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.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Whether it’s pursuing a pro-growth and job creation agenda, standing up for the RPM Act or combating counterfeit products, many issues are facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital.

Join fellow SEMA members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 16, for the 2018 SEMA Washington Rally—your opportunity to demonstrate to congressional lawmakers the importance and strength of the $41 billion specialty-equipment industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators on Capitol Hill and inform them of the issues that matter most to you, your community and your business. The SEMA Washington Rally is exclusively for association members.

Scheduled events include:

• A legislative briefing session with SEMA staff
• One-on-one meetings with members of Congress.
• A Capitol Hill luncheon.
• A New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals baseball game.
• Opportunities to visit attractions in the nation’s capital.

SEMA members may register now. For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Whether it’s pursuing a pro-growth and job creation agenda, standing up for the RPM Act or combating counterfeit products, many issues are facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital.

Join fellow SEMA members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 16, for the 2018 SEMA Washington Rally—your opportunity to demonstrate to congressional lawmakers the importance and strength of the $41 billion specialty-equipment industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators on Capitol Hill and inform them of the issues that matter most to you, your community and your business. The SEMA Washington Rally is exclusively for association members.

Scheduled events include:

• A legislative briefing session with SEMA staff
• One-on-one meetings with members of Congress.
• A Capitol Hill luncheon.
• A New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals baseball game.
• Opportunities to visit attractions in the nation’s capital.

SEMA members may register now. For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Whether it’s pursuing a pro-growth and job creation agenda, standing up for the RPM Act or combating counterfeit products, many issues are facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital.

Join fellow SEMA members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 16, for the 2018 SEMA Washington Rally—your opportunity to demonstrate to congressional lawmakers the importance and strength of the $41 billion specialty-equipment industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators on Capitol Hill and inform them of the issues that matter most to you, your community and your business. The SEMA Washington Rally is exclusively for association members.

Scheduled events include:

• A legislative briefing session with SEMA staff
• One-on-one meetings with members of Congress.
• A Capitol Hill luncheon.
• A New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals baseball game.
• Opportunities to visit attractions in the nation’s capital.

SEMA members may register now. For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Whether it’s pursuing a pro-growth and job creation agenda, standing up for the RPM Act or combating counterfeit products, many issues are facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital.

Join fellow SEMA members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 16, for the 2018 SEMA Washington Rally—your opportunity to demonstrate to congressional lawmakers the importance and strength of the $41 billion specialty-equipment industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators on Capitol Hill and inform them of the issues that matter most to you, your community and your business. The SEMA Washington Rally is exclusively for association members.

Scheduled events include:

• A legislative briefing session with SEMA staff
• One-on-one meetings with members of Congress.
• A Capitol Hill luncheon.
• A New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals baseball game.
• Opportunities to visit attractions in the nation’s capital.

SEMA members may register now. For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Former Uniroyal Tire President Sheldon Robert Salzman passed peacefully December 26, 2017, in Florida.

Born in the Bronx, New York, January 27, 1930, Salzman’s parents moved to Babylon, Long Island, at the start of World War II. After graduating from Babylon High School in 1947, he attended Pratt Institute, where he received a bachelor of chemical engineering degree in 1951.

Immediately upon graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for service during the Korean conflict. Offered a commission in the U.S. Navy, he transferred to the Naval Officers Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and received his commission in Ensign in January 1952.

Upon his release from active service in 1955, he joined Naugatuck chemical division of the U.S. Rubber Company, where he held various manufacturing and research-and-development positions, rising to the head of the engineering development department in 1965.

In 1967, he was transferred to the company’s international division and moved to London as head of the economic analysis group for Uniroyal Ltd. He moved back to the United States in 1968 and took responsibility for distribution/scheduling of all divisional factories in the United States. In 1969, he became factory manager of the division’s largest factory in Naugatuck, Connecticut.

Another transfer to England took place in 1972 where, as managing director of Uniroyal Chemical, Europe, he was responsible for all chemical operations in Europe.

In 1975, he returned to the United States to take over general management of the domestic chemical sales and marketing development. He became president of the Chemical Company of Uniroyal in 1977.

By the fall of 1979, the Uniroyal Tire Co. was hemorrhaging money, and he was asked to take over as president of the company in an effort to stem the bleeding.

Within two years, the tire operations were healthy and referred to by the financial press as “a favorite recovery story” and having made “impressive progress in its turnaround.”

In 1986, Uniroyal was the target of a takeover attempt, and the tire company spun off and merged with the tire operations of the BFGoodrich Co. Salzman became co-chairman and chief operating officer of the Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Co. residing in Akron, Ohio.

In 1987, the merged company was purchased in a leveraged buyout by the employees, and Salzman remained as the head of the company. During this period, he was named by a rubber industry publication as one the six people in the history of the tire industry in the United States who “Had Made a Difference.”

The tire company was purchased by Michelin in 1990, and Salzman retired from active operations and joined the board of the Uniroyal Holding Co.

Salzman was married to Helen Ann since 1953, who predeceased him. He is survived by one son, David, and two grandchildren.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

VP Racing Fuels and Ray Evernham have partnered for the 2018 racing season and his new project called the “Ghost.”

VP Racing Fuels Partners With Ray Evernham for 2018 Race Season

VP Racing Fuels has announced a mutual partnership with NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham for the 2018 racing season and his new project called the “Ghost,” which combines Evernham’s admiration for old-school automotive styling and aesthetics with his knowledge and access to modern-day technology and performance. The concept for this car was born out of Evernham’s passion for vintage race cars, respect for innovation and concern for safety. Evernham will take his modified to several vintage races next year, but will focus efforts and the web series on five events: SVRA event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, vintage event at Pocono Raceway, drag session at zMax Dragway, landspeed trial run on the Bonneville Salt Flats and Pikes Peak Hill Climb (driven by Al Unser Jr.).

24th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout to Kick Off 2018 Season at Bradenton Motorsports Park

NMRA kicks off the 2018 season at Bradenton Motorsports Park, March 1–4, for one of the biggest, most celebrated all-Ford motorsport events of the year! The 24th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout, presented by Steeda Autosports, features drag racing, an all-Ford car show, a manufacturer’s midway and more. The event also features some of the greatest specialty shootout classes of the year, hitting popular niches in the late-model Mustang market. Taking QA1 True Street one step further is Outlaw True Street featuring 275/28 street Mustangs. There is also the traditional Spring Break Shootout plus a Terminator/GT500 showdown, fast-paced Turbo Coyote Shootout and the Stick Shift Shootout. The all-Ford car show includes one of the largest all-Ford manufacturers’ midways with representatives to answer product questions and a swap meet with hundreds of hard-to-find used parts. For more information, visit the NMRA website.

WELD Racing Returns to NHRA Midway

WELD Racing continues to expand its commitment to the NHRA Pro and Sportsman competitors by returning to the NHRA Midway. McCormack Motorsports will represent the brand at all 23 NHRA national events and provide sales and technical support to racers and fans. The WELD Racing NHRA Midway display will offer technical support, pre-orders/product sales, contingency information, small parts availability and servicing of wheels.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

VP Racing Fuels and Ray Evernham have partnered for the 2018 racing season and his new project called the “Ghost.”

VP Racing Fuels Partners With Ray Evernham for 2018 Race Season

VP Racing Fuels has announced a mutual partnership with NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham for the 2018 racing season and his new project called the “Ghost,” which combines Evernham’s admiration for old-school automotive styling and aesthetics with his knowledge and access to modern-day technology and performance. The concept for this car was born out of Evernham’s passion for vintage race cars, respect for innovation and concern for safety. Evernham will take his modified to several vintage races next year, but will focus efforts and the web series on five events: SVRA event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, vintage event at Pocono Raceway, drag session at zMax Dragway, landspeed trial run on the Bonneville Salt Flats and Pikes Peak Hill Climb (driven by Al Unser Jr.).

24th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout to Kick Off 2018 Season at Bradenton Motorsports Park

NMRA kicks off the 2018 season at Bradenton Motorsports Park, March 1–4, for one of the biggest, most celebrated all-Ford motorsport events of the year! The 24th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout, presented by Steeda Autosports, features drag racing, an all-Ford car show, a manufacturer’s midway and more. The event also features some of the greatest specialty shootout classes of the year, hitting popular niches in the late-model Mustang market. Taking QA1 True Street one step further is Outlaw True Street featuring 275/28 street Mustangs. There is also the traditional Spring Break Shootout plus a Terminator/GT500 showdown, fast-paced Turbo Coyote Shootout and the Stick Shift Shootout. The all-Ford car show includes one of the largest all-Ford manufacturers’ midways with representatives to answer product questions and a swap meet with hundreds of hard-to-find used parts. For more information, visit the NMRA website.

WELD Racing Returns to NHRA Midway

WELD Racing continues to expand its commitment to the NHRA Pro and Sportsman competitors by returning to the NHRA Midway. McCormack Motorsports will represent the brand at all 23 NHRA national events and provide sales and technical support to racers and fans. The WELD Racing NHRA Midway display will offer technical support, pre-orders/product sales, contingency information, small parts availability and servicing of wheels.

By SEMA Editors

(L–R): SEMA WTC member and event host Billy Eordekian of 1-800EveryRim-OEM Wheels, Gold Sponsor Matt Burrows of Yokohama, TIA Past President Tom Formanek of Stellar Industries, Social Hour Sponsor Ryan Crawford of Federated Insurance, CTDA President Chris Barry of ITDG, SEMA WTC Chair Greg Parker of Wegman Automotive, and Gold Sponsor Sevada Meckailian of Pirelli. (Not Pictured: Gold Sponsor Paul Arellano of Lakin Tire West.)

Jay Goldberg (left) receives the award plaque from CTDA President Chris Barry (right) of ITDG for more than 50 years of service to the California Tire Dealers Association.

SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) Chair Greg Parker of Wegmann Automotive and Tire Industry Association (TIA) Immediate Past President Tom Formanek of Stellar Industries headlined the California Tire Dealers Association’s (CTDA) annual CTDA/1-800EveryRim New Year’s luncheon, held January 17. CTDA President Chris Barry of The Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) served as master of ceremonies. Also recognized was CTDA board member Jay Goldberg’s 50-plus years of service to the association. Goldberg was instrumental in the merger of the then Southern California Tire Dealers Association with its Northern counterpart in 2013, and had been a principal at Globe Tire and Anderson Tire since the ’60s. The luncheon drew 50 companies and 79 guests overall.

Those companies interested in joining CTDA may contact Executive Director Marc Connerly at mconnerly@connerlyandassociates.com or 916-214-6495.

Event Host: 1-800EveryRim – OEM Wheels

Social Hour Sponsor: Federated Insurance

Gold Sponsors:

• Yokohama
• Pirelli
• Lakin Tire West

Silver Sponsors:

• American Tire Depot
• Net Driven
• Turbo Wholesale Tire

Firms Represented:

• 1-800EveryRim – OEM Wheels
• Achilles Tires USA
• American Tire Depot – Corporate
• American Tire Distributors
• Borg Equipment & Tire Supply
• Cogg’s Tire Service
• Commercial Tire
• Continental Tire
• Discount Tire Centers – Corporate
• Fairmount Tire
• Federated Insurance
• Freedom Tire Distributing
• Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co
• Grand Prix Performance
• Grand Prix Tire & Automotive
• Independent Repair & Tire Pros
• Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG)
• Kings Tire Wholesale
• Kovel Fuller
• Lakin Tire West
• Lee’s Tire
• LKQ - Keystone
• McMahan Tire Service
• Modern Tire Dealer Magazine
• Momo Automotive
• Net Driven
• Nexen Tire
• Parts & People Magazine
• Penn Tires
• Performance Plus Tire
• Pirelli
• Savas Tires
• SEMA
• SEMA Wheel & Tire Council
• Sentury Tire
• South Valley Wholesale
• Star Tire Center
• Sunrise Auto Center
• The Carlstar Group
• Tire Industry Association (TIA)
• Tire Network
• Tire Pros – Corporate
• Tire Review Magazine

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In case you missed the January 9 free webinar on how the new tax law will impact small businesses, their owners and employees, you have a second chance. The recording and slides are now available for viewing. To take advantage, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org and he will provide you with a link and password.

The webinar was presented by Paula Calimafde, president and general counsel of the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC), and Jessica Summers, SBLC’s strategic policy director. The SBLC is a coalition of trade and professional associations, including SEMA, that represent a cross-section of the small-business community, and form a unified voice in helping influence how the nation’s laws are enacted and implemented.