By Katie Hurst

Comstock High School was one of five high schools that participated in the 2019 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program. The students built an ’04 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is expanding to 10 builds for the 2019–2020 school year. As partners in this program, 10 high-school auto-shop classes will customize third-generation Toyota 4Runners and Jeep Wrangler TJs. The program aims to bridge the gap between industry and auto-shop students to foster the next generation of hobbyists and the automotive aftermarket workforce.

Through this hands-on build program, students will expand their real-world auto-tech skills by working with aftermarket products while being introduced to a new career path to pursue their passion for customization. The builds will begin in January, and students will complete their builds by the end of the school year.

Aftermarket companies can support this effort through parts donations and/or mentorship opportunities. Sponsors will have their product(s) installed on the vehicle(s) and receive recognition through the build website and in SEMA build promotions.

Sponsoring the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is not only giving high-school students a build experience of a lifetime, it’s also allowing them to open their minds to the possibilities of what can be accomplished using aftermarket products.

If you’re interested in supporting one or more of the student vehicle builds, please fill out the product donation form. If you’re interested in mentoring a school, please contact SEMA youth engagement programs manager Katie Hurst.  

Learn more and check out last year’s builds.

By Katie Hurst

Comstock High School was one of five high schools that participated in the 2019 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program. The students built an ’04 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is expanding to 10 builds for the 2019–2020 school year. As partners in this program, 10 high-school auto-shop classes will customize third-generation Toyota 4Runners and Jeep Wrangler TJs. The program aims to bridge the gap between industry and auto-shop students to foster the next generation of hobbyists and the automotive aftermarket workforce.

Through this hands-on build program, students will expand their real-world auto-tech skills by working with aftermarket products while being introduced to a new career path to pursue their passion for customization. The builds will begin in January, and students will complete their builds by the end of the school year.

Aftermarket companies can support this effort through parts donations and/or mentorship opportunities. Sponsors will have their product(s) installed on the vehicle(s) and receive recognition through the build website and in SEMA build promotions.

Sponsoring the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is not only giving high-school students a build experience of a lifetime, it’s also allowing them to open their minds to the possibilities of what can be accomplished using aftermarket products.

If you’re interested in supporting one or more of the student vehicle builds, please fill out the product donation form. If you’re interested in mentoring a school, please contact SEMA youth engagement programs manager Katie Hurst.  

Learn more and check out last year’s builds.

It looks like the time is ripe for another sportscar from Japan—and especially for the replacement of today’s Nissan 370 Z.

A test mule for its successor was caught undergoing high-speed testing at the German Nürburgring. The mule features extra air intakes in the front bumper and is clearly a mule for a replacement of the aging Nissan 370 Z, which, in its current form, hit the market in 2013.

Testing alongside the 370 Z mule was the new Toyota GR Supra, which signals that Nissan plans to increase power from today’s 328hp 3.7L V6 to at least the Supra’s 340hp, and hence the Nismo’s 344 hp unit to a sportier motor somewhere beyond 360 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

It looks like the time is ripe for another sportscar from Japan—and especially for the replacement of today’s Nissan 370 Z.

A test mule for its successor was caught undergoing high-speed testing at the German Nürburgring. The mule features extra air intakes in the front bumper and is clearly a mule for a replacement of the aging Nissan 370 Z, which, in its current form, hit the market in 2013.

Testing alongside the 370 Z mule was the new Toyota GR Supra, which signals that Nissan plans to increase power from today’s 328hp 3.7L V6 to at least the Supra’s 340hp, and hence the Nismo’s 344 hp unit to a sportier motor somewhere beyond 360 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

It looks like the time is ripe for another sportscar from Japan—and especially for the replacement of today’s Nissan 370 Z.

A test mule for its successor was caught undergoing high-speed testing at the German Nürburgring. The mule features extra air intakes in the front bumper and is clearly a mule for a replacement of the aging Nissan 370 Z, which, in its current form, hit the market in 2013.

Testing alongside the 370 Z mule was the new Toyota GR Supra, which signals that Nissan plans to increase power from today’s 328hp 3.7L V6 to at least the Supra’s 340hp, and hence the Nismo’s 344 hp unit to a sportier motor somewhere beyond 360 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

It looks like the time is ripe for another sportscar from Japan—and especially for the replacement of today’s Nissan 370 Z.

A test mule for its successor was caught undergoing high-speed testing at the German Nürburgring. The mule features extra air intakes in the front bumper and is clearly a mule for a replacement of the aging Nissan 370 Z, which, in its current form, hit the market in 2013.

Testing alongside the 370 Z mule was the new Toyota GR Supra, which signals that Nissan plans to increase power from today’s 328hp 3.7L V6 to at least the Supra’s 340hp, and hence the Nismo’s 344 hp unit to a sportier motor somewhere beyond 360 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

It looks like the time is ripe for another sportscar from Japan—and especially for the replacement of today’s Nissan 370 Z.

A test mule for its successor was caught undergoing high-speed testing at the German Nürburgring. The mule features extra air intakes in the front bumper and is clearly a mule for a replacement of the aging Nissan 370 Z, which, in its current form, hit the market in 2013.

Testing alongside the 370 Z mule was the new Toyota GR Supra, which signals that Nissan plans to increase power from today’s 328hp 3.7L V6 to at least the Supra’s 340hp, and hence the Nismo’s 344 hp unit to a sportier motor somewhere beyond 360 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

It looks like the time is ripe for another sportscar from Japan—and especially for the replacement of today’s Nissan 370 Z.

A test mule for its successor was caught undergoing high-speed testing at the German Nürburgring. The mule features extra air intakes in the front bumper and is clearly a mule for a replacement of the aging Nissan 370 Z, which, in its current form, hit the market in 2013.

Testing alongside the 370 Z mule was the new Toyota GR Supra, which signals that Nissan plans to increase power from today’s 328hp 3.7L V6 to at least the Supra’s 340hp, and hence the Nismo’s 344 hp unit to a sportier motor somewhere beyond 360 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Greg Adler

Greg Adler Joins Daystar Products International Board of Directors

Daystar Products International has announced that Greg Adler has joined Daystar International’s board of directors. Adler’s lifelong experience as a multi-generational enthusiast, business owner, CEO, CPA, SEMA Board of Directors member and chairman of the board for the Off Road Business Association adds expertise for Daystar’s family of 11 brands.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Announces Partnership with Global Electronic Technology

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has announced a long-term partnership with Torrance, California-based Global Electronic Technology. The new partnership, launching January 1, 2020, solidifies and designates the global provider of credit card processing solutions and services as the official credit card processing partner of Goodguys. Global Electronic Technology, currently a primary sponsor in the NHRA Funny Car ranks, is branching out to the hot-rod and custom-car market with Goodguys.

Lincoln Tech’s Mahwah Campus President Robert Paganini (left) presents the Chief Executive Officer and President’s Pride in Partnership Award to Pep Boys Service Area Director Vinny Lemmo.

Icahn Automotive Recognized With Lincoln Tech’s Pride in Partnership Award

Icahn Automotive was awarded the Chief Executive Officer and President’s Pride in Partnership Award by Lincoln Technical Institute. The presentation was made to Pep Boys representatives during a career fair and recognized the company’s recently established Race to 2026 program, which has invested in and supported promising future automotive technicians through scholarship, partnerships with schools, and continuing education opportunities, in an effort to fill the projected automotive technician gap. The program—which distributed $50,000 in scholarships for automotive trade school students in 2019—launched in February with branded classrooms and student events at Lincoln Tech campuses in Mahwah and Union, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, as well as other technical training schools nationally. Lincoln Tech’s Mahwah Campus President Robert Paganini nominated Icahn Automotive for the award, which is given to one of the school’s top partners across the country each quarter, for the proactive steps the company took in partnering with the school.

Jim Sylvester

Stertil-Koni Vice President of Sales Jim Sylvester Retires

Stertil-Koni USA has announced that Jim Sylvester, vice president of sales, has retired after 21 years of record performance in sales and distributor support. Sylvester joined Stertil-Koni USA Inc. in 1998, and has played a significant role in helping the company grow more than 50-fold in the heavy-duty vehicle-lift industry across North America. During Sylvester's tenure at Stertil-Koni, he achieved significant account development and sales activities with a broad customer base, including large transit agencies, municipalities, major corporations, school districts and other vertical industries that service and maintain heavy duty vehicles. Sylvester’s principal focus was to work with Stertil-Koni’s exclusive distributorships based in the Midwest, New England and Eastern Canada. He also developed and built new customer relationships to the benefit of both his distributors and Stertil-Koni.

Zouhair Lazreq

Firestone Industrial Products Names New Director of Engineering

Firestone Industrial Products Company LLC (FSIP) has announced that Zouhair Lazreq has joined the company as director of engineering. He will direct FSIP engineering at a global level for all products and services. Specifically, he will oversee product development by leading the global product team to ideate advanced solutions for target geographies, which will help drive company growth in key markets. Lazreq brings years of product engineering experience to his new role. He joins FSIP from Dana Inc., where he most recently served as director of engineering and technical fellow. Prior to that, he gained experience as lead engineer in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) for Ford Motor Co., and senior project engineer with Roush Industries.

Kelly Roberts

Kelly Roberts Joins AirPro Diagnostics Canada

AirPro Diagnostics LLC has announced Kelly Roberts has joined its team to help manage distribution and services of its patented, remote scanning, programming and calibrations solution in Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec provinces. Roberts joins AirPro from a large dealership shop in North Bay, Ontario. He holds Red Seal Journeyman credentials as well as multi-level I-CAR Platinum technician status.

Advance Auto Parts Selects Slime as Exclusive Tire Sealant and Accessories Provider

Slime has announced that Advance Auto Parts has chosen to exclusively offer only Slime’s entire lineup of products. To celebrate the alliance, Slime is giving away two Kawasaki Brute 300 Force ATVs. The sweepstakes are now live until December 20, and anyone can enter.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Mishimoto Titanium Turbo Blankets Mishimito introduces its Turbo Blankets within their Heat Protection Line. The blanket is designed to reduce engine bay temperatures in turbocharged vehicles. The blanket is rated to 1800° F direct heat and 2000° F radiant heat. It’s interior rated to max temperature of 2300° F. It’s available in T25/T28, T3, T4, and T6 sizes. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMHP-TB
CD Dash Can Am Maverick X3 Plug & Play Adapter Kit AEM releases its ’17–’19 Can Am Maverick X3 Turbo Plug & Play Adapter Harness for CD Carbon 5- and 7-in. digital dashes that display channels from the stock ECU with a connection to the diagnostics port. Users can toggle between four main screens created specifically for the Maverick X3 Turbo. All of the pages are loaded and ready to go, but DashDesign software is engineered to let you create your own custom designs. 310-484-2322 www.aemelectronics.com PN: 30-2232
Holley Anvil Lift Kit Holley announces the release of the Anvil Off-Road 2.5-in. lift kit. The kit is designed to  provide an extra clearance for up to 35-in. tires on the new Jeep Wrangler JL & JL Unlimited—including the Rubicon. This kit includes front and rear powdercoated steel spacers, shock extensions, brake line brackets, spacer retainers and hardware. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 505AOR
Hooker BlackHeart Mustang Race Exhaust System Hooker BlackHeart introduces a new exhaust system for ’79–’93 Mustangs. The 304 stainless-steel exhaust system features an X-pipe designed crossover that is engineered to offer bolt-in compatibility with their engine swap crossmembers, mounts and headers. This 3-in. rear-exit header-back system is designed to use factory mounting points for stock-like fitment. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 705014143RHKR