Meet Alex Carmona—the artist behind the 2018 SEMA Show artwork. Learn more about his unique creation process and what influences his designs.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Team Falken’s Piotr Wiecek took home first at Monroe’s Evergreen Speedway last weekend, wrapping up Round 5 of the 2019 Black Magic Formula DRIFT Championship.

Team Falken Takes Formula DRIFT Trifecta at Evergreen Speedway’s Round 5 Throwdown

Team Falken’s Piotr Wiecek took home first at Monroe’s Evergreen Speedway last weekend, wrapping up Round 5 of the 2019 Black Magic Formula DRIFT Championship. Defending Formula D champion James Deane built up points with a second-place finish and Daijiro “Dai” Yoshihara enjoyed his first podium of the season in third. All Team Falken members performed well throughout the night, with Wiecek qualifying first and earning a bye in the first round, as did Deane, who qualified second. Yoshihara was fourth in qualifying, followed by Falken teammates Justin Pawlak in seventh, Matt Field in 10th, and Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis in 13th. All advanced to the Top 16, with the three finishers and Pawlak moving to the Top 8. Ultimately, it came down to Wiecek vs. Deane, and Wiecek’s car was the stronger of the two Saturday night. With Falken’s triple podium result, it moved into a strong lead in the Tire Manufacturers Cup. Standings after round five continue to place Bakchis in second, just two points behind the leader; while Wiecek moves to third; Deane, fourth; Yoshihara jumps to eighth; Pawlak, ninth; and Field 13th. The 2019 Black Magic Formula DRIFT Pro Championship Series goes to the Midwest for the Crossroads at St. Louis, August 8–10.

Thermo-Tec will sponsor the Elite Motorsports 2019 Pro Stock Ford Mustang for three races as Steve Matusek competes on the NHRA’s Western Swing.

Thermo-Tec Backs Matusek’s Pro Stock Effort

Drag racer and aftermarket business owner Steve Matusek made his NHRA Pro Stock debut, and Thermo-Tec will sponsor the Elite Motorsports 2019 Pro Stock Ford Mustang for three races as Matusek competes on the NHRA’s Western Swing, which began last weekend at the Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado.

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

The annual Pinewood Drag Races has quickly become a signature event by combining just the right elements of charitable giving, community participation, automotive passion and youthful spirit.

The annual Pinewood Drag Races has quickly become a signature event by combining just the right elements of charitable giving, community participation, automotive passion and youthful spirit.

The annual Pinewood Drag Races has quickly become a signature event by combining just the right elements of charitable giving, community participation, automotive passion and youthful spirit.

By Kyle Cheng

Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy.

Want more information on the trends affecting the automotive specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and our industry, including:

• Overall Economic Outlook
• New-Vehicle Sales and Statistics on Auto Parts Production
• Consumer Sentiment and Spending
• Economic Growth and Unemployment
• Other Important Industry Insights

Looking for a deeper dive into the specialty-equipment market? The “2019 SEMA Market Report” is now available from SEMA Market Research. This report provides a comprehensive look at how the products your company sells are purchased and installed. You’ll also find information on parts buyers, key industry trends and forecasts, and insights into the vehicles currently on the road.

Download the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report and “2019 SEMA Market Report” today for free on SEMA’s website.

By Kyle Cheng

Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy.

Want more information on the trends affecting the automotive specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and our industry, including:

• Overall Economic Outlook
• New-Vehicle Sales and Statistics on Auto Parts Production
• Consumer Sentiment and Spending
• Economic Growth and Unemployment
• Other Important Industry Insights

Looking for a deeper dive into the specialty-equipment market? The “2019 SEMA Market Report” is now available from SEMA Market Research. This report provides a comprehensive look at how the products your company sells are purchased and installed. You’ll also find information on parts buyers, key industry trends and forecasts, and insights into the vehicles currently on the road.

Download the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report and “2019 SEMA Market Report” today for free on SEMA’s website.

Registration for the 2019 SEMA Show is open.

Booth space is still available for the 2019 SEMA Show, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

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