By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

Enders, B. Force, Hagan and Johnson Win at Houston’s Final NHRA SpringNationals

Erica Enders knocked off rookie and No. 1 qualifier Camrie Caruso in the championship round, getting her third win this season and 36th in her career with a pass of 6.568 seconds at 210.24 mph in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro.

In the first all-female final round in NHRA Pro Stock history, Houston native Erica Enders closed out Houston Raceway Park in style, picking up the win in front of a sold-out crowd at her home track on Sunday at the 35th and final NHRA SpringNationals. Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the fifth of 22 races during the 2022 season as the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series enjoyed consecutive days of sellout crowds to close out racing at Houston Raceway Park.

Enders, a four-time Pro Stock world champion, knocked off rookie and No. 1 qualifier Camrie Caruso in the championship round, getting her third win this season and 36th in her career with a pass of 6.568 seconds at 210.24 mph in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro.

In Top Fuel, Brittany Force rolled to a second straight victory with a blast of 3.767 at 321.42 in her 11,000-hp Monster Energy dragster. In what was the final NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series pass at Houston, Force beat Justin Ashley on a holeshot, posting a .041 reaction to hold off Ashley’s run of 3.763.

At the site of his first career Funny Car victory, Hagan closed out Houston Raceway Park with the last win at the facility in the class, denying Bobby Bode the chance for his first win with a winning run of 3.982 at 326.63 in his 11,000-hp Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car.

Johnson picked up his first Pro Stock Motorcycle win of the season, going 6.720 at 199.91 on his Slick 50 Suzuki to beat longtime rival and defending world champ Matt Smith in the finals. Johnson made the quickest run in Houston history in the opening round and then setting both ends of the track record a round later with a pass of 6.711 at 201.55.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action next weekend with the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte.

2022 Scoggin Dickey Parts Center NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals Race Wrap

Joel Greathouse’s turbocharged ’93 Ford Mustang managed by KBX Performance with Bennett Racing Engines power under the hood proved to be unbeatable as its 4.619 at 155.90 mph trip put Becki Cram’s Mustang on the trailer.

The 14th Annual Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals Presented by MAHLE Motorsport returned to its original home state of North Carolina for the 2022 Holley NMRA Ford Nationals. Hosted at historic Rockingham Dragway over the weekend of April 22–24, three days of competition culminated in new memories and new milestones.

Mickey Thompson Tires X275: Justin Palmer in his ProCharger equipped ’93 Ford Mustang met Ron Rhodes and his ’68 Camaro met in the finals, where Palmer’s 4.352 at 167.93 mph blast just barely edged out Rhodes’s 4.356 at 169.08 mph effort.

NMRA VP Racing Madditives Renegade/NMCA Edelbrock Xtreme Street: Joel Greathouse worked his way into the final round of eliminations where he took on Becki Cram. Greathouse’s entry, a turbocharged ’93 Ford Mustang managed by KBX Performance with Bennett Racing Engines power under the hood, proved to be unbeatable as its 4.619 at 155.90 mph trip put Cram’s Mustang on the trailer.

JDM Engineering Limited Street: Vector Motorsports’ Samantha Moore in her ProCharged ’14 Mustang California Special met Del Holbrook in the finals, where Moore won 8.182 at 168.41 mph pass as Holbrook spun at the hit and tried to recover but wasn’t able to do so in time.

SunCoast Performance 8.60 Street Race: William Lujan in his Vortech supercharged ’90 Mustang faced Terry “Beefcake” Reeves in his twin turbocharged and Gen 3 Coyote-equipped ’18 Mustang in the finals. Both men left the line strong but troubles plagued Reeves’s S550 in the left lane and he struggled to run the number while Lujan’s Fox body motored through the traps to pick up the win and the Victor award for the weekend.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Charlie Booze Jr. and his ’90 Ford Mustang easily dispatched Shane Stymiest in the final round with a 9.764 at 137.27 mph run over Stymiest’s 9.821 at 137.32 mph hit.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Mike Bowen in his Gen 1 Coyote-powered ’71 Ford Maverick met Chris Niebauer in his ’85 Ford Mustang in the finals, where Niebauer rolled through the beams at the start and turned on the red light, but the win was gifted to Bowen who made it official with a 10.123 at 132.66 mph pass.

Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle: Shane Williams staged his ’99 Ford Mustang and Dean Snow did the same with his ’04 model, but Snow tripped the red light at the start and made Williams, who continued on to run 11.705 at 111.35 mph on his 11.70 dial in, the undeniable winner.

SCT Ford Muscle: Danny Towe and David Mormann contested the finals with their pair of ’70 Ford Mustangs and 393 ci engines. A double break-out scenario, though, ultimately enabled the reigning champion, Towe of South Carolina, to capture the win with his 11.733 at 112.38 mph pass on an 11.75 dial-in over Mormann’s 10.480 at 122.90 mph run on his 10.50 goal.

HP Tuners Super Stang: Chris Rusch staged his ’18 Ford Mustang up against the young gun Logan Day and his ’21 Mustang. Day dialed in quicker at 11.03 to Rusch’s 11.90, but Day left the line a touch too early and Rusch was able to run to the stripe with the win light already illuminated in his lane.

ARP Open Comp: Terry Haynal in his ’95 Ford Mustang and Gordan Harlow in his ’89 Mustang met in the finals. Running on an 11.19 dial in, Haynal held the advantage from start to stripe and captured a 11.211 at 120.24 mph winning time slip to Harlow’s 10.008 at 129.13 mph pass on his 9.99 dial-in.

Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Johnny “Lightning” Wiker improved his number-five qualifying position to a first-place finish overall with an 8.520 at 163.06 mph pass from his ’99 Ford Lightning while Bob Dill did the same as he moved from sixth in qualifying to the runner up with an 8.769 at 155.06 mph on his 8.69 dial-in his ’01 Lightning during the finals.

TorqStorm Superchargers True Street: Overall, it was Florida’s William Lujan who captured the win when he averaged 8.673 seconds across three runs in his ’90 Ford Mustang. Scott Oshinski averaged 9.207 seconds in his TorqStorm supercharged ’72 Oldsmobile to take home the runner up honors. Capturing the win for the 10-second group was Gilbert Correa driving his ’86 Mustang, while Keith Lankheet took top honors in the 11-second category. Additional winners included Dale Aldridge (12-second), Rodney Ward (13-second), Jonathon Baker (14-second), and Timmy Thornburg (15-second).

Next, the Holley NMRA Ford Nationals tour joins forces with the Red Line Oil NMCA Drag Racing Series for the 17th Annual NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing Presented by FuelLab at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis, Missouri, May 13–15.

Finnish Championship Leader Defeats Ott Tänak on the Final Stage of Croatia Rally

Kalle Rovanperä snatched a Croatia Rally victory last Sunday afternoon in his Toyota GR Yaris.

Kalle Rovanperä snatched a Croatia Rally victory last Sunday afternoon. The Finn led from the start of the three-day rally in the hills around Zagreb in his Toyota GR Yaris, only for a storm in the penultimate speed test to wipe out his advantage.

A resurgent Ott Tänak, whose gamble on softer Pirelli tires gave his Hyundai i20 N a performance edge on the streaming asphalt, grabbed a 1.4-second lead. The pendulum swung back towards Rovanperä as drier roads in the closing Wolf Power Stage offered hope, but the odds remained firmly in Tänak's favor as mud and dirt littered the final 14.09 km.

Rovanperä overturned the deficit to claim back-to-back FIA World Rally Championship wins by 4.3 seconds. Victory extended his points lead to 29 after three rounds of the 13-event season. Tänak finished 2 minutes, 16.7 seconds clear of teammate Thierry Neuville. The Belgian overhauled Craig Breen on the final morning to claim a podium. Breen survived an overshoot and a spin to take fourth in a Ford Puma.

The series switches to gravel for the first time in 2022 at Vodafone Rally de Portugal. The fourth round is based at Matosinhos, May 19–22.

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

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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.

Marketing Coordinator
Injen Technology is hiring a marketing coordinator responsible for managing the creation and implementation of product promotions and branding campaigns to engage and influence current and prospective customers. Candidates must be extremely proficient in Excel and fully capable of graphic design utilizing the entire Adobe Suite.

Operations Supervisor
Ron Francis Wiring is hiring an operations supervisor to guarantee that manufacturing and order fulfillment remains a smooth and efficient process by monitoring employees and organizing workflows. In a fast-paced environment, the supervisor is an integral part of the operations and manufacturing processes. You must be able to multi-task, comprehend complex operations and optimize day-to-day activities while minimizing costs. The goal is to ensure that production processes deliver products of maximum quality in a profitable manner.

Digital Marketing Analyst
QA1 is hiring a digital marketing analyst responsible for all web, SEO/SEM, database marketing, email, social media and display advertising campaigns. The role will champion digital marketing tactics to support and deliver on the overall marketing strategy that will drive buyer engagement and result in leads and profitable growth. Candidates must have proven experience as marketing specialist or similar role and solid computer skills.

SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

SCE Gaskets
Copper Magnito/Distributor 0.010-in. Shim Gaskets

The gaskets can be stacked for optimal gear engagement.

Milwaukee
PACKOUT New Tumblers & Cooler

Milwaukee Tool continues to revolutionize jobsite storage with new Tumblers and a Cooler that feature full modular connectivity with the PACKOUT system. The additions will include 30-oz. and 20-oz. PACKOUT Tumblers and a PACKOUT 40QT XL Cooler designed for mobility through site, transit and shop.

With the addition of the new PACKOUT 30-oz. and 20-oz. Tumblers and 40QT XL Cooler, the Milwaukee PACKOUT Modular Storage System now has over 65 different products for users to choose from to build out their custom storage solution—making PACKOUT the most versatile and durable modular storage system in the industry.

Improved Racing
Oil Cooler Adapter for Porsche 944 S2/928

Improved Racing has released a simple oil cooler adapter the Porsche 944 S2 and late model 928. The new adapter allows replacing the aging factory oil lines with new AN lines. Because the factory lines have been discontinued, this is often the only option available.

By upgrading to AN lines, you also gain the ability to increase the line diameter to -12AN (3/4-in. ID) for reduced restriction to oil flow.

FiTech
Fuel Cell Pump Modules

FiTech announced that it released two new pump modules—a single pump model that supports up to 800 hp and a dual pump design for engines up to 1,600 hp. The Single Pump model is supplied with an efficient 340 LPH pump complemented with an internal regulator to maintain 58-psi so it can be run returnless. The Dual Module is supplied with two 340 LPH pumps and has dual outlets.

The CNC-machined billet module top is machined to fit most fuel cells with a 12-bolt flange or can be installed in a custom tank. There is a 2-in. diameter filler assembly along with a sealed cap (filler tube extensions are available separately). The feed and return outlets are machined for -6AN ORB fittings which are supplied to help complete your installation along with secure terminals to connect the fuel pump.

PN 50019, PN 50020

Scott Drake
’68–’70 Mustang and Cougar Adjustable Performance Strut Rods

Scott Drake's new performance strut rods are a great way to upgrade the suspension for ’67–’70 Ford Mustang or Mercury Cougar. The strut rods are fully adjustable, which makes adjusting the caster a breeze on the front suspension. The solid billet aluminum mounting clevis attaches directly to the strut rod bracket, eliminating lower control arm movement during acceleration, cornering and braking.

Left- and right-handed threads allow easy adjustment after installation and jam nuts maintain settings. These strut rods are finished in a beautiful, long-lasting black and silver powdercoat finish. Hardware and nylon-insert locknuts are provided.

Vossen Wheels
Hybrid Forged 6-Lug Design

The HF6-4 is Vossen’s fourth Hybrid Forged 6-lug design, further expanding the HF Series' reach to the truck and SUV market. Now available in our deepest concave profiles yet, Super Deep and Ultra Deep—the HF6-4 is available in five standard finishes.

By Ashley Reyes

All women in the industry are invited to sign up to volunteer on the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) All-Female Vehicle Build by filling out the online application. Volunteers will play a critical role in modifying a Ford Bronco 4-door Wildtrak provided by Ford’s Bronco Brand.  

All women in the industry are invited to sign up to volunteer on the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) All-Female Vehicle Build by filling out the online application.

Applications will be reviewed and accepted individually based on program alignment and need. Volunteer opportunities are available in the following areas:   

• Volunteer Recruitment Team  
• Events Team  
• Media/Content Team  
• Secure Parts and Sponsorship  
• Build Team

Other opportunities will be available; contact us! To learn more, contact nicoleb@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

Parts manufacturers may be able to get involved with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) All-Female Vehicle Build, a celebrated project that will showcase the talents of women in the industry and help encourage more women to join the industry.

Parts manufacturers may be able to get involved with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) All-Female Vehicle Build.

Manufacturers with products for the Ford Bronco 4-Door Wildtrak are invited to submit an application by completing this form.  

“It’s our vision that this vehicle will inspire the industry and showcase the many amazing talents of women in the automotive aftermarket,” said SBN Director Nicole Bradle. “This vehicle will be showcased prominently at the 2022 SEMA Show and our parts sponsors are the key to making sure the vehicle will look the best that it possibly can.”  

Submissions will be reviewed and accepted individually based on program alignment and need.

By Ashley Reyes

The hot-rod segment is no longer about the year the car was born. For the market to continue to grow, it’s important that hot rodders open their minds and businesses to the thought that “hot rod” can be a broad definition no longer limited by model year.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) members will hear from some of the market’s top leaders as they discuss the current state of hot rods and what the future might hold, during the HRIA General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion on May 17, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Featuring Amy Fitzgerald of Cool Hand Customs as moderator, and Jesse Henke, JH Restorations; Pete Filippo, Filippo Speed Shop Inc; and Tim Strange, Strange Motion Rod & Custom Construction as speakers, the panel will tackle the traditional definition of “hot rod,” the emergence of EVs and where the tuner market and other similar communities fit in. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts on the future of hot rodding.

The meeting and discussion are open to all HRIA members and companies in the hot-rod industry, and is the ideal time to address industry concerns and learn from others in the market. A brief report on the council’s current initiatives will also be discussed.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA represents the automotive specialty-equipment industry and provides benefits and resources to help businesses in the industry succeed, and while the association has a team of professionals who execute the day-to-day operations, SEMA relies on volunteers from the industry to direct, guide and lead its efforts.

In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 17–23), SEMA is recognizing the contributions of the volunteer groups and individuals who give so much to the industry.

In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 17–23), SEMA is recognizing the contributions of the volunteer groups and individuals who give so much to the industry. The following are some of the programs and services that originated from SEMA volunteers in the past year—from idea and inception to development and execution.

• The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) select committee launched the first-ever Professional Development Program for its members at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Facilitated by Dale Carnegie trainers, the program included interactive exercises, peer-to-peer networking, and in-depth discussions on Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends and Influence People. The event concluded with high satisfaction ratings, and left FLN members inspired and prepared to be better communicators, networkers and leaders in their personal and professional lives.
• The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is finalizing plans for the first-ever SEMA PRO Auto Show. Thanks to the volunteer-led initiative, SEMA and PRO will exhibit at new car shows throughout the United States, using booth vehicles to spread awareness of restylers and packages offered in each region.
• In 2022, volunteers from the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance, SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and SEMA Wheel & Tire Council have spearheaded networking events and mixers at Overland Expo West, Keystone Big Show and Easter Jeep Safari.
• The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) select committee launched the first-ever SBN Women’s Leadership Forum for its members. The two-and-a-half-day in-person program educated, inspired and prepared women in automotive to thrive in the workplace through interactive seminars and networking. The select committee is now in the process of executing an all-female build that will be showcased at the 2022 SEMA Show and sold to support SEMA Cares.
• Volunteers from the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network, SEMA Wheel & Tire Council and SEMA Businesswomen’s Network continue to provide live virtual education to their members on topics that impact them the most. The seminars help members advance their careers while also creating a community through interactive breakout groups.
• SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) volunteers are partnering with SoCalSAE to host a student day and career fair at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The event will connect SAE students with representatives from SEMA-member companies, who will provide feedback on the students’ business presentations.
• The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) have hosted virtual general membership meetings and panel discussions, making it easier than ever for members across the country to connect and discuss industry hot topics.
• The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) hosted a three-day virtual Media Trade Conference, connecting motorsports parts manufacturers with 140-plus media outlets, including leading social-media influencers. The event resulted in increased awareness, brand exposure, and partnerships for many participating MPMC members.
• The SEMA Cares committee is hard at work fundraising for its partnering children’s charities, which include Victory Junction, Austin Hatcher Foundation and Childhelp. A total of $250,563 was generated in 2021 from a Hemmings vehicle auction, the annual pinewood drag races, celebrity cars and a $100,000 match from SEMA.

SEMA appreciates everything volunteers do for the members and community.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) named John Lambert as the council’s newest spotlight volunteer. Lambert is the general manager at Hypertech, a technology leader in high-performance engine tuning computer-controlled vehicles.
Get to know Lambert in his Q&A with SEMA below.

SEMA: Did you ever consider another career or industry, and what made you choose automotive manufacturing?

John Lambert: I started working at Hypertech when I was 25 years old and have loved it since day one. The automotive aftermarket was a dream to work in, and it proves daily why that dream continues.

SEMA: How long have you been volunteering for MPMC, what inspired you to volunteer and how has it impacted you?

JL: I began volunteering for MPMC in 2019 at the suggestion of several industry colleagues and mentors. I only wish I had started sooner! I have met so many great people that I respect personally and professionally. These relationships not only strengthen me as a person, but they also strengthen my understanding of how I can better serve SEMA companies as a member of the MPMC Select Committee.

SEMA: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the motorsports industry today, and where do you see the industry in five years?

JL: Supply-chain issues are the biggest immediate challenge for MPMC-member companies. I do believe this will get better over the next several years, but it does shine a light on opportunities to improve these issues with changes to local sourcing for materials, parts and labor.

SEMA: What’s your favorite car-related movie? What is it that you like about that movie?

JL: I have two that I watch regularly: “Dazed and Confused” and “The Blues Brothers.” “Dazed and Confused” has a killer soundtrack and cameos from several big stars that weren’t at the time. It also shows kids hot rodding around in some killer rides. “The Blues Brothers” also has a great soundtrack and basically revolves around the Blues Mobile. You can't go wrong when you combine great music and cars.

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

JL: If I have my preference, I’m usually in the shop working on my rock crawler buggy or side-by-side. I love off-roading with friends, but the hobby takes a lot of prep work to make it fun. The mechanical side is a nice break from the everyday computer interface, so that’s nice.

Fill out an MPMC member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the motorsports industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on MPMC’s social media, SEMA News and future MPMC member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Matt Avery is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) newest spotlight member. Avery is the executive producer at Mecum Auctions, a leader in live auctions of collector and classic cars, antique motorcycles, vintage tractors and Road Art memorabilia with events across the United States.

Get to know Avery in his interview with SEMA below.

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

Matt Avery: It was being instilled with the aspiration to pursue excellence. I apply this to both my professional and personal life with the mentality that if I can set out about doing something, whether small or grand, I’m going to aim to do it well. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. That drive delivers quality, and in the business sector, that’s a highly sought-after and strongly valued commodity.

Your reputation in the marketplace is built on what you’re known for. If your clients, customers and brand enthusiasts come to know you as someone who is genuine and constantly seeking to go above and beyond, that will be a benefit for you for years to come.  

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

MA: The simple joy of having built and developed a career that enables me to be around something I deeply love and care about—cars and trucks. Like many others, my passion started when I was young, being mesmerized by larger-than-life vehicles sporting bright colors, loud engines and mind-boggling capabilities. To grow up and be a part of this wild and wonderful industry and even more, to be a leader and innovator in the space, helping to shape, grow and cultivate where we are now and where we’re heading in the future truly is a dream come true.  

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

MA: You’ll likely find me up early heading to a local coffee shop before taking in any one of the wonderful automotive meetups that take place regularly in and around the Chicago suburbs. Our classic-car cruises are a sight to see, being held in all kinds of cute train-stop cities, while our exotic and supercar gatherings feature all the latest and greatest in high-speed and luxury motoring. There’s something for everyone, and I love experiencing it all.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

MA: I keep several things in mind. First, I prepare. There’s nothing worse than running in late and, even more egregious, not having a clear plan of objectives for your time together. Treat those minutes as valued and something you don’t want to squander or waste. To avoid this, I go over in advance what I need to accomplish, which leads to a firm sense of personal confidence.

With a roadmap established, I then figure out what I can do to help meet those targets. All of this is long before the meeting takes place. On that day, I arrive early—whether in person or logging in to the conference call or webchat. That gives me time to focus and clear distractions in order to give my best attention to whoever is across the table or on the other side of the screen. That respect will go a long way and is a wonderful trait to develop. I also listen, making it a priority to render the floor to others while I absorb fully and process. Then when I do speak, I work to be clear, concise and congenial. Always keep in mind how you would want to be treated in a meeting or business setting, and work to deliver that kind of experience.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

MA: I’d love to meet up with Vince Piggins, manager of product performance for Chevrolet during the ’60s. The man was an automotive enthusiast through and through and helped lead the brand through one of the most exciting decades in motorsports and street-performance history. He was involved with the development and distribution of all of the legendary and boundary-pushing muscle machines of the era, with a legacy that remains to this day.

If you are a current FLN member, fill out an FLN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on FLN’s social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.