The SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session featuring the ’22
Honda Civic, August 16–20, at its Diamond Bar, California
headquarters.
In partnership with American Honda Motor Co., the SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session for the ’22 Honda Civic, August 16–20. The event will allow SEMA members to have a close-up experience with the all-new Civic sedan, which features:
This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited and subject to approval by availability.
All registered attendees will be required to undergo an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves and practice social distancing during their appointment.
Evergreen Cooperatives' Fund Acquires Assets of LED Accessory Producer Intellitronix
Evergreen Cooperatives—an internationally recognized nonprofit focused on revitalizing urban neighborhoods by preserving jobs that build middle-class wealth—has added to its growing portfolio of employee-owned businesses with the asset purchase of Intellitronix—a producer of LED automotive aftermarket digital and analog gauges. Terms of the deal were not released.
Intellitronix, a wholly owned subsidiary of the US Lighting Group, manufactures microprocessor-controlled LED products, energy-saving devices designed for the automotive electronic, marine and recreational vehicle markets. The company produces a wide range of automotive electronics, accessories and digital gauges sold and distributed internationally. All products are made in the USA at its own manufacturing facility near Cleveland, Ohio. The transaction benefits the remaining subsidiaries of the U.S. Lighting Group, which will now have additional capital to focus on new business opportunities, fuel growth, save existing jobs and ensure that manufacturing operations of those companies can remain in the Cleveland area.
Tri-State Enterprises has opened a 492,000-sq.-ft.
warehouse in Arlington, Texas.
Tri-State Enterprises Adds New Facility
Tri-State Enterprises, a wholesale distributor of automotive parts, automotive paint, mobile audio/electronics, and truck accessories, has announced the addition of a 492,000-sq.-ft. warehouse in Arlington, Texas. This will be the largest facility for Tri-State Enterprises. The general manager will be Junior Calvert, who has more than 30 years of industry experience. The assistant general manager will be Scott Covelli, who has 25 years of experience. Along with this new building, Tri-State is adding new technologies to increase efficiencies and expanding its current line offerings.
Steve Reed Joins RWB as Wiseco Powersports Brand Manager
Race Winning Brands (RWB) has announced industry veteran Steve Reed as the powersports brand manager for Wiseco Performance Products. In his new position, Reed will play a vital role in developing existing initiatives and supporting Wiseco powersports growth through product management and development, business platform and partnership support, marketing initiatives and direct customer visits.
Reed comes to RWB with more than 22 years of experience in the powersports aftermarket. Reed has been driven by a passion for riding and racing dirt bikes since he was young, and began his powersports career in distribution before moving on to inside and international sales. Reed most recently gained experience in portfolio management for Tucker Rocky Distributing, where he managed 150+ brands within powersports distribution, being directly involved in consecutive off-road product portfolio launches while simultaneously maintaining long-established relationships. In related news, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of Wiseco Performance Products.
WyoTech School Announces Growth Following New Ownership
WyoTech, the Laramie, Wyoming-based diesel- and automotive-related training school, has announced an increase in student enrollment following the purchase by WyoTech diesel alumnus Jim Mathis in 2018. When Mathis led the purchase of WyoTech in July 2018, the school had 12 students. Now, WyoTech boasts nearly 500 students from all 50 states and expects to have more than 1,000 by 2023, according to school officials. After the state of Wyoming approached him for the purchase in early 2018, Mathis announced plans to reinvigorate the school that gave him an excellent education and training. For more information, visit wyotech.edu.
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.
The deadline to update exhibitor information for the printed 2021 SEMA Show Directory is August 20.
The SEMA Show Directory is one of the strongest tools buyers use to learn about exhibiting companies and their products. In addition, more than two-thirds of Show buyers say the directory is a useful tool for navigating the Show.
Click here for more information about updating your SEMA Show Directory listing, or contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660.
Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.
Here’s another look at the all-new ’23 Ford Ranger Raptor, this time though are the first shots of an LHD unit with an interesting soft bed topper.
Overall, the next-gen Ranger Raptor looks more substantial than the current model, with bolder proportions and stance. The front fascia will maintain the bold “FORD” lettering across the grille accompanied by a set of intricate C-shaped headlamps.
The cab and bed appear to be carryovers from the current model, which has been on sale in global markets since 2011. The prototype rides on a set of black wheels that appear to be fairly similar to the current design. A dual-exhaust setup can be seen at the rear, along with a camo’d rear suspension that hides a coil spring setup similar to the F-150 Raptor.
The ’23 Ranger is expected to launch near the end of the ’22 model year and will serve as the basis for an upcoming Volkswagen midsize pickup as a result of a collaboration agreement between Ford and VW announced in 2020.
Here’s another look at the all-new ’23 Ford Ranger Raptor, this time though are the first shots of an LHD unit with an interesting soft bed topper.
Overall, the next-gen Ranger Raptor looks more substantial than the current model, with bolder proportions and stance. The front fascia will maintain the bold “FORD” lettering across the grille accompanied by a set of intricate C-shaped headlamps.
The cab and bed appear to be carryovers from the current model, which has been on sale in global markets since 2011. The prototype rides on a set of black wheels that appear to be fairly similar to the current design. A dual-exhaust setup can be seen at the rear, along with a camo’d rear suspension that hides a coil spring setup similar to the F-150 Raptor.
The ’23 Ranger is expected to launch near the end of the ’22 model year and will serve as the basis for an upcoming Volkswagen midsize pickup as a result of a collaboration agreement between Ford and VW announced in 2020.
Texas Motorplex Adds Charles Myers as Operations Manager
The Texas Motorplex has hired Charles Myers to the newly created operations manager position at the multi-use motorsports facility located in Ennis, Texas. Myers joins the Texas Motorplex staff with a wealth of motorsports and event management experience. Myers will work with the sales manager on new sponsor recruitment as well as current sponsors support to maximize relationships with the race track. He will also focus on all production aspects of events, including planning, creative, staff and promoter management.
The motorsports marketing professional joins the Texas Motorplex after serving as business development manager for Nitrous Supply in Huntington Beach, California, where he grew the business from $900,000 in sales to $3.5 million in one year. He also developed and implemented a dealer program in 29 states while increasing profits and expanding the brand internationally. Myers also worked with government officials on a variety of projects.
Myers brings on-track experience from his time at Irwindale Speedway, Auto Club Famoso Raceway and Galot Motorsports Park. He also has national event series experience as marketing services manager for the National Hot Rod Association. Myers has twice been named to the Drag Illustrated “30 under 30 List” and was recently announced by SEMA as a member of the “35 Under 35” class for 2021.
Steve Torrence, the points leader and three-time defending world
champ, went 3.757 seconds at 327.98 mph in his 11,000-hp Capco
Contractors dragster to squeak past Leah Pruettin the final round by
just .002.
S. Torrence, Hight, Stanfield and Stoffer Celebrate Wins at NHRA Sonoma Nationals
Steve Torrence kept his hopes alive to sweep the NHRA’s famed three-race Western Swing on Sunday, powering to the Top Fuel win at the 33rd annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway. Robert Hight (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the ninth race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the second of the famed three-race NHRA Western Swing.
Torrence, the points leader and three-time defending world champ, went 3.757 seconds at 327.98 mph in his 11,000-hp Capco Contractors dragster to squeak past Leah Pruett in the final round by just .002. It gives Torrence his third straight win, and second in a row during the Western Swing and he’ll head to Pomona next weekend to try to become the eighth driver in NHRA history to sweep the Western Swing and the first since 2009.
Hight won for a third straight time, delivering a run of 3.971 at 322.50 in his 11,000-hp Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS to beat defending world champ Matt Hagan in the final round.
Stanfield won a duel of young standouts in the Pro Stock final round, slipping past rookie Dallas Glenn with a run of 6.557 at 209.56 in his Janac Brothers Chevrolet Camaro. The close win gave Stanfield his second victory in the past three Pro Stock races and three in his career.
Stoffer capped off a resurgent weekend in Pro Stock Motorcycle, winning for the first time since 2019 by taking out Andrew Hines in the final round with a run of 6.798 at 197.36 on her Ray Skillman/Big St. Charles Suzuki. It also marked Stoffer’s 10th career win, as she was able to hold off a hard-charging Hines at the finish line.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series closes out its three-race Western Swing with next weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
Brent Marks scored his sixth-career World of Outlaws Sprint Car
Series victory last Saturday night at the Champion Racing Oil Summer
Nationals.
Brent Marks Wins $20,000 at Champion Racing Oil Summer Nationals
PA Posse’s Brent Marks scored his sixth-career World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series victory last Saturday night at the Champion Racing Oil Summer Nationals. Marks took the lead in the closing laps and officially scored his 11th career Williams Grove win with a 0.903-second margin of victory. Over the final five laps, Marks maintained a steady pace on the cushion and walked away with his second World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series victory of the 2021 season.
ICMS Announces New Mentor, Ambassador Programs
Officials from the International Council of Motorsport Sciences (ICMS) have announced its new ICMS Mentor Program, which was founded to assist young motorsports enthusiasts with the chance to enter a racing career with proper supervision from an ICMS member as they complete their schooling and training. Designed and executed by the ICMS, this new program will connect an ICMS member as a mentor to students with aspirations to serve in the motorsports industry's medical and/or safety rescue sectors. ICMS members will share real-life experiences, provide input on career opportunities, and assist with networking with others in the industry.
Led by ICMS Education Committee Chair Dr. David Ferguson from Michigan State University and ICMS Executive Director Tom Weisenbach, ICMS will work with universities and colleges globally to connect interested students with ICMS members who live in 27 U.S. states and 20 countries.
In addition, the ICMS will launch virtual networking events for its student members so they can have open discussions about their studies and career pathway while meeting key players in the industry.
ICMS has also announced its new worldwide ICMS Ambassador Program led by Weisenbach, Mark Tyler, MD from Cambridgeshire, England, and Rickard Johansson, a fire lieutenant for High Coast Ådalens Rescue Service in Sundsvall, Sweden. The program is designed to expand awareness of the council through live and virtual events.
Coastal Plains Raceway Becomes Goodyear All American Speedway
Coastal Plains Raceway Park, the tri-oval track based in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is now Goodyear All American Speedway. Veteran racer Anthony Goodyear and his wife Tonya have taken ownership of the 4/10-mile track and have renamed it Goodyear All American Speedway. The pair also runs the infield restaurant and bar at Bobby Watson’s Carteret County Speedway in Swansboro, North Carolina. The track will host its inaugural race on Saturday, July 31, for the All American Showdown featuring Late Models, Super Trucks, street stocks, Legends, U-CARS, Mini Cups and Jr. Mini Cups.
Goodyear has announced plans to secure events with regional touring series, including the Carolina Pro Late Model Series and the Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour. He also plans to implement affordable racing classes, including stock V8s. Cars shows, concerts, and related events are also slated to take place. Officials have also announced upgrades to the facility, including new paint, updated bathrooms, remodeled suites, and a “good, family-oriented” menu for its concession stands.
Related, the nearby Coastal Plains Raceway Park Dragway is separate from the announcement and will remain in operation as-is, according to officials with Goodyear All American Speedway. For more information, visit goodyearallamericanspeedway.com.
The year 2020 was in many ways unprecedented for the specialty-automotive aftermarket. Unique disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic forced consumers to make often radical adjustments to their daily lives, with many remaining largely stuck at home for much of the year.
With time on their hands and a lot of their usual places to spend money no longer an option, it was a great time for folks to work on their vehicle(s). Many consumers took advantage. In the recently released “2021 SEMA Market Report,” you’ll find information and insights into how specialty-automotive consumers reacted to COVID-19, and how those adaptations affected our industry.
A few examples of what SEMA’s research found include:
48% of specialty-automotive enthusiasts spent more time than normal shopping online for car parts.
40% of enthusiasts spent more time working on their vehicles themselves.
An estimated 57% of parts purchases made were through online channels.
U.S. consumers bought nearly $8 billion worth of parts through independent retailers.
And that’s just scratching the surface. You’ll find a whole lot more data in the full report on the parts market, consumer behavior, vehicle population trends, and more in the “2021 SEMA Market Report,” available now at www.sema.org/research. Download your copy today!
The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) kicked off its ARMO Builder Series in last week's eNews with a video featuring Bob Smith, legendary builder and founder of Coachworks who is sometimes dubbed “The Ferrari King.” The video is the first in the ARMO Builder Series, which brings viewers stories from some of the industry’s most passionate and creative builders.
Below is another look at the interview.
Tune into to eNews for the next video in the ARMO Builder Series featuring Steve Cook, owner of the well-known hot rod, restoration and customization shop, Steve Cook Creations. Cook sits down with Sabra Johnson of Classic City Cars for a personal, intimate video interview, debuting August 5.
The 2021 CCAD celebration was designated on July 9
with SEMA-requested companion resolutions introduced
in the U.S. Congress (pictured here).
SEMA members once again joined with car clubs, automotive businesses and enthusiasts nationwide to celebrate the 12th annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) on July 9. A wide range of events were held across America to commemorate this special day.
The celebration was designated with SEMA-requested companion resolutions introduced in the U.S. Congress by the co-chairs of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. U.S. Senate Resolution 292 (S. Res. 292) was sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), while Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA) sponsored U.S. House of Representatives Resolution 491 (H. Res. 491).
“As the co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and
Motorsports Caucus, I am proud to join my colleague Congressman Bill
Posey of Florida in highlighting the contribution that cars and their
collectors have made and continue to make to the American
experience,” said Congressman Bishop (pictured here).
“I introduced this resolution because cars represent so much of the American experience. From freedom to innovation, power to performance, and industry to art, cars have reflected our country’s growth and leadership in the world. They also bring together enthusiasts and families who have collected these pieces of Americana—preserving them, passing them down from generation to generation, and sharing their stories with neighbors and friends,” said Congressman Bishop.
“Collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important
part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural
heritage of the United States, and I am honored to introduce this
bipartisan resolution with my colleague Rep. Sanford Bishop,” said
Congressman Posey (pictured here).
Lawmakers in other regions followed Congress’ lead by adopting their own recognitions honoring the occasion. This year included the states of Louisiana, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.
More than 90 official events were held throughout the month of July to celebrate the classics of the past and the future. These events included car club cruise-ins, open houses at SEMA-member companies, specialty shows at automobile museums and “drive your collector car to work” displays. Several participants also organized virtual celebrations and online promotions. A summary of CCAD festivities are available on the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) website at www.semaSAN.com/CCAD, which includes an online photo gallery.
According to the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators”
report, supply-chain disruptions continue to affect many
sectors of the economy. For the auto industry, the chip
shortage is disrupting production, reducing inventory
levels and driving up prices.
The overall U.S. economic outlook remains positive as the country continues to bounce back from 2020. However, challenges remain on the horizon: supply-chain constraints, inflationary pressure, a tight labor market and a potential COVID-19 resurgence.
Supply-chain disruptions continue to affect many sectors of the economy. For the auto industry, the chip shortage is disrupting production, reducing inventory levels and driving up prices. Nearly every car manufacturer reported higher average transaction prices in June compared to 2020. While economists expect inflationary pressures like this to be short-term, it is weighing on consumer minds.
Employment in the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic continues to improve, especially leisure and travel. Average hourly earnings are also up, suggesting employers are having to offer higher wages to attract workers. COVID-19 cases have also risen in recent weeks. If outbreaks emerge more broadly, economic activity may slow down.
Want to learn more about the economic factors shaping our industry? Download the new July Industry Indicators report today at www.sema.org/research.
WyoTech School Announces Growth Following New Ownership
Coastal Plains Raceway Becomes Goodyear All American Speedway
The year 2020 was in many ways unprecedented for the specialty-automotive aftermarket. Unique disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic forced consumers to make often radical adjustments to their daily lives, with many remaining largely stuck at home for much of the year.
