Compiled by SEMA Editors

Wilkerson, Hart, Koretsky and Sampey Earn Wins at Dewalt NHRA Carolina Nationals

After going winless for five years, Funny Car veteran Tim Wilkerson now has two wins in the past three weeks, driving to the victory last Sunday at the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Josh Hart (Top Fuel), Kyle Koretsky (Pro Stock) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also picked up wins at the 15th of 20 races during the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the second race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Taking on Cruz Pedregon in the final round, Wilkerson powered to a run of 3.927 seconds at 331.36 mph in his 11,000-hp Levin, Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang, picking up his second victory this month and the 22nd in his career. Wilkerson also moved to sixth in points, taking out three competitors in front of him in the standings en route to the win on Sunday.

In Top Fuel, Hart picked up the second victory in his career in just his eighth start, beating points leader Brittany Force on a holeshot in the final round. Hart went 3.770 at 324.12 in his 11,000-horsepower R&L Carriers dragster, which was enough to hold off Force’s 3.751 at 320.05.

Koretsky denied Greg Anderson a chance at history in Pro Stock and in the process picked up his first career win, going 6.629 at 207.27 in his Lucas Oil Chevrolet Camaro to beat Anderson’s 6.639 at 208.20 in a battle of KB Racing teammates.

After coming close on a couple recent occasions, Sampey broke through with the victory in the final round in Pro Stock Motorcycle, chasing down Joey Gladstone with a run of 6.861 at 196.62 on her Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. Sampey was late on the starting line, but she had enough at the finish line to slip past Gladstone, earning her first win this season and 44th in her career.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action, September 24-26, with the NHRA Midwest Nationals at the World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis.

NMRA Releases 2022 Ford Nationals Event Schedule

The NMRA Ford Nationals returns to action in 2022 with six all-Ford national events through unique markets across the eastern United States. The national event series hosts thousands of participants each year with championship street-car drag racing, True Street challenges, specialty shootouts, car shows, celebrity appearances and more.

The NMRA officially kicks off the season with the Spring Break Shootout, held at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The second tour stop is Rockingham Dragway—the new home of the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals in April. World Wide Technology Raceway, just outside of St. Louis, continues to host the NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing extravaganza. A month later, the traveling Ford motorsport show returns once again to Summit Motorsports Park in Ohio with the Ford Performance Nationals. Then it’s back to US 131 Motorsports Park for the NMRA/NMCA Power Festival in July, followed by a break leading up to the NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival. This annual festival includes the culmination of championship drag racing, street car shootouts, True Street, along with professional and amateur drifting, autocross extravaganza, an off-road course open to professionals and amateurs alike, and an all-Ford car show. For more information on the 2022 NMRA Ford Nationals, visit www.NMRAdigital.com.

17 Races For IndyCar In 2022

IndyCar has announced a 17-race schedule for the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season, which will feature unprecedented coverage on network television, an earlier start date, a “re-energized” summer of fan favorites and a turbocharged stretch run. The 2022 calendar is benchmarked by the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 29. This year’s “500” on NBC was the most-watched edition of the race since the 100th Running in 2016.

In the United States, a record 14 events will air on the NBC broadcast network, one more than previously announced in July. It is the most single-season appearances on network television in IndyCar Series history. Two additional races will appear on USA Network while Peacock Premium, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, will provide live coverage of all 17 races in addition to practices and qualifying. For more information, visit indycar.com.

Lawson Earns DTM Lead After Assen Podiums With Two Rounds Left

Liam Lawson sealed two podium finishes at Assen last weekend to claim the 2021 DTM championship lead with just two rounds left in the season. Despite carrying an extra 25 kg of success weight, Lawson was in contention for the win until the end of the race, which featured two safety car phases—his #30 ’20 Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo eventually coming home third with Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse teammate Alex Albon a DNF after being hit by a rival at the start of the race.

On Sunday, Lawson and Thai driver Albon locked out the second row of the grid to start third and fourth respectively and, despite initially losing a position from the start and running fourth, clever strategy in the pit stop put Lawson out in second place on the road. Lawson was then able to pull clear and pile pressure on race leader Lucas Auer (AUT) in the closing stages, but eventually had to settle for a close second place with Albon ending fifth in the #23 ’20 Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo.

Lawson has now finished in the top three on eight occasions already this season and he is now ahead of German Marco Wittmann by 10 points in the standings. Albon is 71 points behind Lawson in sixth with Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse now having 279 points to its name after six races to extend its lead in the team competition to 58 points with the 2021 season continuing from October 1-3 around the Hockenheim circuit in Germany.

Race 1 Result:
1. Marco Wittmann (GER) – Walkenhorst Motorsport
2. Mirko Bortolotti (ITA) - T3 Motorsport
3. Liam Lawson (NZL) – Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse
4. Maximilian Götz (GER) – Mercedes-AMG Team HRT
5.Christian Klien (AUT) – JP Motorsport
DNF Alex Albon (THA) – Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse

Race 2 Result:
1. Lucas Auer (AUT) – Mercedes-AMG Team Winward
2. Liam Lawson (NZL) – Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse
3. Marco Wittmann (GER) – Walkenhorst Motorsport
4. Kelvin van der Linde (RSA) – Team Abt Sportsline
5. Alex Albon (THA) – Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse

NHRA Announces 22-Event NHRA Camping World Series Schedule

NHRA officials have announced the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule, which features the return of fan favorites such as the NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix, the Virginia NHRA Nationals in Richmond, and the Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, which will serve as the traditional conclusion of the annual Western Swing.

The 2022 season kicks off in Pomona, California, for the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com. For the first time in four seasons, the NHRA will host a specialty race amongst the stars of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series nitro categories. Fans will be treated to two NHRA Allstar Shootout events in 2022, at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and the prestigious Dodge//SRT NHRA US Nationals over Labor Day weekend. Then is the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs leading up to the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series world title.

For the complete 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule, visit the NHRA website. Details on Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle schedules will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Batchkis Takes the Win on the Streets of Long Beach; Aasbo Leads Formula DRIFT Points With One Round to Go

A big weekend for the Papadakis Racing Toyota team in Long Beach, California, saw Fredric Aasbo and the Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra earn a second place result and move into the Formula DRIFT series points lead ahead of next month’s season finale in Irwindale, California. The result also vaults Toyota to the top of the Auto Cup standings, while partner Nitto Tire extends its lead in the Tire Cup rankings. Aurimas Bakchis in the Falken Tire/Feal Suspension Nissan S15 claimed his first win since the opening round at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and pulled himself to within 43 points of the championship leader.

As the series approaches its season finale in Irwindale, California, October 22-23, Aasbo leads the standings by 19 points over second-place challenger Chelsea DeNofa. The series awards 100 points for an event win and Ryan Tuerck is sixth and still mathematically in the chase. For more information, visit the Formula DRIFT website.

NASCAR Announces 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule

NASCAR has announced the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The slate spans 39 total events, including the previously announced Clash, set for February 6, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the first time in series history.

The NASCAR Cup Series will visit another track for the first time at World Wide Technology Raceway just outside St. Louis, on June 5. In another move, Homestead-Miami Speedway will return to the playoff schedule. The 1.5-mile destination track will host the second of three Round of 8 races on October 23. In addition, Texas (September 25) and Las Vegas (October 16) will swap dates and lead off the Round of 12 and Round of 8, respectively. In addition, Kansas will move up in the Playoffs schedule, becoming the second race in the Round of 16 (September 11).

The 2022 season will officially kick off with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 20, live on FOX—an event that will also host the regular season points race debut of the Next Gen race car. The Cup Series will then stop at Auto Club Speedway on February 27—the first time NASCAR will visit the high-speed two-mile oval in nearly two years—followed by Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 6) and Phoenix Raceway (March 13).

The Bristol Dirt Race returns to the schedule, this time under the lights on Easter Sunday Night (April 17). The NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race will also return to Texas Motor Speedway (May 22). For more information, and to view the complete schedule, visit www.nascar.com.

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

By SEMA Editors

Ben Mertlich (Aftermarket Performance Group) passed away Sunday morning, September 12, 2021, in a tragic accident on his prized Harley Davidson motorcycle. Mertlich lived a very full, happy, adventurous life, with every day full of passion and purpose. Everyone who knew him knew what a big heart he had. A celebration of life will be held at the Black Lion Event Center in Sandy, Utah, September 26, from 1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

Mertlich had a passion for everything automotive; he loved cars, trucks, motorcycles, sports and adventure. As part of his automotive obsession, Mertlich built, blew up, fixed and raced many vehicles, because it’s a passion that was inherited from and shared with his father.  

Mertlich began his career when his friend Nick Widdison started Rally Sport Direct. Mertlich was the first employee, and it was just two guys working out of a garage for years. Mertlich became part of the Aftermarket Performance Group (APG) team when RallySport Direct was acquired. He served in many roles, and most recently, held the title of director of portfolio management for APG, and was a valuable member of the automotive community.

Mertlich was well known in the automotive community. He loved working with people throughout the company, and within the vendor community. Throughout the entire company, almost everyone knew Mertlich. He loved to laugh, and had a way of bringing people together. He was passionate about the business, but his strength was engaging others, whether it was on a call, teams or a meeting, he always brought a large amount of energy. Mertlich was not one to dress up for meetings, and was comfortable in his jeans, flannel shirt and baseball cap.

Mertlich attended the University of Utah while helping build the RallySport Direct business, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He was in the process of obtaining his master’s degree in business (MBA) with an expected graduation in early 2022.

The APG team is grateful that he chose us to bring his passion, and he will be missed.

By Jason Catullo

Ford Out Front, located in front of the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, provides Show attendees with the opportunity to experience the power and performance of Ford vehicles by taking a ride with a professional driver.

Whether you like to burn rubber or hear the scream of tires scraping across the track, Ford Out Front adds to the overall SEMA Show experience by featuring the awesome sights and sounds of vehicles being put to the test.

New for 2021, attendees will be able to experience the capability of the new Ford Bronco on an offroad course that will feature “Bronco Mountain.” In addition to the action of Ford Out Front, the automaker will also showcase two new electric additions to the Ford Performance family: the Cobra Jet 1400 and the Mustang Mach-E 1400.

After hitting the track at Ford Out Front, attendees can stop by the Ford Performance Parts trailer to see what’s new in parts and accessories. Ford Out Front will also feature the action-packed drifting by the Show's ultimate fun-haver, Vaughn Gittin Jr.

More information on the 2021 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By Della Domingo

Thousands of credentialed media attend the SEMA Show each year, including many who exhibit with a booth at annual trade show. Exhibiting media come to the four-day event to obtain content for their outlets, conduct interviews and meet with businesses on the Show floor.

Companies that have newsworthy stories to share or that want to obtain media coverage and increase brand awareness are invited to visit with exhibiting media during the SEMA Show. SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees can find the following exhibiting media at the 2021 SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5, in Las Vegas, at:

• ABRN | PTEN, Booth #35078
• ADVMoto Magazine, Booth #61031
• Autotrader Classics, Booth #11419
• BodyShop Business, Booth #34041
• Collision Repair Magazine, Booth #34233
• Engaged Media, Booth #23097
• Grassroots Motorsports, Booth #22819
• Hard Media Inc. , Booth #21206
• Hemmings Motor News, Booth #23677
• In The Garage Media, Booth #11344
• Modern Tire Dealer, Booth #41086
• PASMAG’s Tuning 365 + Tuner Battlegrounds, Booth #22827
• Power Automedia, Booth #20567
• RacingJunk.com, Booth #24629
• THE SHOP Magazine, Booth #22723
• Tire Business, Booth #43079
• Tire Review, Booth #43078
• Window Film Magazine/PPFMag, Booth #54074

For more information about the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

HushMat

’48–’55 Porsche 356 Coupe Complete Kit

Sound-deadening and thermal-insulation material is designed to make every type of vehicle cool, quiet and comfortable to drive and enjoy. HushMat is an easy-to-install, USA-made material that molds, forms and adheres to your vehicle’s surface. No tools, glues and or special equipment is needed to install HushMat. Simply peel and stick. HushMat has invested thousands of hours over the past 15 years measuring vehicles to create a year-, make- and model-specific portfolio of 365,000 part numbers. HushMat insulates firewall, floor pan, tunnel, doors, roof and trunk. HushMat even provides installation templates to show where each piece is placed.

www.hushmat.com
PN: 58010

ZyCoat

8-Cylinder Small-Block Headers – Pair

ZyCoat Coating Services will coat your 8-cylinder small-block headers – pair ZyBar high-temperature heat-dissipation coating is designed to reduce radiant heat and underhood temperatures, offer outstanding corrosion resistance, provide lasting color stability under the most extreme engine conditions and extend the life of your components. ZyBar is rated to internal temperatures well in excess of 2,000°F. ZyBar is a single component, durable polymer coating that far outperforms ceramic paints, wraps and heat tapes. ZyCoat LLC has opened a Coating Services Division and will coat components for you. ZyCoat will ship you the “one-stop” box; all shipping is prepaid and returned to you with coated and cured components.

https://zycoat.com/collections/coating-services
PN: 8C004

Fuelab

New 868 Filters Round Out New PRO Series Line

Fuelab has rounded out its new PRO Series line by introducing the 868 PRO Series filters. With a 10-gpm rating, these filters offer huge flow capacity with very little pressure drop.

Like the rest of the PRO Series line, these filters will be machined billet aluminum and finished in matte black anodize. They are offered in -10AN or -12AN versions (staggered inlet/outlet configurations are available as well) with your choice of 100 micron stainless, 40 micron stainless, or 6 micron micro-fiberglass elements. As with the rest of our product line, they use fluorosilicone and viton o-rings for cross-fuel compatibility. The PRO Series line of filters are available now.

www.fuelab.com
PN: 86813

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) are invited to a cross-council meetup at Overland Expo West on Friday, September 24, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. at the Oasis Food Court.

This meetup is the ideal opportunity for council members who are at Overland Expo West to meet new contacts and strengthen their connections. Attendees will openly network with other industry professionals and learn about the council resources and volunteer opportunities that are available in the industry.

Registration, although not required, is encouraged so that the councils can plan accordingly.

Learn more and RSVP here.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA OEM members are invited to join SEMA staff and industry colleagues at the SEMA OEM Accessory Symposium, Tuesday, November 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N221, for a unique closed-door forum.

For 2021, the OEM Accessory Symposium will focus on the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies, common challenges when accessorizing vehicles and an overview of current industry ADAS calibration techniques and equipment. SEMA will also provide an overview of the new SEMA Garage Product Development Center in Detroit, where SEMA will assist Aftermarket Manufacturers with engineering and development-related services. The program will conclude with a Q&A session followed by cocktails and networking.  

This hour-and-a-half event will begin with a presentation and Q&A from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., followed by networking and cocktails, from 5:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Please email Ben Kaminsky, SEMA general manager – SEMA Garage Detroit, at benjamink@sema.org if you’re interested in attending or have any questions.

This is the upcoming ’23 GMC Canyon AT4 undergoing high-altitude testing in Colorado. The ’23 model year will see an all-new Canyon, and the AT4 trim looks more potent than on the current truck, ready to take on unpaved surfaces.

Clad in heavy vinyl camo, the model seen here is the four-door Crew Cab with a short-box setup. It features a high-clearance front bumper treatment, a set of black wheels wearing Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT tires, and what appears to be a suspension lift.

According to GM Authority, the ’23 Canyon will be offered with a single engine—GM’s turbo 2.7L four-cylinder, meaning the 2.5L four and 3.6L six gassers and 2.8L diesel offered on the current Canyon will be going away. The 2.7L Turbo is rated at 310 hp and 348 lb.-ft. of torque in the ’19–’21 Silverado. In the ’22 Silverado, GM bumped the torque output to 420 lb.-ft.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the upcoming ’23 GMC Canyon AT4 undergoing high-altitude testing in Colorado. The ’23 model year will see an all-new Canyon, and the AT4 trim looks more potent than on the current truck, ready to take on unpaved surfaces.

Clad in heavy vinyl camo, the model seen here is the four-door Crew Cab with a short-box setup. It features a high-clearance front bumper treatment, a set of black wheels wearing Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT tires, and what appears to be a suspension lift.

According to GM Authority, the ’23 Canyon will be offered with a single engine—GM’s turbo 2.7L four-cylinder, meaning the 2.5L four and 3.6L six gassers and 2.8L diesel offered on the current Canyon will be going away. The 2.7L Turbo is rated at 310 hp and 348 lb.-ft. of torque in the ’19–’21 Silverado. In the ’22 Silverado, GM bumped the torque output to 420 lb.-ft.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

Wheel and tire industry members are gearing up to reconnect in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Show taking place November 2–5.

Among the more than 1,300 SEMA Show exhibitors will be nearly 170 in the Wheel and Tire areas, where the industry will find the most comprehensive collection of new wheels and tires available on the market. Through in-person displays, demonstrations and face-to-face meetings with product specialists, the SEMA Show will give buyers an opportunity to see, feel and ask questions about the products with exhibitors throughout the four-day trade-only event.

The value of seeing products in person will be unparalleled, as will the in-person networking and educational events taking place. As the first industry-wide, in-person gathering in nearly two years, the 2021 SEMA Show is the best place to see new products and custom vehicles, reconnect with the industry and advance one’s career and business, all in one place.   

Wheel and tire members are invited and encouraged to attend the following events to make the most out of their SEMA Show experience:

SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Sponsored Networking

Click here to RSVP in advance.  

WTC Reception
When: Tuesday, November 2, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: LVCC, Members Lounge South
Nothing replaces the value of an in-person event. After months of connecting virtually, wheel and tire professionals are invited to join WTC for an evening of celebration and networking at the SEMA Show. This event will bring together colleagues, leaders and enthusiasts to celebrate their passion for the custom wheel and tire industry.

WTC Happy Hour
When: Wednesday, November 3, 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Location: LVCC, Members Lounge South
Wind down from a busy day on the SEMA Show floor and network with other wheel and tire council members during the WTC Happy Hour. Members and prospective members of the council will connect through open conversation while expanding and growing their network. The council's select committee will also be on-site to answer questions on current WTC programs and resources, and what the council's current initiatives are.

WTC Coffee & Conversation
When: Thursday, November 4, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.  
Location: LVCC, Inside Lower South 1  
Wheel & Tire Council members and exhibitors are invited to stop by the South Hall entrance to connect with Select Committee members on what is new and exciting this year.

The Stage, Powered by WTC

The SEMA Wheel and Tire Council will host several Q&A discussions with industry experts and leaders throughout the week.

Meet the new SEMA Board
When: Tuesday, November 2, 11:00 a.m.
Location: LVCC, Members Lounge South
Moderator: Todd Steen
Speakers: Brian Reese, Larry Montante, and Kyle Flicker

Meet the WTC Team
When: Tuesday, November 2, 3:30 p.m.
Location: LVCC, Members Lounge South
Moderator: Steve Swanson
Speakers: Todd Steen, Mike Lusso and Tyson Boyer

Five Things You Need to Launch a Product
When: Wednesday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.
Location: LVCC, Members Lounge South
Moderator: Todd Steen
Speakers: Eric Morley and Kathryn Reinhardt

Regulations and Stipulations
When: Wednesday, November 3, 4:00 p.m.
Location: Members Lounge South
Moderator: Tyson Boyer  
Speakers: Stuart Gosswein  

Impact of Wheel Changes on ADAS Vehicles
When: Thursday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.
Location: Members Lounge South
Moderator: Mike Lusso
Speakers: Kaleb Silver

eCommerce, Direct to Consumer Strategies
When: Thursday, November 4, 4:00 p.m.
Location: Members Lounge South
Moderator: Todd Steen
Speakers: Chris Ripper and Michael Welch

SEMA Education

Add these sessions to your Show Planner when registering for the SEMA Show.

Safely Modifying Vehicles With ADAS, Powered by WTC
When: Wednesday, November 3, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Location: LVCC N259
ADAS is clearly here to stay, and the majority of new cars and trucks sold today come equipped with some level of ADAS equipment. When it comes to accessorizing, upfitting and modifying these vehicles, it is critical that installers and parts manufacturers consider the effect their modifications may have on the function and calibration of these advanced driver-assist systems. This panel will provide an overview of how these systems function and provide real real-world examples of how to modify these vehicles safely and without compromising their original functionality.

Tire Industry Association (TIA) Sponsored Education

Add these sessions to your Show Planner when registering for the SEMA Show.

Automotive at 10: Top 10 Tips for Technicians
When: Tuesday, November 2, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Location: S226
In this session, attendees will join the TIA Training Team for a comprehensive look at the top 10 things every tire tech should know and understand. By highlighting these specific areas of service, TIA hopes to improve overall technician knowledge and safety. Topics will include torque and clamping force (RIST), vehicle lifting, plus-sizing, inflation safety and demounting, mounting and inflation. All 10 of the tips will make you a better shop and some of them might save the lives of your employees or your customers.

Truck Tires at 10: Road Service Safety
When: Tuesday, November 2, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Location: S227
The most dangerous type of truck tire service takes place on the side of a road or highway. While emergency road service creates serious hazards, the operation of service trucks and company vehicles results in additional risks for commercial tire dealers. A panel of tire service, health and safety professionals will look at all aspects of road service safety including driver education. Recent events have demonstrated the importance of following the proper procedures for emergency road service, so this presentation will discuss why the road service truck is always positioned behind the disabled vehicle and what steps dealers can take to protect themselves in the event of an accident.

Tires at 2: Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets
When: Tuesday, November 2, 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: S226
Winning a national award from an industry trade publication is an honor that is always well-deserved. Being a candidate requires a higher level of excellence, so winning truly represents the best that the tire industry has to offer. During this session, Modern Tire Dealer Tire Dealer of the Year, the Tire Business Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award winner and the Tire Review Top Shop winner will make brief presentations on what makes them successful and then participate in an informative question and answer session with the audience.

Automotive at 10: Preventing Ride Complaints
When: Wednesday, November 3, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Location: S226
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) concerns can be a tall order for a tire tech to handle without the proper training and equipment. The old-school way of trial and error is often a timely and frustrating process. With new technology, tools and practices available, technicians are better equipped to determine if the customer concern is related to the tire and wheel assembly or if the vehicle is the source of the complaint. Balancing experts from Hennessy Industries, manufacturer of Coats tire changers and wheel balancers, and Hunter Engineering Co. will join TIA’s training team to provide attendees with helpful tips they can use to quickly and accurately diagnose, repair and hopefully avoid, comebacks altogether.

Truck Tires at 10: Impact Wrench Technology
When: Wednesday, November 3, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Location: S227
Every commercial truck tire dealer is dependent on the tools to remove and install wheel and rim fasteners. For decades, the 1-in. pneumatic impact wrench has powered the industry, but there is a trend toward smaller, lighter-weight and now cordless tools that are changing the way the industry thinks about servicing rims and wheels. This session will address the 1-in. impact wrench debate and discuss the new generation of cordless impact wrenches that could revolutionize commercial truck wheel and rim service.

Management at 2: Training Technicians & Service Advisors with Micro-Learning and Artificial Intelligence
When: Wednesday, November 3, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: S226
Connected devices are essential to the daily routines of next-generation talent in the automotive aftermarket. They are their go-to source for both information and entertainment. Aftermarket frontline personnel are facing a tsunami of unrelenting technological change for which they must develop competencies. This session is a mobile teaching platform that optimizes delivery efficiencies via artificial intelligence driven adaptive micro learning. Short, five-minute daily training sessions identify knowledge gaps and deliver custom-tailored instruction that eliminates these. Based on neuroscience, this cutting-edge approach measurably improves retention, and most importantly, changes behavior. Aftermarket adult education experts will highlight the challenges to best supporting the next generation of technicians and service advisors. They will also discuss how shops can leverage new approaches and technologies to stay ahead of rapidly evolving training and development requirements.

Attendees planning on attending the 2021 SEMA Show can prepare for the Show by seeing who’s exhibiting by visiting the updated floorplan. Advanced registration is encouraged to avoid delays onsite and can be obtained by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/attendee.