Compiled by SEMA Editors

“Mad Mike” Whiddett will compete in his ’16 Mazda MX-5 Miata while Formula DRIFT champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. will make the U.S. competition debut of his ’16 Ford Mustang RTR at the Streets of Long Beach event, April 8–9.

Team Nitto Fields Two New Cars and One New Driver in Formula DRIFT

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. has announced its 2016 Formula DRIFT lineup. Returning for 2016 are Formula DRIFT champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. and international drift celebrity “Mad Mike” Whiddett, both of whom will debut new rides this year. Alongside these Team Nitto veterans is Alex Heilbrunn—one of the biggest up-and-coming drivers in the sport. Not only will Nitto will provide these drivers with NT05 tires throughout the season, but they will also give them on-site technical support. Gittin Jr. will make the U.S. competition debut of his ’16 Ford Mustang RTR at the Streets of Long Beach event, April 8–9. This year, Whiddett is sporting a new look on RADBUL that matches the new styling of his ’16 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Heilbrunn, who won the 2015 Formula DRIFT Pro 2 championship in his first year of competing professionally, has earned a spot in the top-level Pro Series, and will compete in his supercharged LS-powered BMW E46.

ROUSH Performance Partners with Formula Drifter Justin Pawlak for 2016 Season

Teaming with main sponsor ROUSH Performance, professional drifter Justin Pawlak will drive a ’16 ROUSH supercharged Mustang with a Ford Performance Aluminator crate engine during the 2016 Formula DRIFT series. Pawlak, who began his drifting career in 2005, secured first-place finishes at Los Angeles NOPI Drift and the first round of 2011 Formula DRIFT. He has been a consistent top-7 performer in Formula D since 2011. For the 2016 drifting season, Pawlak built a brand new S550-chassis Mustang that features the ROUSH 2.3L TVS supercharger, which pushes out almost 1,000 hp and 831 lb.-ft. of torque.

Team MSD of Tulsa Tech Takes First Place in Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Qualifying Event

Taking first place at the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Tarrant County College Qualifying Event last weekend in Fort Worth, Texas, was Team MSD of Tulsa Tech, Oklahoma, with a low time of 24:30. Team Edelbrock from Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center (29:42) with Teams K&N (30:53) and Energy Suspension (32:44) of Tulsa Tech also qualified this past weekend. These students now all have a spot at the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Dual National Championships later this year at the 2016 SEMA and PRI Shows.

Michael Essa returns to the E46 BMW M3 chassis in which he captured the Formula DRIFT championship in 2013.

Formula DRIFT Champion Michael Essa Slides into the 2016 Season on CCW Forged Performance Wheels

Formula DRIFT champion Michael Essa will compete during the 2016 season using 18x10-in. Corsair Hybrid wheels from CCW Forged Performance—a WELD brand. Essa returns to the E46 BMW M3 chassis in which he captured the Formula DRIFT championship in 2013. Kern says the Hybrid series of wheels are specifically designed for use on track and is the wheel of choice for top performance builders. Essa will kick off the 2016 Formula DRIFT season at the opening event in Long Beach, California, April 8–9.

Lucas Oil Modified Series Has Strongest Sponsor Group Ever for 2016 Season

The Lucas Oil Modified Series presented by LoanMart waved the green flag on its 11th championship season last week at Havasu 95 Speedway with the strongest group of sponsors in series history. LoanMart returns as the series sponsor for the fourth year. Sunoco Race Fuel has been the exclusive race fuel supplier, and has sponsored the Winner's Circle program and other bonus funds. Hoosier Tire West has been the exclusive tire supplier and the sponsor of the championship points fund. K&N Filters has contributed in a variety of ways over the past decade, and this year has agreed to sponsor the series’ tow money program to help defray travel expenses for the top 24 drivers in the point standings. BILSTEIN is the series’ official shock absorber and sponsor of the B main events that pay $500 to win. Optima Batteries is the long-time sponsor of the Hard Charger award, which goes to the driver who improves his position the most during a race, and SuperClean is the sponsor of the Lucky Dog award, which is presented to the first driver at least a lap behind at the checkered flag. General Tire, GEICO, E3 Spark Plugs and Carlyle Tools-NAPA are core members of Team Lucas, along with Lucas Oil Products Inc., Protect the Harvest, MAVTV, The Motorsports Channel and LucasOilRacing.TV.

Mickey Thompson Pro Mod racer Jonathan Gray achieved a 5.751 elapsed time at 258.02 mph for a new national record.

Jonathan Gray Sets National Pro Mod Record on Mickey Thompson Tires

Mickey Thompson Pro Mod racer Jonathan Gray has entered the national Pro Mod record books following the NHRA Mello Yello Gatornationals event. A former Pro Stock racer, Gray entered the season with the PTE flagship 2014 Pro Mod Chevrolet Camaro built by Larry Jeffers Race Cars. The Camaro, previously driven by Don Walsh Jr. and named the “Best Engineered Car” in Pro Mod, is now racing with Mickey Thompson’s ET Drag “Bubba” tires. Gray achieved a 5.751 elapsed time at 258.02 mph for a new national record.

5th Annual Nitto Tire NMCA WEST Spring Nationals to Be Held April 1–3 at Auto Club Dragway

Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California, will once again host the season-opening Nitto Tire NMCA WEST Spring Nationals the weekend of April 1–3. The event will feature Pro Modifieds, the ProCharger Limited Street class and the Hotchkis Cup Autocross presented by Nitto Tire. The professionally designed course offers racers a chance to test their skills and their car’s handling capabilities.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided guidance on the requirement that manufacturers provide NHTSA with any communications to dealers, owners or purchasers about a product defect or noncompliance. NHTSA is required to post these communications, including technical service bulletins, on the agency’s www.safercar.gov website. The communications must include an index with a concise summary of the subject matter. For equipment manufacturers, the index should include descriptive information about the equipment when it is not associated with a specific vehicle make, model and model year. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided guidance on the requirement that manufacturers provide NHTSA with any communications to dealers, owners or purchasers about a product defect or noncompliance. NHTSA is required to post these communications, including technical service bulletins, on the agency’s www.safercar.gov website. The communications must include an index with a concise summary of the subject matter. For equipment manufacturers, the index should include descriptive information about the equipment when it is not associated with a specific vehicle make, model and model year. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided guidance on the requirement that manufacturers provide NHTSA with any communications to dealers, owners or purchasers about a product defect or noncompliance. NHTSA is required to post these communications, including technical service bulletins, on the agency’s www.safercar.gov website. The communications must include an index with a concise summary of the subject matter. For equipment manufacturers, the index should include descriptive information about the equipment when it is not associated with a specific vehicle make, model and model year. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

RallySport Direct Partners With Cosworth to Expand North American Performance Product Offerings

RallySport Direct has announced a new partnership with Cosworth to provide the same level of performance products for the U.S. enthusiast market that has been available from Cosworth in Europe and around the world. Partnering with RallySport Direct as the master distributor for North America, Cosworth is providing more products, better inventory availability, customer support and service into the U.S. market than ever before. Cosworth has been a pre-eminent source of high-performance automotive engineering since 1958. Specializing in engines and performance electronics, the company has a solid footprint in Formula 1, NASCAR and IndyCar racing.

ICON to Host 4x4 Third Annual “Cars & Casino” Charity Event

Actor/ICON customer Aaron Eckhart (“Dark Knight” and “Thank You For Smoking”) will host an evening of “Cars & Casino” at ICON Workshop, May 7, at 7:00 p.m. The event will benefit GO Campaign—a Los Angeles-based charity that helps at-risk kids worldwide. Jonathan Ward’s famous ICON Broncos, Land Cruisers, and Derelict vehicles will be on display, in addition to rarities, such as an Outlaw Porsche 356. ICON Workshop is located at 9601 Lurline Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311. For more information, visit www.gocampaign.org/carscasino.

A.R.E. will showcase its Bassmaster Toyota Tundra project truck during the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend in Many, Louisiana.

A.R.E. is Title Sponsor of Bassmaster Elite Fishing Tournament

As the title sponsor of the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend in Many, Louisiana, taking place May 12–15, A.R.E. will be on-site showcasing its Bassmaster Toyota Tundra project truck and feature autograph sessions with its sponsored Elite Series anglers Britt Meyers, Justin Lucas and Adrian Avena. A.R.E. will also offer attendees the opportunity to register to win two all-expense-paid fishing trips: one with Avena and one with Lucas. An active Bassmaster sponsor, A.R.E. participates in the “Top Angler” contingency program while maintaining a presence at most Bassmaster Elite Series tournament events.

HUBB Names The Marx Group as Agency of Record

HUBB, new to the aftermarket with its next generation oil filter, has named The Marx Group as its public relations agency of record. The Marx Group will assist HUBB with marketing and branding strategies, trade-show support, PR writing and distribution and represent the company to trade and consumer media.

Mark Rodrigues

Honeywell Transportation Systems Appoints Senior Leader for Aftermarket Business in North America

Honeywell Transportation Systems has named Mark Rodrigues general manager of the company’s turbocharger aftermarket business in North America and its global performance products business. Rodrigues will be based in Torrance, California, and report to Eric Fraysse, vice president and general manager for Honeywell Transportation Systems Aftermarket, located in Rolle, Switzerland. Prior to this position, Rodrigues was the global product management director of Honeywell Transportation Systems’ commercial vehicle business. He also served as product marketing director and has held multiple roles in engineering and program management within Honeywell.

Jim Bailey Joins Delta Tech Industries LLC

Jim Bailey has joined Delta Tech Industries LLC as sales manager. He comes to Delta with 34 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. Bailey has restored countless vehicles from the ground up throughout the years, 17 of which have been featured in various custom magazines.

Hugh Charvat

Hugh Charvat Joins AP Exhaust Technologies as CEO

AP Exhaust Technologies LLC has announced the appointment of Hugh Charvat as CEO and member of the AP Exhaust executive team, effective immediately. Evangelos Proimos will continue as the company’s executive chairman, working directly with Charvat on developing the company’s strategies, growing the business organically and through acquisitions and supporting AP Exhaust’s customer relationships. Charvat joins AP Exhaust with more than 25 years of experience in the automotive and truck aftermarket and OEM industries. In his most recent role, he served as chairman, president and CEO of Schrader International Inc. Under Charvat’s leadership, Schrader operated eight global manufacturing facilities and 10 sales and engineering offices around the world, selling to the automotive and industrial OEM and aftermarket channels in more than 40 countries.

(L-R): Michael McGarry, PPG president and CEO; Steven Choiniere, Color Systems president and owner; Steve Lauro, Color Systems sales manager; John Outcalt, PPG vice president, Global Automotive Refinish.

PPG Names Color Systems Platinum Distributor of the Year

PPG Automotive Refinish has recognized Color Systems of Warwick, Rhode Island, as its 2015 Platinum Distributor of the Year. Bob Wenzinger, director of the PPG Platinum Distributor program, presented the award at the annual PPG Platinum Distributor Conference, held February 25–28, at the Green Valley Resort in Las Vegas. Steven Choiniere, Color Systems president and owner, and sales manager Steve Lauro attended the conference and accepted the honor on behalf of the company. Michael McGarry, PPG president and CEO, and John Outcalt, PPG vice president, Global Automotive Refinish, also participated in the presentation.

Aeromotive Inc. Announces Marketing Partnership With Martin & Co. Advertising

Aeromotive Inc. has announced a marketing partnership with Martin & Co. Advertising. As the landscape of the marketing field continues to rapidly shift from less traditional techniques to a fast-paced digital environment, management decided to bring in experts to help their marketing team with oversight and guidance.

Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket was presented with the 2015 Content and O’Cat Award from O’Reilly Automotive Inc.

Continental Receives Content and O’Cat Award from O’Reilly Auto Parts

Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket was presented with the 2015 Content and O’Cat Award from O’Reilly Automotive Inc., February 3, 2016, during the Supplier Awards presentation, which was held at O’Reilly Auto Parts Annual Store Manager’s Conference in St. Louis. The O’Reilly Auto Parts award recognizes the supplier that provides the best support for catalog and content in its parts system. Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket was chosen because it enabled O’Reilly locations to effectively sell Continental’s VDO-branded parts and O’Reilly’s Murray and Import Direct-branded parts to their customers by consistently providing accurate and proactive catalog information and ensuring its validity. This made it easier for O’Reilly store personnel and retail and commercial customers to successfully research vehicle part number applications.

Tenneco Launches Free “Servicegram” Technical Fliers from Monroe, Walker Brands to Support Industry Partners

Tenneco has announced the launch of its new Monroe Shocks and Struts Servicegram and Walker Emissions Control Servicegram. These free, monthly technical fliers are designed to provide automotive service professionals and counter professionals insight into two of the industry’s premier brands. Also available in French and Spanish, the new Servicegrams deliver timely technical product insight, common service bay procedures and troubleshooting techniques and tips. Published monthly and available electronically, Monroe and Walker Servicegrams will provide hands-on learning through step-by-step how-to articles, relevant technical tips and more.

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.

By Jason Catullo

Conducted by trade show experts, the Exhibitor Summit is the most hands-on, cost-effective way for companies to prepare for the 2016 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit offers professional training and advice to help companies plan and budget for a successful Show experience. The goal of the Summit is to help exhibitors take advantage of advance rates, leverage promotional opportunities and develop creative ways to boost company and product exposure. The Exhibitor Summit is scheduled for Monday–Tuesday, June 20–21, in Las Vegas.

Conducted by trade show experts, the Exhibitor Summit is the most hands-on, cost-effective way for companies to prepare for the 2016 SEMA Show. There is no cost to participate in the Summit. Limited complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and staff. Space is limited. Register now!

To secure booth space for the 2016 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Jason Catullo

Conducted by trade show experts, the Exhibitor Summit is the most hands-on, cost-effective way for companies to prepare for the 2016 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit offers professional training and advice to help companies plan and budget for a successful Show experience. The goal of the Summit is to help exhibitors take advantage of advance rates, leverage promotional opportunities and develop creative ways to boost company and product exposure. The Exhibitor Summit is scheduled for Monday–Tuesday, June 20–21, in Las Vegas.

Conducted by trade show experts, the Exhibitor Summit is the most hands-on, cost-effective way for companies to prepare for the 2016 SEMA Show. There is no cost to participate in the Summit. Limited complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and staff. Space is limited. Register now!

To secure booth space for the 2016 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Jason Catullo

Conducted by trade show experts, the Exhibitor Summit is the most hands-on, cost-effective way for companies to prepare for the 2016 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit offers professional training and advice to help companies plan and budget for a successful Show experience. The goal of the Summit is to help exhibitors take advantage of advance rates, leverage promotional opportunities and develop creative ways to boost company and product exposure. The Exhibitor Summit is scheduled for Monday–Tuesday, June 20–21, in Las Vegas.

Conducted by trade show experts, the Exhibitor Summit is the most hands-on, cost-effective way for companies to prepare for the 2016 SEMA Show. There is no cost to participate in the Summit. Limited complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and staff. Space is limited. Register now!

To secure booth space for the 2016 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By AJ Carney

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with other automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

Have you registered yet? SEMA invites industry professionals to its next Town Hall Meeting in Dallas, hosted by Lifted Offroad Products, where members and prospective members will gather at Starwood Motors (a division of Lifted Offroad Products), Tuesday, April 5, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

“As a new member within SEMA, my experience at the Town Hall Meeting in St. Charles (Illinois) was certainly without regret. I found the topics discussed within the panel very informative. I was able to capture industry-related subjects that are worth discussing within the Mecum organization. Debra Fickler provided me knowledge that will allow me to make an intelligent decision as to which committee to join. Lastly, what an honor it was listening to the legendary Vic Edelbrock tell his story and how he has impacted the industry for so many years.”

—Christine Giovingo, Mecum Auctions

“Hosting the SEMA Town Hall was certainly one of the best events we’ve been involved with. As a warehouse distributor (WD), having the event at our facility allowed us to network with a cross-section of industry people that we normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to. They included customers, retailers, other WDs and manufacturers. The SEMA Town Hall is an asset to our industry. It gives everyone involved the opportunity to learn more about our industry and its members in an intimate setting.”

—Daryl Sampson, Turn 14 Distribution

Get your seat today by visiting SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contacting Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with other automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

Have you registered yet? SEMA invites industry professionals to its next Town Hall Meeting in Dallas, hosted by Lifted Offroad Products, where members and prospective members will gather at Starwood Motors (a division of Lifted Offroad Products), Tuesday, April 5, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

“As a new member within SEMA, my experience at the Town Hall Meeting in St. Charles (Illinois) was certainly without regret. I found the topics discussed within the panel very informative. I was able to capture industry-related subjects that are worth discussing within the Mecum organization. Debra Fickler provided me knowledge that will allow me to make an intelligent decision as to which committee to join. Lastly, what an honor it was listening to the legendary Vic Edelbrock tell his story and how he has impacted the industry for so many years.”

—Christine Giovingo, Mecum Auctions

“Hosting the SEMA Town Hall was certainly one of the best events we’ve been involved with. As a warehouse distributor (WD), having the event at our facility allowed us to network with a cross-section of industry people that we normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to. They included customers, retailers, other WDs and manufacturers. The SEMA Town Hall is an asset to our industry. It gives everyone involved the opportunity to learn more about our industry and its members in an intimate setting.”

—Daryl Sampson, Turn 14 Distribution

Get your seat today by visiting SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contacting Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.