By SEMA News Editors

Speedway Motors Continues Title Sponsorship of IMCA Super Nationals

Speedway Motors--the manufacturer, retailer and distributor of high-quality automotive parts and racing products--continues as title sponsor of the IMCA Super Nationals for the 44th consecutive year, which returns to Boone, Iowa, September 2-7.  

As one of the largest racing events on the series calendar, IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals attracts drivers and fans from across the country. The week-long racing extravaganza features a variety of divisions, including Modifieds, stock cars, hobby stocks, sport mods, sport compacts and Late Models. 

"Our roots are in racing. We are proud to continue to support IMCA and help customers in all nine IMCA divisions build their dreams while keeping racing safe, fun and affordable for many years to come," said Speedway Motors President and Owner Clay Smith said.

During the event, Speedway Motors plans to introduce its latest product, a metric frame explicitly built for IMCA racing. The new frames are IMCA-approved for stock car and Hobby Stock and come as front, rear or as the complete kit: 

• '78-'88 GM Metric Chassis Stock Car Frame 
• '78-88 GM Metric Chassis Hobby Stock Car Frame  

Visit the booth on the manufacturers' row at the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals for a sneak peek!

For more information, visit SpeedwayMotors.com.  

Parella Motorsports Holdings Acquires MotorsportReg, Motorsports Events Calendar

Parella Motorsports Holdings has announced the acquisition of MotorsportReg, the world's most extensive motorsports events calendar, according to published reports. Formally owned by Hagerty, MotorsportReg is now considered a wholly owned subsidiary of PMH, the owner and operator of seven major road racing series and events under the SpeedTour banner. 

"Parella Motorsports Holdings and MotorsportReg have a shared goal of bringing motorsports to more people--regardless of whether they are driving or spectating," said PMH CEO Tony Parella in a release. "Working together will accelerate the ability of MotorsportReg to develop and implement tools that make it easier for enthusiasts to enter and attend events."

MotorsportReg manages more than 500,000 registrations at 10,500 events organized by more than 1,700 automobile clubs, race tracks and sanctioning bodies. MotorsportReg users can expect "business as usual," said Parella.

For more information, visit motorsportreg.com.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com. 

By Ashley Reyes

This Monday, September 9, 2024, is the deadline for motorsports parts manufacturers to secure their participation in the 2025 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, the premier motorsports business event where companies can establish quality relationships with members of the media.

Taking place January 21-23, 2025, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive in Orlando, Florida, the Media Trade Conference provides manufacturers the opportunity to take part in more than 40 private, 30-minute meetings in which they can showcase their products and share their latest news with journalists, editors, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers. Relationships that are forged at the event result in content that is shared by media to their mass audiences year-round.

Participation is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) manufacturing companies whose membership is active at the time of the conference.

Sign up now to secure your spot for this influential event!

Questions can be directed to MPMC Director Marcy Yanus at marcy@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Tire Group International--one of the leaders in the distribution of premium-quality tires and tubes--has announced the acquisition of Avaun Tire Supply, a wholesale distributor based in Portland, Oregon. Avaun and TGI have been partners since Avaun was founded in 2016 by Sherko Rasouli and Freddie Capshaw, and this strategic move is part of TGI's ongoing expansion plans in key markets across the United States, according to the company.

In addition to overseeing TGI Portland, Rasouli will take on the added responsibility of driving sales of TGI's house brands, Cosmo Tires, Astro Tires and Duramas in the Western USA.

"We are thrilled to welcome Avaun to the TGI family," said Joaquin Gonzalez Jr., president of TGI. "This acquisition not only expands our footprint in the Pacific Northwest but also allows us to strengthen our house brands, Cosmo Tires, Astro Tyres and Duramas, under the capable leadership of Sherko Rasouli and Freddie Capshaw."

For more information, visit tiregroup.com.

Meyer Distributing Announces Plattsburgh, New York, Location

Meyer Distributing, Inc., the Indiana-based parts distributor, is opening a new crossdock in Plattsburgh, New York. The crossdock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Pennsylvania distribution hub, which houses an inventory of automotive accessories, crash and collision, 4x4 and off-road, and RV and trailer parts.

"Meyer is your source for automotive accessories in the Northeast," said Jeremy Schnaus, Meyer's automotive accessories sales manager. "Our experienced, customer-centric sales staff is ready to help take your business to the next level by increasing your profitability allow you to service your customers quicker."

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

New Hunter University Offers Comprehensive Online and In-Person Training

Hunter Engineering is introducing Hunter University, its new global learning platform designed for easily accessible training for customers, technicians, technical school instructors, students and any other interested parties.

The platform collects all of Hunter's extensive learning content in a single place, offering dozens of free online courses worldwide, as well as streamlined registration for hands-on, in-person classes at training centers around the United States.

"Given the industry's critical need, we recognize our responsibility to help train current and future technicians," said Hunter Field Development Director Tom Settle. "Hunter University makes it easy to select training in the way that suits each person best."

All existing content was updated and refreshed as part of the nine-month effort, often converting from PowerPoint presentations to shorter, easy-to-understand dynamic modules with narration and video. The online courses are generally presented in five-minute segments, so even a 10-module course could be completed in approximately one hour.

Additionally, the online courses are accessible internationally and available in 21 languages.

The new state-of-the-art platform provides a more individualized experience with personal profiles, unique learning paths, task tracking, and training history. Equipment certifications can be earned on a self-guided basis, while technical school instructors can download materials for use in their classes.

For more information, visit hunter.com/training.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Last month, SEMA and industry leaders testified at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearing in opposition to the agency granting the state of California a waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which seeks to ban the sale of medium- and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Watch highlights of testimony from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Rick Albertini, CEO of Phenix Enterprises, Inc.; and Ben Winter, vice chair of Transfer Flow, below:

If the EPA grants this waiver, California will be able to mandate the types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that companies must purchase, in addition to requiring many businesses to retire trucks that have only been in service for 13 years. The ACF would devalue companies' property, and businesses would pay higher prices to have their products delivered, with the costs of the new zero-emission trucks that the ACF regulation mandates being passed on to consumers and other businesses. 

Learn how SEMA is fighting for a technology-neutral automotive future by visiting sema.org/advocacy.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Last month, SEMA and industry leaders testified at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearing in opposition to the agency granting the state of California a waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which seeks to ban the sale of medium- and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Watch highlights of testimony from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Rick Albertini, CEO of Phenix Enterprises, Inc.; and Ben Winter, vice chair of Transfer Flow, below:

If the EPA grants this waiver, California will be able to mandate the types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that companies must purchase, in addition to requiring many businesses to retire trucks that have only been in service for 13 years. The ACF would devalue companies' property, and businesses would pay higher prices to have their products delivered, with the costs of the new zero-emission trucks that the ACF regulation mandates being passed on to consumers and other businesses. 

Learn how SEMA is fighting for a technology-neutral automotive future by visiting sema.org/advocacy.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Last month, SEMA and industry leaders testified at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearing in opposition to the agency granting the state of California a waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which seeks to ban the sale of medium- and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Watch highlights of testimony from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Rick Albertini, CEO of Phenix Enterprises, Inc.; and Ben Winter, vice chair of Transfer Flow, below:

If the EPA grants this waiver, California will be able to mandate the types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that companies must purchase, in addition to requiring many businesses to retire trucks that have only been in service for 13 years. The ACF would devalue companies' property, and businesses would pay higher prices to have their products delivered, with the costs of the new zero-emission trucks that the ACF regulation mandates being passed on to consumers and other businesses. 

Learn how SEMA is fighting for a technology-neutral automotive future by visiting sema.org/advocacy.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The California legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation (AB 52), introduced by Assembly Member Tim Grayson (D-Concord), which would provide businesses with a state tax credit equal to what they pay in local sales tax for qualified manufacturing equipment. The bill now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom for approval or veto.

SEMA members are encouraged to register for support for the bill here.

Manufacturing is a vital industry in California, accounting for more than 10% of the state’s GDP and employing nearly 8% of the state’s workforce. The automotive aftermarket alone employs nearly 150,000 people and contributes more than $40 billion to the state’s economy. Thirty-eight states already offer sales-tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment and R&D. By failing to do the same, California risks losing businesses to these states, which can provide a more attractive business environment. In addition, providing incentives for manufacturing and R&D can help the state attract new businesses and create jobs.

The bill’s progress to date shows the importance of SEMA’s champions in statehouses nationwide. Assembly Member Grayson is a SEMA State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member and was the 2019 winner of SEMA’s Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award. In addition to being a lawmaker, Assembly Member Grayson, along with his wife Tammy, is also an enthusiast, with two classic Ford Mustangs in their collection.

For more information, please get in touch with Christian Robinson, SEMA’s senior director for state government affairs and grassroots, at christianr@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The California legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation (AB 52), introduced by Assembly Member Tim Grayson (D-Concord), which would provide businesses with a state tax credit equal to what they pay in local sales tax for qualified manufacturing equipment. The bill now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom for approval or veto.

SEMA members are encouraged to register for support for the bill here.

Manufacturing is a vital industry in California, accounting for more than 10% of the state’s GDP and employing nearly 8% of the state’s workforce. The automotive aftermarket alone employs nearly 150,000 people and contributes more than $40 billion to the state’s economy. Thirty-eight states already offer sales-tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment and R&D. By failing to do the same, California risks losing businesses to these states, which can provide a more attractive business environment. In addition, providing incentives for manufacturing and R&D can help the state attract new businesses and create jobs.

The bill’s progress to date shows the importance of SEMA’s champions in statehouses nationwide. Assembly Member Grayson is a SEMA State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member and was the 2019 winner of SEMA’s Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award. In addition to being a lawmaker, Assembly Member Grayson, along with his wife Tammy, is also an enthusiast, with two classic Ford Mustangs in their collection.

For more information, please get in touch with Christian Robinson, SEMA’s senior director for state government affairs and grassroots, at christianr@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, September 24, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT.

Open to all women employed by a SEMA member company, the meeting will provide updates on SBN's current priorities for members, which include networking, education and recognition opportunities. Attendees will connect with the select committee, discover ways to get more involved, and hear the network's plans for its members at the 2024 SEMA Show.

The SBN's mission is to provide opportunities for professional women in the specialty-equipment industry which will enhance their careers and positively impact the growth of the automotive aftermarket. Both current and prospective members are encouraged to attend the meeting, as it's a great way to tap into valuable resources.

Register here.

By SEMA News Editors

Third-Generation Audi Q5 Sportback Shows Off New Look

The third generation of the Audi Q5 will introduce significant design changes compared to the second-generation model, according to new images provided by SEMA News sources. While the overall proportions remain similar, the redesigned SUV features a more striking front and rear design. This applies to the Q5 Sportback as well, which was recently spotted in Germany for the first time.

The new Audi Q5 lineup will feature a shorter octagonal Singleframe grille, slimmer and more technical-looking headlights, a taller, lower air intake and side-air inlets. At the rear, the SUV is expected to have a more distinctive appearance with sleeker rear combination lamps that incorporate Audi's second-generation digital OLED technology, along with a full-width narrow LED light band.

The prototype of the next-generation Q5 Sportback, even through its swirly camouflage, reveals the Singleframe grille and vertical air intakes. Audi is testing the Sportback with its final exterior design, which includes production-ready headlights and taillights. The Sportback will also feature unique bumpers and wheels to differentiate it from the standard Q5.

Inside, Audi is aiming for a more streamlined design that reduces the number of physical controls. The front of the cabin is expected to include three screens: an 11.9-in. OLED Audi virtual cockpit, a 14.5-in. OLED MMI touch display and an optional 10.9-in. MMI passenger touch display. Additionally, sources said a new head-up display (HUD) is likely to be included.

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Spotted Fully Camouflaged

Insiders recently managed to snap new photos of Hyundai's upcoming all-electric seven-seat SUV, expected to be named the Ioniq 9.

The new flagship EV is set to carry over much of the design language from the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, while its technical specs are likely to be similar to those of the Kia EV9, sources said.

While Hyundai hasn't announced an exact date for the Ioniq 9's reveal, rumors suggest that the global debut could take place in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The upcoming electric SUV appears to feature a blunt front end, complete with vertical running lights integrated into the bumper and horizontal headlights above, which insiders expect to feature the pixel-style LED design.

The side profile of the Ioniq 9 features a steeply raked windshield and a roofline that slopes gently toward the rear. This sleeker design cues more from the Ioniq 6 sedan and could enhance aerodynamics and range, though it may compromise headroom for passengers in the third row.

Inside, the Ioniq 9 borrows heavily from the all-new Santa Fe's dashboard layout, sources said. It boasts a digital instrument cluster that flows into the infotainment display. The HVAC and infotainment system controls offer a blend of physical knobs and touch-sensitive buttons.