Rick Roberts Joins the Speedmaster Team as North American Director of Engineering

Speedmaster has hired Fredrick (Rick) Roberts Ph.D as North American director of engineering

Speedmaster has announced the addition of Fredrick (Rick) Roberts Ph.D as North American director of engineering. He is well known for serving 28 years as Edelbrock’s director of engineering, and played an integral part in the development of their EFI, cylinder head and intake manifold programs.

Roberts received his Ph.D in aeronautics from California Institute of Technology and upon graduating, got a job with IBM. While a career in tech seemed immanent for Roberts, his passion for cars drew him to the automotive aftermarket. “I left a good-paying mechanical engineering job to work for what was then a head porting company, Air Flow Research. It was at AFR where I got a first-class education on cylinder heads.” Roberts said. “I became partners with AFR in the purchase of Brownfield Company, the first aftermarket manufacturer to produce a small-block Chevy aluminum cylinder head.”

After only three years, his work caught the eye of Vic Edelbrock Jr., and in 1991, he was appointed director of engineering—a title he held for more than 28 years. In 2019, he founded Roberts Automotive consultants.

“While conducting our search for a Director of Engineering, Rick Roberts’ name came up several times by both candidates and industry colleagues.“ said Speedmaster Deputy CEO Tim Kawasaki. “The fact that someone of Ricks caliber chose Speedmaster over so many other performance brands cannot be overstated.”

AirSept Announces Chuck Abbott as Vice President, Sales and Marketing

AirSept has announced the addition of Charles “Chuck” Abbott as the company’s new vice president of sales and marketing. Hired March 1 by Aaron Becker, AirSept’s president, Abbott’s expertise is in transforming businesses for profitable growth in the tool, equipment and chemical categories via multiple channels to the automotive and HVAC/R service markets. Abbott previously served as vice president, global automotive sales for CPS Products Inc., where he managed strategic accounts, including Snap-on and Lockheed Martin, and was the primary architect of a sales team that significantly grew sales with a focus on new, innovative products, leveraging private-label programs, improving customer retention and expanding distribution here and abroad.

Currently, Abbott serves on the board of directors for the Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association, and previously served on the board of directors for the Equipment Tool Institute. Abbott, a graduate of Lesley University, will have a hybrid work schedule working primarily from his home in Indianapolis.

Kahn Media Acquires TREAD Agency

Moorpark, California-based Kahn Media has acquired the assets of TREAD Agency, which will act as a sub-brand of Kahn Media and provide digital marketing services with a focus on off-road, shooting sports, fishing and boating, overland and related market segments. TREAD is based in Southern California with affiliates in Texas, Arizona and Florida. TREAD Agency was founded by public relations and marketing veteran Jeff Dillow. He joined Kahn Media in 2021 and will remain directly engaged with the TREAD Agency brand. For more information, visit treadagency.com and kahnmedia.com.

R&R Marketing Consultants Distribution Partner Meyer Distributing Now Stocking VMP Performance

R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) has announced a new distribution partnership between Meyer Distributing and VMP Performance. Meyer Distributing is now a full stocking WD for VMP Performance products. They service the entire United States through their 82 locations.

Pat Musi Racing Engines to Host Open House at New Race Facility

Pat Musi Racing Engines and Musi Racing will celebrate the grand opening of their new race facility and the Edelbrock Race Center in Mooresville, North Carolina, with an open house event on Saturday, April 30. Fans will have the opportunity to tour the two facilities, including the new Edelbrock Race Center, home to Musi’s restoration-mod business, which will include the purchasing, upgrading, and reselling musclecars, with the installation of the Edelbrock-Musi 555 crate engine in many vehicles.

Fans can also meet Musi and his team and driver and TV star Lizzy Musi, who will be on hand at the racing facility from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. for autographs and photos. In addition, her Edelbrock and Lucas Oil-powered “Bonnie” Camaro, and the “Aftershock” Camaro, will be on display. The new facility is located at 1160 Gateway Drive, Mooresville, North Carolina, and the Edelbrock Race Center is located at 379-B Timber Road, Mooresville, North Carolina. For the complete details, visit musiracing.com.

Lisa Kubo Joins McLeod Racing as Director of Sport-Compact Sales

Lisa Kuba has been named the new director of Sport Compact Sales for McLeod Racing.

McLeod Racing has announced sport compact driver Lisa Kuba as its new director of Sport Compact Sales. Kubo is a professional drag racer of 12 years and the first sport-compact FWD driver to break into the seven-second zone. She will help grow and strengthen the McLeod Tuner Series line in her new position.

Xtrac Announces New Apprenticeship Academy

The Xtrac Academy will provide hands-on manufacturing and computer-aided engineering skills training focusing on Xtrac’s products.

Transmission technology specialist Xtrac, based in Berkshire, United Kingdom, has launched a dedicated apprenticeship facility at its global headquarters in Thatcham. The Xtrac Academy will provide hands-on manufacturing and computer-aided engineering skills training focusing on Xtrac’s products. The company will continue to work with Newbury College (UK) to offer apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing. For more information, visit xtrac.com/xtrac-academy.

Plews & Edelmann Purchases Blissfield Manufacturing

Plews & Edelmann, a manufacturer and marketer of power-steering components, hoses, automotive fittings and turbo oil lines, has completed its purchase of Blissfield Manufacturing, a third-generation Tier 1 manufacturer of refrigeration products and condensers. Founded in 1946 and based in Blissfield, Michigan, Blissfield produced hydraulic power-steering coolers for original-equipment manufacturers. In the transaction, Plews & Edelmann acquired Blissfield’s technology, designs and manufacturing equipment.

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.

Hagan, Tatum, Glenn and Stoffer Pick Up Wins at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals

Matt Hagan powered his 11,000-hp Dodge Power Brokers Dodge Charger Hellcat SRT to a run of 3.910 seconds at 330.96 mph to beat Blake Alexander in the final round.

Three-time Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan gave Tony Stewart Racing its first NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series victory, racing to his first win at the historic and 53rd annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway last Sunday. Tripp Tatum (Top Fuel), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also picked up wins at the third of 22 races during the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.

In his second final this season, Hagan powered his 11,000-hp Dodge Power Brokers Dodge Charger Hellcat SRT to a run of 3.910 seconds at 330.96 mph to beat Blake Alexander in the final round.

A day after picking up his first career No. 1 qualifier, Tatum did one better, driving to his first career Top Fuel victory with a standout run of 3.700 at 330.31 in his 11,000-hp Tripp Tatum Racing dragster.

In Pro Stock, Glenn, the reigning NHRA Rookie of the Year, got the best of his KB Racing teammate in the final round, going 6.486 at 210.21 in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro to knock off Kyle Koretsky.

Stoffer went 6.700 at 200.77 on her Big St. Charles/Ray Skillman Suzuki to beat Angie Smith in the final round of Pro Stock Motorcycle. To reach the final round for the fourth straight race, dating back to last season, Stoffer made the two quickest runs in Pro Stock Motorcycle history, going 6.682 at 198.70 in the opening round to initially set the record before she topped it with an 6.665 at 200.71 a round later. Stoffer added a 6.721 at 200.08 to reach the final round, with her finals performance giving Stoffer the third-quickest run in class history.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action April 1–3 with the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Names O’Donnell Chief Operating Officer, Kennedy Returns to Competition Team

NASCAR has announced two key executive leadership moves, promoting Steve O’Donnell to COO and returning Ben Kennedy to the competition team where he will assume a key leadership position as senior vice president, racing development & strategy. As COO, O’Donnell will continue to provide oversight of all NASCAR competition and racing operations, while adding track operations and strategic development to his purview. With these added duties, all NASCAR-owned track properties, track presidents and respective events fall under O’Donnell’s responsibilities.

In returning to NASCAR’s competition team, Kennedy will maintain oversight of the national series schedule development, while assuming immediate oversight of racing operations, track services/transportation/officiating, industry relations and the NASCAR Touring and Weekly Series. He will work with O’Donnell in managing the areas of at-track competition and racing innovation. For more information, visit nascar.com.

DIRTcar Summer Nationals Adds New Race Dates

The 32-race stretch will take place from mid-June to late July for the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models and DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals.

Officials have announced changes to the DIRTcar Summer Nationals “Hell Tour” schedule, including four new race dates. The 32-race stretch will take place from mid-June to late July for the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models and DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals. New races include Red Hill Raceway (Sumner, Illinois) on Tuesday, June 28. Midwest racing promoter Jeremy Sneed has purchased the 3/8-mile oval and will reopen the facility for racing for the first time since it was closed in 2005.

For the first time since 1997, the Summer Nationals returns to Benton Speedway (Benton, Missouri) on Wednesday, June 29. The tour will also visit Montpelier Motor Speedway (Montpelier, Indiana) on Wednesday, July 13, and then Shadyhill Speedway (Medaryville, Indiana) on Thursday, July 14. Additionally, the Knox County Fair Raceway (Knoxville, Illinois) event, originally slated for Tuesday, July 12, has been moved to Tuesday, July 5. In the meantime, the Fayette County Speedway (Brownstown, Illinois) event was moved from Monday, July 4, to Wednesday, July 6. For the updated schedule, visit here. For more information, visit dirtcar.com.

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

We just caught a rather bizarre Ford Mustang prototype. The model is an S550-generation Shelby GT350, but with one caveat: the hood, which is one of the strangest setups we’ve ever seen.

It features a massive raised section that peaks toward the front before tapering down in both directions. The purpose of this hood configuration is unclear, but it’s possible that the model is a powertrain mule for the upcoming S650 Mustang, and the hood was a makeshift approach to test a new powertrain setup. What this GT350 mule could be packing is anyone’s guess, but in 2011 we saw a Mustang with a similar hood setup, which turned out to be a Cobra Jet.

Other than that, the prototype appears to be identical to the S550 Shelby GT350.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) named AutoBio Tags as the council’s latest member spotlight company.

In a recent interview with SEMA, company CEO Paul Rooprai and CMO Katie Rooprai, share the company’s history and upcoming projects.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start?

KR: Paul first had the idea for AutoBio back in 2017 when he was traveling for business in Stuttgart, Germany. He had visited the Porsche Museum, but didn’t have enough time to enjoy it all. He took pictures on his phone of his favorite cars and the corresponding placards with the intention of reading about the cars on the plane ride home. It was a colossal mess to piece that together. The proverbial ‘aha’ moment struck and the idea for AutoBio was born.

Our award-winning, new-to-market technology is a 3-in. window cling that when scanned with a smartphone, goes directly to the full online story of your vehicle—as told by you. You can include pictures, tell your story and update it anytime. AutoBio Tags work anywhere in the world.

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

KR: We started talking about developing AutoBio in December 2019. By March 2020 when the pandemic hit, we had the time and space to work on it full-time. We were also able to line up the right team of developers and suppliers to bring our vision to life, and file for our patents.

It took us just over a year to get the platform up and running, and by May 2021, we were debuting at the Amelia Island Concours.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2022 and what projects are you working on?

KR: 2021 was an exciting year for us—it was the year we got to introduce AutoBio to the world! Although we never could have planned this, the timing for our launch worked out perfectly. By the time we were launching in the marketplace, the entire world had been re-introduced to the QR code due to the pandemic. We had one builder at SEMA say, “Oh I get it, using this is like the new Applebee’s menu!”

In 2021, we focused on getting the word out about AutoBio, forming relationships, and attending events such as the Amelia Island Concours, Concours d'Elegance of America, SEMA, and a number of local shows.

In 2022 we're focused on launching new features on the site, connecting with car clubs, making a podcast show and Concours appearances, and taking advantage of a variety of partnership opportunities that resulted from our participation in SEMA's Launch Pad. We’re thrilled to be helping people capture the story of their vehicles and share them with the world.

SEMA: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of.

KR: We’re really proud to be partnering with the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) to help their members preserve and share the stories of their incredible vehicles. We feel strongly that preserving these stories and all the restoration work that’s gone into them is essential to understanding and celebrating car culture. There are 40,000+ members of the AACA—imagine being able to scroll through all their car stories as told first-hand by the owners!

We were also very proud to have a handful of builders at the 2021 SEMA Show document their builds using the AutoBio platform.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket, particularly in the restoration segment?

KR: Document your work! One—it creates a historical record of your craftsmanship. Two—it provides the owner of the vehicle proof and provenance of the work. Three—documentation makes vehicles more valuable.

Restorers and builders find AutoBio to be a useful tool to easily document their work and keep a digital record they can share with anyone.

Fill out an ARMO-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on ARMO’s social media, SEMA News and future ARMO member updates.

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.

Manley Performance
Toyota 3UR-FE Pistons

Toyota’s “iForce” V-8 engine, commonly known by its 3UR-FE designation, can be found in the Tundra pickup, Sequoia, Land Cruiser and Lexus LX570 vehicles. With the increased popularity of this 5.7L engine —including the use of aftermarket forced induction systems—Manley Performance has added an array of 3UR-FE pistons to its highly regarded Platinum Series lineup.

Forged from race-proven 2618 aluminum alloy, 3UR-FE pistons are now available in multiple bore sizes (standard to +.65mm) in compression ratios that range from 10.0:1 to 12.5:1. Attributes include an offset wrist pin for quieter start-ups, a pressure balance groove and moly coated skirts to reduce friction and improve longevity.

Included with the pistons are .210-in. wall wrist pins (choice of Premium chrome moly or 9310 Extreme Duty series) premium steel top rings and round wire locks.

www.ManleyPerformance.com

BDS
Billet Injector and Xcelerator Plates

BDS manufactures one of the largest selection of high-performance injector and Xcelerator plates on the market. As with all the company’s products, the entire manufacturing process is performed in-house allowing them to maintain the utmost in quality control and precision fit at prices far below the competition.

Models are offered in variety of designs for use with BDS Blowers and a select number of other superchargers. Related accessories including, fuel rails and fuel lines are also available.

www.blowerdriveservice.com

Edge
L5P Duramax ECM Connector Repair Kit

When removing the factory ECM from the ’17–’22 GM L5P Duramax trucks, it’s common for the factory engine wiring harness connectors to become brittle and the plastic sliders to break. This is especially common on higher mileage trucks that have been subjected to harsh weather and road elements that can cause moisture and contamination around the ECM connectors.

Whether you are removing your factory ECM for installation of our Pulsar V3 tuning device, or for an ECM unlock service for flash tuning, don't let broken connector slides create unwanted downtime and expensive repairs. This kit includes two small slides and two large slides to offer complete repair of both engine harness connectors at a fraction of the cost of a new engine wiring harness.

www.edgeproducts.com

Vintage Air
Streamline Heater for ’30s–’40s Cars and Trucks

Vintage Air announced the release of its all-new Streamline Heater, the company’s most powerful and handsome heater system designed with classic styling to match the designs of the Streamline Era of the ’30s.  

The Streamline Heater’s Art Deco-style molded plastic cover, polished stainless-steel trim and single-knob operation ensure safety and ease of use. Powder-coated louvers direct air out of the bottom of the heater and separate it between the driver and passenger footwells for even heating. The single control knob regulates both the three-speed blower fan and the electronically controlled heater control valve.

www.vintageair.com

Nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class close March 18.

Induction to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association and honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket over a long period of time.

“Our industry is fueled by nothing short of passionate and hard-working individuals. The SEMA Hall of Fame honors those whom without, our industry would not be what it is today,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership.

“The industry’s input in the selection process is an invaluable asset to the association in identifying deserving hall of fame inductees.”

Since its inception in 1969, 165 individuals have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, including:

• Agosta, Matt (Steele Rubber Products)
• Airheart, Bob (Bob Airheart Sales)
• Alderson, Don (Muldoon Engineering)
• Amato, Joe (Keystone Automotive Warehouse)
• Appelgate, Brian (B&M Racing & Performance)
• Arias Jr., Nick (Arias Pistons)
• Arkus-Duntov, Zora (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Ayres, Joel (Automtoive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation)
• Babcox, Tom (Babcox Publications)
• Baney, Lou (SEMA)
• Barnett, Don (Speed Warehouse)
• Barris, George (Barris Kustom Industries)
• Barsamian, Rich (Advanced Clutch Technology Inc.)
• Bartlett, John (Grant Piston Rings)
• Baskerville, Gray (Hot Rod Magazine)
• Belond, Sandy (Belond Mufflers)
• Bingham, Jim (Winners Circle Speed & Custom Inc.)
• Black, Keith (Keith Black Racing Engines)
• Bleiweis, Raymond (Rocket Industries)
• Blum, Charles R. (SEMA)
• Bobins, Chuck (CB Sales)
• Bolio, Steve (Scafidi-Bolio & Associates)
• Borick, Louis (Superior Industries)
• Borré, Dan (Keith Black Performance Inc.)
• Borré, Jim (Manik Motors)
• Brock, Ray (Petersen Publishing)
• Brothers, Paul "Scooter" (Competition Cams, Inc.)
• Brown, Ray (Superior Industries)
• Cahill, Robert (Chrysler Corp., Mopar Division)
• Campbell, Ben, Nighthorse (Senator)
• Card, Charley (Honest Charley's)
• Carleton, GiGi (Robert E. Petersen Foundation)
• Cepek, Dick (Dick Cepek Inc.)
• Chandler, Bob (Bigfoot 4x4 Inc.)
• Chapouris, Pete (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Chrisman, Art (Chrisman’s Auto Rod Specialist – CARS)
• Coddington, Boyd (Boyds Wheels)
• Coker, Corky (Coker Tires)
• Coleman, Ron (Competition Cams)
• Cook, Bob (Book Cook Sales)
• Cornelison, Nile (Direct Communications Inc.)
• Cozzie, Jim (Brenton Productions Inc.)
• Crane, Harvey J. (Crane Cams)
• Crower, Bruce (Crower Cams)
• Day, Dick (Petersen Publishing Co.)
• Deane, Russ (SEMA General Counsel)
• Deist, Jim (Deist Safety Equipment)
• Diamond, Murray (Plasticolor Molded Products)
• Douglass, Howard (Douglass Mufflers)
• Eatherly, Donnie (P&E Distributors Inc.)
• Economaki, Chris (National Speed Sport News)
• Edelbrock Jr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Edelbrock Sr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Elliott, Ed (Elliott-McMullen Advertising)
• Elliott, George (Argus Publishers)
• Evans, Doug (Bonnier Corporation)
• Faulk, Amy (Hypertech Inc.)
• Fishel, Herb (The Business of Motorsports)
• Foose, Chip (Foose Design)
• Foote, George (Karbelt Speed & Custom)
• Foulger, Donna Imrie (SEMA)
• France Sr., Bill (NASCAR)
• Funfar, Run (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Gage, Dennis (MadStache Inc.)
• Gaines, John (G&M Performance Parts)
• Garlits, Don (Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing)
• Garner, Willie (Trans-Dapt)
• Giampetroni, Angelo (Ford Motor Company)
• Goldberg, Harvey (Goldberg Marketing Inc.)
• Goldstein, Jack (Jack Goldstein & Associates)
• Granatelli, Andy (Consultant)
• Grant, Eric
• Halibrand, Ted (Halibrand Engineering)
• Harman, Kenny (Harman Collins Inc.)
• Harris, Jack (Rush Sales)
• Hart, C.J. (Lion's Drag Strip)
• Hart, Jack (NHRA)
• Hays, Bill (Centerforce Clutches)
• Hedman, Bob (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Heffington, Mark (Hypertech Inc.)
• Hibler, Harry (Nanotech Fuel Corp.)
• Hilborn, Stuart (Fuel Injection Engineering Co.)
• Hiltz, Stan (Thrush Mufflers)
• Holding, Dennis (Direct Parts Inc.)
• Hooker, Gary (Hooker Headers)
• Hrudka, Joe (Mr. Gasket Co.)
• Hurst, George (Hurst Shifters)
• Iskenderian, Ed (Isky Racing Cams)
• Kagan, Leo (Amco Manufacturing)
• Kawasaki, Wade (Coker Group)
• Keller, Bob (Turbonetics, Inc.)
• Kerr, Jim (Jim Kerr & Associates)
• Konblett, Sheldon (SC Performance)
• Kuhns, Arnold (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Lahmann, Butch (American Specialty Equipment)
• Larivee Sr., Bob (Promotions Inc.)
• LeSage, Burke
• Leslie, Roy (Kenz & Leslie Accessories Ltd.)
• Light, Jerry (Speed Warehouse)
• Lipper, Ray (Center Line Wheel Corp.)
• Lohn, Els (Ansen Enterprises)
• Mallory, Boots (Mallory Ignition)
• Martin, Dick
• Maxwell, Dick (Chrysler Corporation)
• McClelland, Dave (Diamond P Sports)
• McFarland, Jim (AutoCom)
• McJannett, Bob (Performance Improvements)
• McMullen, Richard
• Meguiar, Barry (Meguiar’s)
• Menzler, John (COMP Performance Group)
• Moon, Dean (Moon Equipment Co.)
• Moore, Marla (Coker Tire)
• Moroso, Dick (Moroso Performance Products)
• Offenhauser, Fred (Offenhauser Equipment Corp.)
• Olson, Carl (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Parks, Wally (NHRA)
• Patteri, Robert (Patteri Sales)
• Perry, Bill (Bill Perry and Associates)
• Petersen, Robert E. (Petersen Publishing)
• Piggins, Vince (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Pink, Ed (Ed Pink Racing Engines)
• Pisano, Joe (Venolia Pistons)
• Prudhomme, Don (Don Prudhomme Racing)
• Raleigh, Don (Don's Speed Shop)
• Reed, Alan (IMARC)
• Richter, Roy (Cragar Industries)
• Rifchin, Marvin (M&H Tires)
• Roberts, Red (McLeod Industries)
• Rollins, Rick (Superchips, Inc.)
• Scafidi, John (Hurst Shifters)
• Schiefer, Paul (Schiefer Equipment Co.)
• Schubeck, Joe
• Schwartz, Chuck (ConvExx)
• Senter, Louis (Senter Engineering Corp.)
• Shedden, Tom (Cragar Industries)
• Shelby, Carroll (Shelby Automotives)
• Shelton, Nate (B&M Automotive Group)
• Sigman, Ben (Sigman-Pittman)
• Simmons, John (SECO Performance Centers)
• Simpson, Bill (Simpson Racing Products)
• Smith, Bill (Speedway Motors)
• Smith, Don (High Performance Distributors)
• Spar, Bob (B&M Automotive)
• St. Lawrence, Joe (RTM Studios)
• Stroppe, Bill (Bill Stroppe & Son)
• Thompson, Mickey (Mickey Thompson Enterprises)
• Thomson, Chris (TMG Performance Group)
• Towle, John (Performance Warehouse Association)
• Van Cleve, Charlie (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Van Cleve, Dick (Van Cleve & Associates)
• Vandergriff, Robert (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Vaughn, Jim (Mr. Phone)
• Vaughn, Linda (Hurst Performance Products)
• Warn, Thurston (Warn Industries)
• Weber, Harry (Weber Cams)
• Weiand, Joan (Weiand Industries)
• Weiand, Phil (Weiand Automotive Industries)
• Wells, Dick (SEMA)
• Winfield, Ed (Winfield Carburetors)
• Wirth, Jim (Wirth & Wirth Advertising)
• Woodell, Van (Weathers Auto Supply)
• Woomer, Steve (Competition Specialties)
• Worthan, Rolan “Jeep” (Auto Meter Products, Inc.)
• Xydias, Alex (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Yunick, Henry “Smokey”

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction. Nominations are open until March 18, 2022, and can be submitted here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, Project Manager-Recognition Programs, at chriss@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named Classic Instruments as the council’s latest member spotlight company. In this week’s feature, Classic Instrument’s COO John McLeod shares the company’s current projects, and what advice he has for up-and-comers in the industry.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop. How did you start?

John McLeod: Classic Instruments was founded in 1977 by Frank and Shirley Hettick in Oregon. When they relocated the company to Boyne City, Michigan, I was a police officer and GM of a custom/restoration shop and used Classic Instruments in some of my builds. As the new owner, I started with one employee in the corner of the restoration company and slowly, with a focus on customer service and building quality parts and hiring quality people, continued to grow the company every day.

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

JM: Breakthrough moment? I would say the first night after being the owner the company and sitting back and thinking how blessed I am.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2022 and what projects are you working on?

JM: Custom projects continue to raise the bar. Our customers continue to push our limits and we love it. On the catalog side, it is trucks. The world is truck crazy, and it is really cool!  

SEMA: Tell us about an aspect of your company you are proud of.

JM: Our employees are what I am most proud of and the friends I have made in the industry.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

JM: Be willing to give up everything you have to get everything you want. Work hard, be honest, fair and consistent. Good things will come!

Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA's and media, SEMA News and future HRIA member updates.

The new “SEMA Battle of the Builders” television special re-airs tonight, March 10, on the A+E Networks’ fyi Channel at 8:00 p.m. (PST) and 11:00 p.m. (EST).

The one-hour program is hosted by Adrienne “AJ” Janic and Tanner Foust, and features special guest judges RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs), Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) and Kyle Kuhnhausen (Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts).

In addition to tuning in, please invite your friends and family to tune in as well. Watch the 30-second trailer below:

Visit www.semashow.com/botb for more information.

By Ashley Reyes

The government plays a critical role in any industry. Businesses are impacted by subsidies, taxes and regulations. Elected officials often determine future laws. The wheel and tire industry is not immune to the impact of government.

From tax credits for small businesses, to laws that impact the way wheel and tire products are made, distributed and marketed, and even the impact of U.S. EPA overreach, the wheel and tire industry is impacted by government actions. The current RPM Act is a perfect reason for you to understand how this affects the wheel and tire industry.  

WTC members are invited to learn how they can work with elected officials to help their businesses, and why it’s important to fight for the passage of the RPM Act now during this live webinar.

Christian Robinson, SEMA director of state government affairs and SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC), and John Hotchkis, president at Hotchkis Performance and chair of the SEMA PAC, will explain:  

• What the SEMA PAC is.
• How the SEMA PAC helps to ensure that elected officials support our industry.
• What the new SEMA Individual Membership is, and how it helps defend your automotive rights.
• The importance of bills like the RPM Act, and why it matters to wheel and tire companies.

While you’re busy managing your business, SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is advocating to protect the industry and your business. This webinar will guide you on state and federal regulations, and the opportunity to make your voice heard on relevant issues that may affect your business.

Register here.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed adding four more advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technologies to its five-star safety rating program: lane-keeping support, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning and blind-spot intervention.

NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) already includes four ADAS technologies: forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support. The agency is also seeking to update and strengthen the testing procedures and performance criteria for the four ADAS technologies currently in NCAP. NHTSA intends to establish a 10-year roadmap for future updates. This includes technologies to address driver distraction, alcohol detection, seat belt interlocks, intelligent speed assist, driver monitoring systems and rear-seat child reminder assist.

NCAP is designed to help consumers learn about the safety of new vehicles, and these proposed updates will help the program “keep up with the pace of innovation in vehicle safety” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s Deputy Administrator. In turn, as NHTSA develops reliable test procedures, the agency may seek to create a performance-based safety standard to require installation of certain ADAS technology on new vehicles. SEMA is reviewing the proposed rule and will submit comments aimed at protecting consumers’ ability to modify their ADAS-equipped vehicles.

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