By Ashley Reyes

Knowing how to identify and professionally analyze combustion events, such as knocks, preignition, rev-limiter tuning and broken crankshafts is crucial to obtaining peak engine performance.

Join Gary Patterson, R&D engineer at Roush Yates Engines, during a SEMA webinar on April 19, at 1:00 pm (PDT), to discover the tools that are available to help measure cylinder pressure, how to identify the data in real-time and what actions to take as a result of the data. Whether it’s calibration optimization or valve timing optimization, the modifications can make a difference in overall engine performance.

Geared toward automotive engineers, programmers and product developers, the webinar will cover:

• Cylinder Pressure Measurements: What equipment it takes to acquire data, what the raw data looks like and examples of good versus bad data.
• Data Interpretation: How to interpret the data to quickly optimize ignition timing, and understanding valve timing tradeoffs.
• Abnormal Events: Examples of abnormal events such as knocks, preignition, examples of good and bad rev limiter tuning, detecting a broken crankshaft during a test, and stopping the test before damaging the engine block.
• Other Indicating System Uses: Other types of measurements indicating systems (i.e., fuel-rail pressure oscillations, crankshaft torsion and bending).

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) named Heather Tausch as this week’s WTC spotlight volunteer. Tausch is a WTC select committee member and the director of product development at Mickey Thompson Wheels & Tires—a designer and builder of performance wheels and tires for the automotive aftermarket.

Get to know Tausch in her interview with SEMA below:

SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?

Heather Tausch: I fell into the wheel and tire industry on accident when I was recruited to WELD in 2017 from a small spark plug company. I fell in love with the wheel industry when I discovered it’s the fashion industry of the automotive aftermarket. I branched out to tires when I launched MOMO Tires in 2018, and Mickey Thompson has opened my eyes in how technically advanced tires can be, which appeals to the nerd in me.

SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?

HT: Being a WTC volunteer has given me access to a whole community that has experience and insight into the unique challenges I face every day.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?

HT: My advice is to get involved with the industry and get out of the office to connect with the market.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

HT: I can be found doing fun activities with my seven-year-old.

Fill out a WTC spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on WTC’s social media, SEMA News and future WTC member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Melanie White as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. White is the CEO and owner of Hellwig Products, a manufacturer of load-control and sway-control solutions for trucks, RVs, musclecars, classic cars and fleet vehicles.  

Get to know White in her interview with SEMA below:  

SEMA: How many years have you been with your current company, and what do you enjoy most about working there?

Melanie White: I have been at Hellwig for now 16 years. I love the team most of all!

SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

MW: It’s dynamic, things are always changing, and there is always something new to learn (but it’s also what I love).

SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry, and what was your first industry job?

MW: I entered in the industry at Hellwig, but I first started cold calling for the company. That was a great way to get started.

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?

MW: If I had to pick just three qualities, I’d say focus, determination and vision.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?

MW: I’ve definitely had challenges, but my biggest accomplishment was being able to flip the script from seeing them as challenges. They also were opportunities.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

MW: I’ve had so many! Anne Johnson was my mentor and she gave me so much. Luanne Brown always challenged me to do more. Rose Kawasaki has always cheered me on, and there are so many more! I also should give credit to my male mentors: George Lathouris, Rich Barsamian, Kelly Kneifl, Joel Ayers, Mike Spagnola, again, there are just too many to name! This industry is full of generous people willing to mentor.

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

MW: Don’t focus on being female; the only thing going against you is your age—so be the most prepared.

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?

MW: No, I ended up here because I wanted to get into sales. I’m sure glad I did!

SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?

MW: My grandpa and my dad. I wouldn’t be in this industry without them. They have taught me a lot about hard work and taking care of our customers. I’m so grateful they kept the family business going and growing.  

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA News and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.

By Ashley Reyes

Erik Heitman is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) newest spotlight member. Heitman is the brand manager at FASS Diesel Fuel Systems, manufacturers of a fuel-air separation system designed to eliminate air and vapor trapped in diesel fuel.

Get to know Heitman in his interview with SEMA below:

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

Erik Heitman: The only thing standing in your way is you. Self-doubt and criticism are things we all struggle with. Learning how to combat this takes time, and consistent effort, but is a game-changer.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

EH: I love helping others and finding ways to keep the younger generations excited about the industry.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

EH: I can be found at the local racetrack or at a Cars & Coffee.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

EH: I prepare by making sure I have good questions about the topic and take time well beforehand to think through what we’re going to cover.

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

EH: Rick Hendrick—he is so good at putting the right people in the right places in both his dealerships and race team. It would be a privilege just to meet him.

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.

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.

Sales Account Manager
Energy Suspension is hiring a sales account manager. The ideal candidate preferably has a thorough understanding of the automotive aftermarket covering several distribution channels and relevant experience in a position of similar responsibility. This person must be detail oriented, an excellent communicator, problem solver and a strong desire to exceed sales objectives. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is also necessary.

Marketing Manager
Turn 14 Distribution is hiring a marketing manager to lead development and execution of all T14 events. This position is responsible for creating and maintaining a rolling 12-month calendar of industry events; securing and maintaining relationships with sponsors; all status reports, packets, promotional materials, invoices and any media coverage details and logistics.

Industrial Designer
Oracle Lighting is hiring an industrial designer. Under the direction of the director of product development, this position is responsible for developing concept drawings based on input from R&D, creating photorealistic renderings of on-vehicle applications, working closely with the R&D and design team to achieve client design demands and presenting pre-visualized ideas for in-house projects and clients. A minimum four years’ experience in 3-D design software and automotive design environment is required.

By SEMA Editors

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

By Ashley Reyes

Holley LS Fest has become the go-to event for fans of GM’s high performance do-it-all LS engine platform. This year, Holley is bringing LS Fest West back to Las Vegas Motor Speedway just outside of Las Vegas.

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is hosting a mixer for its members inside the Optima Booth on Thursday, April 21, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

The event is the ideal time for members to grow and expand their professional network. Attendees will network with industry friends in a relaxed environment, learn about resources available to council members and connect directly with the MPMC Select Committee.

Lean more about the event and RSVP here.

Burnyzz Speed Shop Inaugural Car Auction Moves Over $1 Million in Sales

Burnyzz Speed Shop held a car auction featuring a variety of cars and trucks built and restored by the company. The two-day auction saw more than $1 million in sales. The goal of this first-time auction was to put collectors behind the wheel of their dream iconic car, and to facilitate classic and collector car consignment, purchases and transportation.

Nearly 100 of some of the most beautiful and collectible cars from across the country were sold, with a ’70 Chevelle SS and ’21 Ford Bronco leading the way, earning $126,000 and $100,000 respectively. The two-day event was held at World Equestrian Center, Expo 2 (Florida), and a future event is already planned for December of this year.

The Burnyzz black and white ’70 Chevelle SS sold for $126,000 and featured a new GM 427 C.I. LS7 w/Hot Cam making 600 hp, with a Tremec five-speed transmission. Burnyzz Speed Shop added a full RideTech suspension with adjustable coil overs, Wilwood brakes, Dakota Digital gauges, and completed the build with a high-quality leather interior.

The brand-new ’21 Ford Bronco was a special project for Burnyzz Speed Shop and included an upgrade to the Bandlands Series, Hill Start Assist, Ford Co-Pilot 360 technology and leather trimmed seats, as well as a host of additional luxury enhancements, pushing the auction price up to $100,000.

Devron Jeffers Named Speedway Motorsports Vice President of Business Development

Senior business executive and sales professional Devron Jeffers has returned to Speedway Motorsports as vice president of business development for the company’s national sales team, as announced by Speedway Motorsports Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer Kevin Camper. Jeffers will be based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and focus on national sales opportunities for companies headquartered in Texas and the central United States. He will oversee a portfolio of event entitlement, hospitality, facility rental and sports marketing assets amongst Speedway Motorsports’ 11 venues. From 1997 to 2017, Jeffers held a variety of sales positions at Texas Motor Speedway starting with Speedway Club sales representative. Most recently, he served as the chief revenue officer with the East Coast Hockey League’s Allen Americans.

Keystone Automotive Operations Celebrates 50th Anniversary at 2022 BIG Show

Keystone Automotive Operations celebrated its 50th anniversary at the 2022 Keystone Automotive Operations BIG Show sponsored by Weather Guard, in March. The 50-year Legacy Celebration presentation at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center ballroom was the first activity of a full show agenda.

Opening the two-day annual customer event honoring company founder, Joe Amato alongside an impressive roster of associates, customers, industry suppliers, manufacturers and organizations, the company paid homage to many of those who had contributed to its success for the last five decades.

As part of the show activities, attendees were treated to a host of networking opportunities, a Friday night concert presented by Weather Guard, and a Saturday evening reception in addition to 50th  Anniversary activities. Special displays included an Amato’s championship winning NHRA dragster as well as a unique collection of memorabilia from his personal collection alongside a variety of items representing the history of Keystone Automotive Operations over the many years.

New Owners for North Florida Motorplex

The North Florida Motorplex—the dragstrip and dirt track in Fountain, Florida, formerly known as Powerhouse Motorsports Park—has new owners. Kevin and Cody McDaniel—brothers that operate Piggly Wiggly grocery stores in Florida and Alabama—have taken over ownership of the facility, home to the 1/8-mile dragstrip now sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). Track improvements include a new concession stand, tower and bleachers. In addition, officials have widened the dragstrip, plus installed new concrete walls, lighting, and an Accutime timing system. With sponsorship from Coca-Cola, the track will offer a $60,000 points fund, bonuses and a vacation package to Panama City Beach.

MAP Services Corp. Adds 17 New Brands to Client Portfolio

MAP Services Corp. announced the addition of 10 new clients with 17 brands in the automotive aftermarket and powersports. The company's Do-It-For-Me service business model provides a unique service. “We feel a service provider should do exactly that, provide a service and not create more work for a client” says David Portugal, founder of MAP services.

“These new clients have seen the benefits of using MAP Services Corp to monitor and enforce their price polices,” said Portugal.

• Valterra -Tire Minder
• Vibrant Performance
• Oracle Lighting
• Advanced Clutch Technology
• Ohlins
• Rizoma
• Maxxis
• Anzo
• Gold Eagle Brands: 303, 104+ Octane Booster, Cindo, HEET, No Leak, Sta-Bil, TriNova
• Bridgestone

Wheel Pros Acquires TeraFlex

Wheel Pros, backed by Clearlake Capital Group, L.P., and in partnership with management, announced it has acquired TeraFlex, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket suspensions, shocks, and other components for automotive and off-roading enthusiasts. TeraFlex has established brands, such as Falcon, and in-house product development capabilities that deliver high-performance, quality products. TeraFlex operates three domestic U.S. facilities and sells 3,470 distinct product SKUs across 24 core product families.

Goodyear to Develop Domestic Source of Natural Rubber

The roots of Taraxacum kok-saghyz, a species of dandelion known as “TK” that has proven to be a valuable alternative to natural rubber trees. Photo credit: Farmed Materials.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced a multi-year, multi-million-dollar program supported by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) and BioMADE to work with Ohio-based Farmed Materials to develop a domestic source of natural rubber from a specific species of dandelion.

Natural rubber has been classified as a strategic raw material that serves as a critical ingredient in military, aircraft and truck tires. Today, more than 90% of the world's natural rubber is made from latex derived from rubber trees and is primarily sourced from tropical locations outside of the United States.

The program will build on research that analyzed more than 2,500 species of plants but found only a few with properties suitable for use in tires. Taraxacum kok-saghyz, a species of dandelion known as “TK,” has proven to be a valuable alternative to natural rubber trees. Farmed Materials has shown initial positive results in pilot programs for TK, yielding strong harvests that necessitate the need for additional planting and funding. While rubber trees typically take seven years to produce the latex needed for rubber production, dandelions can be harvested every six months. TK dandelions are also resilient and can grow in more temperate climates, such as Ohio.

Backed by the DoD, the collaboration of Goodyear, BioMADE and Farmed Materials will accelerate commercialization of TK, beginning in the spring of 2022 with the planting and harvesting of TK seeds in Ohio. The natural rubber produced will be used in the production of military aircraft tires that will be built and tested under rigorous applications by Goodyear in cooperation with the AFRL at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. If additional testing provides promising results, Goodyear sees potential for the application of TK rubber to be used in all tire applications.

Fullbay Acquires Dieselmatic

Fullbay, the turnkey platform designed to improve the operational efficiency of heavy-duty repair shops, has acquired DieselmaticDigital Inc., the digital marketing agency focused exclusively on diesel repair shops. The acquisition layers the digital marketing services of Dieselmatic onto the shop management software Fullbay already offers to help drive demand for repair shop businesses. Terms of the acquisition, which closed April 1, were not disclosed.

Working exclusively in the commercial vehicle-repair industry allows the Dieselmatic team to create unique content, coupled with proven digital techniques and strategies that consistently improve online rankings. The acquisition transition will be seamless for existing Fullbay and Dieselmatic customers and employees. Fullbay expects to retain all employees of both organizations, and anticipates continued growth through cross-branding, customer integration and implementation of best practices. Future integrations between the two brands will include an end-to-end analytics dashboard that provides shop owners with a true ROI on marketing.

MOOG Creates Enhancements to Premium Control Arms Product Line

MOOG, the  steering and suspension brand from Tenneco Inc.'s DRiV group, recently announced a series of enhancements to its premium control arms.

MOOG constantly tests and develops new engineering solutions to improve vehicle ride and performance. Innovations to MOOG Premium control arms include induction-hardened studs and carbon fiber-reinforced bearings with PTFE. Induction-hardened studs provide added strength, while the patent-pending carbon fiber-reinforced bearings reduce socket friction compared to typical non-reinforced bearings. Together these innovations provide longer socket life.

Many of the enhanced control arms come complete with all hardware needed for a fast and easy installation and a laser-etched MOOG product ID to guarantee genuine MOOG quality.

Race Winning Brands Acquires PAC Racing Springs

Race Winning Brands Inc. (RWB), a portfolio company of MiddleGround Capital, has announced the acquisition of PAC Racing Springs (PAC), a manufacturer of high-performance valve springs serving the automotive and powersports performance and racing aftermarket. PAC represents the ninth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands.

PAC is headquartered and operates out of an industry-leading facility in Southfield, Michigan, just outside Detroit. PAC’s product line further enhances RWB’s ability to serve various racing markets, from circle track to drag racing. PAC’s manufacturing and supporting operations will remain based out their current Southfield, Michigan, headquarters.

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.

NASCAR Announces Nominees for Hall of Fame Class of 2023, Landmark Award

NASCAR has announced the 15 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s (NHOF) class of 2023, a group that will comprise the first Hall of Fame ballot in two years following the pandemic. Award winners are also eligible for NHOF enshrinement. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel, comprised of 62 industry professionals, will vote for the class of 2023 and Landmark Award on Wednesday, May 4. The 63rd vote goes to winners of a NASCAR.com Fan Vote (nascar.com/halloffame), which is will close on April 29. Following are the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2023 nominees and Landmark Award nominees:

Modern Era Ballot

• Neil Bonnett, won 18 times in the NASCAR Cup Series including consecutive Coca-Cola 600 victories.
• Tim Brewer, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief.
• Jeff Burton, won 21 times in the NASCAR Cup Series including the Southern 500 and two Coca-Cola 600s.
• Carl Edwards, winner of 28 NASCAR Cup Series races and 2007 Xfinity Series champion.
• Harry Gant, winner of 18 NASCAR Cup Series races, including two Southern 500 victories.
• Harry Hyde, 1970 NASCAR Cup Series championship crew chief.
• Matt Kenseth, 2003 NASCAR Cup Series champion and winner of 39 Cup races.
• Larry Phillips, first five-time NASCAR weekly series national champion.
• Ricky Rudd, won 23 times in NASCAR Cup Series, including the 1997 Brickyard 400.
• Kirk Shelmerdine, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief.

Pioneer Ballot

• Sam Ard, NASCAR Xfinity Series pioneer and two-time champion.
• AJ Foyt, won seven NASCAR Cup Series races including the 1972 Daytona 500.
• Banjo Matthews, built cars that won more than 250 NASCAR Cup Series races and three championships.
• Hershel McGriff, 1986 NASCAR West Series champion.
• Ralph Moody, two-time NASCAR Cup Series owner champion as the “mechanical genius” of Holman-Moody.

Landmark Award

• Janet Guthrie, the first female to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series superspeedway race.
• Alvin Hawkins, NASCAR’s first flagman; established NASCAR racing at Bowman Gray Stadium with Bill France Sr.
• Mike Helton, named third president of NASCAR in 2000; career included track operator roles at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.
• Lesa France Kennedy, NASCAR executive vice chair and one of the most influential women in sports.
• Dr. Joseph Mattioli, founder of Pocono Raceway.

Nitro Rallycross to Launch Global Series in June, Announces All-Electric Class  

Nitro Rallycross (Nitro RX) will launch its inaugural global season on June 18–19 at England’s Lydden Hill Race Circuit for the first of ten races staged in six countries, including Sweden, Finland, Canada, Saudi Arabia and the United States. The 2022–23 Nitro RX season will also feature competition with the debut of the FC1-X in the new Group E division. Created by First Corner, LLC, in collaboration with QEV Technologies and Nitro RX, the FC1-X delivers the electric equivalent of 1,070 peak hp and accelerates from 0–60 in 1.4 seconds. In addition, the Supercar class and NRX Next class return for this season.  

2022–23 Nitro Rallycross Championship Schedule (subject to change)

• June 18–19: England (Lydden Hill Race Circuit)
• July 30–31: Sweden
• August 27–28: Finland
• October 1–2: Minneapolis
• October 29–30: Los Angeles
• November 12–3: Phoenix
• December 10–11: Saudi Arabia
• January 21–22, 2023: Quebec, Canada
• February 4–5, 2023: Alberta, Canada
• March TBA, 2023: Nitro RX 2022–23 Series Finale, TBA, USA

For more information, visit nitrorallycross.com.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Announces New Single-Make Series “GR Cup”

Toyota Gazoo Racing North America has announced a new single-make series, the “GR Cup,” featuring the Toyota GR86. Based in the United States, the GR Cup will feature seven race events with dates and locations to be announced later. Each competitor will run identical Toyota GR86 vehicles, emphasizing driver skill and car setup. For more information, visit toyotagazooracing.com.

Las Vegas to Host Formula 1 Night Race in 2023

Formula 1 has announced that Las Vegas will provide the backdrop to Formula 1’s newest race when the American city hosts a night event beginning in 2023. The Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place on a Saturday next November and be one of three races in the United States, joining Miami and Austin. Las Vegas hosted races in 1981 and 1982, but this will be the first time F1 cars will race on the Las Vegas Strip. The 14-turn track will run for 3.8 miles with top speeds expected to hit around 212 mph. The design features three straights, a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section, with the Grand Prix to be run over 50 laps. For more information, visit formula1.com.

Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park to Close After 2023 NHRA Race

The Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona, has announced that the 2023 NHRA race will serve as the final event for the facility. The park will celebrate its 40th year of NHRA racing during next year’s Arizona Nationals. The park features four race tracks, including a 1/4-mile, NHRA-sanctioned dragstrip; a 1.6-mile road course; a 10-turn, 1.25-mile road course; and a 1.1-mile road course with a 0.375-mile straightaway. It also features a 2.4-mile IHBA- and APBA-sanctioned oval lake. A new overpass roadway for an I-10 extension will utilize the space now occupied by the track. For more information, visit racewildhorse.com.

PPG Renews Tasca Racing Sponsorship for 2022 Season

PPG has announced its renewed sponsorship of the Tasca Racing team for the 2022 NHRA season. Bob Tasca III, Tasca Racing team president and driver, will compete in 22 events across the U.S. in this year’s NHRA Nitro Funny Car division. The team’s Ford Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car will display PPG’s colorful livery in the races at the New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire and the Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pennsylvania.

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

By Fredy Ramirez, Jay Carpio and Carr Winn

Chris Forsberg got his hands on a ’23 Nissan Z and made it into a drift car.

Debuting at Formula DRIFT Streets Of Long Beach, SEMA caught up with Chris to see what he did and what the aftermarket might want to consider.