By Fredy Ramirez, Jay Carpio, and Carr Winn

Just 21 years old, Christopher Polvoorde passed by friends, competitors, and some of his heroes, on his way to taking first place in the Hammers Toyo Tires Desert Challenge in the T2 class. SEMA News caught up to Polvoorde to talk about the experience.

Truly a challenge to even the most seasoned drivers, the course featured 227 miles of racing over both rocky terrain and high-speed areas. Polvoorde was thrilled to pilot his #94 Optima Batteries Ford Raptor across the finish line.

In a recent Toyo Tires press release, Polvoorde explained the challenges of the race. “This race throws every different type of terrain at you and it gets more challenging every lap,” said Polvoorde. “I am stoked to be able to have all the stars align and win the T2 class and 2nd overall."

For more information about the 2022 Progressive King of the Hammers, presented by Optima Batteries, please visit www.Ultra4Racing.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Destiny Skipper is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN), formerly Young Executives Network (YEN), newest spotlight member. Skipper is the marketing manager at Beta Tools—manufacturer of tools and instruments for a wide variety of working fields, including building, hydraulics, electrotechnics and the automotive industry.

Get to know Skipper in her Q&A with SEMA below.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Destiny Skipper: A very smart mentor with my former company once told me that if I eliminated the word “but” from my professional vocabulary, I’d find greater acceptance for my ideas and greater cooperation from my team members.

She said people would have a very different perception of me if I could change this one thing. The reason, she said, is because the word “but” negates everything that precedes it, and you cast a negative spin on anything you say when you use it. “But” is exclusive and isolating, “and” is inclusive and welcoming. She was absolutely right, and it’s advice I currently challenge myself and others around me to use every day!

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

DS: I love being part of an industry where I can continue to build on what I have learned over my 18-plus years of marketing and sales. In my current role, I can recognize industry evolution as it happens and work with new technologies that enable us to succeed within our business model. The pace of change also feeds into my competitive nature and drives me to meet each challenge with determination and perseverance.

Although each win is hard-fought, I feel the ever-growing resiliency inside of me and that motivates me to work harder and stay laser focused on continuous improvement.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

DS: I can be found camping. Spring, summer or fall—you will find me with my family somewhere in the Carolina’s primitive camping. My little girl is now almost seven years old and has been camping since she was one-and-a-half years old; she loves it more than I do, which is hard to believe. Something about being unplugged from life and being on the water with the peaceful sounds of nature helps me rest for the busy week ahead—clears my headspace to allow for all the new obstacles coming my way.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

DS: The first thing I ask myself is if we need to have this meeting or can it be resolved by an email or phone call. If the answer is no, then I make sure I communicate clear objectives along with the suggested agenda. In the email invite depending on the objective, I ask for any upfront input on topics I may have missed and/or feedback on any possible obstacles. This allows the participants to be engaged and make sure we are all invested in the key topics that will allow for a productive meeting. Lastly, I make sure I communicate what the desired outcome is and how it will impact all parties involved.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

DS: If I were able to have lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, I would choose Steve Jobs. He is a man of high character with a mind that is always pushing the limits. He had an idea that he wanted to bring to market and poured all his effort into getting it done. He surrounded himself with people who believed in his dream and who could play a role and take ownership of the plan’s success. It is amazing how he remained cutting edge for so long and formed an army of followers inside and outside of his company to believe in him and his direction.

One of my favorite business-related quotes coming from Steve states: “We don’t hire smart people to tell them what to do, we hire them so they can tell us what to do.” For someone at his level to have the understanding that it takes a team effort to achieve great things and that arrogance has no place is really telling. Later in life, he understood the sacrifices he made to win in the office and what he may have missed out on in other areas. With that said I would love to learn what his major takeaways were (or what he would do differently) since he did live that transition. We all understand work-life balance is a must. How do the greats do it?

If you are a current FLN member, fill out an FLN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on FLN’s social media, SEMA eNews and FLN member updates.

By Kyle Cheng

The monthly “SEMA Industry Indicators” report details how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy.

As we enter 2022, the overall economic outlook remains positive. While the economy would be bigger today had it not been hit by the pandemic, there was strong growth in 2021 and it is set to expand by 3.9% in 2022. That said, there are challenges on the horizon to keep an eye on: ongoing supply issues, coronavirus variants and high inflation.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and our industry, including:

• Overall economic outlook
• New-vehicle sales and statistics on auto-parts production
• Consumer sentiment and spending
• Economic growth and unemployment
• Other important industry insights

To learn more, download the January “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

Also from SEMA Market Research:

“SEMA Future Trends—January 2022.” In this report, SEMA Market Research provides its outlook for 2022 and beyond for the overall economy, the global supply chain and the specialty-equipment industry. This report also includes a deep dive into changing consumer demographics and its potential implications for the aftermarket in the future.

By Ashley Reyes

The deadline for applications to the Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Training Program is February 11, 2022. While space is limited, applications are still be accepted at FLN Professional Training.

The program is presented as part of FLN’s commitment to cultivating young talent and developing strong leadership skills. FLN partnered with the world-renown Dale Carnegie trainers to present members with the highly rated, research-based program at a significant cost savings. With decades of proven results, the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training Program is synonymous with leadership and success. FLN is subsidizing the cost of the program and making the program available to members at 50% off—a cost savings of $800. FLN is also providing complimentary hotel and meals for the entire two days of the program, taking place March 24–25 in Southern California.

While there are many courses that help individuals enhance their leadership skills, here are five reasons why members should take advantage of the FLN Program:

1. Designed specifically for the automotive aftermarket. 

The program is open only to FLN members, which consists of top technology, marketing and sales, operations and executive minds in the automotive industry. (Non-FLN members who meet qualifications are invited to join FLN at no cost.) Whether a member is an entrepreneur, business leader or actively pursuing a higher level of professionalism the specialty-equipment aftermarket, this program is specifically for aspiring leaders in the automotive workspace.  

2. Led by world renown Dale Carnegie trainers  

For years, the most successful individuals and organizations have turned to Dale Carnegie's books and seminars to help them reach new levels of advancement. “How To Win Friends and Influence People” essentially set the standard for interpersonal effectiveness, and the book continues to be as valid today as ever. Dale Carnegie’s methods and principles will help FLN members gain the confidence and tools to build relationships and drive results by gaining willing cooperation and commitment.

3. Cost savings of more than $1,000  

The same training program from Dale Carnegie $1,600, but available to FLN members at 50% of the cost and includes complimentary hotel and food for the two-day program in Southern California. (Participants will need to arrange their own travel to the event.)

4. Tailored courses for aspiring leaders  

The program is among the most highly rated training programs available and designed specifically for up-and-coming leaders. Whether you’re struggling with the transition from employee to supervisor, looking to gain skills as a business owner, or aspire to a C-Suite position, the program is proven to help with the skills most needed by new leaders:

• Communicating professionally and confidently in business situations.
• Engaging others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions and listening.
• Building relationships and dealing effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios.
• Gaining cooperation and influencing people, including direct reports, laterally and upward.
• Using emotional controls to sustain success.

5. Two days of high-collaborative industry interaction and networking

With limited participation, the program offers quality networking time and targeted conversations. Instructors hone in on the information more relevant to participants and engage with the group in a meaningful way. Participants are also able to connect and engage with others of like mind and make quality connections with individuals who have similar passions and goals.

FLN members are encouraged to sign up, and supervisors and business owners are encouraged to send their star employees. Deadline to take advantage of the discounted program is February 11.

Interested individuals can learn more or contact Denise Waddingham, FLN director, at deniselw@sema.org.

By Fredy Ramirez, Jay Carpio, and Carr Winn

From the moment the main gates opened for 2022 KOH on January 27, until February 5, when the last 4400 rig pulled back into Hammertown, there was non-stop music, vendors showing off new products and racing...lots and lots of racing.

One of the newest categories for drivers to tackle is the UTV competition, and more than 130 drivers lit out of Hammertown on February 3. The SEMA News team captured the moment Kyle Chaney took the checkered flag on the 2022 CAN-AM UTV Hammers Championship. Here’s a look at some highlights.

Next up was the 2022 4WP Everyman Challenge and in the Spidertrax 4600 Stock Class, Ford Performance drove three Broncos up to the podium. Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Loren Healy combined to take first place with Brad Lovell/Roger Lovell and Bailey Cole/Jason Scherer joining the group, completing a clean sweep in the class for Ford Performance. Here’s a look at the action on the course, and back in Hammertown.

Finally on Saturday, February 5, it was time for the 2022 Nitto Race of Kings. According to a Nitto press release, the King of the Hammers race is extremely hard on both drivers and equipment. This year Team Nitto Tires driver Raul Gomez was the first to the checkered flag taking the win by over 15 minutes ahead of the nearest competitor.

“We came out this year looking for a win- brought out a new car, did some testing and tuning, and got it dialed in for the race,” said Raul Gomez, pilot of the #83 Unlimited 4400 car. “One of the greatest things about working with Nitto for about five years now, is the confidence I have with their product and knowing I wouldn’t have any issues.”

Here’s some of the action from the Race of Kings, and an interview with Raul Gomez.

For more information about the 2022 Progressive King of the Hammers, presented by Optima Batteries, visit www.Ultra4Racing.com.

Oracle Red Bull Racing Unveils RB18 With Fan-Led Reveal

Oracle Red Bull Racing have revealed the car with which they will be contesting the 2022 Formula One World Championship—the RB18—in a collaborative broadcast with many of the team’s online followers. Christian Horner, Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez joined forces with the Oracle Red Bull Racing engineering team to reveal the 2022 car to the world in a fan-first experience. The launch was hosted from their technology campus in Milton Keynes and streamed by thousands of fans.

15th North Carolina Motorsports Industry Awards Ceremony Set for April 19

The North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA) has announced the NC Motorsports Industry Ceremony will take place Tuesday, April 19, at Embassy Suites Ballroom in Concord in Concord, North Carolina. The ceremony will honor NASCAR Hall of Fame championship team owner and Pro Football Hall of Fame football coach Joe Gibbs with the Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award.  

A native North Carolinian, Gibbs will join motorsports notables such as Richard Petty, Richard Childress, Junior Johnson, O. Bruton Smith, H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, Ned Jarrett family, Dale Earnhardt, Benny Parsons, Mike Helton, Jeff Gordon, Roger Penske, Jack Roush, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Robert Yates as NCMA Achievement in Motorsports Tribute honorees.

Tickets are available for the dinner and awards ceremony and include single and table options. For more information, visit northcarolinamotorsportsassociation.org.

PPG Renews Sponsorship With Team Penske

PPG has announced that it will renew its sponsorship of Team Penske and two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden, who is set to drive the No. 2 PPG Chevrolet in 2022. PPG will once again sponsor Team Penske’s No. 2 Chevrolet, featuring the colorful new PPG livery unveiled in 2021. The car will be driven by Newgarden in eight NTT INDYCAR SERIES races this season. Newgarden, who has represented PPG on multiple occasions since joining the Penske team, claimed the INDYCAR SERIES Championship in 2017 and 2019. PPG’s longstanding relationship with Team Penske began in 1984 when PPG supported Penske’s numerous race cars. Today, PPG supplies refinish coatings for Penske Corporation’s racing, truck leasing and automotive collision-repair subsidiaries.

Alan Gow Reappointed President of the FIA Touring Car Commission

International motorsports governing body the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced Alan Gow has been reappointed as president of the FIA Touring Car Commission and the World Endurance Commission. With his role extended through 2023, Gow enters his 13th year as president of the FIA Touring Car Commission, the body that oversees the FIA-sanctioned touring car competitions. He also retains his position as a member of the World Endurance Commission, which he has held since 2018. This role will also extend through 2023. For more information, visit fia.com/commissions.

Boxing Legend Floyd Mayweather Forms NASCAR Team

Floyd “Money” Mayweather has partnered with Pit Viper to form The Money Team Racing (TMTR), which will make its NASCAR Cup Series debut with No. 50 Pit Viper Chevrolet at the Daytona 500 on February 20, 2022.

Legendary five-division world champion and boxing Hall of Famer Floyd “Money” Mayweather has partnered with sunglass giant Pit Viper to form The Money Team Racing (TMTR), which will make its NASCAR Cup Series debut with No. 50 Pit Viper Chevrolet at the Daytona 500 on February 20, 2022. Driver Kaz Grala will pilot the new NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet with an engine from ECR Engines. Calling the shots from the pit box will be NASCAR Cup Series winning crew chief Tony Eury Jr. The co-owner of TMT Racing, William Auchmoody, an associate of Mayweather’s and a longtime member of the NASCAR community, will serve as the team’s general manager. For more information, visit nascar.com and themoneyteamracing.com.

Ultra4, King Of the Hammers Announce EV Racing Program

Officials with Ultra4 Racing and King of the Hammers have announced the EV Spec Racing Program, an electric vehicle (EV) series that will compete with EV crate packages from Hypercraft and Dana Inc., along with supporting components from Yukon Gear and Axle and Holley/AEM. Eleven Ultra4 Racing teams have committed to the program to help develop and build EV-powered vehicles. The first race will take place in July 2022 in Attica, Indiana. For more information, visit ultra4racing.com.

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

Nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class are open at www.sema.org/hof.

Induction to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association and honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket over a long period of time.

“Our industry is fueled by nothing short of passionate and hard-working individuals. The SEMA Hall of Fame honors those whom without, our industry would not be what it is today,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership.

“The industry’s input in the selection process is an invaluable asset to the association in identifying deserving hall of fame inductees.”

Since its inception in 1969, 165 individuals have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, including:

• Agosta, Matt (Steele Rubber Products)
• Airheart, Bob (Bob Airheart Sales)
• Alderson, Don (Muldoon Engineering)
• Amato, Joe (Keystone Automotive Warehouse)
• Appelgate, Brian (B&M Racing & Performance)
• Arias Jr., Nick (Arias Pistons)
• Arkus-Duntov, Zora (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Ayres, Joel (Automtoive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation)
• Babcox, Tom (Babcox Publications)
• Baney, Lou (SEMA)
• Barnett, Don (Speed Warehouse)
• Barris, George (Barris Kustom Industries)
• Barsamian, Rich (Advanced Clutch Technology Inc.)
• Bartlett, John (Grant Piston Rings)
• Baskerville, Gray (Hot Rod Magazine)
• Belond, Sandy (Belond Mufflers)
• Bingham, Jim (Winners Circle Speed & Custom Inc.)
• Black, Keith (Keith Black Racing Engines)
• Bleiweis, Raymond (Rocket Industries)
• Blum, Charles R. (SEMA)
• Bobins, Chuck (CB Sales)
• Bolio, Steve (Scafidi-Bolio & Associates)
• Borick, Louis (Superior Industries)
• Borré, Dan (Keith Black Performance Inc.)
• Borré, Jim (Manik Motors)
• Brock, Ray (Petersen Publishing)
• Brothers, Paul "Scooter" (Competition Cams, Inc.)
• Brown, Ray (Superior Industries)
• Cahill, Robert (Chrysler Corp., Mopar Division)
• Campbell, Ben, Nighthorse (Senator)
• Card, Charley (Honest Charley's)
• Carleton, GiGi (Robert E. Petersen Foundation)
• Cepek, Dick (Dick Cepek Inc.)
• Chandler, Bob (Bigfoot 4x4 Inc.)
• Chapouris, Pete (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Chrisman, Art (Chrisman’s Auto Rod Specialist – CARS)
• Coddington, Boyd (Boyds Wheels)
• Coker, Corky (Coker Tires)
• Coleman, Ron (Competition Cams)
• Cook, Bob (Book Cook Sales)
• Cornelison, Nile (Direct Communications Inc.)
• Cozzie, Jim (Brenton Productions Inc.)
• Crane, Harvey J. (Crane Cams)
• Crower, Bruce (Crower Cams)
• Day, Dick (Petersen Publishing Co.)
• Deane, Russ (SEMA General Counsel)
• Deist, Jim (Deist Safety Equipment)
• Diamond, Murray (Plasticolor Molded Products)
• Douglass, Howard (Douglass Mufflers)
• Eatherly, Donnie (P&E Distributors Inc.)
• Economaki, Chris (National Speed Sport News)
• Edelbrock Jr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Edelbrock Sr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Elliott, Ed (Elliott-McMullen Advertising)
• Elliott, George (Argus Publishers)
• Evans, Doug (Bonnier Corporation)
• Faulk, Amy (Hypertech Inc.)
• Fishel, Herb (The Business of Motorsports)
• Foose, Chip (Foose Design)
• Foote, George (Karbelt Speed & Custom)
• Foulger, Donna Imrie (SEMA)
• France Sr., Bill (NASCAR)
• Funfar, Run (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Gage, Dennis (MadStache Inc.)
• Gaines, John (G&M Performance Parts)
• Garlits, Don (Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing)
• Garner, Willie (Trans-Dapt)
• Giampetroni, Angelo (Ford Motor Company)
• Goldberg, Harvey (Goldberg Marketing Inc.)
• Goldstein, Jack (Jack Goldstein & Associates)
• Granatelli, Andy (Consultant)
• Grant, Eric
• Halibrand, Ted (Halibrand Engineering)
• Harman, Kenny (Harman Collins Inc.)
• Harris, Jack (Rush Sales)
• Hart, C.J. (Lion's Drag Strip)
• Hart, Jack (NHRA)
• Hays, Bill (Centerforce Clutches)
• Hedman, Bob (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Heffington, Mark (Hypertech Inc.)
• Hibler, Harry (Nanotech Fuel Corp.)
• Hilborn, Stuart (Fuel Injection Engineering Co.)
• Hiltz, Stan (Thrush Mufflers)
• Holding, Dennis (Direct Parts Inc.)
• Hooker, Gary (Hooker Headers)
• Hrudka, Joe (Mr. Gasket Co.)
• Hurst, George (Hurst Shifters)
• Iskenderian, Ed (Isky Racing Cams)
• Kagan, Leo (Amco Manufacturing)
• Kawasaki, Wade (Coker Group)
• Keller, Bob (Turbonetics, Inc.)
• Kerr, Jim (Jim Kerr & Associates)
• Konblett, Sheldon (SC Performance)
• Kuhns, Arnold (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Lahmann, Butch (American Specialty Equipment)
• Larivee Sr., Bob (Promotions Inc.)
• LeSage, Burke
• Leslie, Roy (Kenz & Leslie Accessories Ltd.)
• Light, Jerry (Speed Warehouse)
• Lipper, Ray (Center Line Wheel Corp.)
• Lohn, Els (Ansen Enterprises)
• Mallory, Boots (Mallory Ignition)
• Martin, Dick
• Maxwell, Dick (Chrysler Corporation)
• McClelland, Dave (Diamond P Sports)
• McFarland, Jim (AutoCom)
• McJannett, Bob (Performance Improvements)
• McMullen, Richard
• Meguiar, Barry (Meguiar’s)
• Menzler, John (COMP Performance Group)
• Moon, Dean (Moon Equipment Co.)
• Moore, Marla (Coker Tire)
• Moroso, Dick (Moroso Performance Products)
• Offenhauser, Fred (Offenhauser Equipment Corp.)
• Olson, Carl (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Parks, Wally (NHRA)
• Patteri, Robert (Patteri Sales)
• Perry, Bill (Bill Perry and Associates)
• Petersen, Robert E. (Petersen Publishing)
• Piggins, Vince (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Pink, Ed (Ed Pink Racing Engines)
• Pisano, Joe (Venolia Pistons)
• Prudhomme, Don (Don Prudhomme Racing)
• Raleigh, Don (Don's Speed Shop)
• Reed, Alan (IMARC)
• Richter, Roy (Cragar Industries)
• Rifchin, Marvin (M&H Tires)
• Roberts, Red (McLeod Industries)
• Rollins, Rick (Superchips, Inc.)
• Scafidi, John (Hurst Shifters)
• Schiefer, Paul (Schiefer Equipment Co.)
• Schubeck, Joe
• Schwartz, Chuck (ConvExx)
• Senter, Louis (Senter Engineering Corp.)
• Shedden, Tom (Cragar Industries)
• Shelby, Carroll (Shelby Automotives)
• Shelton, Nate (B&M Automotive Group)
• Sigman, Ben (Sigman-Pittman)
• Simmons, John (SECO Performance Centers)
• Simpson, Bill (Simpson Racing Products)
• Smith, Bill (Speedway Motors)
• Smith, Don (High Performance Distributors)
• Spar, Bob (B&M Automotive)
• St. Lawrence, Joe (RTM Studios)
• Stroppe, Bill (Bill Stroppe & Son)
• Thompson, Mickey (Mickey Thompson Enterprises)
• Thomson, Chris (TMG Performance Group)
• Towle, John (Performance Warehouse Association)
• Van Cleve, Charlie (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Van Cleve, Dick (Van Cleve & Associates)
• Vandergriff, Robert (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Vaughn, Jim (Mr. Phone)
• Vaughn, Linda (Hurst Performance Products)
• Warn, Thurston (Warn Industries)
• Weber, Harry (Weber Cams)
• Weiand, Joan (Weiand Industries)
• Weiand, Phil (Weiand Automotive Industries)
• Wells, Dick (SEMA)
• Winfield, Ed (Winfield Carburetors)
• Wirth, Jim (Wirth & Wirth Advertising)
• Woodell, Van (Weathers Auto Supply)
• Woomer, Steve (Competition Specialties)
• Worthan, Rolan “Jeep” (Auto Meter Products, Inc.)
• Xydias, Alex (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Yunick, Henry “Smokey”

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction. Nominations are open until March 18, 2022, and can be submitted here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, Project Manager-Recognition Programs, at chriss@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

By Ashley Reyes

Four iconic industry builders gathered during the recent SEMA Show for a rare discussion about the restoration industry, including the current state and its future.

Watch the recording of the seminar, “Restorations to Restomods Builder Panel—Powered by the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO),” now at www.semashow.com/education. Hosted by Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars, the seminar features famed television personality Ant Anstead of Radford; Bob Smith “The Ferrari King” of Bob Smith Coachworks; and award-winning builder and innovator Steve Cook of Steve Cook Creations.

Hosted by Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars, the seminar features famed television personality Ant Anstead of Radford; Bob Smith “The Ferrari King” of Bob Smith Coachworks; and award-winning builder and innovator Steve Cook of Steve Cook Creations.

Viewers will hear the panel open up and share their personal experiences on getting started in the business, running their shops, keeping employee accountability, choosing and firing the right customers and mastering a niche within the restoration market.  

“If you’re a builder, you might be doing something today that you’re not going to do tomorrow. […] What is that, in your wildest dream, what you want to be building? That might not be what you’re building today and that’s okay because we all have to start somewhere. We evolve, we grow, we learn and we develop,” said Johnson. “You have to know where you are today and become a master of the moment. […] Mastering the moment, knowing where you are, knowing what gets you going, do that, but also avail yourself for tomorrow.”

The seminar recording is one of many available at www.semashow.com/education. New recordings are added weekly. Other recently added seminars include:

• The Globalization of Overlanding: How Retailers and Manufacturers Can Capitalize on the Worldwide Phenomenon of Overlanding.
• Women Who Rule Racing, Powered by SBN.
• Challenges to Modding the Modern Powertrain, Powered by ETTN.
• How to Use Facebook and Instagram to Find Customers and Increase Sales.

Visit www.semashow.com/education to view and access the entire collection.

Real-world testing of the next-gen Range Rover Sport is long underway, and spies in Germany have caught shots of a prototype wearing a lot less camouflage than ever before. The new Range Rover Sport could arrive about a year after the “standard” Range Rover, with the grand unveiling around the end of this year.

Evidence gathered from prototype sightings like this suggests that the Range Rover Sport will yet again assume the role of a younger sibling of the Range Rover. At least the stately proportions and signature design cues would be retained. Progress will be evolutionary on the looks, although that’s exactly what loyal customers would seek in the subsequent model generation.

The next-gen Range Rover Sport has visibly short overhangs compared to the next-gen Range Rover. Another difference between the SUVs is a strongly tapering tail on the Sport. Using a softer roof and a different tail, JLR can disguise the 5+2 SUV as a sporty five-seater.

More extensive changes could be seen on the inside, although JLR designers may repeat the classical SUV elements, such as chunky four-spoke steering, a chunky dashboard, vertical AC vents and the Pivi Pro infotainment system’s 11.4-in. screen. More information on the interior is bound to emerge later this year when the bigger Range Rover is previewed.

The RR Sport will be underpinned by the new Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) platform that was supposed to debut in the next-gen Jaguar XJ, which was cancelled early this year. The MLA platform supports full electrification. So, a Range Rover EV/Range Rover Sport EV should follow in a few years. At launch, partial electrification should be standard across the range, with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies.

The next-gen Range Rover Sport will arrive as the ’23 model, likely in the second half of this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

How does a bill become a law? That question is like someone asking how to build a winning racecar; it’s a little bit more complicated than it may first appear. There are several ways to get it done, and it’s certainly harder to do than one would hope. It also takes more time and more money than you initially thought.     

A bill, just like a racecar, starts with an idea. The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act, known as the RPM Act, started as a simple idea: to protect Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars and the motorsports industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.    

This video explains the paths a bill can take to become a law and the possible obstacles along the way: 

If you support the RPM Act and want to see this critical bill become a law, SEMA urges you to share this video with several of your friends, write letters to your lawmakers telling them to pass the bill and do everything in your power to keep the RPM Act top of mind until it becomes a law.    

If you love racing, the RPM Act is critical to protect Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars, and the motorsports parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.   

For more information, visit saveourracecars.com.  

The RPM Act is one of the many advocacy efforts supported by SEMA. For more information on SEMA membership for business, visit www.sema.org/get-involved. For information on SEMA’s individual membership, visit www.sema.org/individual-membership/.