented by Chevrolet Performance and the Nitto Tire NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival, remain unchanged and as scheduled. The NMCA season concludes at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis September 24–27 while the NMRA finale goes down at Beech Bend Raceway October 1–4.

View the complete schedule.

Irwindale Speedway Postpones All April Events

Due to federal, state and county-wide social distancing guidelines, Irwindale Speedway & Event Center will extend the postponement of events through the end of April.

“Throughout this process, we have maintained that our number one priority is the safety or our fans, staff and competitors here at Irwindale Speedway and Irwindale Dragstrip. While we certainly look forward to seeing all of our friends here soon, we all must continue to be patient and do our part to navigate these trying times,” said Irwindale Speedway & Event Center President Tim Huddleston. “Irwindale Speedway and Irwindale Dragstrip will be here to welcome everybody when the time comes.”

Ticketholders will be able to use their tickets toward future events. Visit the Irwindale Speedway & Event Center website for a full listing of postponements.

Ultra4 Releases Revised 2020 Schedule

In concert with the park owners in Kentucky and the Tourism Department of Baja Mexico, Ultra4 Racing has cancelled its upcoming events at Rush Offroad Park (April 17) and San Felipe, Mexico (May 16). All advance paid entry fees are being refunded.

The following is the event schedule for 2020:

• Crandon, Wisconsin (June 18–21): This will be an optional non-point race open to all classes.
• 4WP Adventure Offroad Park, Tennessee (July 23–25): Points Race
• Lasernut Reno, Nevada (September 17–19): Points Race
• Nitto Tire Ultra4 National Championships at Crossbar Ranch, Oklahoma (October 22–24)
• 1st Annual Ultra4 Jamboree San Felipe, MX (11/24-11/28) – Non-competition fan/racer engagement, more details below.

For a full listing of event cancellations and postponements, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 202 List 3 products imported from China and subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities including several auto parts, such as:

• Windshields of laminated safety glass (HTS 7007.21.1010)
• Rear-view mirrors (HTS 7009.10.0000)
• Hydraulic jacks (HTS 8425.42.0000)
• Camshafts for certain off-road vehicles and snowmobiles (HTS 8483.10.1030)
• Ignition coils for powersports vehicles including off-road vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles (HTS 8511.30.0080)
• Interior lighting equipment for vehicles (HTS 8512.20.2040)
• Steel or aluminum bumpers, other than stampings, for off-road vehicles (HTS 8708.10.3050)
• Certain aluminum radiators (HTS 8708.94.5000)
• Mufflers and exhaust pipes for ATVs and snowmobiles (HTS 8708.92.5000)
• Fabric automobile seat covers (HTS 8708.99.8180)
• Intercooler pipes of cast aluminum (HTS 8708.99.8180)
• Certain automobile seats (HTS 9401.20.0000)

View the entire list.

The time period for List 3 exclusions is September 24, 2018, to August 7, 2020, regardless of when the exclusion request was granted. The time period for requesting an exclusion ended September 30, 2019.

An exclusion is product specific, not company specific. That means a company that did not request the exclusion may still benefit although the benefit may be narrowly applied. For example, the beneficiary company may need to demonstrate that its product’s technical specifications are related and the product can be used in the same manner as the excluded product.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 202 List 3 products imported from China and subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities including several auto parts, such as:

• Windshields of laminated safety glass (HTS 7007.21.1010)
• Rear-view mirrors (HTS 7009.10.0000)
• Hydraulic jacks (HTS 8425.42.0000)
• Camshafts for certain off-road vehicles and snowmobiles (HTS 8483.10.1030)
• Ignition coils for powersports vehicles including off-road vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles (HTS 8511.30.0080)
• Interior lighting equipment for vehicles (HTS 8512.20.2040)
• Steel or aluminum bumpers, other than stampings, for off-road vehicles (HTS 8708.10.3050)
• Certain aluminum radiators (HTS 8708.94.5000)
• Mufflers and exhaust pipes for ATVs and snowmobiles (HTS 8708.92.5000)
• Fabric automobile seat covers (HTS 8708.99.8180)
• Intercooler pipes of cast aluminum (HTS 8708.99.8180)
• Certain automobile seats (HTS 9401.20.0000)

View the entire list.

The time period for List 3 exclusions is September 24, 2018, to August 7, 2020, regardless of when the exclusion request was granted. The time period for requesting an exclusion ended September 30, 2019.

An exclusion is product specific, not company specific. That means a company that did not request the exclusion may still benefit although the benefit may be narrowly applied. For example, the beneficiary company may need to demonstrate that its product’s technical specifications are related and the product can be used in the same manner as the excluded product.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 202 List 3 products imported from China and subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities including several auto parts, such as:

• Windshields of laminated safety glass (HTS 7007.21.1010)
• Rear-view mirrors (HTS 7009.10.0000)
• Hydraulic jacks (HTS 8425.42.0000)
• Camshafts for certain off-road vehicles and snowmobiles (HTS 8483.10.1030)
• Ignition coils for powersports vehicles including off-road vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles (HTS 8511.30.0080)
• Interior lighting equipment for vehicles (HTS 8512.20.2040)
• Steel or aluminum bumpers, other than stampings, for off-road vehicles (HTS 8708.10.3050)
• Certain aluminum radiators (HTS 8708.94.5000)
• Mufflers and exhaust pipes for ATVs and snowmobiles (HTS 8708.92.5000)
• Fabric automobile seat covers (HTS 8708.99.8180)
• Intercooler pipes of cast aluminum (HTS 8708.99.8180)
• Certain automobile seats (HTS 9401.20.0000)

View the entire list.

The time period for List 3 exclusions is September 24, 2018, to August 7, 2020, regardless of when the exclusion request was granted. The time period for requesting an exclusion ended September 30, 2019.

An exclusion is product specific, not company specific. That means a company that did not request the exclusion may still benefit although the benefit may be narrowly applied. For example, the beneficiary company may need to demonstrate that its product’s technical specifications are related and the product can be used in the same manner as the excluded product.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Covercraft Industries is expanding production of urgently needed personal protective equipment, mainly gowns and masks, for healthcare workers and first responders fighting the Coronavirus pandemic.

Covercraft Producing Personal Protective Equipment

Covercraft Industries is expanding production of urgently needed personal protective equipment, mainly gowns and masks, for healthcare workers and first responders fighting the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Covercraft’s expertise in working with non-woven specialty fabrics has allowed us to pivot our operations in the USA from crafting car covers, seat covers, and windshield sunscreens to helping provide hospitals and first responders with personal protective equipment incredibly fast”, said Clay Callan, president and COO of Covercraft Industries. “Orders will begin shipping today and we have capacity to potentially build hundreds of thousands of units. As an industry leader in the product categories we manufacture, we felt it was our duty to step in and help our country in this time of need.”

Groups or organizations in need of these PPE products should contact Covercraft at 405-367-8930 or covercraftppe@covercraft.com.

Impact Racing to Make Masks

Impact Racing, an Indianapolis-based manufacturer of helmets and racing gear, is switching production to keep its workers on the job and make items meant to keep people healthy. Former stock car racer Steve Barnett is now Franklin, Indiana’s mayor. He turned to the racing world to get face masks for his police officers and firefighters. Under normal circumstances, Impact Racing would be at the peak of making race-related gear from suits to helmets. But it's turned its production lines to make 100% cotton washable masks. For more information, visit www.impactraceproducts.com.

DSM's two Stratasys FDM 3D printers are operating around-the-clock to produce headbands to be used as part of medical face shields.

DSR/DSM Partner with Stratasys to Aid in the Fight of COVID-19 Pandemic

Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) and Don Schumacher Motorsports (DSM) have joined the fight to help protect health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the growing need for supplies, DSM has teamed up with Stratasys to produce headbands, which will be used for medical face shields in healthcare facilities. DSM’s two Stratasys FDM 3D printers—the Stratasys Fortus 450mc and F370—are typically used for chassis fixturing, weldment fixturing, rapid prototype development and proofing out new components for DSR’s fleet of race cars. With NHRA drag racing at a temporary standstill, both printers have switched gears and are now working round-the-clock to churn out as many headbands as possible throughout the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“We take this pandemic very seriously and want to do our part to help,” said DSM owner Don Schumacher. “When our partners at Stratasys approached us about producing these crucial pieces for medical face shields, we didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes.’ We have the capability, so of course we wanted to do whatever we could to help support the vulnerable medical personnel that are working so hard during these unprecedented times.”

Upon completion, the DSM-produced headbands are turned over to Stratasys, who then installs clear shields to the bands. The finished goods are placed into inventory at the Stratasys warehouse, and then distributed to hospitals upon request via an online request form. For more information, visit www.shoeracing.com.

Port City Racecars Manufactures Portable Sneeze Guards

Port City Racecars, the race car chassis provider based in Mooresville, North Carolina, has started selling portable sneeze guards in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The see-through guards are designed for point-of-sale locations at places such as reception desks, grocery stores, gas stations and more. The standard size is 24-in. wide and 32-in. tall, but custom sizes are also available. For more information, visit www.portcityracecars.com.

Fleece Performance Producing Disposable Full Face Shields

Fleece Performance has redeployed its engineers and a portion of its flexible manufacturing space to develop, test, document and begin producing a patent-pending disposable full face shield for medical professionals who are running short on this form of personal protection equipment nationwide. Setting this mask apart is its ability to ship flat, requiring less than 2% of the shipping and storage space required by currently available face shields, exponentially reducing shipping and storage costs. The company has already begun deliveries to local hospitals. For more information, visit www.fleeceperformance.com.

BendPak is opening a new 100,000-sq.-ft. distribution center near Mobile, Alabama.

BendPak Opens East Coast Distribution Center

BendPak is opening a new 100,000-sq.-ft. distribution center near Mobile, Alabama, to better serve customers in the eastern United States. The administrative and shipping complex, which is expected to be fully operational within 60 days, will enable BendPak to deliver products same-day or next-day to more customers in the eastern half of the country. The new warehouse will stock all of BendPak’s products, and a future training facility will include a classroom and fully appointed service bay to offer customers an option for technical training on BendPak’s product lines. BendPak’s headquarters and distribution multiplex in Santa Paula, California, will continue offering shipping and order-fulfilment services to approximately 15 western states. BendPak’s new distribution center features a 3,600 sq.-ft. administrative office space, 15 dock doors and two oversize ramp doors.

Power Test Acquires Dynomite Dynamometer

Power Test Inc., a dynamometer and test system manufacturer located in Sussex Wisconsin, has acquired the assets of DynoMite Dynamometer—a  44 -year-old business located in Manchester, New Hampshire. This acquisition comes right on the tail of Power Test acquiring, moving and integrating another longtime competitor, SuperFlow Technologies, formerly of Des Moines, Iowa.

Al Anderson Named Peterson’s New Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Peterson Manufacturing has announced that Al Anderson has been named the company’s new vice president of sales and marketing, effective April 1. Most recently, Anderson was director of fleet business development for CIMC Intermodal Equipment, headquartered in South Gate, California. Prior to that, he was corporate director of heavy-duty sales for Peterson and helped launch the company’s PetersonPULSE Intelligent Trailer System. His previous stops include serving as national sales manager for Bose Corp.; director of national fleet accounts for JOST International; and national accounts manager for Consolidated Metco. For six years he chaired the Associates Group of the American Trucking Association’s 2,300-member Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), receiving their Recognized Associate Award and their Silver Spark Plug Award—trucking’s highest honor recognizing outstanding contributions to the industry. Anderson is also a past board member of the Truckload Carriers Association and is a Trustee of TCA’s Scholarship Fund. Anderson will head a sales and marketing force over 120 strong, including inside sales reps, customer support staff, marketing specialists, field sales and services personnel and manufacturers’ reps.

SpeedVideo is releasing four brand-new automotive shows for drag-racing fans. “Burnout,” “Drag Racing Friends,” “Tech Inspection,” and “Rewind.”

SpeedVideo.com Announces New Automotive Shows Debuting in April

SpeedVideo is releasing four brand-new automotive shows for drag-racing fans. “Burnout,” “Drag Racing Friends,” “Tech Inspection,” and “Rewind” will feature dynamic personalities from the sport starting next week. “Burnout” is the weekly drag-racing show hosted by Drag Illustrated’s Wes Buck, co-starring veteran drag-racing journalist Mike Galimi, and rising star drag racer Alex Taylor. The show features news, highlights, current events, commentary, opinions, recaps and a look ahead to the next week. “Drag Racing Friends” is a video talk show hosted by Chad Reynolds and co-host “Street Outlaws” star Kayla Morton. “Tech Inspection” is a tech-focused show featuring educational tech content for drag racers and street/strip enthusiasts. Hosted by Brian Petty, the show will discuss tuning, power adders, drivetrain, chassis setup, engine building and more. “Rewind” curates weekly, selected and highlighted drag-racing clips. Season 1 will entail 40 episodes between the four shows over the next three months. Full episodes will be live on SpeedVideo.com each week for subscribers, with one episode each month available to all via Speedvideo, Drag Illustrated, Dragzine, Facebook, and YouTube. In addition, for all four shows, show highlights, clips and cut-downs will be available across social media for free.

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 Editors

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

Distributors/Retailers (one open seat):

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

Voting will take place online between May 12–May 26 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning April 30. Winners will be announced by May 29 and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation & Gala,  July 24, 2020.

By SEMA Editors

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

Distributors/Retailers (one open seat):

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

Voting will take place online between May 12–May 26 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning April 30. Winners will be announced by May 29 and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation & Gala,  July 24, 2020.

By SEMA Editors

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced it will cancel its June 2020 show in Detroit in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Following the announcement last month that the Geneva International Motor Show had been cancelled, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced it will cancel its June 2020 show in Detroit in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sweeping across the world and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s expected plans to repurpose TCF Center into a temporary field hospital.  

“With the more than 100 convention centers and facilities around the country being considered to potentially serve as temporary hospitals, it became clear to us that TCF Center would be an inevitable option to serve as a care facility to satisfy our community’s urgent health needs,” he said.

“One of the hallmarks of NAIAS since the very beginning has been our commitment to being socially responsible,” Alberts said. “Our thoughts continue to be with those whose lives have been impacted by this devastating virus. And, we support the city and state’s mission to help preserve life in the face of this challenging situation.”

NAIAS will hold its next annual show in June 2021. Doug North, 2020 NAIAS chairman, said show officials are also discussing plans for a fundraising activity later this year to benefit the children’s charities that were designated as beneficiaries of the 2020 Charity Preview event.     

“We know these organizations rely on the money raised at Charity Preview to fund many wonderful support services for the most vulnerable in our community,” North said. “With this in mind, we will be in touch with the charities in the near future to present some ideas.”

North, who will act as Chairman of the 2021 NAIAS, expressed the show’s gratitude to all of its stakeholders.

“The level of excitement for the 2020 show was extraordinary, and we deeply appreciate all of the support from our OEM partners and our more than 200 valued sponsors, as well as the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan,” North said.

“We will be ready to unleash this energy and enthusiasm when June 2021 rolls around to produce the absolute best show and experience ever. We look forward to literally redefining the auto show landscape with fresh ideas and innovative opportunities for mobility activations and partnerships,” North said.

All tickets purchased for 2020 NAIAS, including tickets for the Public Show, Industry Preview and Charity Preview, will be fully refunded. Charity Preview ticket holders will be given the option of a refund, or the opportunity to donate the proceeds of their refund to one of the nine designated Charity Preview beneficiaries. The NAIAS ticket office will be in contact with all ticket holders.  

The NAIAS sponsorship team will also be in contact with each sponsor directly to answer questions regarding refunds and their contracts.

The 2021 show dates are:

• Motor Bella: Friday, June 11–Monday, June 14
• The Gallery: Monday, June 14
• Press Preview: Tuesday, June 15–Wednesday, June 16
• AutoMobili-D Powered by PlanetM: Tuesday, June 15–Thursday, June 17
• Industry Preview: Wednesday, June 16–Thursday, June 17
• Charity Preview: Friday, June 18
• Public Show: Saturday, June 19–Saturday, June 26

In related news, the 2020 Paris Motor Show, originally scheduled October 1-11, has been cancelled, and the 2020 New York International Auto Show has been rescheduled for August 28–September 6

By SEMA Editors

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced it will cancel its June 2020 show in Detroit in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Following the announcement last month that the Geneva International Motor Show had been cancelled, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced it will cancel its June 2020 show in Detroit in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sweeping across the world and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s expected plans to repurpose TCF Center into a temporary field hospital.  

“With the more than 100 convention centers and facilities around the country being considered to potentially serve as temporary hospitals, it became clear to us that TCF Center would be an inevitable option to serve as a care facility to satisfy our community’s urgent health needs,” he said.

“One of the hallmarks of NAIAS since the very beginning has been our commitment to being socially responsible,” Alberts said. “Our thoughts continue to be with those whose lives have been impacted by this devastating virus. And, we support the city and state’s mission to help preserve life in the face of this challenging situation.”

NAIAS will hold its next annual show in June 2021. Doug North, 2020 NAIAS chairman, said show officials are also discussing plans for a fundraising activity later this year to benefit the children’s charities that were designated as beneficiaries of the 2020 Charity Preview event.     

“We know these organizations rely on the money raised at Charity Preview to fund many wonderful support services for the most vulnerable in our community,” North said. “With this in mind, we will be in touch with the charities in the near future to present some ideas.”

North, who will act as Chairman of the 2021 NAIAS, expressed the show’s gratitude to all of its stakeholders.

“The level of excitement for the 2020 show was extraordinary, and we deeply appreciate all of the support from our OEM partners and our more than 200 valued sponsors, as well as the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan,” North said.

“We will be ready to unleash this energy and enthusiasm when June 2021 rolls around to produce the absolute best show and experience ever. We look forward to literally redefining the auto show landscape with fresh ideas and innovative opportunities for mobility activations and partnerships,” North said.

All tickets purchased for 2020 NAIAS, including tickets for the Public Show, Industry Preview and Charity Preview, will be fully refunded. Charity Preview ticket holders will be given the option of a refund, or the opportunity to donate the proceeds of their refund to one of the nine designated Charity Preview beneficiaries. The NAIAS ticket office will be in contact with all ticket holders.  

The NAIAS sponsorship team will also be in contact with each sponsor directly to answer questions regarding refunds and their contracts.

The 2021 show dates are:

• Motor Bella: Friday, June 11–Monday, June 14
• The Gallery: Monday, June 14
• Press Preview: Tuesday, June 15–Wednesday, June 16
• AutoMobili-D Powered by PlanetM: Tuesday, June 15–Thursday, June 17
• Industry Preview: Wednesday, June 16–Thursday, June 17
• Charity Preview: Friday, June 18
• Public Show: Saturday, June 19–Saturday, June 26

In related news, the 2020 Paris Motor Show, originally scheduled October 1-11, has been cancelled, and the 2020 New York International Auto Show has been rescheduled for August 28–September 6

By SEMA Editors

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced it will cancel its June 2020 show in Detroit in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Following the announcement last month that the Geneva International Motor Show had been cancelled, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced it will cancel its June 2020 show in Detroit in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sweeping across the world and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s expected plans to repurpose TCF Center into a temporary field hospital.  

“With the more than 100 convention centers and facilities around the country being considered to potentially serve as temporary hospitals, it became clear to us that TCF Center would be an inevitable option to serve as a care facility to satisfy our community’s urgent health needs,” he said.

“One of the hallmarks of NAIAS since the very beginning has been our commitment to being socially responsible,” Alberts said. “Our thoughts continue to be with those whose lives have been impacted by this devastating virus. And, we support the city and state’s mission to help preserve life in the face of this challenging situation.”

NAIAS will hold its next annual show in June 2021. Doug North, 2020 NAIAS chairman, said show officials are also discussing plans for a fundraising activity later this year to benefit the children’s charities that were designated as beneficiaries of the 2020 Charity Preview event.     

“We know these organizations rely on the money raised at Charity Preview to fund many wonderful support services for the most vulnerable in our community,” North said. “With this in mind, we will be in touch with the charities in the near future to present some ideas.”

North, who will act as Chairman of the 2021 NAIAS, expressed the show’s gratitude to all of its stakeholders.

“The level of excitement for the 2020 show was extraordinary, and we deeply appreciate all of the support from our OEM partners and our more than 200 valued sponsors, as well as the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan,” North said.

“We will be ready to unleash this energy and enthusiasm when June 2021 rolls around to produce the absolute best show and experience ever. We look forward to literally redefining the auto show landscape with fresh ideas and innovative opportunities for mobility activations and partnerships,” North said.

All tickets purchased for 2020 NAIAS, including tickets for the Public Show, Industry Preview and Charity Preview, will be fully refunded. Charity Preview ticket holders will be given the option of a refund, or the opportunity to donate the proceeds of their refund to one of the nine designated Charity Preview beneficiaries. The NAIAS ticket office will be in contact with all ticket holders.  

The NAIAS sponsorship team will also be in contact with each sponsor directly to answer questions regarding refunds and their contracts.

The 2021 show dates are:

• Motor Bella: Friday, June 11–Monday, June 14
• The Gallery: Monday, June 14
• Press Preview: Tuesday, June 15–Wednesday, June 16
• AutoMobili-D Powered by PlanetM: Tuesday, June 15–Thursday, June 17
• Industry Preview: Wednesday, June 16–Thursday, June 17
• Charity Preview: Friday, June 18
• Public Show: Saturday, June 19–Saturday, June 26

In related news, the 2020 Paris Motor Show, originally scheduled October 1-11, has been cancelled, and the 2020 New York International Auto Show has been rescheduled for August 28–September 6