Compiled by SEMA Editors

Papadakis Racing Toyotas Score 1-2 Finish in St. Louis

Rockstar Energy Toyota driver Fredric Aasbo scored victory in St. Louis after an all-Toyota, all-Nitto Tire Final battle with teammate Ryan Tuerck. The one-two finish narrows the points standings as the Formula DRIFT series returns to California for the final two rounds of the season. Aasbo and Tuerck were the drivers to beat in St. Louis and they delivered a show of skill in the opening corners of their Final battle. But a misstep from Tuerck saw him tap the wall with his Gumout/Nitto Tire/Mobil 1 Toyota Corolla hatchback and the battle win went to Aasbo. The St. Louis win narrows the points gap at the top of the championship and both drivers are in the hunt for the title with just two rounds to go. Aasbo currently sits third—just 19 points off the lead. Tuerck is a close fourth. The victory brings Aasbo’s record-setting career wins tally to 16. Next up for the Papadakis Racing Toyota team is a return home to Los Angeles for an exciting Round 6 on the Streets of Long Beach, September 17–18. The season finale takes place at Irwindale Speedway October 22–23.

Driver Jesse Iwuji, NFL Hall Of Famer Emmitt Smith Form Xfinity Team

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Jesse Iwuji has partnered with NFL Hall of Fame recipient Emmitt Smith to form Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, a race team set to debut in the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. The team will utilize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives and esports simulator racing to “connect with lower-income communities” and “serve as a pipeline for people to get in the sport. Whether they want to drive… crew chief, engineer, whatever it is,” Iwuji said to NASCAR.com.

Iwuji will serve as a driver-owner for the team. Now in the US Navy Reserves, he served in active duty from 2010–2017. Since 2015, he has competed in five Xfinity Series races and has started in 14 Camping World Truck Series races. Smith, a longtime running back primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, has known Iwuji for around 20 years. Last October, Smith’s company Notable Live sponsored Iwuji’s No. 99 car in the Xfinity Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. For more information, visit jesseiwuji.com.

NHRA Set for Return to Maple Grove

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs are back with a visit to Maple Grove Raceway for the 36th annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil set for September 10–12. The event serves as the first of seven playoff races during the 2021 season and marks the series’ return to the 1/5-mile dragstrip in Berks County, Pennsylvania, for the first time since 2019.

Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes will be highlighted during the weekend, which will also be televised on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including final eliminations on Sunday, September 12 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT). The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will also compete along with the Top Fuel Harley Drag Racing Series. To purchase tickets, visit maplegroveraceway.com. For more information, visit nhra.com.

SVRA Releases 17-Race Schedule for 2022

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) has announced a 17-race schedule for 2022, which also marks the tenth anniversary of SVRA’s acquisition by Parella Motorsports Holdings. The SpeedTour weekends include vintage racing, contemporary sports cars and other features.

2022 SVRA/SpeedTour Schedule

• Auto Club Speedway—February 4–6
• Sebring International Raceway—February 24–27
• Charlotte Motor Speedway—March 17–20
• Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta—March 24–27
• NOLA Motorsports Park—April 8–10
• WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca—April 21–24
• Sonoma Raceway—April 28–May 1
• Road America—May 19–22
• Lime Rock Park—May 27–30
• The Ridge Motorsports Park—June 10–12
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway—June 16–19
• Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course—June 23–26
• Portland International Raceway—July 21–24
• Watkins Glen International—September 7–11
• Virginia International Raceway—October 6–9
• Utah Motorsport Campus—October 14–16
• Circuit of The Americas—November 3–6

For more information, visit svra.com.

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

By Ashley Reyes

Like most enthusiasts, many of FantomWorks’ customers have elaborate dreams of what they are looking for, but a budget that does not support the job. After years of experience, FantomWorks owner Dan Short has learned how to deliver a vehicle that customers will love and be able to enjoy, while staying within budget.

Tune in to the new SEMA Virtual Education video in which Short shares his company’s build philosophy for auto restoration and takes viewers behind the scenes into his shop. During the candid interview, you’ll learn the one word Short promotes as his guiding star, hear what he has planned for the 2021 SEMA Show and discover what he looks for when hiring new employees. As a special bonus, you’ll see photos and hear about the wedding he officiated at FantomWorks’ facilities!

The video is the fourth episode of the ARMO Builder Series in which host Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars brings viewers stories from some of the industry’s most passionate and creative builders.

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews and ARMO social media for registration on the fifth installment of the ARMO Builder Series. Taking place as a live webinar, the session will feature Jim and Mike Ring, co-founders of Ringbrothers. The ARMO Builder Series videos support and will culminate with the ARMO Builders Panel at the 2021 SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Tom Waitzman, president of DPS Automotive, as the council’s newest volunteer spotlight member. Check out Waitzman’s video to learn about his career and what inspires him about the automotive restyling industry.  

Waitzman answers questions about what motivated him to join PRO, how he got started in the industry, and what vehicle he and his son aspire to own.  

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s social media, SEMA eNews and future PRO-member updates.

Here’s an interesting prototype of the Ford Bronco that foreshadows an upcoming overlanding model.

Caught on the streets of metro Detroit, this Bronco prototype is wearing a lot of heavy vinyl camouflage, suggesting that it’s more than a simple special edition.

Up front, the prototype features a reworded front fascia along with a noticeable Warn winch. There’s also a snorkel mounted on the passenger-side A-pillar, which should prove helpful in water fording. A raised roof suggests extra lighting, a cargo basket or maybe even a tent.

What’s more, this particular Bronco prototype is riding on a unique set of wheels that we haven’t seen before. The tires are Goodyear territory MT 315 70R17, which is used on the Sasquatch package.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBIlde

Here’s an interesting prototype of the Ford Bronco that foreshadows an upcoming overlanding model.

Caught on the streets of metro Detroit, this Bronco prototype is wearing a lot of heavy vinyl camouflage, suggesting that it’s more than a simple special edition.

Up front, the prototype features a reworded front fascia along with a noticeable Warn winch. There’s also a snorkel mounted on the passenger-side A-pillar, which should prove helpful in water fording. A raised roof suggests extra lighting, a cargo basket or maybe even a tent.

What’s more, this particular Bronco prototype is riding on a unique set of wheels that we haven’t seen before. The tires are Goodyear territory MT 315 70R17, which is used on the Sasquatch package.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBIlde

By SEMA Editors

Showgoers booking through onPeak—the SEMA Show housing partner—receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

onPeak not only offers discounted nightly rates for SEMA Show participants, but also offers reduced resort fees so you can save even more on your stay.

Driving to the Show? See the list below for hotels offering free parking during the Show and book through onPeak to secure your stay.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak—the only official hotel provider for the 2021 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2021 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2021 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2021 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2021 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

 By SEMA Editors

New for this year, the New Products Showcase will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Upper South Hall in booth #31255. In addition, buyers and media can now use the Show app on their mobile device to scan and save products and provide step-by-step directions to the exhibitors that submitted each product.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show and entering at least one product in the New Products Showcase puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. The best part: the first product you enter is free! After that, each additional product you enter per category is $75 until October 8, after which, the fee increases to $150 per entry.

Entry Fees:

• The first product entered in one category in the New Products Showcase is FREE!
• Additional $75 per product category before October 8.
• After October 8, the cost is $150 per entry.
• No refunds provided after October 8.
• Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space availability basis.

Enter your new products now!

For more information on New Products Showcase display guidelines, visit www.semashow.com/esm.

By Ashley Reyes

Sales of alternative powered vehicles, while currently representing just 5% of all U.S. light-vehicle sales today, are expected to reach 45% by 2035, according to new SEMA Market Research.

Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, which together represent around 90% of new car registrations worldwide in 2020, plan to widen their portfolio of alternative-power models and scale up their production of electric vehicles. However, three quarters of Americans still prefer gas or diesel and have concerns about charging infrastructure, driving range and price. Also, alternative-power vehicles remain a niche market for the specialty-equipment industry, accounting for just 1% of specialty-equipment retail sales in 2020.

Filled with an in-depth outlook on the landscape of alternative power and electrification in the United States, the “Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology” report helps companies understand potential implications for the specialty-equipment industry and how advanced technologies are becoming part of the new vehicle ecosystem. Key findings from the report include:

• There are currently 4.1 million alternative-power vehicles on U.S. roads today. This represents 1% of light vehicles in operation.
• While sales are starting to grow, significant hurdles remain, around range, changing, and electrical power generation, in the shift towards more electrified vehicles.
• As sales of electric and other alternative energy vehicles increase in coming years, it will take a while for current vehicles to cycle out of operation. The average age of a vehicle today is just over 12 years.
• Alternative power currently represents a very small share of the specialty-aftermarket sales but will be more important as their presence grows. In 2020, alternative power accounted for only 1% of specialty-equipment retail sales at $0.42 billion.
• Automakers continue to integrate vehicles with advanced technology to increase safety and comfort on the road. This opens potential growth opportunities for the aftermarket industry in older vehicles.
• While 58% of drivers want more safety features, 86% say they are afraid of fully autonomous vehicles. They cite safety and liability as their biggest concerns.

To learn more about SEMA’s outlook on electric vehicles and emerging trends and technology, download the new SEMA “Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology” report today at www.sema.org/research.

By SEMA Editors

The 2021 SEMA Show is about nine weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Complete Deadlines Checklist - Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The Deadlines Checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

• September 3 – Exhibit Space Design - Exhibitor Search (sema.org)
• September 3 – Multi-Level Booth Design - Exhibitor Search (sema.org)
• September 3 – Permit Application to Clark County–Hot Works
• September 3 – Permit Application to Clark County–Spraying & Dipping
• September 3 – Permit Application to Clark County for Outside Exhibits, Tents, Staking Plans
• September 6 – Hanging sing Design - Exhibitor Search (sema.org)
• September 10 – Booth Vehicle Application - Exhibitor Search (sema.org)
• September 17 – Sponsorship Artwork/Materials Due to Freeman
• September 23 – Freight–Freeman Warehouse–first day to accept advance freight

• September 23 – Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)–CompuSystems
• September 30 – Fabric Graphics–Freeman
• October 1 – Target Move-in Date Change Request-Freeman
• October 1 – Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)–Cox Business (LVCC)
• October 1 – Products for Project Vehicle Builders
• October 1 – International Air Freight Arriving at Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport
• October 1 – International Sea Freight Arriving at Long Beach Terminal
• October 8 – EAC – (Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor) Application Form
• October 8 – New Products Entry (Advance Rate)
• October 15 – Meeting/Function Space Reservation
• October 18 – Booth Catering Order Service (Centerplate)
• October 19 – Tents/Canopies—Full Circle Events

Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.

More information on the 2021 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.