The California Coastal Commission is threatening to abolish off-roading at California’s Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). The Commission is scheduled to vote March 18 on a measure to phase out off-highway vehicle access within five years. Less than two years ago, the Commission voted 8-2 to reject a similar measure. SEMA and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) have urged the Commission to reject the current proposal.
The Commission is reviewing the permit for OHV use at the Oceano Dunes. Commission staff issued a report that recommends eliminating OHV access over a five-year period. Oceano Dunes is managed by California State Parks, which is currently reviewing public comments to its proposed Public Works Plan for long-range management of the SVRA.
Oceano Dunes SVRA encompasses nearly 3,600 acres along the Pacific Ocean near San Luis Obispo, of which OHV use is now limited to 1,500 acres or less. Oceano Dunes became a state OHV park in the 1980s and is the only such park on California’s coast. It has been enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts from across the country for decades under a permit first issued by the Commission in 1982.
OHV recreation is an important contributor to the local economy. While bringing pleasure to thousands of enthusiasts, the monies spent at area stores, motels, restaurants and gas stations support jobs and generate tax revenues. The SVRA is especially valued at a time when the pandemic has forced California residents to stay indoors for extended periods of time.
For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
Hart, Todd, Anderson and M. Smith Pick Up Wins at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals to Open 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag-Racing Series Season
Rookie Josh Hart won in his Top Fuel debut last Sunday, powering to the victory at the season-opening 52nd annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in his first career NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series start. J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the first race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
Hart went 3.826 seconds at 323.66 mph in his 11,000-hp Burnyzz/Technet dragster to beat Shawn Langdon in the final round. In the Funny Car final round against Robert Hight, Todd earned his first win in nearly two years, 5.184 at 286.38 in his 11,000-hp DHL Toyota Camry. Pro Stock legendAnderson won for the 95th time in the class by going 6.602 at 209.33 in his Race Star Wheels Chevrolet Camaro to beat Troy Coughlin Jr. in the final round. Matt Smith went 6.785 at 200.65 in the final round to beat Ryan Oehler’s 6.869 at 196.53. It was Smith’s quickest run of the weekend and he topped 200 mph on every run in eliminations to win in Gainesville for a second straight year.
Drivers Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon and J.R. Todd are named Rowdy
Energy Athletes.
Rowdy Energy Drink to Power Team Kalitta
Kalitta Motorsports has announced that Rowdy Energy—the enhanced hydration energy drink created by two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch—will become the official energy drink of the multi-time world-championship-winning team in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series through a strategic marketing partnership in advance of the 52nd annual NHRA Gatornationals. Rowdy Energy branding will be featured on each Kalitta Motorsports vehicle and product will be available in the Kailtta Motorsports VIP hospitality area. Additionally, Rowdy Energy will have a presence on the helmets of drivers Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon and J.R. Todd, and all three have become official Rowdy Energy Athletes.
zMax Dragway to Host Limited Fans for 4-Wide Nationals
Officials with Charlotte Motor Speedway have announced a limited capacity for the NGK NTK NHRA 4-Wide Nationals event, set to return to zMAX Dragway, May 14–16. Under state and local restrictions, new safety protocols will be in place to ensure the health and well being of those in attendance. These protocols include health screenings for fans, contactless ticketing, socially distanced grandstand seating and cashless purchases. Attendees will also be required to wear approved face coverings at all times, except while actively eating and drinking. Limited grandstand seating will be in groups of up to six people properly socially distant from any other group. There will also be no trackside viewing along the fencing as part of this event.
zMAX Dragway’s modified race day protocols also include social distancing in concession and bathroom lines; enhanced cleaning and sanitation in high-touch, high-traffic public areas; added hand-sanitizer stations; and limited guests in suites. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit charlottemotorspeedway.com.
A Hummer EV, courtesy of The Mint 400.
The Mint 400 Announces New EV Class for 2021
Officials from The Mint 400, dubbed The Great American Off-Road Race, have announced the launch of an all-new electric vehicle (EV) class. The new class comes in response to requests by EV truck makers and owners eager to compete at the event. The new EV Class will be open to all electric vehicle manufacturers, makes and models initially and will be overseen by Mint 400 Technical Director Bill Savage. Separate dedicated EV classes based on chassis style and design are already being written for races beyond this year. The new Mint 400 EV Class will be the first in history for a traditional desert race in America, but not the first in the sport. The ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered vehicle became the only EV vehicle ever to complete the Dakar Rally in 2017. That, in turn, inspired Audi and the GCK e-Blast 1 to prepare EV vehicles to compete at Dakar, and the field is growing each year. For more information, visit themint400.com.
Mobil 1 Expands Relationship with TRD in NHRA with Sponsorship of Alexis DeJoria
Building on its return to the NHRA Series in 2020 with a technical partnership alongside Toyota Racing Development (TRD), ExxonMobil will expand its current team roster within NHRA to include Toyota Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria. ExxonMobil has enjoyed a partnership with Kalitta Motorsports, and will also continue that winning relationship into the 2021 season. Under the expanded agreement, ExxonMobil will supply DeJoria and her team with its drag-racing motor oil, along with other lubricants, while also providing engineering support throughout the season. In addition, ExxonMobil is continuing to develop next-generation lubricants to improve engine and gearbox performance while also continuing to support Kalitta Motorsports through its relationship with Toyota. With a fresh look for the 2021 season, DeJoria will get behind the wheel of her black-and-white Toyota Camry Funny Car with familiar sponsor ROKiT, as the 70th NHRA season gets underway officially at the 52nd annual NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, March 12-14.
The Jr. Late Model Spectacular Series (JRLMSS) aims to provide a
driver development program and allow drivers—ages 12 to 16—to
drive full-bodies Spec race cars. Photo courtesy of JRLMSS
Junior Late Model Series Set to Launch in July
A new racing series designed to lower the cost for young Late Model racers is set to launch this July at Crisp Motorsports Park in Cordele, Georgia. Dubbed the Jr. Late Model Spectacular Series (JRLMSS), the new series aims to provide a driver development program and allow drivers—ages 12 to 16—to drive full-bodies Spec race cars. JRLMSS will also help develop the drivers’ off-track talent with required bi-monthly webinars to teach the importance of building a brand to attract corporate marketing partners.
The series’ 2021 exhibition race schedule kicks off on July 31, at Crisp Motorsports Park, followed by a visit to Huntsville, Alabama’s Huntsville Speedway, for a 75-lap special on August 21. Then, competitors head to Timmonsville, South Carolina, for a Florence Motor Speedway event on October 16, followed by Veterans Motorplex’s 75-lap event on November 13, in Greenbrier, Tennessee. A four-race winter schedule in the Midwest and Southeast regions is also in the works, along with a four-race simulation competition hosted on iRacing. For more information, visit jrlmss.com.
Leonberg, Germany-based Techart produces a wide
range of customizing products for Porsche vehicles,
including aero kits, alloy wheels, performance upgrades
and interior and exterior styling products. Pictured here
is a GTstreet RS, a custom-built super sports car based
on the Porsche 911 Turbo S.
The German tuning association Verband der Automobil Tuner e. V. (VDAT) has won an important battle in its lengthy litigation against German sports car manufacturer Porsche. Germany’s second highest court—the Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart—has ruled that Porsche cannot deny access to its parts and vehicles to aftermarket vehicle customizers.
This is the upcoming Ford F-150 EV, providing a first look at the (production-intent) electric pickup.
Though clad in a substantial amount of camouflage, the familiar shape of the 14th-generation F-150 can still be seen. The prototype features a SuperCrew cabin along with a short bed.
Despite the vehicle’s camo having a cutout for what would be a fuel door, there are no visible elements of an exhaust system. But there is a rather substantial electric motor at the rear axle, some interesting throwing-star rims, and we’re told the Frida Kahlo-inspired light over the grille will make it to production.
Range is expected to come in at least 300 miles, although it is rumored that if demand is great enough, there may be an extended-range battery that could be added to the truck.
Production is slated to start in mid-2022 at Ford’s Rouge Truck plant in Dearborn, Michigan. It should be in showrooms shortly after, more than likely beating Rivian (delays) and Tesla (no running prototypes and have yet to bring the roadster/semi to market) to the marketplace.
This is the upcoming Ford F-150 EV, providing a first look at the (production-intent) electric pickup.
Though clad in a substantial amount of camouflage, the familiar shape of the 14th-generation F-150 can still be seen. The prototype features a SuperCrew cabin along with a short bed.
Despite the vehicle’s camo having a cutout for what would be a fuel door, there are no visible elements of an exhaust system. But there is a rather substantial electric motor at the rear axle, some interesting throwing-star rims, and we’re told the Frida Kahlo-inspired light over the grille will make it to production.
Range is expected to come in at least 300 miles, although it is rumored that if demand is great enough, there may be an extended-range battery that could be added to the truck.
Production is slated to start in mid-2022 at Ford’s Rouge Truck plant in Dearborn, Michigan. It should be in showrooms shortly after, more than likely beating Rivian (delays) and Tesla (no running prototypes and have yet to bring the roadster/semi to market) to the marketplace.
The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.
They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.
SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
The ’21 Aston Martin DBX will be available for measuring, March
22–26, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.
In partnership with Aston Martin, the SEMA Garage has announced a Measuring Session for the ’21 Aston Martin DBX.
This event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the ’21 Aston Martin DBX, featuring:
A 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine.
Nine-speed automatic transmission.
Adaptive air suspension.
Electric anti-roll control system (eARC).
Aston Martin’s first fullsize five-seat model.
Please note that 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 take place over one week with scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, your appointment will be time limited.
Week 1: March 22, 2021–March 26, 2021
*All registered attendees will be required to take an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment. The vehicle will be sanitized in between each appointment.
Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show to shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the automotive specialty-equipment market has to offer.
In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social-media influencers, ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.
Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.
Below are key dates that SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to mark on their calendars.
The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
The Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit are due May 7.
Dates for the SEMA Show Space Selection: June 7-23
The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is kicking off the 2021 car show season at the annual Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market, Corral & Auction in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where more than 100,000 enthusiasts are expected to gather in person on April 21–25.
In addition to bringing the industry together and viewing amazing vehicles, the annual event is also home to the ARMO Hot Products Showcase—a member-only council benefit that provides automotive restoration professionals with an exclusive no-cost opportunity to display and promote their products to a worldwide audience.
New to this year’s Hot Products Showcase is an online gallery in which all submissions are automatically included. As in previous years, all submissions will still qualify for the New Products Awards (with the exception of the People’s Choice Award), with the winners recognized at the SEMA Show in November. ARMO members may now register their product and enter the Hot Products Showcase.
The annual Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market,
Corral & Auction is home to the ARMO Hot Products
Showcase—a member-only council benefit that
provides automotive restoration professionals with
an exclusive no-cost opportunity to display and
promote their products to a worldwide audience.
After registering online, companies are also able and encouraged to send or bring their registered products to Spring Carlisle for display at the in-person event. Benefits of having the product included at the event in Pennsylvania include:
Onsite product exposure to an estimated 100,000+ attendees.
Increased visitors to company or dealer booth if exhibiting at Spring Carlisle in person.
A chance to win a New Product or People’s Choice Award.
A free industry mixer will take place Thursday, April 22, at 5:00 p.m., for all manufacturers and ARMO-member companies. This annual event is a great opportunity to strengthen networking and build new relationships with other ARMO members. Questions can be directed to ARMO Council Liaison Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909-978-6690.
Holley, the performance automotive aftermarket company based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, will become a public company as part of a definitive merger agreement with Empower Ltd.—a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company. As a result of the agreement, Holley will become a publicly listed company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the new ticker symbol “HLLY.” Holley President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Tomlinson and the current management team will continue to lead the combined company. Empower’s management team is led by Chief Executive Officer Matt Rubel and President Graham Clempson. Rubel is expected to serve as chairman of the Board of Directors. Holley is controlled by Sentinel Capital Partners, L.L.C.—a midmarket private equity firm that will remain Holley’s largest shareholder upon closing.
Eric Ryan
NASCAR Hires Eric Ryan as Vice President of Communications
NASCAR has announced that Eric Ryan has been named to the position of vice president of communications. Ryan will provide leadership across strategic initiatives, and day-to-day operations of the sanctioning body’s communications and public relations work in his new role. Based out of the company’s headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida, Ryan will report to Chief Communications and Social Responsibility Officer Eric Nyquist. With two decades of communications experience, Ryan has served in leadership roles at the New York Stock Exchange, AT&T, and most recently, at Nike. Working across Fortune 100 companies and some of the world’s most respected brands, Ryan managed teams responsible for integrated internal and external communication initiatives across numerous corporate functions.
Goodyear Makes Leadership Changes After Cooper Tire Acquisition
Following the company’s recent announcement of its acquisition of Cooper Tire, Goodyear has announced that Ryan Patterson, currently president of its Asia Pacific business unit, will lead the integration effort as senior vice president, business integration. Nathaniel Madarang, currently managing director of Goodyear China, will succeed Patterson as president of Goodyear Asia Pacific. Prior to his role in Asia Pacific, Patterson was president of Goodyear’s North America Consumer business, where he developed the company’s consumer strategy and its focus on high-value segments. Goodyear says he led the creation and implementation of the company’s aligned distribution model in North America, and launched goodyear.com, driving e-commerce sales for distributors and dealers.
Prior to his work in North America, Patterson worked in several roles of increasing responsibility in Latin America since joining the company in 2002. Madarang has been with Goodyear since 2008. Prior to his role as managing director of Goodyear China, he was vice president of finance for Goodyear’s Asia Pacific business, and prior to that, vice president of Goodyear’s China Consumer business and finance director for Goodyear China. Prior to joining Goodyear, he served in several leadership roles for Procter & Gamble in China and ASEAN.
Hardy Hamann
Dynabrade CEO and President Hardy Hamann Retires
Dynabrade Inc. has announced the retirement of President and CEO Hardy Hamann, effective March 31. Hamann had served as the 98th president of the Industrial Supply Manufacturers Association (now part of ISA), representing 550 North American Manufacturers in ’02–‘03. Dynabrade will announce its new company president at a later date.
Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its Bear, Delaware, location. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer’s East Hanover, New Jersey-based distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, exhaust and related parts in the region.
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 September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show to shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the automotive specialty-equipment market has to offer.
The SEMA 
