Masters Car Stereo Wins SiriusXM Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 162

Posted on January 24, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

SHREVEPORT, LA (01.25.22) – WTF… Win This Friday. Masters Car Stereo won the SiriusXM prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 162 on Friday morning, January 21st.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel has now rolled into year 4.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 162nd time on Friday morning January 21st. The Wheel landed on the SiriusXM space and the Masters Car Stereo slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to Masters Car Stereo and gave Chris Hansen the good news that a SiriusXM Tuner would be headed their way.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and USASpec. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL and Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, January 28th.

The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross 2022 Series Raced Into The Lazy E Arena

Posted on January 23, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Kicker.

GUTHRIE, OK (01.24.22) – The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross 6-City Series, with 10 races, raced into The Lazy E Arena in Guthrie OK, outside Oklahoma City, for a 2-Day Round 4 and Round 5 race card… Friday and Saturday January 21st and 22nd.

The KICKER display set for the Friday opening at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie OK.

“It was cold outside but inside the action on the track was red hot as riders and attendees were Livin’Loud. The doors at the Lazy E Arena were open to let fumes from the track action escape the arena so it was a bit chilly inside,” Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media who orchestrates KICKER’s presents at the events, stated.

The KICKER Big Lifted 1 grabbed attention on the track during break in the race heats.

Continuing, “We had a display area in the lobby area and virtually everyone who entered the Lazy E Arena had to pass by the KICKER setup. We had a selection of KICKER products for all to see. We were talking to members of the crowd about KICKER throughout the evening. Oklahoma is truck country so the new KICKER L7T under seat drew a lot of attention. Powersports in strong in the area too so the KICKER RZR grabbed attention. The PowerBar really opened eyes when we cranked it on the RZR in the lobby.”

Round 4 250 Pro Podium Kyle Peters, Heath Harrison and Josh Cartwright donned KICKER caps for the image posted @kickerarenacross.

For Friday and Saturday night’s event the stands were nearly full with attendees very engaged with action on the track. Amateur riders took to the track during the day and pro riders took the track through the evening from 6 until well after 10 PM.

The Kicker ArenaCross 2022 Series is reaching the midpoint.

Saturday night the KICKER Polaris General, Big Lifted 1, was on the track during breaks in the race heats. Every eye in the Lazy E Arena was trained on the KICKER Big Lifted 1.The Polaris General is so loud it drowned out the arena’s PA system. Since the KICKER World HQ is located 33 miles away in Stillwater the KICKER brand is very well known and respected in the area. The Saturday night crowd, and racers, were so engaged being so close to KICKER HQ.

A happy Lorin Morrell gives a smile from the seat of the KICKER Polaris General on the track.

In addition to the action on the track T-shirts were tossed into the crowd during Pro Race breaks and track maintenance periods. Kicker athletes tossed wrapped KICKER T’s into the crowd. A special T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. A lucky member of the crowd had a big smile when he picked up his Bullfrog.

Concluding, Morrell added, “The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross got off to a great start in Loveland and Amarillo and the races at the 2-Day Guthrie event took the excitement to a new level. Next stop is Round 6 Greensboro NC January 29th. The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross is Livin’Loud in 2022.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

Elite Electronics Named KICKER 2021 Dealer Of The Year South Central Region

Posted on January 23, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Elite Audio, Kicker.

MILWAUKEE, WI (01.24.22) – Elite Electronics, based in Milwaukee, recently was named KICKER 2021Dealer of the Year for the South Central Region. Area representative Tom Ebeling, Tree Associates, presented owner Muhammad Choudhry with the award certificate at a dinner recently.

Tom Ebeling and Muhammad Choudhry (R) with the Elite Electronics KICKER 2021 Dealer of the Year South Central Region certificate. Mohammad Armand behind the lens.

“Elite Electronics has received the KICKER Dealer of the Year for this territory multiple times. He and his staff operate a very proactive store in Milwaukee that draws from across the surrounding area. They have been a very supportive KICKER dealer for well over a decade and put customer satisfaction at the top of their daily objectives,” Tom Ebeling related.

Choudhry commented to The 12volt Central Studios, “The KICKER brand supports our company with products that provide the features and performance consumers are looking for today. We have been a KICKER dealer for well over a decade. KICKER is working very hard to supply inventory in this current challenging marketplace. Additionally, they back everything up with excellent service and Tom at Tree is definitely very supportive. We look forward to a very strong 2022 with an eye to receiving the next KICKER of the Year Award for this region.”

Tom Ebeling, Tree Associates, is flanked at dinner by Muhammad Choudhry (R) from Elite Electronics and Mohammad from Armando Sounds. At the dinner Elite Electronics received the KICKER 2021 Dealer of the Year Certificate.

Ebeling, based in Chicago, works very closely with dealers across his territory. At the dinner where he presented Elite with the KICKER award they were joined by Mohammad Armand. His 12volt store, Armando Sounds in Chicago, has also received a KICKER Dealer of the Year award.

Concluding, Ebeling offered, “Armando Sounds will soon be relocating to a new location three times the size of their current store. Both of these dealers are great retailers that represent the future of our business. Elite Electronics represents the best in Milwaukee and Armando Sounds represents the best in ChicagoLand.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

Synergy Marketing Agency to Represent Dynamat

Posted on January 23, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Dynamat.

HOUSTON, TX (01.24.22) – Synergy Marketing has been a appointed to represent Dynamat in the Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana territory effective January 3rd 2022.

David Toliver in his Houston office with the Dynamat Rep Kit he received on Saturday, January 22nd.

David Toliver, Synergy Marketing Principal, stated, “Synergy Marketing is excited and will work to revive the Dynamat business in the territory in Home, Marine and 12volt Markets. We will work with Dynamat distributors Wave Electronics on the home side, SSR on the 12volt side plus retailers across the territory. I received my Dynamat rep kit on Saturday, January 22nd, and am set to hit the road in the territory.”

Dynamat acoustic and thermal solutions reduce unwanted noise, heat and vibration which enhances the enjoyment of music and comfort for people in home, office, on the road, waves and trails.

Continuing Toliver offered “Dynamat is expanding its lineup of Custom Cut Kits and already has products for Tesla, Challenger, Bronco, F-150 and many more late model muscle cars… Harley Kits too.”

Synergy Marketing Agency is committed to partner with ONLY the best in class manufacturers that offer unique solutions and value for distributors, dealers, and end users. Check out their website for more at www.synergyagency.net.

Visit dynamat.com for more.

Masters Car Stereo Wins SiriusXM Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 162

Posted on January 22, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (01.22.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Masters Car Stereo won the SiriusXM prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 162 on Friday morning, January 21st.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel has now rolled into year 4.

We reached out to Masters Car Stereo and gave Chris Hansen the good news that a SiriusXM Tuner would be headed their way.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, January 28th.

Dave Clews Sworn in as the Mayor of Pottsville

Posted on January 20, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

Dave Clews during the swearing in ceremony on January 3rd as the Mayor of Pottsville, PA.

POTTSVILLE, PA (01.21.22) – 12volt Dave’s Audio is a 12volt retailer that has served the Pottsville, PA community, and surrounding area, for over 20 years. Clews is a lifelong resident of Pottsville and has a 4 decade history in the 12volt industry.

Owner Dave Clews is now the Mayor of Pottsville and was sworn into office on January 3rd. Before his election as Mayor Clews was a City Council member and worked to support brick and mortar businesses in the city.

Clews offered to local media he was excited and planned to get with department heads to share ideas. In his sixties Clews still sees the value of cultivating young entrepreneurs who are interested in seeing Pottsville prosper.

A file image of Dave Clews in his showroom excited about remote start season.

Mayor Clews is a people person and through the years has had a passion for taking care of his customers at 12volt Dave’s Audio. When it comes to taking care of his customers Mr Clews has a clue! No doubt Mayor Clews will have the same passion for the citizens of Pottsville.

In a phone call with the 12volt Central Studios Mayor Clews made it clear that the job of Mayor would not take all his time. But when there were duties requiring his presence as Mayor the staff at 12volt Dave’s was well equipped to keep things cranked up.

He also confirmed he was the first male Mayor of Pottsville to have a ponytail. When asked about 24-hour cruise-ins the Mayor indicated he would have to get back with us.

All the best Mayor Clews.

N&H on the Road at PowerSports Dealers

Posted on January 20, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged PowerBass.

HATTIESBURG, MS (01.21.22) – N&H Electronics is a proactive distributor based in Hattiesburg MS that distributes PowerBass in their territory. PowerSports is a hot category for PowerBass and on Thursday, January 20th, N&H staff member Van Lee was on the road making sales calls with UTV dealers in the area. Outdoor PowerHouse in Denham Springs, LA was the first stop of the day.

Van Lee related, “The key to driving all audio sales is for a customer to actually hear the music. The PowerBass SoundBar countertop display is ideal for a Powersports dealer to let their customers to hear the music in their showroom. Outdoor PowerHouse in Denham Springs is a perfect example. In their showroom they have a Polaris wall display. A PowerBass SoundBar display is on a shelf on the display.”

Van Lee (R) – N&H pictured with Josh Sewell at Outdoor PowerHouse in Denham Springs LA. The PowerBass SoundBar is placed on the Polaris rack display.

During the sales call Lee spent time with Josh Sewell covering the latest PowerBass products for PowerSports applications.

During a call with the 12volt Central Studios Sewell let it be known he is a real fan of the PowerBass SoundBar. “I have one on my Kawasaki and it rocks. My sister also has a Kawasaki with another brand of soundbar and she wants mine. The customers in the store like to hear the PowerBass SoundBar on the display play music from their phones. OEM systems for UTV’s cost a lot more plus roofs can be $4,000 or more. For me the PowerBass SoundBar plays loud and gets it done.”

Concluding, Lee stated, “We have several PowerBass SoundBar countertop displays placed with PowerSpots dealers like Outdoor PowerHouse and also with companies that sell golf carts.”

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development & Global Marketing, stated, “N&H has been a longtime supporter of our brand and a great distribution partner for us. We are always happy to see distributors out supporting the dealers that support our brand. This is the true definition of team work amongst our PowerBass partners!”

Visit nandhelectronics.com and powerbassusa.com for more.

PGA TOUR and SiriusXM Agree to Multi-Year Extension

Posted on January 20, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SiriusXM.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL (01.21.22) – The PGA TOUR and SiriusXM announced today that they have reached a multi-year extension to their broadcasting agreement, which will continue to deliver extensive tournament coverage on the SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel for subscribers nationwide through 2024.

SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio listeners enjoy live coverage of every round of 38 PGA TOUR events throughout the season – including THE PLAYERS Championship, the FedExCup Playoffs, the biennial Presidents Cup and many others – with hole-by-hole commentary and expert analysis. Listeners can tune in live this week to The American Express on January 20-23.

SiriusXM subscribers across North America can listen to the SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel on SiriusXM radios in their cars (channel 92) as well as at home or on the go with the SXM App. For more information, visit www.SiriusXM.com/SiriusXMPGATOURRadio.

“We are very pleased to extend our relationship with the PGA TOUR. Our extensive schedule of in-depth tournament broadcasts will continue to ensure golf fans can follow the best players in the world as they compete all season long,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “With live event broadcasts every week, and a daily original programming lineup that features some of the most entertaining voices in the game, the best golf coverage in audio entertainment, bar none, continues to be on SiriusXM.”

“We are excited to continue our relationship with SiriusXM who provides a significant avenue for the TOUR to reach fans across the country,” said Rick Anderson, PGA TOUR’s Chief Media Officer. “Since 2005, SiriusXM has delivered crucial play-by-play and colorful commentary of the best golf in the world to fans that are driving in their cars, at home or on the go.”

SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio features a variety of broadcasters working on comprehensive play-by-play coverage for PGA TOUR events, including former TOUR winners Mark Carnevale, Mark McCumber, Dennis Paulson, John Rollins and Mark Wilson.

SiriusXM also produces and airs original golf programming daily throughout the year on the channel, featuring the best golf talk, news, analysis and instruction available on radio and streaming platforms. Several new shows have been added to the schedule this year:

The Players Show – Listeners will hear a long form conversation with some of the biggest names on the PGA TOUR each week. (Wednesdays at 8 pm ET)
All Square – Chantel McCabe looks at the headline stories around the world of golf. (Wednesdays at 6 pm ET)
The Scorecard – This two-hour pregame show, hosted by David Marr III and former PGA TOUR pro Mark Lye, airs leading into the Saturday and Sunday rounds of every PGA TOUR event broadcast.
The Wrap – Airing immediately following each round of every PGA TOUR event, listeners will hear a recap of the tournament, highlights and interviews.
Feherty and Maginnes – Previously announced in December, the new weekly show hosted by two of the most entertaining voices in golf – former PGA TOUR pros and longtime broadcasters David Feherty and John Maginnes – launched in its weekly timeslot (Mondays at 7 pm ET) on January 3rd.

SiriusXM also offers, through separate agreements, live coverage of the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, PGA Championship and Ryder Cup.

The channel also features many other shows hosted by prominent voices from the game, including World Golf Hall of Fame member Fred Couples; current and former PGA TOUR pros Jason Kokrak, Colt Knost, Carl Paulson and Dennis Paulson; distinguished instructors Michael Breed, Jim McLean, David Armitage, and Jeff Warne; and many more.

Visit pgatour.com and siriusxm.com for more.

EMMA USA to Participate in 3 Major Sound Quality Events in 2022

Posted on January 19, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL (01.20.22) – EMMA Global — founded in 2000 — has successfully emerged as a community of Mobile Media Enthusiasts in more than 40 countries. With this diversity, its formats have evolved significantly, and the EMMA Sound Quality format offers a unique perspective for enthusiasts and competitors who have a desire for feedback and knowledge.

EMMA USA — founded in 2018 — is excited to announce its involvement in three major events for the 2022 sound quality competition season.

The first event will be the second annual Lonestar SQ Shootout, held in Frisco, TX, in cooperation with Italia Hi-Fi, on April 29-May 1, 2022. The second event will be the ninth annual Aggieland SQ Invitational, held in College Station, TX, in cooperation with Mobile Toys, on June 4-5, 2022. The third event will be the tenth annual Steel Valley, held in New Cumberland, WV, on July 22-24, 2022.

As more information becomes available for these events, you may follow the EMMA USA Facebook page for more info and how to register: https://www.facebook.com/emmanetusa or via the website at https://emmausa.org

In addition to the announcement of these events, EMMA USA is pleased to announce the experienced judges and individuals who will execute EMMA’s mission in the USA for providing a neutral, trend-setting platform to promote and carry the fascinating world of custom-made mobile media installations to consumers. Tom Meyers, who continues his third year as the Director of Operations, in addition to Jeff Smith, Ben Zimmerman, Tim Goudy, Mic Wallace, and others.

“EMMA has been a great addition to sound quality competition in the USA. The format brings a new look at the judging process and competitors seem to love it. The response and feedback have been nothing but glowing. EMMA USA held its first finals in 2021 where 46 competitors battled it out for a win during its inaugural USA finals event. I cannot be happier with its success and the support we have received thus far” said Tom Meyers, Director of EMMA USA.

“The continued growth of EMMA in the USA is the final decisive step to become a real global network for Mobile Media enthusiasts as well as the leading platform for the international Car Media industry. I wish the EMMA USA team the best of luck and success in their work for EMMA USA and great fun with their activities. I hope to come over soon to celebrate with our American friends and to welcome everyone personally on board of the international EMMA Network” said Alex Klett, CEO of EMMA Global.

For more information on EMMA, visit www.emmanet.info — to contact EMMA USA, email info@emmausa.org. For more information on EMMA USA’s calendar of events, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/emmanetusa

SEMA Applauds Public-Private Effort to Save the Bonneville Salt Flats

Posted on January 19, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.20.22) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) welcomes the installation of a new water well and weather and hydrologic equipment used for measuring salt growth conditions as part of its broader Restore Bonneville program. Federal and state funds were released last year to install the monitoring equipment and help increase the volume of salt pumped onto the Bonneville Salt Flats this year to a total of up to 500,000 tons.

As part of the Restore Bonneville program, SEMA and the racing community joined forces with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Utah Geological Survey (UGS), and Intrepid Potash Inc. in the collaborative restoration effort. Originally in the 1960s, the racing venue was over 13 miles in length, but the course is now eight miles or less. According to a study by the BLM, the Salt Flats have also shrunk in size from 96,000 acres to about 30,000 acres.

Land speed racers at the starting line. A new water well and weather and hydrologic equipment have been installed as part of the Restore Bonneville program to help increase the volume of salt pumped onto the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Located in northwestern Utah, the Bonneville Salt Flats are composed of densely packed salt remnants of an ancient lakebed formed over thousands of years. They serve as a unique stage set for movies, commercials, marathons, and rocket club launches, and possess rare physical qualities that make it the perfect venue for land speed racing, such as providing a cool surface that doesn’t overheat tires. Since 1914, hundreds of land speed records have been set and broken in a variety of automotive and motorcycle classes. Speed Week, the marquee event at Bonneville, began in 1949, with scores of racers and thousands of spectators descending on Bonneville in the quest for records.

Bonneville serves another important role as a crucial natural resource for potash used primarily in fertilizers. To obtain potash, salt brine is collected in large solar evaporation ponds, from which potash is separated out and processed. The remaining salt is stored and may then be returned to the Salt Flats as salt brine.

Beginning in the 1960s, the BLM issued leases to the north of Interstate 80, where motorsports racing and other recreational activities take place, allowing salt brine to be collected in open ditches for commercial potash processing. The mine operator began pumping the processed salt back onto Bonneville in 1997 as a result of a pilot project SEMA advocated to create. The Restore Bonneville program will help address salt losses that occurred before 1997, when the potash project was operated by previous companies.

The BLM and DNR signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2020 to jointly pursue restoration efforts. The program, which SEMA calls Restore Bonneville, will be managed by DNR, in conjunction with the BLM, and operated by Intrepid Potash. The endeavor is strongly supported by SEMA and the Save the Salt Coalition, a collection of companies, organizations, individuals, and land speed racing teams.

In working with Intrepid Potash, the volume of salt laid down on Bonneville will be increased by updating and improving the efficiency of the current pumping infrastructure and water conservation efforts, which includes rebuilding water wells, covering ditches, and installing new pipes and pumps. Great efforts to use water more efficiently will help achieve the goal to increase the volume of salt returned to the salt flats. It will likely take several years to upgrade the infrastructure and gradually increase pumping volumes.

The summer 2021 installation of the new water well and equipment to measure water evaporation rates and collect scientific data represented a tangible start to the ambitious restoration effort. The program will seek to identify the best ways to take advantage of the salt laydown and study the effects on the salt crust and underlying brine aquifer. For example, the program will consider ways to contain the salt within the large pumping area. If current research proves beneficial, efforts may be extended into the future upon funding availability.

Stakeholders are now identifying projects to be pursued in 2022 and beyond to continue increasing the volume of salt being pumped. While the bulk of the program funding will come from federal and state appropriations, both industry and the land speed racing community will voluntarily help pay the costs. Financial contributions from the racing community are gratefully accepted at www.savethesalt.org, a 501(c)(3) organization.