By Rachel Tatum

There is no shortage of media opportunities for SEMA Show exhibitors.

Media outlets continue to reach out to SEMA seeking exhibitors to interview for upcoming stories. Media opportunities include:

• International Publication/Ford Ranger Raptor: International publication seeking products and services for the Ford Ranger Raptor. Interested in aftermarket performance and utility products, accessories and services to include.
• International Publication/Italian Show cars: International publication (UK, USA, Canada, AUS, NZ) covering Italian show cars—classic and modern, products, services, companies at SEMA Show.
• Publication/Retro Ford Market: Publication looking to  locate content relevant to the growing retro Ford market, including cars and pickups. Feature article will report on product offerings specific to modified, classic Fords.
• Publication/Off-Road: Off-road publication seeking products and companies focused on off-road performance, specifically for high-speed desert type environments. Looking for high-res product images and information that fits this off-road category, as well as personalities that have experience in high-speed desert off-road and can bring insight for fans and racers.

Exhibitors that fit the above profiles and are interested should send the following information to Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org:

• Which opportunity listed above you are responding to.
• Exhibiting company name.
• Contact person name, title, phone and email address.
• Information re: company/product and how your company/product fulfills the reporter’s request. Please include which opportunity(s) you feel your product/service/company fits best.

Journalists seeking SEMA members or exhibitors to interview for stories are invited to reach out to Juan Torres at juant@sema.org. SEMA PR is available to help connect reporters with members and exhibitors throughout the year.

By Rachel Tatum

There is no shortage of media opportunities for SEMA Show exhibitors.

Media outlets continue to reach out to SEMA seeking exhibitors to interview for upcoming stories. Media opportunities include:

• International Publication/Ford Ranger Raptor: International publication seeking products and services for the Ford Ranger Raptor. Interested in aftermarket performance and utility products, accessories and services to include.
• International Publication/Italian Show cars: International publication (UK, USA, Canada, AUS, NZ) covering Italian show cars—classic and modern, products, services, companies at SEMA Show.
• Publication/Retro Ford Market: Publication looking to  locate content relevant to the growing retro Ford market, including cars and pickups. Feature article will report on product offerings specific to modified, classic Fords.
• Publication/Off-Road: Off-road publication seeking products and companies focused on off-road performance, specifically for high-speed desert type environments. Looking for high-res product images and information that fits this off-road category, as well as personalities that have experience in high-speed desert off-road and can bring insight for fans and racers.

Exhibitors that fit the above profiles and are interested should send the following information to Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org:

• Which opportunity listed above you are responding to.
• Exhibiting company name.
• Contact person name, title, phone and email address.
• Information re: company/product and how your company/product fulfills the reporter’s request. Please include which opportunity(s) you feel your product/service/company fits best.

Journalists seeking SEMA members or exhibitors to interview for stories are invited to reach out to Juan Torres at juant@sema.org. SEMA PR is available to help connect reporters with members and exhibitors throughout the year.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation (AB 5) designed to curb businesses’ use of independent contractors. Largely aimed at gig economy technology platforms such as Uber, the new law codifies a 2018 California Supreme Court decision (Dynamex Operations West Inc. v. Superior Court) and goes into effect January 1, 2020.

The Dynamex decision implemented what is known as the ABC test, which classifies a worker as an employee if a company controls what they do, their tasks are part of the company’s core business and if the worker does not run an independent business doing the same tasks. Workers deemed employees are then entitled to minimum wage and benefits.

AB 5 narrows the scope of the Dynamex decision as several occupations are exempt from the new test. Uber, Lyft and DoorDash have each pledged $30 million to fund a ballot initiative aimed at overturning the law.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation (AB 5) designed to curb businesses’ use of independent contractors. Largely aimed at gig economy technology platforms such as Uber, the new law codifies a 2018 California Supreme Court decision (Dynamex Operations West Inc. v. Superior Court) and goes into effect January 1, 2020.

The Dynamex decision implemented what is known as the ABC test, which classifies a worker as an employee if a company controls what they do, their tasks are part of the company’s core business and if the worker does not run an independent business doing the same tasks. Workers deemed employees are then entitled to minimum wage and benefits.

AB 5 narrows the scope of the Dynamex decision as several occupations are exempt from the new test. Uber, Lyft and DoorDash have each pledged $30 million to fund a ballot initiative aimed at overturning the law.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation (AB 5) designed to curb businesses’ use of independent contractors. Largely aimed at gig economy technology platforms such as Uber, the new law codifies a 2018 California Supreme Court decision (Dynamex Operations West Inc. v. Superior Court) and goes into effect January 1, 2020.

The Dynamex decision implemented what is known as the ABC test, which classifies a worker as an employee if a company controls what they do, their tasks are part of the company’s core business and if the worker does not run an independent business doing the same tasks. Workers deemed employees are then entitled to minimum wage and benefits.

AB 5 narrows the scope of the Dynamex decision as several occupations are exempt from the new test. Uber, Lyft and DoorDash have each pledged $30 million to fund a ballot initiative aimed at overturning the law.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Kristopher Porter

Bob Morreale

On October 3, from 11:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m., SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a Live Chat featuring The Tuning School’s Bob Morreale on “How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Are Driving Your Car Into the Future!”

During this highly anticipated ETTN Live Chat, Morreale will discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in ADAS, how artificial neural networks are being used to control engines and the future of AI. A Live Chat is an open Q&A where participants will have the chance to communicate directly with Morreale and ask him questions about the topic.

Through his experience at The Tuning School, Morreale has mastered a balance between being a leader and the guy who loves to do the research and development necessary to grow his company. During his career, he has developed his skillset geared toward computer engineering and vehicle controls. He mainly specializes in research and development of automotive engine controls and factory engine control modules (ECM). Working with computers and programming had become a second nature when he started working with computers in secnd grade during the ’80s.

“I have specialized in understanding and teaching the process of reprogramming GM, Ford and Dodge ECMs, and have written multiple books on the subject,”  Morreale said.

Currently, he is involved in the process of artificial Intelligence development as it relates to artificial neural networks controlling vehicle engines of the future. In the past, Morreale has given tech talks at conferences, such as the PRI Trade Show, Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) and many others.

Join the ETTN on October 3, at 11:00 a.m., on the ETTN Facebook page.

For more information, contact: Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of councils and networks, at bryanh@sema.org.

By Kristopher Porter

Bob Morreale

On October 3, from 11:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m., SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a Live Chat featuring The Tuning School’s Bob Morreale on “How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Are Driving Your Car Into the Future!”

During this highly anticipated ETTN Live Chat, Morreale will discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in ADAS, how artificial neural networks are being used to control engines and the future of AI. A Live Chat is an open Q&A where participants will have the chance to communicate directly with Morreale and ask him questions about the topic.

Through his experience at The Tuning School, Morreale has mastered a balance between being a leader and the guy who loves to do the research and development necessary to grow his company. During his career, he has developed his skillset geared toward computer engineering and vehicle controls. He mainly specializes in research and development of automotive engine controls and factory engine control modules (ECM). Working with computers and programming had become a second nature when he started working with computers in secnd grade during the ’80s.

“I have specialized in understanding and teaching the process of reprogramming GM, Ford and Dodge ECMs, and have written multiple books on the subject,”  Morreale said.

Currently, he is involved in the process of artificial Intelligence development as it relates to artificial neural networks controlling vehicle engines of the future. In the past, Morreale has given tech talks at conferences, such as the PRI Trade Show, Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) and many others.

Join the ETTN on October 3, at 11:00 a.m., on the ETTN Facebook page.

For more information, contact: Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of councils and networks, at bryanh@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.

Aeromotive Truck GM Truck Fuel Pumps Aeromotive announces the release of its line of truck fuel pumps. The line of pumps includes single- and dual-pump configurations for ’99–’04 GM pickup models; and single-, dual- and triple-pump setups for ’05–’18 models. 913-647-7300 www.aeromotiveinc.com PN: 18314
Deatschwerks Aluminum Vice Jaws Deatschwerks announces the release of its Aluminum Vice jaws. The wrenches are made of CNC-machined, heat-treated, hard-anodized orange aluminum. They have been engineered to work with DW’s growing fittings offering. The adjustable wrench is designed for use in the shop, in the pit or the staging lanes. 800-419-6023 www.deatschwerks.com PN: 6-02-1009
Yukon Gear & Axle Ring & Pinion Selection Yukon Gear & Axle introduces ring and pinion selections with ratio options that range from 3.45:1 to 5.38:1 for the new Jeep Gladiator (JT) pickup. Gladiator enthusiasts are now able to upgrade to Yukon gears with a choice of seven ratio options: 3.45:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1, 4.88:1, 5.13:1 and 5.38:1 to give you the widest selection in the market. 800-347-1188 www.randysworldwide.com YG D30JL-411R
Edelbrock Performer RPM 540hp Kit for GM Big-Blocks Edelbrock has released its Performer RPM Top End Kit designed for ’65–’95 big-block Chevy 396-454 V-8 engines. The kit is engineered to produced 540 hp and is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm. The kit includes RPM Air-Gap intake manifolds, Performer RPM cylinder heads, hydraulic cam and lifters, timing chain and an Edelbrock gasket set. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2095
Edelbrock Performer RPM 482hp Kit for Chrysler 383 Edelbrock introduces its Performer RPM Top End Kit designed for ’68–’79 Big-Block Chrysler 383 V8 engines. The kit is engineered to produce 482 hp. The kit is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm range. The kit includes an RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, Performer RPM cylinder heads, hydraulic cam and lifters, timing chain and an Edelbrock gasket set. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2087

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.

Aeromotive Truck GM Truck Fuel Pumps Aeromotive announces the release of its line of truck fuel pumps. The line of pumps includes single- and dual-pump configurations for ’99–’04 GM pickup models; and single-, dual- and triple-pump setups for ’05–’18 models. 913-647-7300 www.aeromotiveinc.com PN: 18314
Deatschwerks Aluminum Vice Jaws Deatschwerks announces the release of its Aluminum Vice jaws. The wrenches are made of CNC-machined, heat-treated, hard-anodized orange aluminum. They have been engineered to work with DW’s growing fittings offering. The adjustable wrench is designed for use in the shop, in the pit or the staging lanes. 800-419-6023 www.deatschwerks.com PN: 6-02-1009
Yukon Gear & Axle Ring & Pinion Selection Yukon Gear & Axle introduces ring and pinion selections with ratio options that range from 3.45:1 to 5.38:1 for the new Jeep Gladiator (JT) pickup. Gladiator enthusiasts are now able to upgrade to Yukon gears with a choice of seven ratio options: 3.45:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1, 4.88:1, 5.13:1 and 5.38:1 to give you the widest selection in the market. 800-347-1188 www.randysworldwide.com YG D30JL-411R
Edelbrock Performer RPM 540hp Kit for GM Big-Blocks Edelbrock has released its Performer RPM Top End Kit designed for ’65–’95 big-block Chevy 396-454 V-8 engines. The kit is engineered to produced 540 hp and is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm. The kit includes RPM Air-Gap intake manifolds, Performer RPM cylinder heads, hydraulic cam and lifters, timing chain and an Edelbrock gasket set. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2095
Edelbrock Performer RPM 482hp Kit for Chrysler 383 Edelbrock introduces its Performer RPM Top End Kit designed for ’68–’79 Big-Block Chrysler 383 V8 engines. The kit is engineered to produce 482 hp. The kit is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm range. The kit includes an RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, Performer RPM cylinder heads, hydraulic cam and lifters, timing chain and an Edelbrock gasket set. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2087

By SEMA Editors

Jessi Combs

On Sunday, September 22, the Petersen Automotive Museum will open a temporary exhibit, located in the William E. Connor Penthouse, honoring the life and accomplishments of Jessi Combs, also known as “The Fastest Woman on Four Wheels.” Combs tragically passed August 27, 2019, while attempting to set a land-speed record. Admission to the temporary exhibition is by suggested donation with proceeds benefitting The Jessi Combs Foundation.

The “Jessi Combs: Life at Full Speed” exhibition will feature objects from Combs’ workshop and studio in Long Beach, California. Items on display will include several of her motorcycles, personal notebooks and memorabilia, original Chip Foose drawings from her time on “Overhaulin’,” personal notebooks, welding jackets and racing helmets, as well as various accolades, including her Baja and Great Race medals.

“Jessi Combs was an inspiration to the entire automotive community,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “This exhibit is an opportunity to move people, especially the future generation of women builders and enthusiasts, through Jessi’s incredible life story.”

Throughout her life, Combs sought to explore the relationship between women and machine, as a means to continually push and break stereotypical boundaries. As one of the few prominent female fabricators of her era, she endeavored to create programs and safe spaces that encouraged education and dialogue about the industrial arts for women. “Jessi Combs: Life at Full Speed” seeks to further that effort, establishing a base for which The Jessi Combs Foundation can grow. The mission of the foundation is to educate, inspire and empower the next generation of female trailblazers and stereotype-breakers. Its guiding principle is the simple question, “What Would Jessi Do?”

“Jessi was the most amazing spirit that I have ever or will ever know,” said Jessi Combs’ long-term partner Terry Madden. “Her appetite for living life on the edge and pursuing her dreams to the fullest is an inspiration to me and all who knew her. The Jessi Combs Foundation will motivate young women who looked up to Jessi, empowering them to uncover their inner confidence and abilities so they, too, can achieve their dreams.”

“Jessi Combs: Life at Full Speed” will run through Wednesday, September 25, 2019, and is free to the general public. Visitors are still required to pay standard general admission prices if they would like to view other Petersen Museum exhibitions.

For more information, visit www.petersen.org/jessi.