News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Thu, 05/04/2023 - 22:53

By Drew Hardin

Photography: Eric Rickman, Petersen Publishing Company Archive

Throughout much of the '50s and into the early ’60s, Dean Jeffries earned a reputation as a premier pinstriper, painter and airbrush artist, applying his craft to media as varied as sweatshirts, Indianapolis race cars and James Dean’s infamous "Little Bastard" Porsche. His ambitions went beyond artwork, though. By 1963, he wanted to create an entire custom car, something that would push his career in a whole new direction. Inspiration came from watching sea life on a trip to Seattle, where a manta ray caught his eye.

The foundation for the creation was courtesy of his father-in-law, who had collected two pre-war Maserati Grand Prix race cars and offered them to Jeffries for free if he would remove them from his yard. Eric Rickman's low-angle front view of the finished product shows off the Maserati's front suspension components—which Jeffries polished—and its massive, for the era, 15-in. finned brakes behind Goodyear Sports Car Special tires and Halibrand wheels. The Maserati's quick-change rearend was hung by quarter-elliptical springs, "which have only recently been used in rods," Rickman wrote in his May 1964 Hot Rod cover story, "Magnificent Mantaray."

The asymmetrical body Jeffries designed had fenders reminiscent of the sleek sea creature and a single-seat, bubble-top cockpit offset from the car's centerline. He formed the body from aluminum sheets—not the fiberglass favored by Ed Roth and other custom car builders—hung on a lattice frame of thin steel tubing. According to Tom Cotter's excellent biography of Jeffries, he carefully joined 86 aluminum panels to make the body look like a single flowing piece and then painted the car in pearlescent white. At car shows, the canopy could be raised and lowered via a radio control system.

It's hard to see from this angle, but the letters on the engine's finned valve covers spell "Cobra." The Weber-carbureted 289 and its four-speed transmission were gifts from Carroll Shelby, repaying Jeffries for painting Shelby's very first Cobra after it was built in Dean Moon's shop a year earlier.

Jeffries scratch built the Mantaray in just over three months, working on it nights and weekends after doing body repairs, painting and striping for customers during regular working hours. He debuted the car at the 1964 Oakland Roadster Show, where it won the Tournament of Fame award, a class that promoter Al Slonaker set up for a hand-picked group of custom car builders.

Just before its Oakland debut, the Mantaray made a brief television appearance on "The Steve Allen Show," which led to its being used in the film Bikini Beach, with Jeffries doing the stunt driving for Frankie Avalon. That role would kick off Jeffries' decades-long career of building vehicles for movies and TV shows, including the Monkeemobile, the Green Hornet's Black Beauty, and even a replica of a '30s street car for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."

This article was part of the May 2023 issue of SEMA News. For more, visit sema.org/news-media/magazine.

New Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Thu, 05/04/2023 - 22:50

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Cognito Motorsports

Outside Contract Sales Rep

Cognito Motorsports, located in Bakersfield, California, is hiring an outside contract sales rep responsible for new dealer acquisition, top-line sales production, relationship management and customer retention. The successful candidate will be an effective hunter and relationship builder capable of consistently recruiting new Cognito dealers and helping them to grow and maintain their sales volume.

Toms Offroad

Accountant Controller

Toms Offroad, located in Medford, Oregon, is hiring an accountant controller to comply with federal, state and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, anticipating future legislation, enforcing requirements, filing financial reports and advising management on needed actions. The ideal candidate for this position would be a self-starter who can manage projects accordingly, is experienced in the field, knowledgeable in QuickBooks and has a growth mindset.

QA1

Content Marketing Strategist

QA1, located in Lakeville, Minnesota, is hiring a content marketing strategist responsible for translating business goals into content strategies to be delivered through a wide variety of mediums. The ideal candidate should be a big-picture thinker who leads the strategy and development of messaging to be delivered in all forms of media. This position requires a high level of creativity and ability to facilitate the creation of highly engaging content to the QA1 audience.

For more information, including how to apply to jobs or to post job listings, visit the SEMA Career Center here.

Upcoming Events

Thu, 05/04/2023 - 22:49

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

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

Upcoming Event: PRI PAC at Indy Grand Prix, May 13

Thu, 05/04/2023 - 14:43

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA's Washington, D.C., advocacy team invites members to join the PRI Political Action Committee (PAC) for the Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 13. What better way to kick off summer than inside a fully catered "Gasoline Alley" luxury suite with exclusive indoor and rooftop views?

What role does the PAC have within SEMA? United States law restricts groups like SEMA from directly funding elections. However, our members' voices need to be heard! A PAC allows members to pool their resources to support lawmakers and candidates who stand up for the racing industry.

Purchase required to attend. Interested in the event or have questions? Contact Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org.

Members: Download Market Research Reports For Free

Thu, 05/04/2023 - 14:00

By Ashley Reyes

Among the benefits and perks of SEMA membership is the ability to access dozens of free research reports on the automotive specialty-equipment market at sema.org/research. Conducted by professional market researchers, the studies are filled with data and insights on consumer behavior, purchasing habits, economic indicators, and sales figures--all specific to the automotive specialty equipment market. It's the best place to find industry-focused data.

SEMA members may obtain the reports at no cost. Nonmembers may purchase individual reports for as much as $2,000 per study.

New studies are posted throughout the year.

Current reports include:

The "SEMA Market Report"

How big is the specialty-equipment market? In 2021, the performance and accessory market climbed more than $50 billion. The 2022 "SEMA Market Report" details the size and scope of the market to help members better understand their business opportunities.

Industry Trends

How is the industry doing, and where is it going? The "SEMA Future Trends" and "SEMA State of the Industry" reports uncover industry shifts in the automotive specialty-equipment market. Look to these reports to understand where growth is occurring and where the industry might evolve next.

Consumer Insights

What motivates your customers to purchase accessories? The consumer insights reports focus on specific consumer behaviors, including how they research, shop and buy upgrades and modifications. SEMA offers reports for many important customer targets, including pickup owners, Jeep owners, modern musclecars and more.

While the SEMA Market Research team focuses primarily on developing research reports, they are always happy to answer questions about the industry. Visit the SEMA Market Research website to learn more, or contact Gavin Knapp, gavink@sema.org or 909-978-6712.

HRIA Members Invited to Happy Hour at MSRA Back to the '50s Weekend

Thu, 05/04/2023 - 13:41

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a networking Happy Hour during Minnesota Steet Rod Association's Back to the '50s Weekend on Thursday, June 22, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT.

All HRIA members are invited to O'Gara's Restaurant at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, where they can network with industry friends, meet other hot-rod businesses, and enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

Attendees will learn about HRIA's latest initiatives, meet members of the select committee and discover how to get more involved with the council. Prospective members are also invited to attend, as it will be a great event to learn about the HRIA member benefits available to hot-rod businesses.

RSVP here.

Discover New Perspectives on Wheel and Tire Industry Challenges

Thu, 05/04/2023 - 13:36

By Ashley Reyes
Building a diverse network is essential for discovering new ideas and perspectives to help you grow your professional career and WTC business.

To help wheel and tire professionals in the automotive aftermarket establish new business connections, the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its next Coffee & Conversation networking event on June 1 at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT.

The free online event will bring wheel and tire members together from different occupations and include an informative discussion on challenges and opportunities facing the wheel and tire industry. It's the ideal event to connect with others with varying perspectives on the industry, create new business connections, and gain insight into problems and solutions in the wheel and tire market.

"I certainly learned a lot from those that contributed," said Jeff Wade of Aftermarket Sales about the first WTC Coffee & Conversations event. "It was interesting to hear the points of view from various individuals from different segments within the industry. I look forward to the next session!"

TORA Volunteer Spotlight: Kevin Robinson of TRAC LLC

Thu, 05/04/2023 - 13:14

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has named Kevin Robinson as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. As president and TORA owner of TRAC LLC, Robinson was the winner of the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition for his TRAC Tire Jack--a tool that makes removing or installing a wheel or tire from a vehicle safer, simpler and easier. Get to know Robinson in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Kevin Robinson: I have been in the off-road environment since the early days of riding dirt bikes. Now with 40-in. tires that I need to remove and install on my Jeep, I can see a need for our tools. The tools absolutely provide safety in the workplace and home shop.

SEMA News: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

KR: I have attended TORA events and can see the passion that the members have. These members only want the best for SEMA and what it stands for. Even the cross-council mixers share everyone's passions for the industry, and if I can be of help in any way, I'll be there.

SEMA News: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

KR: Whatever you choose to pursue, know that there will be many people to go to for guidance. Mostly everyone is there for assistance, not competition.

SEMA News: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle?

KR: My dream truck is my Jeep LJ, but with an LS swap and an unlimited fuel card to go with it!

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.

Business Insurance Explained: Everything Builders and Shop Owners Need to Know

Tue, 05/02/2023 - 16:50

By Ashley Reyes

When it comes to insurance needs, how do builders and shop owners determine which policies are necessary and how much coverage to get? Is your existing coverage putting your business at risk? Does the language of insurance get confusing?

While an insurance review may seem time-consuming and tedious, it is vital to a business' success--and it does not need to be overwhelming. Shop owners in the automotive aftermarket are invited to the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) webinar "What Builders Need to Know about Insurance Needs, powered by HRIA" on Tuesday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) to learn tips and advice for reviewing their policy.

Attendees will learn:

The most common mistakes builders may be making with their insurance coverage
The different types of insurance coverage shop owners need to know about
How often shops should reassess their insurance policies
Definitions to insurance jargon and lingo that will demystify the process
Questions to ask your insurance provider that will help save you money

The webinar also includes a Q&A with experts Trent Campbell of American National Insurance and Bob Corwin of RevPro/Alliant. Participants will also hear case studies from like-minded automotive aftermarket shop owners, along with a brief update on HRIA programs and benefits.

SEMA Members: Save on Music City Grand Prix Tickets

Tue, 05/02/2023 - 13:30

MCGP The iconic Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is returning to the streets of Nashville, Tennessee, on August 4-6, and SEMA Business and Individual Members can save big on tickets for being a valued part of our community (more details below).

The three-day event is just one of five street course races on the NTT IndyCar Series schedule. It will also feature five additional series--Indy NXT, SRO GT America, SRO GR Cup, Trans AM TA2, and Stadium Super Trucks--for back-to-back racing action.

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix holds the title of the longest straightaway in IndyCar racing (3,578 ft.) and is the only race that crosses a body of water as part of the 2.17 mile, 11-turn course across the Nissan Stadium property, the KVB Bridge and Cumberland River, and around downtown Nashville.

Of course, Nashville's Music City event features live music and will culminate with a headliner concert on Friday and Saturday nights.

SEMA Business and Individual Members can access these exclusive discounts for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, valid May 1-31, through their Membership portal.

20% Off Three-Day Grandstand Seats
10% Off East Club Tickets
BOGO 3-Day General Admission Tickets (Limited number available).

Visit your SEMA Membership portal to claim your benefits and unique promo code today! Three-day packages are limited, so take advantage of this opportunity before they're gone!

For more information, follow the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix social media platforms at @musiccitygp (links on their website) and visit musiccitygp.com.

For more information on this exclusive benefit, contact Mike Kirks at membership@performanceracing.com.