Listen in on a recent conversation between PRI's Karen Bailey-Chapman and SEMA member Tom Zielinski, owner of Z Performance, Detroit4Fest and co-founder of the inaugural West Virginia Hill Fest. They talk about how state and local governments can partner with the motorsports industry and how the industry can position itself as a contributor to tourism and economic development for state and local economies. 

Zielinski and his team met with West Virginia Tourism officials and lawmakers at the most recent SEMA Show. It was there that the inaugural West Virginia Hill Fest, a time-trial, hill-climb race, was born. Bailey-Chapman, who is SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs, also talks about her experience at the race as a first-time racer. Bailey-Chapman is better known for her Jeeps and spending her time in off-road adventures, but for West Virginia Hill Fest, she takes to the pavement and joins the event as a novice racer. Watch below to learn more about the race, the partnerships and the success of this first-time event in the Mountain State:

Exhibiting companies who have breaking news announcements that will be of interest to a large number of media can host a press conference at the 2024 PRI Show, December 12-14 in Indianapolis. 

Hundreds of motorsports journalists will attend the PRI Show to report on the latest products, trends and breaking industry news, and exhibitors who have important news to publicize—including recent acquisitions, expansions, partnerships and related company announcements—are encouraged to host a complimentary 30-minute press conference on the PRI Show campus. Time slots are limited, so reach out today!

Press conferences can be held in PRI’s dedicated Press Conference Center (Rooms 111-112, across from the Media Center in the Green Hall) or in the exhibiting company's booth. 

Press conferences that are scheduled by Friday, November 29 will be included in the Official PRI Show Press Conference Schedule, which is shared with registered media prior to the Show and distributed in the Media Center. 

For more information or to schedule a press conference at the 2024 PRI Show, contact Marissa Guajardo at marissag@sema.org or 909-979-0782. 

The NASCAR Cup Series will visit the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez road course in Mexico City for a points race in 2025.

Scheduled for June 15, 2025, it will be the Cup Series' first international points race in the modern era and will also include on-track action from the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Mexico Series.

"This is a historic moment for our sport, and specifically for the NASCAR Cup Series, in being able to expand our footprint to Mexico," said NASCAR Executive Vice President Ben Kennedy. "We've been bold about our intentions to grow on a global scale, and there isn't a better place to take the next step in that journey than at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez road course in Mexico City."

The road course is 2.674 miles long, boasts 17 turns and sits at an elevation of 7,342 ft. The circuit was remodeled in 2015 and currently hosts Formula 1. Between 2005 and 2008, the Xfinity Series also competed at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

The Cup Series first competed internationally on July 1, 1952 at Stamford Park, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, in a race won by Buddy Shuman. The last Cup Series international points race was on July 18, 1958 at Canadian Exposition Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NASCAR also held three exhibition races at Suzuka Circuit in Japan from 1996-1998.

For more information, visit nascarmexico.com.

Holley Performance Brands, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has named Alex Buccilli as its new senior vice president of operations and supply chain.

Buccilli will lead Holley’s manufacturing, supply chain and purchasing operations, working closely with the company’s business units to oversee logistics, strategic sourcing and distribution. He will also be tasked with enhancing the long-term operational footprint of the organization, the company said.

Buccilli has more than 20 years of experience in operations, financial, marketing and sales leadership. He most recently served as senior director of global warehouse operations for Genie, a global equipment manufacturer of distributor.

In his role, Buccilli assumes the operational responsibilities previously held by longtime Holley employee and former chief operating officer Brian Appelgate, who is retiring later this year. Appelgate will continue in an advisory role for the company’s safety and business unit.

For more information, visit holley.com.

Trackhouse Racing has acquired a third NASCAR Cup Series charter and will field three full-time entries in the series in 2025.

The third entry will be for three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who will join Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez in the team's 2025 Cup Series lineup.

Van Gisbergen's Chevrolet will carry the number 88 in 2025. Stephen Doran will serve as the No. 88 crew chief in 2025. Doran is in his first year as a NASCAR Cup Series crew chief, working with driver Zane Smith on the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet. He began his NASCAR career in 2006 at Petty Enterprises and worked as Kevin Harvick's lead engineer at Stewart-Haas Racing from 2014 to 2023.

For more information, visit trackhouse.com.

Longtime PRI member Magnuson Superchargers has advanced to the top 16 in voting for the "Coolest Thing Made in California" award for its '24 Roush Performance Mustang Supercharger system. The Coolest Thing Made in California Award, presented by the California Manufacturing and Technology Association (CMTA), celebrates the most outstanding products manufactured in the Golden State.  

Magnuson's advancement to the top 16 is a testament to the innovation and craftsmanship that define the motorsports industry. The next round of voting begins Monday, August 26, and runs through August 29.  

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the industry for their support in getting Magnuson this far. Now, we need your help again to push them across the finish line! 

Cast your vote here. 

Developed in collaboration with Roush Performance, Magnuson Supercharger's nominated kit transforms the Ford Mustang GT's 5.0L Coyote engine, delivering 810 hp and 630 lb.-ft of torque. Machined, assembled and tested in Ventura, California, the Magnuson Supercharger is SEMA-certified and in the process of receiving CARB Executive Order (ECO) approval, ensuring it meets the state's rigorous emissions standards. 

Magnuson Superchargers' success in this competition further underscores the contribution of SEMA and PRI members to California's economy, which employs nearly 150,000 people and contributes more than $40 billion to the state's economy.  

For more information, contact Christian Robinson, PRI's senior director for state government affairs and grassroots, at christianr@sema.org.  

Lubrication Specialties, the Mt. Gilead, Ohio-based manufacturer of Hot Shot's Secret, has expanded its marketing department with the appointment of Katherine Simmons as digital marketing manager. She reports directly to Senior Director of Marketing and Sales Bud Prenatt.

With a background in e-commerce website development, search engine marketing and business-to-business campaigns, Simmons will be tasked with leading digital strategy to grow the Hot Shot's Secret brand in multiple markets, including automotive, agriculture, fleet and more.

For more information, visit hotshotsecret.com.

The Monterey Motorsports Reunion, held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, concluded festivities by presenting awards recognizing exceptional performances, sportsmanship and significant contributions at the historic racing event. Organizers also revealed that the 2025 Reunion will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1.

Scheduled for August 13-16, 2025, next year's event will feature two dedicated historic F1 race groups featuring cars from 1966 and earlier, along with the existing grid of 1966-1985 cars that competed this year in the Mario Andretti Trophy race. The addition of the pre-1966 class is a first for Monterey, with many of the entries expected from international drivers.

See the full list of Monterey Motorsports Reunion award winners below:

Special Recognition

This year's event includes the retirement of Dick Sisich, who has been the voice of the historic races and all the other major events at Laguna Seca for the past 60 years. Sisich was honored with a signed poster, thanking him for his decades of dedication.

Ken Miles Award

In honor of Ken Miles, this award was presented to Michael Kaleel for his exceptional driving of the '62 Lola Mk 1 in the Briggs Cunningham Trophy Race. The award recognizes the outstanding performance of a car under 1500cc that is well-prepared, driven expertly and holds historical significance.

Phil Remington Award

Awarded by Ford, the Phil Remington Award celebrates the dedication of mechanics who go above and beyond. This year's honoree, Brian Garzelli, was recognized for his outstanding work with Competition Touring Cars.

Henry Ford Trophy

Matt Crandall was awarded the Henry Ford Trophy for exemplifying the competitive spirit of Henry Ford. Crandall's performance in the '64 Ford Falcon during the Parnelli Jones Trans Am Trophy race was a testament to Ford's enduring legacy in motorsport.

Bonhams Award -- The Passion and Spirit

Presented by Bonhams, this award celebrates exceptional sportsmanship. Michael Doyle, driving his '61 Jaguar XKE in the Ken Miles Sixties GT group, was recognized for his excellent driving and generous assistance to fellow racer Jenson Button.

John Fitch Corvette Award

Patrick Byrne received the John Fitch Corvette Award for his immaculate restoration and representation of Corvette racing history with his '63 Split Window Corvette in the Ken Miles group.

Rolex Group Awards

Rolex continued its tradition of honoring drivers who exemplify overall excellence in each of the event's races. The full list of race results in each group can be found on the track's website.

Spirit of Monterey Award

The most prestigious award of the weekend, the Spirit of Monterey, was presented to Marnix Dillenius for his outstanding performance and embodiment of the event's spirit. Dillenius, racing his '64 Alfa Romeo TZ in the John Morton group, has been a part of the Monterey Historics since its inception in 1974. His name will be engraved on a new perpetual trophy displayed annually in the Driver's Club.

Be the go-to source for all the latest parts and services to enhance your customers’ motorsports programs.

RUST CONVERTER

FERTAN
fertanusa.com

Fertan, with a US-based office in Miami, Florida, has released its Fertan Rust Converter, which is a patented formula made in Germany that removes rust instead of covering it up. It chemically converts rust into a stable, blackened layer that can be rinsed away, leaving behind a protective zinc coating. This protective layer prevents rust for up to six months, ensuring long-term protection for previously painted or oxidized metal surfaces.
The product is simple to use. Apply it to the rusted area and it will quickly turn it into a blackened metal that, after rinsing, is ready for painting. It is recommended as a long-term, protective rust treatment for maintenance interventions. One quart will cover up to 130 square feet, and it is available in 8.5 fluid ounces, 1.1 quarts, or 1.32 gallons.

Small Block Chevy Valve Spring Set

Melling
melling.com

This small block Chevrolet high-performance valve spring set (part number 46645-16) from Melling in Jackson, Michigan, contains 16 46654 valve springs for use with steel valve spring retainer 474184. They feature premium micro peen finishing process. Valve spring specifications are as follows: closed height/load: 1.720 inches/130; open height/load: 1.174 inches/315; solid height of 1.113 inches max; 1.259-inch OD; and .885-inch ID.

CD-1 FULL RACE IGNITION SYSTEM

JMS DAYTONA
jmschip.com

The CD-1 capacitive discharge system and companion coil from JMS Daytona in DeBary, Florida, are engineered to optimize the potential of distributor and crank-trigger-based ignition systems on all four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines. This system is ideally suited to virtually all motorsports disciplines (including drag, oval track, off-road, drifting, pulling) as well as high-performance street use.
In addition to boosting performance, the JMS Daytona controller can be programmed to handle functions that include three-step rpm limits, high gear or nitrous retard, and employ a user-configured timing curve based on boost or rpm. Outputs can be programmed as an rpm window switch for nitrous or a shift light.
This powerful unit delivers 135 mJ (millijoules) of spark energy and has an adjustable rev limiter that goes to 10,900 rpm in 100-rpm increments. Designed and assembled in the USA by JMS Daytona, it features fully encapsulated construction to provide total reliability under the most demanding conditions.

ELITE SERIES SFI-RATED FLEXPLATES

PRW POWER
prw-usa.com

PRW Power in Perris, California, has debuted its Elite Series SFI-rated premium flexplates to keep up with high-horsepower engines. Part number 2235037 is a 168-tooth, internal balance flexplate that fits Chevrolet small and big blocks with a two-piece rear seal, including 2001–2007 8.1 big blocks. Part number 2234627 is another internally balanced, 168-tooth flexplate, designed for GM LS Series engines with a six bolt crank. They meet SFI 29.2 spec, are designed to handle up to 2,000 horsepower, feature a one-piece premium billet steel construction, are black-oxide finished, and are premium balanced. Plus, they were engineered to withstand the most demanding torque and horsepower to provide durability under extreme conditions.
“We developed these new flexplates to show that the future of PRW Power is innovation,” said Mike Purugganan. “We’re ready to challenge industry norms, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to create products that set new standards in performance and reliability with a very competitive price.”

HIGH-CAPACITY VEHICLE SCALE SYSTEM

PROFORM
proformparts.com

This High-Capacity 14,000-lb. Vehicle Scale System (part number 67641) from PROFORM in Warren, Michigan, is designed to be used with a chassis pull-down rig, which allows for the simulation of actual track conditions by pulling down on the vehicle’s suspension until the desired heights are reached.
This scale system replicates the chassis position conditions experienced on the track using the actual suspension compression data directly from the vehicle as captured by a laser Chassis Height Measuring System (CHMS), eliminating guesswork. It has an intuitive LCD display that allows the user to receive real-time feedback for precise adjustments with a sounding alert signal when weight or percent targets are close for each individual pad.
The system comes complete with a sturdy, well-designed, foam-lined hard case and is fully portable, with roller wheels and a telescoping handle for convenient mobility and storage.
Enhance your chassis setup with front/back, side-to-side, and cross-weight data, all displayed on a backlit LCD screen that reads in both pound and kilogram units. Capacity per pad is 3,500 lbs., and the 16- x 16- x 1 3/4-inch pads are made from die-cast aluminum. Twelve AA batteries are included.

BAJA BOSS M/T TIRES

MICKEY THOMPSON TIRES & WHEELS
mickeythompsontires.com

Following the release of its 42X13.50R17LT BAJA BOSS M/T, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels in Stow, Ohio, has added an additional 42-inch size and a massive 44-inch size, both for 20-inch wheels.
The 42X13.50R20LT and 44X13.50R20LT sizes are approved for 9.0- to 11.5-inch rim widths, providing a wide range of wheel options, while the 20-inch rim diameter sizing allows for larger brake packages. Extreme off-roaders will appreciate 42- and 44-inch tire diameters that provide enhanced under-axle clearance, while the 13.50-inch width provides a narrower track width, ideal for maneuvering through rugged terrain.
“When we launched the BAJA BOSS M/T line in 2019, it quickly gained a reputation for delivering off-road traction and durability while providing a premium on-road experience,” said Ben Anderson. “When we saw how many fanatics were pushing their builds to new limits, we knew we had to expand the BAJA BOSS M/T lineup to include extreme sizes they were seeking.”

SMALL BLOCK FORD TWO-PIECE, DRY-SUMP OIL PAN

MOROSO
moroso.com

Moroso in Guilford, Connecticut, has released a new aluminum dry-sump, 7.25-inch deep oil pan for small block Ford and Energy Manufacturing 351W applications. This two-piece pan was designed for Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, and Pro Mods that require frequent bottom-end inspection. It clears a 4.75-inch stroke with most aluminum rods and features fully fabricated aluminum construction with billet end seals for improved sealing and fitment.
It has a removable bottom with O-ringed billet flanges, a double kick-out design with -10AN drain-backs, integrated removable windage screen, and four -16AN female billet aluminum pickups.

427 Corvette Engine

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering
lingenfelter.com

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Wixom, Michigan, has brought back the iconic 427-cubic-inch engine for the C8 Corvette. The new Lingenfelter Eliminator Spec S 7.0L LT2 Engine makes over 700 horsepower on 91 octane gas.
The Lingenfelter 427 Eliminator Spec S Engine was developed to give C8 owners the sound and feel of big-cubic-inch and high-torque naturally aspirated power for their mid-engine Corvette. With 700-plus horsepower and 600-plus lb. ft. of torque at 6,700 rpm, this engine offers the highest power NA available for the C8.
Working with Callies, the two developed a unique forged rotating assembly allowing the use of a 4.00 stroke eight weight crankshaft with special counterweights that work within the factory oil pan and retain all factory oiling and scavenging systems, plus the use of Callies connecting rods. The block is CNC blueprinted and sleeved allowing a special 4.125 piston by MAHLE. Cylinder heads are factory
casting CNC ported by Lingenfelter specific to the LT2 7.0L program.

Tracking legal, legislative, and regulatory developments impacting the racing and performance industry.

PRI’s Washington, DC-based legal and advocacy teams work continuously to protect and support motorsports venues, sanctioning bodies, and businesses around the nation. We are tracking several topics this month, including a key Supreme Court victory against federal agency overreach, information about the 2024 election vice presidential candidates, a PRI member company hosting a US Congressman, and an exciting new addition to the PRI Government Affairs team.

US Supreme Court Delivers Win for Motorsports Industry Against Federal Agency Overreach

The US Supreme Court delivered a huge win for industries impacted by federal overreach. In its decisions in Loper Bright v. Raimondo and Relentless v. Commerce, the high Court has provided increased regulatory certainty to small businesses around the country, including specialty automotive aftermarket and motorsports companies, that have been adversely impacted by federal regulatory overreach.
The Court’s decisions overturned what is known as the Chevron doctrine, which adopted the principle that judges should defer to federal executive branch agencies’ interpretations of their powers when the laws that Congress has written are ambiguous or have gaps so long as those interpretations are reasonable. The Court’s decision affirms that agencies cannot take actions that are inconsistent with, or not supported by, the language of the laws passed by Congress.
These precedent-setting decisions will provide opportunities to revisit a wide array of regulations that affect so much of everyday life—including issues that directly impact the specialty automotive aftermarket and motorsports industry. For the last four decades, many energy, climate, health, and safety regulations have been given deferential treatment in federal courts because of the Chevron doctrine. During this time, federal agencies expanded the scope of regulations beyond congressional intent, which has adversely impacted small businesses that drive the US economy.
“The recent Supreme Court decision regarding the Chevron doctrine has a positive impact on our industry and the potential regulatory burdens our members face,” said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA and PRI’s senior vice president for public and government affairs. “One key takeaway is that the law is still the law. The sale of parts or components that alter emissions systems out of compliance for on-road use remains illegal. The Supreme Court’s decision no longer gives deference to federal agencies when they fill in the blanks when the law is silent or ambiguous. This decision levels the playing field for our members and returns the power back to the courts to interpret laws as written.”

Things You Should Know About the Vice Presidential Candidates

Former President Donald Trump selected US Senator JD Vance (R-OH) as his nominee for vice president. Here’s what PRI members need to know about Sen. Vance, 39, as it relates to our industry:

• Vance is an EV skeptic. In the Senate, Vance has actively sought to protect the nation’s market for gas-powered motor vehicles, arguing that Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles (EVs) represent a risk to the American workforce, seeking to repeal the $7,500 clean-vehicle tax credit. Sen. Vance introduced the “Drive American Act” (S. 2962), a bill that would provide tax incentives for US-made vehicles that run solely on gas or diesel. He’s regularly sparred with the Biden administration on environmental and energy policy and is expected to align closely with Trump’s positions on ethanol and biofuels.
• He’s a political newcomer. Vance first ran for elected office in 2022, winning a seat to represent Ohio in the US Senate after gaining Trump’s endorsement. Sen. Vance has developed a reputation for occasional bipartisanship, particularly on manufacturing and transportation issues.
• Blue-collar roots. Sen. Vance rose to prominence as the author of the New York Times bestseller “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis,” the true story of his upbringing in poor, working-class America. His background surrounded by divorce and substance abuse in Rust Belt Ohio gives him first-hand perspective into the people of that area and the challenges they face and informs his self-described populist views on jobs, manufacturing, and the economy. Sen. Vance served in the Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007 and is an Iraq war veteran. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and Yale Law School.

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris made her highly anticipated selection of a running mate, tapping two-term Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Gov. Walz is a veteran and previously served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Here’s what PRI members should know about the pick:

• He led Minnesota in becoming a CARB state. Climate policy is a core issue for his administration. During his tenure as governor, Minnesota became a “CARB state,” a state that has adopted California’s vehicle emissions standards. This plan has been subject to litigation by the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association, which opposes Minnesota’s clean cars plan and asserts that the state is not allowed to delegate its authority to CARB regulators in California.
• Walz knows cars. Walz, a former public school teacher, once delivered an impromptu lesson in auto repair while on the campaign trail, in the process going viral online for his folksy, clear explanation of the problem and fix.
• Walz is a Midwesterner. Walz was born in Nebraska and entered the public eye as representative of a significantly rural congressional district in southern Minnesota. His Midwestern appeal is seen by some as a counterweight to Harris’s California roots—particularly as she attempts to win over rural and working-class voters who largely lean toward Donald Trump.
• While Walz as governor did sign "right to repair" legislation, the bill did not include language supporting the automotive or farming industries.
   

Hellwig Products Hosts US Representative Jim Costa

While many people assume that lawmakers aren’t working when Congress is not in session, most members are out visiting businesses that are run by the people they were elected to represent. Hellwig Products, a PRI member company, recently took advantage of the Congressional recess week by hosting US Representative Jim Costa (D-CA). Hellwig provided Rep. Costa a tour of its 57,000-square-foot location in Visalia, California, and conversation with its employees.

“Hosting Rep. Costa at our business further solidified the relationship that we have forged over the years with the Congressman,” said Hellwig Products CEO and Owner Melanie White. “I encourage SEMA/PRI member companies to take the opportunity to invite your elected representatives to visit your business. It’s the best way to educate your lawmakers on our industry and its policy needs. We thank Congressman Costa for taking the time to interact with our team and for recognizing the important role that specialty automotive aftermarket businesses like Hellwig play in the local economy.”

Matt Daigle Joins SEMA/PRI Government Affairs as Director, Communications

Matt Daigle has joined SEMA/PRI as director, communications for public and government affairs. He will be based in Washington, DC.
Daigle is a seasoned communicator with more than 20 years of experience and leadership in advocacy and member communications. He has served on Capitol Hill, in a consulting company and in-house at multiple professional associations.

“We’re very excited to have Matt join SEMA/PRI’s DC team. He brings a wealth of experience in media relations and advocacy communications,” said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA/PRI senior vice president of public and government affairs. “Matt’s expertise will help bolster SEMA and PRI’s brand in Washington, DC, and state capitols, and better elevate the important issues we advocate for on behalf of our industry every day.”
In his new role, Daigle coordinates communications strategies and executions with the association’s marketing, councils, membership, political action committees (PACs), and other internal teams. He supports the development and execution of public relations that help shape the views of voters and opinion leaders about the automotive aftermarket industry, its products, and its leadership in the public policy arena.
“I’m excited to join SEMA/PRI at such a pivotal time for the automotive aftermarket,” said Daigle. “Our members make a tremendous contribution to the American economy, and I’m looking forward to sharing their accomplishments and driving positive change for the industry.”
A native of South Orleans, Massachusetts, Daigle received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Marist College and a Master of Science degree in Journalism from Northwestern University.