SEMA News—February 2018

FROM THE HILL

By Daniel Ingber

Lawmakers Love Cars

State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus Leads the Way in Support of the Hobby

Current and former members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus gathered this past November to enjoy dinner, meet with SEMA staff, and tour the 2017 SEMA Show. The caucus is comprised of more than 750 legislators from all 50 states and helps raise the automotive hobby’s profile in the state capitols. In attendance were (standing left to right) Sen. Jim Patrick (ID); Rep. Howard Mosby (GA); Rep. Joe Pitre (NH); Del. Terri Sypolt (WV); Sen. Dave Sypolt (WV); Assemblymember Jim Frazier (CA); Rep. Stan Blake (WY); Sen. Josh Newman (CA); Sen. Mo Denis (NV); Rep. Roger Bruce (GA); Rep. Patrick Brennan (VT); Rep. Jason Ridley (GA); (seated left to right) Rep. Chip Campbell (SD); Sen. Mark Maynard (WV); Caucus Chairman Del. Gary Howell (WV); Sen. Tony Mendoza (CA); Former Sen. Mark Manendo (NV); and Rep. Linda Gallagher (KS).

It’s often said that it’s not what you know but who you know. In today’s political climate, it pays to have a sizeable Rolodex.

SEMA News—February 2018

HERITAGE

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Pat Brollier, Petersen Publishing Company Archives

The 1967 NASCAR season was dominated by Richard Petty and his Hemi-powered Plymouth Satellite—a potent combination that won 27 races and notched 35 top-five finishes in 48 starts that year. NASCAR’s 1966 champion, David Pearson, found himself struggling in 1967. He ran just a partial season and left Cotton Owens’ Dodge team after 10 races to drive Fords for Holman Moody.

In September 1967, several Petersen Publishing Company staffers traveled to Darlington Raceway in South Carolina for the Southern 500. Ray Brock, reporting on the race for Hot Rod magazine, said Petty “was never challenged after the first few laps.” By the time the race was over, he had a five-lap margin over the second-place car, Pearson’s number 17 Fairlane.

But Pearson wasn’t in the Ford for that second-place finish. Late in the race he got dirt in his right eye, a condition that got so bad he had to “call for relief,” wrote Brock. Cale Yarborough, whose Fairlane had blown its engine in just the third lap and had already changed into street clothes, was pressed into duty to fill in for Pearson.

So when Brock shot this photo of Pearson’s car in for a pit stop, it’s Yarborough behind the wheel, taking a drink while conferring with Glen Wood, of the famous Wood Brothers, pioneers of the quick pit stop. Why is Wood (and another member of his crew to his right) balanced so precariously?

“Six men are allowed over the wall on pit stops,” read Brock’s caption for this photo, which appeared in the November 1967 issue. From this angle a sixth man is out of the camera’s view at the right rear wheel, so to keep within the letter of the law, at least, “Wood has to keep one foot in legal territory as he talks to his driver.”

Pearson would finish the 1967 season with two wins and in seventh place in the overall standings. But in 1968, driving a new aerodynamic Ford Torino, he would come back to win the first of two back-to-back NASCAR championships.

By Chad Simon

Loaded with aftermarket upgrades, the SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4 was built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and auctioned for charity at Barrett Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4, built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, sold at Barrett-Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona, for $115,000. Proceeds benefit the Childhelp children’s charity.

The truck was donated by Ford and built by SEMA Garage staff and member manufacturers to demonstrate the latest technology that can be used for building a vehicle, familiarize membership with the Tech Transfer program and raise funds for SEMA Cares charities.

The Super Duty showcased many new products, including a Rogue Racing custom rear cantilever suspension and oversized CAD-designed fenders, Icon Vehicle Dynamics front four-link suspension and a Stratasys 3D-printed custom grille shell.

Equipped with a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel, the truck was tuned at aFe Power in Corona, California, with an aFe Power Scorcher HD Electronic Power Module, Momentum HD air intake air cleaner, and 5-in. DPF-back exhaust system. The upgrades added 50 hp and nearly 100 lb.-ft. of torque, totaling 397 hp and 817 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

In addition to the rear suspension system, Rogue Racing supplied the front and rear bumpers and custom bed rack. LGE*CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California, installed the fenders and managed the custom matte silver/black/bronze paint scheme. The 3.0 External Bypass full adjustable shocks utilize Icon Vehicle Dynamics coil springs. A performance front sway bar by Hellwig Suspension Products added more control.

The wheels are custom Raceline bronze 935M Defenders with 2-in. Rough Country wheel spacers, and are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires. Macs Custom Tie Downs supplied spare-tire tie-downs.

Baja Designs provided the lighting, featuring 10-in. LEDs, four wide/driving S8 10-in. lightbars and another two S2 Pro LED flush-mount amber spots. In addition, the Rogue Racing Enforcer front bumper has two S2 Pro LED driving lights and two XL-R Pro LED driving/combo ambers. A Warn Zeon 12s winch was mounted to the Rogue unit.

A Curt manufacturing Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch was installed to handle towing duties. The AMP Research Power Step XL retractable steps are illuminated when they are down to help improve footing when it’s dark.

A pair of BD Squadron Pros were mounted atop the Rogue Racing bed cage. An ARB Twin Compressor rests underneath the truck for when more air is needed.

Mounted near the A-pillar, an sPOD 8-Circuit SE System was tasked with operating all of the lights, and the stock stereo system was upgraded with a SYNC 3 system and a Kicker Audio–powered vehicle-specific sub enclosure.

To date, SEMA Cares and Barrett-Jackson together have raised more than $2 million for SEMA Cares charities and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Last year alone, SEMA Cares raised $95,000 from the sale of the Ford Maverick and $75,000 from the sale of the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler.

“It’s exciting to see the industry we all love and cherish give back to those who are less fortunate,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “SEMA Cares was established 11 years ago to benefit the charities that SEMA supports. Special thanks to Craig Jackson for partnering with SEMA Cares and helping to raise money for its charities.”

Watch Spagnola talk about the F-250 build.

Watch the truck being auctioned at Barrett-Jackson.

By Chad Simon

Loaded with aftermarket upgrades, the SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4 was built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and auctioned for charity at Barrett Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4, built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, sold at Barrett-Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona, for $115,000. Proceeds benefit the Childhelp children’s charity.

The truck was donated by Ford and built by SEMA Garage staff and member manufacturers to demonstrate the latest technology that can be used for building a vehicle, familiarize membership with the Tech Transfer program and raise funds for SEMA Cares charities.

The Super Duty showcased many new products, including a Rogue Racing custom rear cantilever suspension and oversized CAD-designed fenders, Icon Vehicle Dynamics front four-link suspension and a Stratasys 3D-printed custom grille shell.

Equipped with a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel, the truck was tuned at aFe Power in Corona, California, with an aFe Power Scorcher HD Electronic Power Module, Momentum HD air intake air cleaner, and 5-in. DPF-back exhaust system. The upgrades added 50 hp and nearly 100 lb.-ft. of torque, totaling 397 hp and 817 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

In addition to the rear suspension system, Rogue Racing supplied the front and rear bumpers and custom bed rack. LGE*CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California, installed the fenders and managed the custom matte silver/black/bronze paint scheme. The 3.0 External Bypass full adjustable shocks utilize Icon Vehicle Dynamics coil springs. A performance front sway bar by Hellwig Suspension Products added more control.

The wheels are custom Raceline bronze 935M Defenders with 2-in. Rough Country wheel spacers, and are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires. Macs Custom Tie Downs supplied spare-tire tie-downs.

Baja Designs provided the lighting, featuring 10-in. LEDs, four wide/driving S8 10-in. lightbars and another two S2 Pro LED flush-mount amber spots. In addition, the Rogue Racing Enforcer front bumper has two S2 Pro LED driving lights and two XL-R Pro LED driving/combo ambers. A Warn Zeon 12s winch was mounted to the Rogue unit.

A Curt manufacturing Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch was installed to handle towing duties. The AMP Research Power Step XL retractable steps are illuminated when they are down to help improve footing when it’s dark.

A pair of BD Squadron Pros were mounted atop the Rogue Racing bed cage. An ARB Twin Compressor rests underneath the truck for when more air is needed.

Mounted near the A-pillar, an sPOD 8-Circuit SE System was tasked with operating all of the lights, and the stock stereo system was upgraded with a SYNC 3 system and a Kicker Audio–powered vehicle-specific sub enclosure.

To date, SEMA Cares and Barrett-Jackson together have raised more than $2 million for SEMA Cares charities and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Last year alone, SEMA Cares raised $95,000 from the sale of the Ford Maverick and $75,000 from the sale of the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler.

“It’s exciting to see the industry we all love and cherish give back to those who are less fortunate,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “SEMA Cares was established 11 years ago to benefit the charities that SEMA supports. Special thanks to Craig Jackson for partnering with SEMA Cares and helping to raise money for its charities.”

Watch Spagnola talk about the F-250 build.

Watch the truck being auctioned at Barrett-Jackson.

By Chad Simon

Loaded with aftermarket upgrades, the SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4 was built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and auctioned for charity at Barrett Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4, built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, sold at Barrett-Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona, for $115,000. Proceeds benefit the Childhelp children’s charity.

The truck was donated by Ford and built by SEMA Garage staff and member manufacturers to demonstrate the latest technology that can be used for building a vehicle, familiarize membership with the Tech Transfer program and raise funds for SEMA Cares charities.

The Super Duty showcased many new products, including a Rogue Racing custom rear cantilever suspension and oversized CAD-designed fenders, Icon Vehicle Dynamics front four-link suspension and a Stratasys 3D-printed custom grille shell.

Equipped with a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel, the truck was tuned at aFe Power in Corona, California, with an aFe Power Scorcher HD Electronic Power Module, Momentum HD air intake air cleaner, and 5-in. DPF-back exhaust system. The upgrades added 50 hp and nearly 100 lb.-ft. of torque, totaling 397 hp and 817 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

In addition to the rear suspension system, Rogue Racing supplied the front and rear bumpers and custom bed rack. LGE*CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California, installed the fenders and managed the custom matte silver/black/bronze paint scheme. The 3.0 External Bypass full adjustable shocks utilize Icon Vehicle Dynamics coil springs. A performance front sway bar by Hellwig Suspension Products added more control.

The wheels are custom Raceline bronze 935M Defenders with 2-in. Rough Country wheel spacers, and are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires. Macs Custom Tie Downs supplied spare-tire tie-downs.

Baja Designs provided the lighting, featuring 10-in. LEDs, four wide/driving S8 10-in. lightbars and another two S2 Pro LED flush-mount amber spots. In addition, the Rogue Racing Enforcer front bumper has two S2 Pro LED driving lights and two XL-R Pro LED driving/combo ambers. A Warn Zeon 12s winch was mounted to the Rogue unit.

A Curt manufacturing Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch was installed to handle towing duties. The AMP Research Power Step XL retractable steps are illuminated when they are down to help improve footing when it’s dark.

A pair of BD Squadron Pros were mounted atop the Rogue Racing bed cage. An ARB Twin Compressor rests underneath the truck for when more air is needed.

Mounted near the A-pillar, an sPOD 8-Circuit SE System was tasked with operating all of the lights, and the stock stereo system was upgraded with a SYNC 3 system and a Kicker Audio–powered vehicle-specific sub enclosure.

To date, SEMA Cares and Barrett-Jackson together have raised more than $2 million for SEMA Cares charities and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Last year alone, SEMA Cares raised $95,000 from the sale of the Ford Maverick and $75,000 from the sale of the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler.

“It’s exciting to see the industry we all love and cherish give back to those who are less fortunate,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “SEMA Cares was established 11 years ago to benefit the charities that SEMA supports. Special thanks to Craig Jackson for partnering with SEMA Cares and helping to raise money for its charities.”

Watch Spagnola talk about the F-250 build.

Watch the truck being auctioned at Barrett-Jackson.

By Chad Simon

Loaded with aftermarket upgrades, the SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4 was built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and auctioned for charity at Barrett Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4, built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, sold at Barrett-Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona, for $115,000. Proceeds benefit the Childhelp children’s charity.

The truck was donated by Ford and built by SEMA Garage staff and member manufacturers to demonstrate the latest technology that can be used for building a vehicle, familiarize membership with the Tech Transfer program and raise funds for SEMA Cares charities.

The Super Duty showcased many new products, including a Rogue Racing custom rear cantilever suspension and oversized CAD-designed fenders, Icon Vehicle Dynamics front four-link suspension and a Stratasys 3D-printed custom grille shell.

Equipped with a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel, the truck was tuned at aFe Power in Corona, California, with an aFe Power Scorcher HD Electronic Power Module, Momentum HD air intake air cleaner, and 5-in. DPF-back exhaust system. The upgrades added 50 hp and nearly 100 lb.-ft. of torque, totaling 397 hp and 817 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

In addition to the rear suspension system, Rogue Racing supplied the front and rear bumpers and custom bed rack. LGE*CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California, installed the fenders and managed the custom matte silver/black/bronze paint scheme. The 3.0 External Bypass full adjustable shocks utilize Icon Vehicle Dynamics coil springs. A performance front sway bar by Hellwig Suspension Products added more control.

The wheels are custom Raceline bronze 935M Defenders with 2-in. Rough Country wheel spacers, and are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires. Macs Custom Tie Downs supplied spare-tire tie-downs.

Baja Designs provided the lighting, featuring 10-in. LEDs, four wide/driving S8 10-in. lightbars and another two S2 Pro LED flush-mount amber spots. In addition, the Rogue Racing Enforcer front bumper has two S2 Pro LED driving lights and two XL-R Pro LED driving/combo ambers. A Warn Zeon 12s winch was mounted to the Rogue unit.

A Curt manufacturing Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch was installed to handle towing duties. The AMP Research Power Step XL retractable steps are illuminated when they are down to help improve footing when it’s dark.

A pair of BD Squadron Pros were mounted atop the Rogue Racing bed cage. An ARB Twin Compressor rests underneath the truck for when more air is needed.

Mounted near the A-pillar, an sPOD 8-Circuit SE System was tasked with operating all of the lights, and the stock stereo system was upgraded with a SYNC 3 system and a Kicker Audio–powered vehicle-specific sub enclosure.

To date, SEMA Cares and Barrett-Jackson together have raised more than $2 million for SEMA Cares charities and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Last year alone, SEMA Cares raised $95,000 from the sale of the Ford Maverick and $75,000 from the sale of the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler.

“It’s exciting to see the industry we all love and cherish give back to those who are less fortunate,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “SEMA Cares was established 11 years ago to benefit the charities that SEMA supports. Special thanks to Craig Jackson for partnering with SEMA Cares and helping to raise money for its charities.”

Watch Spagnola talk about the F-250 build.

Watch the truck being auctioned at Barrett-Jackson.

By Chad Simon

Loaded with aftermarket upgrades, the SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4 was built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and auctioned for charity at Barrett Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4, built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, sold at Barrett-Jackson, Thursday, January 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona, for $115,000. Proceeds benefit the Childhelp children’s charity.

The truck was donated by Ford and built by SEMA Garage staff and member manufacturers to demonstrate the latest technology that can be used for building a vehicle, familiarize membership with the Tech Transfer program and raise funds for SEMA Cares charities.

The Super Duty showcased many new products, including a Rogue Racing custom rear cantilever suspension and oversized CAD-designed fenders, Icon Vehicle Dynamics front four-link suspension and a Stratasys 3D-printed custom grille shell.

Equipped with a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel, the truck was tuned at aFe Power in Corona, California, with an aFe Power Scorcher HD Electronic Power Module, Momentum HD air intake air cleaner, and 5-in. DPF-back exhaust system. The upgrades added 50 hp and nearly 100 lb.-ft. of torque, totaling 397 hp and 817 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

In addition to the rear suspension system, Rogue Racing supplied the front and rear bumpers and custom bed rack. LGE*CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California, installed the fenders and managed the custom matte silver/black/bronze paint scheme. The 3.0 External Bypass full adjustable shocks utilize Icon Vehicle Dynamics coil springs. A performance front sway bar by Hellwig Suspension Products added more control.

The wheels are custom Raceline bronze 935M Defenders with 2-in. Rough Country wheel spacers, and are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires. Macs Custom Tie Downs supplied spare-tire tie-downs.

Baja Designs provided the lighting, featuring 10-in. LEDs, four wide/driving S8 10-in. lightbars and another two S2 Pro LED flush-mount amber spots. In addition, the Rogue Racing Enforcer front bumper has two S2 Pro LED driving lights and two XL-R Pro LED driving/combo ambers. A Warn Zeon 12s winch was mounted to the Rogue unit.

A Curt manufacturing Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch was installed to handle towing duties. The AMP Research Power Step XL retractable steps are illuminated when they are down to help improve footing when it’s dark.

A pair of BD Squadron Pros were mounted atop the Rogue Racing bed cage. An ARB Twin Compressor rests underneath the truck for when more air is needed.

Mounted near the A-pillar, an sPOD 8-Circuit SE System was tasked with operating all of the lights, and the stock stereo system was upgraded with a SYNC 3 system and a Kicker Audio–powered vehicle-specific sub enclosure.

To date, SEMA Cares and Barrett-Jackson together have raised more than $2 million for SEMA Cares charities and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Last year alone, SEMA Cares raised $95,000 from the sale of the Ford Maverick and $75,000 from the sale of the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler.

“It’s exciting to see the industry we all love and cherish give back to those who are less fortunate,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “SEMA Cares was established 11 years ago to benefit the charities that SEMA supports. Special thanks to Craig Jackson for partnering with SEMA Cares and helping to raise money for its charities.”

Watch Spagnola talk about the F-250 build.

Watch the truck being auctioned at Barrett-Jackson.

By Jenny Galvan

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about WTC and its initiatives are invited to take advantage of the general membership meeting’s learning and networking opportunities.

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and its initiatives are invited to join the WTC, Tuesday, February 20, at the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport, and participate in an eventful day filled with learning and networking opportunities.

The agenda includes a general membership meeting, during which WTC members will discuss the council’s initiatives and the benefits of becoming a council member.

Other activities scheduled include a seminar on vehicle technology, a wheel and tire testing forum and an on-site proving-ground facility tour. A Top Golf networking outing is also scheduled.

RSVP now. 

By Jenny Galvan

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about WTC and its initiatives are invited to take advantage of the general membership meeting’s learning and networking opportunities.

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and its initiatives are invited to join the WTC, Tuesday, February 20, at the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport, and participate in an eventful day filled with learning and networking opportunities.

The agenda includes a general membership meeting, during which WTC members will discuss the council’s initiatives and the benefits of becoming a council member.

Other activities scheduled include a seminar on vehicle technology, a wheel and tire testing forum and an on-site proving-ground facility tour. A Top Golf networking outing is also scheduled.

RSVP now. 

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA’s second Town Hall Meeting of 2018 will be held Tuesday, March 13, at SRI Performance in Mooresville, North Carolina.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Mooresville, North Carolina, where members and prospective members will gather at SRI Performance, Tuesday, March 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

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.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.