Martinsville Speedway and Richmond Raceway have announced that
they will host a limited amount of fans in the grandstands when
NASCAR visits in 2021.
Limited Fans for NASCAR Races at Martinsville, Richmond
A pair of speedways in Virginia have announced that they will host a limited amount of fans in the grandstands when NASCAR visits in 2021. Martinsville Speedway will allow a reduced number of fans throughout its first-ever three-race weekend of night races, April 8–10. The half-mile short track is set to host the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 200 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race on Thursday, April 8, followed by the Cook Out 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash race on Friday, April 9, and the Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500 NASCAR Cup Series race on Saturday, April 10.
Richmond Raceway, celebrating its 75th anniversary, will also host a reduced number of fans for the Toyota Spring Race Weekend, April 17-18. The short track will host the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Saturday, April 17, followed by the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 18. It will be the first time the track has hosted fans in 18 months. For more information, visit martinsvillespeedway.com and richmondraceway.com.
Formula Americas Announces Two Key Members
Formula Americas Super GP has added two key hires. Ian Brown has been appointed as the chief engineer, while C.M. Land will serve as technical director/crew chief for the championship series. The Formula Americas Super GP Championship presented by Pirelli is a professional, arrive and drive, open-wheel competition with visits to Palm Beach International Raceway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Road America.
Permatex Promotes Eva Pitts to Director of Sales for Traditional and International Business
Permatex has promoted Eva Pitts to director of sales. In her new role, Pitts will manage Permatex’s traditional and international businesses, driving continued growth through strong sales programs, new product initiatives, and customer partnerships. Pitts joined Permatex’s parent company, ITW, in 2015 as brand manager for Rain-X wiper blades and appearance products with the car care division in Houston. She was promoted to group brand manager in 2017 and oversaw the launch of Rain-X Silicone AdvantEdge wipers blades. In 2019, Pitts transitioned into operations with the engine repair division, where she served as quality and EHS manager at Permatex’s Solon, Ohio, facility. Prior to joining ITW, Pitts worked in brand management at The Boston Beer Company.
Yamaha Delivers Essential Support to Public Lands for Outdoor Recreation
Yamaha Motor Corp. USA has announced the completion of the 2020 Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) grant cycle with funding decisions for the fourth quarter. In total, Yamaha granted more than $350,000 in 2020 while supplying essential support to public lands providing vital access to outdoor recreation across the country. The Yamaha OAI program continues to lead the powersports industry in providing direct monetary support to grassroots efforts helping to protect, expand and improve entry to public spaces off-road for motorized recreation.
“The pressure on public lands during the pandemic has been enormous due to people finding solace outdoors. Their adventures gave off-road enthusiasts a much-needed breather from the stress we’ve all experienced over the past year,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s Motorsports marketing manager. “Public land belongs to everyone and we all have a responsibility to take care of it. Yamaha is proud to continue supporting our riders’ favorite outdoor activities, including OHV riding, hunting, camping and fishing, through the Outdoor Access Initiative.”
The fourth quarter 2020 Yamaha OAI grants totaling more than $90,000 were awarded to the following organizations:
Blue Ribbon Coalition – Pocatello, Idaho
East Branch Sno-Rovers & ATV Club – Medway, Maine
Idaho Single Track Alliance – Idaho Falls, Idaho
Reno Area Dirtriders – Reno, Nevada
Swampsiders Snowmobile Club – Bigfork, Minnesota
For more than 12 years, Yamaha has issued quarterly grants to non-profit organizations supporting the needs of riding groups, outdoor enthusiasts, land stewardship organizations and public land managers to improve access to public land for outdoor recreation. Since inception, Yamaha contributed over $4.5 million in aid to more than 380 projects across the nation.
The deadline for submission to the second quarter 2021 funding cycle for the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative is June 30, 2021, and applications must be postmarked by then. Submission guidelines and applications are available at YamahaOAI.com. Connect with Yamaha on social media via @YamahaOutdoors or search any of the following hashtags on all platforms: #Yamaha #YamahaOAI #REALizeYourAdventure #ProvenOffRoad.
The Hurco Field Service Apprenticeship (FSA) is a two-year program,
beginning with a 12-week industry training that merges hands-on
training and repair of CNC machines with classroom materials.
Hurco North America Announces New Apprenticeship Program
Hurco North America has announced the launch of a new apprenticeship program. The Field Service Apprenticeship (FSA) is a two-year program, beginning with a 12-week industry training that merges hands-on training and repair of CNC machines with classroom materials. While candidates with a degree or working toward one are encouraged to apply, candidates who are mechanically inclined with no industry or engineering experience are also encouraged to apply for the FSA.
Field service engineers will ultimately be ambassadors for Hurco Companies, Inc.—working to provide technical support, training and service of state-of-the-art CNC machines at customers’ facilities across the country. Continuous training on emerging technologies in CNC controls, robot integration, 5-axis machine, and multi-spindle lathe installation, repair, and applications will also be provided after completion of the apprenticeship. The FSA program will take place at Hurco’s headquarters in Indianapolis. For more information, visit hurco.com/apprentice.
QA1 Acquires Gerst Tubular Suspensions
QA1 has announced the expansion of its classic Mopar suspension line with the acquisition of Gerst Tubular Suspension, a manufacturer of coil-over systems for classic Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler platforms. Gerst has produced classic Mopar coil-over systems, including Mopar A, B & E body systems, and D-100 truck systems, for nearly a decade. The acquisition pairs Gerst’s Mopar products with the manufacturing capability and distribution of QA1, the provider of suspension solutions for American musclecars. QA1’s facility in Lakeville, Minnesota, enables expanded and efficient production.
DPI Off-Road Brands Acquires J.T.’s Parts & Accessories Inc.
DPI Off-Road Brands has announced the acquisition of J.T.’s Parts & Accessories Inc.—the manufacturer of the Nitro Gear & Axle brand. J.T.’s Parts & Accessories and Nitro Gear & Axle will operate as a division of DPI Off-Road Brands. Nitro Gear & Axle offers ring-and-pinion sets, semi- and full-float rear axles, C-Clip rear axles, front axles, full and mini spools, pinion yokes and more. The brand was one of the first to offer one-part-number front and rear gear packages and has won three SEMA Global Media Awards in 2016 for its UAZ 5.14 ratio gears. DPI Off-Road Brands includes Daystar Products International, Performance Accessories, Tuff Country, Leveling Solutions, Revtek, VooDoo Offroad, MCE Fenders, and HCT.
Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) has announced several organizational changes, including Jeff Barna’s promotion to president and CEO. Barna, a managing officer of Yokohama Rubber (YRC), joined YTC as COO in 2017, and was named president of YTC in 2018. This latest promotion will allow Barna greater oversight of YTC’s U.S.-based operations, including the Yokohama Development Center America (YDCA) in Cornelius, North Carolina.
Shinichi Takimoto, the senior managing officer of YRC and current CEO of YTC, will retain his role as chairman of YTC, as well as president and CEO of Yokohama Corporation of North America (YCNA), chairman of Yokohama Tire Canada (YTV), and chairman of Yokohama Tire Mexico (YTMX).
Additional organizational changes include the following:
Takehisa Morimoto is the new chairman and president of Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi (YTMM). Morimoto, who formerly held a role at Yokohama’s consumer tire plant in Salem, Virginia, and is currently president of Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Thailand (YTMT), replaces Hikomitsu Noji, who will return to YRC as a senior advisor.
Tom Kenny, currently the senior director of research and development at YDCA, has been promoted to vice president of YDCA. Kenny will now report directly to Barna.
Jeremy Kahrs has been promoted from the director of technical services at YDCA to senior director of technical services. Kahrs will continue to report to Kenny.
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.
Proposal submissions are now being accepted that reflect current
trends, ideas and discoveries within the automotive aftermarket and
performance racing industries.
SEMA and PRI provide an unparalleled platform for innovative thinkers to share their ideas, technologies and industry expertise. Education proposal submissions are now being accepted that reflect current trends, ideas and discoveries within the automotive aftermarket and performance racing industries.
Program Audiences (but not limited to): Automotive small business owners, racing businesses, team owners, managers and employees.
Topics of Interest (but not limited to): Business Management, Sales & Marketing, Advanced Vehicle Technology, Trends & Research, Sponsorship, Building Brands/Branding, Digital Marketing and Industry Segment Specific Topics.
2021 SEMA-PRI Year-Round Virtual Education
Program Details: In an effort to provide further value to members, SEMA and PRI are building a robust virtual education program that members can take advantage of year-round. If selected, SEMA will schedule your session according to availability.
2021 SEMA Show Education (Submission Deadline: February 4, 2021)
Show Details: November 1-5, 2021, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
2021 PRI Show Education (Submission Deadline: April 4, 2021)
Show Details: December 9-11, 2021, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
To be considered for an education seminar, submit your proposal by selecting “Create Proposal” below.
To resume a proposal, enter your login details below under “Manage Existing Proposal” to pick up where you left off.
For more information on the selection process, how to navigate through the submission process or frequently asked questions click here to view the Speaker FAQ sheet. (opens new window)
If you have an idea for a topic that would benefit the industry, we’d like to hear from you!
SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies each week. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.
Edge Products
L5P Duramax Pulsar V3
The all-new, redesigned, L5P Duramax Pulsar V3 now supports up to the ’21 model year, building on the potential of the original Pulsar for L5P, and features an entirely redesigned performance strategy.
Pulsar now adjusts four major components to build power safely: injection pulse width, injection timing, fuel rail pressure, and airflow. We’ve also revamped our shift strategy for improved shifting across the board. The new V3 performance strategy adds 50% more power as compared to the original with up to 135 hp and 293 TQ to the tires.
Dana Incorporated has added new SPL 140SFX service-free u-joints for medium-duty applications to its complete portfolio of Spicer Life Series service-free u-joints for commercial vehicles.
The new Spicer SPL140SFX eliminates the zerk hole lube drill and tap, and includes a tube of Spicer ultra-premium synthetic grease that is compatible with all NLGI-2 greases and professional-grade quality, even at high temperatures. Once the grease is applied, the SPL140SFX is lubricated for the life of the u-joint, resulting in less maintenance, reduced downtime, and lower overall operational costs over time.
DENSO
PowerEdge DPFs and DOCs for 2007-Newer Class 8 Trucks
DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. (DPAM), an affiliate of leading global mobility supplier DENSO Corp., has expanded its PowerEdge brand of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) to cover nearly all ’07 and newer Class 8 trucks on the road today. Premium PowerEdge diesel aftertreatment products increase fuel efficiency while cutting emissions by trapping soot, a byproduct of diesel engines.
The expanded PowerEdge Diesel Aftertreatment line now features 70 DPFs offering more than 98% coverage of the market and 92 DOCs with more than 80% coverage for a total of 162 part numbers, nearly double the 2020 program. DPFs capture 85% of particulates from truck exhaust, and the capture rate is even higher when DPFs are used in combination with DOCs.
All PowerEdge DPFs and DOCs for the heavy-duty market are backed by a three-year/unlimited mileage warranty. All units come with the gaskets, clamps or hardware required for true plug-and-play installation. DENSO covers the shipping costs when four or more units are shipped together.
Owners of ’02-’12 Chevy/GM pickups equipped with the 6.6L Duramax engine, as well as those with ’89-’12 Dodge/Ram pickups with 5.9 or 6.7L Cummins engines, can turn to Boostline’s new diesel connecting rods to handle serious increases in power and boost.
Forged from ultra-strong 4340 steel alloy, these rods feature Boostline’s patented 3-pocket design that provides a 60% improvement in bending strength and a 20% stress reduction compared to conventional H-beam designs. The rods are fitted with 12mm ARP2000 fasteners that are rated at 220,000 psi tensile strength, and the larger diameter contributes to a 23% greater clamping force than with 7/16-in. ARP2000 bolts.
Extensively dyno-tested with sustained loads in excess of 2,000 lb.-ft. torque, these new Boostline connecting rods are proven reliable in high boost applications. Manufactured to exceptionally close tolerances, the rods are QC checked for consistency by means of a 25-point CMM inspection.
Whether you’re hitting the open road on a motorcycle, heading off-road on an ATV, or hitting the wave on a jet ski, CTEK’s new POWERSPORT Kit makes sure your battery is charged and ready to go.
The new CTEK POWERSPORT Kit contains a CT5 POWERSPORT battery charger and maintainer, a CTEK Comfort Connect 8.2-ft. quick-connect extension cable, and a CTEK-branded neck gaiter.
CTEK’s CT5 POWERSPORT is specifically designed for powersport vehicles. The CT5 POWERSPORT is a 12-volt, 2.3-amp battery charger and maintainer. With dedicated programs for lead-acid and lithium (12V LiFePO4) batteries, you can get the best performance out of your powersport vehicle whether you’re on land, water, snow or ice.
The charger is splash and dustproof, designed to protect vehicle electronics and non-sparking, reverse polarity protected and short-circuit proof.
In addition, the CTEK Comfort Connect 8.2-ft. cable included in the POWERSPORT Kit extends the reach of your charger meaning you can still charge your powersport vehicle even if it’s tucked away at the back of your garage or shop.
The CTEK neck gaiter is a POWERSPORT Kit exclusive and unavailable for purchase elsewhere. The neck gaiter can help protect your face and neck from the elements while riding.
The SDC Data Excellence recognizes the companies that have worked with SDC to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SDC members that have achieved data excellence.
AMP Research
Powerstep Extreme Running Board
The PowerStep Xtreme is for extreme conditions for those owners who live and work in challenging environments. Made specifically for extreme environments, sub-zero winters, mud-caked rockers; AMP Research PowerStep Xtreme is designed to hold up to the extreme because of its dual motors. It is built extra powerful to hold up to the demands.
Hi-Lift
Patriot Edition Jack (Supporting The Hope For The Warriors Foundation)
The Hi-Lift Patriot Edition Jack is an all-cast jack constructed with cast iron components for ultimate strength and durability. A portion of the proceeds for every Hi-Lift Patriot Edition Jack sold goes to Hope for the Warriors—a national nonprofit organization in the United States that provides assistance to combat wounded service members, their families and families of those killed in action.
The Hi-Lift Patriot Edition Jack features a blue powder coated finish with zinc-plated hardware, white, powder-coated two-piece handle and socket is durable and red Handle-Keeper.
A market leader in innovative LED lighting solutions has announced the launch of its new fiber-optic dash kits. The special side-ring fiber optic cables have an integrated edge to make installation easy on any vehicle. This integrated edge is inserted between interior body panels in your vehicle including door panels, dashboard, headliner, console and more. The fiber can even be stitched into fabric on custom upholstery. This is a universal product and is simple to install in most cases.
Over the past few weeks, Congress has seen an outpouring of support for the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act” (RPM Act). The racing community and the motorsports parts industry have blanketed Congressional offices with nearly 900,000 letters in support of the RPM Act. SEMA thanks everyone who has taken time to submit a letter to their lawmakers, as it is imperative that members of Congress are reminded that they must act to protect racing from EPA overreach. Please keep up the momentum, tell Congress to Save Our Racecars.
SEMA is currently working with the RPM Act’s strongest supporters in Congress to officially reintroduce the bill in a way that maximizes its chances of becoming law. We are also working with congressional offices that support the RPM Act to find other pathways to enact it. Last week, six U.S. Senators requested that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee include the RPM Act in the highway bill, which must become law before the current authorization expires on September 31, 2021.
Passing the RPM Act is SEMA’s top federal legislative priority, as federal statute must clarify that it is legal to make emissions-related changes to a street vehicle for the purpose of converting it into a dedicated racecar. The RPM Act confirms that it is legal to manufacture, sell and install race parts. The legislation would also reverse the EPA’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act (CAA) does not allow a motor vehicle designed for street use—including a car, truck, or motorcycle—to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned for nearly 50 years until 2015 when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even though they are no longer driven on public streets or highways.
For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
On March 18, 2021, the California Coastal Commission voted unanimously to abolish off-highway vehicles (OHV) at California’s Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). The action was opposed by organizations representing the off-roading community, including SEMA and the SEMA Action Network (SAN), along with car clubs and individual enthusiasts. The Commission also voted to speed up the timetable for ending OHV access, from five years to three years.
The OHV community is reviewing options to address the action, including filing a lawsuit. Two California agencies with jurisdiction over Oceano Dunes have reached different conclusions on OHV access. The Commission cites environmental concerns as a reason to not renew the permit it issued more than 40 years ago granting OHV access. On the other hand, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) which manages the area in collaboration with the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, is currently reviewing public comments to its proposed Public Works Plan (PWP) for long-range management of the SVRA to include continued OHV access. The deadline for submitting comments on the draft PWP is April 19, 2021.
Oceano Dunes SVRA encompasses nearly 3,600 acres along the Pacific Ocean near San Luis Obispo, of which OHV use is now limited to 1,500 acres or less. Oceano Dunes became a state OHV park in 1974 and is the only such park on California’s coast. It has been enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts from across the country for decades under a permit first issued by the Commission in 1982.
OHV recreation is an important contributor to the local economy. While bringing pleasure to thousands of enthusiasts, the monies spent at area stores, motels, restaurants and gas stations support jobs and generate tax revenues. SEMA will continue to fight to keep Oceano Dunes as an OHV recreation resource.
For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
As previously reported, SEMA has intervened in an EPA enforcement case to protect the rights of racers.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, while acknowledging the fundamental issue raised by SEMA, declined to make a ruling in the lawsuit between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Gear Box Z. Inc. (GBZ). While pursuing GBZ for tampering allegations, the EPA made statements in its court filings that the Clean Air Act (CAA) does not allow a motor vehicle to be converted into a racing vehicle used solely for competition and that equipment installed to make the conversion is illegal. SEMA challenged this flawed interpretation of the CAA first made by the EPA in 2015 and now repeated in the court filing.
The Court ruled that the EPA produced evidence that the subject products sold by GBZ were being used on highway vehicles, with no evidence of use on motor sports vehicles. Therefore, lacking evidence of the converting of road vehicles to dedicated race cars, which would have necessitated the Court address the issue, the Court declined to rule on whether the CAA disallows conversions of street vehicles to dedicated racing machines.
While not settling the street-to-racecar conversion issue, SEMA’s filing of the amicus brief was impactful for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the need for the U.S. Congress to enact the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act” (RPM Act), bi-partisan legislation to clarify that it is legal to make such conversions and to produce, market and install racing equipment. Second, the Court’s opinion did offer some favorable language with the Court confirming that it is the EPA’s burden to produce evidence that emissions-related equipment is being used illegally on highway vehicles when making such a claim.
SEMA will continue to work tirelessly to settle the EPA’s overreach by passing the RPM Act.
It is said that Mark Twain is responsible for suggesting that one should “never discuss politics or religion in polite company.” If Mr. Twain were alive today, he would know that avoiding politics is next to impossible, especially if you are a SEMA member.
While politics may be a four-letter word in many households, the reality is that our industry’s future is at stake. Think that’s an exaggeration? Think again.
Our country has just been through a tumultuous election and soon, the politicians in Washington will decide the future of our industry.
EPA emissions compliance, zero-emissions vehicle mandates, vehicle data access and off-roading are all on the agenda. It’s essential that SEMA have a voice in each of these fights.
By law, SEMA may not use association funds to contribute to federal candidates. However, SEMA PAC allows the administrative and executive employees of SEMA-member companies to contribute their personal funds to help elect lawmakers who support our industry’s positions and initiatives.
Government rules require SEMA PAC to get each member company’s permission before it can ask their employees for support. That’s where you come in. It’s an easy process known as becoming prior approved, and it only takes seconds. To make things even easier for you, when you login, the form is partially filled out for you. Becoming prior approved never obligates you or your employees to contribute, but gives SEMA PAC permission to provide more information on its activities and to share strategies for strengthening the industry’s voice in Washington. Best of all, when you sign up, you’ll be among the first to receive the all-new SEMA PAC newsletter, which will launch later this spring.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Sandy Crespo-Mossi as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Crespo-Mossi is an operations manager at Oracle Lighting, a manufacturer of designer lighting products and technologies for the automotive powersports, motorcycle and marine markets.
Nominated for #SheIsSEMA by a colleague, Crespo-Mossi is admired as thoughtful, determined and someone who looks to find resolution and motivate company employees. Read about her contributions to the industry, below.
Q: How has Sandy contributed to Oracle Lighting? A: Sandy provides great synergy within our departments. She continues to put processes in place to help our departments function at a higher level.
Q: How has Sandy shown leadership in the industry or business? A: Sandy has grown with the company for nine years and strives to grow the business through organizational practices.
Q: Tell us a success story that you can share about Sandy. A: Sandy implemented a system recently within our company that is a search engine for answering every question you can image. This helps our team stay on top of our customers and provide quick and efficient solutions.
Q: Why do you think Sandy is a role model in this industry? A: She continues to implement processes that allow our business to run smoothly.
Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.
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