The Chevrolet Silverado won 2019 SEMA Truck of the Year.
SEMA has announced a new category has been added to the 2021 SEMA Award Program. To recognize a fast-growing segment of the light-truck market, SEMA is adding “Mid-Size Truck of The Year” to the category list, which already includes:
Car of The Year
Truck of The Year (Now named “Full-Size Truck of the Year”)
4x4/SUV of The Year
Sport Compact of The Year
Through the SEMA Awards, SEMA exhibitors that make the products and accessories for today’s popular models identify the vehicle platforms they believe are best for accessorizing.
The program creates awareness for aftermarket products, and is an example of the ongoing collaboration SEMA has with automakers and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. SEMA also helps aftermarket manufacturers with product development through the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions and technology transfer.
Voting begins during the first week of September. SEMA Show Exhibitors will soon receive an email link to cast their votes.
“At a time when COVID is back in the headlines, SEMA wants you to know that the association is 100% committed to holding the 2021 SEMA Show, November 2–5, and showcasing two years of product innovations, vehicle trends, and industry-leading education. The SEMA Show is the only place in the world that brings together the people, products, vehicles, and ideas that drive the aftermarket industry,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events.
Concerning safety measures, the COVID landscape and state and local requirements are changing week to week. With this rapid pace of change, SEMA expects to know more in the coming weeks about the specific measures that will be required in November.
“Meanwhile, the basics are in place. The Las Vegas Convention Center has been awarded the GBAC STAR certification, which demonstrates the highest standards for daily cleaning, air filtration, and sanitization. It is the gold standard for safe facilities,” said Gattuso.
Select aisles have been widened for enhanced attendee flow. An updated floorplan will also make the Show easier to navigate and allows for optimal locations for new and returning event features.
“SEMA is committed to delivering an event that exhibitors and attendees can rely on to network and conduct business,” said Gattuso. “We are working with Nevada authorities amidst an evolving landscape to deliver an outstanding event consistent with local health and safety requirements in November.”
To register and learn more about the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
Performance Racing Industry and Madison International Speedway
will host the SaveOurRaceCars.com Championship Night on August
20 to advocate for the worldwide motorsports industry.
Madison International Speedway in Oregon, Wisconsin, is advocating for racers and fans to join the effort to protect the future of motorsports by hosting SaveOurRaceCars.com Championship Night on Friday, August 20.
As the title sponsor of the event, the Save Our Racecars initiative and efforts to stop government overreach will be promoted directly to race fans and consumers at the Friday night event. All those in attendance will learn about the threats facing the racing industry, including challenges racetracks have had holding in-person events during the pandemic, current legislative issues and the future evolution of automobiles.
“The racing industry has endured more challenges in the past year than it has in its entire history, and it’s not going away,” said Gregg McKarns, Madison International Speedway track owner. “We’re grateful that PRI is fighting for our rights to race.”
SaveOurRaceCars.com Championship Night represents an established relationship and partnership between Madison International Speedway and Performance Racing Industry (PRI), the organization promoting Save Our Racecars and advocating for the worldwide motorsports industry. When Dane County prohibited outdoor events from taking place last summer, Madison International Speedway leaned on PRI’s lobbying efforts to secure approval for hosting a limited number of events. SaveOurRaceCars.com Championship Night is the latest initiative between PRI and Madison International Speedway.
The August 20 event features three division races that include vehicles that began as street cars before being converted into dedicated race vehicles. As such, the MISfitz, Bandits and 6shooters series are at risk from the EPA’s National Compliance Initiative, which specifically targets and enforces against aftermarket companies that produce, market and install parts for dedicated race cars. To protect the motorsports industry against EPA overreach, the Save Our Racecars campaign is pushing for passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. The bipartisan bill will clarify that it is legal to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars, and that businesses can legally produce, market and install racing products.
“Passing the RPM Act into law is the only way to guarantee the future safety of the racing industry,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, PRI president. “We need everyone at Madison Speedway to join in the effort. It’s critical we unite to protect our racing rights.”
PRI representatives will be onsite at Madison International Speedway on August 20 to help fans in attendance pledge their support of the RPM Act. In addition, race fans will learn how they can join in a new effort to unify the worldwide racing community. Through PRI Membership, race fans are able to join racers and motorsports businesses in demonstrating their passion, commitment and support for racing. The inaugural program is a groundbreaking movement that will amplify the industry’s ability to advocate and protect motorsports.
“It is by working together that our industry will survive and thrive,” said Meyer. “There is a lot of uncertainty in the world, but the only way to ensure the future of racing is through a unified voice. We must band together and take action.”
To learn more about the Save Our Racecars initiative, visit SaveOurRaceCars.com. To attend the August 20 SaveOurRaceCars.com Championship Night event, visit Madison International Speedway's website MISRacing.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.
Oracle Lighting
New Camaro ColorSHIFT Headlight DRL Upgrade Kit
The market leader in high-quality and innovative LED solutions for the automotive/12Volt, power sports, marine, and motorcycle markets, is proud to announce the new ColorSHIFT RGB+W Headlight DRL Upgrade for the ’19–’21 Chevrolet Camaro LS/LT.
Our new Chevrolet Camaro Oracle ColorSHIFT RGBA kit allows you to upgrade your lights to any color imaginable and includes turn signal functionality so the DRL maintains an amber flasher feature for the turn signal. We spent quite a bit of time making sure that we delivered a product that looks great and is a breeze to install. Simply install this in place of the existing DRL boards and you’re able to change those boring white DRL to any color you choose.
Use one of Oracle Lighting’s ColorSHIFT controllers with the Chevrolet Camaro kit to choose from a variety of colors, patterns and themes. Then, simply switch the lights back to white for legal on-road use. Create a custom headlight for Camaro's by simply replacing the factory DRL circuit board with this ColorSHIFT circuit board.
Introducing the Stage Series C1 LED Pod from Diode Dynamics! Featuring custom-engineered TIR optics combined with a single high-power LED chip, these pods have been designed for maximum performance and light output, in an ultra-compact, versatile package. The SSC1 can be mounted virtually anywhere on your car, truck, motorcycle, or UTV, including spots where larger LED pods won’t fit. The Stage Series C1 LED Pod includes a distinctive backlight feature, in your choice of white, amber, red and blue. It is available in multiple beam patterns, including an SAE-compliant Fog optic. They are assembled in St. Louis, Missouri, and come with an industry-leading eight-year warranty.
FuelMAX EZ monitors the signal that controls your fuel pump to automatically increase the voltage supplied to your fuel pump as needed in real-time upt to 22V. Fits all Ford ’05–’21 Mustangs and F-150s. A durable OEM quality device that is completely plug n’ play, EZ to install with no adjustments needed. Improve your factory fuel pump’s delivery capabilities by up to 85% instead of replacing your factory fuel system with the FuelMAX EZ. All of this translates to max gains in power and torque, giving you a competitive edge on the Street, Track and Trail. Backed by a lifetime warranty and made in the USA.
According to Louise Ann Noeth’s new book, Bonneville’s Women of
Land Speed Racing, at least 150 women had entered the record
books over the past seven decades.
It’s amazing how many women have raced at the famous speed laboratory known as the Bonneville Salt Flats since 1949. When “Landspeed” Louise Ann Noeth began researching the topic for her new book, Bonneville’s Women of Land Speed Racing, she was confident that at least 150 women had entered the record books over the past seven decades. The book went to press with 307 names, and the number now exceeds 320 as the research continues.
Dozens have set land speed records—35 in excess of 200 mph, six above 300 mph, and one racer who roared past 500 mph. Equally impressive are the women who helped propel the gals down the raceway—fabricators, mechanics, crew chiefs and all-round land-speed racing experts.
The 96-page book includes more than 150 images and is part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of Modern America series.
Two book signings at Bonneville: Author “LandSpeed” Louise Ann Noeth has invited all the women included in the book to join her for a book signing get-together at the registration area. At least 20 gals have confirmed for each event!
Tuesday, August 31, at 5:00 pm: Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials
Saturday, September 11, at 5:00 pm: USFRA World of Speed
Nominations are now open for the 2021 SEMA Council and Network
awards to recognize the individuals and companies that have
significantly enhanced or influenced the stature and growth of their
respective industry segments.
SEMA Council and Network members are comprised of leading companies and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their niche aftermarket segments. Whether it’s truck and off-road, wheel and tire, businesswomen and more, each segment continues to thrive because of the contributions and dedication of council and network membership.
Nominations are now open for the 2021 SEMA Council and Network awards to recognize the individuals and companies that have significantly enhanced or influenced the stature and growth of their respective industry segments.
Lean more about the different awards for the following councils and networks and submit your nominations by September 3.
California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the agency responsible for regulating stationary sources of air pollution in Orange County, most of Los Angeles County and the western portions of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, recently approved a program to regulate warehouse facilities in the district. Rule 2035, or the Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) Program, applies to owners and operators of warehouses with at least 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor floor space in a single building, and aims to reduce nitrogen oxide and diesel emissions from trucks associated with warehouses. Under the WAIRE Program, warehouse operators may earn “points” by reducing emissions, such as by utilizing electric trucks, or paying mitigation fees.
The program is being phased in over time, beginning with warehouses more than 250,000 sq. ft.; however there is a September 1, 2021, deadline for all warehouse operators more than 100,000 sq. ft. to submit basic registration information to the SCAQMD.
The California Trucking Association is suing SCAQMD over the rule, claiming that the agency is overstepping its authority, and hopes to have implementation of the program halted before the September 1, 2021, deadline takes effect. SEMA supports the challenge.
If this program will impact your business, or for additional information, please contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.
Starting a new job comes with a flood of emotions. Whether it’s the excitement of meeting new people or taking on a new environment and set of responsibilities, a fresh start can potentially become a pathway to a successful career.
Job seekers and those who recently completed their job search will learn how to prepare for day one of their new job, and how to succeed and thrive all the way up day to day 365 during a live, interactive webinar on September 9, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
Automotive aftermarket professionals will listen in to a live presentation before breaking out into groups to network and share tips, as well as discuss what has not worked for them in the past. Attendees will leave informed on how to prep for day one after accepting the job, tips for getting orientated after the first day, and how to create a short-term plan to exceed goals for the first year.
Hot lunches will be served in Members Lounge – North from
11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
With the new West Hall expansion, the 2021 SEMA Show will feature three Members Lounges—one in the North Hall, another in the South Hall, and the latest in the West Hall.
Members Lounges are for SEMA members only. If you are looking for a spot to rest away from the Show’s hustle and bustle, have a quick meeting off the main floor or network with other SEMA members, visit one of the three Members Lounges—North Hall room N251, upstairs from the Grand Lobby; South Hall, Booth #45245; and West Hall, Booth #58065. Members Lounges feature complimentary business services, internet access, charging stations and meeting rooms.* Hot lunches will be served in Members Lounge – North from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Tuesday–Friday. Grab ’N’ Go lunches are available in all three lounges during Show hours Tuesday–Friday.
*With the exception of non-exhibiting manufacturers or companies otherwise qualified to exhibit at the Show. Room reservations are limited to two non-consecutive one-hour time slots per day.
Member Central
With the SEMA Show fast approaching, it’s time to think about ways to maximize your experience. Of course, there are loads of new products to see, lots of vendors to meet and customized cars aplenty to spark take-home ideas to jump-start your business. But there’s another, equally important opportunity that can help grow your business and it starts with becoming a SEMA member.
Joining SEMA is simple and straightforward. Stop by Member Central located upstairs in the Grand Lobby, outside Room N251 – Members Lounge North, where you’ll learn how SEMA membership can benefit your company throughout the year.
Come meet y our Membership team who will be on hand during the Show to answer questions and explain member benefits as well as perks you can enjoy while at the Show.
For more information about the 2021 SEMA Show, to be held November 2–5 in Las Vegas, visit www.semashow.com.
After launching a new pricing policy, some manufacturers find that even after they’ve done everything right, the policy simply isn’t moving the needle.
How long should it take to see results? And what do you do when resellers don’t follow the policy?
Manufacturers and sole-exclusive distributors are invited to get answers to these questions and more during the final session of the SEMA Pricing Policies webinar series on Wednesday, August 25, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT). Presented by Rich Barsamian, vice president of sales and marketing at Advanced Clutch Technology, the live webinar will help members understand why their pricing policy may not be working and what the solutions are.
As a live webinar, participants will engage through a Q&A with Barsamian and learn from his 10-plus years of experience writing, implementing and executing pricing policies in the automotive aftermarket.
Register here for Pricing Policies 301: Why Isn’t My Pricing Policy Working? The cost to attend this session is $25.
