By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) has named Josh Poulson of Auto Additions Inc. as this week’s council Volunteer Spotlight member. Poulson is the current PRO chair-elect and has been an active volunteer on the PRO Select Committee since 2012. His years of advocacy for restylers and manufacturers to have a voice in the industry earned him recognition as PRO Restyler of the Year in 2012 and SEMA PRO Person of the Year in 2015, and the council is pleased to spotlight him for his leadership and contributions to the industry.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?    

Josh Poulson: I was 16 years old going to college and working part-time when a friend hired me into the business. I really never had a passion for cars but love the restyling business.

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

JP: I wanted to give back and have a voice in the industry. I felt the need to continue to grow in its “professionalization” and have learned so much. I have met some amazing, influential people who have guided me in my personal and professional life.

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

JP: Make sure you can think with your head and not just your heart. I see a lot of people get into the business because they have the passion but then end up not being successful because they thought too much with their heart.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?    

JP: Since I really am not that interested in vehicles, I don't think I have a dream vehicle. However, I do seem to like the electric-style trucks (except Tesla) coming out in the next few years. You would see me driving it around doing whatever needs done but enjoying my ride.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?     

JP: Stay in your lane. Do what you do best with the products you carry and offer but also what you personally do best in the business. Hire others to complement with their skills.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

JP: The great people and friends that I have met in the last 29 years. It would be my customers, my colleagues, my vendors and suppliers.  

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

JP: Relaxing and hanging out with my family, taking a nap or reading and studying on my iPad.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) has named Josh Poulson of Auto Additions Inc. as this week’s council Volunteer Spotlight member. Poulson is the current PRO chair-elect and has been an active volunteer on the PRO Select Committee since 2012. His years of advocacy for restylers and manufacturers to have a voice in the industry earned him recognition as PRO Restyler of the Year in 2012 and SEMA PRO Person of the Year in 2015, and the council is pleased to spotlight him for his leadership and contributions to the industry.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?    

Josh Poulson: I was 16 years old going to college and working part-time when a friend hired me into the business. I really never had a passion for cars but love the restyling business.

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

JP: I wanted to give back and have a voice in the industry. I felt the need to continue to grow in its “professionalization” and have learned so much. I have met some amazing, influential people who have guided me in my personal and professional life.

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

JP: Make sure you can think with your head and not just your heart. I see a lot of people get into the business because they have the passion but then end up not being successful because they thought too much with their heart.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?    

JP: Since I really am not that interested in vehicles, I don't think I have a dream vehicle. However, I do seem to like the electric-style trucks (except Tesla) coming out in the next few years. You would see me driving it around doing whatever needs done but enjoying my ride.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?     

JP: Stay in your lane. Do what you do best with the products you carry and offer but also what you personally do best in the business. Hire others to complement with their skills.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

JP: The great people and friends that I have met in the last 29 years. It would be my customers, my colleagues, my vendors and suppliers.  

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

JP: Relaxing and hanging out with my family, taking a nap or reading and studying on my iPad.

By Ashley Reyes

Learn about the latest government lending programs and legislation helping businesses overcome the pandemic during next week’s “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” virtual session.

SEMA members are invited to learn about the latest government lending programs and legislation helping businesses overcome the pandemic and what decisions they can make now to set up their companies for long-term success during next week’s “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” virtual session at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

During “Beyond the Pandemic” on September 2, CPA and journalist Gene Marks will provide an update on government, state and local grant and lending programs, along with current and pending legislation for helping businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever before. Attendees will learn best practices and discover secrets that smart leaders are implementing to navigate their companies and employees, and receive a current analysis of the presidential election and how each candidate’s economic policies will impact businesses over the next two years.  

Register today.

The session is the last in SEMA’s four-part “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” webinar series. Recorded sessions of previous webinars, and resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The new home of the Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing is World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois.

World Wide Technology Raceway Named Third Stop on NMRA/NMCA 2021 Tour
The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals and NMCA Muscle Car Nationals have announced the new home of the Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing is World Wide Technology Raceway (Madison, Illinois). The largest street-legal drag race event of the year happens May 13–16, 2021. The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals launches its 23rd season at Bradenton Motorsports Park (Bradenton, Florida) with the Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout over the weekend of March 4–7, 2021. The next event comes a month later, April 8–11, 2021, at Atlanta Dragway (Commerce, Georgia) for the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals. The third event on the six-race schedule goes down May 13–16, 2021, at World Wide Technology Raceway with the Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing. The fourth and fifth events will be announced shortly and the season will conclude at Beech Bend Raceway (Bowling Green, Kentucky) with the Nitto Tire NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival.

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals season will begin at Bradenton Motorsports Park, but officials haven’t revealed the date yet due to changes in the motorsport calendar that time of the year. The second event will be at Atlanta Dragway with the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals going down April 8–11, 2021. The third stop is at World Wide Technology Raceway on May 13–16, 2021, with the Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing. The fourth, fifth and sixth stops on the national event tour will be announced shortly. 

LIQUI MOLY Becomes Title Sponsor of the MotoGP Race in Teruel, Spain

LIQUI MOLY will remain the exclusive lubricant supplier for the Moto2 and Moto3 motorcycle racing series until 2023. The company also secured the naming rights for the Aragon Grand Prix, held October 23–25, under the name Gran Premio LIQUI MOLY de Teruel. According to the agreement, LIQUI MOLY will remain the exclusive lubricant supplier for Moto2 and Moto3 until 2023.

Formula 1 Adds Four Races To 2020 Calendar

Turkey’s Intercity Istanbul Park will host a Grand Prix for the first time since 2011 this year, after Formula 1 announced four more races have been added to the 2020 calendar. The Turkish Grand Prix will be run on November 15, just before a back-to-back double header in Bahrain, with the Bahrain Grand Prix on November 29 followed by the Sakhir Grand Prix on December 6. The season-concluding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit on December 13. Formula 1 also confirmed that the Chinese Grand Prix, which was initially postponed earlier this year, will now not be run in 2020, bringing the current race total to 17 for the season. The F2 season, meanwhile, will conclude with the Bahrain double-header, bringing their season to 12 rounds, as originally planned.

Erik Moses

Nashville Superspeedway Announces Erik Moses as President

Dover Motorsports Inc. officials have announced Erik Moses, a sports executive and seasoned venue-management veteran, as the new president of Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee. Moses will oversee NASCAR Cup Series’ return to the track in 2021. Moses, a longtime veteran in the mid-Atlantic sports and entertainment industries, most recently served as the founding president of the XFL’s DC Defenders (2019–2020). Prior to his position with XFL, Moses also held positions with Events DC, DC Sports & Entertainment Commission, and the D.C. Department of Small & Local Business Development.

Fans Allowed at Inaugural Drag Weekend 500 Set For September 11-13

The inaugural Drag Weekend 500 has been announced and is set for September 11–13. The event will require teams to drive their street-legal race cars on a 500-mile roundtrip from Byron Dragway in Byron, Illinois, to Rock Falls Raceway in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and back. A test of both performance and durability, Drag Weekend 500 begins on Friday, September 11, at Byron Dragway. After qualifying runs, racers hit the road and drive more than 25 miles to Rock Falls Raceway, where they will again qualify on Saturday, September 12. Following another 250-mile drive back to Byron Dragway, the event will culminate on Sunday, September 13, with final qualifying for all classes and a bracket race for the Street Eliminator class. Fans will be permitted to attend the competition at the tracks. Tickets are $15. Pre-registration is now open for Pro Street, Super Street, Street Class and Street Eliminator. For more information, visit www.dragweekend500.com.

Steve Phelps

NASCAR President Steve Phelps Named to Board of Directors

NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim France has announced the appointment of NASCAR President Steve Phelps to the Board of Directors. Phelps becomes the fifth member of NASCAR’s Board of Directors, joining France; Lesa France Kennedy, executive vice chair; Mike Helton, senior advisor to NASCAR; and Gary Crotty, chief legal officer. Phelps has served as NASCAR president since 2018 and has been with the sanctioning body in various roles, including chief operating officer, since 2005. He is only the fifth person to hold the position of NASCAR president. During his tenure as president, Phelps has pioneered important growth initiatives, oversaw the landmark merger and integration with ISC, instituted a Premier Partner model for the NASCAR Cup Series and spearheaded a number of innovative changes to enhance the competition on track.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By Matt Kennedy

According to Experian Automotive, there were roughly 56 million pickups on the road at the end 2019 and another 1.5 million new pickups have been added to the mix in the first half of this year.

While 2020 has been a rough year for vehicle sales, pickups seem to be weathering the storm better than other platforms. According to data from Informa PLC, sales of new pickup trucks took the smallest hit among passenger vehicle segments during March and April. Year-to-date sales of pickups are down just 10% from 2019 versus a 22% drop for overall passenger vehicle sales. According to Experian Automotive, there were roughly 56 million pickups on the road at the end 2019 and another 1.5 million new pickups have been added to the mix in the first half of this year.

Continued pickup sales is great for the specialty-equipment industry, as pickup parts accounted for 31% of all specialty auto aftermarket sales in 2019.  The “2020 SEMA Market Report” details how the $14.28 billion spent modifying pickups breaks out by product type and sales channel. As vehicle sales continue to recover and consumers use the opportunity to work on their trucks, the Market Report can help businesses understand what these consumers will likely be looking for during the rest of the year and beyond.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/research and download the “2020 SEMA Market Report” for free today. You can also browse SEMA’s other available research reports or contact us directly for more information and resources available to members and the broader industry.

By Matt Kennedy

According to Experian Automotive, there were roughly 56 million pickups on the road at the end 2019 and another 1.5 million new pickups have been added to the mix in the first half of this year.

While 2020 has been a rough year for vehicle sales, pickups seem to be weathering the storm better than other platforms. According to data from Informa PLC, sales of new pickup trucks took the smallest hit among passenger vehicle segments during March and April. Year-to-date sales of pickups are down just 10% from 2019 versus a 22% drop for overall passenger vehicle sales. According to Experian Automotive, there were roughly 56 million pickups on the road at the end 2019 and another 1.5 million new pickups have been added to the mix in the first half of this year.

Continued pickup sales is great for the specialty-equipment industry, as pickup parts accounted for 31% of all specialty auto aftermarket sales in 2019.  The “2020 SEMA Market Report” details how the $14.28 billion spent modifying pickups breaks out by product type and sales channel. As vehicle sales continue to recover and consumers use the opportunity to work on their trucks, the Market Report can help businesses understand what these consumers will likely be looking for during the rest of the year and beyond.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/research and download the “2020 SEMA Market Report” for free today. You can also browse SEMA’s other available research reports or contact us directly for more information and resources available to members and the broader industry.

By Kyle Cheng

According to the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, retail sales are currently above levels seen in January before the virus hit, strengthened by government financial stimulus and unemployment.

As American consumers and businesses alike continue to adjust and adapt to the coronavirus, the U.S. economy continues its recovery. Retail sales are currently above levels seen in January before the virus hit, strengthened by government financial stimulus and unemployment. Likewise, manufacturing is also slowly coming back, although it remains below its pre-pandemic levels.

The automotive sector continues to heal, showing continually strong month-on-month growth. Though auto sales still are below their levels before the virus, they have recovered much of the decline experienced in April and May.

Ultimately, the outlook for the remainder of 2020 will depend on the course of the virus. It will take some time before levels of production, output and economic activity enjoyed prior to the onset of the pandemic return to their pre-pandemic levels.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Download the August “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

According to the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, retail sales are currently above levels seen in January before the virus hit, strengthened by government financial stimulus and unemployment.

As American consumers and businesses alike continue to adjust and adapt to the coronavirus, the U.S. economy continues its recovery. Retail sales are currently above levels seen in January before the virus hit, strengthened by government financial stimulus and unemployment. Likewise, manufacturing is also slowly coming back, although it remains below its pre-pandemic levels.

The automotive sector continues to heal, showing continually strong month-on-month growth. Though auto sales still are below their levels before the virus, they have recovered much of the decline experienced in April and May.

Ultimately, the outlook for the remainder of 2020 will depend on the course of the virus. It will take some time before levels of production, output and economic activity enjoyed prior to the onset of the pandemic return to their pre-pandemic levels.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Download the August “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA eNews highlights products from member-companies each week. This week's submissions are listed below.

The companies included with the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) logo are also members of the SDC, the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository. The SDC is an end-to-end solution to help you author, validate, store, and distribute product data. All incoming data is validated for compliance to PIES and ACES standards, eliminating confusing proprietary data formats. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

Submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

MAHLE Motorsport Porsche 911 2.7L–2.9L Piston Kits MAHLE Motorsport introduces Porsche 911 2.7L and 2.9L Piston Kits designed to pair with Nickies Performance Air-cooled Cylinders. One is a standard bore 90mm that retains the stock 2.7L displacement, and the second is a 93mm big bore piston cylinder kit that equals 2.9L of displacement. Both piston and cylinder kits are engineered to incorporate deeper valve relief to accommodate performance camshafts, while the big-bore 2.9L piston also has larger valve reliefs to accommodate bigger valves. Each combination is constructed for durability for street or for SCCA and PCA legal race applications. The pistons also feature hard-anodized top ring grooves manufactured for durability to protect against micro-welding. 888-255-1942 www.mahlemotorsports.com PN: Varies
Holley Gen III Hemi Alternator Relocation Bracket Holley announces the release of its Gen III Hemi alternator relocation bracket. The alternator bracket is constructed to move the factory alternator higher and further from the engine block for extra clearance. Designed for Gen III Hemi engines with both VVT & non-VVT “car style” factory accessory drive systems, it features a steel construction with a black powder coated finish. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 97-347
Hooker’s RacingHeart Big Block Chevy Dragster Headers Hooker’s RacingHeart launches its big-block Chevy three-step dragster headers. It features stepped primary tubes designed to improve exhaust flow over a broad rpm range. The 4.5-in. merge collector with its integrated spear design is constructed to improve the transition of exhaust pulses from the primary tube to the collector, increasing the overall scavenging effect. The headers are engineered for big-block Chevy engines making over 1,000 hp.  866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: Vary
Hellwig Helper Springs Hellwig Suspension Products announces the release of its helper springs and installation kits for the ’20 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD pickup trucks. The helper springs are designed for 3/4-ton and one-ton applications. The LP-25 springs are rated for up to 2,500 lbs. of load-leveling capacity, and the LP-35 springs provide up to 3,500 lbs. of load-leveling capacity. The LP Mounting Kit is the installation kit for the LP-25 and LP-35 and is required to complete the installation. The Pro-Series helper Hellwig’s Silent Ride feature and are rated for up to 2,500 lbs. of load-leveling capacity. 800-435-5944 www.hellwigproducts.com PN: Vary
Red Line Oil Powersport Oil Red Line Synthetic Oil announces the launch of its 15W50 Powersports Oil, which will be available for order beginning in September. The oil is formulated for high-performance engines in a variety of applications including ATVs, motorcycles, UTVs and additional powersports vehicles. The motorcycle and powersport lubricants are designed to resist the chopping and shearing action of powersport transmissions, while ensuring the viscosity meets the desired specification. The oil is manufactured to provide wear protection under adverse conditions and extreme temperatures. 707-745-6100 www.redlineoil.com PN: Vary
DEI Stainless Steel Thermal Floor Design Engineering Inc. introduces its Stainless-Steel Thermal and Acoustical Floor and Tunnel Shield. The floor is designed to be a high-temperature solution for controlling heat and sound in hot rods, street rods, classics, trucks and just about any vehicle. The flexibility allows the shield to be constructed to be formed and tightly shaped around firewalls, transmission tunnels, floorboards and anywhere for total protection from the potential harmful effects of heat. The shields start with a stainless-steel reflective surface backed with a high-temperature resistant glass fiber manufactured to block heat. 800-264-9472 www.DesignEngineering.com PN: Vary
BMR Front Upper A-Arm Mount BMR announces the launch of its Front Upper A-Arm Mount for ’93–’02 F-Body. The arm is designed to add camber adjustability and provide strength and durability required for high-performance applications. The arm mount is manufactured to allow for the adjustment of roll center and camber. BMR has designed the arm for street performance applications. Installation time is about 3-4 hours. 813-986-930 www.bmrsuspension.com PN: CAB342
Oracle Lighting Fiber Optic Dash Kits ORACLE Lighting launches its new fiber-optic dash kits. The integrated edge is designed to hold the fiber-optic cable tightly without the use of any adhesive. The single-color kit is available in six options (white, blue, red, green, amber and ABL). Specialized fiber-optic cable is also required for install ($4.95), which can be cut with scissors and be re-used. 800-407-5776 www.oraclelights.com PN: Vary
Mishimoto Borne Off-Road Direct-Fit Snorkel Mishimoto announces the launch of its Borne Off-Road brand direct-fit snorkel for the 2018+ Jeep Wrangler JL and ’20+ Gladiator JT. This is the first snorkel to be developed by Mishimoto. Designed for strength and durability, the snorkel features the use of a rotational-molded tube made from durable, UV-resistant cross-linked polyethylene secured with 2.5mm-thick steel brackets. The top of the snorkel includes a 6-in. inlet with a steel mesh cover to protect the intake from large debris. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: Vary

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

With Congress and the White House at loggerheads over the next comprehensive COVID relief bill, President Trump issued executive actions to withhold the collection of payroll taxes through the end of 2020, provide $300 per week in federal supplemental unemployment benefits, permit the deferral of student loan repayment until 2021 for federal loans and direct federal agencies to consider funding rental assistance to prevent evictions.

President Trump issued a memo directing the Treasury Department to defer the “withholding, deposit, and payment” of the payroll taxes that would otherwise be owed by employees whose pre-tax bi-weekly pay is less than $4,000 for the period of September 1 to December 31, 2020. The business community awaits guidance from the Treasury Department on whether companies will be required to implement the deferral payroll taxes or whether they will be permitted to either collect and hold or collect and remit the payroll taxes for their employees if they elect to do so. (Under the CARES Act, businesses already have the option to defer payment of the employer’s portion of social security taxes between March 27 and December 31, 2020, with half to be repaid by the end of 2021 and the other half by the end of 2022.)

Since the payroll tax is simply being deferred, not forgiven, many companies are concerned about employees understanding this distinction, or being able to pay the future obligation. While President Trump stated an intent to forgive the tax if reelected, such an action is not guaranteed since Congress would be required to pass legislation. Employers are also concerned that they could be liable if workers do not repay the taxes.

The President’s memo on enhanced unemployment compensation directs the U.S. Department of Labor to allocate existing federal disaster relief funds to provide supplemental unemployment benefits of $300 per week (states may provide an additional $100 per week to workers).

While negotiations between the White House and Congressional leaders appear to be paused at present, SEMA continues to advocate for legislation to provide businesses with targeted COVID-19 liability protections when operating under applicable public health guidelines, in addition to the creation of a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding for the hardest hit businesses. The association also supports the expansion of the employee retention tax credit (ERTC) and the creation of a refundable payroll tax credit for the money that businesses spend to protect their employees from COVID-19.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.