By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will celebrate the talents and craftsmanship of automotive restylers at the 2022 SEMA Show through its PRO Cup Challenge.

The SEMA PRO Cup Challenge promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks, and is a great way for restylers to showcase their talents to dealerships and consumers.

Now in its third year, the SEMA PRO Cup Challenge promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks, and is a great way for restylers to showcase their talents to dealerships and consumers. Restylers enter the competition by creating a package for a new-model car or truck that is marketable, easy to replicate and profitable. If selected to compete, the build will be displayed and voted on at the SEMA Show in the PRO Booth, and may win an award!

“I’ve always dreamed of having a car at the SEMA Show,” said 2021 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge winner Tom Waitzman of DPS Automotive. “I knew choosing a brand like VW, which doesn’t get accessorized as much as other brands, would set us apart. Winning the challenge brings an enormous amount of pride and satisfaction for the hard work we put into the build.”

The essence of the program is to inspire and motivate others—including consumers, dealers and restylers—to customize their vehicles.

“We benefitted in many ways. It was a hit with our social media. We gained new followers, with a percentage turning into customers. It provided a boost of credibility with our suppliers,” added Chris Turgeon of On the Rocks 4x4. Turgeon was selected for the 2021 competition for his customized ’21 Chevrolet Silverado. “One of the best benefits was exposure to dealers. When we finished the truck, we showed it around. This has led to many leads and steady accessory work with two multi-line dealer groups. The exposure is already paying dividends.”

Past PRO Cup Challenge participants have been featured in industry magazines, on the evening news and in SEMA publications. Winning packages will be announced and celebrated during the PRO Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 2, at the SEMA Show.

If you have what it takes to create a vehicle package with a maximum MSRP price of $15,000, maximum labor hours of 40 hours per package installed and a wholesale cost no more than $11,000 to the dealer, we encourage you to apply today at www.sema.org/pro-cup-challenge.

By Della Domingo

On Tuesday, July 19, “The King” Richard Petty joined SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola in the nation’s capital to advocate for Congress to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act). The bipartisan bill (H.R. 3281/S. 2736) protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.  

Like most NASCAR drivers, Petty competed in racecars that started out as street-legal vehicles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains the position that such modified race vehicles are not legal under the Clean Air Act, threatening many classes of racing along with an industry that employs tens of thousands of Americans and contributes more than $2 billion to the U.S. economy each year.

On Tuesday, July 19, Richard Petty (left) joined SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola (right) in the nation’s capital to advocate for Congress to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act).

Petty and Spagnola sat down with key members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to advocate for the interests of racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning organizations and businesses, while also looking to gain stronger congressional support to protect one of America’s oldest pastimes and hobbies: motor-vehicle racing. In an effort to curtail the EPA’s overreaching and extreme enforcement of the Clean Air Act, Petty and Spagnola appeared in Washington, D.C., to push for passage of the RPM Act, which awaits committee action in the House of Representatives and Senate.

Richard Petty (left) and Mike Spagnola (right) sat down with Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) to discuss the RPM Act.

“The EPA is overstepping its jurisdiction and penalizing small motorsports parts businesses,” said Petty. “The RPM Act is essential to the racing industry and protecting the careers of young racers all over the country. During most of my racing career, my fellow NASCAR drivers and I competed in racecars that started out at as street-legal vehicles.”

(L–R): SEMA Board Member Ted Wentz, Richard Petty, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and Mike Spagnola.

Petty and SEMA met with several key congressional members to discuss the importance of the bipartisan RPM Act. Meetings included Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), RPM Act lead sponsor; Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), RPM Act original cosponsor; Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), Senate Republican Conference Chairman and RPM Act cosponsor; Indiana Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Mike Braun (R-IN), RPM Act cosponsors; Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), RPM Act original cosponsor; House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA); House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA); Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), RPM Act lead sponsor; Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), RPM Act lead Republican cosponsor; and RPM Act original cosponsors Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), and Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL).

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) with Richard Petty.

The RPM Act reverses the EPA's interpretation that the Clean Air Act does not allow a motor vehicle designed for street use—including a car, truck or motorcycle—to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned until 2015 when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even though they are no longer driven on public streets or highways.

“The RPM Act will save the livelihood of thousands of Americans, including many young racecar drivers,” said Spagnola. “SEMA is dedicated to ensuring our industry remains viable. Racers and the businesses that make motorsports possible deserve clarity in federal law that protects the ability to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and sell products for these track vehicles without fear of enforcement.”

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) with Richard Petty.

Both Petty and Spagnola were optimistic about their meetings with key RPM Act supporters in Congress. “Motorsports has many strong allies in Congress. It was valuable for Mike and me to sit down with these lawmakers to discuss how we can work together to pass the RPM Act this year,” shared Petty.

(L–R): Ted Wentz, Richard Petty, Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), and Mike Spagnola.

Watch the video here.

For more information visit www.saveourracecars.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The Ford Bronco for the 2022 SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) All-Female Vehicle Build recently arrived at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California—marking the beginning of an exciting new project that will shine the light on women in the aftermarket industry. The build began earlier this week and will be completed in late October just before the SEMA Show.   
 

The vehicle will depart for the SEMA Garage in Detroit on August 8, where final accessories will be installed, including enhanced electrical, lighting, exhaust, intake and wrap.

“We are proud to showcase the careers, talents and skills of women in the automotive aftermarket through this one-of-a-kind build,” said SEMA SBN Director Nicole Bradle. “In doing so, the SBN paves an exciting pathway for women builders and industry professionals to come together and showcase their contributions to this industry.”

SBN volunteers have begun disassembling the vehicle and working on modified suspension, wheels and tires. The vehicle will depart for the SEMA Garage in Detroit on August 8, where final accessories will be installed, including enhanced electrical, lighting, exhaust, intake and wrap. The final build will replicate a rendering created by Monika Kalenski, founder of MEK Magnet. (Kalenski, whose rendering was selected by popular vote on social media to be used as inspiration for the SBN Build, was a Top 10 competitor in the 2021 SEMA Launch Pad competition.)

The final build will replicate a rendering created by Monika Kalenski, founder of MEK Magnet.

The completed vehicle build will be displayed at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Follow SBN on Instagram (sbn_sema) and Facebook for updates on the build’s progress.  

  SEMA Show organizers are hosting a “boot-camp”-style training event to help exhibitors plan and get maximum return on investment at the 2022 SEMA Show. Called the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, the two-and-a-half-day event takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, includes hotel accommodations and meals, and is free to register.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, held July 26–28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will show exhibitors how to maximize their 2022 SEMA Show investment.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit has taken place annually since 2010 and gives exhibitors hands-on, personal connections with both SEMA staff and event-support partners.

“We know that exhibitors invest a great deal to participate in the SEMA Show, and we do everything we can to help exhibitors maximize that investment,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “By connecting in Las Vegas months before the trade show takes place, we’re able to focus and work with exhibitors right as they are in the critical part of their booth-planning process.”

Exhibitors learn how to attract buyers to their booths, ways to save on booth expenses, what journalists look for while at the Show and how to connect with buyers in their market segments. Exhibitors are also able to meet with show organizers, industry colleagues, support partners and others involved in their successful participation in the Show, including with an assigned account representative who works with them throughout the year, in person during the Exhibitor Summit.

“We’re available to help exhibitors all year long, but it’s rare that we have an opportunity to connect in person and meet face-to-face,” said Gattuso. “The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is a great chance for us to establish a deeper relationship. We appreciate the opportunity to meet with exhibitors and better understand their goals and how SEMA can play a part in their efforts.”

Participation, which is limited to two representatives per exhibiting company with maximum of about 200 for the entire event, includes free hotel rooms, networking functions, and meals throughout the event. Show organizers host the event to help exhibitors succeed for years to come.

To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit taking place July 26–28 in Las Vegas, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Awards Gala, taking place on July 29, in Anaheim, California, is a celebration of the volunteers and pioneers who have helped build today's $50-billion specialty-equipment industry. Among those to be honored at this year’s Gala are incoming and outgoing board members, and 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Walker Evans, Jack Roush and “Gene” Winfield.

A limited number of tickets are still available for the prestigious SEMA Awards Gala. Get you tickets at www.sema.org/gala.

“The SEMA Awards Gala is a great opportunity for the industry to come together at mid-year to connect in person and have meaningful conversations in an intimate setting,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.

The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags, a cherished Gala tradition, will also return to offer industry participants the chance to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser runs in conjunction with the Gala. If you’d like to sponsor a race car or challenge colleagues, visit www.sema.org/semacares.

The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception and into the evening.

Tickets for he gala are available at www.sema.org/gala.

Immediately following the gala, there is a private SEMA PAC reception scheduled. For more information, contact Samantha Large at samanthal@sema.org or 202-796-2252.

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) newest spotlight volunteer is Nate Zufelt of Auto Additions Inc.    

Auto Additions Inc. serves the Central Ohio area and is a one-stop shop for truck accessories, electronics, window tint, clear mask, remote starters, leather seating, ceramic coating and more. Check out Zufelt’s video to learn about his experience in the automotive restyling market.   

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members have until July 29 to submit nominations for the 2022 SEMA Council and Network Awards.  

SEMA Council and Network Awards honor the dedication and passion that drives the automotive aftermarket industry by recognizing companies and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the niche automotive aftermarket segments that they represent.  

SEMA Council and Network Awards honor the dedication and passion that drives the automotive aftermarket industry by recognizing companies and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the niche automotive aftermarket segments that they represent.  

If you know of a council or network member who has significantly enhanced the stature and growth of the industry, nominate them for an award today so that they may have the chance to get the recognition that they deserve.  

Nominations are open for the following awards:

• Future Leaders Network (FLN): Vanguard Award, Professional of the Year Award
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA): Hall of Fame, Industry Recognition Award, Business of the Year
• Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC): Hall of Fame
• Professional Restylers Organization (PRO): Manufacturer of the Year, Nat Danas Person of the Year, Restyler of the Year, Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award
• Truck & Off-Road Industry Alliance (TORA): Hall of Fame, Retailer of the Year, Jessi Combs Ambassador of the Year
• Wheel & Tire Council (WTC): Hall of Fame

Award winners will be announced and recognized at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, this November. The MPMC Hall of Fame recipient will be recognized at the PRI Show in Indianapolis in December. To be considered for an award, nominees must be an existing member of at least one of SEMA’s councils and networks. Learn more and view the award criteria at www.sema.org/cn-awards.

By Ashley Reyes

Whether you’re a supervisor, company owner or a recent graduate just entering the workforce, having strong emotional intelligence will help you to be more successful. A high emotional intelligence will improve communication and teamwork, particularly when stress levels are high, conflicts arise or when working with individuals who have differing opinions.

Learn everything you need to know about emotional intelligence during the live webinar and breakout “The Power of Emotional Intelligence” on July 21, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

This session is presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and features Karen Nutter, a certified Emotional Intelligence (EI) analyst, certified master coach and the founder of CBK Advising, sharing how you can help and guide others using EI, and how to adjust your communication to positively impact your colleagues and business.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Truck and off-road builders have an exclusive opportunity to showcase their vehicles in a premier spot in the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail outside of the LVCC West Hall at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Open exclusively to SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members, the feature vehicle program will highlight six-to-eight unique builds in a high profile location. Applications are being accepted in the categories of SUV, Side-by-Side, Lifted Truck, Lowered Truck, Overland, Off-Road, EV, and CUV/Crossover.

Feature vehicle space at the SEMA Show is typically reserved for exhibitors. However, the TORA Feature Vehicle Program gives all TORA member exhibiting manufacturers, and non-exhibiting builders, and retailers a rare opportunity to obtain added exposure, as well as showcase the builders and manufacturers whose parts are installed on their vehicle.

Applications are due September 1. The cost to participate is $1,500, with $500 of that donated to SEMA Cares—the fundraising arm of the association that supports a variety of children’s charities.

Get your name out there as a builder. Submit your application today!