By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension, & Brake Council (WTSBC) will host a virtual Coffee and Conversation networking event on Thursday, March 7, at 9:00 a.m. PST. 

The council's rebrand has opened up new opportunities for members to learn about issues facing the wheel, tire, suspension and brake markets. During the discussion, participants will share their expertise on challenges impacting their business, grow their network and create valuable business connections.

"WTSBC Coffee and Conversation events are excellent and useful time invested," said past participant Kelly Austin of 9six9 Wheels. "The discussion is short and packed with nuggets to help mostly anyone stay connected in the business." 

Discussion topics will be available to start the conversation, but attendees are encouraged to also bring a topic that impacts their business. Past topics have included Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), legislative changes, new vehicle technology and more. 

Sign up now to start growing your network!

If you have topics that you would like to have covered, email them to WTSBC Director Nicole Bradle at NicoleB@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Although heavily disguised, SEMA News sources recently spotted the Ferrari F250 hypercar testing near Maranello, Italy.

Ferrari has already confirmed a new supercar that will launch by 2026. The rumor mill suggests the Ferrari F250 will be a limited-series production car, with around 600 examples to be made. An additional 200 Aperta or Spider variants, as well as a few dozen track-only cars, are also planned, according to sources.

While the exact mechanical package of the Ferrari F250 hypercar is still unconfirmed, insiders are expecting the F250 to be a hybrid vehicle, most likely deploying a V6 mated to an electric motor, rather than a V8 or V12 setup.

Extreme lightweight technology will also be featured, sources said, including materials similar to those used on an F1 car.

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Toyota and Lexus, the SEMA Garage has announced a measuring session for the all-new '24 Toyota Land Cruiser and '24 Lexus GX. 

SEMA members will have the opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle's public release. Take advantage of this exclusive event, scheduled for March 12-13, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

'24 Toyota Land Cruiser and '24 Lexus GX Measuring Session 

March 12-13, 2024

SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, CA

1577 Valley Vista Dr

Diamond Bar, CA 91765

View on Google Maps

Click to RSVP!

Spots are limited for this exclusive event; sign up today! For more information, visit the RSVP link or contact measuringsessions@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA-member company employees have less than a week to apply to reduce their student debt through the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Awards up to $2,000 are available to eligible individuals who submit their application by March 1 at sema.org/loan-forgiveness. 

The application requirements are as follows:

• Currently employed by a SEMA-member business.
• Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
• Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States or Canada.
• Have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.

"The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program presents individuals with the opportunity to focus more on excelling in their careers, rather than be burdened by financial strain," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. "It also empowers them to pursue their passions more freely, while saving money out-of-pocket in the long run."

The Loan Forgiveness program is open exclusively to employees of SEMA member businesses as a benefit of membership. Review the eligibility requirements and submit your application at sema.org/loan-forgiveness. Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer at Chriss@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

The 2024 SEMA Scholarship application period for students pursuing careers in the automotive or performance parts industries closes this Friday, March 1, at sema.org/scholarships.

What is the SEMA Scholarship Program?              

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund supports career development and access to the automotive industry by offering financial awards of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of industry leaders and innovators.

What are the eligibility requirements? 

1. Be a high school senior or 18 years of age at the time of submission.
2. U.S. or Canadian Citizen (permanent/legal residents are not eligible to apply).
3. Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
4. Incoming freshmen or continued enrollment in college, university or post-secondary career and technology school in the United States or Canada.
5. Pursuit of degree or certification that leads to a career in the automotive field. All disciplines welcome.

What are the application requirements? 

1. Demonstrate passion for the automotive industry in your answers to select questions.
2. Upload an unofficial transcript or technical training progress report.
3. Request an online recommendation from your teacher, employer or mentor.

What are the benefits of being selected? 

In addition to financial assistance, scholarship winners have the chance to attend the SEMA Show, providing unparalleled education and networking opportunities through the SEMA Show Student Program. Through the program, students witness the aftermarket industry in action, can participate in a Gear-Up Girl Networking event (exclusively for women students and professionals), and attend a Student Industry Networking Day, where students network with industry leading companies and their employees.

What is the application process? 

Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships before the March 1 deadline. If you know someone who may qualify, share this opportunity with them.

By SEMA News Editors

Classic Recreations Launches Fundraiser for American Heart Association

Classic Recreations is launching a $1 million campaign to support the American Heart Association.

For the campaign, the Dallas-based company is introducing the Centennial Edition Carbon-Fiber Shelby GT500CR customized to commemorate the American Heart Association's 100th birthday. For every custom-ordered Centennial Edition sold from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, Classic Recreations will donate $100,000 of the purchase price to the American Heart Association's Life is Why campaign.

Classic Recreations will manufacture only 10 of these limited-edition vehicles and offer them to collectors for $625,000.

For more information, visit classic-recreations.com.

Cloyes Gear & Products Acquires Automotive Tensioners

Cloyes Gear & Products, the Fort Smith, Arkansas-based manufacturer of timing drive systems and components, has acquired Automotive Tensioners (ATI), a front-end accessory drive pulley and tensioner supplier in Denton, Texas.

In operation since 2014, ATI has developed a range of automotive pulleys and tensioners compatible with both domestic and import, heavy-duty and off-road vehicles. 

The acquisition aims to deliver an improved and cohesive timing system solution to customers, company representatives said.

For more information, visit cloyes.com.

Hans Blatter Joins AACF Board of Trustees

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a non-profit supporting people in the automotive aftermarket industry, has appointed Hans Blatter, president and owner of Castle Products, to its board of trustees.

Castle Products is a manufacturer of lubricants, additives, cleaners and degreasers.

"For many years, Hans has been involved with the AACF and supported the organization with his team at Castle Products," said AACF Executive Director Joel Ayres. "His commitment to helping the wonderful people of the automotive aftermarket industry is widely recognized and his joining the AACF Board of Trustees reinforces his belief in servant leadership."

For more information, visit aftermarketcharity.org.

Bilstein of America Wins Turn 14 Distribution Collaborative Supplier of the Year Award

Turn 14 Distribution has awarded thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, the suspension parts manufacturer with U.S. headquarters in Hamilton, Ohio, with its Collaborative Supplier Award for 2023.

Turn 14 Distribution's Collaborative Supplier Award is presented to a supplier with whom the company collaborated prominently over the last 12 months, the distributor said, and presented the award in recognition of the company's mutual support with Turn 14 Distribution in capitalizing on opportunities in sales and marketing to bolster both companies' status as leaders in the industry.

For more information, visit turn14.com or bilsteinrocks.com.

WyoTech Reports Increase in Graduates, Graduation Rate, Job Placements

WyoTech, the Laramie, Wyoming-based, automotive, collision, diesel and welding trade school, recently reported an increase in enrollment, graduation and job placement rate.

In five years, the size of WyoTech's graduating class has increased from 370 in 2017 to 804 in 2022. Additionally, WyoTech's overall graduation rate improved from 76.2% in 2017 to 84% in 2022, which now outpaces the average graduation rate of U.S. colleges overall (62.3%) and all individual college types.

After graduation, 76.8% of graduates landed jobs in 2022, up from 76.2% in 2017.

For more information, visit wyotech.edu.

By SEMA News Editors

Parella Motorsports Holdings Acquires International GT

Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH), owner of the SpeedTour brand of racing events, has acquired International GT.

The North American racing series includes three different championships for late-model Ferrari and Porsche GT3-spec sports cars--the Stuttgart Cup, Maranello Cup and the Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy--and joins the PMH portfolio alongside the Trans Am Series, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, Formula Regional Americas, Formula 4 United States Championship and more.

For more information, visit internationalgt.net or speedtour.net.

IMSA Opens Diverse Driver Development Scholarship Application Window

IMSA is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship.

With a potential worth of more than $300,000, scholarship benefits include a full-season premium prepaid entry fee for the first year to drive in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, or IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, and 50% of the prepaid entry fee for the second season in one of those series.

Additionally, a series of learning modules will again be made available to candidates selected from the application pool to bolster off-track skills. Subjects include IMSA marketing and sponsorship resources, business development, social-media best practices, networking and enhancing interviewing skills.

A new element, supported by Skip Barber Racing School, will provide a scholarship recipient who enters into an agreement to drive for the Skip Barber Racing team with a $50,000 seat credit for the first year of the scholarship.

IMSA is accepting applications until March 22.

For more information or to submit an application, visit imsa.com/diversity.

By SEMA News Editors

BMR Suspension

Lower Control Arm Spherical Bearings for S650 Mustangs

The spherical bearings in BMR's Lower Control Arm Spherical Bearing Kit eliminate bushing deflection, which reduces lower control arm deflection, rear-wheel alignment changes, rear spindle rotation and wheel hop, according to the manufacturer. The kit uses heavy-duty 1-in. spherical bearings in CNC-machined bearing cups that replace the factory rubber bushings. CNC-machined billet aluminum spacers complete the assembly.

bmrsuspension.com.

LEED Brakes
MaxGrip Lite 4 Piston Aluminum Caliper Brake Kits

LEED Brakes is now offering its MaxGrip Lite 4 Piston Aluminum Caliper Brake Kits for Galaxie, Fairlane and other fullsize Fords. The kits are direct bolt-on and specifically engineered to mount to stock drum brake spindles, the manufacturer says, and are designed to clear both FE and Y block engines.

leedbrakes.com.

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Kansas has introduced SEMA-supported legislation to ensure consumers' choice of vehicle powerplants and fuel by preventing a state agency, county or city from limiting access to internal combustion engines. Kansas lawmakers passed a resolution last year, but this year's bill will codify this into law.  

The House Federal & State Affairs Committee recently held a hearing for the House's version of the bill (H.B. 2783). SEMA was among several groups that testified in support of the proposal (watch below), and the bill now awaits a committee vote. 

SEMA believes that Kansans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. This effort promotes consumer choice, fosters innovation and protects jobs. The Senate's version of the bill (SB 471) awaits consideration by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs. 

Use this link to send a letter to lawmakers supporting this pro-industry legislation. 

For more information, contact Colby Martin at SAN@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Georgia House Motor Vehicles Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation (SB 352) to modernize and improve the state's laws on vehicle suspension modifications, offering a clearer path for safe enjoyment, economic opportunity and responsible innovation. SEMA testified (watch below) in support of the bill in Atlanta on February 16, 2024. The bill now awaits consideration on the House floor. 

With its ambiguous 2-inch suspension height limit based on an unavailable "factory recommendation," the current law throws up roadblocks for all businesses involved. Uncertainty plagues vehicle owners, law enforcement and businesses in the aftermarket industry, creating fertile ground for legal challenges and stifling the sector's growth potential. 

SB 352 charts a clear course forward. It replaces the subjective 2-inch limit with an objective standard: measuring the vehicle's height from the ground to the frame. This simple change brings much-needed transparency and consistency to enforcement. 

With SEMA's continued support and advocacy, SB 352 has the potential to become a reality. Its passage would solidify Georgia's position as a welcoming destination for off-road enthusiasts and a leader in fostering a responsible and innovative automotive specialty equipment industry. SEMA members can join the advocacy efforts and participate in this positive change. Click here to send a letter to lawmakers in support of SB 352. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.