Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes people who have contributed a significant body of work to the industry over a long period of time, and is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association. It is designed to honor the leaders, innovators, creators and enthusiasts who have helped transform small, burgeoning businesses into an industry worth more than $44.6 billion annually.
Nominate an individual who epitomizes the essence of ingenuity in action, before the Friday, March 19, deadline.
To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.semahof.com or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.
Bennett is a current PRO Select Committee volunteer and the general manager at Chrome Enhancements. In his Q&A with SEMA, Bennett shares why he chooses to give back to the industry that he is passionate about, and what dream vehicle he would own again if he had the chance.
SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?
Rod Bennett: In my early 20s, I worked at Auto Trim Design in Omaha, Nebraska. I was a route salesperson and quickly fell in love with the automotive restyling industry.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?
RB: The restyling industry has been very generous to me. I have been fortunate to meet and work with incredible people in various segments of the industry. I wanted to give back to an industry that has been life changing for me and PRO has given me another avenue to learn and meet others. It has also allowed me to share my time and experience, to hopefully better the industry for future generations.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
RB: This industry is not for the faint of heart. It is challenging and brings on new opportunities everyday. It is highly rewarding for those that put every ounce of their energy in being successful. It is a relationship business and requires networking skills. SEMA and its various councils like PRO provide incredible opportunities to network.
SEMA: What is your dream vehicle?
RB: I have been fortunate enough to own multiple vehicles that were my dream vehicles. If I have to choose right now, I would like to own a green, ’72 Chevy Monte Carlo, with a white top. It was my first car and I wouldn't mind if it were my last!
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
RB: You get back what you put in. I have found that with anything, work, relationships, children, etc., the more time you apply to something, the bigger the returns. Years of applying this has taught me that balance is the key.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
RB: Each day is different. Different opportunities, different challenges, incredible people, and financially rewarding for those that stick with it!
SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?
RB: With my beautiful wife, possibly making breakfast for her and our kids, and getting ready to watch football.
Formula DRIFT Link ECU PROSPEC Championship Announced for 2021 Season
Formula DRIFT has announced the evolution of the Link ECU PRO2 Championship. With a multi-year plan to roll out new technical regulations and enhancements for competitors, Formula DRIFT, in partnership with Link ECU, will transform the PRO2 series into the Formula DRIFT Link ECU PROSPEC Championship, effective immediately. The goal of the PROSPEC category over the next few seasons is to provide an increasingly competitive environment and greater exposure for teams entering Formula DRIFT. It will also continue to focus on sustainability and cost containment. As first steps for the 2021 season, PROSPEC qualifying and competition days to coincide with Formula DRIFT PRO qualifying and competition, designed to create a better spectacle for fans. Furthermore, PROSPEC drivers will be added to fan engagement activities, such as driver autograph signing (in accordance with COVID-19 protocols). PROSPEC qualifying and competition will be promoted and broadcast across all Formula DRIFT channels, including the Livestream coverage.
Chevrolet Performance Inks Three-Year Contract Extension With NMCA Muscle Car Nationals
The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has announced a three-year contract with Chevrolet Performance. The deal includes Chevrolet Performance-sponsored integration of LSX-based categories into the NMCA championship drag racing program, the 15th annual LSX Shootout (World Wide Technology Raceway, May 13-16), the third annual COPO Camaro Shootout (Summit Motorsports Park, August 26-29), and a presenting sponsorship of the NMCA World Street Finals at Lucas Oil Raceway, September 23-26. For the first time-ever the LS/LT-based categories will be full-time NMCA championships categories competing at all six nationals events. Chevrolet Performance and its official host dealer, Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center, will continue celebrating the top-3 in those categories with a Champions Dinner during the PRI Show in December.
The LSX Shootout moves to a new home at World Wide Technology Raceway, located just outside of St. Louis in Madison, Illinois. It runs concurrently with the NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing, May 13-16. The COPO Camaro Shootout returns to Summit Motorsport Park in Norwalk, Ohio, and Chevrolet Performance is the presenting sponsor of the season-ending NMCA World Street Finals held at Lucas Oil Raceway, September 23-26.
A total of 309 midget drivers were on hand for the Lucas Oil
Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire at the Tulsa Expo
Raceway.
More Than 300 Drivers Kick Off 2021 at the Chili Bowl
A total of 309 midget drivers were on hand for the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire at the Tulsa Expo Raceway, located inside the River Spirit Expo Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The 35th annual event took place over the weekend and helped kick off the 2021 racing season. Kyle Larson fended off Justin Grant and 2017-2018 champion Christopher Bell to secure the coveted Golden Driller trophy, his second in two years. Fans were allowed to attend the Chili Bowl in person, although organizers announced a limit of 25% capacity back in November. Officials are already organizing next year's event—the 36th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire—which is scheduled to take place January 10-15, 2022. For more information, visit www.chilibowl.com.
Female-Led Ownership Group Launches New NTT IndyCar Series Team
Paretta Autosport, a new NTT IndyCar Series race team spearheaded by female automotive and motorsports executive Beth Paretta, has announced its entry for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Simona De Silvestro, 2010 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, has been announced as the driver for Paretta Autosport. The 32-year-old from Switzerland is a veteran of five Indianapolis 500 starts. The team is an extension of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s “Race for Equality & Change” announced last July. Team Penske will provide technical support to Paretta Autosport to prepare for the race on Sunday, May 30.
The Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modified 2021 schedule has
been released.
2021 Schedule Announced For Super DIRTcar Series
The Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modified 2021 schedule has been released, which features several premier race tracks in the eastern United States. The season begins in February at Volusia Speedway Park for the DIRTcar Nationals, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Crown Jewel events include the $50,000-to-win Billy Whittaker Cars 200 and the $25,500-to-win Mr. DIRT Track USA. A $10,000-to-win doubleheader at Bristol also joins the schedule along with the two-race Cavalcade Weekend at Weedsport Speedway. Fans can stream every Super DIRTcar Series event with the DIRTVision Fast-Pass. For the complete schedule visit the Super DIRTcar Series website.
Formula DRIFT Announces 2021 Schedule
Formula DRIFT has announced a full schedule for the 2021 season, which kicks off in May at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The traditional season opener on the streets of Long Beach has been moved to September in conjunction with the rescheduled Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The race will serve as a special, invitational event. Two fresh venues—the new, purpose-built Englishtown Raceway Park in New Jersey and Lake Erie Speedway in Pennsylvania—have been added to the familiar six tracks, including the season finale at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California. Races will be available to stream online at www.formulad.com and on Formula DRIFT social media and YouTube channels. For the complete schedule, visit the Formula DRIFT website.
NHRA Cancels Arizona Nationals, Exploring New Event
NHRA and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park have made the decision to not host the 2021 NHRA Arizona Nationals, leaving an opening on this season's schedule. The ongoing COVID-19 restrictions due to the public health situation in the Phoenix area and the state of Arizona were taken into account as part of the decision. The 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series is set to begin March 11-14, in Gainesville, and currently includes 22 events at racetracks across the country.
FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford Motor Co. and its franchise dealers, has announced that Matt VanDyke has been appointed as CEO, effective February 1. VanDyke, who for more than 12 years has led and transformed Ford and Lincoln brand positioning in roles around the world, now takes charge of a team responsible for delivering marketing and advertising solutions to Ford and Lincoln Dealers throughout the United States. VanDyke was most recently director of marketing for Ford Motor Co. Prior to that, he was vice president of marketing for Ford of Europe, where he oversaw the Fiesta and Focus vehicle launches. He also served on the FordDirect Board for more than five years. He joined Ford Motor Co. in 2008 as director, U.S. marketing communications and global fixed marketing.
In addition, the FordDirect Board has announced the promotion of Mike Gingell to COO. Gingell joined FordDirect as senior vice president, product, marketing and dealer engagement in 2019. His promotion is effective February 1, 2021. Prior to joining FordDirect in 2019, Gingell spent more than 20 years in the automotive information industry and has led teams that have focused on delivering data and technology solutions for automotive OEMs, automotive retailers, the automotive aftermarket, the commercial truck industry and the finance and insurance markets.
Jim Hairston Transitions to Consulting Role for PerTronix Performance Brands
Effective January 1, Jim Hairston retired from his full-time position at PerTronix Performance Brands and has moved into a consulting role. Hairston has been a critical part of PerTronix for more than two decades and previously served as vice president of sales and marketing and most recently as director of key accounts/business development. This change has been in the works for two years with Hairston working to help ensure a smooth transition. In his new role, he will help the company with market research, competitive analysis, price points and new product ideas. Russell Stephens, vice president of sales and marketing, will assume Hairston’s previous day-to-day responsibilities.
Pete Thiel
Haig Partners Hires Pete Thiel, Former AutoNation Inc. Vice President of Corporate Development
Haig Partners LLC has announced that Pete Thiel joined the team as managing director. Prior to joining Haig Partners, Thiel was vice president at AutoNation. He has been involved in the purchase or sale of more than 130 dealerships for a value of $2 billion, as well as the evaluation of more than 1,000 acquisition opportunities.
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Names Kahn Media Agency of Record
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has announced that Kahn Media will exclusively represent the automotive event producer as its agency of record. Kahn Media will use its public relations, social media and digital marketing expertise to expand consumer awareness of the Goodguys organization and the 19 events it is hosting around the United States in 2021. Kahn Media will be responsible for managing and growing the Goodguys social media channels, conducting public and media relations campaigns surrounding each of the series’ 19 events in 2021 while also promoting the benefits of the organization’s membership program, creating and facilitating an engaging influencer marketing campaign, and designing and administering a comprehensive and highly-targeted digital marketing campaigns to drive ticket sales for each event and increase membership signups.
Hero Motors Acquires Strategic Stake in EV Transmission Specialist
Automotive component manufacturer Hero Motors Company (HMC) has secured a strategic stake in UK’s Hewland Engineering Ltd. for an undisclosed sum. The move will enable Hewland to further strengthen its product and service portfolio–particularly transmissions for electrified passenger cars–and pursue opportunities among global OEMs and Tier One suppliers.
Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced a new Wytheville, Virginia location. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer’s Jasper, Indiana, distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories and exhaust parts in the region.
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.
These are the very first shots of the all-new ’23 Ford Ranger as it underwent testing on public roads in Dearborn, Michigan.
Overall, the next-gen Ranger looks more substantial than the current model, with bolder proportions and stance. The front fascia seems to match up perfectly to the leaked image from roughly a year ago, with a set of intricate C-shaped headlamps flanking a two-bar grille.
The cab and bed appear to be carry-overs from the current model, which has been on sale in global markets since 2011. The prototype is riding on a set of black wheels, and a single-exit exhaust can be seen out back, though it seems that the rather unattractive pipe is a placeholder for more gainly equipment.
The ’23 Ranger is expected to launch near the end of the ’22 model year and will serve as the basis for an upcoming Volkswagen midsize pickup truck as a result of a collaboration agreement between Ford and VW announced in 2020.
Submissions are now 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.
Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria:
Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
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 in Employers 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
A copy of your current vehicle registration
To request a project vehicle:
1. E-mail a one-page project summary with the following information to semainfo@ford.com.
Vehicle/theme
Vehicle modifications
New product development
Promotional plan
Vehicle display location at the 2021 SEMA Show
2. Mail and/or E-mail a detailed project proposal to the following:
Ford Motor Company
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Kyle Ebner semainfo@ford.com
Include detail supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicles examples.
Information on Ford vehicles is available at www.ford.com.
Proposal submission deadline, vehicle lineup and award recipient notification date will be announced in an upcoming SEMA eNews Ford Project Vehicle announcement.
In partnership with Chevrolet, the SEMA Garage has announced a Measuring Session for the ’20 Chevrolet Corvette C8.
This event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with two different trim-level vehicles:
’20 Corvette Stingray Convertible and Coupe:
6.2L V8
Eight-Speed Transmission
Z51 Performance
Please note, 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 two separate weeks with scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, appointments will be time limited.
Week 1: January 19–22
Week 2: January 25–29
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 between each appointment.
SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) members and those involved in the hot-rod segment of the industry are invited to join the council for its upcoming general membership meeting on February 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. (PST).
The HRIA Select Committee will share details about the council’s latest programs and resources, and host a virtual panel discussion focused on trends and predictions in the hot rod industry. This event is the ideal opportunity for members to connect directly with council leadership and get questions answered on the state of the hot-rod industry at large.
PRI is now accepting speaker proposals for its education program
at the annual PRI Trade Show in December.
Performance Racing Industry (PRI) is now accepting speaker proposals for its education program at the annual PRI Trade Show in December.
PRI’s education program, which takes place at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis before and during the Show, promotes engagement and connectivity between race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, e-commerce sites, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media who attend PRI to learn about emerging industry trends and the latest racing technology.
The series of conferences and seminars provide thought-provoking, forward-thinking sessions that help participants take their businesses and careers to the next level. They are designed to provide best practices in motorsports business and technical education for professionals and grassroots operators alike.
“PRI Education is all about discovering new and innovative ways to enhance your motorsports operation,” said PRI editor and education programming director Dan Schechner. “From tips and takeaways to improve your marketing efforts to cutting-edge tech on the latest race engine developments, our sessions provide best-in-class business, management, and technical know-how for industry professionals.”
Now in its 33rd year, the PRI Show—set for December 9–11, 2021—is the world’s premier racing and performance trade event, attracting upwards of 1,200 exhibitors and 70,000 attendees representing all forms of motorsports from across the US and over 70 countries.
Countless industry experts have shared their knowledge with PRI Show attendees through the years. Recent presenters include Darin Morgan from Mast Motorsports, Bob Morreale from The Tuning School, Jason Enders from RE Suspension, Gary Crooks from Port City Racecars, Lake Speed Jr. from Total Seal, Jeanette DesJardins from Car Chix and Crank It Media, Corey Perlman from Impact Social, Tom Shay from Profits Plus and Brian Lewis from Wolfhound Interactive.
Topics of interest for 2021 include, but are not limited to:
Sales and Marketing
Business Operations
Digital Communications
Race Track Management
Brand Building
Employee Relations
Engine Technology
Suspension/Setup
Machining
Tuning
Speaker proposals for the 2021 PRI Trade Show must be submitted by April 4. Suggestions for topics and/or speakers are also encouraged and can be submitted here. For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738; or Dan Schechner at dans@performanceracing.com or 949-373-9228.
By SEMA Editors
In response to the impact of COVID-19 on the collision repair industry, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) has announced a series of updated actions, plans and policies to support I-CAR’s 2021 Industry Relief program. The program launched last March and is designed to ensure the health and safety of all, while also allowing individuals and businesses to maintain credentialing status in a viable manner and with program integrity.
Key actions, plans and policy updates effective immediately include:
For individuals and businesses located in states with COVID-19 policies that require I-CAR to cease in-shop delivery, or any individual or business where I-CAR is unable to deliver training due to the pandemic:
Platinum individuals and Gold Class Businesses will have their renewal date extended 6 months from their original renewal date. Note: 2022 renewal dates remain unchanged from the original 2021 date.
Impacted individuals with active welding certifications will have their welding certifications extended 6 months from their original renewal date.
Please note: Impacted shops will be informed by I-CAR.
Expanded in-shop training event policies and safety practices, to keep instructors and students safe. Practices reflect the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.
Continued, complimentary access to I-CAR’s Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal through June 30, 2021, offering an online technical portal that provides collision repair best practices, OEM-specific searches, information and news.
Special discounted Hands-On Skills Development course packages, in which MIG Brazing and Spot Welding courses are purchased together as a form of financial assistance for shops pursuing 50/100 scaling, with an emphasis on safety practices in eligible states.
Recently launched Get to Gold Class package continues to provide shops with payment options to support achievement of Gold Class recognition in 2021.
Continued access to I-CAR’s full suite of online and virtual/instructor-led, web-based training, including virtual/instructor-led courses that were converted from a live, in-person format until it is safe to once again deliver in a live classroom.
Details on I-CAR’s Industry Relief Program can be found here.
Rod Bennett is this week’s SEMA 
Formula DRIFT Link ECU PROSPEC Championship Announced for 2021 Season
Submissions are now being accepted for SEMA-member companies to participate in the 2021 Ford Project Vehicle Program.
SEMA is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame.
SEMA 