By Ashley Reyes

SEMA business members can access a wealth of business-building benefits tailored to their needs by logging into their SEMA Member Portal. Available at sema.org, the portal is the ultimate hub for SEMA business members and their employees to take advantage of the many industry programs, discounts and education opportunities available to them. 

Here's how the portal can boost your business:  

Connect with market-specific industry communities.  

Whether your business is in hot rods, restoration, racing, restyling, trucks, wheels or suspension, there's a SEMA council that's right for your company. Join a SEMA council to gain access to exclusive programs and resources targeted specifically to your market segment.  

Likewise, you can join a SEMA network for additional career and networking opportunities. SEMA networks are available to individuals within your company who share common industry interests and characteristics.  

Joining a SEMA council or network offers a host of benefits, including exclusive invitations to networking events throughout the year, volunteer and leadership opportunities and access to a community of professionals and friends who share your same passion.

Save money when bringing products to market.  

The SEMA Garages in Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan, offer the tools, technology and services that business members need to get their innovations to market--as well as the space necessary to work efficiently and accurately. Claim your SEMA Garage member benefit to enjoy member-exclusive pricing on services like 3D scanning and printing, ADAS testing, vehicle measuring sessions, emissions testing, and access to state-of-the-art installation and training centers.

Streamline your business with comprehensive product data.  

By claiming the SEMA Data member benefit, manufacturers can receive discounted, complete and flexible product data management, along with the tools and services to empower them to get going fast. Likewise, resellers can access the largest source of product data in the automotive specialty-equipment industry, along with tools and services to get them up and running.

Download SEMA Market Research Reports for FREE  

Claim your SEMA Market Research benefit to access an arsenal of reports filled with data and insights on consumer behavior, purchasing habits, industry trends and sales figures--all specific to the automotive specialty-equipment market. The reports are available to SEMA business members for free (a $2,000 savings off the non-member price) and include detailed insights to help readers make more informed decisions for their business.

Don't wait; access your SEMA member benefits by logging into your SEMA Member Portal at sema.org. If you need help accessing your exclusive portal, send us an email at members@SEMA.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA and PRI Coordinating Editor Jack Haworth recently attended the NASCAR Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, and he's giving SEMA News readers an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek into what it was like to cover the non-points exhibition race at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum won by Denny Hamlin earlier this month. 

Haworth was on assignment for SEMA Magazine, covering a feature story on Gen Z's interest in motorsports. At the event, Haworth connected with Pete Jung, NASCAR chief marketing officer, to discuss different strategies NASCAR is using to appeal to younger generations and how that's been having some success.

"This story will cover Gen Z's interest in motorsports--exploring what motorsports disciplines Gen Z are interested in, why 'authenticity' is so important to the younger generations, how to capture their attention and what this suggests about Gen Z's willingness to spend money in the aftermarket automotive industry," said Haworth to SEMA News.

See Haworth's first-hand insights below, and be sure to catch the full story in SEMA magazine's May issue.

Seeing the NASCAR Cup Series race within the tight confines of the LA Coliseum was a unique experience. It reminded me of the tight quarter-mile bullrings that many of those drivers grew up racing on, but instead taking place inside a world-famous venue.

However, the racing was competitive and the crowd was into the action. I can think of two memorable scenes from the actual race: the first was the crowd all standing, cheering and filming the start of the race on their phones. It seemed like there were certainly lots of first-time fans there, and it was cool to see everyone's excitement once the race got underway. Another memorable sight was the white-hot glowing rotors from the Cup cars; the tight track required heavy braking, and those brakes were pushed to the limits. 

Also, the NASCAR Mexico Series raced after the Cup race and put on a great show. The Mexico Series competes in a completely different race car, more similar to a late-model stock car, but those cars slid around more and were better suited for the tight track. Finally, the race was moved from Sunday to Saturday due to a large incoming storm, so watching the teams scramble and prepare to go racing was equal parts interesting and impressive.

While I've gone to several NASCAR races as a fan, this was my first race covering a Cup Series race as a reporter. With 38 races a year, I've heard industry folks describe NASCAR as a "traveling circus." But to see the garage area up close was a fascinating experience and helped me understand the circus analogy.

With nearly 40 cars in the field, it was exciting to watch the teams work on their cars, get them through tech inspection and prepare their equipment for that night's race. It's a giant undertaking, but the teams are all true professionals and handled their business with relative ease. Also, being the first race of the year, albeit an exhibition race, seeing the "NASCAR family" reunite in the garage and swap stories about the off-season was great. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Gideon Williams, business development manager at RevolutionParts, as its newest spotlight member.  

Get to know Williams in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?  

Gideon Williams: Listen more and never give up! 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

GW: From the time I was introduced to parts eCommerce at a [warehouse distributor], I fell in love with our industry. I look forward to the next 30 years.  

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

GW: Playing golf. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

GW: Visualize the meeting and ensure I am answering the prospect's questions and concerns. I want the focus to always be [on] the customer.  

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?  

GW: Henry Ford. I want to hear his stories from the start and understand his thoughts on where Ford is today. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are a few of the latest postings. 

Sanders Streetrods 

Auto Body and Paint Technician in Enumclaw, Washington

Sanders Streetrods is searching for an individual with experience in the auto body industry. The selected applicant's role would include body panel straightening and dent repair, body panel filler work and block sanding, body panel alignment, painting and more. A minimum of two years of experience is required.

Canepa

Auto Body Prepper in Scotts Valley, California

Canepa is searching for an experienced auto body prepper with a knowledge of restoration style bodywork, anti-corrosion treatments, surface preparation and other relevant areas, in addition to four years of auto body experience.

RANDYS Worldwide

Brand Manager in Everett, Washington

The selected candidate will spearhead the planning and execution of initiatives, including product launches, branding strategies, promotional endeavors and event support. In collaboration with the sales team and channel partners, this role will be responsible for the brand's representation across diverse channels and ensuring the success of promotional efforts and advertising strategies.

By SEMA News Editors

McCoy Receives Promoter of the Year Award at RPM@Daytona

John McCoy, promoter at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa, received the Auto-Racing Promoter of the Year Award at the 51st annual RPM@Daytona Workshops in Daytona, Beach, Florida.

Additionally, Susan Deery, manager of Rockford Speedway in Rockford, Illinois, was presented with the Jody Deery Award--named after her late mother--for leading the track during its final season.

John McCoy and wife (left); Susan Deery and family (right).

Other awards presented during the workshop include the RPM Outstanding Event of the Year, which was awarded to the Gerald Haers Memorial at Land of Legends Raceway in Canandaigua, New York, and the organization's Regional Promoter of the Year awards.

See the full list of regional winners below:

• Region One: Brett Deyo from Utica-Rome, Fonda in New York, and Georgetown Speedway in Georgetown, Delaware.
• Region Two: Wendall Durrance from All-Tech Speedway in Lake City, Florida.
• Region Three: Kevin Gundaker from Tri-City Speedway in Granite City, Illinois.
• Region Four: Doug Johnson, Huset's Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota.
• Region Five: John McCoy, Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa.
• Region Six: Michelle Lackey-Maynor, Alaska Raceway Park in Palmer, Alaska.

For more information, visit promotersnewsletter.com.

Extreme E Selects Symbio as Hydrogen Fuel Cell Supplier

Extreme E has announced Symbio as its official hydrogen fuel cell provider ahead of the championship’s transition to Extreme H in 2025. Symbio is co-owned by Forvia, Michelin and Stellantis.

Symbio will supply the series with a 75kW hydrogen fuel cell, replacing the battery as the principal energy source. Green hydrogen sources will be used to power the Extreme H fuel cells, created using a combination of solar and water.

For more information, visit extreme-e.com.

Featherlite Trailers Announces Newest Authorized Transporter Service Center

Featherlite Trailers, based in Cresco, Iowa, has announced Superior Trailer Solutions as its newest authorized transporter service center.

As part of the partnership, Superior Trailer Solutions will be stationed alongside Featherlite's NASCAR service transporter at the Daytona 500 and will support Featherlite's trackside service for specialty transporters.

For more information, visit fthr.com.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Porsche is working on updating the current 911 lineup and SEMA News sources recently captured images of a Targa model prototype on the roads in northern Sweden.

The recent sighting was the first of the uncovered 911 Targa, revealing its updated design without camouflage, except for the decal covers on the headlights and the Porsche and Targa logos on the rear and B-pillar.

The refresh introduces a new front bumper design featuring vertical slats in its air intakes. This alteration was necessary to accommodate the integration of vertical and active slats, differing from the design of the current model, sources said. The rear bumper will also undergo some modifications, particularly in its lower section, as will the rear air outlets of the engine cover.

According to anonymous company insiders, the base variant of the 911 (which isn't the model seen here) is rumored to revert to naturally aspirated engines. Speculation suggests that the base model might adopt an engine derived from the 4.0L unit but with a smaller displacement.

By SEMA News Editors

Hellwig Suspension Products

Tesla Model 3 Sway Bars

Hellwig Suspension Products has expanded its offerings for electric vehicles with two new sway bars for '17-and-newer Tesla Model 3 vehicles. Forged from 4140 chromoly steel, the sway bars are designed to alleviate unwanted body roll, pitching and discomfort in corners and turns. Both sway bars reuse factory end links and come with polyurethane bushings.

hellwigproducts.com.

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

By SEMA News Editors

Wharton Automotive Group Acquires Competition Clutch

Wharton Automotive Group (WAG), the Anaheim, California-based parent company of McLeod Racing, FTI Converters and Transmissions, Silver Sport Transmissions and other driveline brands, has acquired Competition Clutch.

Acquired from previous owner Chris Jewell, Competition Clutch is a provider of clutch kits, flywheel products and accessories for the sport-compact market. Effective immediately, the company will be based out of McLeod Racing's Anaheim manufacturing plant.

"I'm extremely excited to announce this important acquisition to the WAG family of high-performance driveline companies," said Paul Lee, owner of Wharton Automotive Group. "The Competition Clutch name and high-quality products have been number one in the sport compact world for years. We will continue to grow this brand and build on what Chris Jewell has built. The sport-compact market is large with a loyal following and dedicated participants. I'm excited to service their driveline needs." 

For more information, visit mcleodracing.com or competitionclutch.com.

Lucas Oil Promotes Morgan Lucas to CEO, Katie Lucas to President

Lucas Oil Products, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, has promoted Morgan Lucas to CEO and Katie Lucas to president of the company.

Morgan has served as the company’s president since May 2020 and was previously senior vice president of sales. Katie served as vice president of strategy and philanthropy before stepping into the chief administrative officer role in 2022. 

As CEO, Morgan is responsible for the strategic direction and vision of Lucas Oil, as well as providing financial and operational leadership for the company.

In Katie’s role as president of Lucas Oil, she will manage the day-to-day operations and ensure all functional departments are working closely to support the strategic goals of the company. Katie will also continue to lead all of Lucas Oil’s philanthropic and community engagement endeavors.

For more information, visit lucasoil.com.

LEED Brakes Adds George Eckford, Wholesale Sales Manager

LEED Brakes, a provider of brake products for the muscle-car, classic-truck and street-rod markets, has appointed George Eckford as its wholesale sales manager.

Eckford previously served as the regional industrial sales manager at Superior Lubricants and spent 12 years as national sales manager for GUNK and Liquid Wrench.

Additionally, Pat Infantino, sales leader at LEED Brakes, will be retiring from the company after 36 years in the industry.

For more information, visit leedbrakes.com.

Garrett Motion Appoints Paul A. Camuti to Board of Directors

Garrett Motion has appointed Paul A. Camuti, the executive vice president and chief technology and sustainability officer of Trane Technologies, to its board of directors.

Camuti replaces John Petry, founder and managing principal of Sessa Capital, on the board.

For more information, visit garrettmotion.com.

Cummins Elects John H. Stone to Board of Directors

John H. Stone, the president and CEO of Allegion, a security company, has been elected to the Cummins board of directors.

Stone is responsible for the strategic direction of Allegion and its global businesses.

For more information, visit cummins.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is hosting a webinar titled "Electric Vehicles: Policies and Obstacles," on Tuesday, February 20, at 9:30 a.m. (EST). The event will feature remarks from former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler along with a panel discussion with distinguished speakers (agenda below). Click here to register for the webinar. 

The two-part discussion will highlight the issues, obstacles and other central parameters of federal and state EV policies.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have received substantial subsidies and policy favoritism from federal and state governments in recent years, even as the market for EVs has nonetheless fallen short of the predictions from its most confident proponents. Join AEI and its guests for a two-part discussion of the issues, obstacles and other central parameters of federal and state EV policies.

Agenda (All times EST)

9:30 a.m. - Welcome and Introduction from Benjamin Zycher, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

9:35 a.m. - Remarks from Andrew Wheeler, Former Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

9:55 a.m. - Q&A

10:10 a.m. - Panel Discussion

• Jonathan D. Brightbill, Partner, Winston & Strawn
• Mark P. Mills, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Andrew Stuttaford, Editor, Capital Matters, National Review
• Moderator: Benjamin Zycher, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

11:10 a.m. - Q&A

11:30 a.m. - Adjournment

You can submit questions to AEI in writing by emailing Price.StClair@aei.org.

About AEI

The AEI is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential and building a freer and safer world, according to the organization. The work of its scholars and staff advances ideas are rooted in the belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.

By Ashley Reyes

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful tool for product development, enabling engineers and designers to optimize their design components, speed up product development time and save money on expenses.

Automotive aftermarket engineers and designers are invited to attend the webinar "Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of a Suspension System" on March 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. PST, to learn about new advanced tools available to shorten the product development timeline.

Attendees will learn:

• How to simulate a suspension system.
• How to test and optimize a suspension virtually.
• What can be done on the computer before making prototypes.
• How mechanical simulation can shorten development timelines.

The webinar will include a Q&A with the speaker, MingYao Ding, principal and vice president of engineering at Ozen Engineering. Don't miss your chance to tap into his expertise.

Register for the webinar here.