Moser Engineering, a provider of aftermarket driveline products, has acquired GearFX Driveline and its assets from Holley Performance Brands.

GearFX assets and production will relocate to Moser Engineering's facilities in Portland, Indiana.

"We are thrilled to welcome the GearFX line of products into the Moser Engineering family. Our goal is to continually expand and improve our line of driveline products for the aftermarket marketplace," said Rob Moser, owner of Moser Engineering. "This acquisition allows us to ensure that the 9-inch housing centers we sell will continue to be produced in the USA. By combining our sales, manufacturing and engineering expertise with an already great product line, we will further distance ourselves from the competition. Moser Engineering is known for delivering custom driveline products quicker than anyone else in the industry, and we will apply this expertise to GearFX products right away."

For more information, contact a Moser Engineering representative at info@moserengineering.com, or visit moserengineering.com.

After advocacy from small businesses across the country that represent the specialty automotive aftermarket and other key stakeholders, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is delaying its most aggressive tailpipe emissions-reduction requirements from model-year '27 to model-year '30. The EPA's final rule also slightly increased the average tailpipe emissions for light-duty vehicles, increasing the standard to 85 grams/mile from 82 grams/mile for model-year '32. 

While the agency's final rulemaking provides automakers with additional time to ramp up production of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs), currently, only electric vehicles (EVs) and five plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) meet the easier 85 grams/mile standard. It is estimated that 67% of new vehicles sold would have to be EVs by 2032 to meet this standard. Automakers could also comply with the final rule if EVs account for 56% of new vehicle sales and PHEVs comprise 13% of model-year '32 sales. SEMA opposes the EPA's final standards for the model-year '27 to '32 light- and medium-duty vehicles, which ultimately still force automakers to sell EVs and PHEVs to comply with this rulemaking and further limits internal combustion engine (ICE) technology options.

The EPA's final rulemaking embraces "Alternative 3" from the agency's April 2023 proposed rulemaking. The chart below outlines the emissions reductions in the final rulemaking vs. those outlined in the agency's initial preferred proposal:

In response to the EPA's final rulemaking, SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola said, "The EPA has taken a small step in the right direction by providing automakers and specialty aftermarket businesses additional time to develop innovative solutions to reduce emissions. While I am proud of our industry's role in helping to delay the EPA's most aggressive EV mandates, there is still much work to do to get government regulators to embrace technology-neutral solutions that will reduce emissions while limiting adverse impacts on small businesses and consumer choice."

"SEMA has long advocated that government mandates, including those designed to support the sale of EVs and eliminate the sale of ICE vehicles, are the wrong approach to reducing motor-vehicle emissions. The federal government and states should take an 'all of the above' approach to vehicle technology, incentivize innovation and allow the market to determine the best ways to reach improved emissions goals," noted Spagnola, who recently echoed these sentiments to LiveNOW from FOX's Andrew Craft in this video interview.

SEMA, its members and car enthusiasts across the country were vocal in opposing the EPA's initial rule after it was proposed in April 2023. More than 7,500 SEMA members and automotive enthusiasts wrote to the EPA last year in opposition to the then-proposed rulemaking's efforts to effectively mandate the production and sale of EVs.

The EPA's final multipollutant regulation will create a seismic shift in the automotive industry. Small, independent businesses, including aftermarket parts manufacturers, retailers, distributors, installers, and even local repair businesses, will be adversely impacted if this rulemaking, which is expected to face legal challenges, is implemented. Notably, one-third of consumer spending on performance and accessory products goes toward upgrading ICE vehicles and drivetrains, and 25% of SEMA manufacturers produce ICE-related components. This final rule will reduce consumer choice and increase the costs of purchasing new vehicles. It will also disrupt the used-car market as used ICE engine vehicle inventory will begin to decline, thus increasing prices and making it less affordable for those who need the used-vehicle market for its typical affordability and accessibility.

Specialty automotive aftermarket and motorsports businesses continue to lead the way with innovative solutions to reduce vehicle emissions. These manufacturers are at the forefront of adapting ICE technologies to run alternative fuels and converting older vehicles into cleaner technologies. The EPA's regulation embraces a strategy that favors one technology solution at the expense of thousands of small businesses and hundreds of thousands of workers across the country. 

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has extended his contract with the Woking, United Kingdom-based organization until 2030.

Brown, who initially joined McLaren Racing in 2016 as the executive director of McLaren Technology Group, assumed the role of CEO in April 2018.  

"I am thrilled to continue leading McLaren Racing and to be a part of such a historic race team," Brown said. "It is a privilege to work alongside the talented men and women across McLaren Racing's different race series. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of motorsport and strive for the highest performance on and off the track."

For more information, visit mclaren.com/racing.

Formula DRIFT (FD) has eliminated all single-car qualifying in PRO and PROSPEC competition, Ryan Sage, president of FD announced.

Entering the 2024 season, the series will feature tandem-only competition. The change is aimed at improving the experience for fans and drivers. Under previous rules, some lower-ranked drivers might only complete two qualifying runs before elimination. Under the new rules, every driver will compete in at least one tandem competition run to secure a spot in the Top 32 competition heats.

For a full explanation of the new rules, watch this video from FD.

For more information, visit formulad.com.

The Formula 1 Exhibition, the critically acclaimed display that brings fans into the heart of the world of F1, will make its North American debut in Toronto, Canada at the Lighthouse ArtSpace on May 3, 2024. Toronto is the third F1 Exhibition destination, following a successful world-premiere run in Madrid, Spain, where it quickly became the country's biggest-selling temporary show in 2023--followed by a record-breaking opening in Vienna, Austria, in February.

F1 fans will be treated to an immersive experience through six specifically designed rooms spread over 20,000 square feet, which feature exclusive interviews from the sport's most legendary teams and personalities, and include iconic Formula 1 cars, historic artifacts and archive video material.

New for Toronto, visitors will be able to try their hand at racing an F1 car on state-of-the-art simulators using official F1 gaming equipment, while other exclusive collections will be announced ahead of the opening.

In more Formula 1 news, Mercedes has bolstered its technical department by signing former Ferrari designer Simone Resta as strategic development director. He will team up with the Mercedes Technical Director James Allison, whom he worked with at Ferrari between 2013 and 2016.

Resta is expected to take up his role with Mercedes in 2025 after a period of gardening leave.

Mercedes' outgoing Performance Director Loic Serra will be replaced by David Nelson, who was promoted from his role in the vehicle dynamics division.

For more information, visit formula1.com.

Meyer Distributing--the wholesale distributor with 99 locations across the US and Canada--has announced its 2023 manufacturer, factory reps and person of the year. 

"As a 100% family-owned and operated business, we realize how important and impactful it is to recognize strong partners," said Cody Ziegler, vice president of sales for Meyer Distributing. "[Last year] was another rewarding year across many of our business segments, and we want to give a shout-out to those folks. Hard work, determination and perseverance are just a few qualities needed to achieve goals and expectations despite any obstacles we might encounter."

Meyer Distributing has awarded the following:

• Truck Accessory Manufacturer of the Year: Access Bed Covers
• Performance Manufacturer of the Year: Air Lift Performance
• Tire & Wheel Manufacturer of the Year: Method Race Wheels
• RV & Towing Manufacturer of the Year: Blue Ox
• 4x4 & Off-Road Accessory Manufacturer of the Year: Hi-Lift Jack
• 4x4 & Off-Road Suspension Brand of the Year: Bilstein
• Commercial & Fleet Brand of the Year: Weather Guard
• Industrial Supply Brand of the Year: Streamlight Inc.
• Vehicle Detail & Protection Brand of the Year: Chemical Guys
• 12V & Audio Brand of the Year: Massive Audio
• Outdoor & Recreation Person of the Year: Jake Montoya
• Performance & Truck Factory Rep of the Year: Tony West
• Tire & Wheel Factory Rep of the Year: Alan Kung
• Marine Brand of the Year: Bob's Machine

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

The Skip Barber Racing School, headquartered in Alton, Virginia, announced today that it has acquired Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), a short-track racing series featuring current and former racing legends.

Since the inaugural season of SRX in 2021, the Skip Barber Racing School has served as the official logistics partner for the series, responsible for the care, maintenance and transport of all series vehicles throughout the season.

Additionally, Former Superstar Racing Experience CEO Don Hawk will join the Skip Barber Racing School as the organization's new chief strategy officer.

Hawk will lead the growth and development of the Skip Barber Racing School brand which includes racing schools, safe driving academies, formula car race series and a professional race team operating in SRO and IMSA.

More details regarding the 2024 season will be revealed at a later date, according to the announcement.

For more information, visit skipbarber.com.

Holley Performance Products, the Bowling Green, Kentucky-based manufacturer of high-performance products, is rebranding to Holley Performance Brands.

The change aims to underscore the company's expansion beyond its previous classic muscle and truck focus, Holley representatives said, and will allow Holley Performance Brands to better serve a wider customer base with specialized products and services, enhancing its market adaptability and consumer engagement.

In the coming weeks and months, Holley Performance Brands will transition to its new branding and update visual touchpoints across its branded and marketing assets. Holley, Inc. will continue as the official corporate name and the enterprise will continue to trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol of HLLY.

In addition, Holley has announced Charlie Taylor and Will Robbins, who collectively represent nearly 50 years of automotive industry experience, have joined the organization as vice president of digital strategy and vice president of consumer product strategy, respectively.

"Charlie and Will are dynamic leaders with [a] deep understanding of the automotive aftermarket, and we're confident that their leadership will help us identify new opportunities for growth. We look forward to the contributions they will make to our company, brands and customers," said Matthew Stevenson, president and CEO, Holley Performance Brands.

As vice president of digital, data and CRM, Taylor will develop and execute strategies aimed at achieving growth through digital channels. Taylor, with 25 years of industry experience, will be heavily focused on enriching the digital experience for Holley's enthusiasts and distribution partners across four key consumer vertical groupings: Domestic Muscle, Modern Truck & Off-Road, Euro & Import, and Safety & Racing.

Robbins, meanwhile, will lead Holley Performance Brand's product strategy and collaborate with teams and business units to create key platform solutions and products across four key consumer vertical groupings: Domestic Muscle, Modern Truck & Off-Road, Euro & Import, and Safety & Racing.
Robbins joins Holley Performance Brands from Bridgestone, where he served as director of consumer product strategy, overseeing the Bridgestone and Firestone replacement tire portfolio for cars, light trucks, crossovers and SUVs. 

For more information, visit holley.com.

NASCAR, the Daytona, Florida-based sanctioning body, has acquired Winston-Salem Speedway, Inc., the lessee of Bowman Gray Stadium, and will now manage racing operations at the track under the lease with the City of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that runs through Dec. 2050.

Additionally, Austin Shuford has been named the new general manager of racing operations for the quarter-mile short track. Shuford has worked with Track Enterprises’ Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, where he annually promoted and managed 25 events a year at more than 15 racetracks throughout the South and Midwest since 2020. 

The 2024 Bowman Gray Stadium race season begins on Saturday, April 20.

For more information, visit nascar.com or bowmangrayracing.com.

Full Pull Entertainment, a content platform serving the truck and tractor pulling markets, has entered into an exclusive partnership with the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA), the Columbus, Ohio-based sanctioning organization.

Under the agreement, Full Pull Entertainment will livestream a series of truck and tractor pulls each season through its new "Full Pull LIVE" platform.

Each stream will include commentary from experts and a dedicated production crew at each event to capture behind-the-scenes content, including chats with winners in each class, track-side puller interviews and pre- and post-pull analysis.

The livestreams will initially be available on the Full Pull app, with plans to expand availability to Roku and Fire TV.

For more information, visit fullpull.us or ntpapull.com.