Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Jessi Combs |
Jessi Combs Officially Breaks Female Land-Speed Record
Jessi Combs has officially been named the world’s fastest woman, breaking the record during her fatal attempt in the Alvord Desert, Oregon, August 27, 2019. During that run, the Guinness Book of World Records certified that Combs reached 522.783 mph before the crash. The previous record was 512.710 mph, set by Kitty O'Neil in a three-wheeled, jet-powered car. Combs’ four-wheeled North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger had already made her the fastest woman on four wheels, achieving 398 mph in 2013.
IMSA WeatherTech 240 At Daytona to Host 5,000 Fans on July 4
Officials at Daytona International Speedway have announced a plan to introduce the return of fans to the iconic venue for the sports car classic IMSA WeatherTech 240 at Daytona, Saturday, July 4. Working closely with public health officials and local, state and federal authorities on amended safety protocols and procedures, the Speedway will offer a limited number of fans (5,000) to attend the event with available seating in the frontstretch grandstands, as well as a limited number of infield camping spots. All fans must be Florida residents and adhere to social-distancing guidelines. This year's IMSA WeatherTech 240 At DAYTONA, part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the first event in IMSA's return to racing, will be showcased on the 3.56-mile high-banked tri-oval/infield road course. For tickets and event-day guidelines, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
 In the Sportsman class, Reza Arsham (IRA) won in the Konig Wheels/GoGoGear.com BMW M3, becoming the youngest driver ever to win a USTCC race at 20 years old. |
Arsham Sets Record for Youngest Race Winner in United States Touring Car Championship History While Harper Wins GT Class
Finishing first in the GT class and overall was the AP Racing/BC Forged Chevrolet Corvette of Rob Harper (IRL). In the Sportsman class, Reza Arsham (IRA) won in the Konig Wheels/GoGoGear.com BMW M3, becoming the youngest driver ever to win a USTCC race at 20 years old. Doug Makishima (USA) extended his win streak from last season and won the Super Touring class in the ARG/Summit Tech BMW M3. Gary Sheehan (USA) took the win in the Touring Car class in the GoGoGear.com/Konig Wheels Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Winning the Top Team award was the GoGoGear.com racing team with two wins, Arsham in Sportsman and Sheehan in Touring Car. The Plastex Plastic Repair Kit Top Rookie award went to Gary Trudeau with a second place finish in his class. Next, the teams move to Thunderhill Raceway Park, August 1–2.
 Eric Heller |
Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) Announces New Segment Manager
The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) and FM3 Performance Marketing have appointed Eric Heller as the new segment manager for the autocross and Speed-Stop competitions. In his new position, Heller will be responsible for all aspects of competition elements for the two segments, including course design and set-up, timing and scoring, staffing and more. In addition to USCA events, including OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car presented by Advance Auto Parts, Heller will also assist FM3 at events, including LSFest, Roadkill Nights, HOT ROD Power Tour, FM3 Cars & Cones and more. Heller has an extensive background in the automotive events industry and also has experience in event management and course design.
 The 2020 Bonneville Speed Week will take place as planned at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, August 8–14. |
Bonneville Speed Week Gets Green Light For 2020
The Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) has announced the 2020 Bonneville Speed Week will take place as planned at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, August 8–14. The organization has received all necessary approvals and permits from local health and government associations and will follow protocols set by the Utah Office of the Bureau of Land Management for the event. The new guidelines include sneeze guards, required masks for workers, additional hand sanitizer stations, social-distancing procedures and more. For the complete list, visit the SCTA webpage. SCTA is still accepting entries for the event. For more information, visit www.scta-bni.org. In related news, the future of land speed racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah is still in jeopardy. For more information, including how to help, visit the SEMA Action Network website.
Fans Allowed at July 17-18 INDYCAR Event in Iowa
INDYCAR will welcome fans to Iowa Speedway for the upcoming July 17–18 race weekend featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Iowa 250 races and the ARCA Menards Series race. Under the guidance of public health officials, medical experts, and local, state and federal authorities, INDYCAR and Iowa Speedway will observe safe social distancing and provide enhanced hygiene and safety precautions for all in attendance. All guests will be screened in their vehicles with contactless temperature checks before entering the parking areas and only essential racing personnel will have access to the infield. Hand sanitizer and face coverings will also be distributed to each guest. For the complete protocols and guidelines, visit www.iowaspeedway.com. All previously purchased tickets for the race weekend will be honored by Iowa Speedway, including season tickets. A limited number of remaining tickets will then go on sale Friday, June 26.
For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.