Thu, 04/14/2022 - 12:17

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Biden Administration announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will issue a temporary waiver to allow for the summertime sale of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol (E15). Currently, E15 cannot be sold between June 1 and September 15 due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog. The agency will review the waiver every 20 days to determine if it is necessary for it to remain in place.  

Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in older automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and in certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. SEMA opposes the expansion of E15 gasoline as a lack of clear labeling on gas pumps does not provide sufficient protection to guard against misfuelling.

Under the Trump Administration, the EPA issued a ruling to permanently allow year-round sale of E15; however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found this ruling unlawful. The Biden Administration says this decision is based on its authority to pursue a temporary emergency action.

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

Thu, 04/14/2022 - 11:51

NMRANMRAMAHLE Motorsport Announces New Presenting Event Sponsorship for the Scoggin Dickey Parts Center NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals

MAHLE Motorsport has announced it will be this year’s presenting event sponsor for the Scoggin Dickey Parts Center NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals. The All-Star Nationals is being held April 21–24, in a new location at the Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina. This four-day event, the second for the year, is one of only two events where both NMRA and NMCA racers come together to compete for titles in multiple categories—Pro Mod, X275, Xtreme Street/Renegade Radial Classes and Index racing. The event is billed as the ultimate street car bash in the southeast, where the fastest musclecar drag racers and quickest NMRA Ford racers prove their mettle with record setting performances on the same track.

In addition to the weekend-long race events, there is show and shine for domestics and Manufacturer’s Midway where enthusiasts and builders can meet face to face with automotive experts, including MAHLE Motorsport, which will have a booth at the event. For a full list of details go to www.nmcadigital.com. For more information about the Scoggin Dickey Parts Center NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals Presented by MAHLE Motorsport or to purchase tickets, click here.

CrandonCliff Flannery Purchases Crandon International Raceway

Crandon International Raceway management has announced that the historic facility in Crandon, Wisconsin, and all its assets have been purchased by Cliff Flannery, the longtime track president. Since opening in 1984, the 400-plus acre track located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin has hosted some of the largest off-road races in the sport, including June’s Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run and Labor Day’s massive Polaris World Championship Off-Road Races. The most recent Polaris World Championship drew a record crowd of nearly 65,000 people at its 52nd anniversary running. The venue also serves as home to the annual Red Bull Crandon World Cup, held each Sunday of Labor Day weekend, and is scheduled to feature the AMSOIL Champ Off-Road and Ultra4 Racing series in 2022. Crandon Office Manager Tina Kulaf will remain in her role of managing the track’s business operation. Additionally, Promoter Marty Fiolka and his California-based TRG Rennsport group will continue their roles in event promotion and execution, sponsorship, marketing, content, and public relations. For more information, visit crandonoffroad.com.

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Announces 2023 Induction Class

Motorsports HOF

The 35th Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Induction Celebration presented by Toyota Racing will be held in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 6–7, 2023.

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) has announced its 2023 induction class, which will be honored during the 35th Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Induction Celebration presented by Toyota Racing, in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 6–7, 2023.

The Class of 2023 includes:

  • “Father of the Corvette and Corvette racing,” the late Zora Arkus-Duntov (Sports Cars)
  • Longtime USAC official and safety pioneer, the late Henry Banks (Historic)
  • America’s successful enduro racer, Dick Burleson (Motorcycles)
  • Air racer, the late Art Chester (Aviation)
  • one of NASCAR’s most innovative crew chiefs, Ray Evernham (Stock Cars)
  • Early NASCAR fan favorite, the late Fonty Flock (Historic)
  • One of the NHRA’s 50 Greatest All-Time Drivers, Darrell Gwynn (Drag Racing)
  • Land-speed record-setter, the late Ab Jenkins (Speed Records)
  • Two men who revolutionized race track emergency services, Drs. Stephen Olvey and Terry Trammell (Open Wheel)

MSHFA President George Levy announced the new induction class with 2015 MSHFA inductee and road racer Tommy Kendall during Stand 21 Racing Goes Safer seminar at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. For more information, visit mshf.com.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

Thu, 04/14/2022 - 11:39

BODThe SEMA Board of Directors elections are just around the corner, so now is the time to ensure you vote and be informed about your candidates.

Each member company is able to cast one ballot. Your company’s primary contact should have received an email from SEMA requesting them to fill out a brief form to confirm we have the appropriate person to complete the ballot for your company. It’s important that those forms are completed and returned as soon as possible.

The SEMA Board of Directors Candidates webpage is available to learn more about your candidates. The page includes their photos, bios, questionnaires and social-media links so you can learn more about them and their platforms.  

Ballots will be sent on May 10 from the SEMA election coordinator <mailto:noreply@directvote.net>, so ensure you receive your ballot by adding the email to your contacts list.

Thu, 04/14/2022 - 11:38
Thu, 04/14/2022 - 11:38

By SEMA Editors

 

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

 

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Motorsports Salesperson
ProCharger is hiring a qualified motorsports sales and technical services representative with a comprehensive understanding and passion for the high-performance motorsports industry as well as strong mechanical aptitude. This position will also be involved in drag races and building relationships with racers. Other duties include the ability to travel to select races, events and trade shows.

Product Development Engineer
EGR Inc. is hiring a product development engineer responsible for managing new products from concept to completion and bringing together the different stakeholders within the organization to design, develop, test and launch new products within the automotive industry. On a daily basis you will be activity working closely with the engineering team, CAD designers, sales team and customer/supplier stakeholders. The role will also see you liaising directly with both Internal and external stakeholders around the globe.

Sales and Technical Representative
KW Automotive North America Inc. is hiring a sales and technical representative to provides customer with courteous customer service in person, via email, phone, social media and live chat. This position strives to retain current business, ability to network, and build new accounts. Candidates must have basic mechanical knowledge to help customers with installation questions and troubleshooting technical issues.

Thu, 04/14/2022 - 09:18
Hyundai
Sean Kim

Hyundai Motorsport Announces Sean Kim as President

Hyundai Motorsport has announced a change to its senior management, with Korean Sean (Seon-Pyung) Kim taking over the role of president. He replaces outgoing President Scott Noh, who is set to take up a new position at Hyundai Motor Company in Korea. During Noh’s tenure, Hyundai Motorsport secured consecutive world titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (2019 and 2020) and the FIA World Touring Car Cup (2018 and 2019). The company also established a manufacturer entry into the inaugural FIA ETCR–eTouring Car World Cup, as part of “a new era for Hyundai in electric motorsports.” For more information, visit motorsport.hyundai.com.

UTI Bloomfield Launches New Welding Program

The Universal Technical Institute (UTI) campus in Bloomfield, New Jersey, has opened UTI’s Welding Technology Training Program. The 36-week program teaches students soft and hard skills needed for welding in careers in industries, including automotive fabrication. The new welding lab features Lincoln Electric’s Virtual Reality Arc Welding Trainers, also known as the VRTEX welding simulator, featuring real-world welding and fume equipment in an engaging, gaming-inspired environment. For more information, visit uti.edu/programs/welding.

World Products
Lance Stillwell

World Products Appoints Lance Stillwell as Director of Operations

World Products has appointed Lance Stillwell as the director of operations. Stillwell will oversee the development and manufacturing of World Products’ engine blocks and cylinder heads, plus interact with customers. In 1997, Stillwell founded the parts provider and engine builder Motorsports Unlimited in Terra Haute, Indiana. Today, he has more than 25 years of engine machining experience and in-depth knowledge of World Products’ product line, the company stated. For more information, visit worldproducts.net.

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.

Wed, 04/13/2022 - 16:34

SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Morimoto
’18–’21 Ford F-150 XB Amber
Morimoto
  • XB LED Lights: Require no maintenance, provide excellent forward illumination.
  • Raptor-inspired Amber DRL setup operate in two intensity settings: bright and brighter.
  • Quad LED project optics provide excellent width and distance without glare to oncoming traffic.
  • Direct replacement for factory with plug-n-play wiring
  • Produced from the best materials, backed by a five-year warranty, and designed to comply with all standards.
Continental
AHD Camera Systems
AHD Camera Systems

Continental expanded its line of vehicle camera systems its new Platform AHD (Analog High Definition) Camera Systems that are designed to enhance the driver’s view and improve fleet efficiency.

The AHD Camera Systems feature 2 Mega Pixel cameras with high image clarity and infrared lights for enhanced night vision. The camera line includes rear view and front and side view cameras. The displays work with both CVBS and AHD camera inputs. Video can be stored in a DVR for future driver analysis and training.

Offered with 7-in. and 10.1-in. AHD displays, the AHD Camera Systems can integrate seamlessly with Continental ultrasonic sensors to deliver back up detection that warns the operator of obstacles behind the vehicle. The cameras feature IP 67 enclosures that are waterproof and dust tight. The systems are available with dual voltage (12V and 24V) and offered in different cables sizes.

PPG
PPG ONECHOICE ADPRO MAX
PPG

PPG has launched its ONECHOICE ADPRO MAX pigmented adhesion promoter for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Featuring a time-saving one-coat application, the single-component undercoat eliminates the need to apply a sealer by providing exceptional topcoat adhesion to uncoated bumpers, fascias and other automotive plastics.

PPG OneChoice AdPro Max adhesion promoter comes in three colors: SU481LV White, SU485LV Gray and SU487LV Dark Gray. When blended, these colors can create up to five gray shades, ensuring optimal topcoat coverage. The adhesion promoter also can be topcoated after three to eight minutes of air dry depending on booth conditions, and it delivers excellent gloss holdout.

Detroit Speed
Detroit Speed Front 2.50-in. Drop Spindle and Spindle Kit for ’67–’72 and ’73–’87 GM C10 2WD
Detroit Speed

Detroit Speed has released new drop spindles for GM trucks made between ’67 and ’87, and a brake booster for ’67–’72 GM trucks. Flowmaster has unleashed a full line of exhaust kits for the ’21–’22 Ford Bronco. Holley Classic Trucks has expanded their line of durable bed mats to cover GM and Ford applications, and Hooker BlackHeart has released a transmission crossmember hoop for Gen III Hemi-swapped Mopar A-Body vehicles that will be using the NAG1 five-speed automatic.  

Vossen Wheels
HF6-5
Vossen

The HF6-5 is Vossen's fifth Hybrid Forged six-lug design, further expanding the HF Series’ reach to the truck and SUV market. Utilizing the same Hybrid Forged process as the rest of the series, the HF6-5 is available in five standard finishes; sizes 20 in., 22 in. and 24. in.

The robotic custom HF program allows for personalized fitments and bolt patterns, specific to any six-lug vehicle make or model.

Wed, 04/13/2022 - 15:21

The GR Corolla is the newest platform that @Toyota USA has released and its proving to be as good is its siblings. Ryan Tuerck and his GR Corolla took pole and won @Formula DRIFT Streets of Long Beach. Here is a look inside his build.

Tue, 04/12/2022 - 16:38

By SEMA Editors

Companies that submitted an Exhibit Space Rental application and deposit for the 2022 SEMA Show prior to the April 4 deadline will choose the best locations for their Show displays during the Priority Space Selection process, which starts May 2 and concludes May 16.

Space Selection

Companies that submitted an Exhibit Space Rental application and deposit for the 2022 SEMA Show prior to the April 4 deadline will choose the best locations for their Show displays during the Priority Space Selection process, which starts May 2 and concludes May 16.

The selection process is based on exhibitor seniority, and each company will be contacted via email with their booth selection date and time range. The email will be sent to the person listed as the exhibitor’s primary SEMA Show contact.

About an hour prior to the time to select, exhibitors are encouraged to be prepared by viewing the 2022 Show’s online floorplan. Updated every 30 minutes, exhibitors can see as the Show begins to take shape and monitor their desired section to gain a general idea of where they want to display.

Prior to April 26, SEMA Show management will email each exhibiting company’s Show contact advising of the date and time assigned for their 2022 SEMA Show booth selection. Companies that have not received a correspondence by April 26 should contact sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.

During the exhibitor’s time to pick, a SEMA Show account representative will call the primary SEMA Show contact and help locate and assign the exhibit space that best suits the company’s needs. If the exhibitor wishes to change the primary contact for booth selection, a proxy form must be submitted 24 hours prior to the booth selection appointment.

Still Accepting SEMA Show Applications

Companies that missed the deadline to participate in the priority space selection are encouraged to submit a booth space application and reserve a spot at the 2022 SEMA Show. For complete exhibitor information for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com. To reserve your space for 2022 now, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

The 2022 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

Tue, 04/12/2022 - 12:54

Holley LS Fest Invades Texas Motor Speedway June 17-18, 2022

Holley’s next installment of its LS Fest series, Holley LS Fest Texas, will be held June 17–18, inside the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. The event will feature drifting, drag racing, burn-out contests, a show-n-shine, autocross, a dyno and more. LS Fest Texas drag racing will take place on pit road at Texas Motor Speedway, and will be a true no-prep-style 1/8th-mile drag race. Race cars, drift cars, street rods, rat rods, musclecars, trucks and late models powered by an LS engine are welcome at LS Fest Texas. Event/class champions will be crowned as well as an overall event champion for those that want to compete in multiple events. Participant packages and spectator tickets are available at lsfest.com

Hemmings Names Douglas R. Glad Head of Editorial

Hemmings has announced that President Jonathan Shaw has appointed Douglas R. Glad as head of editorial. Terry McGean, who has been acting as editor-in-chief since 2005, will remain at the company in an editorial capacity. Glad’s employment will commence this month. Glad has more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive publishing industry, including a decade of editorial planning and direction at automotive performance magazines and websites, most recently acting as group performance director, Motor Trend Group. Prior to that, Glad served as content director for the Mustang and Chevy groups at TEN: The Enthusiast Network, and as editorial director for HOT ROD magazine.  

As group performance director at Motor Trend Group, Glad successfully combined a group of leading performance and aftermarket brands into the HOT ROD Network. Before the creation of the HOT ROD Network, Glad grew the grassroots publication Car Craft magazine into a leader in the hands-on enthusiast space, and created the cult-classic magazine Elapsed Times.

Pam FirstPower Automedia Announces “PAM FIRST,” a New Education Webinar Series

Power Automedia has announced the creation of “PAM FIRST,” a new education webinar series. Taking inspiration from the editorial division’s annual seminar, “PAM FIRST” expands on the idea of continued education to provide a platform for this discourse to continue throughout the year. The webinars cover a variety of content-related topics and are open to all Power Automedia employees.

“PAM FIRST” is a monthly webinar series that covers a variety of topics, going beyond simply crafting digital content to include subjects on self development with the latest and most innovative techniques from world renowned thought-leaders. Each webinar comprises an hour-long presentation by a Power Automedia employee, followed by a question-and-answer session. The first webinar took place back in November 2021 and focused on stress management while later webinars in the series delved into subjects such as SEO, indoor photography tips, and even video production.

RWB Acquires PACRace Winning Brands Acquires PAC Racing Springs

Race Winning Brands Inc., a portfolio company of MiddleGround Capital, announced the acquisition of PAC Racing Springs (PAC), a leading manufacturer of high-performance valve springs serving the automotive and powersports performance and racing aftermarket. PAC represents the ninth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands.

PAC is headquartered and operates out of Southfield, Michigan, just outside the industry-famous “Motor City,” Detroit. With roots in engineering and manufacturing dating back over a century, PAC Racing Springs has combined their manufacturing expertise with involved, high-performance racing experience to focus on developing and producing best-in-class valve springs and valvetrain components.

PAC’s manufacturing and supporting operations will remain based out of the company's current Southfield, Michigan headquarters.

Meyer Distributing Announces Reading, Pennsylvania, Location

Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its Reading, Pennsylvania, location. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer's East Hanover, New Jersey, and Scranton, Pennsylvania, distribution hubs, which house some of the largest inventories of automotive, RV and marine accessories and replacement parts as well as outdoor lifestyle, janitorial/sanitation and industrial products in the region.

VP Racing Fuels Announces Factory-Fill Agreement With Zenvo Automotive

Zenvo

Zenvo Automotive produces limited-edition hypercars in Denmark.

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced an agreement with Zenvo Automotive to be the company’s official fuels and technical fluids partner. Zenvo Automotive is a producer of limited-edition hypercars based in Denmark. Founded in 2007, Zenvo was formed with the aim of combining the latest technologies and innovation with an analogue feel, offering the driver a true connection and performance. Production of all Zenvo models is limited to just five cars per year, all manufactured in Denmark and available to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

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.