By Ashley Reyes

With 165 individuals inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame since its inception in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor reserved for few. Its members represent top contributors, leaders and influencers in what is now a $44.6 billion industry and spans across all seven continents in the world.

Nominations for the next SEMA Hall of Fame member, which are currently being accepted at www.sema.org/hof, may seem daunting, but it’s critical for organizers to obtain recommendations and details from the industry at large.

For the members who are inducted each year, the SEMA Hall of Fame is a meaningful accolade to recognize their significant contributions.

Joe St. Lawrence, 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductee, recalled getting the call informing him that he had been inducted. “I tried to act nonchalantly, but my heart was racing. I was shocked and I thought there were so many others more qualified. I could not believe it. It was the first time I ever experienced two emotions simultaneously -- joy and humility. When I got home, I started looking at all the names of those who make up the Hall of Fame. Those two emotions came back, and they do every time I’m reminded of the wonderful honor of being included in the SEMA Hall of Fame.”

Doug Evans, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, notes: “To be honored as a hall of fame member by that same group of peers, including some of my idols, is simply amazing. It took my breath away then and it still does to this day.”

He continued by saying “I think by recognizing the pioneers of our industry it shows our young people getting started that they are no different than the people they are honoring. We are all passionate people doing this because we love the industry and we love the people who are in it. They can make a big difference in the future just like the pioneers did if they keep those fires lit and pursue their passions with that same unbridled dedication to each other and the industry.

St. Lawrence’s and Evans’ thoughts are echoed by 1991 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductee Carl Olson: “Recognizing industry pioneers is so important because the performance aftermarket is really a people-oriented industry that started from very humble beginnings and has mushroomed into a driving force in the American economy. Both the true pioneers and those who have continued to lead the industry forward need to be recognized for their efforts, both as recognition of where it started and how it has grown into the behemoth it has become.”

The number of new, young people getting involved with cars and the industry again is what 2002 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductee Harry Hibler is most excited for, stating that nominating someone for the SEMA Hall of Fame can help provide another goal for the new folks becoming involved in it to reach for.

“A lot of the people who started businesses early in the development of this industry did so out of necessity for their own needs not with the intention of building a successful company … Another large portion of them did so with the hope of building a successful company. Between all of them, a giant industry was created that has supplied jobs for thousands, given purpose to a lot of young people’s lives and provided enjoyment to most of them. However, if the younger generation involved today does not know how this all came about, the work/effort it took to make it happen and who the people behind all of it were, they cannot fully appreciate what they are involved in.”

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame or view a list of inductees and their bios, visit www.semahof.com or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is offering financial assistance of up to $5,000 to qualified college students who are pursuing careers in the automotive industry, and to employees of SEMA-member companies who still have outstanding student loans at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Awards are available to those who have earned or are pursuing academic degrees and skilled trades certifications in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to accounting, automotive technology, business management, collision repair, engineering, graphic design, information technology, journalism, marketing and welding. Below are tips to keep in mind when submitting an application:

Recommendations make a difference. Be sure to request letters of recommendations well in advance. You don’t want to rush someone into writing a recommendation for you, and you want the final product to be complete and well thought out. You can also submit all the other portions of the scholarship application while you are waiting for the letters of recommendations.

Submit the completed application before the deadline. One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is missing the deadline. Be sure to upload all supporting documents to your online application on or before March 1. Your application may remain incomplete if there are missing documents.

Remove passwords from protected documents. Be sure to remove passwords from all uploaded documents. Password-protected documents will be rejected.

Send only approved file types (.pdf, .tif, .png, .jpeg, .jpg, .bmp and .xps.) and only upload the requested and required documents. Sending unnecessary documents may distract from the required documents.

Confirm and check your email. Notifications are sent primarily via email to the email used to create your account.

Return Home. Upon completion, verify that your application and required documents have all been successfully accepted by checking your Home page. Make this the last step you take in order to complete the process.

For more information or help with your application, review the additional FAQs or contact Byron Bergmann at 909-378-4859 or byronb@sema.org.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (CST), Thursday, March 1, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

By Kyle Cheng

The pandemic has been challenging for everyone. What’s the path moving forward? How does recovery look for the economy and our industry? How are consumers reacting? When can we expect to move past COVID-19?

The new “SEMA Future Trends—January 2021” report helps answer these questions and maps out potential paths for the specialty-equipment industry moving forward.

In this report, the SEMA Market Research has pulled together the latest data, information, and forecasts to help your company make better business decisions in 2021 and beyond.

In the report you’ll find:

• The likely scenarios for economic and industry recovery.
• Projections for the automotive and specialty-equipment industries.
• Timelines on when we can move past the pandemic.
• The latest economic forecasts.
• Consumer spending behavior and industry outlook.
• And much more…

To learn more, download the new “SEMA Future Trends – January 2021” report today at www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel and Tire Council named Gary Ruede of Discount Tire as this week’s WTC spotlight volunteer. Reude is the product and quality management technologist at Discount Tire and a volunteer on the WTC select committee.

Ruede recently participated as both a speaker and an educator for various SEMA programs, including the WTC’s current webinar series, “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, powered by WTC,” and “The STAGE, powered by WTC,” where he shared the five fundamental steps of tire application.

SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?

Gary Ruede: I started working for Discount Tire when I was 17 and liked helping people.

SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?

GR: It has helped me better understand the industry as a whole, not just a retailer.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?

GR: Work on educating yourself on your product and its advantages and disadvantages.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

GR: You can find me bird hunting or target shooting.

Fill out a WTC spotlight application to share how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates have the opportunity to be featured on SEMA eNews, social media, and WTC member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Find out what the next five years hold for the automotive restyling industry by tuning in to a Facebook Live Chat featuring Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Chair-Elect Josh Poulson of Auto Additions Inc. on February 24 at 12:00 p.m. PST.

Poulson is the current principal of his company, with a proven track record of accomplishments in the industry and SEMA. Having started his career with Auto Additions Inc. at the age of 16, Poulson has held a variety of roles over his 20-year career, including technician, sales, and management.

As host of this Facebook Live Chat sponsored the by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization, Poulson will share insight on what the next five years holds for the restyling industry.

SEMA Live Chats are an open Q&A format, where participants have a chance to communicate directly with the presenters. This live chat features Poulson, who will serve as the PRO Chairman in July 2021. Poulson is a prior member of the SEMA Board of Directors, was named PRO Restyler of the Year in 2012, and named PRO Person of the Year in 2015.

Location: SEMA Association Facebook page.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Through the SEMA Action Network (SAN), SEMA members and enthusiasts have played a critical role in defending the industry from government overreach for more than two decades. Since 1997, the award-winning Driving Force publication has identified pending legislative and regulatory issues—along with spotlighting lawmaker allies—to keep enthusiasts nationwide informed through the SAN.

After careful consideration, the decision has been made to discontinue publication of a printed edition of Driving Force and instead focus on delivering a fully digital experience. Existing subscribers with current email addresses will continue receiving the Driving Force Online to their inbox. Print-only subscribers and others not receiving updates online may submit their email address for free, ongoing delivery.  

The SAN website contains a full archive of articles appearing in the newsletter as well as access to additional no-cost grassroots advocacy tools—including the tag-and-title toolbox, 50-state license plate resource and new multimedia lobbying guide.

While there, sign-up to stay informed on issues in your region by subscribing: www.semaSAN.com/Join.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA members are invited to join a webinar on Friday, February 26, at 9:00 a.m. (PST), to learn more about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new Tampering Policy. Released in December, the Policy replaces Mobile Source Enforcement Memo 1A (1974) and addresses civil enforcement of the Clean Air Act’s prohibitions on tampering and aftermarket defeat devices.

The updated Policy reinforces that in exercising its discretion the EPA will forego enforcement action when a company has a documented “reasonable basis” that a product will not adversely affect vehicle emissions when installed. SEMA generally welcomed the revised Policy as it will now allow SEMA members to undertake emissions testing and maintain the test data to document a reasonable basis for demonstrating compliance. EPA has committed to consider the test data if and when the agency investigates and will typically forego enforcement if the data shows no adverse effect on emissions. California sales are separately governed by California Air Resources Board (CARB) through its Executive Order (EO) program.

A panel of industry experts and an EPA representative will provide an overview of the new Policy. Issues covered include:

• What type of testing is needed to achieve a reasonable basis?
• Vehicle selection.
• Where can the testing be performed? 
• Is this the same testing that is done when submitting an EO application to CARB?
• What are some of the Policy’s benefits if marketing products outside of California?

Webinar Registration - Zoom

By Fredy Ramirez

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.

Go Rhino
XRS Xtreme Rack for Jeep Gladiator JT

Go Rhino’s XRS Xtreme Rack for the JEEP Gladiator JT features 4-CORE technology for unlimited ways to haul overland cargo and mount gear. The Xtreme Rack features the exclusive 4-CORE crossbars along its sides and top. The 4-CORE is an extruded track system of slotted bars that can accept any 1/4 inch-20 hex bolt or quick-release clamp, which means almost any accessory can be bolted to the rack. Accessories can also be mounted on the inside of the rack (facing the bed) or underneath a tent, maximizing storage carrying capacity.

The Xtreme Rack’s combination of steel and aluminum offers both strength and weight savings and can easily support OE rooftop tents. Installation is drill-free and works with both factory bed rack mounting systems and the included bed rail mounting clamps. Steel uprights brace all four corners and feature threaded inserts, tie down locations, MOLLE holes, and a flat rear surface with mounting holes for accessories. The main crossbars spanning the front and rear have six mounting holes along the top (for optional lighting) and interior access points to help keep wires tucked away. The included Rhino Accessory Gear Plate has pre-drilled mounting holes for popular accessories, such as Rotopax and MOLLE gear. When mounted on the inside, outside, roof or ceiling of the rack, a new mounting plane for cargo is created. Additional plates are sold separately.

XRS family includes the Reel Handle Kit, a pair of strong, steel grab handles that also doubles as storage space for tow straps and ropes.  The Accessory Gear Table provides a convenient outdoor work surface and creates even more storage area.  Other accessories include Quick Release Tent Mounts, HD Awning Brackets, XRS-TO-SRM Connector Brackets and Rhino Tie Down kits.

Website: www.gorhino.com

MAHLE Motorsport
Ford 5.0L Modular 4-Valve Coyote/Voodoo PowerPak Plus Piston Kit

MAHLE Motorsport introduced its Ford 5.0L modular 4-valve Coyote/Voodoo PowerPak Plus Piston Kit. Manufactured to be a complete drop-in assembly piston kit for either the Ford V8 Coyote or Voodoo engine, this kit allows for more buildable horsepower for stock or modified Coyote or Voodoo engines.

The replacement piston kit utilizes a low silicon 2618 alloy for high-load, high-stress applications and has a combined dome pocket geometry, which is great news for race engine builders seeking to add power to the powerhouse Shelby GT350 or GT350R. Developed with a 1.167 compression height, however additional PowerPak sets are offered in lower compression and higher compression designs.

Designed to be lightweight, the pistons weigh 112 grams each and are dual coated with phosphate and MAHLE’s proprietary GRAFAL® coating for reduced drag and wear. This kit features hard anodized top ring grooves for maximum durability and for added protection against heat generated microwelding that can result in a loss of power or cause piston failure. This powerhouse PowerPak Plus Piston Kit includes a 1.2, 1.2, 2.5mm file fit performance ring set and eight 22mm x 13mm x 58.11mm pins.

Website: www.MahleMotorsports.com
PN: 930258601

Painless Performance Products
’55-'57 Chevy Tri-Five Chassis Harness

Recently upgraded for 2021, Painless has you covered with wiring for your '55-'57 Chevy. Designed to fit the 150, 210, Bel Air, Nomad, or wagon, Painless chassis wiring is versatile. With 28 circuits, this harness covers factory options and includes additional circuits for power options and aftermarket accessories.

The harness features a factory-location Painless mounting plate for the fuse block, front and rear lighting sockets, factory and aftermarket instrument-cluster harnesses, and dash and turn signal connectors. With early GM color-coded, high-grade TXL wire with the circuit identification printed on it and a 100-plus page full-color manual, installation is a breeze.

Website: www.painlessperformance.com
Release: Q2 2021

Vintage Air
Ford Big Block Pulley Kits

Vintage Air has released three new pulley kits for big-block Ford 351M-400 and 429-460 cubic-inch engines. The 3-Groove Crankshaft Pulley Kits are available for 351M-400 and 429-460 cubic inch big-block Ford engines. The 2-Groove Water Pump Pulley Kit is available for 351M-400 cubic-inch big-block Ford engines.

The 2-Groove Water Pump and 3-Groove Crankshaft Pulleys are CNC-machined from solid 6061 aluminum for precision and balance. The pulleys are black hard coated for a long-lasting and stunning finish. All three pulley kits match OEM offsets and diameters with all mounting hardware included.

Vintage Air pulleys kits are proudly made in the USA, come with all parts necessary for a complete installation, and include a three-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Website: www.vintageair.com

Advanced Clutch Technology
MZ032 Pressure Plate

Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has released the new MZ032 Pressure Plate. The MZ032 features a more efficient cover design, resulting in better release and pedal feel. This Pressure Plate replaces the MZ018 in the ZM4 and ZM5 Series Kits. All other Kit Components remain the same (see spec sheet for detailed application listings).

ACT’s ZM4 and ZM5 Clutch Kits for the Mazda MX-5 Miata NC Cars include a Heavy Duty Pressure Plate, a choice of Disc, Release and Pilot Bearing and an Alignment Tool. The Heavy Duty Pressure Plate incorporates hardened diaphragm fingers for decreased wear and provides a 34% increase in clamp force over the stock unit.

The ACT Street Clutch Kits combine the Heavy Duty Pressure Plate with a Performance Organic Street Disc. The disc features premium organic friction materials able to withstand increased heat and abuse, steel-backed linings for high-burst strength and modifications engineered for quicker shifting.

The ACT Street Clutch Kit provides a moderate and consistent pedal feel, smooth engagement, and significantly improved durability. These kits meet SFI Spec 1.1 and have increased torque capacity up to 281 FT-LB.

The ACT Race Clutch Kits combine the Heavy Duty Pressure Plate with a Cerametallic Xtreme Race Disc, which is available in 6-Pad Spring-Centered and Rigid Hub Designs. These discs are highly durable while allowing for quick shifting. The Xtreme Race Discs are for high-powered engines and recommended for track use only. The ACT Race Clutch Kits meet SFI Spec 1.1 and are rated to hold up to 359 FT-LB of torque at the crank.

Website: www.www.advancedclutch.com

RIGID
A-Pillar Mount for '10-'20 Toyota 4Runner

The RIGID A-Pillar mount kit designed specifically for the 2010-2020 Toyota 4Runner allows for a clean install of RIGIDs high-output LED lighting. The A-Pillar mounting includes 2 A-Pillar mounting brackets, 2 D-SS PRO Flood beam pattern LED lights, 2 black light covers, 2 transparent amber light covers and a wiring harness.

All of RIGIDs grilles, OE brackets, and mounts are made with stainless steel and covered with UV and abrasion-resistant powder coat to ensure years of use in the harshest conditions.

Website: www.rigidindustries.com

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Driven Racing Oil Partners With Boostane on Engineering and Marketing

Driven Racing Oil and Boostane will pool engineering and marketing resources to help each other expand into additional territories, such as grassroots racing, diesel and powersports. Officials from both companies confirmed the collaborative partnership to PRI, and also stressed that a merger or acquisition is not part of the agreement, as the companies explore additional market possibilities.

“We are still completely separate entities,” said Ian Lehn, owner and founder of Boostane Octane Engineering. “We will share some resources because we’re looking to utilize our expertise and develop projects together.”

Spring Carlisle Celebrates Tradition and the Car Culture, April 21–25

Spring Carlisle will be held April 21-25, at the Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Fairgrounds. With 8,100 spaces available, the grounds come to life with everything from the simple to the exotic. In addition to vendors showcasing their wares, multiple partners will be onsite to create a Manufactures Midway, which will play host to some of the top automotive companies in the hobby. A complete list of midway partners will be available online within the digital version of the event directory, available no later than two weeks prior to the event.

The ARMO Hot Products Showcase will feature the latest and greatest products straight from the SEMA Show coming into the market and the opportunity to talk person to person with their product experts. Joining ARMO as a special attraction will be a display from the Antique Auto Club of America (AACA). The display will feature select cars and include information on the car club, plus details on their annual fall meet in Hershey in October. For more information, visit the Spring Carlisle website.

Lucas Oil Announces Appointments to Leadership Team

Lucas Oil Products Inc. has announced the promotion and addition of three key members to its leadership team. Katie Lucas has been named the vice president of strategy and philanthropy, and Megan Burakiewicz is now the director of people operations. Additionally, the Lucas Oil racing division has promoted Dan Robinson as vice president of motorsports operations.

Lucas will oversee company strategy and business development initiatives, as well as design and implement a corporate social responsibility strategy with a concentration on philanthropy and employee engagement. She will also focus on structuring and delivering an effective communication strategy both internally and externally to ensure alignment with corporate culture and business objectives.

Burakiewicz will foster the continued growth and progression of the company from within, working closely with Lucas Oil employees to ensure the most effective and rewarding work environment possible.

Meanwhile, Robinson will be responsible for all operational aspects of three unique large-scale motorsports operations, including financial performance, operations, marketing, sponsorships, staffing, human resources, safety, scheduling and event planning.

M1 Concourse Announces New CEO Timothy McGrane

M1 Concourse, based in Pontiac, Michigan, has announced that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jordan Zlotoff will step down from his position effective March 1, 2021, to pursue new professional ventures. Timothy McGrane, a seasoned automotive and motorsports executive, will step up as the new CEO. Zlotoff has been with M1 Concourse since the initial construction of the private garage community began in 2015. Zlotoff served as the director of business development and director of operations prior to assuming the role of CEO in March 2019. He will remain a part of the family ownership structure at M1 Concourse and an informal advisor to its operations. McGrane is the former executive director of the Blackhawk Automotive Museum and most recently served as the CEO of Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California.

Race Winning Brands Partners With ASAP TRADING

Race Winning Brands (RWB) has announced a new partnership with ASAP TRADING USA LLC, the sales and marketing agency company with offices in San Diego, California, and Lima, Peru. ASAP TRADING USA is now the exclusive authorized representative company for three RWB brands, Wiseco, Boostline, and K1, in Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Kooks Headers & Exhaust Hires Three New Employees

Kooks Headers and Exhaust (KHE) has announced three new hires within its performance aftermarket and racing company. Kyle Cook has been hired as manufacturing engineer. He will be tasked with overseeing the design and manufacturing of fixtures and improving manufacturing efficiency and finding ways to ease the flow of production. KHE has also hired Shelbie Huffman as marketing coordinator. Huffman will be tasked with implementing social media programs, website promotion and development, digital marketing and coordinating special events. She will work collaboratively with the sales team to grow the brands’ overall sales and profit objectives. Ryan Reed, meanwhile, was appointed as sales rep/business development for Kooks Industries (KI) and Private Label. Reed will be tasked with managing existing businesses and growing future business for KI and private label sales. Reed previously competed in NASCAR for Roush Fenway for seven years, winning Daytona twice.

3D Systems Announces Expansion In South Carolina

3D Systems has announced a planned expansion of its Rock Hill, South Carolina, location, with plans to add 100,000 sq. ft. to its existing headquarters campus. The expansion will enable the company to consolidate its materials manufacturing, quality, and logistics operations, with new and expanded materials development laboratories to improve operational efficiencies, accelerate solution development, and reduce time to market. In addition, the company will expand its customer collaboration and training facilities, as well as its advanced manufacturing capabilities for both metal and polymer components. The company's 3D printing solutions enable the design and manufacture of parts for a variety of applications, including NASCAR, Formula 1 and more.

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.

By SEMA Editors

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.

Reserve your spot for 2021 at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor.