Steve Matusek, the founder of Aeromotive, has been appointed treasurer of the SEMA Board of Directors.

A first-generation American, Matusek’s father escaped Hungary in 1956 and his mother escaped Germany in 1948. Matusek earned his B.A. in aeronautical engineering at Park’s College of St. Louis University and his MBA from Webster University.

A second-generation racer and perennial top 10 driver in the NHRA Pro Modified class, Matusek has competed and is licensed in NHRA Pro Stock, Competition Eliminator and virtually every other sportsman class. An automotive enthusiast, Matusek collects and refurbishes musclecars and late-model performance vehicles. His three daughters have all raced junior dragsters, with his youngest earning the Western Conference finals championship in 2006.

Matusek has secured dozens of patents and earned SEMA awards for product development, and in 2018, Aeromotive was named SEMA Manufacturer of the Year.

For more information, visit sema.org.

The AERA Engine Builders Association will raffle off this big block Chevy engine during PRI 2021. 

The following exhibitors will offer attendees the opportunity to win a high-performance engine during the 2021 PRI Trade Show, Dec. 9–11, in Indianapolis.  

EngineLabs has teamed up with Late Model Engines (LME) to give away a 1,500 horsepower supercharged LS engine. The engine will be on display in the Power Automedia Booth #951 while it is being assembled live on the Show floor by LME. Participants can register to win at the booth, and earn additional giveaway entries by visiting partner booths throughout the Show. Those that will not be in attendance can enter online at EngineLabsGiveaway.com. For the complete details, visit here.  

AERA Engine Builders Association, meanwhile, will raffle off a big block Chevrolet engine built by Mike Mavrigian. The 712 horsepower powerplant will be on display in the AERA Booth #5514, where attendees can enter the drawing. All proceeds benefit the Engine Rebuilders Educational Foundation (EREF). For additional details or to enter online, visit here. 

In addition, RacingJunk.com has teamed up with Borowski Race Engines and COMP Cams to offer a custom Borowski 700 horsepower, naturally-aspirated LS street engine loaded with COMP Cam parts and valued at over $17,000. The engine will be on display in the RacingJunk.com Booth #2143. For the complete details, visit here. 

For more information or to register for the 2021 PRI Trade Show, visit performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

The 2021 PRI Trade Show, Dec. 9–11, 2021, will offer six information-packed seminars dedicated to improving racing technology during this year’s PRI Education program.  

“After being apart for almost two years, we’re excited for the racing industry to gather together for three dedicated days of learning,” said Dan Schechner, PRI Education director. “With the opportunity to connect in person, we’ve brought together speakers who are knowledgeable, dynamic and entertaining so that participants at the PRI Show will get the most out of the experience.” 

In 3D Computer Flow Analysis Simulation Of Performance Intake & Exhaust Port, Thursday, Dec. 9, from 10–11:30 a.m. EST, in Room 236, EngSim Corp’s principal engineer Dan Agnew will explore the concepts behind computer simulation tools like Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), which require quality CAD models, among related topics detailed here. 

In Performance Engine Bearings: Fundamentals & Design, Thursday, Dec. 9, 1–2:30 p.m. EST in Room 236, MAHLE Aftermarket’s Dan Begle will provide a deep-dive into the design and fundamentals of performance engine bearings. The session will explore the effect of bearing selection on overall engine performance and reliability, along with a live Q&A with the audience, among more topics detailed here. 

For the Air Speed In ICE & Bending The Rules For More Power seminar, (Thursday, Dec. 9, 2–4 p.m. EST and Saturday, Dec. 11, 2–4 p.m. EST in Rooms 234-235), legendary engine builder Darin Morgan will join Preston Mosher of BES Racing Engines for an overview of various combinations built by BES Racing Engines based on 50- to 60-year-old engine architecture utilizing modern cylinder head, induction system, and valvetrain technology to produce ever-higher power levels, among additional topics.  

The Racing Valve Spring Design and Development session, Friday, Dec. 10, 8–9 a.m. EST in Room 233, will be led by Chris Osborn of PAC Racing Springs and will cover the technical aspects that factor into the design, material use, and processing which allow a valve spring to survive a highly aggressive engine application, among more topics detailed here.  

In The Past, Present & Future Of EFI Tuning, Friday, Dec. 10, 2–4:30 p.m. EST in Room 236, Bob Morreale of The Tuning School will review how the industry progressed from early electronic fuel injection (EFI) to modern tuning for today’s high-performance engines, and where the future of EFI tuning is headed. More info here. 

Driven Racing Oil’s Kyle Fickler leads the Just The Facts: A Can't-Miss Panel On Racing Fluids seminar, Saturday, Dec. 11, 10:30–11:30 a.m. EST in Rooms 234-235, which will feature a panel of Driven Racing Oil’s Bill Alexander, VP Racing Fuel’s Jason Rueckert, and Total Seal’s Lake Speed Jr. The discussion will help dispel myths and clarify misconceptions about fluid use and how to ensure your systems are primed for optimal performance, among additional topics.   

For the full slate of PRI Education seminars, visit the PRI 2021 Show Planner at pri2021.mapyourshow.com. 

PRI invites industry members to join a conference call on Thursday, December 2, to learn more about the March 22–29, 2022, SEMA/PRI Middle East trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.  

The one-hour call will cover details about the program, schedule, and associated costs. The call will also touch on the available US grants, and answer any remaining questions attendees may have.

The SEMA/PRI Middle East program is one of two venues for the 2022 overseas business development program, along with the Nordic trip set for Sweden in August 2022. The programs are designed to provide first-hand exposure to the market to help grow your racing and performance business in new regions.

Program fees include a turnkey booth at the Dubai-based Custom Show Emirates, networking events with pre-vetted trade buyers, plus visits to top distributors, retailers and installers, and more. Hotels and meals are also included as well as the flight from Dubai to Riyadh (Flights to and from the US are not included).  

More information is available at sema.org/MiddleEast. For further information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

When: Thursday, December 2nd at 11:00 am PST/2:00 pm EST.  

Who: Companies already registered and those interested in learning more about the SEMA/PRI Middle East trip

How: Register for the call here: 2022 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference Call.

Race Winning Brands has been acquired by MiddleGround Capital, an operationally-focused private equity firm.

Race Winning Brands consists of a 12-brand portfolio of high-performance aftermarket product categories, including JE Pistons, Wiseco Performance Products, K1 Technologies, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, Rekluse Motor Sports, MGP Connecting Rods, ProX Racing Parts, Dart Machinery, CV4, Manley Performance, and Victory 1 Performance.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with MiddleGround,” Race Winning Brands CEO Bob Bruegging said. “We believe their operationally-focused approach paired with their culture of continuous improvement and longstanding experience in the automotive and powersports aftermarkets will align perfectly with RWB’s objectives and growth strategy—with the ultimate goal of providing innovative products to best serve our automotive and powersports enthusiast customers.” 

MiddleGround Capital founding partners John Stewart and Scot Duncan have experience with enthusiast-based products in the automotive aftermarket, having both worked with Holley Performance Products in 2012.

For more information, visit racewinningbrands.com.

The PRI Trade Show, December 9–11 in downtown Indianapolis, provides dozens of conferences, seminars, social gatherings, and more to help the industry share new ideas. Among those are networking opportunities and events from the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), and the SEMA Businesswoman’s Network (SBN).

On Wednesday, December 8, from 4 to 5 p.m. EST on the evening before the first day of the PRI Show, MPMC will host its MPMC Happy Hour. Enjoy a snack and a beverage while chatting with fellow motorsports manufacturers about current challenges and solutions—plus get answers to your questions about SEMA and MPMC. Open to all PRI exhibiting manufacturers. To RSVP to the MPMC Happy Hour, click here.

On Thursday, December 9, from 5 to 6 p.m. EST, YEN members are invited to join the YEN Networking Mixer from 5 to 6 p.m. EST. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet new contacts, strengthen existing connections while winding down from day one of the PRI Show. While networking, you’ll be able to learn about programs and events YEN has planned in 2022 and meet YEN’s Select Committee in addition to other YEN members. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. To RSVP for the YEN Networking Mixer, click here.

Female racing and aftermarket industry professionals will connect with female racing students in the inaugural Gear Up Girl Lunch powered by SBN on Friday, December 10, from 12 to 1:15 p.m. EST. Reserved only for women, this fun and dynamic event serves as a networking opportunity for professionals to give back and share advice with today’s female youth. To RSVP for the Gear Up Girl Lunch powered by SBN, click here.

On Friday, December 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. EST, the MPMC PRI Reception will serve as an opportunity to close out Day 2 of the PRI Show while networking with industry friends, colleagues, members of the media, and the the MPMC Select Committee. The event is open to all manufacturers and media. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks. To RSVP for the MPMC PRI Reception, click here.

For a complete list of events at PRI 2021, and to add them to your Show planner, visit here. For more information, visit performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

NHRA has released the category schedule for all classes of racing at NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series events in 2022.

The 2022 season opens on Feb. 17–20 with the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com. Both Top Fuel and Funny Car will race at all 22 events at standout facilities across the country during the 2022 season.

Pro Stock will have 18 races in 2022, including the first five events of the year. The category will make its first appearance at Bristol Dragway since 2018 for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals on June 17–19.  

The Pro Stock Motorcycle class will race at 15 events next season.

All four professional categories in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series will also appear at the final race at Houston Raceway Park, the Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil on April 22–24.

The NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series will have 10 events in 2022. Like Pro Mod, the Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown will see its season conclude at Texas Motorplex, marking the last of eight events during the 2022 campaign. 

Top Fuel Harley will have six scheduled events, while the  Mountain Motor Pro Stock class, which features popular and powerful 800-plus cubic-inch engines, will compete at four events in 2022.

For the complete schedule and more information, visit the announcement here, or nhra.com.

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) has announced the addition of James Palasota as the company’s chief operating officer (COO). He reports directly to Chris Gabrelcik. 

Prior to LSI, Palasota served as COO for AFC Industries and Herbal Brands and as senior vice president of operations for UtekTik. Before, he worked as vice president of llumination International, DBA The Amazing Flameless Candle, and prior, as vice president of sales and marketing for Sottera.  

“Jim has a wealth of experience and a proven track record of streamlining operations to reduce costs and build profit that will help us to improve as we grow here and abroad,” Gabrelcik said. 

For more information, visit lubricationspecialties.com.
 

Terry Mattox and Kerry Gorby of Mattox-Gorby Promotions have purchased the United Rebel Sprint Series (URSS) 305ci winged sprint car racing series with events in Kansas and Missouri. 

The pair plan to cross-promote races with the Oil Capital Racing Series, also owned by Mattox-Gorby Promotions. 

“Our goal is to continue to develop the series and 305 sprint car racing in the Midwest, which is on the rise,” said Mattox, who added that the pair are working on plans for 2022. 

Rick Salem has operated URSS since founding it in 2006.  

“My first priority was the health and the continued growth of the United Rebel Sprint Series and I don’t know of anyone better to accomplish that than Terry and Kerry,” Salem said.  

For more information, visit unitedrebelsprintseries.com. 

VP Racing Fuels, the provider of performance fuels, lubricants, and additives, has announced an expansion of its operations in Tennessee, including a second new facility in Carroll County. 

VP will expand its Huntingdon facility and acquire a second facility in McKenzie near the Carroll County Airport, increasing its total Tennessee investment to $14.2 million. The project is expected to create 150 new jobs and comes less than three years after the company invested more than $4 million to establish its Huntingdon operations. 

VP’s current Huntingdon facility will be upgraded with a $7 million tank farm for blending, storage, and filling of packaged products. The new McKenzie location, meanwhile, will include blow mold machinery to manufacture VP’s “Motorsport Containers” and the VP apparel line introduced last year. 
 


“Since first establishing an operation in Tennessee in 2019, the business environment, the workforce, and the welcoming nature of the community have all been what we had hoped for,” said Alan Cerwick, President and CEO of VP Racing Fuels. “The state, county, and local leadership have all worked with VP to create a mutually beneficial relationship. Thus, our eagerness to expand in Carroll County.” 

For more information, visit vpracing.com.