Motorsports Pro at SEMA 2024: Highlights from the Show
Last week, The SEMA Show in Las Vegas brought together the latest in motorsports innovation, and we were there to experience it all. From pavement to dirt, grip to slip, SEMA offered something for every type of racer. The event reaffirmed our dedication to supporting drivers at all levels, from grassroots autocrossers to factory-backed pros.
Honda’s Motorsports Heritage
One of the standout highlights was Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC), showcasing an impressive mix of motorsports heritage and forward-thinking technology. HRC announced a new line of performance parts for Honda and Acura enthusiasts, pulling from their deep racing pedigree. Their booth featured vehicles across different motorsport disciplines.
Front and center was the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 Formula 1 car, demonstrating Honda’s achievements in top-tier motorsport. The Acura ARX-06 endurance prototype and a hybrid-powered IndyCar with a 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 emphasized Honda’s engineering excellence. Off-road machines like the Honda Ridgeline Baja Race Truck and CR-V Hybrid Racer highlighted the brand's versatility, while track-focused builds like the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype and Integra Type S DE5 Race Car showcased cutting-edge performance. HRC’s engineering expertise was clear, and it was inspiring to see their innovations aimed at everyday performance enthusiasts.
AP Racing: Advanced F1 Clutch and Brake Technology
During our time at SEMA, we visited the AP Racing booth, where their display featured an F1 clutch and a complete Formula 1 brake system, including a high-performance caliper and rotor. These cutting-edge components, designed for the pinnacle of motorsports, highlight the precision and innovation that AP Racing brings to racing technology. The pictures shown here are of the actual F1 clutch and brake system displayed at their booth.
With over 50 years of experience, AP Racing has been a trusted supplier for motorsport disciplines like Formula 1, endurance racing, and touring cars. Their expertise in high-performance braking and clutch systems has made them a leader in the industry. Seeing their F1 components up close reinforced the importance of advanced engineering in achieving maximum performance and safety on the track.
Their presence at SEMA underscored AP Racing’s commitment to pushing the limits of motorsports technology, ensuring drivers worldwide have access to proven, high-performance solutions.
Porsche Dominance: Racing and Track Excellence
Porsche made a strong impact at SEMA with an impressive lineup of race and track-focused vehicles. The Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport, prepped by Rotek Racing and driven by Jaden Lander and Robb Holland to a 2024 Pirelli GT4 America AM championship, was a true highlight.
The show also featured Porsches that competed in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational, the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and SCCA Time Trials. The blend of grassroots builds and high-level competition cars demonstrated Porsche's lasting influence and the diverse ways enthusiasts push these machines to their limits.
Toyota’s Rally and GT4 Highlights
Toyota paid tribute to its rally legacy with the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept, inspired by the iconic 90s Celica GT-Four. This modern rally build features a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, GR-FOUR AWD drivetrain from the GR Corolla, full roll cage, and Sparco racing seats with 6-point harnesses.
Also at the show was the Toyota Supra GT4 Evo, displayed at the Konig booth and set to compete in the 2025 SRO America-GT4 series. Marco Polo Motorsports has committed to a full-season campaign with drivers Nicolai Elghanayan and Mads Siljehaug, backed by Muellerized for technical support. Seeing this well-prepared Supra highlighted Toyota’s commitment to competitive motorsports.
OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational
The OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational showcased a diverse group of competitors, from electric Teslas to a wide range of Corvettes, spanning models from the C5 to the latest C8. The event reflected the growing influence of electric power in motorsports alongside the timeless appeal of traditional performance powerhouses.
The mix of grassroots enthusiasts and professionally built cars demonstrated the creativity and innovation within the performance community. It was a reminder of why we support everyone from weekend autocrossers to factory-backed racers, ensuring they have the best safety gear to perform their best.
Off-Road Adventures: Trophy Trucks and UTVs
The off-road segment at SEMA didn’t disappoint. We explored booths from industry leaders like Camburg Racing and Maxxis Tire, showcasing impressive Trophy Trucks and race UTVs built to tackle the harshest terrains. The off-road racing community continues to evolve, and the vehicles on display demonstrated the latest advancements in durability and performance.
We’ve supported off-road racers in series like BITD (Best In The Desert), SNORE, SCORE, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing, Champ Off-Road, and Stadium Super Trucks. Seeing these incredible machines in person reaffirmed our dedication to the off-road racing community.
Drifting at SEMA: From Grassroots to Extreme Builds
The drift scene at SEMA was electrifying, featuring everything from grassroots builds to extreme machines. Mad Mike Whiddett’s McLaren with a Mazda rotary engine and several Formula Drift cars equipped with NASCAR V8s drew big crowds. Colorful D1GP drift cars from Japan added extra flair, showcasing the sport’s evolution from its origins to the global stage. We also noticed a growing number of BMW drift cars, which are becoming an increasingly popular platform for drifting enthusiasts due to their balanced chassis and performance potential.
SEMA 2024 offered an incredible glimpse into the future of motorsports, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this community. As we gear up to launch Motorsports Pro, we’re dedicated to providing top-quality safety gear for all racing disciplines, whether on the track, in the dirt, or on the drift circuit. Stay tuned for more updates and product launches!