By SEMA Editors

Available at www.sema.org/jobs, the SEMA Career Center addresses the employment challenges of automotive companies and facilitates a talent pipeline for entering into the automotive aftermarket industry.

SEMA has recently launched the SEMA Career Center—an online employment resource dedicated to the automotive aftermarket industry. Available at www.sema.org/jobs, the SEMA Career Center addresses the employment challenges of automotive companies and facilitates a talent pipeline for entering into the automotive aftermarket industry.

“Finding qualified employees with specific skills and relevant work experience are top challenges facing SEMA members,” said Zane Clark, SEMA director of education. “The SEMA Career Center addresses this challenge and makes it easy for automotive employers to connect with job seekers that are best suited for their needs.”

Through an automotive network that includes the Auto Care Association, the SEMA Career Center will have the ability to expand the volume and reach of job openings from automotive companies throughout the country. Employers are able to search résumés, set up résumé alerts and receive valuable reporting information with enhanced tools. Similarly, job seekers can post résumés and receive alerts when potential new openings are posted.

“There are many employment sites for job seekers,” said Clark. “What makes the SEMA Career Center unique is that listings are concentrated within the $36 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry. It’s an exciting industry that is filled with lots of career opportunities.”

According to the recent SEMA Employment Outlook Study (December 2015), job categories in greatest demand across all three key business types (manufacturer, distributor and retail) include: general labor, sales and clerical/customer, and service/technical support. The study also notes that finding qualified employees with specific skills and relevant work experience is a predominant challenge facing SEMA members. The SEMA Career Center seeks to address these findings and become the industry resource for automotive-centric jobs.

The SEMA Career Center is now available to both employers and job seekers. Companies seeking qualified candidates may create a user profile and post open positions. Job seekers are encouraged to create a user profile and upload their résumés. Future updates will list internship opportunities and allow applicants to obtain résumé writing advice, interviewing tips and other career-building tools.

Visit www.sema.org/jobs to view the hundreds of open positions.

Rubio: “The EPA’s Latest Overreach Is Coming to a Race Track Near You”

In July of 2015, the EPA issued over 600 pages of proposed rules on “Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles.”

You might be wondering: What does this have to do with race cars? Good question. The common sense answer would be nothing. But this the EPA we’re talking about.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Coker Tire President and COO Wade Kawasaki (right) accepts the Automotive Supplier Award presented by the Antique Automobile Club of America. (Photo courtesy of AACA.)

Coker Tire Accepts Automotive Supplier Award Presented by the Antique Automobile Club of America

Coker Tire was presented the Automotive Supplier Award last Saturday night in Philadelphia, with President and COO Wade Kawasaki on-hand to accept the award. Described as the Academy Awards or Golden Globes of the antique car trade, the 80th annual Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) awards banquet celebrated members of the club and the best of the best in service to the classic car hobby. The Automotive Supplier Award, the newest award added to the AACA’s list of awards, is presented to a supplier or merchant of automotive restoration parts or components which uphold the originality of vehicles as they were delivered from the dealer. The award was established in 2015 by the Hornets Nest Region of Charlotte, North Carolina, to honor Dennis Carpenter—an innovator in providing original reproduction equipment Ford parts.

“I am honored that Coker Tire has received the Automotive Supplier Award this year,” said Kawasaki. “We at Coker Tire are pleased to be acknowledged with this inaugural award by the long-standing and prestigious AACA. We hold the club and its members in the highest of regards and we want to thank them for choosing to recognize us with this special award.”

Darryl Hollenbeck’s AMBR-winning ’32 Ford Roadster.

Darryl Hollenbeck Win 2016 AMBR Award With His PPG-Painted Roadster

Acclaimed custom car builder and painter Darryl Hollenbeck won the 2016 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award at the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) held at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, California, Jan. 29–31. It was the third time Hollenbeck has painted an AMBR winner, and the first time he captured the prize with his own car—a PPG-painted ’32 Ford highboy roadster.

“AutoCross for Kids” and Goodguys Rod and Custom Association Join the Austin Hatcher Foundation

Goodguys Rod and Custom Association and the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer have partnered again in 2016 to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation’s mission to erase the effects of pediatric cancer for patients, survivors and their families. The partnership will provide the Foundation with opportunities to educate both children and adults about healthy lifestyles that prevent cancer and provide much-needed therapies in a variety of cities throughout the United States. Goodguys will work in conjunction with the Foundation at several Goodguys shows during 2016. Association members and show attendees will have opportunities to contribute to the effort through donations, the purchase of limited-edition merchandise and participation in the “AutoCross for Kids,” as well as through volunteering for some of the program’s initiatives. The partnership will kick off at the Goodguys 7th Spring Nationals, March 4–6, at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, and be held at several events throughout the Goodguys 2016 event schedule. 

New Betts Truck Parts & Service product managers are Jake Homstad (left), who is in charge of engine/electrical products and Lars Nissen, who is responsible for brake/wheel end products.

Betts Truck Parts & Service Adds Product Experts in Brake and Electrical

Betts Truck Parts & Service has announced the addition of Lars Nissen and Jake Homstad as new product managers to provide expertise to its customers in the areas of brake/wheel end and engine/electrical products. Nissen, former branch manager of Betts Truck Parts & Service in Manteca, California, has been promoted to the newly created position of brake/wheel end product manager. Homstad, the new engine/electrical product manager, joins Betts Truck Parts & Service from Dorman HD, where he was regional sales manager. He will be based out of the Betts Truck Parts & Service location in Phoenix. In addition to his role as a product manager, he will provide sales management support to the Phoenix branch. Nissen and Homstad are available to support all eight Betts Truck Parts & Service locations in Arizona, California and Oregon. They are responsible for helping customers with training in the field and with telephone technical support. They will also provide extensive training to Betts Truck Parts & Service sales and service teams, extending local expertise throughout the branch network. Shawn Mahoney continues as the company’s product manager for drivetrain products. All three product managers are supported by Don Devany, senior vice president, Betts Company, and John Devany, sales manager, Betts Truck Parts & Service.

Daniel N. Schildge

CRP Industries Inc. CEO Daniel N. Schildge Elected to Import Vehicle Community Executive Leadership Council

Daniel N. Schildge, CEO of CRP Industries Inc., parent company of CRP Automotive, has been elected to the Import Vehicle Community Executive Leadership Council. Schildge will play an active role in helping to develop and grow the organization to better serve the Import Vehicle Community. The Import Vehicle Community, formerly the Auto International Association (AIA), is the segment of the Auto Care Association that is focused on serving the needs of all businesses engaged in import nameplate products and services. Schildge was appointed CEO of CRP Industries Inc. in July 2008 after serving in a variety of capacities with the company, including COO. He is directly responsible for growing CRP sustainably.

Mark Fowler

Baer Brake Systems Hires Mark Fowler

Baer Brake Systems has announced the addition of Mark Fowler in technical sales. Fowler has more than 15 years of sales experience in the performance aftermarket, and has been involved in motorsports for more than 20 years. He has established himself in the industry with his keen ability to merge relationships with vendors and customers.

Joey Logano

NASCAR Star Joins Magnaflow as Brand Ambassador for 2016 Season

MagnaFlow has announced the latest addition to its lineup of brand ambassadors—NASCAR star and car enthusiast Joey Logano. The 2015 Daytona 500 winner will represent MagnaFlow at different events throughout the year, including the SEMA Show, and in select race markets this season. The events will be announced at a later date.

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.

Don't miss this opportunity to get up-close and personal with this exciting new player in the midsize pickup truck segment. With dramatically improved design and packaging, as well as an industry first in-bed audio system, this second generation Ridgeline will once again set new standards for truck innovation. This session is sure to be well attended, so reserve your space now to attend this one-day-only measuring session. This event is limited to SEMA members only.

Honda staff will be on-hand to assist with any product disassembly, as well as answer any technical questions. Photography will be permitted for product development needs only. Vehicles present will be pre-preduction, so some limitations may exist. Feel free to contact Jim Moore ahead of time should you have any questions.

Don't miss this opportunity to get up-close and personal with this exciting new player in the midsize pickup truck segment. With dramatically improved design and packaging, as well as an industry first in-bed audio system, this second generation Ridgeline will once again set new standards for truck innovation. This session is sure to be well attended, so reserve your space now to attend this one-day-only measuring session. This event is limited to SEMA members only.

Honda staff will be on-hand to assist with any product disassembly, as well as answer any technical questions. Photography will be permitted for product development needs only. Vehicles present will be pre-preduction, so some limitations may exist. Feel free to contact Jim Moore ahead of time should you have any questions.

Don't miss this opportunity to get up-close and personal with this exciting new player in the midsize pickup truck segment. With dramatically improved design and packaging, as well as an industry first in-bed audio system, this second generation Ridgeline will once again set new standards for truck innovation. This session is sure to be well attended, so reserve your space now to attend this one-day-only measuring session. This event is limited to SEMA members only.

Honda staff will be on-hand to assist with any product disassembly, as well as answer any technical questions. Photography will be permitted for product development needs only. Vehicles present will be pre-preduction, so some limitations may exist. Feel free to contact Jim Moore ahead of time should you have any questions.

Don't miss this opportunity to get up-close and personal with this exciting new player in the midsize pickup truck segment. With dramatically improved design and packaging, as well as an industry first in-bed audio system, this second generation Ridgeline will once again set new standards for truck innovation. This session is sure to be well attended, so reserve your space now to attend this one-day-only measuring session. This event is limited to SEMA members only.

Honda staff will be on-hand to assist with any product disassembly, as well as answer any technical questions. Photography will be permitted for product development needs only. Vehicles present will be pre-preduction, so some limitations may exist. Feel free to contact Jim Moore ahead of time should you have any questions.

Don't miss this opportunity to get up-close and personal with this exciting new player in the midsize pickup truck segment. With dramatically improved design and packaging, as well as an industry first in-bed audio system, this second generation Ridgeline will once again set new standards for truck innovation. This session is sure to be well attended, so reserve your space now to attend this one-day-only measuring session. This event is limited to SEMA members only.

Honda staff will be on-hand to assist with any product disassembly, as well as answer any technical questions. Photography will be permitted for product development needs only. Vehicles present will be pre-preduction, so some limitations may exist. Feel free to contact Jim Moore ahead of time should you have any questions.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Scott Speed

Champion Driver Scott Speed Joins Rockstar Energy Drink for 2016

Defending Global Rallycross champion Scott Speed is joining Rockstar Energy Drink in 2016. The American driver will unveil his new Rockstar Energy Drink helmet at the rallycross season opener in May. Under the new partnership, Speed will wear a Rockstar Energy Drink helmet in all motorsport competition. The driver, who has competed in the top ranks of professional racing around the world and won the 2015 Global Rallycross Championship title, will continue to focus on the rapidly growing action motorsport this season. Speed returns this year for a third full season with the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team alongside teammate Tanner Foust.

Formula DRIFT and BlackVue Sign Three-Year Presenting Sponsorship Agreement

Formula DRIFT has announced a new partnership with South Korean-based technology company Pittasoft Co. Ltd., owners of the dashboard camera brand BlackVue. The three-year agreement names BlackVue as the “Presenting Sponsor and Official Dashcam” for the Series. Tickets are now available for Round 1: Streets of Long Beach, April 8–9.

WELD Named Official Wheel of IHRA; Announces 2016 IHRA Bonus Program for Pro and Sportsman Classes

WELD has been named the official wheel of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). In addition, WELD has announced its 2016 IHRA bonus program. WELD will award $100 to event winners in the IHRA Pro and Sportsman classes who use Delta-1, Black Draglite, Full Throttle and TT63 WELD Racing wheels during 2016 competitions. To be eligible for its bonus program, competitors are required to place a WELD decal on their vehicle (of the appropriate size) at the beginning of each event and leave it in place during every round of competition.

This season, Pirelli Formula Lights will incorporate other SCCA Pro events into race weekends, including three appearances with the American sedan-based Trans-Am Series (New Jersey, Brainerd and Homestead-Miami).

Pirelli Formula Lites Championship Series Releases Expanded 2016 Schedule

The newly renamed Pirelli Formula Lites Championship Series has released its 2016 racing schedule in preparation for its second SCCA Pro season. The news comes just days after Formula Lites organizers announced that the high-tech,open-wheel series has secured title sponsorship from Pirelli.

American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association Announces 2015 All-America Team

The American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) announced its first All-America Team following the 1970 season. That annual tradition continued with the team being announced for 2015’s top performers. A group of special drivers representing multiple forms of professional motorsports is elected each year by AARWBA. The association’s members vote on drivers within their participating racing categories. The driver receiving the most votes from each discipline is elected to the All-America Team. The 2015 All-America Team included:

• Scott Dixon – Open Wheel Division
• Joao Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi – Road Racing
• Donny Schatz – Short Track Division
• Kyle Busch – Stock Car
• Erica Enders – Drag Racing
• Erik Jones – Touring Series
• Spencer Pigot – At Large Category

Rico Abreu was voted the Rising Star award on the strength of multiple open-wheel dirt short track victories including back-to-back Chili Bowl wins. Abreu will compete full-time in the 2016 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Thorsport Racing.

DEI Announces TEAM DEI 2016 Sponsorship Program

DEI, in support of grassroots motorsports and local, regional and national project builds, is offering both racers and builders the opportunity to become a member of TEAM DEI—open to racers of any series from drag to road racing, dirt or oval, to receive support in exchange for promotion of DEI on and off the track. Each month, a racer or project builder will be selected to be featured through DEI’s website and social media as the featured vehicle of the month. To be sponsored and participate in TEAM DEI, fill out the online form at www.designengineering.com. To receive sponsorship, participants must also sign an authorization to allow DEI to use the person’s name and image for future promotion. This month’s TEAM DEI featured vehicle is Joe Cram’s ’06 Mustang GT Saleen featured in Race Pages magazine.

VP Racing Fuels Named Official Fuel of Ultimate Super Late Model Series

Series officials have announced VP Racing Fuels will be the Official Fuel of the Ultimate Super Late Model Series (USLMS) as part of a multi-year agreement beginning in 2016. With the sponsorship, VP will be the preferred fuel for USLMS racers and will benefit from substantial brand exposure at race venues and on the series’ digital and social media platforms.

The 2016 NMCA WEST VP Racing Fuels season opener comes to Fontana, California, April 1–3 with heads-up drag racing and autocross.

Fontana, California, to Host West Coast’s Fastest Street Cars

The 2016 NMCA WEST VP Racing Fuels season opener comes to Fontana, California, April 1–3 with heads-up drag racing and autocross. The 5th Annual Nitto Tire NMCA WEST Spring Nationals event at Auto Club Dragway will feature side-by-side competition between American musclecars with the Hotchkis Cup Autocross, presented by Nitto Tire. The Pro Mod class includes race cars that are capable of 200 mph in the eighth-mile. ProCharger Limited Street brings on the turbocharged, nitrous-powered wheels-up doorslammers with more than 2,000 hp under the hood. There’s also the Meziere Top Sportsman, ARP Outlaw 8.5, Lucas Oil N/A 10.5 and MMR Mustang Madness.

Lucas Oil Named Title Sponsor of Inaugural JuniorMotoX

Lucas Oil has been named the title sponsor of the inaugural JuniorMotoX, which will take place at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, May 12–14, 2016. The new event will showcase youth racers as the maximum age is 18, and it will be limited to 250cc and under motorcycles. Going forward, the event will be named the Lucas Oil JuniorMotoX. There will be a live webcast of the Friday qualifiers and Saturday evening main events in addition to a feature show on MAVTV just a few days following the event.

Wilwood Continues Partnership with Contingency Connection Racer Rewards Program

Wilwood Disc Brakes is continuing its partnership with Contingency Connection’s Racer Rewards program through the 2016 season. Contingency Connection Racer Rewards sponsors post thousands of dollars in weekly awards for grassroots racers throughout the United States and Canada. The program reaches approximately 18,000 racers per week at more than 50 tracks and series hosting 1,500 events nationwide.

Champion Racing Oil to Sponsor the 2016 Great Race

Champion will again sponsor this year’s Great Race with a team of drivers in a classic-car competitive rally that races from San Rafael, California, to Moline, Illinois. The winner of the Great Race receives $50,000, and total prize money for the event is $150,000. The Great Race, presented by Hemmings Motor News and Coker Tire, is an automotive competition based on precision driving and navigational skills in classic, antique and vintage automobiles. The competition, which was founded in 1983, contains numerous timed endurance rally stages. Vehicle entries must have been manufactured in 1969 or earlier with a competition crew of a driver and a navigator in each competing vehicle.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Scott Speed

Champion Driver Scott Speed Joins Rockstar Energy Drink for 2016

Defending Global Rallycross champion Scott Speed is joining Rockstar Energy Drink in 2016. The American driver will unveil his new Rockstar Energy Drink helmet at the rallycross season opener in May. Under the new partnership, Speed will wear a Rockstar Energy Drink helmet in all motorsport competition. The driver, who has competed in the top ranks of professional racing around the world and won the 2015 Global Rallycross Championship title, will continue to focus on the rapidly growing action motorsport this season. Speed returns this year for a third full season with the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team alongside teammate Tanner Foust.

Formula DRIFT and BlackVue Sign Three-Year Presenting Sponsorship Agreement

Formula DRIFT has announced a new partnership with South Korean-based technology company Pittasoft Co. Ltd., owners of the dashboard camera brand BlackVue. The three-year agreement names BlackVue as the “Presenting Sponsor and Official Dashcam” for the Series. Tickets are now available for Round 1: Streets of Long Beach, April 8–9.

WELD Named Official Wheel of IHRA; Announces 2016 IHRA Bonus Program for Pro and Sportsman Classes

WELD has been named the official wheel of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). In addition, WELD has announced its 2016 IHRA bonus program. WELD will award $100 to event winners in the IHRA Pro and Sportsman classes who use Delta-1, Black Draglite, Full Throttle and TT63 WELD Racing wheels during 2016 competitions. To be eligible for its bonus program, competitors are required to place a WELD decal on their vehicle (of the appropriate size) at the beginning of each event and leave it in place during every round of competition.

This season, Pirelli Formula Lights will incorporate other SCCA Pro events into race weekends, including three appearances with the American sedan-based Trans-Am Series (New Jersey, Brainerd and Homestead-Miami).

Pirelli Formula Lites Championship Series Releases Expanded 2016 Schedule

The newly renamed Pirelli Formula Lites Championship Series has released its 2016 racing schedule in preparation for its second SCCA Pro season. The news comes just days after Formula Lites organizers announced that the high-tech,open-wheel series has secured title sponsorship from Pirelli.

American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association Announces 2015 All-America Team

The American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) announced its first All-America Team following the 1970 season. That annual tradition continued with the team being announced for 2015’s top performers. A group of special drivers representing multiple forms of professional motorsports is elected each year by AARWBA. The association’s members vote on drivers within their participating racing categories. The driver receiving the most votes from each discipline is elected to the All-America Team. The 2015 All-America Team included:

• Scott Dixon – Open Wheel Division
• Joao Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi – Road Racing
• Donny Schatz – Short Track Division
• Kyle Busch – Stock Car
• Erica Enders – Drag Racing
• Erik Jones – Touring Series
• Spencer Pigot – At Large Category

Rico Abreu was voted the Rising Star award on the strength of multiple open-wheel dirt short track victories including back-to-back Chili Bowl wins. Abreu will compete full-time in the 2016 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Thorsport Racing.

DEI Announces TEAM DEI 2016 Sponsorship Program

DEI, in support of grassroots motorsports and local, regional and national project builds, is offering both racers and builders the opportunity to become a member of TEAM DEI—open to racers of any series from drag to road racing, dirt or oval, to receive support in exchange for promotion of DEI on and off the track. Each month, a racer or project builder will be selected to be featured through DEI’s website and social media as the featured vehicle of the month. To be sponsored and participate in TEAM DEI, fill out the online form at www.designengineering.com. To receive sponsorship, participants must also sign an authorization to allow DEI to use the person’s name and image for future promotion. This month’s TEAM DEI featured vehicle is Joe Cram’s ’06 Mustang GT Saleen featured in Race Pages magazine.

VP Racing Fuels Named Official Fuel of Ultimate Super Late Model Series

Series officials have announced VP Racing Fuels will be the Official Fuel of the Ultimate Super Late Model Series (USLMS) as part of a multi-year agreement beginning in 2016. With the sponsorship, VP will be the preferred fuel for USLMS racers and will benefit from substantial brand exposure at race venues and on the series’ digital and social media platforms.

The 2016 NMCA WEST VP Racing Fuels season opener comes to Fontana, California, April 1–3 with heads-up drag racing and autocross.

Fontana, California, to Host West Coast’s Fastest Street Cars

The 2016 NMCA WEST VP Racing Fuels season opener comes to Fontana, California, April 1–3 with heads-up drag racing and autocross. The 5th Annual Nitto Tire NMCA WEST Spring Nationals event at Auto Club Dragway will feature side-by-side competition between American musclecars with the Hotchkis Cup Autocross, presented by Nitto Tire. The Pro Mod class includes race cars that are capable of 200 mph in the eighth-mile. ProCharger Limited Street brings on the turbocharged, nitrous-powered wheels-up doorslammers with more than 2,000 hp under the hood. There’s also the Meziere Top Sportsman, ARP Outlaw 8.5, Lucas Oil N/A 10.5 and MMR Mustang Madness.

Lucas Oil Named Title Sponsor of Inaugural JuniorMotoX

Lucas Oil has been named the title sponsor of the inaugural JuniorMotoX, which will take place at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, May 12–14, 2016. The new event will showcase youth racers as the maximum age is 18, and it will be limited to 250cc and under motorcycles. Going forward, the event will be named the Lucas Oil JuniorMotoX. There will be a live webcast of the Friday qualifiers and Saturday evening main events in addition to a feature show on MAVTV just a few days following the event.

Wilwood Continues Partnership with Contingency Connection Racer Rewards Program

Wilwood Disc Brakes is continuing its partnership with Contingency Connection’s Racer Rewards program through the 2016 season. Contingency Connection Racer Rewards sponsors post thousands of dollars in weekly awards for grassroots racers throughout the United States and Canada. The program reaches approximately 18,000 racers per week at more than 50 tracks and series hosting 1,500 events nationwide.

Champion Racing Oil to Sponsor the 2016 Great Race

Champion will again sponsor this year’s Great Race with a team of drivers in a classic-car competitive rally that races from San Rafael, California, to Moline, Illinois. The winner of the Great Race receives $50,000, and total prize money for the event is $150,000. The Great Race, presented by Hemmings Motor News and Coker Tire, is an automotive competition based on precision driving and navigational skills in classic, antique and vintage automobiles. The competition, which was founded in 1983, contains numerous timed endurance rally stages. Vehicle entries must have been manufactured in 1969 or earlier with a competition crew of a driver and a navigator in each competing vehicle.