By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California State Parks issued a draft report that finds no new dust-reduction measures are needed at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). State Parks is required under a court order to reduce dust emissions at Oceano Dunes at a rate of 50% compared to 2013 levels. However, the scientific advisory group (SAG) that guides the dust mitigation work released a report in February that 50% is too high given that the current configuration of sensors tracking dust is flawed in favor of a higher number. The SAG recommended 40.7% instead. The collected data for the 2022 annual report measured a 40.8% dust emissions reduction and State Parks is recommending that the current mitigation plan has worked, and no additional measures are needed.

Oceano Dunes is California’s only OHV park on the Pacific Ocean.

State Parks will petition that the stipulated court order be revised to 40.8% at a hearing of the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District Board tentatively scheduled for October 14. If denied, the 50% target would remain. State Parks has used wind fencing and vegetation plantings as dust mitigation methods in the past. Off-roading in prohibited in the areas of the park with dust-mitigation measures.

This finding is unrelated to the ongoing lawsuit challenging the California Coastal Commission’s (CCC) authority to ban off-roading at the Oceano Dunes SVRA by 2024. Oceano Dunes is a unique resource since it is the state’s only OHV park on the Pacific Ocean. The lawsuit is scheduled for trial in March 2023 in the California Superior Court for San Luis Obispo County.

The lawsuit was filed by SEMA and Ecologic Partners, a legal partnership between the Off-Road Business Association, the American Sand Association, and the American Motorcyclist Association District 37, along with Friends of Oceano Dunes.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

Corvette Central Acquired by Legendary Companies

Legendary Companies has announced the acquisition of Corvette Central. The Michigan-based Corvette restoration parts manufacturer and supplier expands Legendary Companies’ position in the Corvette market and is consistent with the company’s strategy of growing its portfolio of authentic components to comprehensively serve classic-vehicle enthusiasts. Together with Coker Tire and
Paragon Corvette, the acquisition of Corvette Central represents the third family-owned business to be added to Legendary Companies’ portfolio of brands since partnering with Irving Place Capital in 2018.

Founded in 1975, Corvette Central is a provider of parts to upgrade, repair or restore all generations of the Chevrolet Corvette. The company has been owned by Jerry Kohn and his family since its inception.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Grand Rapids, Michigan-based BlueWater Partners served as financial advisor to Corvette Central. To learn more about Corvette Central and its product lines, visit www.corvettecentral.com.

Jeffers Purchases IHRA From IRG Sports + Entertainment

World championship car builder Larry Jeffers has taken over ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) from IRG Sports + Entertainment effectively immediately.

The IHRA is the second-largest drag-racing organization in North America and home to the IHRA Summit SuperSeries. Designed specifically for grassroots, Sportsman racers, the long-running program includes the Summit SuperSeries Team Finals and the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals scheduled for October 12–15 at Holly Springs (Mississippi) Motorsports.

In addition, the IHRA has more than 75 member tracks and thousands of member racers throughout North America. Other programs include the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Hagerty and Moser Engineering with events across the United States. Each event is tailored to the host track’s racing programs as IHRA members are eligible for Ironman trophies, commemorate checks, medals and round prizes from IHRA partners.

Jeffers, who will serve as IHRA President and CEO, expressed his commitment to the IHRA’s members, tracks and partners. He has earned a reputation in the motorsports community with his Missouri-based company. He also looks to build on the IHRA’s history. The IHRA was founded in November 1970 by legendary promoter Larry Carrier and sanctioned its first national events in 1971. Four years later, IHRA was the first to attract the involvement of a major corporation to drag racing through R.J. Reynolds.

Decades later, the IHRA thrives through its commitment to the grassroots level of the sport and its relationships with current IHRA partners. It was important for IRG Sports + Entertainment to find a new owner who was dedicated to the racers, tracks, partners and the long-term success of the IHRA.

BorgWarner Acquires EV-Charging Solutions Company

BorgWarner has acquired Rhombus Energy Solutions, a provider of charging solutions in the North American market. Headquartered in San Diego, Rhombus offers vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and Underwriters Laboratory-certified charging. Rhombus supplies its patented technology to EV OEMs and charging and grid service providers.

The acquisition will help support BorgWarner’s expansion in V2G DC Fast Charging and the enabling software market. The transaction has an enterprise value of up to $185 million. Approximately $130 million was delivered at closing, and up to $55 million could be paid in the form of contingent payments over the next three years. For more information, visit borgwarner.com.

Torqued Distribution Opens Detroit Warehouse

Torqued Distribution has opened an all-new warehouse and national sales office in Detroit. Headquartered in San Francisco, Torqued began by importing racing and performance brands from England and Europe and today is the sole U.S. distributor for Tillett Racing, Nuke Performance, obp Motorsport and more. Additional brands include Holley, Bell Helmets, CSF, Detroit Muscle, MOMO Italy and XClutch. For more information, visit torqueddistribution.com.

Vista Outdoor Announces Acquisition of Fox Racing

Vista Outdoor—the Anoka, Minnesota-based parent company of 40 brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products—has announced the acquisition of Irvine, California-based Fox Racing. Fox Racing offers helmets, protective gear and apparel for dirt bikes, motocross and more categories. For more information, visit foxracing.com or vistaoutdoor.com.

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

Here’s a first look at the upcoming Bronco Sport Heritage.

The Bronco Sport Heritage seen in these shots features the Big Bend grille and the rims off the Badlands. Compared to the Bronco Heritage, which receives a unique grille (FORD spelled out) and rims, the Bronco Sport Heritage doesn’t appear to be more than just an appearance package. Expect a unique paint offering, more than likely something similar to the F-150 Heritage.

Sources have also said there will be two versions: the Bronco Sport Heritage and Heritage Limited. Both models are expected to join the lineup, though that doesn’t necessarily mean that both will be positioned above the current range-topping Badlands in the ’23 lineup.

Expect an official debut in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

  SEMA Ignited, the only official SEMA Show after-party, will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Credentialed 2022 SEMA Show attendees can access the event for free with their badge. Enthusiast tickets cab be purchased at www.semaignited.com.

Enthusiasts also have the opportunity to purchase the SEMA Ignited, Friday Experience badge allowing FRIDAY-ONLY access to the 2022 SEMA Show and standing room access to SEMA Ignited. The Friday Experience badge is $70 if purchased before September 30. After the deadline, SEMA Ignited, Friday Experience tickets will cost $100.

Friday Experience badge pick up will be located in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Friday Experience Registration area. Friday Experience Registration hours are Friday, November 4, between 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. SEMA Show hours on Friday, November 4, are 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

SEMA Ignited, the only official SEMA Show after-party, will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For SEMA Ignited, “Standing Room Access” tickets are available for $20. These ticket holders are able to meet with exhibiting companies and have a great view of the SEMA Cruise Powered by CTEK, as well as all the drifting performances. You can also reserve your bleacher seat at the event and purchase your “Reserved Seating” ticket for $50. The limited reserved seating tickets allow you the opportunity to visit exhibiting companies, stop at one of the many food trucks for a bite to eat or just grab a drink without the concern of losing your seat.

Important Restrictions: Each person registered for the SEMA Friday Experience must pick up their badge with their purchase confirmation bar code and photo ID. NO EXCEPTIONS. You do not need to qualify to purchase and you MUST be at least 16 years or older to purchase and attend the Show.

For more information about Friday Experience or SEMA Ignited, contact info@semaignited.com.

For additional information on hotels, transportation and event information, visit www.semaignited.com.

  SEMA Showgoers who want to stay close to monorail stations are encouraged to make their hotel reservations while rooms are still available.

With a quick look on the www.SEMAShow.com/travel homepage, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the star rating, rate per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here are six hotels in the SEMA Show block with easy monorail access:

• SAHARA
• Westgate
• Harrah’s/LINQ
• Flamingo
• Bally’s
• MGM Grand

Showgoers booking through 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.

Discounted rates will be available for SEMA Showgoers.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through the SEMA Show’s official hotel provider. All negotiated rates 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 1–4, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

In partnership with Toyota, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 GR Corolla, September 13–14.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

Four ’23 GR Corolla models will be featured, equipped with:

• 300hp/273 lb.-ft. torque, 1.6L turbocharged G16E-GTS engine.
• Exhaust composed of a three-piece muffler.
• Six-speed manual transmission.
• GR-Four all-wheel-drive drivetrain with user-selectable torque split.
• Reinforced chassis for added stiffness and rigidity.
• Available Torsen limited slip differentials (F/R).
• Standard 8-in. touch-screen display.
• Available eight-speaker, JBL premium sound with subwoofer.
• Standard 18-in. wheels and 235/40R18 tires.
• Automatic high beams.
• Dynamic radar cruise control.
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

Note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Click here for event registration details.

 Exhibiting at the SEMA Show and entering at least one product in the New Products Showcase puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. The best part: the first product you enter is free!

The New Products Showcase is considered the No. 1 destination for buyers to discover what’s new at the from the industry's leading manufacturers. For exhibitors, it's an ideal opportunity to grab the attention of buyers with new products, legacy parts and best-sellers. So if a product does not qualify as “new,” exhibitors can enter it as a featured product and still attract more eyeballs to the item. All submissions are also professionally photographed in a mock studio on a white seamless background. The photos are shared and used by media in SEMA Show coverage and are also available to exhibitors to use for marketing purposes.

The New Products Showcase is considered by many media and buyers to be the No. 1 destination to discover what’s new at the SEMA Show.

Entry Fees:

• The first product entered in one category in the New Products Showcase is FREE!
•  Additional $75 per product category before October 7.
•  After October 7, the cost is $150 per entry.
•  No refunds provided after October 7.
•  Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space availability basis.

Exhibitors may enter as many products into the Showcase as they would like, and because every exhibitor qualifies to submit one entry at no cost, there is absolutely no reason for an exhibitor not to participate. The free product entry is one example of how exhibiting at the SEMA Show delivers great ROI. SEMA Show organizers offer many programs and services targeted to small businesses. Dedicated account reps are available to help exhibitors navigate the process, and the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is a free, two-day workshop designed to teach exhibitors how to get the most out of the SEMA Show.

Enter your new products now!

For more information on New Products Showcase display guidelines, visit www.semashow.com/esm.

  Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.