Fostering the future generation of leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry is one of SEMA’s key initiatives. To do so, the association has several dedicated programs that help identify career opportunities and support young enthusiasts. From educational programs that encourage youth to be a part of the aftermarket industry to providing financial support to students pursuing careers in an automotive field, SEMA keeps young enthusiasts at the forefront of its industry advocacy efforts. Below are some articles that have been recently written about SEMA’s youth outreach efforts.
ClassicCars.com Journal
When SEMA released its “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report” earlier this year, ClassicCars.com Journal Editor Larry Edsall was quick to inform his readers about its findings. Research found that almost 8 million drivers aged 16–24 accessorize their vehicles on an annual basis and spent more than $7 billion doing so in 2018.
Santa Ynez Valley News
As part of its High School Vehicle Build Program, SEMA donated Jeep Wranglers to five high schools throughout the country to customize with donated aftermarket parts. Each Jeep was auctioned in July to help support future builds. Santa Ynez Valley News Editor Lisa Andre covered the build conducted by students at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.
Tomorrow’s Tech
SEMA has been awarding scholarships to students preparing for careers in the auto industry since 1984. More than 1,500 scholarships exceeding $2.5 million have been awarded to date. Applications for 2020 will begin to be accepted later this year at www.sema.org/scholarships.
Heard on Social Media
“SEMA is expanding its youth outreach efforts by partnering with the NHRA’s Youth & Education Services (YES) program, which introduces middle and high-school students to race events.”—Auto Care Week/The Greensheet, via Twitter
“SEMA is auctioning off five custom student Jeep Wrangler builds to support its High School Vehicle Build Program and fund future student projects.”—Traction News, via Facebook
“SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2019 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in auto and parts industries.”—12 Volt News, via Twitter
“Automotive Celebrity Jeff Allen Is Building a Car to Benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.”—Rainbow News Line, via Twitter
SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) members are encouraged to join SEMA and fellow WTC members, Wednesday October 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (PDT) for the WTC Ambassador call—a great way to learn more about WTC and its programs, events and volunteer opportunities. The council will discuss numerous WTC events, including the annual WTC Show Reception, WTC Coffee & Conversation Mixer and the upcoming general membership meeting set to occur in February at the SEMA Garage.
Contact Bryan Harrison, director of councils and networks, for the teleconference code and meeting invite.
SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) members are encouraged to join SEMA and fellow WTC members, Wednesday October 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (PDT) for the WTC Ambassador call—a great way to learn more about WTC and its programs, events and volunteer opportunities. The council will discuss numerous WTC events, including the annual WTC Show Reception, WTC Coffee & Conversation Mixer and the upcoming general membership meeting set to occur in February at the SEMA Garage.
Contact Bryan Harrison, director of councils and networks, for the teleconference code and meeting invite.
SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Thomas Nguyen’s ’10 Nissan 370Z, Steven Nadaskai’s ’11 Volkswagen GTI, Curtis Larsen’s ’70 Plymouth Barracuda and Keenen LaCour’s ’03 Mitsubishi Evo.
The performance mods on Thomas Nguyen’s Z include twin BorgWarner turbos, plus upgraded injectors, a clutch, an intake and an exhaust system, among many others.
Thomas Nguyen, ’10 Nissan 370Z
Inspired by the villains’ ’02 350Z from Tokyo Drift, Nguyen started modifying his own ’10 370Z little by little. Soon, those small projects turned into big projects until this once-stock Nissan became the show-stopper we see today. His Z is set apart from the pack with the uniquely styled wide-body kit that he’s added to it, which also happens to be his favorite modification. Pushing out 666 whp, the once saintly coupe has been dubbed the “Demon Z.” The performance mods on Nguyen’s Z include twin BorgWarner turbos, plus upgraded injectors, a clutch, an intake and an exhaust system, among many others. The judges didn’t miss anything at this stop as they awarded Nguyen a golden ticket to the SEMA Show this year to display his car alongside some of the most amazing builds out there.
Steven Nadaskai’s ’11 Volkswagen GTI
Curtis Larsen’s ’70 Plymouth Barracuda
Keenen LaCour’s ’03 Mitsubishi Evo
Steven Nadaskai, ’11 Volkswagen GTI Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
Steven Nadaskai stamped his “golden ticket” to the SEMA Show in Long Beach, California, as the winner of the Young Regional competition. He enters with an ’11 Volkswagen GTI. The build’s profile features Ingo Noak Widebody flares, Rotiform 3pc YVR wheels, a custom one-off front bumper and a custom notch shaved carbon hood. The exterior also includes a Enforced Aero one-off Chassis mount front splitter, Enforced Aero one-off side skirt extensions, Enforced Aero one-off Rear diffuser and RG style side skirts. The interior features Corbeau RRB seats and a custom-made full wood trunk setup with false floor.
Curtis Larsen, ’70 Plymouth Barracuda Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
Curtis Larsen turned heads in Philadelphia with his ’70 Plymouth Barracuda. The build is powered by a Viper V10 engine and a Tremec T56. The project vehicle also features a Magnum Force Transformer K-Member conversion. The profile includes a custom fabricated hood, decklid, front valance and rear diffuser. The build lays upon a RideTech 4-link rear suspension and Wilwood Brakes. The Interior is custom and features ’14 SRT Challenger Seats.
Keenen LaCour, ’03 Mitsubishi Evo Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
At 26 years old, Keenen LaCour’s Evo is modified from head to toe. The build features a concrete-filled block, Clevite Race main and rod bearings, R&R 156mm solid-beam aluminum rods, L19 bolts and 87mm Diamond Racing gas ported 10.5:1, to name a few of the components that help the engine push out more than 1,100hp. The exterior consists of Seibon and Rexpeed carbon-fiber parts, which include the hood, trunk, front lip, side skirts, spats and rear bumper. The interior includes a Blacksmith Fab Chromoly 10-point roll cage, G-force six-point racing harnesses, Pro EFI CAN display and other components.
SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Thomas Nguyen’s ’10 Nissan 370Z, Steven Nadaskai’s ’11 Volkswagen GTI, Curtis Larsen’s ’70 Plymouth Barracuda and Keenen LaCour’s ’03 Mitsubishi Evo.
The performance mods on Thomas Nguyen’s Z include twin BorgWarner turbos, plus upgraded injectors, a clutch, an intake and an exhaust system, among many others.
Thomas Nguyen, ’10 Nissan 370Z
Inspired by the villains’ ’02 350Z from Tokyo Drift, Nguyen started modifying his own ’10 370Z little by little. Soon, those small projects turned into big projects until this once-stock Nissan became the show-stopper we see today. His Z is set apart from the pack with the uniquely styled wide-body kit that he’s added to it, which also happens to be his favorite modification. Pushing out 666 whp, the once saintly coupe has been dubbed the “Demon Z.” The performance mods on Nguyen’s Z include twin BorgWarner turbos, plus upgraded injectors, a clutch, an intake and an exhaust system, among many others. The judges didn’t miss anything at this stop as they awarded Nguyen a golden ticket to the SEMA Show this year to display his car alongside some of the most amazing builds out there.
Steven Nadaskai’s ’11 Volkswagen GTI
Curtis Larsen’s ’70 Plymouth Barracuda
Keenen LaCour’s ’03 Mitsubishi Evo
Steven Nadaskai, ’11 Volkswagen GTI Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
Steven Nadaskai stamped his “golden ticket” to the SEMA Show in Long Beach, California, as the winner of the Young Regional competition. He enters with an ’11 Volkswagen GTI. The build’s profile features Ingo Noak Widebody flares, Rotiform 3pc YVR wheels, a custom one-off front bumper and a custom notch shaved carbon hood. The exterior also includes a Enforced Aero one-off Chassis mount front splitter, Enforced Aero one-off side skirt extensions, Enforced Aero one-off Rear diffuser and RG style side skirts. The interior features Corbeau RRB seats and a custom-made full wood trunk setup with false floor.
Curtis Larsen, ’70 Plymouth Barracuda Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
Curtis Larsen turned heads in Philadelphia with his ’70 Plymouth Barracuda. The build is powered by a Viper V10 engine and a Tremec T56. The project vehicle also features a Magnum Force Transformer K-Member conversion. The profile includes a custom fabricated hood, decklid, front valance and rear diffuser. The build lays upon a RideTech 4-link rear suspension and Wilwood Brakes. The Interior is custom and features ’14 SRT Challenger Seats.
Keenen LaCour, ’03 Mitsubishi Evo Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
At 26 years old, Keenen LaCour’s Evo is modified from head to toe. The build features a concrete-filled block, Clevite Race main and rod bearings, R&R 156mm solid-beam aluminum rods, L19 bolts and 87mm Diamond Racing gas ported 10.5:1, to name a few of the components that help the engine push out more than 1,100hp. The exterior consists of Seibon and Rexpeed carbon-fiber parts, which include the hood, trunk, front lip, side skirts, spats and rear bumper. The interior includes a Blacksmith Fab Chromoly 10-point roll cage, G-force six-point racing harnesses, Pro EFI CAN display and other components.
SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Thomas Nguyen’s ’10 Nissan 370Z, Steven Nadaskai’s ’11 Volkswagen GTI, Curtis Larsen’s ’70 Plymouth Barracuda and Keenen LaCour’s ’03 Mitsubishi Evo.
The performance mods on Thomas Nguyen’s Z include twin BorgWarner turbos, plus upgraded injectors, a clutch, an intake and an exhaust system, among many others.
Thomas Nguyen, ’10 Nissan 370Z
Inspired by the villains’ ’02 350Z from Tokyo Drift, Nguyen started modifying his own ’10 370Z little by little. Soon, those small projects turned into big projects until this once-stock Nissan became the show-stopper we see today. His Z is set apart from the pack with the uniquely styled wide-body kit that he’s added to it, which also happens to be his favorite modification. Pushing out 666 whp, the once saintly coupe has been dubbed the “Demon Z.” The performance mods on Nguyen’s Z include twin BorgWarner turbos, plus upgraded injectors, a clutch, an intake and an exhaust system, among many others. The judges didn’t miss anything at this stop as they awarded Nguyen a golden ticket to the SEMA Show this year to display his car alongside some of the most amazing builds out there.
Steven Nadaskai’s ’11 Volkswagen GTI
Curtis Larsen’s ’70 Plymouth Barracuda
Keenen LaCour’s ’03 Mitsubishi Evo
Steven Nadaskai, ’11 Volkswagen GTI Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
Steven Nadaskai stamped his “golden ticket” to the SEMA Show in Long Beach, California, as the winner of the Young Regional competition. He enters with an ’11 Volkswagen GTI. The build’s profile features Ingo Noak Widebody flares, Rotiform 3pc YVR wheels, a custom one-off front bumper and a custom notch shaved carbon hood. The exterior also includes a Enforced Aero one-off Chassis mount front splitter, Enforced Aero one-off side skirt extensions, Enforced Aero one-off Rear diffuser and RG style side skirts. The interior features Corbeau RRB seats and a custom-made full wood trunk setup with false floor.
Curtis Larsen, ’70 Plymouth Barracuda Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
Curtis Larsen turned heads in Philadelphia with his ’70 Plymouth Barracuda. The build is powered by a Viper V10 engine and a Tremec T56. The project vehicle also features a Magnum Force Transformer K-Member conversion. The profile includes a custom fabricated hood, decklid, front valance and rear diffuser. The build lays upon a RideTech 4-link rear suspension and Wilwood Brakes. The Interior is custom and features ’14 SRT Challenger Seats.
Keenen LaCour, ’03 Mitsubishi Evo Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
At 26 years old, Keenen LaCour’s Evo is modified from head to toe. The build features a concrete-filled block, Clevite Race main and rod bearings, R&R 156mm solid-beam aluminum rods, L19 bolts and 87mm Diamond Racing gas ported 10.5:1, to name a few of the components that help the engine push out more than 1,100hp. The exterior consists of Seibon and Rexpeed carbon-fiber parts, which include the hood, trunk, front lip, side skirts, spats and rear bumper. The interior includes a Blacksmith Fab Chromoly 10-point roll cage, G-force six-point racing harnesses, Pro EFI CAN display and other components.
SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Thomas Nguyen’s ’10 Nissan 370Z, Steven Nadaskai’s ’11 Volkswagen GTI, Curtis Larsen’s ’70 Plymouth Barracuda and Keenen LaCour’s ’03 Mitsubishi Evo.
The performance mods on Thomas Nguyen’s Z include twin BorgWarner turbos, plus upgraded injectors, a clutch, an intake and an exhaust system, among many others.
Thomas Nguyen, ’10 Nissan 370Z
Inspired by the villains’ ’02 350Z from Tokyo Drift, Nguyen started modifying his own ’10 370Z little by little. Soon, those small projects turned into big projects until this once-stock Nissan became the show-stopper we see today. His Z is set apart from the pack with the uniquely styled wide-body kit that he’s added to it, which also happens to be his favorite modification. Pushing out 666 whp, the once saintly coupe has been dubbed the “Demon Z.” The performance mods on Nguyen’s Z include twin BorgWarner turbos, plus upgraded injectors, a clutch, an intake and an exhaust system, among many others. The judges didn’t miss anything at this stop as they awarded Nguyen a golden ticket to the SEMA Show this year to display his car alongside some of the most amazing builds out there.
Steven Nadaskai’s ’11 Volkswagen GTI
Curtis Larsen’s ’70 Plymouth Barracuda
Keenen LaCour’s ’03 Mitsubishi Evo
Steven Nadaskai, ’11 Volkswagen GTI Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
Steven Nadaskai stamped his “golden ticket” to the SEMA Show in Long Beach, California, as the winner of the Young Regional competition. He enters with an ’11 Volkswagen GTI. The build’s profile features Ingo Noak Widebody flares, Rotiform 3pc YVR wheels, a custom one-off front bumper and a custom notch shaved carbon hood. The exterior also includes a Enforced Aero one-off Chassis mount front splitter, Enforced Aero one-off side skirt extensions, Enforced Aero one-off Rear diffuser and RG style side skirts. The interior features Corbeau RRB seats and a custom-made full wood trunk setup with false floor.
Curtis Larsen, ’70 Plymouth Barracuda Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
Curtis Larsen turned heads in Philadelphia with his ’70 Plymouth Barracuda. The build is powered by a Viper V10 engine and a Tremec T56. The project vehicle also features a Magnum Force Transformer K-Member conversion. The profile includes a custom fabricated hood, decklid, front valance and rear diffuser. The build lays upon a RideTech 4-link rear suspension and Wilwood Brakes. The Interior is custom and features ’14 SRT Challenger Seats.
Keenen LaCour, ’03 Mitsubishi Evo Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot
At 26 years old, Keenen LaCour’s Evo is modified from head to toe. The build features a concrete-filled block, Clevite Race main and rod bearings, R&R 156mm solid-beam aluminum rods, L19 bolts and 87mm Diamond Racing gas ported 10.5:1, to name a few of the components that help the engine push out more than 1,100hp. The exterior consists of Seibon and Rexpeed carbon-fiber parts, which include the hood, trunk, front lip, side skirts, spats and rear bumper. The interior includes a Blacksmith Fab Chromoly 10-point roll cage, G-force six-point racing harnesses, Pro EFI CAN display and other components.
The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.
The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.
SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Deatschwerks Fittings
Deatschwerks announces the release of new lines and fittings. The category will expand with 60 new part numbers. The adapters, fittings and tools are engineered to make integrating DW fueling components into OE fuel systems easier. All DW plumbing components are manufactured to every applicable JIC and SAE standard and are constructed of heat-treated 6061 T-6 aluminum. DW fittings are engineered to be strong, light, and anti-corrosive for use in the most demanding fuel systems.
Performer RPM Top End Kit for 1997-04 Chevy LS1 Engines
Edelbrock releases the Performer RPM Top End Kit for ’97–’04 Chevy LS1 engines. The kit is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm. This kit includes Performer RPM intake manifold, E-CNC cylinder heads, pushrods and Rollin’ Thunder Hydraulic Roller camshaft, complete bolt kits and an Edelbrock gasket set.
Mishimoto expands its T-bolt clamp product line to include new styles of clamps, colors, and sizes. The company has added V-Band Flange Kits in aluminum and stainless steel, ear clamps, high-torque and constant-tension worm gear clamps and spring clamps. The basic worm gear and high-torque worm gear clamps have options of natural finish or black.
Kleinn Introduces its Can-Am Maverick X3 Onboard Air System. The kit is engineered to be a direct-fit, bolt-on installation. The kit includes a 1-gal. all-steel air tank designed to be a submersible and a waterproof air compressor capable of inflating 37-in. tires, powering small air tools and seating the bead on a UTV tire. Included with the kit is a quick-connect tire inflator with storage bag.
Kleinn Introduces its Polaris Rzr Xp1000 Onboard Air System. The kit includes the Kleinn 6350RC, which is designed to be a submersible, waterproof air compressor capable of inflating 37-in. truck and UTV tires, powering small air tools and inflating air bags. Included with the kit is a quick-connect digital tire inflator with storage bag.
The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.
The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.
SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Deatschwerks Fittings
Deatschwerks announces the release of new lines and fittings. The category will expand with 60 new part numbers. The adapters, fittings and tools are engineered to make integrating DW fueling components into OE fuel systems easier. All DW plumbing components are manufactured to every applicable JIC and SAE standard and are constructed of heat-treated 6061 T-6 aluminum. DW fittings are engineered to be strong, light, and anti-corrosive for use in the most demanding fuel systems.
Performer RPM Top End Kit for 1997-04 Chevy LS1 Engines
Edelbrock releases the Performer RPM Top End Kit for ’97–’04 Chevy LS1 engines. The kit is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm. This kit includes Performer RPM intake manifold, E-CNC cylinder heads, pushrods and Rollin’ Thunder Hydraulic Roller camshaft, complete bolt kits and an Edelbrock gasket set.
Mishimoto expands its T-bolt clamp product line to include new styles of clamps, colors, and sizes. The company has added V-Band Flange Kits in aluminum and stainless steel, ear clamps, high-torque and constant-tension worm gear clamps and spring clamps. The basic worm gear and high-torque worm gear clamps have options of natural finish or black.
Kleinn Introduces its Can-Am Maverick X3 Onboard Air System. The kit is engineered to be a direct-fit, bolt-on installation. The kit includes a 1-gal. all-steel air tank designed to be a submersible and a waterproof air compressor capable of inflating 37-in. tires, powering small air tools and seating the bead on a UTV tire. Included with the kit is a quick-connect tire inflator with storage bag.
Kleinn Introduces its Polaris Rzr Xp1000 Onboard Air System. The kit includes the Kleinn 6350RC, which is designed to be a submersible, waterproof air compressor capable of inflating 37-in. truck and UTV tires, powering small air tools and inflating air bags. Included with the kit is a quick-connect digital tire inflator with storage bag.
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has processed some requests for exclusions from the 25% tariffs imposed on List 1, List 2 and List 3 imports from China. The 437 products exempted range from aluminum radiators for motor vehicles to heat exchanger units, circuit boards, winches and dog harnesses. For products not exempted, the 25% tariffs are scheduled to increase to 30% on October 15, 2019.
Lists 1 and 2 goods are valued at $50 billion and include some miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools and measurement devices. List 3 covers about $200 billion worth of products including many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, transmission belts, brake pads and suspension springs.
To be eligible for an exclusion, companies must demonstrate that the product is available only from China, that the duties will cause severe economic harm, and that the good is strategically important. The exclusions cover all imports under the HTS listing number, not just the request filed by an individual importer. The deadline for submitting exclusion requests has passed for Lists 1 and 2 but is open until September 30, 2019, for List 3.
Click here to view products granted exemptions:
List 1: Implemented July 6, 2018: exclusion lasts under September 20, 2020.
List 2: Implemented August 23, 2018: exclusion lasts under September 20, 2020.
List 3: Implemented September 24, 2018: exclusion lasts until August 7, 2020.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
