8. Related Parties

Certain of Sonic’s dealerships purchase the zMAX micro-lubricant from Oil-Chem Research Corporation (“Oil-Chem”), a subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (“SMI”), for resale to Fixed Operations customers of Sonic’s dealerships in the ordinary course of business. Sonic’s Executive Chairman, Mr. O. Bruton Smith, is also the Executive Chairman of SMI, and Mr. Smith’s son, Mr. Marcus G. Smith, a greater than 10% beneficial owner of Sonic, is the Chief Executive Officer and President of SMI. Total purchases from Oil-Chem by Sonic dealerships were approximately $1.9 million, $2.1 million and $2.1 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Sonic also engaged in other transactions with various SMI subsidiaries, consisting primarily of (1) merchandise and apparel purchases from SMISC Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a SMI Properties) for approximately $0.9 million in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015 and (2) vehicle sales to various SMI subsidiaries for approximately $0.2 million in both 2017 and 2016 and $0.1 million in 2015.

Sonic participates in various aircraft-related transactions with Sonic Financial Corporation (“SFC”). Such transactions include, but are not limited to, the use of aircraft owned by SFC for business-related travel by Sonic executives, a management agreement with SFC for storage and maintenance of aircraft leased by Sonic from unrelated third parties and the use of Sonic’s aircraft for business-related travel by certain affiliates of SFC. Sonic incurred net expenses of approximately $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.6 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in aircraft-related transactions with these related parties.