SEMA has announced a new program that recognizes content creators and social-media influencers who have significantly impacted the automotive industry and car culture. The new SEMA Influencer of the Year award will be presented at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet to honor an influencer who has built an engaged audience and used his or her platform to positively impact car enthusiasts of all ages.
The award is a result of the rise of content creators’ and social-media influencers’ impact on the industry. Finalists for the award will be selected based on their presence and influence across social-media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and more. And, for the first time, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet will host finalists and recognize their impact on growing the $50.9 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.
“So many automotive influencers have built up a tremendous voice to help promote, shape and protect the automotive industry,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board James Lawrence. “Each of them has the ability to share their stories and connect with their fans in a unique and impactful way. They also generate tons of excitement and enthusiasm for the automotive industry. They are a big part of being an automotive enthusiast today, and it’s time we recognize them for their contributions.”
Fueled by the SEMA Show’s energy and passion, influencers will head to Las Vegas during the first week of November to connect with manufacturers and builders, learn about new products, witness vehicle unveilings and attend industry gatherings while sharing their experiences for the world to see. The five finalists for the award will be announced next week and featured individually in the weeks to come. The winner will be announced live from among the finalists at the revamped SEMA Industry Awards Banquet on Thursday, November 3.
“Automotive influencers embody the passion that makes being a car person so special,” continued Lawrence. “The content they create is a great representation of what car culture is all about.”
For more information about the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, visit the SEMA Show website. For tickets, click here.
Quality is one of the most important functions of a manufacturing business. While large companies are able to invest heavily in sophisticated quality management systems, small businesses are often intimidated by these processes. That doesn’t mean that small businesses can or should dismiss the importance of manufacturing quality products.
SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to a live webinar, “World-Class Manufacturing for the Small Business,” September 28, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), where Josh Saldivar, director of manufacturing at BluePrint Engines, will go over the proven principles of lean manufacturing and explain the essential elements that are particularly useful to small businesses. Attendees will learn the balance between a robust quality system and an efficient operation, and the value-add processes that improve quality without bogging down small businesses with red tape.
The webinar will also touch on lean- and quality-system basics, how to decide what processes are right for a business and how to implement quality systems without major disruption. Saldavir will answer participants’ questions live.
The wheel and tire aftermarket represents a diverse network of professionals from complementary backgrounds. Whether it be media or warehouse distributor, manufacturers or service providers, retailers, marketing gurus or manufacturing representatives, each discipline works together to establish a strong foundation that benefits the industry as a whole.
To help its members build quality business relationships, expand their professional network, and learn how they can work with other wheel and tire companies, the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host a virtual networking event on September 28 at 4:00 p.m. (PDT).
Attendees will be introduced to other WTC members and meet members from complementary areas of expertise. Members within common disciplines will network among themselves, giving participants the greatest value. They will be able to discuss what their companies do, share pivotal moments in their careers, talk about current projects, career advice and more. If you work in the wheel and tire industry, start creating quality connections by registering today.
Prock, Hight, Enders and Gladstone Open Playoffs With Wins at Pep Boys NHRA Nationals
Austin Prock drove to his second career win and first of the season with his run of 3.755 seconds at 329.67 mph in his 11,000hp Montana Brands/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster in the final round against points leader Justin Ashley.
It was a dominant start for John Force Racing to open the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, as Top Fuel’s Austin Prock and Funny Car points leader Robert Hight powered to wins on Sunday in front of a capacity crowd at Maple Grove Raceway at the 37th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals. Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Joey Gladstone (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also picked up wins at the first of six races in the Countdown to the Championship during the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
Opening the postseason from the 12th position, Prock drove to his second career win and first of the season with his run of 3.755 seconds at 329.67 mph in his 11,000 hp Montana Brands/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster in the final round against points leader Justin Ashley. Prock also jumped six spots in the standings with five races remaining in 2022. Ashley jumped past Brittany Force in the points standings on Sunday and will take a nine-point lead to Charlotte.
Hight made a pass of 3.937 at 328.38 in his 11,000hp Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS against Tim Wilkerson in the championship round as his points lead stretched to 81 points over Hagan.
Enders avenged a loss to Troy Coughlin in the final round at Seattle with a stellar run of 6.582 at 209.72 in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro on Sunday at Maple Grove Raceway. Her lead also stands at 81 points over defending world champ Greg Anderson after the first playoff race.
Joey Gladstone jumped back into the points lead in Pro Stock Motorcycle with a win in the final round against Angie Smith, who went red. Gladstone put together a strong run of 6.835 at 196.93 to cap off his day and pick up his third win this season. His points lead now stands at 29 over M. Smith and Gladstone was sure to soak in the victory in what’s been a breakout season.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action September 23–25 with the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte.
NASCAR Announces 2023 Schedules for All Three National Touring Series
NASCAR has announced the 2023 schedules for the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. During the organization’s 75th anniversary season, NASCAR’s national series will visit a mix of history-rich venues, short tracks and road courses, including the already announced Chicago Street Race. The 2023 Cup season will get underway with “round two” of the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, which will take place in East Coast primetime, Sunday, February 5. Two weeks later, on Sunday, February 19, will be the 65th annual DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Additional highlights to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule include:
NASCAR will head west for the final race on the two-mile version of Auto Club Speedway (Sunday, February 26) before visiting Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Sunday, March 5) and Phoenix Raceway (Sunday, March 12).
NASCAR’s annual All-Star Race (Sunday, May 21) will be hosted by North Wilkesboro Speedway—the first time the track will welcome the Cup Series since 1996.
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs will once again begin at Darlington Raceway (Sunday, September 3), with the NASCAR Championship Race set for Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, November 5.
For the complete series schedules, visit the NASCAR announcement here.
F1 Announces 24-Race Calendar for 2023
Formula 1 has announced the calendar for the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship, which the World Motor Sport Council has approved. Kicking off in Bahrain on March 5, and concluding in Abu Dhabi on November 26, the season will feature a record-breaking 24 races, with China and Qatar set to return, and Las Vegas arriving as the penultimate round for a Saturday night race. The traditional summer break will remain in August, though changes to race dates see Belgium move to the end of July as a back-to-back with Hungary, while the Netherlands is twinned with Italy after the restart. The full 2023 F1 calendar can be viewed here.
Automotive Celebrities to Join Apollo Sprayers SEMA Show Booth
Apollo Sprayers recently announced it will host two celebrities in the company’s SEMA Show booth (#33209 South Hall): John Burgess of reality TV show “Texas Metal,” and Brandon “Gooch” McCoy of Gooch Customs.
“Our entire team at Apollo is beyond excited to have a celebrities of John and Gooch’s caliber in our booth to talk shop and sign autographs for those in attendance,” stated John Darroch, president and CEO.
Brandon "Gooch” McCoy
Burgess was born and raised on the north side of Houston, and has built a reputation as a leader within the custom upholstery industry. John has more than 30 years of experience in the custom automotive industry and now highlights his talent as the main custom interior personality on “Texas Metal.”
McCoy of Gooch Customs has been one of the leading freehand pinstripers and custom painters in the game since 2005. With numerous wins from the custom car and motorcycle show circuits, along with publications such as Street Trucks, Trucking and All Time Low, McCoy relies on his experience and steady hand to help create one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
TMI Products to Present TRIM Awards at 2022 SEMA Show
At the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, TMI Products will recognize the builders who have created one-of-a-kind vehicles with the TRIM Awards, which were created to recognize the forethought it takes to not only create a finely crafted custom vehicle, but also incorporate the interior into that design. Since the TRIM Awards will be presented live at the SEMA Show, only the most detailed and creative interior installs will be considered.
Each individual category winner will receive a $500 voucher and the Best of Show Champion will receive a certificate for a complete interior for their next build ($8,000 value) that can be used to purchase TMI interior products.
A panel of insiders from the aftermarket industry, including the TRIM Awards host, will present the awards. They include Kevin Oeste of V8 Speed & Resto Shop and voice of the 2022 SEMA Show; Sean Holman, content director of the Truck and Off-Road Group at Motor Trend and co-host of “The Truck Show” podcast; Sara Morosan, 2021 SEMA Person of the Year, multi Ford Design award winner and co owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports; Theresa Contreras, PPG brand ambassador, multi Ford Design award winner and co-owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports; and Marcel Venable and Jason Mulligan, co-owners of Auto Revolution on Amazon Prime.
TRIM Awards categories include:
Best Car
Best Truck
Best SUV or Wagon
Best Full Interior
Most Creative
Best Color-Matching
Best Custom Car Interior
Best Custom Truck Interior
Fan Favorite (chosen on social media)
Best of Show Champion
All contestants must have a vehicle on display at the 2022 SEMA Show. The awards will be presented on stage in the TMI booth #24477, located in the Central Hall, Wednesday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. Contestants must be present during the awards ceremony.
Quadratec CEO Recipient of Philadelphia Titan 100 Award
Quadratec Inc.’s CEO Ted Wentz had been recognized as a 2022 Philadelphia Titan 100 by Titan CEO. The program recognizes Philadelphia’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives who are the region’s most accomplished business leaders in their industries, using benchmarks that include exceptional leadership, vision and passion.
“I am humbled and honored to be part of the Philadelphia Titan 100,” Wentz said. “It is exciting to be part of such an innovative and dedicated group of leaders right here in our great community. I look forward to learning from all of them.”
Wentz has served as Quadratec’s CEO since October 2017 and is a member of the SEMA Board of Directors. He also holds a seat on the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School Family Enterprise Center Board of Advisors. The Titan 100 embodies the diversity of the Philadelphia business landscape representing technology, manufacturing, education, healthcare, construction/real estate, staffing, professional services, hospitality, transportation, non-profit organizations and many others.
Ford Unveils Seventh-Generation Mustang
Ford has revealed the all-new seventh-generation Ford Mustang, described by the automaker as “the most exhilarating and visceral yet, from its fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit to new advanced turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines to its edgier yet timeless exterior design.”
“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal-combustion vehicles,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars—all in the Ford Blue family—on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”
In addition, Ford has announced GT3 and GT4 versions of the seventh-generation Ford Mustang, which are scheduled to race in IMSA. The Mustang GT4 will be eligible to compete in 2023 in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge’s Grand Sport (GS) class and in the new IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge’s GSX class. The Mustang GT3 is set for IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition in the GTD PRO and GT Daytona (GTD) classes starting in 2024. Likewise, a new version of the Mustang will debut next season in the Australian Supercars series, and in coming years, newly designed models will debut in the NASCAR Cup series and NHRA Factory X racing.
The MAHLE Supervisory Board has made two new appointments to positions on the Group Management Board. Arnd Franz will become CEO and chairman of the Management Board of the MAHLE Group. Franz has been the CEO of LKQ Europe GmbH, Zug (Switzerland) since 2019 and is now returning to MAHLE, where he had previously worked for 18 years. Franz will take up his position as CEO on November 1.
Michael Frick, a long-standing member of the Group Management Board responsible for finance, is leaving the company at his own wish and resigning on November 1. His successor is Markus Kapaun, who has worked for the group for almost 20 years, most recently as vice president, finance and accounting, Europe.
VP Racing Fuels Names Kevin Temple Vice President, Branded Retail
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced that Kevin Temple is joining VP as vice president, branded retail. Most recently, Temple was director of business development at Phillips, where he negotiated deals for more than $500 million in sales. His career responsibilities have included leadership roles across the many disciplines of downstream petroleum sales and marketing operations, strategic sourcing, wholesale account management and sales force excellence. T
Assuming the role of vice president of product management is Ben Dolan, who was most recently VP’s vice president of branded retail. Dolan joined VP in 2020 following more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience across a broad range of industries.
Natalie Robyn
FIA Appoints First-Ever CEO
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)—the international motorsports association based in Paris, France—has appointed U.S.-born Natalie Robyn as its first-ever CEO. Robyn, an international executive, holds more than 15 years of experience in both the automotive and financial sectors. Prior to joining the FIA, Robyn had a variety of senior management positions at Volvo, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz Group AG, formerly named DaimlerChrysler.
In this new role, she will be responsible for “the successful operation and financial performance of an integrated and aligned FIA administration, as well as driving the overall strategy to deliver the leadership’s vision of reform the Federation,” officials from the FIA stated in a release. She will also help develop new commercial growth plans to increase and diversify the FIA’s revenue streams.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
H&H Enterprises is hiring a creative content/digital marketing specialist to draft creative and copy for external and internal audiences; develop and manage company’s digital marketing initiatives; coordinate, create and publish material for emails and social media; develop brand awareness and online reputation; maintain update engaging online content; and drive marketing decisions by using analytics, data and market research. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office.
ModBargains is hiring a modification expert. The ideal candidate must possess great verbal and written communication abilities. This person will need to work in a team environment and have the ability to interact with clients with a positive attitude. Candidates must have great familiarity with the aftermarket car scene and enthusiast community. Examples of knowledge you will need is wheel and tire fitment and benefits of performance products.
Milltek Corp. is hiring a sales and business development executive. The ideal candidate will come from a sales role within the automotive aftermarket industry. Experience with European and domestic market vehicles is desirable, along with great communication and business relationship-building skills. Candidates must have the ability to develop their own strategies and ideas within the role and work closely with the marketing team to help develop campaigns to achieve the company’s goals. The role will require some travel within North America to attend trade shows and events.
Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.
The list, which will be updated in SEMA News, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.
The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.
Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.
Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.
Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.
“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”
Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.
“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.
Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.
“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.
Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.
Making hotel reservations in the Block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.
A number of non-casino properties, such as Vdara, are offering discounted rates for SEMA Show guests.
All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.
The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
Looking for a quiet, no-frills hotel stay? There are a number of non-casino properties that are offering discounted rates for SEMA Show guests.
Check these out and book today:
Courtyard Las Vegas Convention Center – $290 per night
Embassy Suites by Hilton Convention Center Las Vegas $298 – per night
Hilton Grand Vacations Flamingo – $282 per night
Hilton Grand Vacations on Paradise (Convention Center) – $281 per night
Hilton Grand Vacations Club on Strip – $225 per night
Las Vegas Marriott – $309 per night
Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel – $314 per night
Residence Inn Las Vegas Convention Center by Marriott – $279 per night
Spring Hill Suites Las Vegas Convention Center – $299 per night
At the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, TMI Products will recognize the builders who have created one-of-a-kind vehicles with the TRIM Awards, which were created to recognize the forethought it takes to not only create a finely crafted custom vehicle, but also incorporate the interior into that design. Since the TRIM Awards will be presented live at the SEMA Show, only the most detailed and creative interior installs will be considered.
Quadratec CEO Recipient of Philadelphia Titan 100 Award
Ford Unveils Seventh-Generation Mustang
