Knowing what vehicles are on the road helps members develop and stock the products that consumers demand most. But with 281 million vehicles on the road, and new models introduced regularly, it can be challenging.
Find out what vehicles are currently on the road, where the trends are headed, and what to expect in the future during the live webinar, “Vehicle Landscape: Which Cars and Trucks are Hot?,” April 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
Presented by the SEMA Market Research team, participants will discover what the current vehicle landscape is, the most popular models on the road today, what the top trending and growing models are, and which vehicles top the chart for customization. As a live webinar, participants will also be able to ask questions and engage with the presenters during the event.
Knowing about safety guidelines and tests involved with aftermarket wheels is critical to understanding the differences between product brands and will ultimately help wheel professionals sell more products.
Industry experts will outline the different tests and guidelines available for wheels, what the tests mean and why they matter during the “Wheel Knowledge 201: Wheel Testing Methodology” webinar on March 31, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
As the fifth session of the “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, powered by WTC” webinar series, the March 31 event will feature wheel experts Steve Swanson and George Finch of The Carlstar Group, and Ryan Fuller of Standards Testing Labs, as they provide critical information that wheel and tire manufactures, importers, dealers and service providers need to know that is not often provided in training or learned. Specific topics that will be addressed include:
FARO Wheel Scanning
FEA Analysis
Redial Load Tests
Cornering Fatigue Tests
Curb Impact Tests
CASS & Salt Spray Tests
Federal and Private Regulating Organizations
Attendees will benefit from attending this event live and have the opportunity to get their questions answered from the speakers in real time.
Based on recommendations from local health officials, SEMA is unable to host its traditional in-person Washington Rally event on May 12. While we’re disappointed that we won’t be able to gather in Washington, SEMA members still have the opportunity to connect with their lawmakers in our nation’s capital to impact the issues that matter most to the industry.
SEMA invites members to virtually meet with your elected representatives this spring. Unlike at the single day in-person event, meetings will be scheduled over the course of several weeks, allowing SEMA Government Affairs to make arrangements with your schedule in-mind. There are no registration fees to participate.
Whether it’s standing up for motorsports, combating zero-emissions vehicle mandates, or ensuring vehicle data access for the specialty aftermarket industry, there are many issues facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital. That’s why it’s more important than ever to get engaged with your elected officials.
If you are interested in virtually meeting with your Congressional representatives, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
The Biden Administration intends to withdraw the independent contractor rule issued in the closing days of the Trump Administration. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a proposed rule to rescind the rule, questioning whether the rule fully aligned with the Fair Labor Standards Act, court rulings and application of the economic realities test.
The deadline for public comments is April 12. The DOL will then have a chance to issue a new rule or simply withdraw the rule for an indefinite time-period (with a return to the standards existing before the Trump rule took effect).
The rule published in January concludes that an individual is an independent contractor, as distinguished from an “employee,” if the individual is in business for him or herself as a matter of economic reality. The rule then identifies five factors for defining economic dependence, including the nature and degree of the worker’s control over the work and the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss.
SEMA has joined scores of other organizations representing millions of American small businesses in urging the U.S. Congress to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The current deadline for filing PPP applications is March 31, 2021.
A bill has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and sent to the Senate to extend the program through May 31, with an extra 30-day period for the SBA to process applications. Although significant PPP funds remain available—for loans that are potentially forgivable under the guidelines—some lenders have stopped accepting new loan applications.
PPP loans are government funds provided through banks and other lending institutions. Loan amounts generally equal the average of one month’s payroll multiplied by 2.5. The maximum amount for a first loan is $10 million. The maximum amount for a second loan is $2 million (and $10 million for a combined first and second loan). PPP funds can be used to cover payroll, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and other costs. Loans are fully forgivable if at least 60% of loan proceeds are used on payroll costs (i.e., wages, payroll taxes, paid leave, healthcare payments, retirement, and insurance contributions).
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has extended deferment periods for all disaster loans, including the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, until 2022.
For all SBA disaster loans made in 2020, the first payment due date is 24 months, extended from 12 months, from the date of the note.
For all SBA disaster loans made in 2021, the first payment due date is 18 months, extended from 12 months, from the date of the note.
The SBA also granted an additional 12-month deferment of principal and interest payments for existing disaster loans approved prior to 2020 that were in regular servicing status as of March 1, 2020. This is the third deferral extension for those loans. The first was through Dec. 31, 2020, and second extension through March 31, 2021.
The SBA has approved more than $200 billion in COVID-19 EIDL loans to more than 3.7 million small businesses and non-profit organizations. The loans have a 30-year maturity with interest rates of 3.75% for small businesses, including sole proprietors and independent contractors, and 2.75% for non-profits.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
The California Coastal Commission is threatening to abolish off-roading at California’s Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). The Commission is scheduled to vote March 18 on a measure to phase out off-highway vehicle access within five years. Less than two years ago, the Commission voted 8-2 to reject a similar measure. SEMA and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) have urged the Commission to reject the current proposal.
The Commission is reviewing the permit for OHV use at the Oceano Dunes. Commission staff issued a report that recommends eliminating OHV access over a five-year period. Oceano Dunes is managed by California State Parks, which is currently reviewing public comments to its proposed Public Works Plan for long-range management of the SVRA.
Oceano Dunes SVRA encompasses nearly 3,600 acres along the Pacific Ocean near San Luis Obispo, of which OHV use is now limited to 1,500 acres or less. Oceano Dunes became a state OHV park in the 1980s and is the only such park on California’s coast. It has been enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts from across the country for decades under a permit first issued by the Commission in 1982.
OHV recreation is an important contributor to the local economy. While bringing pleasure to thousands of enthusiasts, the monies spent at area stores, motels, restaurants and gas stations support jobs and generate tax revenues. The SVRA is especially valued at a time when the pandemic has forced California residents to stay indoors for extended periods of time.
For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
Hart, Todd, Anderson and M. Smith Pick Up Wins at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals to Open 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag-Racing Series Season
Rookie Josh Hart won in his Top Fuel debut last Sunday, powering to the victory at the season-opening 52nd annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in his first career NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series start. J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the first race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
Hart went 3.826 seconds at 323.66 mph in his 11,000-hp Burnyzz/Technet dragster to beat Shawn Langdon in the final round. In the Funny Car final round against Robert Hight, Todd earned his first win in nearly two years, 5.184 at 286.38 in his 11,000-hp DHL Toyota Camry. Pro Stock legendAnderson won for the 95th time in the class by going 6.602 at 209.33 in his Race Star Wheels Chevrolet Camaro to beat Troy Coughlin Jr. in the final round. Matt Smith went 6.785 at 200.65 in the final round to beat Ryan Oehler’s 6.869 at 196.53. It was Smith’s quickest run of the weekend and he topped 200 mph on every run in eliminations to win in Gainesville for a second straight year.
Drivers Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon and J.R. Todd are named Rowdy
Energy Athletes.
Rowdy Energy Drink to Power Team Kalitta
Kalitta Motorsports has announced that Rowdy Energy—the enhanced hydration energy drink created by two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch—will become the official energy drink of the multi-time world-championship-winning team in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series through a strategic marketing partnership in advance of the 52nd annual NHRA Gatornationals. Rowdy Energy branding will be featured on each Kalitta Motorsports vehicle and product will be available in the Kailtta Motorsports VIP hospitality area. Additionally, Rowdy Energy will have a presence on the helmets of drivers Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon and J.R. Todd, and all three have become official Rowdy Energy Athletes.
zMax Dragway to Host Limited Fans for 4-Wide Nationals
Officials with Charlotte Motor Speedway have announced a limited capacity for the NGK NTK NHRA 4-Wide Nationals event, set to return to zMAX Dragway, May 14–16. Under state and local restrictions, new safety protocols will be in place to ensure the health and well being of those in attendance. These protocols include health screenings for fans, contactless ticketing, socially distanced grandstand seating and cashless purchases. Attendees will also be required to wear approved face coverings at all times, except while actively eating and drinking. Limited grandstand seating will be in groups of up to six people properly socially distant from any other group. There will also be no trackside viewing along the fencing as part of this event.
zMAX Dragway’s modified race day protocols also include social distancing in concession and bathroom lines; enhanced cleaning and sanitation in high-touch, high-traffic public areas; added hand-sanitizer stations; and limited guests in suites. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit charlottemotorspeedway.com.
A Hummer EV, courtesy of The Mint 400.
The Mint 400 Announces New EV Class for 2021
Officials from The Mint 400, dubbed The Great American Off-Road Race, have announced the launch of an all-new electric vehicle (EV) class. The new class comes in response to requests by EV truck makers and owners eager to compete at the event. The new EV Class will be open to all electric vehicle manufacturers, makes and models initially and will be overseen by Mint 400 Technical Director Bill Savage. Separate dedicated EV classes based on chassis style and design are already being written for races beyond this year. The new Mint 400 EV Class will be the first in history for a traditional desert race in America, but not the first in the sport. The ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered vehicle became the only EV vehicle ever to complete the Dakar Rally in 2017. That, in turn, inspired Audi and the GCK e-Blast 1 to prepare EV vehicles to compete at Dakar, and the field is growing each year. For more information, visit themint400.com.
Mobil 1 Expands Relationship with TRD in NHRA with Sponsorship of Alexis DeJoria
Building on its return to the NHRA Series in 2020 with a technical partnership alongside Toyota Racing Development (TRD), ExxonMobil will expand its current team roster within NHRA to include Toyota Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria. ExxonMobil has enjoyed a partnership with Kalitta Motorsports, and will also continue that winning relationship into the 2021 season. Under the expanded agreement, ExxonMobil will supply DeJoria and her team with its drag-racing motor oil, along with other lubricants, while also providing engineering support throughout the season. In addition, ExxonMobil is continuing to develop next-generation lubricants to improve engine and gearbox performance while also continuing to support Kalitta Motorsports through its relationship with Toyota. With a fresh look for the 2021 season, DeJoria will get behind the wheel of her black-and-white Toyota Camry Funny Car with familiar sponsor ROKiT, as the 70th NHRA season gets underway officially at the 52nd annual NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, March 12-14.
The Jr. Late Model Spectacular Series (JRLMSS) aims to provide a
driver development program and allow drivers—ages 12 to 16—to
drive full-bodies Spec race cars. Photo courtesy of JRLMSS
Junior Late Model Series Set to Launch in July
A new racing series designed to lower the cost for young Late Model racers is set to launch this July at Crisp Motorsports Park in Cordele, Georgia. Dubbed the Jr. Late Model Spectacular Series (JRLMSS), the new series aims to provide a driver development program and allow drivers—ages 12 to 16—to drive full-bodies Spec race cars. JRLMSS will also help develop the drivers’ off-track talent with required bi-monthly webinars to teach the importance of building a brand to attract corporate marketing partners.
The series’ 2021 exhibition race schedule kicks off on July 31, at Crisp Motorsports Park, followed by a visit to Huntsville, Alabama’s Huntsville Speedway, for a 75-lap special on August 21. Then, competitors head to Timmonsville, South Carolina, for a Florence Motor Speedway event on October 16, followed by Veterans Motorplex’s 75-lap event on November 13, in Greenbrier, Tennessee. A four-race winter schedule in the Midwest and Southeast regions is also in the works, along with a four-race simulation competition hosted on iRacing. For more information, visit jrlmss.com.
Leonberg, Germany-based Techart produces a wide
range of customizing products for Porsche vehicles,
including aero kits, alloy wheels, performance upgrades
and interior and exterior styling products. Pictured here
is a GTstreet RS, a custom-built super sports car based
on the Porsche 911 Turbo S.
The German tuning association Verband der Automobil Tuner e. V. (VDAT) has won an important battle in its lengthy litigation against German sports car manufacturer Porsche. Germany’s second highest court—the Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart—has ruled that Porsche cannot deny access to its parts and vehicles to aftermarket vehicle customizers.
This is the upcoming Ford F-150 EV, providing a first look at the (production-intent) electric pickup.
Though clad in a substantial amount of camouflage, the familiar shape of the 14th-generation F-150 can still be seen. The prototype features a SuperCrew cabin along with a short bed.
Despite the vehicle’s camo having a cutout for what would be a fuel door, there are no visible elements of an exhaust system. But there is a rather substantial electric motor at the rear axle, some interesting throwing-star rims, and we’re told the Frida Kahlo-inspired light over the grille will make it to production.
Range is expected to come in at least 300 miles, although it is rumored that if demand is great enough, there may be an extended-range battery that could be added to the truck.
Production is slated to start in mid-2022 at Ford’s Rouge Truck plant in Dearborn, Michigan. It should be in showrooms shortly after, more than likely beating Rivian (delays) and Tesla (no running prototypes and have yet to bring the roadster/semi to market) to the marketplace.
Knowing about safety guidelines and tests involved with aftermarket wheels is critical to understanding the differences between product brands and will ultimately help wheel professionals sell more products.
