By Christina Kwan

SEMA Board member Laurel Dasher (left) of MagnaFlow was elected chair of the Scholarship Committee, and Rich Barsamian of Advanced Clutch Technology was elected chair of the SEMA Cares Committee.

The 501(c)3 organization which oversees two of SEMA's nonprofit groups, the SEMA Scholarship Committee and the SEMA Cares Committee, has appointed Susan Carpenter of JR Products as its new chairperson. Carpenter, who also serves on the SEMA Board of Directors, is joined by new leaders on each individual committee as well.

SEMA Board of Directors member Laurel Dasher, of Magnaflow, has been elected to chair the SEMA Scholarship Committee and Rich Barsamian, VP of Sales and Marketing at Advanced Clutch Technology, has been elected to chair the SEMA Cares Committee.

Susan Carpenter

“These are exciting changes for the philanthropy arm of SEMA,” said Carpenter. “Both committees have made a tremendous impact to date and I look forward to working with both teams to further reach their goals. Both of our newly elected chairs bring great leadership and experience to their new roles.”

The newly elected committee chairs follow in the footsteps of two dynamic immediate past-chairs, Luanne Brown (SEMA Cares Committee) and Joel Ayres (SEMA Scholarship Committee). Brown and Ayres have tirelessly served the past several years in leading their respective committee's efforts and it is with gratitude and many thanks for the paths they've opened up for their successors.

About the Committees

The SEMA Scholarship Committee is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators through its scholarship awards given out through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The SEMA Cares Committee, established by the Board of Directors in 2007, aims to bring the voice and resources of the SEMA community together to make a positive difference in children’s lives. Annually, the SEMA Cares Committee leads significant fundraising efforts including the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races and participation in custom industry-build vehicles that are auctioned off.

For more information about SEMA Cares, visit www.sema.org/council/SEMA-Cares. To learn more about the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit www.sema.org/scholarship.

This is a first look at the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon diesel mule seen testing in the desert, alongside a caravan of RAM 2500 HDs with the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel.

The next Wrangler Rubicon’s suspension will remain similar to the current model's setup, with no sign of an independent suspension. Models such as the Rubicon are also expected to get beefier axles and tires.

The biggest news is this prototype’s DEF tank for the diesel’s emissions system, which even has its own skid plate. It’s all but confirmed that the ’18 Wrangler will offer a diesel option in the United States, likely the 3.0L V6 already in other FCA models.

For traditionalists, the new Wrangler is likely to be a refinement underneath, rather than a reinvention. Expect to see it sometime next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is a first look at the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon diesel mule seen testing in the desert, alongside a caravan of RAM 2500 HDs with the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel.

The next Wrangler Rubicon’s suspension will remain similar to the current model's setup, with no sign of an independent suspension. Models such as the Rubicon are also expected to get beefier axles and tires.

The biggest news is this prototype’s DEF tank for the diesel’s emissions system, which even has its own skid plate. It’s all but confirmed that the ’18 Wrangler will offer a diesel option in the United States, likely the 3.0L V6 already in other FCA models.

For traditionalists, the new Wrangler is likely to be a refinement underneath, rather than a reinvention. Expect to see it sometime next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is a first look at the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon diesel mule seen testing in the desert, alongside a caravan of RAM 2500 HDs with the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel.

The next Wrangler Rubicon’s suspension will remain similar to the current model's setup, with no sign of an independent suspension. Models such as the Rubicon are also expected to get beefier axles and tires.

The biggest news is this prototype’s DEF tank for the diesel’s emissions system, which even has its own skid plate. It’s all but confirmed that the ’18 Wrangler will offer a diesel option in the United States, likely the 3.0L V6 already in other FCA models.

For traditionalists, the new Wrangler is likely to be a refinement underneath, rather than a reinvention. Expect to see it sometime next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is a first look at the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon diesel mule seen testing in the desert, alongside a caravan of RAM 2500 HDs with the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel.

The next Wrangler Rubicon’s suspension will remain similar to the current model's setup, with no sign of an independent suspension. Models such as the Rubicon are also expected to get beefier axles and tires.

The biggest news is this prototype’s DEF tank for the diesel’s emissions system, which even has its own skid plate. It’s all but confirmed that the ’18 Wrangler will offer a diesel option in the United States, likely the 3.0L V6 already in other FCA models.

For traditionalists, the new Wrangler is likely to be a refinement underneath, rather than a reinvention. Expect to see it sometime next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is a first look at the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon diesel mule seen testing in the desert, alongside a caravan of RAM 2500 HDs with the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel.

The next Wrangler Rubicon’s suspension will remain similar to the current model's setup, with no sign of an independent suspension. Models such as the Rubicon are also expected to get beefier axles and tires.

The biggest news is this prototype’s DEF tank for the diesel’s emissions system, which even has its own skid plate. It’s all but confirmed that the ’18 Wrangler will offer a diesel option in the United States, likely the 3.0L V6 already in other FCA models.

For traditionalists, the new Wrangler is likely to be a refinement underneath, rather than a reinvention. Expect to see it sometime next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is a first look at the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon diesel mule seen testing in the desert, alongside a caravan of RAM 2500 HDs with the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel.

The next Wrangler Rubicon’s suspension will remain similar to the current model's setup, with no sign of an independent suspension. Models such as the Rubicon are also expected to get beefier axles and tires.

The biggest news is this prototype’s DEF tank for the diesel’s emissions system, which even has its own skid plate. It’s all but confirmed that the ’18 Wrangler will offer a diesel option in the United States, likely the 3.0L V6 already in other FCA models.

For traditionalists, the new Wrangler is likely to be a refinement underneath, rather than a reinvention. Expect to see it sometime next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is a first look at the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon diesel mule seen testing in the desert, alongside a caravan of RAM 2500 HDs with the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel.

The next Wrangler Rubicon’s suspension will remain similar to the current model's setup, with no sign of an independent suspension. Models such as the Rubicon are also expected to get beefier axles and tires.

The biggest news is this prototype’s DEF tank for the diesel’s emissions system, which even has its own skid plate. It’s all but confirmed that the ’18 Wrangler will offer a diesel option in the United States, likely the 3.0L V6 already in other FCA models.

For traditionalists, the new Wrangler is likely to be a refinement underneath, rather than a reinvention. Expect to see it sometime next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA China Business Development Program, September 7–11, 2016, Shanghai, China

• 2016 SEMA Show, November 1–4, 2016, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• 2016 PRI Show, December 8–10, 2016, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By Becca Butler

Having a vehicle on display at the SEMA Show is an honor that few ever accomplish. As the world’s leading automotive trade show, the SEMA Show is where the best and most prestigious vehicles are unveiled. And while the vehicles are highlighted on magazine covers throughout the world, it’s the talented builders and customizers who make them possible.

Open exclusively to those with vehicles displaying at the SEMA Show, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition offers builders a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and provides them added exposure and greater coverage in SEMA’s publications, industry magazines and more.

Check out this spotlight on one of last year’s contestants, and visit SEMA’s YouTube channel for similar videos.

New this year will be the introduction of “Young Guns” (under 35) who will be singled out for special recognition. Builders with vehicles from all market segments are encouraged to enter. Applications are now being accepted.