The Bandimere family, owners of Bandimere Speedway, has been in court battles this summer with officials from the Jefferson County Health Department.

On July 28, John “Sporty” Bandimere III told CompetitionPlus.com the speedway would remain open, but under strict conditions.

Sanit Hand Sanitizer has joined Justin Ashley Racing and his Davis Motorsports team for the remainder of the 2020 season. Their new partnership is set to get off to a fast start beginning at the prestigious Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals on Labor Day Weekend.  
 
This event will also be host to the final round from the rain-delayed NHRA Summernationals held in Indianapolis just a few weeks earlier. Justin Ashley is set to take on TJ Zizzo as they each compete for their first NHRA Top Fuel win. This will be the first time since 1997 two first time finalists will race in an NHRA Top Fuel final round.  

CompetitionPlus.com has a new t-shirt line, and readers who subscribe to the mailing list will have an opportunity to get the first crack at buying the apparel. A limited number of shirts and sizes will be available on Monday at 9 AM, EST.

The shirts were designed by renowned artist Greg Ozubko of VA Ink, and come in red, black and gravel (light gray) in the first edition.

Former Pro Nitrous driver Johnny Camp earned his first-ever Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) low qualifier award Friday night when he topped the Penske/PRS Pro Boost presented by WS Construction field at the PDRA Summer Shootout presented by Callies Performance. He recorded a 3.675-second pass at 201.40 mph at the Virginia Motorsports Park event. 

Top Fuel rookie Justin Ashley wouldn't say he was skeptical as much as intrigued by the notion.

The two-sport high school star who went on to play college football was intrigued when told a mouthpiece, a device created to protect his teeth, could lead to improved athletic performance.

"I was definitely intrigued to hear about the science behind it, to know how it would actually have an influence on my reaction times and how I drive," said Ashley, who is a leading candidate for the 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year award. "And then once I heard the science behind it, I realized that this is something that can be really effective and it can be used as another method that can help me behind the wheel. And for me, I'll take every advantage that I can get, whether it's microscopic and small or whether I feel like it's a large advantage, and this is something that I feel really plays into my favor, not only from a standpoint of it being comfortable but from a standpoint of it being effective and helping to increase my production."

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, announced that it is offering an online marketplace to allow manufacturers and resellers in the specialty automotive segment to connect and conduct business. Taking place Nov. 2-6, SEMA360 was created after industry members expressed a need for a viable marketplace solution in the absence of the 2020 SEMA Show.

“Creating a platform where the industry can gather and discover new products and trends has always been a SEMA priority,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “SEMA360 is the ideal solution to bring the industry together, at a time when we’ve all been kept apart. The platform allows qualified buyers to interact with manufacturers, see innovative new products, check out top SEMA Show builds, and take in industry-leading educational offerings."

Show organizers gathered input from industry members who registered concerns with typical “virtual trade show” solutions. The result is SEMA360, a simplified platform where SEMA will help manufacturers create a straightforward brand presence that will reach quality domestic and international buyers. With a focus on helping the industry grow their businesses, participating resellers will have access to product offerings and demonstrations, and manufacturer personnel.

Apparently, past Pro Stock champion Bo Butner is not flattered by the notion of a rule named after him. As he sees it, it is what it is.

What it is - is a memo distributed to NHRA professional drag racers limiting their ability to use their cars as a political billboard whether compensated for or donated.

The controversy began two weekends ago when Butner, while behind the wheel of Rickie Smith’s nitrous-injected Pro Modified Camaro, unveiled a scheme touting the Trump/Pence ticket for the 2020 Presidential election.

“Well, first things first. I support what I support,” Butner said. “I support the good Lord above us. I support my family, my business, my fiancee, and I definitely support NHRA racing. I also support our president. Even if the presidents in the past, number one, that I didn’t really care for, you still support your president. That’s just positive, making good things happen.”

The NHRA has cracked down on political advertising when it comes to its competitors. 

Josh Peterson, NHRA's Vice President, Racing Administration, issued a memo to race teams reminding them of Section 11:1 of the NHRA Rulebook. As NHRA sees it, by way of their statement, advertising a political candidate on a race car doesn't make the sport inclusive and welcoming. 

"Given this and NHRA's nonprofit status, the NHRA logo or name may not be used in conjunction with any election-related messaging, including a candidate's name or image or any other indication of support for or opposition to a political candidate.