Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Nicole James |  Brian Petty |
Power Automedia Hires Nicole James as Street Muscle Editor, Brian Petty as Lead Scriptwriter and Talent
Power Automedia has announced recent expansions to its editorial team and Alloy Studios video production team. Nicole James was hired as the editor of Power Automedia’s Street Muscle magazine. In addition, Alloy Studios hired Brian Petty as lead scriptwriter/talent. He will be the face of Power Automedia’s upcoming Horsepower Wars, many in-house editorial-style videos and occasional white-label client videos. Follow James’ and Petty’s work on www.streetmuscle.com.
Heidts Acquires Chassis Engineering Inc.
Heidts Hot Rod and Muscle Car Parts has announced it has acquired Chassis Engineering Inc. The two companies will continue to operate under their established brands, but Chassis Engineering Inc. will move sales, technical and manufacturing operations to the Heidts facility in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Chassis Engineering Inc. products will continue to be produced by many of the same employees currently with the company.
 Lynn Parker |  Chuck Rogers |
Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Welcomes Lynn Parker as Board President, Chuck Rogers Named as New Board Trustee
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) welcomes Lynn Parker as president of its board of directors, following Bob Hirsch, who has served as board president for the past 10 years. Parker is the vice president of merchandising for Pep Boys, and has served as an active AACF board member for nearly 15 years. He has also contributed to the development of a number of committees to foster growth of executive leadership, events and client programs. Charles (Chuck) Rogers joins the board as a newly elected trustee. He is the vice president of professional sales for O’Reilly Auto Parts, and has actively supported AACF events for nearly 15 years. In his new role, Rogers will assist the organization in reviewing applications for assistance.
Fel-Pro Gaskets Brand Celebrates a Century
Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Fel-Pro brand remains a popular choice for performance engine professionals, racing champions and consumers. The Fel-Pro story began in Chicago in 1918 with the creation of the Felt Products Manufacturing Company. The business quickly transitioned from its first product line—horse blankets—to an offering of felt-based seals used in Ford Model T engines. The brand’s first performance gaskets were precision-stamped copper shims used in early flathead Ford engines. The Fel-Pro performance line now covers nearly every engine-sealing need, featuring the latest materials and designs developed in the brand’s one-million-plus-square-foot engineering, manufacturing and distribution complex in Skokie, Illinois.
 The Saleen ’18 Sportruck is based on the Ford F-150 platform. |
Saleen Unveils 700hp Sportruck and Advanced Performance Mustang Lineup
Saleen Automotive returns to the truck market with the announcement of its new ’18 Sportruck. Based on the Ford F-150 platform, power will be offered in four levels, including enhanced Eco-boost turbocharged 2.7L and 3.6L engines, as well as naturally aspirated and supercharged versions of a 700hp 5.0L V8. The new bodywork includes a functional air dam, front brake ducting, a racing-inspired grille and hood with center sculpting. The rear of the truck features Saleen nameplate trim in the center of the tailgate and large rear exhaust tips that tuck into the lower rear valance for a race-inspired look. Racecraft suspension, Saleen signature interior appointments and big brakes are standard. The trucks will be equipped with side skirts and Saleen-exclusive alloy wheels wrapped with high-performance General Tires.
In addition, the release of the ’18 Ford Mustang has set the stage for the debut of three new ’18 Saleen Mustangs, which build upon its three previously available performance levels: the White, Yellow and Black Label models. Each will sport a Saleen-exclusive front fascia that includes functional ducting throughout, angled headlight pockets and an all-purpose grille and hood. These features are complemented with high-performance wheels, race-bred General Tires, advanced suspension components and more horsepower.
Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Adds Super Summit to 2018 Event Schedule
Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will hold its High-School Engine Challenge and Junior Engine Challenge at the Super Summit Car Show at the Summit Motorsports Park, June 8–9. Last year’s Super Summit featured cruise-ins, fun-runs, an autocross course, a cackle fest with cars of the Great Lakes Nostalgia Funny Car Circuit, a manufacturers’ midway and multiple performances by Larry Swim and his Bigfoot Monster Truck. Hot Rodders of Tomorrow now has 14 high-school qualifying events scheduled throughout the nation for the 2018 season, with the season concluding at the Dual Championship in November and December at the SEMA Show and PRI Tradeshow.
 Greg Biffle |
Greg Biffle Joins Team GT
General Tire has announced that two-time NASCAR champion Greg Biffle will join Team GT beginning in 2018. Biffle is hitting the road to test General’s “Anywhere Is Possible” theme. Biffle, the 2000 Truck Series and 2002 XFinity Series champion, will be the focus of a social-media campaign that sees him participating in a series of events throughout the year, each of which will be documented in real-time on General Tire’s social channels. Fans will be able to interact with Biffle on his excursions by using #Biffle on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Biffle's first role as a member of Team GT will take place in New Orleans, where he will take part in the launch of the latest additions to the General Tire line—the G-MAX RS and the GRABBER A/TX. Biffle will participate alongside the media members there to cover the event, testing the new product line on a variety of vehicles while providing behind-the-scenes access.
Bestop Premium Accessories Group Acquires KAMM Industries
Bestop Premium Accessories Group (BPAG) has announced that it has acquired PRP Seats, Status Racing and SpeedStrap, all owned by KAMM Industries, based in Temecula, California. The acquisition follows Bestop Premium Accessories Group acquiring two other manufacturing brands in 2016: Baja Designs and Tuffy Security Products.
Hypertherm Celebrates 50-Year Anniversary
Hypertherm is celebrating its 50th year by introducing new programs designed to deliver greater value to its long-time customers. In addition, the company’s anniversary year events will include the unearthing of a long-buried time capsule and celebrations at all its global locations with Founder Dick Couch.
Kevin Vincent Joins Workhorse Group as Vice President of Government, Regulatory and Safety Affairs
Workhorse Group Inc. has announced that Kevin Vincent has joined the company as vice president of government, regulatory and safety affairs. In this role, Vincent will oversee regulatory compliance, including the areas of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) compliance, Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations and ZEV Mandate, NHTSA guidance and state and local regulations, among others.
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