By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Isabella Gillespie, manager of corporate partnerships at Barrett-Jackson, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Gillespie in her interview with SEMA News below. 

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

Isabella Gillespie: Two pieces of advice stand out to me. One is that your actions do the talking, and two is that you're allowed to change your mind and/or start over. Both have ensured that I focus on what matters when pursuing a goal or dream and allowed me to give myself permission to pivot and realign when necessary. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

IG: Irrefutable passion and the car community. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

IG: Cars and coffee or shopping vintage thrift stores on the hunt for period-correct concours fashion! 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

IG: Ensure the goals for the meeting have been clearly identified and communicated. Based on the meeting type, I conduct research to ensure I am knowledgeable enough to ask the right questions. 

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

IG: Without hesitation, my choice would be Sandra Button. Having had the privilege of meeting her briefly at automotive events, I am continually inspired by her exceptional ability to preserve cherished traditions while propelling the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance into the future.  

Sandra's visionary approach, marked by a keen eye for innovation, ensures that this iconic event remains not just significant but prevalent in the automotive world. What sets her apart further is her humility and dedication to highlighting her team and the passionate automotive enthusiasts who breathe life into the event, reflecting her genuine commitment to fostering a sense of community within the industry.  

A lunch with Sandra Button would provide a unique opportunity to learn from a leader who has gracefully navigated tradition and innovation, making her a true inspiration in the automotive realm and a personal role model. 

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 the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. The bipartisan legislation allows for immediate expensing of research and development (R&D) and investments in equipment, reduces reporting for small businesses using subcontractors, increases the small business expensing cap by nearly 30% and expands the Child Tax Credit.

The legislation now awaits consideration on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

SEMA members can benefit from the following parts of the legislation: 

• Research and development (R&D) expensing: Businesses of all sizes can immediately deduct the cost of their U.S.-based R&D investments instead of over five years, encouraging American innovation and improving our competitive position versus China and the rest of the world. 
• Interest deductibility: Continued flexibility for businesses forced to borrow at higher interest rates to meet their payroll obligations and expand their operations. 
• 100% expensing: Restore full and immediate expensing for investments in machines, equipment and vehicles. 
• Expand small business expensing cap: Increase the amount of investment that a small business can immediately write off to $1.29 million, an increase above the $1 million cap enacted in 2017. 
• Cut red tape for small businesses: Adjust the reporting threshold for businesses that use subcontract labor from $600 to $1,000 and index for inflation, the first update to the threshold since the 1950s. 

"American families will benefit from this bipartisan agreement that provides greater tax relief, strengthens Main Street businesses, boosts our competitiveness with China and creates jobs. We even provide disaster relief and cut red tape for small businesses, while ending a COVID-era program that's costing taxpayers billions in fraud," said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). "This legislation locks in over $600 billion in proven pro-growth, pro-America tax policies with key provisions that support over 21 million jobs. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation." 

Read the section by section for more information on this comprehensive tax package. Last June, the SEMA Washington, D.C., office reported on the Tax Cuts for Working Families Act (H.R. 3936), the Small Business Jobs Act (H.R. 3937) and the Build It in America Act (H.R. 3938) passing the House Ways & Means Committee, where we provided an in-depth analysis of the key provisions. 

SEMA, together with over 260 organizations, signed the National Association of Manufacturers' letter to U.S. House and Senate leadership in support of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. Click here to read the letter. 

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. The bipartisan legislation allows for immediate expensing of research and development (R&D) and investments in equipment, reduces reporting for small businesses using subcontractors, increases the small business expensing cap by nearly 30% and expands the Child Tax Credit.

The legislation now awaits consideration on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

SEMA members can benefit from the following parts of the legislation: 

• Research and development (R&D) expensing: Businesses of all sizes can immediately deduct the cost of their U.S.-based R&D investments instead of over five years, encouraging American innovation and improving our competitive position versus China and the rest of the world. 
• Interest deductibility: Continued flexibility for businesses forced to borrow at higher interest rates to meet their payroll obligations and expand their operations. 
• 100% expensing: Restore full and immediate expensing for investments in machines, equipment and vehicles. 
• Expand small business expensing cap: Increase the amount of investment that a small business can immediately write off to $1.29 million, an increase above the $1 million cap enacted in 2017. 
• Cut red tape for small businesses: Adjust the reporting threshold for businesses that use subcontract labor from $600 to $1,000 and index for inflation, the first update to the threshold since the 1950s. 

"American families will benefit from this bipartisan agreement that provides greater tax relief, strengthens Main Street businesses, boosts our competitiveness with China and creates jobs. We even provide disaster relief and cut red tape for small businesses, while ending a COVID-era program that's costing taxpayers billions in fraud," said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). "This legislation locks in over $600 billion in proven pro-growth, pro-America tax policies with key provisions that support over 21 million jobs. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation." 

Read the section by section for more information on this comprehensive tax package. Last June, the SEMA Washington, D.C., office reported on the Tax Cuts for Working Families Act (H.R. 3936), the Small Business Jobs Act (H.R. 3937) and the Build It in America Act (H.R. 3938) passing the House Ways & Means Committee, where we provided an in-depth analysis of the key provisions. 

SEMA, together with over 260 organizations, signed the National Association of Manufacturers' letter to U.S. House and Senate leadership in support of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. Click here to read the letter. 

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Joey Logano is auctioning off his '21 Ford Bronco First Edition, the 22nd of its kind to be built in honor of the No. 22 Autotrader Ford Mustang that Logano fields in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The highest verified offer will win the Bronco, plus two (2) VIP credentials to the 2024 Daytona 500 and a meeting with Joey Logano himself. 

All proceeds of the auction benefit the Joey Logano Foundation, which invests in organizations offering assistance to children and young adults during times of crisis and works to inspire others to live a life of generosity. Since 2013, the Joey Logano Foundation has invested over $5,000,000 in various organizations nationwide and has positively impacted the lives of more than 250,000 children and young adults.

The '21 Ford Bronco First Edition is upgraded with several RTR Lab modifications, including:

• RTR Tech 6 with custom bronze powder coat.
• 37-in. Nitto Ridge Grappler tires.
• RTR rear tire carrier.
• RTR adjustable tailgate stop.
• RTR Molle accessory plate.
• RTR upper grille w/ LEDs.
• RTR light bar w/ PROJECT X Offroad FF.70 lights.
• MagnaFlow performance exhaust system.

Bidding closes Wednesday, January 31, 11:59 p.m. EST/8:59 p.m. PST. To make an offer, visit the AutoTrader listing here. For more information, visit joeyloganofoundation.com.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Cares, SEMA's collective charity fundraising group, raised $138,064.33 in 2023. The funds will benefit the association's three partnering children's charities: Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp for prevention and treatment of child abuse, and Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions and illnesses. 

Established in 2007, SEMA Cares provides a forum from which SEMA members can act as a collective influence toward making a positive impact beyond the automotive community. SEMA Cares volunteers work year-round and behind-the-scenes to host and assist with various sponsored events, each with the goal of raising money and awareness for children in need.  

The funds will benefit the association's three partnering charities: Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction.

"We are extremely grateful for the industry's generosity in helping to make a positive difference in young lives," said SEMA Cares Chair Sara Morosan. "By incorporating the joy of automotive into fun activities and fundraising, SEMA Cares is able give young minds a very important relief from hard circumstances, even if only for a brief moment."  

Funds for SEMA Cares in 2023 were generated through various efforts, including the Pinewood Drags, held at the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala and TORA Industry Reception. The Pinewood Drags are a staple of each event, bringing members together to race miniature wooden cars and trucks, designed by children and adults, in thrilling downhill races. Concurrently, the Industry Cup Challenge  is where top sponsoring companies race their pinewoods for bragging rights and trophy-cup immortality. 

Direct donations from industry members and sales from SEMA Gear merchandise and celebrity-signed pinewood cars also contributed to the SEMA Cares fundraising efforts. Notably, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) made a significant impact, raising a commendable $59,000 through the auction of their all-female Bronco build. The Bronco was built in partnership with Ford Motor Company, SEMA Garage and SEMA member volunteers, and features SEMA member-donated parts and accessories. 

"Victory Junction's goal is to provide life-changing camp experiences for children with serious medical conditions free of charge. The funding from SEMA Cares allows us to provide these fun experiences, and it allows our kids to build confidence and friendships," said Victory Junction President and CEO Chad A. Coltrane. "Victory Junction simply cannot provide these services without the dedicated and generous support of SEMA Cares. We are so thankful to have SEMA Cares as a part of our VJ family!" 

To learn more about SEMA Cares and how to support the industry's fundraising efforts, visit www.sema.org/sema-cares. 

By SEMA News Editors 

SEMA celebrates 10 years of the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish car-building competition with an all-new television show chronicling the 2023 contest on the History Channel, plus new videos looking back on 10 years of car culture's ultimate battle.  

Held annually in Las Vegas, SEMA Battle of the Builders celebrates the best car builders and showcases their most innovative builds.  

"I'm very honored to be the 2023 Battle of the Builders winner. It's a dream come true," said Andy Leach, 2023 winner for his '60 Buick Invicta Custom "X-60." "I've been chasing this award for nearly a decade. The Buick was a labor of love, and I'm glad all our hard work and effort has been recognized, especially against all the stiff competition we faced. The Buick Invicta Custom 'X-60' embodies every inch of its potential and evokes emotions in the spirit of what this car stood for in 1960." 

The television show commemorating the 2023 event premieres Saturday, January 27 at 9 a.m. EST/6 a.m. PST on the History Channel. Filmed during the SEMA Show last November, the show gives viewers an inside look to the competition and includes interviews with competitors and behind-the-scenes footage.  

"Battle of the Builders represents the best of car culture, innovation and competition," said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. "We're pleased to share the story of the 2023 competition through the History Channel program, as well as celebrate our first decade with some extra surprises for our fans."  

In addition to the TV show, SEMA is also commemorating this milestone anniversary with a series of new videos featuring past champions reflecting on the experience and the unique place SEMA Battle of the Builders holds in car culture.  

Over the years, the competition has launched the careers of dozens of builders and debuted several truly iconic builds. The bonus anniversary footage produced by SEMA relives some of the greatest moments from a decade of battles. The new content can be viewed on SEMA's YouTube channel.  

Cam Miller, the 2016 champion, is one of the builders featured in the retrospectives. "Winning the Battle of the Builders opened a lot of doors for us," said Miller. "SEMA is the biggest international stage you can have and the exposure that comes with that is really big. It's so powerful."  

The television program is hosted by Adrienne Janic and Tanner Foust, and features industry experts Ryan Basseri, Kyle Kuhnhausen, Cam Miller and Jeremiah Proffitt selecting the top 12 builders from four different categories: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck; Sport Compact, Luxury & Exotics; 4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road; and Young Guns, a category for builders age 29 and under. Viewers will see the expert judges narrow the competitors down to 12, and then the top 12 finalists vie amongst themselves to select their respective class champions and the overall winner.   

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit semashow.com/botb. 

By SEMA News Editors

Whelen Engineering Named Mazda MX-5 Cup Title Sponsor

Whelen Engineering, an emergency warning equipment manufacturer based in Chester, Connecticut, is partnering with Mazda Motorsports to become the new title sponsor of the Mazda MX-5 Cup series beginning in 2024.

The 14-race, IMSA-sanctioned season begins on January 25 as part of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

For more information, see the full announcement at imsa.com.

Formula DRIFT Announces New Judging and Competition Staff for 2024

After 20 years of competition, Formula DRIFT judge Ryan Lanteigne and Race Control Director Pat Gentilli will be leaving their roles with the series.

Reese Marin, an experienced driver, instructor and competition spotter, will replace Lanteigne. Vernon Zwaneveld, a stuntman, drift instructor and a long-standing judge with the Drift Masters European Championship, will replace outgoing judge Chris Uhl, who will assume a new role as race control director.

Marin and Zwaneveld will sit alongside veteran Formula DRIFT judges Brian Eggert and Robbie Nishida on a rotating basis, with three judges participating in each round.

For more information, visit formulad.com.

Hyundai Announces 2024 Racing Program

Hyundai is set to field seven Hyundai Elantra N TCR entries in the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) season.

Hyundai will be represented by reigning IMPC team champions Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) with four race cars, as well as Deily Motorsports with one entry and Victor Gonzalez Racing with two.

Additionally, the Hyundai Hope On Wheels program will return for the full season in 2024, pledging $100 to support pediatric cancer research for every lap a Hyundai Elantra N TCR is in the lead during every race of the season. In 2023, the manufacturer donated $100 for every lap a Hyundai vehicle was in the lead during the final two races of the 2023 season, raising nearly $20,000 to support pediatric cancer research.

For more information, visit hyundaiusa.com.

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

By SEMA News Editors

UK-Based REVO Opens California Facility

REVO, a United Kingdom-based provider of performance tuning electronics and performance parts for Audi, VW, Porsche, Ford and other global brands, has opened a new facility in Murrietta, California, to better serve the North and South American markets.

The California facility serves as a hub for all United States distribution and sales and serves as a development center for North American vehicles. REVO will also offer training for factory certification at the facility.

For more information, visit onlyrevo.com.

Goodyear Announces Senior Leadership Transition

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced that Mark Stewart, former COO of Stellantis North America, has been elected CEO and president, effective January 29, 2024.

Stewart will succeed Richard J. Kramer, who previously announced his planned retirement from the company following 24 years of service, including 14 as chairman, CEO and president.

On the effective date, Laurette T. Koellner, independent lead director of Goodyear's board since 2019, will become non-executive board chair, and Stewart will be added to the Goodyear board as a director.

Kramer will continue to serve Goodyear in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition, the company said.

For more information, visit goodyear.com.

Holley Names Philip Dobbs SVP of Customer Experience Marketing

Holley has appointed Philip Dobbs to the newly created role of senior vice president of customer experience marketing.

Dobbs will lead strategy and management for the full Holley brand portfolio, overseeing advertising and promotions, public relations, content marketing, tradeshows and events and digital/website solutions. He will also be responsible for the management of the Holley customer engagement center, third-party marketplaces and the company's direct-to-consumer business.

Previously, Dobbs was chief marketing officer at Bridgestone Americas, where he led the company's integrated marketing efforts for more than 11 years.

For more information, visit holley.com.

Öhlins Racing Adds to Leadership Team

Öhlins Racing, a Swedish manufacturer of suspension components, has named Marc McAllister as the brand's new vice president and general manager and Tom Wittenschlaeger to the newly created position of general manager, North America.

McAllister replaces Henrik Johansson, who announced last fall that he would retire after nearly 30 years as a member of the Öhlins team.

McAllister joins Tenneco, Öhlins Racing's parent company, after spending the past 30 years in the powersports industry. He most recently served as president and CEO of Tucker Powersports. Wittenschlaeger joins Tenneco from AYRO, a low-speed electric vehicle company based in Round Rock, Texas, where he served as CEO. Prior to his time with AYRO, Wittenschlaeger was CEO of Stator MicroMobility and spent four years with FOX Factory.

For more information, visit ohlins.com.

Lubrication Specialties Hires Steve Green to Lead Hot Shot's Secret Dealer Sales

Lubrication Specialties, the Ohio-based manufacturer of Hot Shot's Secret, has appointed Steve Green to lead the company's dealer sales management.

As Hot Shot's Secret's dealer sales manager, Green will be responsible for expanding the Hot Shot's Secret dealer network, developing the sales staff, territories, promotions and customer support.

For more information, visit LubricationSpecialties.com.

MBE Group Expands With New Account Executives

Marx Buscemi Eisbrenner Group (MBE Group), a marketing communications agency serving the automotive, mobility, trucking, tech and consumer goods industries, has hired Bianca Shepse and Sydney Croft as account executives.

Shepse and Croft will lead client initiatives through digital marketing, brand strategy, event coordination, social media and media relations activities. They will be based out of the company's new headquarters in Troy, Michigan.

For more information, visit mbe.group.

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

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.

Texas Speed & Performance

Research and Development Engineer in Georgetown, Texas

The research and development engineer will be responsible for designing new parts or modifying components within a system as the company adds Ford and Mopar products to its lineup. The right candidate will have a thorough understanding of automotive systems, as well as mechanical aptitude and project management ability.

Nostrum High Performance

Brand Manager in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Nostrum High Performance is seeking a brand manager to lead its marketing strategy and customer engagement process. This will include digital media, social-media management, grassroots events and all other engagement opportunities. The manager will have complete authority and responsibility to curate, generate and manage all social-media channels, events and industry trade shows.

Custom Trucks Unlimited

Automotive Technician in Auburn, Alabama

Custom Trucks Unlimited is in search of a technician to assist in the installation of aftermarket accessories including lift and leveling kits, wheels and tires, bed covers, grille guards, bumpers, winches and winch mounts, cab lighting, LED lighting, hitches, step bars, tool boxes, cargo-management systems, fiberglass products and more. Certifications are preferred but not required.

ADVICS North America

Product Specialist in Lebanon, Michigan

The product specialist will be responsible for analyzing new parts numbers, managing all cataloging, developing market analysis, maintaining project timelines for new product launches, identifying cost reductions and more.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The House Natural Resources Committee passed the SEMA-supported H.R. 6492, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative package that directs the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to update travel maps and encourages both agencies to create more motorized opportunities on public lands. In addition to this, the EXPLORE Act aims to address special recreation permits and fees that have been expensive and cumbersome for off-road groups to navigate on federal lands, attempts to improve visitor experiences, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active-duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families. 

The EXPLORE Act now awaits a vote on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Click here to ask your U.S. Representative to support the EXPLORE Act. 

This bipartisan public lands and recreation bill expands on S. 873, the "America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023" (AORA), and includes SEMA-supported key provisions from AORA. 

The bipartisan legislation was sponsored by Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), along with 37 additional sponsors. The comprehensive outdoor recreation legislation has a broad range of support from more than 30 organizations. 

The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative effort that increases access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the $1.1 trillion impact of the outdoor recreation industry. You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section. 

"Exploring the great outdoors is part of the fabric of this nation and our identity as Americans. Our beautiful lands and waters should be easily available for the enjoyment of all," U.S. Rep. Westerman said. "The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that will improve access and opportunities for recreation across our public lands and waters. We're taking important steps to modernize visitor experiences, reduce overcrowding, improve access for those with disabilities, address infrastructure issues and reduce burdensome permitting processes for small businesses that depend on access to our public lands." 

"SEMA thanks Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for introducing the EXPLORE Act. This bipartisan bill would streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, require federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access on public lands, and direct the BLM and Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed to recreate," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO.  

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.