The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has announced the 2023 installment of the SCCA National Championship Runoffs will take place September 23-October 3, at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.

The event is currently slated to include three days of testing (September 23-25) and three days of qualifying sessions (September 26-28). These will be followed by three days of racing (September 29-October 1).

Organizers have also announced the SCCA Runoffs will act as the championship season finale for the Spec MX-5 Challenge (SMX), often featured at SCCA Road Racing weekends. SMX will feature a single qualifying session, with two races during the Runoffs weekend. 

NASCAR Announces Pinty's Series Promotions

NASCAR has announced the promotion of Doug Gonder to series director of the NASCAR Pinty's Series. He previously served as assistant series director under Cherie Putnam, who retired at the end of last season.

In addition, longtime series official Sam Putnam has been promoted to technical director. Mike Hennink, who has been with the series since its inception, will serve as supervisor of officials.

'World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing' Sets New Standards of Console Success for Monster Games, iRacing

After bringing "The Greatest Show on Dirt" back to the console gaming world for the first time in more than a decade, World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing has been a major success for Monster Games and its parent company, iRacing. Universal acclaim from the community--including an average rating of more than 4.5 stars--has led to record engagement levels, setting the stage for a significant 2023 season update and Nintendo Switch release in the fall (more details below).

World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing engagement has roughly quadrupled, with more multiplayer races completed than its previous three games combined. Since its release, players have created more than 2.2 million multiplayer races across the Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox console families, with the PlayStation 4 and 5 combining for 1.2 million sessions and Xbox One, Series X and Series S combining for the remaining million. In addition, the title has set new all-time records for peak users.

The title will receive an extensive update this summer that will feature new drivers, paint schemes, tracks and series. The 2023 Season Update will be a paid add-on to the game for PlayStation and Xbox users, following the conclusion of the 2022 Season Pass. In addition, a Nintendo Switch port of World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing will be released in the fall; the Switch port will integrate all content from the 2022 Season Pass and 2023 Season Update into the base game. Players can immediately get in on the action, though; World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing is now on sale for $39.99 for all PlayStation and Xbox platforms.

New England Modified Star to Make ASA STARS Debut

The ASA National Tour has announced one of New England's most outstanding drivers, Derek Griffith, will make his ASA STARS National Tour debut during the ECMD 150 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina. 

With two PASS National championships, a Granite State Pro Stock Series title and multiple wins in the Northeast, the driver known as "D-Griff" has established himself as one of the region's top racers. But, his success also followed him to the South, securing two World Series of Asphalt Super Late Model championships at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Six SEMA members, along with SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to the agency's recently proposed new federal emissions standards. The standards--for motor vehicles model years '27 to '32--are intended to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs).

SEMA thanks Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Superchargers; Rob Simons, principal with Automotive Consulting Services, Inc.; Billy Brooks, director of engineering for Cobb Tuning; Dan Millen, owner of Livernois Motorsports; Mike Copeland, CEO of Arrington Performance; and Laurel Moorhead, regulatory compliance engineer with Transfer Flow for speaking about their businesses, the importance of the EPA maintaining a technology-neutral approach to motor-vehicle technology, and the adverse impacts that a premature rush to making EVs the only option to reduce motor-vehicle emissions. You can watch the videos of the testimonies at the bottom of this webpage.

The EPA must hear from industry members as it reviews public comments on its proposal that impacts the future of the automotive industry. Click here to sign a letter opposing the EPA's proposal, which provides an opportunity to personalize the letter and explain how the agency's push to an all-electric future will impact your business.  

The EPA maintains that its draft rulemaking would lead to EVs making up two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United States by 2032. SEMA opposes rulemaking, as consumers and the marketplace should be able to choose the vehicle technology that works best for them. There are many options on the road to zero emissions, and government policy must remain technology neutral. The specialty automotive aftermarket business has been built around the internal combustion engine (ICE), although the industry is leading the way in fuel innovations and conversions of old vehicles into new and cleaner technologies. Hydrogen and other renewable fuels, including synthetic eFuels, will allow legacy vehicles to operate carbon-neutrally and should have an equal seat at the table. Ultimately, consumers, not the government, should be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves their families, as the market should drive fuel innovations. 

Click here to sign a letter opposing the EPA's multipollutant standards. For more information, visit sema.org/EPA-Proposed-Greenhouse-Gas-Rules or contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Superchargers

Rob Simons, Principal with Automotive Consulting Services, Inc.

Billy Brooks, Director of Engineering for Cobb Tuning

Dan Millen, Owner of Livernois Motorsports

Mike Copeland, CEO of Arrington Performance

Laurel Moorhead, Regulatory Compliance Engineer with Transfer Flow

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Six SEMA members, along with SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to the agency's recently proposed new federal emissions standards. The standards--for motor vehicles model years '27 to '32--are intended to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs).

SEMA thanks Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Superchargers; Rob Simons, principal with Automotive Consulting Services, Inc.; Billy Brooks, director of engineering for Cobb Tuning; Dan Millen, owner of Livernois Motorsports; Mike Copeland, CEO of Arrington Performance; and Laurel Moorhead, regulatory compliance engineer with Transfer Flow for speaking about their businesses, the importance of the EPA maintaining a technology-neutral approach to motor-vehicle technology, and the adverse impacts that a premature rush to making EVs the only option to reduce motor-vehicle emissions. You can watch the videos of the testimonies at the bottom of this webpage.

The EPA must hear from industry members as it reviews public comments on its proposal that impacts the future of the automotive industry. Click here to sign a letter opposing the EPA's proposal, which provides an opportunity to personalize the letter and explain how the agency's push to an all-electric future will impact your business.  

The EPA maintains that its draft rulemaking would lead to EVs making up two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United States by 2032. SEMA opposes rulemaking, as consumers and the marketplace should be able to choose the vehicle technology that works best for them. There are many options on the road to zero emissions, and government policy must remain technology neutral. The specialty automotive aftermarket business has been built around the internal combustion engine (ICE), although the industry is leading the way in fuel innovations and conversions of old vehicles into new and cleaner technologies. Hydrogen and other renewable fuels, including synthetic eFuels, will allow legacy vehicles to operate carbon-neutrally and should have an equal seat at the table. Ultimately, consumers, not the government, should be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves their families, as the market should drive fuel innovations. 

Click here to sign a letter opposing the EPA's multipollutant standards. For more information, visit sema.org/EPA-Proposed-Greenhouse-Gas-Rules or contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Superchargers

Rob Simons, Principal with Automotive Consulting Services, Inc.

Billy Brooks, Director of Engineering for Cobb Tuning

Dan Millen, Owner of Livernois Motorsports

Mike Copeland, CEO of Arrington Performance

Laurel Moorhead, Regulatory Compliance Engineer with Transfer Flow

SEMA News—June 2023

FROM MIKE SPAGNOLA

Working Toward a Cleaner Future That Works for Everybody

By Mike Spagnola, SEMA President and CEO

Some of the association's activities are immediately visible, tangible efforts—events such as the annual SEMA Show. Other long-range investments and initiatives unfold over longer time frames and across multiple leadership changes. These might be harder to discern, but they are no less significant.

Among those initiatives would be the work the association is doing to help companies achieve compliance with federal, state and local emissions as regulations. The work is ongoing across multiple fronts, including emissions certification, alternative propulsion development, and policy advocacy. 

SEMA Garage emissions labs enable members to develop products that function properly without compromising a vehicle's emissions status, and to demonstrate compliance more cheaply and quickly than most outside labs. Both facilities—located in Diamond Bar, California and Plymouth, Michigan—are staffed by technicians using state-of-the-art test equipment capable of replicating the specific test procedures required by the EPA and California regulators. 

Along with helping members through the process of obtaining a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO), the garages can conduct "SEMA Certified-Emissions" testing that meets EPA "reasonable basis" tampering policy criteria. The SEMA Certified-Emissions testing process has been ramping up since January 2022, offering an accelerated path to compliance with federal regulations and allowing products to be legally sold in 49 states prior to, or in place of, receiving the CARB EO. In most cases, test data gathered in the SEMA Certified process can also be used for obtaining a CARB EO that would make it legal in all 50 states. Importantly, SEMA Certified testing also creates a path to compliance for products that fall outside of currently existing CARB test procedures, such as air intakes with carbon traps, or flex-fuel systems. 

On another front, the association is working to facilitate the advancement of companies offering zero-emissions propulsion systems. Currently there is concentrated activity around electric vehicles, but the goal is to support alternative powertrain technologies across the spectrum, including EV, hybrid, fuel cell hydrogen, and alternative fuels for internal combustion engines. 

Most recently, SEMA has worked with companies that have developed EV conversion kits to make regulators aware that converting a vehicle to electric propulsion should not be hindered, but rewarded. Last February a SEMA-sponsored bill was introduced to create a financial rebate program for converting gas- and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs). The legislation, which will have to progress through multiple committees before passage, would make a rebate available to those who make this conversion. ZEV conversions, a rapidly growing market, preserve California's diverse and deep-rooted car culture while helping the state meet its ambitious climate goals. 
This legislation also creates a level playing field by including a rebate for converted vehicles and not just for new EV purchases that are often out of financial reach for many Californians.

It was more than a decade ago that SEMA leaders made investments to help member companies solve challenges associated with emissions regulations. They knew it would take years for those investments to pay off—and that progress might be difficult to discern at first. But today, those initiatives are making a tangible difference. World-class SEMA Garage facilities now offer the industry pathways toward a cleaner future that works for everybody. To find out about how to tap into garage programs, visit semagarage.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to the agency's recently proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model years '27-'32, which are intended to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs). Watch the testimony in the video below. 

The EPA maintains its proposal would lead to EVs making up two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United  States by 2032. Click here to sign a letter opposing the EPA's proposal, which provides an opportunity to personalize the letter and explain how the agency's push to an all-electric future will impact your business. 

"While the automobile's roots are tied to the internal combustion engine (ICE), SEMA prides itself on maintaining a forward-looking vision that embraces new technology, including EVs and other zero-emissions vehicles," said Spagnola. "The specialty automotive aftermarket has led the way on alternative fuel innovations, from replacing older engine technologies with newer, cleaner versions to converting older ICE vehicles to new electric, hydrogen and other alternative fuels. Sadly, the EPA's plans to reduce greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants do not factor this in. 

"SEMA and its members have serious concerns with this proposal, which aggressively seeks to lower carbon emissions under timelines that effectively make electric vehicles the de facto choice option for automakers to meet the requirements. Government shouldn't pick winners and losers. This far too-fast mandate will create a seismic shift for small businesses who don't have the capacity to make the shift this quickly, especially when they're not receiving billions in government funds like the large automakers are to fund their electric vehicle programs. To put this in perspective, 33% of consumer spending on performance and accessory products goes toward upgrading ICE engines and drivetrains. That's nearly $17 billion of the $51 billion specialty aftermarket industry. That's $17 billion of impact largely on small business." 

Click here to sign a letter opposing the EPA's multipollutant standards. For more information, visit sema.org/EPA-Proposed-Greenhouse-Gas-Rules or contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Temecula, California-based Power Automedia has announced a full event schedule for the 2023 Mustang Week, which returns September 4-9 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

Rodney Melton founded the event, and before Power Automedia's acquisition last year, it was set to be shuttered after the 2022 installment. 

"We are very excited to see the Mustang Week torch get passed on and carry the tradition on," stated Mustang Week founder Rodney Melton. "It has been a thrilling 21-year ride watching it grow from 100 Mustangs to more than 5,000 Mustangs. We are eager to see what the future holds under its next tenure."

Throughout the week, Mustang owners can participate in various activities, including the Mustang Cruise-In, Mustang Car Show, Autocross Challenge, Drag-n-Drive and more. In addition, Mustang Week 2023 will feature vendors offering performance parts, apparel and accessories. 

MAVTV Motorsports to Serve as Exclusive Formula DRIFT Cable Broadcast Partner

Indianapolis, Indiana-based MAVTV has announced the MAVTV Motorsports Network will be the exclusive cable television home for Formula DRIFT, broadcasting all eight rounds of the 2023 championship series from race tracks across the United States. 

"We are excited to work with MAVTV, a network that shares our passion for motorsports and understands the unique nature of drifting. With their support, we look forward to reaching new fans and providing current fans with comprehensive coverage of our events," said Formula DRIFT President and Co-Founder Ryan Sage.

MAVTV's 2023 Formula DRIFT championship series coverage continues with the May 11-13 race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. As a bonus, MAVTV fans will also have access to content like behind-the-scenes footage, driver interviews and expert analysis throughout the 2023 season.

Hendrick Motorsports Names Sunnen as Official Honing Equipment Partner

Hendrick Motorsports has named St. Louis, Missouri-based Sunnen Products Company its Official Honing Equipment Partner while the team pursues its record-extending 15th NASCAR Cup Series championship. 

The partnership puts the new Sunnen SV-series honing machine--the next generation of the Cylinder King honing machines--in the Hendrick Motorsports engine operation alongside numerous other Sunnen honing and engine-building machines. Hendrick Motorsports fields four full-time Chevrolet teams in the elite NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron and Alex Bowman.

Epic Month of May at IMS Set for Green Flag 

It's May in Indianapolis, and that means it's time to start preparing for the excitement of racing's most-famed venue: Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Gates will be open to fans for 12 days throughout the action-packed and exhilarating Month of May for practice, qualifying, concerts, race days and more.

"The Month of May at the Racing Capital of the World is full of can't-miss track activity featuring the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the many time-honored traditions and pageantry our fans love," IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. "Ticket sales are strong, and we're expecting large crowds again this year as we show the world what it truly means when we say, 'This is May.'"

Race fans are encouraged to plan ahead through IMS.com/PlanAhead, an interactive webpage that serves as a home base for fans headed to the track. 

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

By SEMA Editors

Applications are now open for the 2023 SEMA Show Feature Vehicle Display program here. For the complete rules, visit here.

Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of this unique program. The cars come from various categories and applications, allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show well beyond their booth. 

Exhibitors can expand their footprint at the SEMA Show well beyond their booth with a feature vehicle display.

Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app displaying the vehicle's image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder's name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibitor company.

When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you can request information on how you may enter your vehicle for the SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB). The competition is judged by industry experts with awards presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

Submit your Feature Vehicle Display application by Friday, July 28. Additional vehicles will be considered on a space-available basis. Exhibiting companies with multiple vehicle application submissions will be asked to rank vehicles based on priority.

For a complete list of SEMA Show deadlines, visit here.

For more information on the Feature Vehicle application, contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The voting period for the 2023 SEMA Board of Directors elections is currently taking place online through May 23, 2023. Voting is open to current SEMA-member companies, and votes must be cast by each company's primary contact.

Our industry's future direction depends on your participation during this Board of Directors Election. Take a few minutes and read the candidate bios at sema.org/2023-bod-candidates.

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

 Chair-Elect - One Open Seat

Myles Kovacs (left) and Melanie White (right).

• Myles Kovacs, TIS Industries
• Melanie White, Hellwig Products

Distributor/Retailer - One Open Seat

Rob Ward (left) and Ted Wentz (right).

• Rob Ward, Legacy EV
• Ted Wentz, Quadratec, Incumbent

Winners will be announced by June 1.

For more information, visit the SEMA Board of Directors website.

Nexen Tire America--the provider of high-performance, passenger, SUV/light truck and winter tire technology--has announced Roadian HTX 2 has received the main award in the product design category of the iF Design Awards 2023 in Germany.

The award-winning Roadian HTX 2 tire is designed to improve snow traction and mileage performance when compared to competitive products. It improves tread grip and handling performance, even in snowy conditions, thanks to the tire maker's 3D-sipe technology that increases traction. The cooling-pin design used on the shoulder block effectively releases heat generated during driving, increasing tire durability even in high-speed driving environments and allowing for more stable driving.

The iF International Forum Design GmbH, based in Hanover, Germany, is the oldest independent-design organization and annually bestows the iF Design Award on the best design results. Around 11,000 entries from 56 countries competed fiercely for the award, which was chosen by a panel of 133 judges comprised of experts from each country.

'24 Toyota Tacoma is Coming May 19

The all-new '24 Toyota Tacoma world debut is on May 19, 2023. Stay tuned for more, and click here to check out the previous '24 Toyota Tacoma teasers.

Driven Brands Announces Executive Appointment

Automotive services provider Driven Brands Holdings, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has appointed Gary W. Ferrera as executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO). Ferrera will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Fitzpatrick and succeeds Tiffany Mason.

Ferrera has extensive financial experience and has served as a CFO for various firms across multiple industries for nearly two decades, during which time he has taken two companies public, the company says. Most recently, he served as the CFO of Skillsoft Corporation, an educational software company. 

Speedway Motors Promotes Josh Durham, Jeremy Orlowski

Speedway Motors--the Lincoln, Nebraska-based manufacturer, retailer and distributor of automotive parts and racing products--has announced the promotions of Josh Durham and Jeremy Orlowski. 

Josh Durham, who first joined the Speedway Properties team in 2021, brings more than 23 years of experience in finance to his new role as CFO for Speedway Motors. Before, he was vice president/controller at the Nebraska Book Company and, prior, was a senior financial analyst at The John Hopkins University School of Medicine. 

Jeremy Orlowski first joined Speedway Motors in 2007. He has held several roles within the company, first with outbound inventory, then later to positions on the web team. He is now the director of purchasing. 

Bridgestone Honors Top Maplewood High School Automotive Training Center Students

Bridgestone Retail Operations, a subsidiary of Nashville, Tennessee-based Bridgestone Americas, has announced a three-year extension of their relationship with the Maplewood High School Automotive Training Center while honoring this year's top students during a special ceremony at Bridgestone Tower.

The program's top student was offered a part-time position at a local Firestone Complete Auto Care store and received a professional technician toolkit. Seven other students demonstrating a commitment to careers in the automotive service industry also received special awards. Following the ceremony, students and their families were invited to engage with Bridgestone teammates during a career fair and mentorship breakout groups and enjoy a luncheon overlooking downtown Nashville.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) invites its members to a virtual "general membership" meeting on Thursday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT. 

Taking place online, the meeting is the ideal time to get updated on events and resources available to help young aftermarket leaders succeed in their careers. Participants will learn about new volunteer opportunities, discover ways to get more involved in the industry through networking, and meet FLN select committee members who can help them discover the member benefits that FLN has to offer.

And, aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under who are not current FLN members are encouraged to attend, as it's a great way to learn about the FLN and the many available resources. 

Register for the meeting here.