Clyde Vickers, left, and the late Larry Bunk Nichols. Image courtesy of Xceldyne, Facebook.

Clyde Vickers, the former NASCAR team owner and motorsports businessman, has passed away. He was 73.

Vickers started his career as a driver competing at tracks like North Carolina's Caraway Speedway and Bowman Gray Stadium. He later went on to co-found CV Products in 1988, a manufacturer of engine parts, valvetrains and related components, in North Carolina. The company went on to work with teams in NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula 1. CV Products was later renamed Xceldyne in 2018.

Xceldyne released the following statement:

With heavy hearts, Xceldyne is sad to share that one of our co-founders, Clyde Vickers, passed away on the morning of January 3, 2025. [Vickers] had an unparalleled passion for motorsports and used that to provide high-quality engine components that forever changed how many competitors were able to finish a stock car race.

Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

HOT ROD has released the schedule and locations for HOT ROD Drag Week 2025.

The 2025 drag racing series will kick off in the Mid-Atlantic region for the second time in its history, revisiting two familiar tracks, along with two facilities new to HOT ROD Drag Week.

Scheduled for September 14-19, 2025, HOT ROD Drag Week will start at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek, Maryland, followed by stops at Numidia Dragway in Numidia, Pennsylvania, Maple Grove Raceway in Redding, Pennsylvania, and Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland, before returning to Maryland International Raceway for the finals on September 19.

The competition, which aims to find the ultimate street-legal drag car, puts competitors through five days of drag racing, requiring racers to drive their vehicles on a specified, 1,000-mile route from city to city while securing the quickest possible elapsed time across the five days.

Registration for HOT ROD Drag Week opens in February.

Visit motortrend.com for more information.

Race Winning Brands (RWB), a manufacturer of high-performance components for the automotive and powersports markets, has announced changes to its transmission business unit, including the RevMax Torque Converters (RevMax) and Transmission Specialties (TSI) brands.

This announcement comes on the heels of Craig Stark joining the RWB family as vice president of its transmission business unit and further solidifies RWB's commitment to targeting new growth and innovation for both RevMax and Transmission Specialties, the company said.

As part of the changes, the company will move Transmission Specialties' operations from its current Aston, Pennsylvania, location to what is currently the RevMax facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. This move will better allow TSI to serve its customers of all levels, streamlining processes in manufacturing, research and development, quality, inventory and shipping, the company said, with the aim to improve the experience for TSI's partners, from jobbers and builders to end users.

Additionally, Tom Hauser has been promoted to director, business development and Fran Leverick has been promoted to manager, business development, both for RWB's transmission business unit. Hauser will oversee sales, product management, customer service and more with support from Leverick and his team focusing on both inside and outside sales.

"By leveraging collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on quality and continuous improvement, we're streamlining operations and expanding our team to deliver industry-leading products and exceptional customer service," said Stark, VP of RWB's transmission business unit.

For more information, visit racewinningbrands.com.

 
PRI has announced that, for the first time ever, PRI Magazine is now available to everyone at no cost in a digital format. While previously only available in print to Champion-level PRI members, the publication is now available digitally across the globe. Whether you're an industry member staying on top of trends or a racing enthusiast interested in learning more about the industry, the digital magazine is available in current and past issues.

Below is a step-by-step guide to claiming your free digital subscription to PRI Magazine on your phone.

Visit the link below or scan the QR code to claim your coupon voucher:

Claim your free PRI Magazine digital subscription here.

Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your motorsports background and interests.

Hit subscribe to claim your free subscription. Now, you're able to activate your account by downloading the SEMA Magazine app. Tap the IOS link for Apple devices and Google Play for others.

Once you sign up, you'll have full access to a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge and insights. Get to reading! Be sure to sign up for notifications on the latest issue coming in January, featuring highlights you might have missed from the 2024 PRI Show and so much more.

For any questions or assistance, please reach out to PRI's Customer Service Team at membership@performanceracing.com or call 949-499-5413. 

Lauren Wilbor has joined SEMA and PRI as manager of digital communications and partnerships, adding new capabilities to the organization in an area of significant opportunity. Wilbor will support SEMA and PRI's communications and grassroots efforts by leading outreach and relationship management with a variety of stakeholders and online content creators in the automotive enthusiast community, including influencers. She will be based out of SEMA and PRI's Washington, D.C., office. 

Wilbor has amassed significant experience in grassroots advocacy and relational organizing over her career, including a stint as Field Director for United Democracy Project, where she developed and executed the organization's first-ever field organizing effort, helping to secure key victories in Congress. Wilbor has also run advocacy campaigns mobilizing voters nationwide to engage in legislative priorities impacting the oil and gas industry. 

"It is with great excitement that we add someone of Lauren Wilbor's caliber to the SEMA Government Affairs team," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA and PRI's senior vice president for public and government affairs. "Lauren brings a unique set of skills to grassroots organizing, and we're excited to tap into her expertise to engage not just our members, but also the broader community of automotive enthusiasts, to affect change on the issues that matter most to their passions, whether restoring cars, racing them, or taking them offroad. Lauren's ability to connect with people from across political, economic, and geographic divides, and unite them behind singular causes, will be a significant boost to the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to maintain and grow its $337 billion annual economic impact on the U.S. economy." 

"I grew up around cars, and through my family have experienced first-hand the innovation and excitement that comes from the automotive aftermarket industry," Wilbor said. "The best advocates bring with them an infectious energy and willingness to share their stories and perspectives, and that to me describes perfectly the outlook of those in the community of automotive enthusiasts with whom I'll be meeting and supporting on a daily basis."    

Wilbor, a native of San Diego, holds a degree in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

A late-breaking legal development has put on hold the deadline for small businesses to file a report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on their beneficial ownership information (BOI). BOI reports are a requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a 2021 federal law that is intended to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud and other illicit activities. Previously, reports were required to be filed with FinCEN by January 13, 2025. However, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals put this filing deadline on hold with its December 27 decision.

The next step is for the court to hear arguments on March 25, 2025, when it will decide on whether to keep the injunction in place (i.e., the delay in implementing the BOI rule) while the broader case is heard by the full court. Accordingly, the delay in companies having to file BOI reports with FinCEN is expected to stay in place through the end of March 2025. The only thing that could speed up this timeline is if the federal government appeals the Fifth Circuit's injunction to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and the SCOTUS intervenes in favor of reinstating implementation of the rulemaking.

While the recent delay in implementation of the BOI filing deadline is positive news for small businesses, the lack of consistency from the courts underscores the need for a longer delay in implementing the rule. Moving forward, SEMA and other associations that represent small businesses are seeking to have the Trump Administration delay implementation of the BOI rule through December 31, 2025.

Beneficial Ownership Rule Filing Requirements 

The CTA defines a "beneficial owner" as an individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over the reporting company or owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests of the reporting company. An individual exercises "substantial control" over an entity if the individual: 

• Serves as a senior officer. 
• Has authority over the appointment or removal of a senior officer or a majority of the board of directors. 
• Directs, determines or has substantial influence over important business decisions. 

Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. Businesses only must file a report with FinCEN once, unless the filer needs to update or correct information about their company's beneficial ownership. Generally, reporting companies must provide four pieces of information about each beneficial owner: 

• Name. 
• Date of birth. 
• Address. 
• The identifying number and issuer from either a non-expired U.S. driver's license, a non-expired U.S. passport or a non-expired identification document issued by a State (including a U.S. territory or possession), local government or Native American tribe. If none of those documents exist, a non-expired foreign passport can be used. An image of the document must also be submitted. 

Companies must also submit certain information about themselves, such as their name(s) and address. In addition, reporting companies created on or after January 1, 2024, must submit information about the individuals who formed the company ("company applicants"). 

Filers can also view informational videos and webinars, find answers to frequently asked questions, connect to the contact center and learn more about how to report at www.fincen.gov/boi. Also, SEMA member companies can listen to a webinar on the BOI reporting requirements. There is no charge for SEMA members, as the association is a member of the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC), which hosted the webinar. 

Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Exemptions

Small businesses can be exempted from filing a report with FinCEN if they meet the following three criteria:

• Employ more than 20 employees
• Operate a physical office in the United States
• Filed federal tax returns demonstrating more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales. 

Additional information on which companies must file BOI reports with FinCEN is outlined below. If your business is required to submit a report, click here to file a BOI report with FinCEN. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

2025 PRI Hoosier 500 officials have released the preliminary event schedule for the 2025 PRI Hoosier 500.

Race day for the fifth running of this pillar event in the open-wheel sim racing community will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, previously confirmed upon announcement of PRI joining the event as title sponsor and official broadcast partner of the race. 

Opening Day for PRI Hoosier 500 practice has been scheduled for December 1, with additional official practice days assigned to December 2, 3 and 4. Fast Friday, the final day of practice prior to qualifications, is scheduled for December 5. 

Qualifications will be held across two days. Day one qualifications on Saturday, December 6 will feature the first chance for competitors to make time trial attempts, and the driver with the fastest four-lap average at the end of the day will earn the 2025 PRI Hoosier 500 Pole Award. 

Day two qualifications are scheduled for Sunday, December 7, which will be utilized to finalize the field of 33 racers who will take the grid on race day. The fastest 33 qualifiers make the field, and all other drivers are sent home. 

Monday, December 8, will feature the final full official practice session prior to race weekend, while the 2025 PRI Hoosier 500 Media Day has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 9. 

Race weekend begins on Saturday, December 13, with final PRI Hoosier 500 practice and additional support events, building towards race day on Sunday, December 14. 

The full event schedule is available below and will be posted to TheHoosier500.com. Dates are tentative and subject to change. Official session times will be confirmed later this year, prior to the registration period opening. 

Sim racers interested in learning more about competing in next year’s event can subscribe to our competitor communications list by clicking here. Further information about the 2025 event schedule will be announced soon, with additional competition rules and regulations to be released closer to the race registration period opening next year. 

S.B. International (SBI), the Nashville, Tennessee-based valvetrain component manufacturer, has acquired Precision Engine Parts (PEP), a Las Vegas, Nevada, provider of valvetrain components.

PEP's integration into SBI's portfolio will strengthen product offerings and accelerate research and development efforts, the company said in a statement announcing the acquisition.

"Bringing PEP into the SBI family is a transformative step that will benefit both our clients and our industry," said Ryan Hamilton, President/CEO of SBI. "PEP has long been a pioneer in valvetrain innovation, and together, we're positioned to expand our impact and deliver a greater value to our customers worldwide."

PEP's operations will continue under SBI with plans to integrate their best processes, the company said. The acquisition allows SBI to offer an expanded line of valvetrain components, including bronze valve guides to be manufactured at SBI's headquarters in Nashville.

For more information, visit sbintl.com.

Industry members are cordially invited to be part of a VIP experience in Washington, D.C. as SEMA and PRI host exclusive access to some of the premier events surrounding the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th U.S. president. With two options to choose from, whether it's a weekend in D.C., or just Inauguration Day itself, you can be part of this historic event. 

The Weekend in Washington (January 19-20) experience is a two-day celebration, with access to an exclusive brunch, dinner hosted by SEMA, and tickets to the Republican Governors Association Inaugural Eve reception. You'll also gain access to SEMA's Inaugural Watch Party (details below) on Monday. 

The Inaugural Watch Party (January 20) experience at Washington, D.C.'s stunning Waldorf Astoria Hotel includes a private luncheon, open bar, and direct proximity to the parade route on iconic Pennsylvania Avenue. 

How to Secure Your Spot 

The Inaugural Watch Party at Waldorf Astoria (January 20 only) has a suggested contribution is $250 per individual to Driving Force Action.

The Weekend in Washington (January 19-20) experience requires a SEMA and PRI PAC Redline Membership ($5,000) Level and above. Contact Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org for details. 

Space is limited for these special experiences, so act quickly and reserve your spot today. Travel arrangements, including lodging and transportation, are not included, but hotel recommendations and price estimates are available upon request.

The U.S. House of Representatives Friday re-elected Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to serve as Speaker of the House, but not before a group of holdout lawmakers made a series of precise demands in exchange for their support, including a commitment to end EV mandates. In a letter to Johnson, 11 GOP lawmakers whose support was not assured prior to the vote listed a reversal of EV mandates and other Biden-Harris policies among their legislative requirements to which Johnson must adhere to maintain their support.

The letter outlines the following among its demands:

Reverse Biden-Harris policies immediately, including disastrous and expensive student loan bailouts, inflationary EV mandates and Green New Deal subsidies to unleash American energy, massive subsidization of unhealthy foods in the food stamp program to make Americans healthy again and save taxpayer dollars, and much more.

Johnson will hold a tenuous grasp on the gavel as the 119th Congress gets underway; under the House rules packaged, just nine lawmakers are required to force a vote to vacate the speakership.

SEMA, meanwhile, wasted no time pounding the pavement in the new Congress. The Washington, D.C.-based Government Affairs team spent the first day meeting lawmakers and staff from two dozen offices, including new, "freshman" lawmakers, along with proven veterans who are already champions of the automotive aftermarket industry.

Keep following PRI News for the latest advocacy updates affecting the industry.