By Ashley Reyes

BJ Leanse of Go Rhino/Big Country has been named as the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) newest Volunteer Spotlight Member. As the national sales manager of Go Rhino and a current PRO Select Committee volunteer, Leanse has dedicated much of his career to giving back to the industry and helping to address the needs of the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket.

Get to know Leanse as he shares what networking event led him to volunteer for PRO and help make a difference in the industry in his Q&A with SEMA.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?    

BJ Leanse: I’m third generation ‘automotive’ and have always loved cars, trucks, Jeeps and working on making them better.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?    

BL: In the late ’80s, I went to a PRO Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting and listened to all the challenges and opportunities of selling accessories through the dealership channels. While I have been a SEMA member since 1974, it was that LRP that lit the fire in me to participate and help make a difference.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?    

BL: The world is changing, fast. It doesn't matter where you start, it’s where you end up that matters, so decide to be the best you can be. Be flexible, listen and learn from others. Give all you can and join in the fun!

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?    

BL: An ’84 BMW M3. You can find me on my way to the Hill Country near Austin, Texas.

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

BL: When you do what you love, it’s never work. Find the opportunity to work with people who feel the same and you’re set for life.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

BL: Working with passionate people who love the industry as much as I do.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

BL: Shopping with my best girl at the local farmer's markets.

By Ashley Reyes

BJ Leanse of Go Rhino/Big Country has been named as the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) newest Volunteer Spotlight Member. As the national sales manager of Go Rhino and a current PRO Select Committee volunteer, Leanse has dedicated much of his career to giving back to the industry and helping to address the needs of the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket.

Get to know Leanse as he shares what networking event led him to volunteer for PRO and help make a difference in the industry in his Q&A with SEMA.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?    

BJ Leanse: I’m third generation ‘automotive’ and have always loved cars, trucks, Jeeps and working on making them better.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?    

BL: In the late ’80s, I went to a PRO Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting and listened to all the challenges and opportunities of selling accessories through the dealership channels. While I have been a SEMA member since 1974, it was that LRP that lit the fire in me to participate and help make a difference.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?    

BL: The world is changing, fast. It doesn't matter where you start, it’s where you end up that matters, so decide to be the best you can be. Be flexible, listen and learn from others. Give all you can and join in the fun!

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?    

BL: An ’84 BMW M3. You can find me on my way to the Hill Country near Austin, Texas.

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

BL: When you do what you love, it’s never work. Find the opportunity to work with people who feel the same and you’re set for life.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

BL: Working with passionate people who love the industry as much as I do.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

BL: Shopping with my best girl at the local farmer's markets.

By Ashley Reyes

New video featuring SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE is now available.

Knapp leads a team that is dedicated to helping member companies better understand the marketplace and make more informed, data-driven business decisions. In this new video from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE, Knapp encourages members to take advantage of and access the latest SEMA Market Research Reports, which include data collected on the specialty automotive retail landscape, sales trends among key business types and an overview of the top vehicles for accessorization and emerging segments within the $46.2 billion industry.

“It’s not just about online, it’s also about multichannel strategies,” said Knapp, when addressing the key challenges and opportunities that retailers are facing. “It’s about finding your customers where they are. Because even if they’re buying in-store, they are searching and shopping online. So you want to connect with them where they are.”

Check out Knapp’s full video and visit www.sema.org/research to download the “2020 SEMA Market Report,” “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” and “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report: Top Cars and Trucks.” 

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

New video featuring SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE is now available.

Knapp leads a team that is dedicated to helping member companies better understand the marketplace and make more informed, data-driven business decisions. In this new video from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE, Knapp encourages members to take advantage of and access the latest SEMA Market Research Reports, which include data collected on the specialty automotive retail landscape, sales trends among key business types and an overview of the top vehicles for accessorization and emerging segments within the $46.2 billion industry.

“It’s not just about online, it’s also about multichannel strategies,” said Knapp, when addressing the key challenges and opportunities that retailers are facing. “It’s about finding your customers where they are. Because even if they’re buying in-store, they are searching and shopping online. So you want to connect with them where they are.”

Check out Knapp’s full video and visit www.sema.org/research to download the “2020 SEMA Market Report,” “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” and “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report: Top Cars and Trucks.” 

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

New video featuring SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE is now available.

Knapp leads a team that is dedicated to helping member companies better understand the marketplace and make more informed, data-driven business decisions. In this new video from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE, Knapp encourages members to take advantage of and access the latest SEMA Market Research Reports, which include data collected on the specialty automotive retail landscape, sales trends among key business types and an overview of the top vehicles for accessorization and emerging segments within the $46.2 billion industry.

“It’s not just about online, it’s also about multichannel strategies,” said Knapp, when addressing the key challenges and opportunities that retailers are facing. “It’s about finding your customers where they are. Because even if they’re buying in-store, they are searching and shopping online. So you want to connect with them where they are.”

Check out Knapp’s full video and visit www.sema.org/research to download the “2020 SEMA Market Report,” “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” and “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report: Top Cars and Trucks.” 

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA360 will feature more than 30 professional development seminars and conversations with industry leaders.

More than 30 professional development seminars and candid conversations with industry-leading celebrities and personalities will take place in SEMA360—the new industry event that is 100% online, November 2–6. Attendees will be able to sign up for an unlimited number of seminars at no additional cost when registering to participate in SEMA360.  

“While circumstances have refrained us from meeting in person this year, SEMA remains committed to helping our industry members succeed and prosper, and has made it possible to participate in seminars from any computer with internet access,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA senior manager of professional development. “Each educational session in SEMA360 was carefully crafted to help attendees make smarter business decisions, and offers the exciting opportunity to hear stories and advice from a diverse collection of highly successful, entrepreneurial leaders.”

The program includes presenters sharing content digitally in SEMA360 on topics including online marketing and business management, vehicle accessorization, aftermarket trends and research, advanced vehicle technology and more. Each session is designed to help businesses succeed and automotive aftermarket professionals advance their careers.

“Now more than ever, our members are looking for new and effective ways to come together and build on their industry knowledge and create long-lasting business relationships,” said Vigil. “SEMA360 Education will open new doors to those who are looking to enhance their expertise and get more involved in the industry.”

Register for SEMA360 to get access to the full seminar and event schedule. For additional details, visit www.sema360.com.

Seminar Schedule—Pacific Standard Time

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA360 will feature more than 30 professional development seminars and conversations with industry leaders.

More than 30 professional development seminars and candid conversations with industry-leading celebrities and personalities will take place in SEMA360—the new industry event that is 100% online, November 2–6. Attendees will be able to sign up for an unlimited number of seminars at no additional cost when registering to participate in SEMA360.  

“While circumstances have refrained us from meeting in person this year, SEMA remains committed to helping our industry members succeed and prosper, and has made it possible to participate in seminars from any computer with internet access,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA senior manager of professional development. “Each educational session in SEMA360 was carefully crafted to help attendees make smarter business decisions, and offers the exciting opportunity to hear stories and advice from a diverse collection of highly successful, entrepreneurial leaders.”

The program includes presenters sharing content digitally in SEMA360 on topics including online marketing and business management, vehicle accessorization, aftermarket trends and research, advanced vehicle technology and more. Each session is designed to help businesses succeed and automotive aftermarket professionals advance their careers.

“Now more than ever, our members are looking for new and effective ways to come together and build on their industry knowledge and create long-lasting business relationships,” said Vigil. “SEMA360 Education will open new doors to those who are looking to enhance their expertise and get more involved in the industry.”

Register for SEMA360 to get access to the full seminar and event schedule. For additional details, visit www.sema360.com.

Seminar Schedule—Pacific Standard Time

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA360 will feature more than 30 professional development seminars and conversations with industry leaders.

More than 30 professional development seminars and candid conversations with industry-leading celebrities and personalities will take place in SEMA360—the new industry event that is 100% online, November 2–6. Attendees will be able to sign up for an unlimited number of seminars at no additional cost when registering to participate in SEMA360.  

“While circumstances have refrained us from meeting in person this year, SEMA remains committed to helping our industry members succeed and prosper, and has made it possible to participate in seminars from any computer with internet access,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA senior manager of professional development. “Each educational session in SEMA360 was carefully crafted to help attendees make smarter business decisions, and offers the exciting opportunity to hear stories and advice from a diverse collection of highly successful, entrepreneurial leaders.”

The program includes presenters sharing content digitally in SEMA360 on topics including online marketing and business management, vehicle accessorization, aftermarket trends and research, advanced vehicle technology and more. Each session is designed to help businesses succeed and automotive aftermarket professionals advance their careers.

“Now more than ever, our members are looking for new and effective ways to come together and build on their industry knowledge and create long-lasting business relationships,” said Vigil. “SEMA360 Education will open new doors to those who are looking to enhance their expertise and get more involved in the industry.”

Register for SEMA360 to get access to the full seminar and event schedule. For additional details, visit www.sema360.com.

Seminar Schedule—Pacific Standard Time

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Formula DRIFT at the Texas Motor Speedway has been rescheduled for the weekend of October 30–November 1.

Formula DRIFT Announces Unavoidable Date Change for Texas Motor Speedway Event in October

On August 28, Texas Motor Speedway announced that all events scheduled prior to its NASCAR Cup Race on October 25 are cancelled or postponed due to continuing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Formula DRIFT was scheduled to visit Texas Motor Speedway October 16–18, for Rounds 5 and 6 of its PRO Championship, as well as Round 3 of the Link ECU PRO2 Championship. After discussions with the track management team, Formula DRIFT has announced its event will be rescheduled to the end of the month. FD TX will now take place over the weekend of October 30–November 1. To accommodate the new schedule, Formula DRIFT will move its operations to utilize the venue’s permanent grandstands, creating a new track layout for the competition. The event is limited to 50% capacity, and fans who have already purchased tickets for the previous date will automatically have their ticket transferred to the new dates. Those who cannot attend the rescheduled event may request a full refund.

NBA Legend Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin Form Cup Series Team

Basketball legend Michael Jordan has agreed to purchase a NASCAR Cup Series Charter. Bubba Wallace will be the driver for Jordan and his partner Denny Hamlin when the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season begins. Jordan, widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time and current owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, will be the majority owner of a NASCAR Cup Series team. Wallace, the series’ only black driver, previously announced earlier this month that he would not return to Richard Petty Motorsports. Hamlin will be a minority owner of the single-car team and is expected to remain a driver of the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. The organization’s name, manufacturer affiliation, car number, sponsors and other details would be announced later. The group is reported to have entered an agreement to acquire the team charter from Germain Racing, which currently fields the No. 13 with driver Ty Dillon.

NHRA Inks Multi-Year Extension With Fox Sports

The National Hot Rod Association and FOX Sports have announced a multi-year extension of their agreement to telecast all NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series competitions across FOX, FS1 and FS2 well into this decade. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The NHRA and FOX relationship began in 2016. The updated deal will see NHRA and FOX Sports continue collaboration in the production and telecasting of NHRA competition in the United States and Canada, including expanded coverage on the FOX broadcast network and FS1, an NFL adjacent event, and five hours of Finals coverage at the NHRA U.S. Nationals over Labor Day Weekend each year. The multi-year extension continues FOX carriage of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Lucas Oil Sportsman, and E3 Spark Plugs Pro Mod Series on FS1 and FS2 and multiple encore telecasts of all events designed to enable motorsports fans to watch the NHRA at their convenience. The NHRA and FOX will each market advertisements in NHRA programming to NHRA national sponsors, race sponsors and other advertisers.

The NMCA All-American Nationals is returning to Summit Motorsports Park (Norwalk, Ohio) in 2021.

NMCA All-American Nationals Returns to Summit Motorsports Park in 2021

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has announced the NMCA All-American Nationals is returning to Summit Motorsports Park (Norwalk, Ohio) in 2021 with a five-year contract extension. The national event moves back to its regular weekend of August 26-29, 2021. The NMCA All-American Nationals was moved to an alternate location in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s returning to its home for 2021 through 2025 and will also include the Chevrolet Performance COPO Camaro Shootout Presented by COPO Parts Direct and the Ford Performance Cobra Jet Showdown Presented by Watson Racing.

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals begins its season in March at Bradenton Motorsports Park (Bradenton, Florida) with a date to be revealed soon. The tour moves north to Commerce, Georgia, at Atlanta Dragway for the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals, April 8-11, 2021. The traveling musclecar festival makes its way to the border of the West as it stops in Madison, Illinois, just outside of St. Louis, and under the shadow of the Gateway Arch for the NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing May 13-16, 2021. A soon-to-be announced stop takes place in July before the tour’s return to Summit Motorsports Park with the All-American Nationals August 26-29, 2021. The season finale will happen at Lucas Oil Raceway, just outside Indianapolis in September.

FIA WEC Reveals Provisional 2021 Calendar

Officials have released the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship provisional calendar. Six races across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, are on the calendar. The races will vary in length between six and 24 hours. The calendar, subject to further change according to the evolution of the current pandemic, or contingent to the calendars of other FIA World Championships, opens with preseason tests at Sebring, March 13-14, followed by the 1000 Miles of Sebring on March 19.

2021 FIA WEC Provisional Calendar*

• March 13-14: Pre-Season Tests Sebring (USA)
• March 19: 1000 Miles of Sebring (USA)
• May 1: TOTAL 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
• June 12-13: 24 Hours of Le Mans (France)
• July 18: 6 Hours of Monza (Italy)
• September 26: 6 Hours of Fuji (Japan)
• November 20: 6 Hours of Bahrain (Bahrain)

*Subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council

The 35th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals will once again offer members of the active or retired military, government employees and first responders a variety of ticket discounts to the NHRA national event.

Texas Motorplex Honors Military and First Responders

This year during the 35th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, to be held October 14-18, the Texas Motorplex will once again offer members of the active or retired military, government employees and first responders a variety of ticket discounts to the NHRA national event. Military members will be able to save 20% on adult reserved or general admission tickets on any race day. The offer is also redeemable online in advance through a unique purchase link available to verified users on GovX. Additionally, savings will also available at the gate with presentation of professional or Military ID at the ticket window. During race day on Sunday, the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation will host and recognize hundreds of guests, thanks to the generosity of Billy and Steve Torrence, the father-and-son Top Fuel team and owners of Kilgore-based Capco Contractors. For tickets and more information visit www.texasmotorplex.com.

IndyCar Confirms Music City Grand Prix Set for 2021

The Music City Grand Prix announced that the newest NTT IndyCar Series race will debut August 6-8, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. The three-day international festival of speed and sound will be staged on a temporary grand prix circuit in downtown Nashville and around the Nissan Stadium campus. The event will feature live music performances, chef-curated food experiences and entertainment that centers on speed. Nissan Stadium will serve as the paddock for the race, with a 2.17-mile temporary track set across the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge into downtown Nashville and back. The first street course added to INDYCAR since 2013, it features 11 turns and plenty of straightaways for drivers to pass.

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

Buyers: Register Here for SEMA360.

Available to SEMA-member buyers at no cost, SEMA360 is the new B2B online marketplace taking place November 2-6, 2020.

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