Compiled by SEMA Editors

J. Force, S. Torrence, Glenn and Johnson Grab Wins at NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway

Sixteen-time world champ John Force added another win to his legendary Funny Car career on Sunday, clinching his 152nd victory at the 11th annual NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the fourth race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.

Force wrapped up a spectacular weekend at zMAX Dragway with a run of 3.916 seconds at 328.78 mph in his 11,000-hp PEAK/BlueDEF Platinum Chevrolet Camaro SS in the final round. Force, who was also the No. 1 qualifier, went as quick as 3.897 at 330.31 on Sunday.

Torrence continued his four-wide dominance, winning for the sixth time in the last seven Top Fuel four-wide events, furthering the points lead for the reigning three-time world champ. Torrence went 3.716 at 329.10 in his 11,000-hp Capco Contractors dragster in the final round.

The Pro Stock final quad featured four young drivers going for their first career victory, and it was Glenn who came out on top, going 6.540 at 210.80 in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro. In his first final round appearance in just his fourth career start, Glenn gave KB Racing its fourth win in as many races to open the 2021 season. Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Steve Johnson set a track-record 6.729 at 198.03 in the final round on his Mac Rak Suzuki.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action May 21-23 with the Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil.

IndyCar Removes Canada From 2021 Schedule

Due to ongoing COVID-19 health and safety restrictions in Ontario, Canada, organizers for the Honda Indy Toronto and the NTT IndyCar Series have jointly announced that this year’s event set for July 9–11, will no longer be a part of the 2021 schedule. IndyCar is considering various scenarios for the remainder of the 2021 calendar as it relates to the recent cancellation. The current mid-summer portion of the schedule will resume Sunday, August 8, for the inaugural Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on the streets of Nashville, with live coverage on NBCSN.

Formula 1 Adds Second Austria Race to Replace Turkey in 2021

Formula 1 has provided an update on the 2021 race calendar, with new COVID-19 travel restrictions meaning it’s no longer possible to race in Turkey on June 11–13. That weekend will now remain free, with the French Grand Prix moving a week earlier than originally planned to June 18–20, and a second race in Austria—the Styrian Grand Prix—added to the calendar on June 25–27. That creates a new France-Styria-Austria triple header, with the Austrian Grand Prix staying in its original July 2–4 slot. All tickets to the French Grand Prix are valid for the earlier date. The changes mean there continues to be 23 races planned for the 2021 season.

Texas Motor Speedway President to Step Down After All-Star Race

After more than three decades with Speedway Motorsports, including the last 25 years at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS), Eddie Gossage will step down as president of The Great American Speedway following the June 13 NASCAR All-Star Race. Gossage joined Speedway Motorsports in 1989 as the vice president of public relations at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he worked under the guidance of Speedway Motorsports Executive Chairman Bruton Smith and then Charlotte Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler. Smith named Gossage general manager of Texas Motor Speedway in 1995 and added the title of TMS president in 2004. Now 62, Gossage is one of the longest-tenured employees at Speedway Motorsports.

Details Announced for 2022 Dakar in Saudi Arabia

Details have been released about the 44th edition of the Dakar Rally, which will run on January 2–14, 2022, during its third visit to Saudi Arabia. The rally will start in Ha'il and finish in Jeddah, after a rest day in Riyadh. The 2022 edition will mark the starting point for plans to host a field of cars powered by alternative energies or electric power by 2030. The new T1-E category, which launches in 2022 and will be dedicated for prototype vehicles engaged in carbon emission research, aligns with this plan. Related, the popularity of vintage vehicles in the “Dakar Classic” regularity race has encouraged many enthusiasts of ’80s and ’90s 4x4s to have a go in the adventure, and officials say the field could double in size at the start in Ha'il. Registration opens May 17. For more information, visit here or dakar.com.

100% Signs Ken Block as Its Newest Visionary

100% has signed Ken Block as its latest visionary, joining a roster of athletes representing the brand. As an entrepreneur, in 1994 Block founded DC Shoes and in 2010, the clothing and media company Hoonigan. As a car driver, the Gymkhana franchise has racked up close to 700 million views to complement his decorated career as a rally car racer.

NHRA Reschedules Winternationals, Cancels Northwest Nationals

NHRA and Auto Club Raceway have announced July 30–August 1 as the rescheduled date of the 61st annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com. The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, which traditionally kicks off the NHRA season, was postponed due to state health guidelines in California. NHRA and the track have worked closely with state and local officials to find a new date for the event and are confident that the new date will allow more fans to attend the famed race.

Related, NHRA and Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington, have come to the decision to cancel the 2021 Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals. Though Washington State recently announced a lessening of its COVID-19 restrictions, there is still uncertainty about what rules could impact the event.

The Winternationals will take the original slotted date of the Northwest Nationals and now conclude the annual NHRA Western Swing, a three-race series from Denver to Sonoma and finally to Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California.

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

By SEMA Editors

Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show's Feature Vehicle Program.

All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.

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

When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. “SEMA Battle of the Builders” is judged by industry experts and presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

Submit your Feature Vehicle Application.  

For any additional questions on submitting your Feature Vehicle application contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

By Maurice O‘Connell

The 2021 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will be held Wednesday–Friday, July 28–30, in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

At the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, exhibitors will learn how to:

• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to their booths.
• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize ROI.
• Learn to properly plan and budget to add value to their Show experience.
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships

For more information, contact semashow@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

Register now!

By SEMA Editors

Even though the deadline to participate in the 2021 SEMA Show Space Selection process has passed, it’s never too late to register to exhibit.

Exhibiting at the 2021 SEMA Show puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry, including buyers looking for your products. The 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November.

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.

Reserve your booth now!

  By Juan Torres

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show, scheduled for November 2-5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, is now open.

The premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November. Exhibitors include major automakers and small businesses, as well as iconic aftermarket manufacturers who are enhancing their booths to heighten their presence at what will be the first industry-wide in-person gathering for the $46.2 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry in nearly two years.

“Given the restrictions our industry has endured the last year, pent-up demand for the SEMA Show is at an all-time high,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “More so than other years, the 2021 SEMA Show will be fundamental in helping industry professionals grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward.”

Attendees at the 2021 SEMA Show will witness firsthand nearly two year's worth of innovation, technology and new products from manufacturers, as they showcase products, debut vehicles, conduct demonstrations and prepare to do business throughout all four halls of the 3.2-million-sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center.

“We are ready to get back to SEMA and connect with our customers this fall,” said Michael Hamrick, Wilwood Disc Brakes events and promotions manager. “Everyone at Wilwood Disc Brakes is putting their best foot forward to have a great event and catch up with our customers. We have quite a few new products to unveil, and SEMA is the place to do it.”

With the entire Convention Center in use, the SEMA Show floor will be designed to improve traffic flow and make navigating the event simple and easy. The 2021 SEMA Show floorplan will begin to take shape during the annual Priority Space Selection process, June 7–23. Companies that submit booth space applications before May 7 will participate in the weeks-long process to determine their booth location in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees will also be able to sign up for educational seminars featuring industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together.

“We’re excited to already be working with the more than 1,500 companies that have committed to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show, and we expect hundreds more to reserve booth space before May 7,” said Gattuso. “We encourage attendees to register early so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from what will be an amazing event.”

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2021 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

The following is from SEMA Chairman Tim Martin.

As the SEMA Chairman of the Board, it is an honor and a privilege to serve YOU, the members of SEMA. Our industry’s future direction depends on your participation during this Board of Directors election.

We realize your time is of the essence, but it is important that you take a few minutes right now to read the candidates bios. This is your opportunity to have a voice and choose who will represent your company’s best interests.

The SEMA election is now open until May 25, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). The election packet containing your election log-in information and candidate flyers was mailed to you on April 29. An election email was sent out on May 11. If you did not receive this information, please request your voter log-in via this link, enter your email address that is on file with SEMA, and your election login information will be emailed to you.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Together we will build a strong industry!

Sincerely,

Tim Martin
SEMA Chairman of the Board
CEO, Aftermarket Advisors

 By SEMA Editors

The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2021 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.

By Jay Carpio, Fredy Ramirez & Carr Winn

“Carr Parts” is dedicated to builders. It’s about quick tips and tricks and the newest must-have products. It’s about visiting with a fellow builder, walking around their project and getting an up-close look at their handiwork. It's also about our industry sharing their passion for turning a wrench and taking time to give advice to fellow gearheads. Episode nine features Luke Elias from Lifted Wrangler offering enthusiasts the motivation to cut through the fear and start turning a wrench today.

For more information about other talented young builders, visit SEMA's Young Guns at www.semayoungguns.com.

SEMA’s video team is currently in production on future episodes of “Carr Parts“ and we’d love to hear from you. Do you have a tip, trick or advice you can share with our audience? Drop us a note on social via @SEMA_Association and we’ll connect with you.

We can't wait to find the next guest for “Carr Parts.” And finally...keep building.

By SEMA Editors

Martin & Company has announced the passing of the firm’s co-founder and CFO Randal “Randy” L. Martin.  

Martin is the spouse of Zan Martin, Martin & Company president and co-founder, and a former serving member of the SEMA Board of Directors and a former SBN Chair. The agency, located near Nashville, is one of a few in the nation that focuses almost exclusively on the automotive aftermarket.

“I am totally heartbroken. Randy was the creative and financial genius at the agency. He has been my rock, my companion, my best friend and my trusted advisor. Through his direction the company has managed many difficult times of recessions, growth spurts and unforeseen changes; and always we came out stronger and better,” Zan Martin said. “I feel comforted by my family and friends, teammates and the many associates that have reached out with your condolences. Thank you.”

Throughout its 27 year history, Martin & Company has assisted in the growth of many iconic brands. The company was formed after the pair attended the 1993 SEMA Show and had an idea to start their own agency. The decision was solidified after Randy sketched the company’s logo on a cocktail napkin on the flight home.

For more information about Randy Martin’s life, visit his obituary here. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to either the National Audubon Society or Martin Methodist College, c/o Starnes Scholarship Fund, 433 W. Madison St., Pulaski, TN 38478.

The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

AlphaRex
Projector Headlights for ’14–’20 Toyota 4Runner

We design our lights from inception, patent every component we’ve designed, and guarantee that our products are compliant with the SAE and DOT requirements.

• High Beam Bulb Size – H7
• Attachment Method – Plug and Play
• Description – Projector Headlights Plank Style Design Midnight Black with Sequential Signal Light

www.alpharexusa.com
PN: 880726

Du-Ha
Under Seat Storage for ’15+ Ford F-150 Super Crew, Ford ’17+ F-250 Through F-550 Super Duty Crew Cab

The DU-HA under seat and behind-the-seat storage units are available for all of the major truck brands. Other DU-HA products such as the Tote, Humpstor, Reach E-Z and DRI-HIDE gun protectors have been developed and added to compliment the DU-HA line.

Presently, the company's innovative automotive and sporting goods products are being sold throughout North America and worldwide.

www.du-ha.com
PN: 20111

FUELAB
Velocity Series 200GPH 8psi Duramax 30304

FUELAB is proud to offer Diesel Performance Lift Pumps and Filtration Systems. The Velocity 100GPH Lift Pump with Filter and Velocity 200GPH Lift Pump with Filter and Vortex Air Separator represent a major upgrade in diesel lift pump efficiency and technology.

• Diesel fuel compatible.
• 1500hp support.
• Special housing shape for extremely quiet operation and steady pressure.
• Carbon 9-vane construction with pressure balanced rotor for high reliability.
• Backed by a two-year limited warranty.

www.fuelab.com
PN: 30304