The ’21 Aston Martin DBX will be available for measuring, March
22–26, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.
In partnership with Aston Martin, the SEMA Garage has announced a Measuring Session for the ’21 Aston Martin DBX.
This event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the ’21 Aston Martin DBX, featuring:
A 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine.
Nine-speed automatic transmission.
Adaptive air suspension.
Electric anti-roll control system (eARC).
Aston Martin’s first full-size five-seat model.
Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will take place over one week with scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, your appointment will be time limited.
Week 1: March 22, 2021–March 26, 2021
*All registered attendees will be required to take an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment. The vehicle will be sanitized in between each appointment.
Turn 14 Distribution Adds Moroso Performance to Line Card
Turn 14 Distribution has expanded its product range with the addition of Moroso Performance Products catalog of equipment for racing and street performance to its line card. Moroso manufacturers more than 4,000 products, including deep-sump oil pans, electric water pumps tall valve covers, lightweight front drag tires and racing vacuum pumps.
Steve Whipple joined JEGS as its new director of private-
label sourcing.
Steve Whipple Joins JEGS Private Label Department
Longtime industry veteran Steve Whipple has joined JEGS as its new director of private-label sourcing, where he will work with racing manufacturers to help bring products to market through the JEGS brand. Whipple comes to JEGS from Edelbrock, where he had served as vice president of sales and marketing since joining the company in 1999. Prior to Edelbrock, Whipple was a general manager for Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS), and before that the national sales manager for Super Shops Inc. Whipple currently serves on SEMA’s Board of Directors, and previously on SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC).
VP Racing Fuels Names Freddie Turza Lubricants Sales Manager
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the appointment of motorsports veteran Freddie Turza as lubricants sales manager. Turza became part of the VP team in 2008 after a successful career as an engine builder in NASCAR with Richard Childress Racing, Labonte Racing, and as the head of Turza Racing Engines when he built race-winners for Billy Pauch, Craig VonDohren and many others. At VP, he was instrumental in introducing VP spec fuel to the Super DIRT Car Series, developed a global program with M-Sport, and has worked with OEMs, engine builders, tuners and racers around the world.
Dana Inc. announced that the company
has acquired Pi Innovo LLC, an
embedded software solutions and
electronic control units provider.
Dana Acquires Pi Innovo LLC
Dana Inc. announced that the company has acquired Pi Innovo LLC, an embedded software solutions and electronic control units provider for the light-, commercial- and off-highway markets. Dana had previously held a non-controlling interest in the company.
The software and controls expertise of Pi Innovo builds on Dana's capabilities in designing, engineering, and delivering complete vehicle integration for e-Propulsion systems.
PerTronix Performance Brands Acquires Taylor Cable
PerTronix Performance Brands has acquired Taylor Cable Products Inc., located in Grandview, Missouri. The announcement follows PerTronix’s acquisition of Aeromotive Inc. in November 2020.
Evolve Transporters Adds Marketing Exec to Team
Evolve Transporters, based in Painesville, Ohio, has announced Seth Kimberlin as its new director of partnerships. In his new position, Kimberlin will lead the management, collaboration, growth and development of relationships with race teams, sponsors and property partners. Kimberlin brings nine years of motorsports experience to the position, including his most recent stint at GMR Marketing managing the NASCAR Xfinity & Cup entitlements for Comcast. He also started his career overseeing client service and business development at Kentucky Speedway.
Covercraft has signed on as the title sponsor of the 2021
MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy
Mowers, Covercraft Stop 2–Lewis Smith Lake, March 11–14,
in Cullman, Alabama.
Covercraft Expands Sponsorship With Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) has announced that Covercraft has signed on as the title sponsor of the 2021 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Covercraft Stop 2–Lewis Smith Lake, March 11–14, in Cullman, Alabama. The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit is professional bass fishing’s premier five-fish-limit tournament series, showcasing a field of 163 of the top bass anglers in the world competing for up to $135,000 at each regular-season tournament and up to $235,000 at the Tackle Warehouse TITLE, the Pro Circuit Championship.
Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its London, Ontario, Canada, location. This is Meyer’s second location in the nation in addition to its Milton, Ontario branch.
The Tuning School Announces Changes for 2021
The Tuning School announced several company changes for 2021. The Tuning school has a new logo, new products in development, and a new building purchase that the company says will increase the quality of education for all students. The Tuning School is also developing live virtual training courses to accommodate all potential students.
Alex Goodemoot
Alex Goodemoot of N.A. Williams Selected as World Class Technician
Alex Goodemoot, regional manager for N.A. Williams, has been selected as a “World Class Technician,” by the Auto Care Association and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Goodemoot grew up in the industry, spending most of his childhood in his family’s Carquest store. Throughout his 20’s, he worked in multiple repair facilities as both a technician and manager, sharpening his skills as a technician. He has worked at every level from the jobber store, warehouse, installer and manufacturer.
The Auto Care Association and ASE work together to recognize professional technicians who have tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas to earn “World Class Technician” status. There are an estimated 879,000 technicians in the United States and approximately 250,000 of those techs are ASE certified. Goodemoot was one of only 42 individuals to earn “World Class Technician” recognition for 2021.
LSI Chemical Signs Trinidad and Tobago Distributor
LSI Chemical signed a new distributor for Trinidad and Tobago, and the country of Guyana, to the company’s rapidly growing roster of international distributors—TechMotive Imports. Located in San Juan, this distributor will immediately work with downstream companies in the oil and gas industry and automotive retail to promote and distribute LSI Chemical additives and specialty oils for a wide range of applications and markets. Serving customers throughout the Caribbean region, TechMotive specializes in innovative technology solutions and has a thriving compatible business, Maraj Air Conditioning Ltd., distributing automotive air conditioning and refrigeration parts and service since 1983, in addition to residential and commercial.
TechMotive specializes in improving lubricant, petrol, and diesel quality using cutting edge formulas derived from nano technology. TechMotive is now authorized to sell LSI Chemical oil and fuel additives as well as the full line of Hot Shot’s Secret products via retail in Trinidad and Tobago.
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.
Here’s the ’21 Ford F-150 Raptor riding on the 35s with new rims with a first look at the optional graphics package.
At the front, the package features a set of thick black graphics in the shape of lines on the hood accompanied by a set of thin white lines. The black graphics transition into “dots” as they reach the rear end of the hood. Things get a bit more interesting on the side of the box, where the thick black lines give way to a sparser pattern. The box also features the letters FP (with what appears to be a QR code tucked inside the P) for Ford Performance, the U.S. flag, and the number 03 to designate the third generation of the F-150 Raptor.
Looking at the rims, they appear to be an evolution from the rims found on the ’20 Raptor, which were also aluminum with a black machined finish. The difference between the 37s and 35s can be clearly seen, as the 35s on this Raptor still have a lot of room to encompass.
Expect official photos to be released in the coming weeks.
Here’s the ’21 Ford F-150 Raptor riding on the 35s with new rims with a first look at the optional graphics package.
At the front, the package features a set of thick black graphics in the shape of lines on the hood accompanied by a set of thin white lines. The black graphics transition into “dots” as they reach the rear end of the hood. Things get a bit more interesting on the side of the box, where the thick black lines give way to a sparser pattern. The box also features the letters FP (with what appears to be a QR code tucked inside the P) for Ford Performance, the U.S. flag, and the number 03 to designate the third generation of the F-150 Raptor.
Looking at the rims, they appear to be an evolution from the rims found on the ’20 Raptor, which were also aluminum with a black machined finish. The difference between the 37s and 35s can be clearly seen, as the 35s on this Raptor still have a lot of room to encompass.
Expect official photos to be released in the coming weeks.
The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.
They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.
SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
Submissions are still being accepted for SEMA-member companies to participate in the 2021 Ford Project Vehicle Program.
Open to SEMA-member company manufacturers, designers and/or retailers dedicated to supporting new product development, companies must be willing to actively promote the vehicle with their products through an established marketing plan and be financially capable of spending promotional dollars.
The Ford booth at the 2021 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to the OEM’s existing lineup. The provided links below will allow you to research these products as well as find high-resolution images for your proposal rendering.
Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2021 Las Vegas SEMA Show.
Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability Insurance, $3 million in automotive liability insurance, $1 million employer liability and demonstrate workers compensation coverage; an umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner’s discretion.
Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:
Product development.
Modifications to the vehicle.
Events (including dates, location and type of event).
Media exposure (originals or color copies).
Company advertising featuring the vehicle.
Social Media exposure with statistics.
A copy of your current vehicle registration.
Please submit Project Vehicle proposals to:
Ford Motor Company
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Nick Terzes and Kyle Ebner semainfo@ford.com
Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show to shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the specialty automotive market has to offer.
In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social-media influencers, ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.
Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.
Below are key dates that SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to mark on their calendars.
The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
The Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit are due May 7.
Dates for the SEMA Show Early Space Selection: June 7-23
L–R: Cody Fischer, Larson Miller, Lavon Miller and son Braxton, Lyn
Miller.
Hot Shot’s Secret-Sponsored Firepunk Diesel S10 Becomes the First-Ever Diesel to Achieve a 3-Second Pass
The Hot Shot’s Secret-sponsored Firepunk Diesel S10 truck added a new chapter to the drag-racing history books by being the first ever diesel-powered vehicle to run an 1/8th-mile pass in less than four seconds. Based out of Ohio, the Firepunk Diesel team brought the Hot Shot’s Secret-wrapped S10 to Georgia to compete on Lights Out 12 at South Georgia Motorsports Park, where participants raced for more than $120,000 in cash and prizes. Larson Miller from Firepunk Diesel was behind the wheel of the only diesel-powered vehicle in the Radial vs. The World Class. The Hot Shot's Secret-sponsored Firepunk Diesel S10 achieved the world’s first-ever three-second diesel pass with a time of 3.998 seconds at 182.67 mph. Click here for video footage of the record-breaking win.
CMS Announces 30% Capacity For Coca-Cola 600
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and state health officials have announced a plan to allow outdoor sports venues, including Charlotte Motor Speedway, to host events with fans up to 30% of their capacity. The announcement paves the way for a limited number of fans to be part of the action when NASCAR returns to the track for the first-ever tripleheader weekend–featuring the North Carolina Education Lottery 200, Alsco Uniforms 300, and the 62nd running of the Coca-Cola 600–at Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 28–30. The track will require health and safety protocols similar to those used during its Bank of Ameria ROVAL 400 event last fall, including mask requirements, cashless transactions and social distancing. For more information and tickets, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
Michelle Lackey Maynor
Alaska Raceway Park Names New President
Michelle Lackey Maynor has been promoted to president and majority owner of Alaska Raceway Park. Her promotion comes as current owners Karen and Earl Lackey transition to advisory roles. As president, Lackey Maynor will be responsible for all aspects of track operation for the NHRA- and NASCAR-sanctioned motorsports facility. In addition to running day-to-day operations, her duties include facility growth, event management, marketing and promotions, staffing, sponsorships, and community relations. Lackey Maynor has served as the operations manager of the motorsports facility in Palmer, Alaska, since 2016. She has worked in many different capacities at the track since joining in 1997.
Ferrari Commits to FIA WEC With New Hypercar
Ferrari has confirmed that it will enter the FIA World Endurance Championship’s new Hypercar category in 2023. The Italian automaker will return to the top class of endurance racing for the first time since 1973 and join the likes of Toyota, Glickenhaus, Peugeot, Porsche and Audi, which have all committed to the Hypercar category. The new-for-2021 Hypercar category is where teams and drivers can compete for overall championship victory in the FIA WEC and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
NHRA, Mattel Partner in the Fast Lane With Hot Wheels
NHRA and Mattel have announced their licensing partnership to develop collectible die-cast vehicles under the Hot Wheels brand, hitting stores in June. The new partnership will see die-cast versions of classic hot rods, including a ’74 Chevrolet Vega Pro Stock car and a ’71 Ford Mustang Funny Car. NHRA fans young and old can host their own drag races in living rooms across the world.
LIQUI MOLY Announced as Presenting Sponsor of the 9th Annual PASMAG Tuner Battlegrounds Championship
LIQUI MOLY will be the presenting sponsor for the ninth annual championship of PASMAG’s Tuner Battlegrounds (TBG). PASMAG's Tuner Battlegrounds is an online bracket-style tournament where automotive enthusiasts compete with their modified cars and trucks and vote for their favorite modified vehicles and builders. Featured at more than 30 in-person events each year, with winners receiving a print-feature, the annual championship culminates with the champion receiving the ultimate award: the front-cover of PASMAG. Competitors and voters also receive giveaways and awards from sponsors throughout the year.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would permanently protect more than one million acres in Colorado, 821,000 acres in California, 132,000 in Washington and more than one million acres in Arizona. The “Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act,” H.R. 803, will now advance to the U.S. Senate, although it is likely to be blocked given strong Republican opposition to the bill. The SEMA-opposed legislation is controversial because wilderness designations provide the highest level of permanent protection available, preventing the creation of roads and trails in addition to prohibiting logging, mining and drilling. Listed below are key bills that were included in H.R. 803:
The Colorado Wilderness Act protects more than 36 wilderness areas totaling 660,000 acres across Colorado to protect mid- and lower-elevation mountainous areas that are used for outdoor recreational activities and serve as critical habitats for a variety of plants and wildlife. More than two-thirds of the areas to be protected are already being treated as wilderness areas, including the Handies Peak, Dolores River Canyon and Little Bookcliffs.
The CORE Act, H.R. 577, would protect 400,000 acres in Colorado as wilderness and special recreation and conservation areas.
The Grand Canyon Protection Act, H.R. 1052, would permanently withdraw more than 1 million acres of federal land north and south of Grand Canyon National Park from eligibility for any future mining claims leaves valid existing claims intact.
The Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act, H.R. 878, would protect 306,500 acres in Northwest California by expanding nine existing wilderness areas and establishing eight new wilderness areas.
The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, H.R. 878, protects 287,500 acres in Central California. It would create two new potential wilderness areas and two new scenic areas in the Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain National Monument. The bill would also create a 400-mile hiking trail to connect the wilderness areas in the southern and northern portions of the Los Padres National Forest.
The San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act, H.R. 693, protects 139,700 acres in Southern California. The bill would expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, establish a new National Recreation Area, and designate approximately 30,659 acres as wilderness.
The Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act, H.R. 1075, would expand the existing Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Southern California by adding 191,000 acres of the Rim of the Valley Corridor.
The Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, H.R. 999, protects 131,900 acres in Washington State. It would designate 126,544 acres on the Olympic Peninsula as wilderness in addition to 5,346 as potential wilderness (this would be the first new wilderness designation in Olympic National Forest in nearly 30 years).
For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
USMCA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) effective July 1, 2020. All claims for lower tariff rates for exports to Canada and/or Mexico will need to be made using the new requirements called for under USMCA instead of NAFTA. Pictured here: A Canadian off-road distributor speaks at SEMA headquarters about the export opportunities in Canada during the 2019 Export Fair.
Products manufactured and sold within North America are eligible for preferential tariff treatment if they meet minimum content requirements as dictated by the new U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
This article answers questions SEMA News has received from SEMA-member companies about the details of the regulations under the new agreement, which took effect July 1, 2020, and the documentation required when exporting your products to Canada and Mexico.
LSI Chemical Signs Trinidad and Tobago Distributor
The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Submissions are still being accepted for SEMA-member companies to participate in the 2021 Ford Project Vehicle Program.
Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show to shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the specialty automotive market has to offer.
USMCA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) effective July 1, 2020. All claims for lower tariff rates for exports to Canada and/or Mexico will need to be made using the new requirements called for under USMCA instead of NAFTA. Pictured here: A Canadian off-road distributor speaks at SEMA headquarters about the export opportunities in Canada during the 2019 Export Fair.