Bob Chandler, Bruce Crower and Marla Moore will receive the automotive specialty equipment industry’s highest honor as the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame. Representing an esteemed group of industry icons who have influenced and inspired the $43 billion automotive specialty equipment industry, the three will be recognized as part of the SEMA Installation & Gala on Friday, July 26, 2019, at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, California.

Bob Chandler: Chandler is the creator and owner of one of the most iconic vehicles to have ever graced the planet: Bigfoot—the Ford F-250 pickup that is credited with starting the monster truck craze nearly 45 years ago. Chandler created Bigfoot in 1975 when his personal off-roading passion lead him to a series of truck modifications, including bigger tires, bigger axles and rear steering. At the time, monster trucks didn’t exist, and Bigfoot gained national attention at car shows, making television appearances and eventually spawning 20 clones that continue to tour the country today. Bigfoot paved the way for an entire market of monster trucks and has influenced the truck industry as a whole.

Bruce Crower: To know Crower’s story is to know the history and essence of the automotive specialty equipment market. Growing up in the 1930s, Crower was captivated by cars and speed from an early age. Whether it was the Moto-Scoot he modified at the age of 13, the Harley he got when he was 17, or the ’36 Ford Coupe or ’32 Ford Roadster that followed, Crower was always looking for ways to improve speed. After a brief period in the Air Force, Crower headed to San Diego, California, where hot rodding was flourishing. In 1955 he opened Crower Racing Cams & Equipment Co. and began manufacturing race products. From the mounting of the 671 Blower on his Hudson to the Crower Glide Clutch and wings on Don Garlit’s race car, Crower is credited with advancing the industry’s speed, safety and overall innovation.

Marla Moore: A passionate enthusiast who grew up helping her dad rebuild cars, Moore is among the industry’s most active volunteers and leaders. She has chaired countless SEMA councils and committees and spearheaded numerous special projects that have helped to advance the industry. In 2012, Moore was instrumental in guiding an all-female Mustang build that received national coverage on the CBS Evening News, as well as local news coverage, a feature in Times Square, and an award for Best PR on a Shoestring Budget from PR Daily. Described as a dedicated professional with an engineer’s mind, an artist’s vision, and a heart of gold, Moore continues to advocate for the industry and mentor the younger generation. She currently supports the SEMA Cares Committee, regularly attends the Washington DC Rally and is involved with the SEMA Scholarship Committee.

For additional information about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit semahof.com. For details on the SEMA Installation Gala, visit sema.org/gala.

Nitrous Express, the provider of nitrous systems, has announced a new, official education partner, The Tuning School.

The partnership brings state-of-the-art training courses to customers of Nitrous Express and also gives the School access to the array of nitrous systems offered by the company. The School will use the systems as part of their courses, according to officials.

The Tuning School, which is based in Odessa, Florida, will now be able to provide private training classes to shops that install Nitrous Express products as part of the partnership.

For more information, visit the Nitrous Express website or The Tuning School website.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series (LOLMDS) has revealed the dates for the Arizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup Presented by DirtonDirt.com for 2019.

The Crown Jewel Cup offers drivers the opportunity to chase a mini-series within the full Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule.

The mini-series is comprised of races that pay a minimum of $15,000 to the winner. The driver that maintains perfect attendance throughout the season and earns the most points within these events will also receive a $10,000 bonus at the championship awards banquet. The drivers who finish second through fifth in the Crown Jewel Cup will earn $5,000, $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 in cash, respectively.

The schedule for the 2019 Arizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup Presented by DirtonDirt.com is below.

For more information, visit the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series website.

Arizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup - Presented by DirtonDirt.com 2019 Schedule
May 25 - 27th Annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 - Lucas Oil Speedway
June 1 - Clash at the Mag - Magnolia Motor Speedway
June 15 - Big Daddy 60 - Smoky Mountain Speedway
July 20 - 9th Annual Silver Dollar Nationals - I-80 Speedway
Aug. 10 - 37th Annual Sunoco North South 100 - Florence Speedway
Aug. 17 - 27th Annual COMP Cams Topless 100 - Batesville Motor Speedway
Aug. 24 - 2nd Annual Dirt Million - Mansfield Motor Speedway
Sept. 1 - 51st Annual Hillbilly Hundred - Tyler County Speedway
Sept. 14 - 16th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals - Knoxville Raceway
Sept. 21 - 40th Annual Jackson 100 - Brownstown Speedway
Oct. 5 - 31st Annual Pittsburgher 100 - Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway
Oct. 19 - 39th Annual Rhino Ag Dirt Track World Championship - Portsmouth Raceway Park

Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl owners Cris Michaud and Pat Malone unveiled plans for a series of facility projects that have recently been undertaken at the historic quarter-mile oval located in Waterbury, Vermont. Work on these projects will continue in stages throughout the season. 

Thunder Road has recently finished an outside retaining wall that circles the speedway. The wall extends around the track, except for the main pit entrance and exit as well as the “Eddie Carroll Highway” that leads onto the backstretch.

Such a wall had not previously existed in the track’s 60-year history. The project, which has been completed in time for the season-opening Community Bank N.A. 150 on Sunday, May 5, is the first part of a larger plan for the track.

One of the most notable changes is to Forsythe Hill, the viewing area in turn three. Officials will construct a multi-level terrace, with seating rows like in the main grandstands. This project will get fans closer to the track, and is expected to be completed by the Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic set for May 26.

A patio area is also planned between turns three and four with additional seating and other amenities. In addition, a new ticket booth and walkway will be added.

A dedicated kid’s area is also planned for turn three, which will provide a place for young children and their families to hang out before and during right days.

In related track news, Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl is currently looking for reliable, responsible concession workers for the 2019 season. No experience is necessary. Contact Michele at 802/522-3993 or meachammich@yahoo.com.

For more information, visit the Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl website.

Fox Factory Holding Corp. announced it has entered an agreement to acquire Air Ride Technology, Inc.’s Ridetech, a manufacturer of suspension systems for muscle cars, trucks, sports cars and hot rods.

The move expands the powered vehicle business for FOX, a trademarked brand of Fox Factory Holding Corp.

Ridetech offers a wide range of products including air suspension systems, coil-overs, shock absorbers, coil and leaf springs, tubular control arms, roll bars and sway bars for an array of applications, including restorations, show cars, high-speed autocross cars and track day cars.

"The strategic, accretive acquisition of Ridetech is well-aligned with our mission of improving vehicle performance, delivering best-in-class service, and entering into strategic adjacent markets," said Mike Dennison, FOX's Powered Vehicles Group President. "We believe the powered vehicles market remains an attractive, long-term growth opportunity for FOX and that Ridetech will continue on its path of growth as they leverage our global marketing, engineering, distribution, and supply chain resources."

"We are excited to be joining the FOX team and believe the expected synergies between us will enable Ridetech to more effectively design and optimize suspension systems and quickly broaden our combined customer base by utilizing FOX's infrastructure to efficiently deliver aftermarket on-road car and truck suspension products and services,” Bret Voelkel, founder of Ridetech, said.

FOX expects Ridetech to contribute $6 to $8 million in sales in 2019.

Details of the acquisition were disclosed. The purchase will see FOX pay approximately $14 million through a combination of cash and newly unregistered common stock of FOX.

For more information on the companies, visit the FOX website or the Ridetech website.

The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and International Motorsports Association (IMSA) today announced that, following the successful combined race weekend at Sebring International Raceway in March this year, the event will return to the iconic circuit on March 18-21, 2020.

The second edition of the Super Sebring weekend will feature the WEC’s 1,000 Miles of Sebring on Friday, March 20 and the 68th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Parts on Saturday, March 21, once again giving fans the opportunity to witness two world-class sports car endurance races on consecutive days.

“The 2019 Super Sebring weekend exceeded expectations by every measure, and we look forward to working with the World Endurance Championship and Sebring Raceway staffs to enhance the experience in 2020 for everyone involved,” IMSA President Scott Atherton said.

“The Sebring event this year was greatly enjoyed by competitors and fans alike, and it’s a real pleasure to come together again with our partners at IMSA and Sebring Raceway to put on an even better show for 2020,” WEC CEO Gérard Neveu said.

For more information, visit the FIA WEC website or the IMSA website.

(Photo courtesy of IMSA, Facebook).

The County of Monterey-owned WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, which is the heartbeat of the 542-acre Laguna Seca Recreation Area in California, is undergoing another phase of its revitalization program.

Projects currently underway include:
•    Installing a large temporary two-story hospitality structure in the paddock overlooking Turn 3

•    Paving over the dip at the top of the main entrance road for a smooth entry and exit

•    Widening and paving the Marketplace to enhance vendor experiences

•    Relocating the television broadcast compound

•    Removing the octagon tower overlooking the Start/Finish line

•    Removing the former Parks Department office overlooking Turn 2

•    Enhancing corner marshal stands to provide better flag marshal safety and visibility for drivers

•    Completion of Lakebed paving in Marketplace

•    Completion of the track safety fencing project

The extensive drainage project that was completed at the end of 2018 proved beneficial and easily accommodated the near-record rainfall. County of Monterey planners are monitoring each area of the facility and working with WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca staff on ways to further enhance the facility for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who enjoy attending the premier race events, near-daily track rentals, events, camping, hiking, hospitality or car shows.

The legendary facility that was built in 1957 has been the scene of many memorable moments such as Alex Zanardi’s “The Pass” in IndyCar, the retirement of Mario Andretti, Nicky Hayden’s epic MotoGP win, a Grateful Dead concert and a special mass in 1987 conducted by Pope John Paul II.

For more information, visit the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca website.

The “Salute to Champion AJ Foyt” exhibit opened Wednesday at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame (NSCHoF) & Museum in Knoxville, Iowa. The Texas legend will be represented with a collection of nine cars never showcased before in the same exhibit.

The exhibit runs from May 1 to October 1, 2019.

AJ Foyt, Jr. is a four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, a Daytona 500 winner and winner of the 24-Hours of Le Mans (co-driving with Dan Gurney). He is the only driver to accomplish all three feats. 

An inductee in the NSCHoF’s inaugural year in 1990, Foyt is also the only seven-time USAC National Championship titlist.

Away from Indy and Champ cars, Foyt amassed 42 stock car wins, 28 sprint car wins and 20 midget wins under the USAC banner alone. He was also the 1972 USAC Dirt Champ (now Silver Crown) titlist. He was also named Co-Driver of the 20th Century by the Associated Press.

In addition to the artifacts, three videos devoted to Foyt will play in the museum, a touchscreen will provide additional information, and the second-floor theater will have a highlight film of AJ’s career along with words from many of his peers.

A total of nine cars are planned for the display, with six on hand for the debut. These include the 1957 Dean Van Lines Monza winner (driven by Jimmy Bryan, and AJ’s Indy Rookie car in 1958), the 1961 Bowes Seal Fast Trevis Roadster Indy 500 winner, the 1967 Sheraton Thompson Coyote Indy 500 winner, the 1974 Steve Stapp sprint car that AJ drove to twin 50-lap feature wins at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the famous 1974-76 Silver Crown #14 car, and the 1977 Gilmore Coyote Indy 500 winner back-up car. 

The Bob Nowicke midget that won the 1961 “Hut Hundred” at Terre Haute arrives the second weekend in May. 

In July, the 24-hour of Le Mans backup Ford GT40 MKIV #J-11 will be on display along with the 1986 March Ford-Cosworth Indy car, which qualified for four different Indy 500 events with three different drivers.

For more information, visit the NSCHoF website.

(Image courtesy of NSCHoF).

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) are expanding their youth outreach efforts by partnering with the NHRA’s Youth & Education Services (YES) Program. This initiative enables PRI and SEMA to reach and introduce students to the excitement and opportunities in motorsports, whether as a spectator, career or an overall lifestyle.

Through the program, middle and high school students attend NHRA races, often for the first time in their lives. As a sponsor, PRI and SEMA are committed to supporting efforts to introduce youths to the unique environment found at race tracks and helping to grow the automotive aftermarket performance industry.

“We all remember our first time at a race track,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We never forget the adrenaline and rush watching Top Fuelers top 300 mph in a matter of seconds. It’s inspiring to see that same excitement in kids’ faces, and to watch as fascination takes hold of them.”

The NHRA YES Program, which began more than 30 years ago, enables PRI and SEMA to reach thousands of students in a unique environment.

“We’re thrilled to have SEMA join us at the 2019 NHRA YES events,” said Glen Cromwell, NHRA president. “SEMA’s support helps us to continue inspiring youth, both to participate in the automotive lifestyle and to pursue careers professionally. For many kids, the spark begins through the NHRA YES Program.”

SEMA’s Youth Initiatives include several other programs, including student vehicle builds, scholarships and internships. Programs targeted to younger kids have also been added in recent years, including an automotive book giveaway for grade schools, field trips for middle schools and a mobile app that helps young people locate and connect with thousands of automotive-related activities near them.

To learn more about the youth initiatives, visit sema.org/education or contact Nathan Ridnouer at nathanr@sema.org.

Marx Buscemi Eisbrenner Group (MBE Group), a full-service marketing communications agency with a focus in automotive and more industries, has hired Tommi Viita as a graphic and digital designer.
 
Viita joins MBE Group after several years at ArcticFX Graphics, LLC, as senior graphic designer and assistant brand manager. During his time with ArcticFX Graphics, Viita designed advertising and branding campaigns for the powersports aftermarket. He also worked as a freelance graphic designer starting in 2016 and has extensive experience with print production and client relations.

At MBE Group, Viita will design traditional and digital advertising campaigns, product packaging, lead brand identity and web design projects and will collaborate on client branding and advertising programs.  

Branding is a core competency of MBE Group and as we continue to launch more products and companies, we are working to expand our team to meet both client and market needs,” said Frank Buscemi, the CEO and chief creative officer of MBE Group. “Tommi brings a diverse skill set in design, branding and marketing and uses a clean and modern visual aesthetic that will greatly benefit our clients and our team.”
 
Viita earned an associate degree in graphic design from Oakland Community College in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Originally from Gislaved, Sweden, he currently resides in Detroit.

For more information, visit the MBE Group website.

(Photo courtesy of Marx Buscemi Eisbrenner Group).