With exhibits included in the LVCC’s newly constructed West Hall,
the entire SEMA Show floorplan will be optimized and offers room
for new features and enhancements for an improved overall
attendee experience.
The 2021 SEMA Space Allocation process was completed in late June, with more than 1,700 companies selecting their booth locations at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The LVCC's halls are nearly full of exhibits, but booth space is still being reserved, and more exhibitors are expected to secure space until the Show opens on November 2.
Attendees planning on joining the industry at the 2021 SEMA Show can see who's exhibiting and where through the updated floorplan. If you have not yet registered for the SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, visit www.SEMAShow.com/attendee to register.
For 2021, the Show will include exhibit space in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s newly constructed West Hall, a 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility completed in January. The new facility includes exhibitors from the Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Truck, SUV & Off-Road sections.
Earlier in June, the visitors of the World of Concrete convention were the first to use the new hall, and the event marked the first large-scale convention and tradeshow to be held in Las Vegas in 15 months.
In addition to the new hall, the newly constructed Loop—a high-speed, people-mover system that runs 40 ft. under the LVCC—will transport visitors between South, Central and West Halls. The World of Concrete successfully used the system to shuttle visitors through the 200-acre convention center.
For more information on the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climbwill be held Sunday, June 26,
2022.
100th Running Of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2022 Date Set
The milestone 100th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), brought to you by Gran Turismo, is set for Sunday, June 26, 2022. In addition to the competition on the mountain, race organizers will also host the Fan Fest pre-race street festival in Colorado Springs and the 2022 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame Induction. For more information, visit ppihc.org.
NASCAR Partners to Launch New Science, STEM Curriculum
NASCAR and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) have launched a new science and STEM learning curriculum for K-8 science teachers across the United States. The racing-themed science lessons will be available free of charge to educators nationwide on NSTA.org. The collaboration between NASCAR and NSTA—the promoter of excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning—features 18 racing-themed lesson plans, including aerodynamics, friction and motion, light, sound and more. Accompanying videos, games, and more are also featured. Through its relationship with NSTA, NASCAR will also work to bring elementary and middle school students to race events via free and discounted tickets and special family events hosted at NASCAR race tracks.
IMSA Launches Diverse Driver Development Scholarship Program
The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) has unveiled the new IMSA Diverse Driver Development annual scholarship program, designed to promote and empower drivers from various backgrounds to participate in IMSA-sanctioned series. The scholarship includes tools to bring drivers into IMSA and position them for success both on and off the race track through substantial assistance from the sanctioning body and several IMSA corporate partners, as well as other industry resources. Each year, a new scholarship will be awarded, with additional benefits extending to a second year for each selected recipient.
To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates from diverse lifestyles or backgrounds must have a strong desire to compete in IMSA, outstanding previous race results and/or proven on-track potential in junior racing categories and the ability to build a compelling business plan for securing the remaining funding needed to compete in a full season of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge or IMSA Prototype Challenge series.
The IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship will provide one recipient per season with upwards of $290,000 in financial and product support in the first year, depending on the driver’s chosen series. In the second year of the IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship, IMSA will offer the recipient 50% off a full-season premium entry fee toward participation in their selected series. For more information or to apply, visit imsa.com/diversity.
Santa Maria Raceway—the 1/3-mile clay oval in San Luis Obispo
County, California—has suspended operations indefinitely.
Santa Maria Raceway Suspends Operations
Santa Maria Raceway—the 1/3-mile clay oval in San Luis Obispo County, California—has suspended operations indefinitely. The accompanying Stadium805 concert and event center will also suspend operations. Current owner Nick Duggan, who purchased the facility in 2018, cited an ongoing legal conflict with county officials stemming from a new residential community near the track.
“The ongoing efforts of the County of San Luis Obispo and the Costa Pacifica Estates Homeowners Association to shut down our facility, and the legal fees defending the actions, has made it financially impossible to continue operating this facility in the way it has operated for decades,” Duggan stated on the track’s social media page.
“County fines between June and August will have reached over $37,000 and must be paid upfront. Adding to over $150,000 of lawyers/consultants fees and studies, this has drained us of all remaining operating funds. This is now affecting the quality and safety of our shows.
“Unfortunately, as a local family operation, we no longer have the means to continue the fight to keep this iconic facility open,” Duggan concluded.
All racing events through the 2021 season, including the AMSOIL USAC-CRA Sprint Car Series and the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series, have been canceled. Read the post in its entirety here.
2021 HOT ROD Power Tour Set for Next Week With Official Route
MOTORTREND’s legendary 27th annual HOT ROD Power Tour Presented by HP Tuners and Driven by Continental Tire returns to five cities in the Midwest beginning Monday, August 23, through Friday, August 27. The event brings together more than 5,000 vehicles as classic cars, hot rods and trucks travel city-to-city for the five-day event. Performance car enthusiasts, will follow the tour alongside HOT ROD editors and photographers. Participants can join for one day, two days or be a HOT ROD Power Tour long hauler and join for all five days.
HOT ROD Power Tour 2021 Schedule:
KickoffF/Day 1: Monday, August 23 – Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio
Day 2: Tuesday, August 24 – Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Dayton, Ohio
Day 3: Wednesday, August 25 – Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana
Day 4: Thursday, August 26 – World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis
Day 5: Friday, August 27 – State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois
Centerforce Hires Trent McGee as Marketing Manager
Centerforce has hired Trent McGee as marketing manager, effective August 30. In his new role, McGee will oversee the company’s marketing efforts, including advertising and event marketing, where he will play a key role in leading the second annual Centerforce Adventure Run—an “overland-style trip exclusively for manual transmission vehicles.” McGee brings more than 25 years of automotive industry experience, including serving as a technical writer for several major automotive publications such as 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, and marketing experience with leading aftermarket companies including Daystar Products and Airaid.
Oracle Lighting’s new matching “Sting Grey”Jeep Wrangler and
Gladiator are modified and lifted with custom 20-in. Fuel Wheels with
35-in. tires, and feature bumpers from Rugged Ridge.
Oracle Lighting Unveils New Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator Demo Vehicles
Oracle Lighting has announced its new Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator demo vehicles. The matching “Sting Grey” Jeeps are splashed with custom Oracle Lighting graphics installed by PGNOLA. Both Jeeps are modified and lifted with custom 20-in. Fuel Wheels with 35-in. tires, and feature bumpers from Rugged Ridge.
The Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited features exterior lighting products including the Oracle Vector Pro-Series Grill, Dynamic LED Wheel Rings, ColorSHIFT Rock Lights, Sidetrack fender lighting system, Oracle LED Fog Lights, LED Sidemirrors, Black Series LED Tail Lights, new LED front Skid Plate and more. The interior accessories include Oracle’s StarLINER Fiber Optic Headliner and Oracle’s multifunction LED Cargo Lighting.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon features popular exterior products including Oracle’s signature Oculus Bi-LED Headlights, LED Fog Lights, White Rock Lights, High-Powered LED Reverse Lights, Flush LED Tail Lights, Smoked LED Sidemarkers, Sidetrack lights, and Pre-Runner LED Grill lights. The Gladiator’s interior accessories include Oracle’s StarLINER Fiber Optic Headliner and Fiber Optic Dash Kit.
These vehicles will make their event debut at We Are Mopar (WAM) show in Dallas, September 3–5. The event takes place at the Texas Motor Speedway. Oracle Lighting will play host to Mopar enthusiasts as the title sponsor of WAM’s “Friday Night Lights” event on September 3. Other Jeep events on Oracle’s calendar include Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Jeep Beach in Daytona, Florida, Jeepin’ the Coast in Long Beach, Mississippi, Jeep Beach Jam in Panama City, Florida, and the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
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.
SEMA Show exhibitor key contacts have the opportunity to register and pay for guests, contest winners, influencers, amateur builders, or other people not working a booth or employed at an industry company to attend this year’s SEMA Show.
Exhibitors that would like to introduce the Show to people outside of the traditional automotive market can register Exhibitor Guests for $40 each by October 8.
To view the entire 2021 SEMA Show Floorplan, including the exhibit halls, visit www.SEMAShow.com/floorplan.
After the October 8 deadline, registration is onsite only for $90 per guest. The maximum number Exhibitor Guest badges is 10 per exhibiting company.
For exhibitors that register domestic (U.S. and Canada) guests prior to October 8, the badges will be mailed to the address(es) provided by each company’s key SEMA Show contact.
Exhibitor Guests may only attend the SEMA Show on Friday, November 5, 2021, during normal exhibit hours, 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. No one under the age of 16 will be allowed onto the exhibit floor, including infants. Use of a school ID is not acceptable to prove age unless it provides a date of birth.
For more information, contact semashow@sema.org.
For complete information about the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative is preparing its annual report on China’s compliance with intellectual property rights and other commitments it made in connection with its accession to the World Trade Organization. The USTR is required to submit a report to Congress in December of each year, and is soliciting public comments to assist in preparing this year’s report. Topics on which the USTR seeks information include trading rights, import and export regulation, internal policies affecting trade, and intellectual property rights and enforcement. Click here for the USTR’s 2020 report to Congress.
Comments are due September 15, 2021. Please contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org if your company has any experiences or additional insights on this topic you wish to share.
Mentorship plays a huge role in the lives of many automotive aftermarket professionals. In fact, many—if not all—successful industry leaders will attest to having benefitted from some form of mentorship in their career along the way.
A new SEMA Virtual Education video features passionate automotive student James Delahanty and his former high-school top teacher Morris Hafford in a candid and inspirational story. The video is the third episode of the ARMO Builder Series that brings viewers stories from some of the industry’s most passionate and creative builders.
Get to know the role Hafford played in helping Delahanty meet City Classic Cars owner Sabra Johnson, and how it enabled Delahanty to further pursue his passion in the automotive aftermarket industry. The video also includes behind-the-scenes footage of Hafford at his high-school class, and he shares his goals as an educator and helps students find their purpose.
Watch the video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews and ARMO social media for Episode Four featuring Dan Short of FantomWorks, debuting on September 2.
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.
Steele Rubber Products
New Parts for Lincoln Continental
Steele Rubber Products has unveiled new parts for '61-'63 Lincoln Continental Sedans—Front Door Roof Rail Weatherstrips and Rear Door Roof Rail Weatherstrips.
Front Door Roof Rail Weatherstrips
Fits ’61–’63 Lincoln Continental Sedan
Part Number: 70-4146-68
This Front Door Roof Rail Weatherstrip pair is made of ozone resistant EPDM dense rubber to the original design. They have molded ends which provides for a factory like fit with corrosion resistant brass cores to ensure durability and a proper seal. These high-quality weatherstrips fit on the front roof of the vehicle and work to seal the side windows when they are fully raised.
Left and Right pieces that glue and screw directly to the vehicle body. Hardware is not included.
Replaces factory part #C1VY-513B16 (RH) and #C1VY-513B17 (LH).
Made in the USA
Rear Door Roof Rail Weatherstrips
Fits ’61–’63 Lincoln Continental Sedan
Part Number: 70-4147-68
This Rear Door Roof Rail Weatherstrip pair is made of ozone resistant EPDM dense rubber to the original design. They have molded ends which provides for a factory like fit with corrosion resistant brass cores to ensure durability and a proper seal. These high-quality weatherstrips fit on the rear roof of the vehicle and work to seal the side windows when they are fully raised.
Left and Right pieces that glue and screw directly to the vehicle body. Hardware is not included.
Replaces factory part #C1VY-53513A68-E (RH) and #C1VY-53513A69-E (LH).
PWR STEER
Power Steering Pumps for Popular Applications
PWR STEER Motion Control Systems now offers 13 new Power Steering Pumps for popular domestic and import cars and light trucks. The new pumps deliver exceptional new coverage for more than 29 models from Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, KIA, Ram, Toyota and Subaru.
New application coverage:
’05–’10 Chrysler 300; Dodge Challenger, Charger, Magnum (also with 5.7L engine)—supplied w/Inlet fitting
Lingenfelter Performance Engine Building Center
Performance Design Carbon pTR Intake Manifold
Lingenfelter Performance Engine Building Center announced the release of its Performance Design pTR Carbon Fiber Intake Manifold System for C8 LT2 Corvettes. Producing an additional 25 hp at the rear wheels on average hen used with the Lingenfelter 95 mm Throttle Body, the pTR Carbon Fiber Intake Manifold takes a stock C8 LT2 Corvettes to the next level with style and performance.
This advanced system includes the approbate couplers, hoses, harness, gaskets, fasteners and connectors specifically designed to with the factory-installed connections and fittings on all C8 LT2 Corvettes.
Covercraft announced the introduction of a new line of custom vehicle covers featuring premium non-woven, multi-layer fabrics.
Covercraft has served as an automotive market leader in innovative protection products, and the new line of automotive covers expands the company’s selection to provide the most comprehensive fabric offering in the industry.
“Our customers have been asking for new, multi-layer options, so we’re very excited about bringing these three new fabrics to the market,” said Erik Guldager, vice president of sales and customer service.
MasterTop
Jeep Gladiator Bimini and Windstopper Combo
The new Bimini Plus and Wind Stopper Combo from MasterTop is designed to block out the sun and offer extra weather protection from sudden showers, without the hassle of a hardtop. This easy-to-install top and rear windscreen is available in two fabric options—a 25-oz. pinpoint Black Diamond Sailcloth fabric or Mastertop’s exclusive 30-oz. three-layer luxury MasterTwill fabric. Both styles feature reinforced straps and heavy-duty rubber seals for additional weather protection. The Wind Stopper has an exclusive zip-down window that allows for increased airflow through the cabin on hot days.
The Bimini Plus Summer Top and Wind Stopper combo is a plug-and-play install that will fit any Jeep Gladiator JT with no drilling or modifications to the vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a proposed rule to update the standard reference test tire (SRTT) used as a baseline tire to rate treadwear, braking traction, snow traction and evaluate pavement surface friction.
ASTM E1136, Standard Specification for P195/75R14 (14-in. SRTT) will be replaced with ASTM F2493, Standard Specification for P225/60R16 (16-in. SRTT). The change is necessary because the only manufacturer of the currently referenced SRTT ceased production of the tire—a 14-in. all-season steel-belted radial tire. The new SRTT will be cross-referenced in all applicable NHTSA standards and regulations. Comments due: September 7, 2021.
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund issued a total of $296,000 in scholarships and loan-forgiveness awards to help 119 individuals who currently work or are planning to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket industry. The winners include 97 students who received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and 22 employees of SEMA-member companies who received loan forgiveness awards to help pay off student loans.
For the first time in the program’s history, five students have been awarded Top Student Awards valued at $5,000—the highest award possible. In addition to the financial awards, this year’s scholarship program also includes 10 winners who will be selected to take part in an inaugural SEMA Show student experience. The 10 students will be flown to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November, where they will participate in the industry’s leading trade event, make business connections and gain valuable experience.
"We’re excited to honor another fantastic group of students and members to represent the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Program,” said SEMA Student Program Committee Chair Ian Lehn. “We are particularly thrilled for the student experience, and are excited to have top students join us at the SEMA Show for hands-on, real-world experience. They will see the SEMA Show up close, leave with meaningful industry connections and experience the magic that one can only get by being at the SEMA Show.”
Emma Cameron, Top
Student Recipient
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Show student experience are designed to encourage and support future talent and leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry. Scholarships are awarded annually to foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers. This year’s awards brings the total amount issued since the program’s founding in 1984 to more than $3 million
The online application for next year’s award will open starting in January of 2022, at www.sema.org/scholarships.
For questions or additional information, contact SEMA’s Project Manager, Member Services Byron Bergmann at 909-378-4859 or byronb@sema.org.
SEMA Scholarship Award Winners Recipient (Institution Name, Major)
Breann Adamson (Highland Community College, Automotive Technology)
Gage Allen (University of Tulsa, Computer Engineering)
Trevor Andis (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)
Dylan Baillie (Boise State University, Mechanical Engineering)
Justin Beers (Ferris State University, Automation Technology)
Camden Boshart (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)
Katelyn Fair, Top Student
Recipient
Emma Cameron (Boise State University, Mechanical Engineering) – Top Student & Ray T. Flugger Engineering Scholarship
Stassa Cappos (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering) – Leo Kagan Award
William Carlton (Citrus College, Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician)
Matt Behrnes is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep business moving forward. Behrnes is a brand manager at KW automotive North America Inc., a company that manufactures automotive aftermarket suspension system technology.
SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?
Matt Behrnes: As with others, our biggest challenge was keeping the doors open while keeping in line with the everchanging CDC guidelines. Our team did an outstanding job of not only keeping the doors open, but also not having to sacrifice any employees. Running dual and staggered shifts, employees working from home, social distancing and mandatory masks and regular cleanings were all a part of our new “normal.”
SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?
MB: With the challenges of keeping inventory levels up, we have resorted to growing our internal manufacturing and increasing speed to market and rapid prototyping by purchasing a new 3-D printer.
SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?
MB: Not a new trend per se, but it’s become brutally clear with everyone being stuck in isolation this past year that content is king these days. Our marketing team has been hard at work on not only our social aspect but our video content as well.
SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?
MB: It seems that on top of all the hurdles, specifically supply chain and empty shelves, that customer service as a whole has suffered drastically regardless of industry. With that in mind, we have focused heavily on making sure that we have been providing the best customer experience that we possibly can. In the end, all we really want are happy, satisfied, repeat customers. Without that, it doesn't matter how great your products are.
Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You may also be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.
2021 HOT ROD Power Tour Set for Next Week With Official Route
Matt Behrnes is the latest SEMA