The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.
HushMat
’64–’67 Chevrolet El Camino Complete Kit
HushMat’s ’64–’67 Chevrolet El Camino Complete Kit sound deadening, and thermal insulation material is designed to make every type of vehicle cool, quiet and comfortable to drive and enjoy! HushMat is an easy to install, U.S.-made material that molds, forms and adheres to your vehicle’s surface. No tools, glues and or special equipment needed to install HushMat. Simply peel and stick. HushMat has invested thousands of hours over the past 15 years measuring vehicles to create a year-, make- and model-specific portfolio of 365,000 part numbers. HushMat insulates firewall, floor pan, tunnel, doors, roof and trunk. HushMat even provides installation templates to show where each piece is placed.
Introducing the new TI Automotive GSL396. This pump is the latest addition to our series of the most trusted and reliable in-line, high pressure pumps on the market. With a lightweight, compact design, the TI Automotive GSL396 high-pressure in-line fuel pump fits most EFI applications, including turbo and supercharged systems. GSL396 is the essential upgrade for the 255lph GSL392 high pressure in-line fuel pump since it is identical in size and shape with output on average of 350lph. The GSL392 features upgraded internal componentry, an internal check valve, and aluminum construction to resist rust. As always, these high-pressure performance pumps are manufactured in the Caro, Michigan, facility.
ZyBar 4-oz. cast finish high-temperature heat-dissipation coating is designed to reduce radiant heat, reduce underhood temperatures, offer outstanding corrosion resistance, provide lasting color stability under the most extreme engine conditions and extend the life of your components. ZyBar is rated to internal temperatures well in excess of 2,000 °F. ZyBar is a single component, durable polymer coating that far outperforms ceramic paints, wraps and heat tapes. ZyBar is spray-applied inside and outside the component. ZyBar treats manifolds, headers, turbo housings, exhaust, brakes and intakes. ZyBar is a thin .001-.0025 film coating that is either oven cured (2 hours @ 450 °F) or air cured (120 hours).
SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies each week. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.
S.U.R.&R.
CT500 Universal Clamp Making Tool Kit
S.U.R.&R., the vehicle fluid line repair division of Husky Corporation, is rolling out the CT500 Universal Clamp Making Tool Kit, which will quickly create 360-degree wire seals that hold a wide variety of objects securely together. The CT500 kit includes the clamp-making tool engineered and manufactured at Husky Corporation facilities, 18-gauge stainless steel wire, a wire nut and mini diagonal cutters. The potential uses for the CT500 kit are limited only by the imagination.
Automotive: Repair CV boots, coolant hoses, air hoses and more. Home: Everyday repairs, including garden hoses, rakes or broken shovel handles. Farm: Great for mending fences or joining different kinds of materials (metal to wood). Marine: Quick and cost-effective fuel line repairs. Industrial: Repair hose connections in minutes.
Many clamp assemblies, like the common worm-gear clamp, don’t result in a uniform seal around the objects that need to be held tightly together. Wire clamps made with the CT500, however, are true 360-degree seals with long-lasting connections thanks to durable stainless steel wire.
American Powertrain
GEN III HEMI 6-Speed Transmission Package
American Powertrain now offers a new T-56 Magnum package designed for GEN III Hemi, Hellcat, Hellcrate and Hellephant engines up to 1,100 hp. The Stage 2 upgrade takes high-horsepower Tremec Magnum six-speeds to a new level with increased torque capacity up to 1,100 lb.-ft. of torque. The package includes transmission backed up with a proven DYAD dual disc clutch by Centerforce Clutches, rated for a holding capacity of 1,100 lb.-ft. of torque at the crank. The kit also includes a QuickTime steel scattershield bellhousing, Hydramax hydraulic conversion bearing, four quarts of transmission fluid and all the hardware needed for installation.
The Magnum six-speed package is designed for enthusiasts planning a GEN-III swap into a classic Mopar musclecar. American Powertrain is the one-stop shop for all installation parts for a complete swap, including the crossmember and correct shifter location.
CTEK
Portable Battery Charger With Adaptive Boost Technology
CTEK’s new CS FREE is a portable battery charger and maintainer with Adaptive Boost technology. Within 15 minutes, the CS FREE can take your car from a dead battery to back on the road without being tied to a power outlet. Now available in North America, the CS FREE keeps 12V lead-acid and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries charged wherever you go.
The multi-functional CS FREE is four cutting-edge products in one portable unit: Adaptive Boost safe start, battery charger, smart maintainer and hi-tech power bank.
Adaptive Boost: Jumper cables and regular boosters are designed to shock your battery by pouring in a lot of electricity in a very short time, a process that can be dangerous for your battery and your vehicle’s electronic systems. CTEK’s Adaptive Boost technology analyzes a battery to give it the correct power it needs to safely and quickly charge your battery while protecting sensitive vehicle tech.
Adaptive Boost technology makes the CS FREE the ideal charger to use if your vehicle battery fails when you’re away from home. Don’t rely on expensive roadside assistance services or jumper cables. With the CS FREE 15-minute start time, dead batteries go from a major hassle to a minor inconvenience.
Battery Charger: The CS FREE can be used as a regular battery charger and maintainer. Use it as a portable charger to top up your battery, especially handy for vehicles stored for longer periods of time away from power. Available accessories allow the CS FREE to enable maintenance charging via solar panels or a 12V service battery for complete charging freedom wherever you go, perfect for campers or adventurers heading off-grid.
Smart Maintainer: The smart maintainer allows you to keep your battery in peak condition. Regularly maintaining batteries prolongs their lifespan as much as three times, saving you from costly replacements.
Hi-Tech Power Bank: With USB-C and USB-A outputs for charging laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other devices, the CS FREE is more than a portable vehicle charger, it’s the ultimate 12V power bank. Charge your tech while camping, traveling or during power outages at home.
With CTEK’s CS FREE, you can charge it, take it with you, and use it anywhere. Suitable for cars, motorcycles, leisure vehicles, and boats, the smart and simple Swedish design features no buttons or modes, only clear, easy-to-read displays—just connect and the CS FREE will do the rest.
With USB-C connectivity, you can fully recharge your CS FREE quickly and easily. Once you've charged it, the CS FREE will hold its charge for up to a year.
In addition to charging the CS FREE via a power outlet via the supplied PD travel charger and USB-C cable, the CS FREE also can be charged via:
12V service battery using optional USB-C charger cable clamps
Solar panels using CTEK's optional solar panel charge kit
Milwaukee Tool
M12 Heated Toughshell and Quietshell Jackets
Milwaukee Tool introduced a new generation in the company’s lineup of Heated Gear with the redesigned M12 Heated Toughshell and Quietshell jackets. Both jackets feature an advanced heat technology system, designed to outlast and exceed the wearer’s experience in cold climate conditions.
The next generation of M12 Heated Toughshell jackets deliver heat built to last with re-engineered Toughshell Stretch Polyester that offers 80% more stretch and 5X longer life. The jackets offer better mobility and flexibility while being lightweight and comfortable. The next-generation M12 Heated Quietshell Jacket delivers heat built for silent movement with Quietshell Stretch Polyester that reduces noise from movement and provides wind and water resistance. The jacket combines durable and lightweight carbon-fiber heating elements with Realtree Edge camouflage pattern for use in wooded environments. With three times faster heat, the next-generation heated Toughshell and Quietshell jackets fully heat-up in 2.5 minutes and are designed with new inner lining material that optimizes heat transfer to the user. Both jackets feature the unique new battery pass-through that allows for battery placement in the front or back pocket. The pass-through provides improved comfort by allowing users to relocate the battery to a more optimal location based on the situation. Both heated jackets are powered by an M12 Redlithium 3.0 battery, allowing for 50% more run-time over the previous generations, and feature an advanced heat technology system.
According to the ”2021 SEMA Market Report,” while some
sectors were badly hampered by pandemic restrictions,
others report record sales in the latter half of 2020.
The year 2020 was a roller coaster, with COVID-19 and the response to it creating an unprecedented and unpredictable disruption throughout the U.S. economy. Still, the specialty-equipment industry showed resilience with industry retail sales climbing from $46.2 billion to new high of $47.89 billion in the United States, according to the new ”2021 SEMA Market Report.”
The report provides an overview on the state of the U.S. specialty-equipment market and examines how consumers and businesses adapted to the pandemic, along with how much was spent, and where, on specialty-automotive parts and accessories in 2020.
While the industry was certainly affected by the pandemic, some businesses were spared from full lockdowns as auto parts were considered an essential business in some areas. Even amid the disruption of the pandemic, many of the industry’s companies reported record sales in 2020 as enthusiasts spent money on their cars instead of other pursuits that were unavailable during the lockdown. Forty-eight percent of enthusiasts did more online shopping for parts in 2020 than in 2019, and 40% of enthusiasts spent more time working on their vehicle.
Filled with data on market sizing by parts category and vehicle segment, purchasing channels, and types of consumer, the new report contains key findings such as:
Forty percent of enthusiast consumers modify their vehicle to stand out vs. 28% of non-enthusiasts.
Sixty percent of specialty-equipment consumers are under the age of 40. Young drivers continue to be an important and engaged part of the industry and often buy more involved performance parts or accessories and make heavier modifications to their vehicles.
Forty-three percent of accessorizors turn to search engines and review websites when looking for parts information, while 41% look to manufacturer’s websites and 36% to retail websites.
Just over 50% of dollars spent in 2020 went through online channels. However, even with social-distancing measures in place, many consumers still preferred brick-and-mortar retailers for their aftermarket parts purchases.
Pickups remained the biggest vehicle segment for the specialty-equipment market, accounting for 28% of all dollars spent, followed by CUVs at 16%.
For more data on the size and scope of opportunity available in the automotive specialty-equipment market, download the “2021 SEMA Market Report” for free today at www.sema.org/research.
Annual Retail Sales of Automotive Specialty-Equipment Products (in billions)
In a departure from past SEMA Installation Galas, the setting
for this year’s gathering will be the massive new West Hall of
the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The venue was
chosen to underscore SEMA’s ties with the city and the
LVCC—and offer the industry a preview of the big things to
come in November.
SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons are set to gather in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Installation Gala on Friday, July 30. To underscore the significance of SEMA’s return to in-person events, the evening gala will take place in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the same venue where thousands of industry professionals will congregate for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.
“SEMA has a deep history and connection with the city of Las Vegas,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We could not be more excited about celebrating the industry in Las Vegas and christening the West Hall with such a noteworthy event.”
The SEMA Installation Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated. Since 1976, the SEMA Installation Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized, and outgoing Directors are thanked. SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also recognized during the event.
Each year, the inductions of new SEMA Hall of Fame members
are among the evening’s most poignant moments. At the last in-
person gala held in 2019, legendary performance-parts
innovator Bruce Crower was inducted posthumously. His wife
Barbara (center, standing) accepted the honor on his behalf.
The move marks the first time in its 45-year history that the gala has been held outside the Southern California area where SEMA is headquartered. In fact, the gala of about 400 individuals will represent several “firsts.” It will be among the first events held in the LVCC West Hall since construction of the 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility was completed in January. Plus, it will become SEMA’s first mass gathering to take place in more than a year.
“I look forward to the SEMA Installation Gala each year—even more so this year than any other year, since it will be a reunion for our industry’s friends and family,” Kersting said. “The SEMA Installation Gala is important to the association, the members and the industry, and it’s about much more than just introducing new Hall of Fame members or recognizing our Board of Directors. The event is about community, family and celebrating with people who share a common passion and love for the industry.”
“This year’s gala is especially meaningful,” agreed SEMA Senior Director of Special Events Jamie Eriksen. “The themes of industry, community and family will be front and center. After a year of being apart, we’re inviting the industry to come together. The highlight is on people, their volunteerism and their industry contributions. We want to recognize their achievements and hopefully inspire others to become more involved with the association and make a difference for our industry.”
The theme of volunteerism will again be front and center
Friday, July 30, with the inauguration of new SEMA Board of
Directors members, recognition of outgoing board members,
and a celebration of the people who give their time to industry
initiatives. Pictured here are SEMA Cares committee members
and charity partners at the last in-person gala in 2019.
A Symbolic Move
Eriksen added that gala organizers couldn’t have asked for a better venue than the LVCC West Hall.
“We’ve been given the opportunity to showcase this amazing new addition to the LVCC, and we’re excited to introduce our industry to it,” she said. “Secondly, it’s symbolic of the fact that Las Vegas is ready for business, open and able to accommodate, meetings and events, so we’re also excited to be working with them to produce our first ‘post-pandemic’ event in this new space. The city and convention center have been important partners for more than 40 years, and we look forward to showing our support as they reopen for business.”
Because the gala is taking place as the nation reemerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Eriksen said that SEMA’s event team will remain conscious of the environment. The goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where the industry can safely celebrate.
“Health and safety have always been priorities for SEMA, and we take them seriously in every event we do,” Eriksen said. “With the pandemic, there’s a heightened sensitivity to those issues. SEMA will continue to work with local health and safety agencies to ensure that the event reflects current health standards in Las Vegas.”
The gala wouldn’t be the same without the annual SEMA
Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser in which participants can
sponsor a race car or challenge industry colleagues in head-
to-head competition to benefit SEMA Cares charities. The
races will make their in-person comeback in the West Hall
lobby.
The Race Is On!
Being a night of camaraderie, the gala wouldn’t be the same without the annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser in which participants can sponsor a Pinewood race car or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. A signature event combining charitable giving, community, automotive passion and youthful spirit, the Pinewood Drags will return as a fun way to contribute to SEMA Cares, the association’s charitable arm.
SEMA Cares helps to significantly improve the lives of many in need through donations to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse, and Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions.
Sponsorships for a race car in the Build-It-For-Me category are just $95. Of course, the peak of the Pinewood Drags competition is the annual Industry Cup Challenge, where boasting rights run high. This year, the racing will take place in the West Hall lobby, with entry in the Industry Cup Challenge competition set at $1,000 per company.
“The children that SEMA Cares supports truly need our help,” said Kathryn Reinhardt, SEMA Cares chairperson. “With the return of the Pinewood Drags to the SEMA Installation Gala, I hope that this year we can raise more money than ever.”
“Absolutely no donation is too small,” added Lindsay Bianco, SEMA senior manager of membership projects. “Last year was certainly difficult, and fundraising was not top-of-mind for many people, so it will be good to rally together again in support of the children’s charities we serve.”
Las Vegas has been steadily moving toward a full reopening and has adopted the latest best practices for large gatherings. The 2021 Installation Gala planners are working closely with state and local partners to ensure a safe and healthy evening of networking and celebration.
Las Vegas has been steadily moving toward a full reopening and has adopted the latest best practices for large gatherings. The 2021 Installation Gala planners are working closely with state and local partners to ensure a safe and healthy evening of networking and celebration.
High Anticipation
Eriksen agreed that there is a growing sense of anticipation for this year’s gala and all the activities surrounding it. Additionally, she sees the evening as a harbinger of the enthusiasm that’s already building for the return of a live SEMA Show in November. According to Eriksen, each event in its own way reflects the passion and interpersonal connections at the heart of the industry.
“For me, the SEMA Installation Gala is especially important this year,” she said. “We’ve always seen it as our mid-year gathering before gearing up for the SEMA Show in the fall. With the COVID-19 situation this past year, I think the members of our industry are craving the opportunity to reconnect with each other more than ever, and this event in particular is like a family gathering for the industry. It’s a little more relaxed than, say, November during the Show. A lot of meaningful connections and conversations can happen, and I think people are really looking forward to that.”
The gala is open to every SEMA member, but tickets go quickly.
With anticipation for a resumed in-person event running high,
now is the time to reserve your place at the table.
Join the Celebration!
Tickets to the 2021 SEMA Installation Gala, which are available to all SEMA members, can be purchased by visiting www.sema.org/gala. (Please note that, although the gala is open to the entire association, seating is limited.)
If you’d like to sponsor a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags race car or challenge a colleague, please make your donation today. Visit www.sema.org/semacares for more information.
SEMA staff and representatives have connected with
lawmakers this year to discuss key initiatives, including
passage of the RPM Act. John Hotchkis, far right, of Hotchkis
Performance, met with Rep. Ted Budd, center, to talk about
top industry issues, challenges, and concerns.
SEMA representatives escalated their advocacy efforts by taking part in nearly 100 meetings with Republican and Democratic lawmakers from Capitol Hill during June and July. As part of the virtual 2021 SEMA Washington Rally, more than 60 SEMA-member companies joined SEMA staff in a record-high number of meetings with officials from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Discussions focused on top industry issues, challenges and concerns, chief among them passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act.
SEMA members also spoke with federal lawmakers in opposition to electric vehicle mandates while voicing support for increased federal investments in roads and bridges, protecting motorized off-road recreational access, tax credits for businesses participating in trade shows and ensuring that aftermarket businesses can market products that are interoperable with vehicles that are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
The bipartisan RPM Act is a top priority for SEMA, and will protect the motorsports industry against overreach from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill clarifies the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete and protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars.
“We must continue to communicate with and educate elected officials about the issues that are important to the industry,” said Daniel Ingber, SEMA vice president of government and legal affairs. “We value the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and will continue to push for the rights of the aftermarket industry.”
The RPM Act was first introduced in 2016, after the EPA began interpreting the 50-year-old Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) to include race car conversions. SEMA has led the fight to advocate for passage of the bill, which was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives after enthusiasts sent more than 1.3 million letters to lawmakers urging them to pass the RPM Act. The bill currently has Congressional support from 82 co-sponsors, including a number of lawmakers who signed on after meeting with SEMA-member business representatives and staff. SEMA urges racers and race fans to continue to reach out to lawmakers and demand that the RPM Act be passed into law.
“We cannot let up on our efforts to push for the RPM Act,” said Ingber. “As the EPA attacks the motorsports industry, we must protect our rights to modify vehicles. The RPM Act will clarify that it is legal to modify street vehicles into dedicated race cars and give the industry the assurance it needs to continue to legally compete.”
With strong bipartisan support and engagement from the industry, the RPM Act is well positioned for passage in the current Congressional year. Committees have reviewed the bill in previous years and are prepared to expedite the bill.
“It was great to meet with lawmakers who seriously considered the RPM Act, which allows street vehicles to be converted into racing vehicles,” said Braden Liberg, director of compliance and calibration engineering of the Edelbrock Group. “Without the RPM Act there is a threat to the motorsports industry. Many lawmakers are unaware of the challenges facing our industry, and it’s imperative that we work with them to ensure that motorsports businesses can continue to operate.”
Racers, race fans, and related businesses are encouraged to continue to contact their legislators to pass the bill and #saveourracecars by visiting www.saveourracecars.com.
Vdara is among several Las Vegas non-casino properties included in
the SEMA Show block.
Showgoers booking through onPeak—the SEMA Show housing partner—receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.
onPeak not only offers discounted nightly rates for SEMA Show participants, but also offers reduced resort fees so you can save even more on your stay.
Looking for a quiet, no-frills hotel stay? There are a number of non-casino properties that are offering discounted rates for SEMA Show guests. Check these out and book with onPeak today:
Nightly Rate
Hotel Name
$270
Courtyard Las Vegas Convention Center
$281
Hilton Grand Vacations on Paradise (Convention Center)
$289
Las Vegas Marriott
$309
Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel
$259
Residence Inn Las Vegas Convention Center by Marriott
$285
SpringHill Suites Las Vegas Convention Center
$164
Vdara
$215
Westin
When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak—the only official hotel provider for the 2021 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.
More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.
Conflict in the workplace is a common occurrence. When confronted with a challenge from a direct report, colleague or manager, knowing how to effectively handle the situation can save a team from unnecessary work disruptions, decreased productivity, project failure and even termination.
Employees and managers from all SEMA-member companies are invited to join the webinar, “Effectively Managing Conflict,” July 27, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT) to learn methods for how to confront workplace challenges, whether it be manager to employee, employee to employee, manager to manager or manager to supervisor.
Rebeca Olavarietta from Roco 4x4 serves as moderator, as she is joined by Executive Coach Julie Couret. Known for her unabashedly candid approach that cuts through the noise and clutter, Couret trains company leaders on the behaviors necessary to lead others in coaching, leadership credibility, business communications and conflict resolution.
Holley NMRA World Finals Names Whipple Supercharger as Title Sponsor
The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals has announced Whipple Superchargers as the title sponsor of the all-Ford motorsport event—the NMRA World Finals and Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival—which runs September 30–October 3, at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The event will feature a wide range of categories, including championship heads-up and index eliminators, QA1 True Street, Mickey Thompson Street Car Challenge Presented by Whipple Superchargers, TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout and Bracket Showdown Finale. Running concurrently on an oval track will be the Vaughn Gittin Jr. Fun-Haver Pro Drift Exhibition, Pro-Am Drifting, autocross competition and Bigfoot jumping cars. A manufacturers’ midway, used parts swap meet, and the UPR Products Car Show are also planned. For more information, visit www.nmradigital.com/ky.
Dai Yoshihara piloted theEvasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3
Performance at the 99th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak
International Hill Climb presented by Gran Turismo.
Turn 14 Distribution-Sponsored Tesla Model 3 Performance Completes 2021 Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Turn 14 Distribution sponsored he Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Performance driven by Dai Yoshihara, which completed the 99th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) presented by Gran Turismo. In addition to its sponsorship support, Turn 14 Distribution deployed its 53-ft. motorsports trailer activation to serve as the pit area for the Model 3 Performance and host VIP hospitality. The partnership demonstrated the company's support for electric-powered vehicles as a substantial element to the performance industry’s future. The Tesla Model 3 Performance laid down the fastest practice time in the mountain course’s middle section and qualified second in the Exhibition class, only behind another Tesla. Although an unforeseen issue occurred on race day, Yoshihara still piloted the Model 3 Performance to the top of the mountain to finish out the race. Turn 14 Distribution's motorsports trailer allowed the entire team to have adequate space to prepare the car, capture the experience, and take time to recover throughout the demanding hours the race requires.
Trackhouse Racing to Acquire Chip Ganassi Racing NASCAR Operation
The NASCAR Cup Series operation by Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has been purchased by Nashville-based Trackhouse Entertainment Group founded by Justin Marks and co-owned by Grammy-winning musician Armando Pérez, also known as Pitbull. The transfer of all of CGR’s NASCAR assets to Trackhouse Racing will be completed immediately following the final NASCAR Cup Series race on November 7. As a result, Trackhouse Racing will field two full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries in 2022. Daniel Suárez, the current driver of Trackhouse Racing’s No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro, will continue with the organization. The second driver will be named at a later date. CGR will continue to run its programs in the NTT IndyCar Series, IMSA and Extreme E out of its Indianapolis racing facility.
Permatex has partnered with their Formula DRIFT team
driver Dylan Hughes.
Permatex Teams with Dylan Hughes to Challenge the Motorcycle 200-MPH Barrier and 2021 Formula DRIFT
Permatex has partnered with their Formula DRIFT team driver Dylan Hughes to take speed to the next level. In an exclusive online video series, Permatex will document Dylan’s journey as he challenges the 200-mph barrier at the 2021 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, set for August 28–September 2, 2021. The series, entitled “Permatex Flat Out 200,” will chronicle the entire effort, from initial bike design and build to the official runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats on the Permatex YouTube channel. Fans can visit the Permatex website to watch Hughes’ entire journey and attempt. Permatex will also sponsor Hughes and the #129 BMW in three events during the 2021 Formula DRIFT season.
GMS Racing to Compete in Cup Series in 2022
GMS Racing has announced the team is preparing its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the upcoming 2022 season. Since its formation in 2014, GMS has won 61 races across the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series. GMS also took home the 2016 and 2020 Camping World Trucks championship, the 2015 ARCA Menards Series championship, and the ARCA East championship in 2019 and 2020.
NASCAR, iRacing.com Announce New Partnership Agreement
NASCAR and iRacing.com have announced a new partnership agreement that will grant the Massachusetts-based developer of PC-based racing simulations as the “official simulation partner of NASCAR.” The deal will serve to elevate a decade-plus licensing relationship to official partner status, as the two organizations work to promote the various eNASCAR series, which live on the iRacing platform. The pair are also collaborating on initiatives designed to have far-reaching implications on the future of NASCAR—including the design of new and proposed NASCAR race tracks, collaboration and technical support on the NASCAR NextGen race car project, the creation of sim racing-oriented content for NASCAR Digital Media channels, and the use of iRacing as a training tool for NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity class. For more information, visit nascar.com, enascar.com and iracing.com.
The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overstepped its authority by issuing a rulemaking allowing gasoline with up to 15% ethanol to be sold year-round. Previously, there was a summertime restriction on the sale of E-15, due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased smog. The Court stated that it was clear that Congress did not intend for ethanol blends higher than 10% to be allowed to be sold year-round and thus struck down the 2019 EPA rule.
SEMA opposed the EPA rulemaking to expand E-15 availability to year-round. Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E-15, can cause damage to high-performance parts and vehicles manufactured prior to 2001. The EPA requires an E-15 warning label on fuel pumps in recognition that many older vehicles were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and could be subject to metal corrosion or plastic and rubber deterioration. In its comments opposing the rule, SEMA reminded the agency that there are millions of older vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, boats and machines with smaller engines still in the marketplace and that the warning labels should be even larger than currently required to protect against accidental misfueling.
For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.
Gold Eagle Company Announces Retirement of Bob Hirsch
Gold Eagle Company has announced the retirement of Robert F. (Bob) Hirsch. He joined Gold Eagle in 1957 alongside his father, company founder Armin Hirsch, and has served as chairman and most recently senior vice president and director. For the past 10 years, Hirsch has chaired the Automotive Aftermarket Charity Foundation (AACF), to provide financial support for industry employees and their families and has been active in fundraising for the American Cancer Society. He will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors, and his brother Rich will remain as chairman.
Ernst Prost
Ernst Prost Announces His Departure From LIQUI MOLY
After 31 years with LIQUI MOLY, Ernst Prost has announced that he will leave the company on February 22, 2022. Under his leadership, LIQUI MOLY grew from a small supplier of additives for cars to a global specialist in automotive chemicals. The CEO announced his departure in a letter to his colleagues.
PLZ Aeroscience Acquires Champion Brands to Expand Full-Service Automotive Capabilities
PLZ Aeroscience Corp. has announced the acquisition of Champion Brands. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. With this acquisition, PLZ expands its full-service automotive and industrial offering, positioning the company to better serve its customers with a comprehensive suite of aerosol and non-aerosol products. Champion is led by Matt Lowe, the third-generation of Lowe leadership at the company. He will remain with Champion following the transaction.
52nd Annual Street Rod Nationals Heads to Louisville
The National Street Rod Association’s (NSRA) annual Street Rod Nationals will be held in Louisville at the Kentucky Exposition Center, marking the 27th time the show, which annually attracts between 10,000 and 15,000 vintage automobiles, will be held in Louisville. Vehicles will be driven from all parts of the United States to make this a gathering of vintage automobiles, featuring nearly every make, model and style. The Street Rod Nationals will include vehicles from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The car show will run from Thursday, August 5–Sunday, August 8.
There will be displays and demonstrations to look at and more than $300 million worth of vintage automobiles to see up close and enjoy from every angle. This year’s event will include a special area called “Builder’s Showcase” in the Grand Lobby and South Wing lobbies A, B and C. See cars built by the top professional rod shops in the country.
According to MegaRexx Trucks, the MegaRaptor dwarfs a standard
Ford Raptor in size and aggressiveness.
Owner of Osprey Custom Cars Buys MegaRexx Trucks
Aaron Richardet, founder and owner of Osprey Custom Cars, has announced the purchase of MegaRexx Trucks, builder of the MegaRaptor—the custom, go-anywhere truck. A MegaRaptor starts as either a Ford F-250, F-350, or F-450 Super Duty. For more information, visit the MegaRexx website.
CRC Industries and NAPA Auto Parts Partner to Support Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
CRC Industries Inc. is continuing its fundraising partnership with NAPA Auto Parts for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), a not-for-profit organization that supports United States military personnel who are suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS). Throughout the months of July and October 2021, a portion of CRC products sales at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores will be donated to the IFHF. During these months, select CRC products will be eligible for the fundraising effort. To date, CRC has raised nearly $650,000 to help support military members and their families.
AFR Acquired by Private Equity Firm
Air Flow Research (AFR) has been acquired by Taglich Private Equity (TPE) in a partnership with AFR’s founding family and management. The company’s 42 production and office employees based in Valencia, California, will remain with the current executive team and staff. AFR was founded in 1970 by Ken Sperling and has been family-owned until the recent acquisition. Sperling’s son Rick will remain as president and significant owner of the company. For more information, visit www.airflowresearch.com.
Autostop Saver Awarded Patent for World’s First Retrofit Automatic Stop-Start Memory Module
AutostopSaver recently announced that the company has been awarded U.S. Patent No. 11,040,716 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its Autostop Saver invention, described as a “Method And Apparatus To Control Vehicle Automatic Engine Stop-Start System Including Preference Retention.”
“Our now-patent-protected technology was created to address the fundamental limitations of an automatic stop-start enabled vehicle when outfitted with a non-latching push button switch,” said Justin Orantes, Autostop Saver CEO. “However, because we wanted our product to be plug-and-play, the solution became far more complex than just integrating a clever algorithm and a non-volatile memory component. We had to creatively overcome the seemingly impossible technical limitations present on the vast majority of vehicles today.”
Autostop Saver reports that drivers who prefer to manually deactivate the function each time they start their vehicle, in total, expend approximately four hours ‘pressing the button’ across 79.3 months, the average length of vehicle ownership in the United States. The company has developed a comprehensive suite of interface technologies that can be adapted to any auto stop-start enabled vehicle on the road today. U.S. Patent No. 11,040,716 marks the company's first patent issued within its IP portfolio, with additional patents pending.
For complete details on the 716 patent, visit www.uspto.gov.
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