In partnership with Honda, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 Honda Civic Type R, to be held February 28–March 2.
The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.
This event will include a ’23 Honda Civic Type R equipped with:
A 2.0L Turbo: 315 hp and 310 lb.-ft.
Limited-slip differential
13.8-in. front rotors and 12-in. rear rotors
6MT with rev-matching
Weighted aluminum shift knob
Adaptive dampers
Four drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, +R and a new Individual mode
19-in. alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
LED headlights and taillights
Rear spoiler
Exhaust system features a straight through design and active exhaust valve
Honda Sensing
Type R-exclusive red racing seats and carpet
10.2-in. configurable digital instrument cluster
9-in. color touchscreen with navigation
LogR Performance Datalogger
12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging
Sirius XM satellite radio
Active sound control
Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage and will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
Canepa is hiring an auto-body technician who is quality-minded, hardworking and dedicated to providing the highest level of workmanship in the industry. Candidates must have automotive experience, a minimum of four years of auto-body experience, referred knowledge of restoration style of bodywork, strong bodywork skills and early domestic and musclecar experience.
Power Automedia is hiring an advertising sales representative to assist and be part of a team of business development managers. This position will be responsible for prospecting new endemic and near-endemic brands, and nurturing accounts that are not currently part of the Power Automedia family, ideally building early relationships and coordinating opportunities with the BDMs in addition to managing some business in partnership with the BDMs. Candidates must be passionate automotive enthusiasts and have one or more years of experience in automotive media, marketing or aftermarket product sales.
Nostrum High Performance is hiring a vehicle and fuel systems calibration engineer responsible for calibrating vehicles, conducting product validation and regulatory compliance testing and supporting the release of calibration data packages. You will work with a variety of software and hardware tools and collaborate with the test engineering team to develop and release data packages. Candidates must have a B.S. in engineering or a similar science and have intimate knowledge of gasoline engine combustion systems, operation and controls.
Avalanche Andretti Formula E Announces Partnership With NAGASE Group
Avalanche Andretti Formula E has announced an official partnership with NAGASE Group—a global leader in innovative products and solutions through its expertise in chemicals, plastics, electronics, automotive and life sciences—for the 2022/2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. NAGASE Group will be featured on both Avalanche Andretti Porsche 99X Electric entries throughout Season 9, making its first appearance at the upcoming CORE Diriyah E-Prix for Rounds 2 and 3 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
FIA Launches Applications for Prospective Formula 1 Teams
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has launched an application process to identify prospective teams seeking to participate at a competitive level in the FIA Formula One World Championship.
“For the first time ever, as part of the selection conditions, we are requesting that candidates set out how they would meet the FIA’s sustainability benchmarks and how they would make a positive societal impact through sport,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “The process is a logical extension of the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations from engine manufacturers, which has attracted Audi to Formula 1 and created interest among other potential entrants.”
For the first time ever, candidates are required to address how they would manage the sustainability challenge and how it plans to achieve a net-zero CO2 impact by 2030. In addition, prospective F1 teams would also need to illustrate how they intend to achieve a positive societal impact through participation in the sport. For more information, visit the FIA announcement here.
PROJECT X Named Official Lighting Partner of Ultra4 USA
PROJECT X has been named the official lighting partner of Ultra4 USA for the 2023 and 2024 race seasons. The marketing partnership is the first of its kind for PROJECT X, as it continues to expand their market to off-road motorsports fans and racers alike.
PROJECT X first began participating in Ultra4 USA in 2021, by putting its off-road lighting products to the ultimate test on brand ambassadors Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s and Loren Healy’s unlimited class race cars. Over the course of two race seasons, these Ultra4 USA applications have continued to prove their durability and performance and has spearheaded PROJECT X’s product development with the direct feedback of world-class drivers.
“We are excited to join forces with Ultra4 USA and support off-road motorsports on this level. At PROJECT X, we not only believe in supporting the off road community but being an active part in it. We look forward to a partnership that helps us grow the sport and connect with racers and enthusiasts for years to come.”, said Jared Chavez, director of brand development for PROJECT X.
NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion Leaders
NASCAR has honored advocates and trailblazers throughout the sport during its 15th annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards. Ten individuals and organizations who set an example by advocating for diversity and inclusion across NASCAR were honored during a ceremony in Los Angeles.
“We continue to make significant progress in increasing diversity and inclusion across our sport, a collective effort made possible thanks to those receiving awards today,” said NASCAR President Steve Phelps said. “Their contributions are helping drive our sport forward, and these awards celebrate the passion and commitment of leaders who are bolstering our efforts to build a more inclusive NASCAR culture.”
The 2023 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Award recipients included Chris Justice (Crew Member Award); Nick Sanchez (Developmental Series Driver Award); Jamie Little (Sam Belnavis Industry Ambassador Award); Sports Biz Camps (Institution Award); Daniel Suárez (National Series Driver Award); Susan Wong (Outstanding Intern Award); Advance Auto Parts (Partner Award); 23XI Racing (Team Award); Daytona International Speedway (Track Award); and Nathan Lyons (Young Racer Award).
To keep businesses in the hot-rod market up-to-date on programs and resources available to their companies, the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a Virtual General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion, Tuesday, March 7, at 10:00 a.m. (PST).
General membership meetings are the ideal time to learn about what the council has planned for the year and get updated on programs available to help members succeed in the marketplace. AJ Carney, SEMA membership director, will share information on money-saving member benefits, educational programs and top industry networking opportunities, while Jonathan Goolsby of Goolsby Customs and Adam Howard of Insatiable Auto Fab will give testimonies on how they benefit from HRIA programs and resources.
This is a can’t-miss event for those who want to expand their footprint in the hot-rod industry, as you’ll get to network, ask questions and ensure you are maximizing your SEMA and HRIA membership.
Visit here for all the details and to sign up now.
By Douglas McColloch
Photography Courtesy LAT Images
Women in Racing: Growing the Sport for Future Generations
Breaking Down Barriers, Blazing Trails
It’s no great secret that the auto-racing industry has been a male-dominated profession from the beginning. While some individual female pioneers have managed to achieve success on the track over the years, the infrastructural support needed to promote greater numbers of women in racing has been all too often lacking.
But as the new century progresses, things are changing in a profound and meaningful way, and more women than ever are making lasting impressions on the track, in the pits, in the shop and in the executive suite. A 2022 SEMA Show Education seminar, “Engaging the Next Generation of Women in Motorsports,” took an in-depth look into this subject, with a trio of women from diverse backgrounds describing how they became involved in the racing industry while offering insights for attracting women and people of color to the sport.
DYSTANY SPURLOCK: THE RACER
Named a BMW Motorrad Ambassador for 2022, champion motorcycle drag racer Dystany Spurlock traces her attraction to motorsports to a very young age, riding on the back of her father’s motorbike at age six and imploring him to “hit it, dad!” Her first visit to a racetrack came at age 12, where the sound of speeding bikes on asphalt captivated her, and her mother gave her a Suzuki GSX-R 750 for her 16th birthday. After only two months of training, she set a 1/4-mi. record on a Brocks Performance BMW S1000RR with a time of 8.46 sec. at 163 mph. In 2019, she became the first woman (and the first African-American) to win a 4.60 index final. She currently competes in the Mancup Series at tracks along the East Coast, and she continues to work toward securing sponsorships and racing professionally for NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Spurlock credits her mother for instilling her with a proactive attitude at an early age: “Never be the kid who sits in the back of class and says, ‘if only I’d volunteered’ or ‘if only I’d raised my hand.’” This “can-do” mindset led her as a teenager to try out for her high-school football team (she made the squad) as well as racing motorcycles. Eventually, she decided she wanted to drive 18-wheelers, which she still does to this day.
“I love helping people,” Spurlock concludes. “I love it when young girls—and guys—come up to me and ask me, ‘How can I get into racing?’ I just tell them, ‘Go to your local racetrack and take some time and find the test-and-tune days. A lot of people think you need a lot of money or a big setup trailer, but you really don’t need any of that. If you can ride it to the track, just take your time.”
MICHELLE DELLA PENNA: THE EDUCATOR
The daughter of a celebrated IndyCar racer and owner, Michelle Della Penna literally grew up at the track, often accompanying her father to races around the country. (“I spent a lot of time in Indianapolis,” she admits.) Her own career path led her into the hospitality industry, where she continues to work as the CEO of a hotel management company, but after her father’s unexpected death in 2019, she says, she was “kind of trying to figure out how to honor his legacy.” While Della Penna had no particular interest in racing, her three sons were all enthusiastic go-karters, and a visit to a local track with one of them led her to an epiphany of sorts. Observing the karters at the track, she noticed only two girls out of some 30-odd karters. “And it just got me thinking, why aren’t there more girls involved in karting? How do we get more girls in karting?”
“I had the luxury of growing up in motorsports, but it’s not a sport that you’re going to play at school or at the Y or in your cul de sac,” Della Penna explains, so to provide girls and young women with the same opportunity she had, she started the Della Penna NextGen Foundation, a California-based nonprofit organization, which aims to empower girls and young women to pursue careers in motorsports, and to impart the STEM education that’s necessary to succeed in the profession, “Girls tend to drop out of sports and STEM initiatives at the end of junior high and the beginning of high school,” she notes, “so our programs are geared from ages 5 to 16.”
Among the programs NextGen sponsors are: weekend invitationals, where girls and their families attend a VIP racing event with paddock access; track days, where girls experience a day of karting and learn basic STEM theories; and fellowships, where girls gain hands-on experience participating as a member of an all-female race team. The foundation also has a scholarship program in the works for 2024.
BETH PARETTA: THE TEAM OWNER
Beth Paretta’s path to the racetrack was slightly more circuitous than the others. The daughter of a hobbyist, Paretta often helped her father and brother clean car parts, but she didn’t develop a keen interest in cars until her brother’s death. After earning a degree in broadcasting and an MBA, she “made a pivot” and took a job selling cars at a dealership. (“Lee Iacocca started selling cars,” she reminds.) Eventually she was “plucked from obscurity” by Volkswagen, who hired her as a business development manager. This led to leadership positions at Aston-Martin and Fiat Chrysler, where she became the first woman to head a performance division (SRT) for an OE manufacturer. She launched Grace Autosport in 2015, a professional race team of women and an initiative to promote STEM education for girls, and in 2021, she started Paretta Autosport to lead diversity initiatives across professional racing circuits such as the IndyCar series and Indianapolis 500, in particular. Recently, she has partnered with racer Lyn St. James to form Women in Motorsports North America, a community of racing-industry professionals devoted to supporting and creating opportunities for women across all disciplines of motorsports.
Like Della Penna, Paretta aims to instill an interest in motorsports for girls while they’re still young. “You can affect a kid’s trajectory of what they want to be when they grow up between age 10 and 12. That’s the sweet spot. If you’re General Motors or Stellantis or Ford, you’re going to college fairs and trying to recruit people, but by then it’s too late.
“My aim is not to create a bunch of racing mechanics,” she continues. “I want you to think it’s interesting. Pay attention in school and go work for Boeing if you want.” But she also mentions that “racing is something that’s fun. It’s like the spoonful of sugar.”
Paretta describes another compelling reason for attracting more women into a male-dominated profession. “Everybody’s lamenting the shortage of talent,” Paretta says. “There’s a shortage of engineers. They’re retiring at a faster rate than they’re being backfilled. At Chrysler, I had to fly people in from overseas because there wasn’t enough homegrown talent.
Paretta says she has encountered a similar “skills deficit” among race mechanics: “There is such a shortage of talent that we’re actually trying to pull people from Europe if we have to. There are more cars on the grid in IMSA now. SRO is expanding, and Indy Lights is expanding. We desperately, regardless of gender, need mechanics.”
“We want racing to survive for many years,” she adds. “We want to broaden the audience. So diversity is not just a nice, cute thing to do. We need people to buy tickets. We need them to watch in the stands.
“It can’t just be old white dudes racing anymore,” Paretta concludes, “because that’s not what the world is.”
Each year, SEMA helps employees of member businesses pay off student loans as part of the SEMA Loan Forgiveness program. The 2023 application period is now open and runs through March 1.
What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program?
The Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds to help selected current employees of SEMA-member businesses pay off education loans from a college, university or career technical/trade school. Unlike the SEMA Scholarship Program, which assists current students, the Loan Forgiveness Program focuses on recent graduates who are actively working for SEMA-member companies to help lessen the burden of education loans post-graduation.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Currently employed by a SEMA-member business.
Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States.
Have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.
What are the benefits of being selected?
Beyond the impact that the monetary awards provide, the SEMA Loan Forgiveness program is a passion-driven program aimed to help SEMA members further their careers in the automotive and performance parts industries. SEMA members and program recipients also have access to resources through SEMA Education and the SEMA Career Center, and in-person networking opportunities at the SEMA Show.
What is the application process?
Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness before the March 1 deadline. If you have children, friends or know someone who may qualify, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them.
The products featured below are from SEMA Data member companies that have attained Gold- or Platinum-level data, which means that their product data is robust and complete—likely to drive customer purchase decisions. SEMA Data members meeting data scorecard requirements are invited to submit product releases for consideration to enews@semadata.org.
Hedman Hedders LS into ’91–’96 B-Body Headers; 13/4-in. Mid-Length Tubes UncoateD
These mid-length design LS swap headers fit ’91–’96 GM B-Body cars (Chevy Caprice, Impala SS, Buick Roadmaster). They have a mild steel construction, and use smooth-flowing, 13/4-in.-diameter, CNC mandrel-bent tubes that are hand-welded to ensure each pair is identical to the next. The stout 3/8-in. header flanges ensure a great seal that will resist warping, and the unique, gasketless ball and socket collector design allows your Caprice, Impala or Roadmaster exhaust system to bolt up, even if it is not perfectly aligned with the header collectors.
ANZO USA Chevy Corvette ’05–’13 Projector Plank Style Switchback Headlights (No HID Kit)
AnzoUSA is the answer for all of your performance lighting needs. With more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, we surpass our competition in quality, innovative styling and product offerings. We are dedicated to providing great service and superior customer support through an experienced sales team and a knowledgeable technical staff. Original fitment; SAE- and DOT-compliant to FMVSS No. 108; strict testing for impact strength as well as fresh/salt water and dust/dirt resistance; and a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
Vibrant Performance Horizontal Flow Air to Air Intercooler Core, 18x12x6-in.
Vibrant Air to Air Intercooler Cores feature heavy-duty bar and plate construction that is designed to deliver maximum cooling efficiency while minimizing pressure drop. These intercooler cores are designed for forced-induction engines found in motorsport, marine and industrial applications. Vibrant offers a range of intercooler cores sized small enough for ATVs, snowmobiles and Genset generators and big enough for 1,300-plus-hp gasoline or diesel race engines.
AutoMeter 5-in. Quad Gauge, 100 PSI/100–250ºF/8–18V/0–90 ohms, American Muscle
The AutoMeter Quad Gauge provides a solution to limited dashboard space while providing a clean look. Individual AutoMeter air core meter movements for each function provide the accuracy and durability required by even the most demanding applications. Includes a single-wire 1/8-in. NPT temperature sender and a 1/8-in. NPT oil pressure sender. The voltmeter reads from 8–18v on negative ground electrical systems and fuel level resistance range is 0 ohms empty to 90 ohms full (compatible with mid-’60s through mid-’90s GM fuel-level senders).
SEMA Data is “data central” for the specialty-equipment segment, containing millions of products and vehicle fitments from performance and accessories brands. Created by SEMA, SEMA Data is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data warehouse, complete with comprehensive online tools, and a team of dedicated data and technology experts to assist manufacturers and resellers with product data needs. Learn more at www.semadata.org.
A Case Study in Resurrecting a Racing Venue Once Given Up for Lost
There was a time when the North Wilkesboro Speedway was a renowned mecca of American motorsports. With roots in the moonshine racing that helped birth NASCAR, the 0.625-mi. short-oval dirt track opened May 18, 1947, about 5 mi. east of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Back then, the oval was owned by Enoch Staley and partners Lawson Curry, and Jack and Charlie Combs. Its first official event—promoted by the legendary Bill France—drew more than 10,000 fans, surpassing all expectations. From there, the speedway quickly rose in popularity, due in large part to its unique uphill and downhill stretches and the intense, high-speed racing they delivered.
Weathered by time, North Carolina’s historic North Wilkesboro Speedway once seemed lost to racing—until a successful partnership of racing fans, track ownership, business leaders and public officials united to save it. This May, it will host the NASCAR All-Star Race.
In 1949, the speedway began hosting NASCAR Cup Series racing. That year, Robert “Red” Byron was crowned the first NASCAR champion on October 16. He is just one of the countless historic drivers who have powered through the North Wilkesboro oval over the years—greats like Kenneth Wagner, Fireball Roberts, the Flock Brothers, Junior Johnson, Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, among others.
Throughout its heyday, the track saw scant upgrades. Although it was paved in the ’50s, its owners never invested in the sorts of facilities renovations undertaken at other tracks. At North Wilkesboro, it was the hardcore racing action that drew the crowds, not the amenities. For fans, it was a timeless community landmark supporting the area’s rural economy. (Today, Wilkes County is home to an estimated 65,000-plus inhabitants.)
But by the ’90s the track was sputtering. Economic factors, the facility’s age and changes in ownership all played a role. After hosting its last Winston Cup Series event in 1996, the speedway went dark, with little hope of a comeback. Sure, there were a few ill-fated attempts to revive it in the early ’00s, but after 2011 the track sat essentially lifeless, home only to cracking pavement, decaying infrastructure and weeds.
Or so it seemed. Thanks in good measure to the vision of a far-flung network of motorsports enthusiasts, track-owner Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR recently announced that, as part of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season, the NASCAR All-Star Race will be held at North Wilkesboro Speedway this May 21. The race will cap off a three-day weekend of series racing at the speedway, which begins Friday, May 19.
The Return to Glory
“The NASCAR All-Star Race has always been the fans’ race, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the fans during NASCAR’s 75th anniversary than returning to North Wilkesboro Speedway,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, the track’s current owner. “We couldn’t have made this happen without tremendous support from so many people including Governor [Roy] Cooper, our state legislature, NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and of course, the people of Wilkes County. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’ve got the will to create something special alongside a community and hard-working staff that will get it done.”
And that work will be well-supported. In November 2021, an $18 million allocation from federal American Rescue Plan funds was designated for infrastructure improvements through the North Carolina state budget, and Wilkes County has awarded construction contracts for the forthcoming work. In addition, the state’s General Assembly agreed in principle to provide a $4-million economic grant this year toward additional facility improvements to host the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race and other special events down the line.
“The future of North Wilkesboro Speedway is bright,” Smith said. “There is a great opportunity to revive this fantastic venue to be, not just a racetrack, but a place that can host lots of events, a place that people will come to from far away and enjoy the community, enjoy the region and enjoy special events.”
It’s a historic turnaround for a track that promoters tout as “one of stock car racing’s most storied venues.” In fact, the speedway’s comeback offers a case study in what grassroots activism combined with ownership, government and sanctioning-body cooperation can accomplish—and may well be a template for preserving other racing venues across the nation.
Although no one knows the actual number of endangered racing facilities, there is a general industry sense that the recent pandemic may have added to the stress factors that tracks have already been facing for some time. Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Track Ambassador Tom Deery, who has been keeping an eye on the trend, characterizes the problem as one of ongoing and persistent pressures that are taking a toll on facilities throughout the United States.
“There’s always going to be an issue that will pop up,” he said. “The challenge that most motorsports facilities have is they used to be out in the country or they used to be remote, and [with] many of the places that are being targeted right now, the community has grown up around them or near them, and that has created a whole new dynamic.”
For most of these tracks, as urban landscapes grew, “all of a sudden people began to complain,” explained Deery. “In a general sense, a motorsports facility is always going to be a target of someone. They create noise. They create traffic. They create activity. They create a thousand things that somebody within their universe doesn’t like. And if they’re not a motorsports fan, then they will always be that person that’s raising their hand saying, ‘Why are we doing this? What are we doing? How can we stop this?’”
Should tracks continue to shutter, the closures could have vast consequences for grassroots racing and, ultimately, higher-level motorsports. However, Deery noted that PRI and the racing industry at large are making real progress in addressing the issue.
The Grassroots Factor
Which brings us back to the North Wilkesboro Speedway, whose path to reopening was greased in no small part by Save the Speedway, a grassroots organization co-founded in 2005 by racing nostalgia fans Robert Marsden and Steven Wilson.
“Robert kind of started this effort because many years ago on his way south, he remembered that the speedway was still there,” explained Wilson. “He stopped in, saw the place out there, thought it [still] had a lot of potential, and started doing some research.”
Wilson, who was also researching historic auto racing at the time, likewise became enamored with the speedway’s past. He learned that while there had been prior petition drives to save the North Wilkesboro oval, they had either proven disorganized or unrealistic in their approach. But once he connected with Marsden online, all that changed.
“We started [Save the Speedway] independently, really to answer two questions: First and foremost, what would it take to reopen the speedway? And then if we were to reopen the speedway, after all those things that needed to happen first, who would even come race there and what events would come there?”
It wouldn’t be easy. There was a significant learning curve and a lot of hard work ahead of them. Prior discussions among local officials and track owners had ended in unproductive stalemates and built-up animosity.
“What stuck with us [was] there was such an investment in trying to force [track ownership] to do something instead of trying to find ways to work with them. Over time, those ideas have changed, and we feel like we’ve been a part of that,” said Wilson.
Plus, Save the Speedway had something that earlier initiatives lacked—digital reach that could enlist a legion of diverse supporters, many from places far beyond North Carolina, including foreign countries.
“Our group is geographically dispersed,” he explained. “The funny thing is probably the number-one question that we get is, ‘Are you from Wilkes County?’ And most people are very surprised at the fact of no, I’m not from Wilkes County. But I’m from a very similar town in Virginia that is economically depressed. It’s a very rural area that has opportunities that are very limited in nature. And I see a lot of my town in Wilkes County.”
“This was a totally 100% a grassroots effort,” he added. “We had no advertising budget. We had no connections other than using social and digital to promote this effort, not only very early on in 2005 when this started, but even today.”
Moreover, other than being fans of the sport, Save the Speedway volunteers had no real racing connections. But leveraging the internet, Facebook and other social media, they dug in and forged the needed relationships through sheer determination. “We built Save the Speedway up over the years, and we went from being the outsiders to being the ones with a seat at the table,” Wilson explained.
The organization helped galvanize local support for the racing facility, including securing buy-in from local officials—and, when necessary, supporting the election of political candidates more favorable to reopening the track. The goal, said Wilson, was to identify people in positions of authority in all walks of life who could push change while deescalating the adversarial tensions that had characterized prior efforts.
Over time, discussions between track ownership and business and civic leaders gained momentum. Soon, supporters of all stripes were pitching in, including racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., who in 2019 led volunteers in cleaning the venue so it could be scanned into the iRacing platform. (“Some of my best memories as a little boy were going to North Wilkesboro,” he would recall. “And it got even better when I raced there as a teenager.”)
With that groundswell of support, Speedway Motorsports was able to announce the return of grassroots racing events in April 2022, and Smith laid out his vision for full raceway restoration.
“Water, sewer, electricity, roads, connectivity—those are a lot of the building blocks that we need to get done,” he said. “We want to keep the character of the property, celebrate the history, but, of course, make it safe, convenient and enjoyable for everyone who comes to visit. In the car world, I would call it a restomod. It’s going to look old, but it’s going to work new.”
State government also threw itself behind the program. Following a tour of the track in May 2022, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper reconfirmed the importance of motorsports to the state’s economy. “North Carolina’s speedways are strong economic drivers for communities across the state that bring friends, families and neighbors together for a rip-roaring good time,” he said. “North Wilkesboro Speedway is just one of many racetracks that will be able to cross the finish line on much-needed repairs with [state] funds. Racing in North Carolina is back and here to stay.”
There are tangible signs that this is more than rhetoric. County infrastructure and access routes to the venue are currently undergoing improvement, adding to Smith’s optimism for the future.
“Bringing back races, bringing back special events, bringing back tourism, creating a very special place where the community can gather, it’s exciting,” he said. “When you think about nostalgic opportunities, this is one of those one-in-a-million opportunities.”
Smith also credited community support for the turnaround. “Anybody might have said this place is too far gone, but this community rallied and brought it to a place where we can rebuild it and it can be a fantastic jewel,” he said.
For his part, Wilson says the Save the Speedway organization will stay focused on North Wilkesboro, supporting the racing events planned for 2023 and ongoing restoration efforts. He added that he is proud of the role that grassroots fans played alongside others to revive the track.
“We were just a group of people that came together,” he observed. “We were just people that were interested in racing, people that remember racing during that time period, and wondered where things went and why they went away. And, you know, the deeper we dug, the more we found there was opportunity to work together.”
A Hotline for Troubled Tracks
Although not involved with the rescue of North Wilkesboro Speedway, PRI has created a hotline for racing venues facing difficulties or closure. According to PRI Track Ambassador Tom Deery, the hotline team has developed a comprehensive plan to help preserve and reopen venues, build coalitions, and offer support for dealing with issues or regulations that may adversely affect racing facilities. To access this help, call 202-847-6593 or email racinghelp@performanceracing.com.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Named Best SUV of 2023 by Cars.com
Jeep Grand Cherokee is the Best SUV of 2023, according to Cars.com in its inaugural Best SUV of 2023 award. The editors of Cars.com evaluated all SUVs available in the United States to determine which model demonstrates the best combination of capability, versatility and value, selecting the expanded Grand Cherokee family as the best of the best.
The award applies to the entire ’23 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup, including the two-row Grand Cherokee, three-row Grand Cherokee L and plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe, which delivers 56 MPGe, 25 miles all-electric range and 470-mile total range with no range anxiety.
The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is purpose-built and has an available plug-in hybrid powertrain. The ’23 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup has been designed for capability with class-leading space and versatility and advanced safety features.
“We’re proud that the two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee, three-row Grand Cherokee L and electrified Grand Cherokee 4xe represent the best SUV lineup,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “In terms of 4x4 capability, two- and three-row versatility, a plug-in model that delivers 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 MPGe with no range anxiety and value that speaks to both new and return customers, the Grand Cherokee stands alone at the top of the mountain. It’s rewarding to know that Cars.com feels the same.”
The new Grand Cherokee is the first to offer 4xe plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and three-row variants. The Grand Cherokee 4xe signals the continued growth of the Jeep brand’s electrified mission of Zero Emissions Freedom. Designed to maximize overall passenger comfort, the Grand Cherokee L delivers third-row capacity, increased cargo volume, seating for up to seven passengers and more than 110 advanced safety and security features.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 models come standard with the Selec-Terrain traction management system, which offers five available terrain modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand) to provide optimized calibrations for any given driving scenario. The Grand Cherokee L, equipped with the available 5.7L V8, delivers best-in-class towing capability of 7,200 lbs.
With premium styling and craftsmanship inside and out, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has more than 110 advanced safety and security features, including an impressive amount of standard safety features, plus available driver-assist systems, 360-degree surround view, drowsy driver detection and night vision cameras. Segment-leading technologies include a 10.25-in. front passenger screen, rear-seat monitoring camera system, rear-seat entertainment displays with Amazon Fire TV Built-in and an available premium 19-speaker, 950-watt McIntosh audio system. The entire Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup also comes equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota Grand Highlander Makes World Debut at Chicago Auto Show
Toyota unveiled the all-new, three-row Grand Highlander at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show.
Toyota unveiled the all-new, three-row Grand Highlander at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show. In addition, Toyota featured 44 vehicles in its exhibit at McCormick Place. The show cars range from production vehicles to NASCAR properties to SEMA specialty products, such as the recently revealed Trailhunter Concept Vehicle. A trio of all-new, production vehicles—’23 Prius, ’23 GR Corolla and ’23 Crown—are also on display.
The ’23 Prius is the most fuel-efficient Prius ever, with a manufacturer-estimated 57 combined MPG, featuring a fresh new sporty exterior design and fifth-gen hybrid powertrain with up to 196 hp. The Prius has been updated with new tech offerings for enhanced connectivity and the latest Toyota Safety Sense system.
The first-ever ’23 GR Corolla is the newest member of Toyota’s GAZOO Racing sports-car family. Rooted in rally, the GR Corolla was developed under master driver Akio Toyoda and inspired by Toyota’s sports-car lineage. The GR Corolla is powered by the lightweight, compact-yet-powerful G16E-GTS turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that pumps out 300 hp, and comes in three grades: Core, Circuit Edition, and the limited, track-focused, MORIZO Edition.
The ’23 Toyota Crown is available in three grades: XLE, Limited and Platinum, and offers a choice of two different hybrid powertrains and standard all-wheel drive.
The HYBRID MAX powertrain, exclusive to the Platinum grade, is Toyota’s all-new performance hybrid that puts out 340 net hp and is paired with a 2.4L turbocharged engine and a direct-shift six-speed automatic transmission. The XLE and Limited grades come equipped with the THS IV hybrid system, which can achieve a manufacturer-estimated 38 MPG.
Also, adjacent to Toyota’s exhibit, the automaker has created “An Electrified Drive For All Seasons” ride and drive course. This four-seasons-themed demonstration area provides passenger-only access to Toyota’s hybridized vehicles, including Prius, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia and Tundra.
Power Automedia Announces Winner of 1,000-HP Engine Giveaway Presented by Summit Racing Equipment
Power Automedia’s EngineLabs magazine recently partnered with Summit Racing Equipment to host an engine giveaway at the industry’s SEMA and PRI Trade Shows. A 7.3L V8 “Godzilla” crate engine from Ford Performance was built into a 1,000-hp-capable twin-turbo engine by Late Model Engines (LME). Attendees of the 2022 PRI Trade Show had the opportunity to watch the engine build live and enter to win at various sponsors’ booths.
The giveaway officially ended December 31, 2022. The randomly chosen winner, John K. of Wimberly of Texas, was then notified on January 13, 2023.
“This was a complete surprise, and it was on my birthday so that made it double awesome,” explained Wimberly. “The vehicle I want to put this in is a ’51 F-1 Ford Pickup. I’ve had the truck since I was 19 and this is the second time I am going through it. This is going to make the truck’s story even better.”
Next up, the engine will be put to the test on the dyno at LME. The complete build series, including the upcoming dyno video, can be found on the Power + Performance YouTube channel. For additional build details and updates, follow EngineLabs.com.
The new Hennessey Supercharged H700 Corvette C8 Stingray, fitted with a muscular blower, vaults the standard mid-engined Stingray coupe to exotic car power and torque levels that surpass even the ’23 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, according to Hennessey.
The eighth-generation Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray coupe is shipped with a mid-mounted LT2 6.2L V8 engine. Naturally aspirated in stock form, it delivers 490 bhp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. However, to unleash the untapped potential of the American small-block V8, Hennessey’s Texas-based engineering team fits a high-flow centrifugal supercharger, an air-induction system with an air-to-water intercooler and an optional enhanced cat-back exhaust.
Completed with updated high-performance engine software, the H700 boasts 708 bhp and 638 lb.-ft.—a 44% increase in horsepower and a 37% increase in torque over the factory rating. In terms of power output, according to Hennessey, the supercharged H700 Corvette C8 Stingray tops Chevrolet’s flagship C8 Z06 whose naturally-aspirated 5.5L LT6 flat-plane crank V8 engine produces 670 bhp and 460 lb.-ft.
“The stock C8 Corvette Stingray is an extraordinary sports car, yet Chevrolet left some V8 performance on the table,” said John Hennessey, founder and CEO. “Our exciting H700 supercharger package integrates seamlessly with the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and our exhaust upgrade sounds much more aggressive than stock.”
The complete Hennessey Supercharged H700 Corvette C8 Stingray upgrade package includes the supercharger, intercooler, engine tune, lightweight wheels, cat-back exhaust and graphics priced at MSRP $49,950. The 19- and 20-in. alloy wheels are offered with a brushed aluminum, satin black or graphite finish, while the striking vinyl Hennessey Heritage Livery is offered in blue, white, black, silver or red. A power-only package, with just the supercharger upgrade and warranty, is offered for MSRP $34,950. All packages feature Hennessey and H700 badging and a serial numbered plaque.
EGR Group has announced the company’s 50th anniversary. Founded in 1973, the EGR Group was started in a garage by brothers, Greg and Rod Horwill, with the vision of creating stylish products utilizing advanced precision-engineered quality acrylic products and plastics. Today, EGR Group is named after the Horwills in recognition of the influence of their father Edward, who encouraged his sons’ entrepreneurship. The company employs more than 1,000 people, services 180 markets and has global offices in North America, Europe, China, South Africa, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Thailand and Brazil. The company has four major divisions: EGR Auto Accessories, EGR Display for the manufacture of custom-made permanent and semi-permanent point-of-sale displays, EGR Extrusion for the manufacture of specialized plastics and alloys and EGR building products for home and commercial architectural solutions under EGR Décor.
In celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary, EGR USA is rolling back prices on some of its top accessories, including fender flares, window visors, hood guards and sport bars for a limited time. The 50th-anniversary promotion may change throughout the year to focus on different products. For more information, visit EGR’s website.
Holley Announces CEO Transition
Holley Inc. has announced that Tom Tomlinson will retire as president and CEO and resign from the board of directors. The Board has appointed current director, Michelle Gloeckler, as interim president and CEO while it conducts a comprehensive search process to identify a permanent CEO. The search will be conducted with the assistance of Heidrick & Struggles, who was retained by the board in September 2022 for a comprehensive review of succession planning. Gloeckler has been a member of the board since July 2021 and has more than 30 years of experience in consumer-packaged goods, merchandising, sourcing, manufacturing and strategy.
In addition, Matthew Rubel, the company’s current chairman of the board, was designated and appointed executive chairman of the board, and expects to serve in such role until a permanent CEO has been selected. Further, Graham Clempson, an observer on the board since the company’s business combination with Empower Ltd. in July 2021, was appointed to serve as a member of the board, effective immediately. Clempson will serve as the chair and member of the Compensation and Talent Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee. Anita Sehgal, who joined the board in May of 2022, will become the chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Ali Tonn
Nissan Foundation Appoints New Executive Director
The Nissan Foundation has named Ali Tonn executive director. She will be responsible for leading the corporate giving and philanthropic strategy for Nissan in the Americas region, as well as overseeing the Foundation’s ongoing support of education programs that celebrate and foster diversity.
Tonn brings to the Nissan Foundation more than 20 years of experience in non-profit program leadership, driving initiatives in pursuit of service and social good, plus extensive work in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI+B). Her professional background includes community impact programming in Tennessee, Wisconsin, New York, California, Texas, Canada and numerous other communities. She most recently served in an executive role at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as senior director of education and community engagement.
Street Car Takeover Adds Chris Baker as Car Show Director
Street Car Takeover—the premier national street car drag racing event—has announced the addition of Chris Baker as its new director of the Show Car Takeover. Street Car Takeover features drag racing and roll racing with 15 events across the United States annually. With the announcement, Street Car Takeover has also unveiled a new car show that will take place at each event in 2023. Baker is a longtime industry professional, with more than 13 years as creative director at JEGS and as co-founder and founder of several well-known events, like the Tri-Five Nationals in Bowling Green, Kentucky; F-Body Nationals in Memphis, Tennessee; and the C10 Nationals in Ft. Worth, Texas, Nashville, Tennesse, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Baker also heads CK Truck Magazine, founded in 2020. The 10th anniversary Street Car Takeover season opens February 24–25 in Bradenton, Florida. For more information, visit streetcar-takeover.com.
’23 Kia Niro HEV
Kia Niro HEV Named Best Car of 2023 by Cars.com
The ’23 Kia Niro HEV was named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2023, beating four other vehicles for the top spot. The ’23 Kia Carnival was named Best Family Car of 2023. The ’23 Sorento was nominated for Best SUV of 2023, which is the outlet's newest award category.
Cars.com’s automotive experts chose the Best Car of 2023 winner based on three variables: quality, innovation and value. The awards program includes six different categories: Best Car, Best SUV, Best Pickup Truck, Best Family Car, Best Luxury Car and Best Electric Vehicle.
“The 2023 Niro HEV rises to the top of our rankings because of its affordability, fuel economy, functional Aero Blade, and stand-out styling inside and out,” said Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman. “Available in three powertrains, the Niro is offered as an EV, plug-in hybrid or hybrid, which is our favorite. Its EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined left our editors impressed. The five-seat compact hatchback sports an SUV-like profile. The dynamic dashboard design, padded surfaces and satin-finish accents give the Niro a classy ambiance, and the interior features innovative materials. For shoppers that want a little customization without the cost, the ‘Aero Blade’ accent panels are available in different colors. The ’23 Niro's innovation proves affordable alternative-fuel vehicles can come with style.”
Vortech Superchargers and Paxton Automotive Join AFR, Scat, RaceTec and ProCar
Taglich Private Equity has acquired Oxnard, California-based Vortech Superchargers and Paxton Automotive. The companies join the Air Flow Research (AFR), Scat Crankshafts, RaceTec Pistons and Procar Custom Seating Systems family of companies.
“Vortech Superchargers is a perfect match with this organization; all brands complement one another. For the first time in the performance aftermarket, a customer can purchase a reliable, high horsepower, proven combination directly from the companies manufacturing the core components,” said Jim Middlebrook, the founder of Vortech Superchargers.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Named 2023 Best Electric Vehicle by Cars.com
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been named the Best Electric Vehicle by Cars.com in its Best of 2023 Awards surpassing all ’23 EVs in the market that were tested by the company's editorial team of expert car reviewers. The IONIQ 5 stands out for its Hyundai exclusive Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that allows for more interior space and optimized performance as well as having a host of advanced technology. Many vehicles were evaluated, and three finalists were selected for the 2023 Best Electric Vehicle Award with the IONIQ 5 coming out on top.
“Hyundai's IONIQ 5 stands out as a well-rounded all-electric SUV, which is why it’s Cars.com’s Best Electric Vehicle of 2023,” says Jenni Newman, Cars.com editor-in-chief. “The IONIQ 5 is an excellent choice for first-time EV shoppers interested in making the jump to EV ownership as well as seasoned EV owners. Here’s what makes the IONIQ 5 a winner: It’s easy to drive with many of the familiar controls of a traditional gas-powered vehicle; it has a spacious, airy interior that's large enough for families; and its taller profile offers good outward visibility. The 800-volt architecture allows drivers to add miles of range faster than most other mainstream EVs when using a 350-kilowatt DC fast charger, which will ease the minds of the range-anxious.”
Wharton Automotive Group, McLeod Racing Announce New Appointments
Wharton Automotive Group—featuring brands McLeod Racing, FTI Performance and Silver Sport Transmissions—has appointed Will Baty to the position of product development manager. He was previously the off-road and research and development specialist for McLeod Racing in Anaheim, California. With more than 35 years in the drivetrain aftermarket, Baty will continue to add applications to the company’s product lines and work to develop new products and kits.
In addition, McLeod Racing has announced the addition of racer and engine builder Gary Kubo as its new racing department coordinator. He will help develop new drivetrain solutions, including overseeing the addition of small-diameter clutch kits to the McLeod product line. He will also serve as a liaison to race teams.
Nissan Futures Showcases Innovations in Sustainable Mobility
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is holding Nissan Futures, an event showcasing how Nissan is shaping the future of sustainable mobility and innovative design, at its Global Headquarters Gallery from February 4–March 1. As part of the event launch, Nissan unveiled a physical concept model of its Max-Out EV convertible. The model was previously shown in virtual form as part of the Nissan Ambition 2030 vision announced in November 2021 under the Nissan Futures banner. The Max-Out—which will be on display for the duration of the event—embodies Nissan’s ambition to support greater access to both sustainable and innovative mobility.
Nissan Futures features interactive customer events, panel discussions with experts, and various displays, all aimed to exhibit its innovations in electrification, vehicle intelligence, power management, vehicle battery reuse and more. Entry to the Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery and participation in the planned events (physically or virtually) is free of charge.
Gentex to Open Production Facility in Grand Rapids
Gentex Corp. has announced that it plans to open a satellite production facility that will bring 50 new jobs to the Madison Square neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Michigan. By expanding its manufacturing footprint, the company hopes to boost its employee base and provide greater access to well-paying jobs as it continues to implement meaningful solutions to address the ongoing labor shortage.
“Rising transportation costs make commuting increasingly difficult, so if Gentex wants to recruit employees from Grand Rapids, we need to be here,” said Gentex President and CEO Steve Downing. “And by locating a satellite plant and creating jobs in a neighborhood near city center, our goal is to strengthen not only Gentex, but also the surrounding community, and we look forward to future opportunities to do so.”
The decision to locate in the Madison Square neighborhood came after months of working alongside Amplify GR, a local non-profit that works in partnership to bring together neighbors, businesses, and local organizations to help strengthen neighborhoods.
Gentex’s Grand Rapids facility will be located at 355 Cottage Grove, SE. The building is currently undergoing renovations, with production slated to begin in late May. The facility will produce sub-assembly components for Gentex’s popular HomeLink product, which consists of vehicle-integrated buttons for operating garage doors and other home automation devices. When fully operational, the facility will operate two shifts and employ 50 team members engaged in light assembly, warehousing and logistics.
’23 Dodge Durango
Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Brand Vehicles Bring Home 19th Annual Vincentric Best Value in America Awards
Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brand vehicles earned multiple honors in the 19th annual Vincentric Best Value in America Awards, announced Tuesday, February 7. Dodge brand earned the Vincentric Best Value in America brand award in the SUV/Van category while the ’23 Chrysler 300, ’23 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, ’23 Dodge Durango and ’23 Jeep Gladiator took home Best Value in America wins in their respective segments.
The Vincentric Best Value in America Awards are model-specific honors that determine the best value in each segment. Value is determined using a statistical analysis that incorporates the current market price and total cost of ownership of ’23 model-year vehicles.
In addition to the Dodge brand claiming Best Value in America in the SUV/Van Brand category, the ’23 Chrysler 300 and ’23 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid plug-in earned Best Value in America honors in the Large Sedan segment and Minivan segment, respectively. For the second time, Dodge Durango was recognized as the Best Value in America in the Large SUV segment, while the Jeep Gladiator picked up a second consecutive award in the Small/Mid-Size Pickup segment.
As part of the awards process, Vincentric also identified two Stellantis models as having the lowest total cost of ownership in its class: the ’23 Chrysler 300 (Lowest Cost to Own in America: Large Sedan) and the ’23 Dodge Durango (Lowest Cost to Own in America: Large SUV segment).
Cassie Schilling (center)
Meyer Distributing Presents 2023 Q4 Sales Performance Award
Meyer Distributing has announced that Cassie Schilling has been honored with the 2023 Fourth Quarter Outstanding Sales Performance Award. This award recognizes sales account managers who continuously surpass expectations at Meyer Distributing.
“Cassie is an original collision category account manager here at Meyer Distributing,” states Rick Stenftenagel, assistant collision sales manager for Meyer. “She sets the example for others to follow and routinely exceeds the high standards we hold ourselves to. We greatly appreciate her hard work and daily dedication to her team.”
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Avalanche Andretti Formula E Announces Partnership With NAGASE Group
PROJECT X Named Official Lighting Partner of Ultra4 USA
Named a BMW Motorrad Ambassador for 2022, champion motorcycle drag racer Dystany Spurlock traces her attraction to motorsports to a very young age, riding on the back of her father’s motorbike at age six and imploring him to “hit it, dad!” Her first visit to a racetrack came at age 12, where the sound of speeding bikes on asphalt captivated her, and her mother gave her a Suzuki GSX-R 750 for her 16th birthday. After only two months of training, she set a 1/4-mi. record on a Brocks Performance BMW S1000RR with a time of 8.46 sec. at 163 mph. In 2019, she became the first woman (and the first African-American) to win a 4.60 index final. She currently competes in the Mancup Series at tracks along the East Coast, and she continues to work toward securing sponsorships and racing professionally for NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle.
The daughter of a celebrated IndyCar racer and owner, Michelle Della Penna literally grew up at the track, often accompanying her father to races around the country. (“I spent a lot of time in Indianapolis,” she admits.) Her own career path led her into the hospitality industry, where she continues to work as the CEO of a hotel management company, but after her father’s unexpected death in 2019, she says, she was “kind of trying to figure out how to honor his legacy.” While Della Penna had no particular interest in racing, her three sons were all enthusiastic go-karters, and a visit to a local track with one of them led her to an epiphany of sorts. Observing the karters at the track, she noticed only two girls out of some 30-odd karters. “And it just got me thinking, why aren’t there more girls involved in karting? How do we get more girls in karting?”
Beth Paretta’s path to the racetrack was slightly more circuitous than the others. The daughter of a hobbyist, Paretta often helped her father and brother clean car parts, but she didn’t develop a keen interest in cars until her brother’s death. After earning a degree in broadcasting and an MBA, she “made a pivot” and took a job selling cars at a dealership. (“Lee Iacocca started selling cars,” she reminds.) Eventually she was “plucked from obscurity” by Volkswagen, who hired her as a business development manager. This led to leadership positions at Aston-Martin and Fiat Chrysler, where she became the first woman to head a performance division (SRT) for an OE manufacturer. She launched Grace Autosport in 2015, a professional race team of women and an initiative to promote STEM education for girls, and in 2021, she started Paretta Autosport to lead diversity initiatives across professional racing circuits such as the IndyCar series and Indianapolis 500, in particular. Recently, she has partnered with racer Lyn St. James to form Women in Motorsports North America, a community of racing-industry professionals devoted to supporting and creating opportunities for women across all disciplines of motorsports.
Power Automedia Announces Winner of 1,000-HP Engine Giveaway Presented by Summit Racing Equipment
Hennessey Unveils Supercharged H700 Corvette C8 Stingray
EGR Group Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Nissan Futures Showcases Innovations in Sustainable Mobility
