Eldora Speedway Names Jerry Gappens General Manager

Eldora Speedway—the 1/2-mile clay dirt oval in Rossburg, Ohio, owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart—has named veteran motorsports executive Jerry Gappens its new general manager. Gappens succeeds Roger Slack, who has decided to “take a sabbatical from the industry.”

Gappens comes to Eldora from Indiana’s Gas City I-69 Speedway, where he has been the promotor of the 1/4-mile dirt oval since 2018. Prior, Gappens spent 23 years with Speedway Motorsports as executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, from 2008 through 2015, and senior vice president of events and marketing of Charlotte (North Carolina) Motor Speedway from 1993 to 2007. For more information, visit eldoraspeedway.com.

Larry Boos Announced as New Promoter for Gas City I-69 Speedway

Gas City I-69 Speedway, the 1/4-mile clay oval in Gas City, Indiana, has announced Larry Boos as the new track promoter. He takes over for Jerry Gappens, who has accepted the position of general manager for Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Boos is also the promoter of Winchester Speedway (Winchester, Indiana), Montpelier Motor Speedway (Montpelier, Indiana), and the Rumble in Fort Wayne event. The Gas City I-69 Speedway season opens with a Test and Tune event Wednesday, April 27, and with its season opener race Friday, May 6. For more information, visit gascityi69speedway.com.

Race Fans Launch Campaign to Save Palm Beach International Raceway

Fans are rallying to save Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR). The IHRA-sanctioned drag strip and road course in Jupiter, Florida, formerly known as Moroso Motorsports Park, has reportedly been sold to a buyer who wants to convert it from a motorsports facility to an industrial park. Racers, enthusiasts and fans have formed a campaign to help stop the sale. The effort is documented on savepalmbeachraceway.com, which offers testimonial support from big names in the industry, including McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, NASCAR Team Co-Owner Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull), IndyCar champion Danny Sullivan, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee Tommy Kendall, plus John Oates of Hall & Oates and former St. Louis Cardinal Rick Ankiel.

The website directs fans to sign a petition with 14,000 signatures to date. The website also points users to contact Palm Beach County commissioners to voice their support. Save Palm Beach Raceway is operated by Al Guibord, Barry Lederman and 1985 Indy 500 champion Sullivan. The last event on the track schedule for 2022 is the Pro Hydro Clean Last Lap At PBIR on Saturday, April 23. For more information, visit racepbir.com and savepalmbeachraceway.com.

US 131 Motorsports Park, IHRA Renew Partnership

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), based in West Palm Beach, Florida, has renewed its partnership with US 131 Motorsports Park, the 1/4-mile drag strip in Martin, Michigan. “The Fastest Track in Michigan” celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2022 and is operated by Jason Peterson. It is known for the US 131 Northern Nationals (formerly IHRA Northern Nationals) and the IHRA Division 5 (Thunder) Summit Team Finals. Dom Lagana’s Top Fuel car also clocked a record speed of 338.35 mph at the track in 2017. For more information, visit ihra.com or us131msp.com.

SCCA Women on Track Launches Road Racing Scholarship

With an aim to increase the participation of women and girls in all aspects of motorsports competition, the SCCA Women on Track initiative has announced its 2022 SCCA Women on Track Road Racing School Scholarship. Two recipients of this year’s SCCA Women on Track Road Racing School Scholarship will receive $1,000 each, with the scholarship helping fund their entry into the sport of road racing. Applicants need to be a member of the SCCA and must be interested in participating in road racing upon graduation from a road racing school. The SCCA Women on Track Road Racing School Scholarship application deadline is May 15. To submit an application, visit here. For more information, visit scca.com.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued a proposal to implement California Governor Newsom’s 2020 executive order to phase out the sale of new diesel- or gas-powered cars in the state by 2035. The proposal, summarized in the “initial statement of reasons” (ISOR), would require 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold to be zero-emissions starting in 2026, and increasing to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. The proposal also sets first-time durability, warranty and other provisions on zero-emissions vehicles.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued a proposal to implement California Governor Newsom’s 2020 executive order to phase out the sale of new diesel- or gas-powered cars in the state by 2035.

If adopted, the regulations could lead the way for at least 15 other states that have pledged to follow California’s standard for previous clean-car rules to adopt similar proposals. The sale of used cars would not be affected under the proposal, and it would not force the current fleet of diesel- or gas-powered vehicles off the road.

The public comment period is open until May 31, followed by a hearing on June 9. CARB is expected to vote on the proposal in August.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

AirSept has announced the passing of the company’s co-founder Myron Stein.

Stein is credited with 23 U.S. patents and multiple awards for developing products that solve complex automotive air-conditioning and fluid-carrying-system repair problems. The company was formed in 1989 when he developed a long-lasting solution for unwanted mold and mildew odor in automobile air-conditioning systems. In 1991, he incorporated and began partnering with original-equipment manufacturers and suppliers to market his first A/C product—Cooling Coil Coating—while developing new products for the industry. He received his first product innovation award from MOTOR magazine for PermaTube in 1999. Since then, the company has received an additional 17 product awards.

Stein’s automotive career began when he opened a service station in Spring Valley, New York. There, he specialized in a broad range of services from wheel alignments and bodywork to rebuilt alternators and starters, engines and transmissions. An entrepreneur at heart with little mechanical experience, he knew how to find the right people to keep customers happy and quickly expanded. Gifted as a communicator, Stein later branched into radio programming and started a radio program called “Myron Stein, The Auto Doctor” at WCNN in Atlanta. The show quickly expanded from one hour on Sunday to a two-hour call-in show on Saturday and Sunday which was then syndicated throughout the Southeast. Stein also started a weekly television show and wrote a newspaper column for the Gwinnett Daily Post.

During his retirement, he became a presenter on a regular basis at Ramapo College of New Jersey, a public liberal arts college located in Mahwah, New Jersey, where he developed an entrepreneurial course based on starting a business with $1,000.

In 2004, Stein was honored by the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS) when he received the MACS Career Achievement Award. In 2009, he was once again honored receiving the MACS Industry Pioneer Award.

AirSept President and stepson, Aaron Becker, said, “We are all incredibly saddened by Myron’s death. I was fortunate to work side-by-side with him for many years when the business was passed to me in 2001. He was a kind and giving person, brilliant in so many ways and I have always strived to learn from him and to make sure that AirSept stays true to his mission to build cost effective repair solutions that are the best in the industry. Many are not even aware that Myron had polio as a child and overcame these challenges to accomplish so much. He was an inspiration to me. Please know that we appreciate the many kind messages we have received and will announce his memorial plans soon. I am so glad he was honored by MACS and that he had a full life doing what he loved.”

Stein passed away peacefully last Thursday evening in Southern California where he has lived since 1996 with his wife Dolly, who is also a co-founder of AirSept. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Stein, the family requests donations to Captain Care, a non-profit that provides pet care and support for low-income communities in Southern California.

Here are two prototypes of the upcoming Silverado HD dually refresh undergoing testing. One (towing via a hitch) appears to be a lower-end model while the other (towing via a gooseneck) is a High Country trim.

The Silverado is expected to gain a refresh that will bring an updated exterior design, a new cabin with 13.4-in. infotainment screen and new powertrain bits with more power and torque. It is obvious from these photos that GM is placing an emphasis on the updated truck’s towing capacity, which has recently taken third place in max trailering ratings when compared to Ford and Ram.

Sources have confirmed that 6.6L Duramax V8 will make at least 500 hp and 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque, which is a substantial upgrade compared to the current specs of 445 hp and 910 lb.-ft. of torque.

Expect an official debut this fall.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

R&R Marketing Welcomes John Keller as Sales and Marketing Representative

R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) has announced the recent hire of John Keller as sales and marketing representative. Keller will join the RRMCI West Coast Sales Team.

Keller grew up at his family-owned tow company in the San Francisco Bay area where he, his father and uncle built race cars in their spare time, which eventually led to him racing in the oval. Keller officially began his career in the aftermarket when he took a position with Goodguys Rod and Customs in 2009. Twelve years later, he moved to Arizona where he worked as a sales manager for an aftermarket billet company. Keller joins the RRMCI Team with more than a decade of experience.

Milwaukee Tool Opens Engineering ‘New Technology’ Office in Chicago

Milwaukee Tool announced the opening of Milwaukee Tool – Chicago. Located in the heart of the Windy City, the location will serve as an engineering design and innovation space to accommodate the company’s investments in new technology. This location will also act as an extension of the company’s global headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin.  

Over the last decade the company has experienced incredible double-digit growth globally and currently employs more than 10,000 people in the United States. Chicago’s flourishing ecosystem of technical talent is one of many reasons Milwaukee chose to expand to the city. Milwaukee invested more than $14 million to renovate 70,000-sq.-ft. of space within the historic Old Post Office in Chicago. Approximately 10,000 sq. ft. is dedicated to lab space for design and development of critical new technologies.

Mullen Automotive to Begin Construction for New EV Battery Pack Production

Mullen Automotive announced plans to begin EV battery pack production out of its high-voltage battery R&D facility located in Monrovia, California. The company will retrofit its Monrovia facility to accommodate the production of EV battery packs destined for Mullen’s EV vehicle lineup, including the ONE EV Cargo Van, FIVE EV Crossover, and DragonFLY EV Sportscar programs. Mullen is undertaking this effort to reduce dependency on third-party suppliers and reduce the risk associated with material and supply shortages, which currently plague the automotive industry. By taking battery pack production in-house, Mullen will also lower costs and increase overall quality control in battery pack development.

Turn 14 Distribution Adds Synergy Manufacturing to Line Card

Turn 14 Distribution has added a unique line of Synergy Manufacturing suspension and steering components to its line card. Synergy Manufacturing produces high-end automotive performance components, predominantly made in the USA, and are primarily for the off-road aftermarket.

The company fabricates a complete line of heavy-duty steering components, axle upgrades, skid plates, suspension systems, and other related products that dramatically improve vehicle on and off-road capability, performance, and appearance. All Synergy Manufacturing's products are designed to ensure the highest level of fit, finish, and performance.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Acquiring a new company can be an exciting time with limitless opportunities, but what do you do when employees of the acquired company are hesitant to the change?    

If your company is planning to acquire another one, it’s important to know the challenges you may face and how to instill confidence and security among employees due to inevitable culture change.

C-Suite executives are invited to join Wade Kawasaki of Legendary Companies and past SEMA Chairman of the Board during the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) upcoming webinar on how to navigate corporate climate changes at an executive level.

Taking place April 26 at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), the webinar will feature Kawasaki sharing lessons learned from navigating a family business with long-term employees and helping them adapt to a very different corporate structure. Attendees will walk away prepared to overcome challenges and empower all staff to welcome change as a positive direction—from the acquisition team to new stakeholders, existing management and existing staff.

Register here. 

The SEMA Board of Directors elections are just around the corner, so now is the time to ensure you vote and be informed about your candidates.

Each member company is able to cast one ballot. Your company’s primary contact should have received an email from SEMA requesting them to fill out a brief form to confirm we have the appropriate person to complete the ballot for your company. It’s important that those forms are completed and returned as soon as possible.

The SEMA Board of Directors Candidates webpage is available to learn more about your candidates. The page includes their photos, bios, questionnaires and social-media links so you can learn more about them and their platforms.  

Ballots will be sent on May 10 from the SEMA election coordinator <mailto:noreply@directvote.net>, so ensure you receive your ballot by adding the email to your contacts list.

  By SEMA Editors

Companies that missed the deadline to participate in the priority space selection are encouraged to submit a booth space application and reserve a spot at the 2022 SEMA Show.

Companies that submitted an Exhibit Space Rental application and deposit for the 2022 SEMA Show prior to the April 4 deadline will choose the best locations for their Show displays during the Priority Space Selection process, which starts May 2 and concludes May 16.

Companies that submitted an Exhibit Space Rental application and deposit for the 2022 SEMA Show prior to the April 4 deadline will choose the best locations for their Show displays during the Priority Space Selection process, which starts May 2 and concludes May 16.

The selection process is based on exhibitor seniority, and each company will be contacted via email with their booth selection date and time range. The email will be sent to the person listed as the exhibitor’s primary SEMA Show contact.

About an hour prior to the time to select, exhibitors are encouraged to be prepared by viewing the 2022 Show’s online floorplan. Updated every 30 minutes, exhibitors can see as the Show begins to take shape and monitor their desired section to gain a general idea of where they want to display.

Prior to April 26, SEMA Show management will email each exhibiting company’s Show contact advising of the date and time assigned for their 2022 SEMA Show booth selection. Companies that have not received a correspondence by April 26 should contact sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.

During the exhibitor’s time to pick, a SEMA Show account representative will call the primary SEMA Show contact and help locate and assign the exhibit space that best suits the company’s needs. If the exhibitor wishes to change the primary contact for booth selection, a proxy form must be submitted 24 hours prior to the booth selection appointment.

The 2022 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

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.

Milwaukee Tool
Four New Hooks and Picks

Milwaukee Tool is expanding its mechanic's hand-tools lineup to feature four new hose picks and two new sets. The newly designed hose pick sets offer a puncture protection flat hose pick that eases user frustration and reduces the frequency of damaging hoses while loosening, pulling, and prying at them.

These new hooks and picks feature an all-metal core for up to 50% more durability, a larger shank, and a more durable tip designed to remove hoses. The comfort grip handles give users increased tool control and comfort while resisting harsh chemicals commonly found in garages that cause grips to deteriorate. Mechanics often move from mini to hose picks when they need specific shapes to pry under hoses and gain longer reach to access their work while providing durability and leverage. Each pick has a specific angle for different applications and comes in 90°, 45°, flat, and hook hose pick types, all with reinforced metal tips that resist bending when loosening stubborn hoses. The innovative flat pick provides puncture protection and reduces damage to hoses. These chrome-plated tools provide superior rust protection and are backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Ringbrothers
Carbon-Fiber Steering Wheel

Ringbrothers announced the release of its new carbon-fiber steering wheel with billet aluminum spokes and a 3D-printed stainless-steel center cap. Available with either a crushed carbon-fiber or carbon-fiber weave hoop, the three-spoke steering wheel first appeared on the Ringbrothers’ recent ’69 Dodge Charger “CAPTIV” build before being available to the public. As a result, this wheel design was named “The Murph” after CAPTIV owner and New Zealand based race car driver Greg Murphy.

The wheel is 14.5 inches in diameter and fits the ’67 to ’94 GM steering column spline as well as universal Ididit/Flaming River steering columns.    

Flowmaster
New FlowFX Cat-Back Applications

These new Flowmaster FlowFX cat-back exhaust systems are manufactured using durable 409 stainless steel throughout and features 3.5-in. mandrel bent pipes for better gas flow. A FlowFX “straight-through” muffler is used for a moderate sound level and maximum performance. These kits use existing factory hanger locations and include installation instructions and all the necessary hardware.

Maximum power improvements:

• GM 6.2L: 16 horsepower and 16 lb.-ft. of torque
• Ram 6.4L: 13 horsepower and 15 lb.-ft. of torque
• Ford 6.2L/7.3L: 7.1 horsepower and 11.6 lb.-ft. of torque

Heise
New RGB and RGBW Lighting Products

Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics has added RGB and RGBW LED to its product lineup. Now shipping is a universal RGBW LED Underglow Lighting Kit, RGBW Bulk Wire, and RGB Bulk Wire. These products are designed to be compatible with other Heise RGB and RGBW products. They offer colorful, durable RGB and RGBW lighting solutions with less installation time and labor.

Universal RGBW LED Underglow Lighting Kit

• Includes (2) 48-in. and (2) 36-in. LED tubes.
• Dual connection to controller for maximum current and even illumination.
• Mounting hardware and extension cables included.
• Requires RGBW-CB1 controller (sold separately) that works with Metra RGBW smartphone app.
• RGB LEDs plus true white LED color.
• IP rating: IP67.
• One-year limited warranty.

RGB Bulk Wire

The RGB-250SPL Bulk Wire from Heise is designed specifically for use with our Heise RGB lighting products. This wire features water-resistant black over-mold to protect the individual cables.

RGB-250SPL Product Specifications

• Length: 250 ft.
• Gauge: 22 Gauge.
• Wire colors: R/G/B/BL.
• Water-resistant black over-mold.
• Works exclusively with Heise RGB lighting products.
• One-year limited warranty.

Co-hosted by the SEMA Garage and SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), the Southern California Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is staging an event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, Saturday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., to showcase its students in front of the local industry.

This event will provide a great networking opportunity between SEMA-member companies, additional industry professionals and university students who are part of Formula and Baja SAE competition teams. It will include a career fair, allowing companies to recruit upcoming graduates. Students will also have an opportunity to gain feedback from industry professionals on their engineering and business presentations as preparation ahead of their upcoming competition.

SEMA staff will provide facility tours and showcase product-development services utilized by automotive aftermarket companies. Lunch will be provided.  

Register here.

This event will provide a great networking opportunity between SEMA-member companies, additional industry professionals and university students who are part of Formula and Baja SAE competition teams.