By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to gradually increase the federal minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2024. H.R. 582, the “Raise the Wage Act,” would increase the minimum wage each year in seven steps and then index future increases to median wage growth. If enacted into law, the bill would increase the minimum hourly wage to $8.40 on the first day of the third month after it is enacted. It would then increase to $9.50 one year after the first increase and to the following amounts in each subsequent year: $10.60 in year two, $11.70 in year three, $12.80 in year four, $13.90 in year five and $15 in year six. H.R. 582 requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the effects of the first two minimum wage increases on the private sector, including small businesses, in addition to metropolitan, nonmetropolitan, urban and rural areas.

The bill would also gradually phase out lower minimum wages that currently exist for workers under the age of 20, the disabled and tipped workers:

• H.R. 582 would increase the base hourly wage for tipped workers from $2.13 to $3.60 during the first year after the bill takes effect and in each of the following years until it equals the minimum wage in 2027. Federal law requires employers to provide workers with a “tip credit” if their tips combined with their minimum hourly wage for tipped workers does not add up to the traditional hourly wage.
• The bill increases the hourly minimum wage for employees younger than 20 from $4.25 to $5.50 for the first year after the bill takes effect and in each of the following years until it equals the minimum wage in 2027. 
• H.R.582 would also increase the minimum hourly wage for workers with disabilities to $4.25 for the first year after the bill takes effect and would increase the wage over the period of six years until it is equal to the minimum wage. 

If enacted into law, H.R. 582 would mark the first time Congress has passed a law to increase the minimum wage since 2007. However, the U.S. Senate is not expected to take up the bill. Presently, 29 states and Washington, D.C., have minimum wages that are higher than the Federal minimum wage.  

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

TascaParts.com has been named the official OEM replacement parts supplier of the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals through the end of 2019.

TascaParts.com Named Official OEM Replacement Parts Supplier of NMCA

TascaParts.com has been named the official OEM replacement parts supplier of the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals through the end of 2019. TascaParts.com is steep in drag-racing heritage reaching back to the ’60s. The family patriarch Bob Tasca Sr. led the way for the development of the Cobra Jet program and other racing ventures with Ford Motor Co. through the family’s Tasca Ford dealership. Today, Bob Tasca III competes in the pro ranks of NHRA in a nitro-burning Funny Car.

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

By Rachel Tatum

Jef White

THE SHOP magazine is a B2B media outlet that reaches shop owners, shop managers, installers and retailers in the performance, restyling, and off-road markets. Jef White, executive editor from THE SHOP, attends the SEMA Show each year seeking news and information from exhibitors. He recently provided exhibitors with insight on what he’s looking for at the SEMA Show and tips on how to obtain coverage from his outlet.  

SEMA: Who does your magazine reach?

Jef White: Our magazine reaches many of the SEMA Show attendees—shop owners, shop managers, installers and retailers. We cover every hall at the SEMA Show, including restyling, performance, trucks and off-road.

SEMA: How can exhibitors better work with you?

JW: Reach out early and work to understand how our magazine can support your programs before, during and after the Show. Get to know our magazine and the proper contact for press-release submissions. Make yourself available and friendly. With 2,400 exhibitors at the SEMA Show, you are competing with lots of other companies for our attention and space in the magazine. When we get a release telling us how great a new product is, we’re likely getting dozens of other releases saying the exact same thing.

SEMA: What can new companies do to establish a relationship with you?

JW: I suggest establishing a contact and reaching out once or twice throughout the year just to let us know what’s going on with your company. Don’t just hit me with one email out of the blue with a name or company I don’t recognize. We make an effort to read every single email, but if it’s a company I don’t recognize, it may get less attention than an email from someone I work with a lot.

SEMA: When do you start preparing for the SEMA Show and scheduling appointments?

JW: Our online/e-newsletter coverage of the Show is year-round, as news develops before, during and after. For the print magazine, our main SEMA Show issue has a November cover date—the deadline for that is mid-September. Scheduling a meeting or booth visit by an editor begins in earnest about three weeks before the Show starts. If you wait until the final week before the Show to reach out, it will be too late.

To view articles written by White, visit THE SHOP magazine website.

The SEMA Show attract nearly 3,000 approved media each year, representing print, video, radio and online outlets. SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist. For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Fredy Ramirez

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.

COMP Cams Keyway Adjustable Billet Timing Set COMP Cams announces the release of a new Keyway Adjustable Billet Timing Set. This kit features CNC-machined sprockets from billet bar steel, which is induction heat-treated for balance between durability and load capacity. The billet gears are keyway adjustable and are designed to allow for tuning camshaft timing. The kit uses a C5-R Racing Chain as standard equipment. The chain is pre-stretched and heat-treated with blanked links and press fit center links designed to avoid further stretching or breaking. 800-999-0853 www.compcams.com PN 7113
Edelbrock Victor Jr. LS 416 Long-Block Edelbrock announces the release of Victor Jr. LS 416 Long-Block crate engine. The engine is designed to produce 602 hp and 538 ft-lbs. of torque. It features an aluminum LS3 block with a forged and balanced Manley crankshaft, forged Manley H-Beam connecting rods and Manley forged aluminum pistons to create a 416ci LS3 stroker with 4.0650-in. bore and 4-in. stroke. The core of this long-block are the Victor Jr. LS3 cylinder heads and Rollin' Thunder hydraulic roller camshaft. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN 46725
MAHLE Motorsport PowerPak Plus Piston Kit MAHLE Motorsport announces the release of their BBC Elite Sportsman PowerPak Plus Piston Kit, designed to maximize horsepower for aluminum big block Chevy cylinder heads capable of over 1,200 hp. This kit is engineered to work with the Brodix Dart Pro 1. The pistons are designed to add attention to drag-race-specific stress areas. The kit features lightweight pistons with a slipper skirt, 2618 alloy forgings, dual coatings, lateral gas ports for designed for increased ring seal, CNC finished pin bore and forced pin oiling. 888-255-1942. www.MahleMotorsports.com PN 930239300
Mishimoto Transmission Cooler Mishimoto announced the release of Direct-Fit Ford Raptor and F-150 Transmission Cooler. The cooler is designed for 2010-14 Ford Raptor and 2011-14 F-150s. The design features a 14-row tube-and-fin construction engineered for maximum cooling and flow. The cooler is designed to increase in-fluid capacity by 197% over the stock cooler and increase core volume by 94%. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN MMTC-F150-11SL
Powerhouse Products Heavy-Duty Engine Cradle With Wheels Powerhouse Products announces the release of their new Heavy-Duty Engine Cradle with wheels. The cradle is designed to make storing and moving GM LS and Chevrolet SBC/BBC engines easier. The cradle is constructed from heavy gauge steel, has mounting pads designed to accept both LS and standard SBC/BBC engines and features heavy-duty casters engineered for easy movement. The cradle’s low-profile is designed to allow for easy storage. 800-872-7223 www.powerhouseproducts.com PN POW102134
Wilwood’s Temperature Strips Wilwood announces the release of Temperature Strips, engineered to provide easy and accurate methods of recording observed on-track temperatures of brake calipers or other components on a race car. The adhesive-backed strips are designed to attach to any clean, smooth surface to record peak temperatures that occur during any session. The temperatures are marked for both Fahrenheit and Celsius with the range of 250 degrees to 536 degrees Fahrenheit and 121 degrees to 280 degrees Celsius. The indicator color changes to black when a temperature level is observed. Each package includes 10 non-reversible strips. 805-388-1188 www.wilwood.com PN 400-15671

By SEMA Editors

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites the public to participate in a workgroup on August 1, from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (PDT) to discuss the proposed adoption of a schedule of certification fees for emissions-related aftermarket parts, retrofits and related components. Historically, only about one-third of the products certified by CARB have been assessed a certification fee. On July 1, 2018, new legislation passed by the California legislature and signed by the Governor allows CARB to adopt a schedule of fees for additional mobile source categories and activities.

The public workgroup is directed toward the aftermarket parts, retrofit and emissions-related parts industry; for example, those who receive the following Executive Orders (EOs):

• AB-series EOs, At-Berth Regulation Alternative Control Technology Verification/Approvals
• B-series EOs, Alternative Fuel Retrofit Certifications
• C-series EOs, Experimental Permits
• D-series EOs, Aftermarket Parts Exemptions
• DE-series EOs, Verification of Diesel Emissions-Control Strategies (e.g., On/Off Road, SS, Harbor Craft, TRU, RTG)
• G-series EOs, Portable Fuel Containers
• K-series EOs, Aftermarket Critical Emission Control Parts for Highway Motorcycles
• Q-series EOs, Evaporative Components for Small Off-Road Engine Equipment
• RM-series EOs, Evaporative Components for Spark-Ignition Marine Water Craft

Register now for the Certification Fee Aftermarket Parts and Retrofits workgroup. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Participants can also dial in using their phones (for supported devices, tap the one-touch number below to join instantly):

• United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
• One-touch: tel:+12245013412,,811922493#
• Access Code: 811-922-493

Consistent with California Government Code Section 7296.2, special accommodation or language needs may be provided for any of the following:

• An interpreter to be available at the meeting.
• Documents made available in an alternate format or another language.
• A disability-related reasonable accommodation.

To request these special accommodations or language needs, contact Bonnie Garlow at 626-575-6918 as soon as possible, but no later than seven business days before the workshop. TTY/TDD/Speech to Speech users may dial 711 for the California Relay Service.

For questions regarding the workshop or the development of the Mobile Source Certification and Compliance fee process, contact Kathleen Mead, air pollution specialist, at 916-324-9550.

For more information, visit CARB’s website.

By SEMA Editors

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites the public to participate in a workgroup on August 1, from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (PDT) to discuss the proposed adoption of a schedule of certification fees for emissions-related aftermarket parts, retrofits and related components. Historically, only about one-third of the products certified by CARB have been assessed a certification fee. On July 1, 2018, new legislation passed by the California legislature and signed by the Governor allows CARB to adopt a schedule of fees for additional mobile source categories and activities.

The public workgroup is directed toward the aftermarket parts, retrofit and emissions-related parts industry; for example, those who receive the following Executive Orders (EOs):

• AB-series EOs, At-Berth Regulation Alternative Control Technology Verification/Approvals
• B-series EOs, Alternative Fuel Retrofit Certifications
• C-series EOs, Experimental Permits
• D-series EOs, Aftermarket Parts Exemptions
• DE-series EOs, Verification of Diesel Emissions-Control Strategies (e.g., On/Off Road, SS, Harbor Craft, TRU, RTG)
• G-series EOs, Portable Fuel Containers
• K-series EOs, Aftermarket Critical Emission Control Parts for Highway Motorcycles
• Q-series EOs, Evaporative Components for Small Off-Road Engine Equipment
• RM-series EOs, Evaporative Components for Spark-Ignition Marine Water Craft

Register now for the Certification Fee Aftermarket Parts and Retrofits workgroup. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Participants can also dial in using their phones (for supported devices, tap the one-touch number below to join instantly):

• United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
• One-touch: tel:+12245013412,,811922493#
• Access Code: 811-922-493

Consistent with California Government Code Section 7296.2, special accommodation or language needs may be provided for any of the following:

• An interpreter to be available at the meeting.
• Documents made available in an alternate format or another language.
• A disability-related reasonable accommodation.

To request these special accommodations or language needs, contact Bonnie Garlow at 626-575-6918 as soon as possible, but no later than seven business days before the workshop. TTY/TDD/Speech to Speech users may dial 711 for the California Relay Service.

For questions regarding the workshop or the development of the Mobile Source Certification and Compliance fee process, contact Kathleen Mead, air pollution specialist, at 916-324-9550.

For more information, visit CARB’s website.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

CURT has implemented two new laser-cutting machines.

CURT Invests in New American Manufacturing

CURT has made significant investments in its Eau Claire, Wisconsin, manufacturing facility over the past year. The company has implemented several advanced assets—including new welding robotic cells, tooling, two vertical storage lift modules, a new tube bender and two new laser-cutting machines—that have improved manufacturing, processes, capacity, speed and efficiency. At the Eau Claire facility, a new welder training program and three new welder training booths have been set up for CURT associates. These training resources allow new welders to be trained on CURT processes, and it gives CURT associates the opportunity to learn a new trade, making an increased salary and adding value to the company. A new fume collection and air conditioning system has also been installed for the manual weld stations.

Sean Sawyer	Dan McKinstry

COMP Performance Group Hires Sean Sawyer, Dan McKinstry

COMP Performance Group has announced that Sean Sawyer has joined the organization in the new role of business development manager and Dan McKinstry has been named the new director of supply-chain management. Sawyer will put his 25+ years of industry experience to work by exploring new markets, identifying potential new customers, determining better ways to serve existing customers and ensuring the company’s relevance in the marketplace. Starting his automotive career on the retail side of the business with Ford Senior Master Tech, ASE Master and Master Service Advisor certifications, Sawyer made the switch to the performance side and has spent the last 15 years customizing Pro Touring American musclecars, including 12 years as the owner of his own shop.

McKinstry brings with him 25 years of supply-chain experience, both with midsize and large companies. His skills include creating and implementing new supply-chain processes, inventory optimization, executing statistical forecasting technology and designing centralized demand planning processes. He has also successfully fulfilled a number of management roles. As the director of supply chain, McKinstry will oversee the team responsible for purchasing, master scheduling/planning/forecasting, inventory control and project management.

Jean Franks

Pilot Automotive Hires Jean Franks as New Chief Financial Officer

Effective immediately, Pilot Automotive has announced the addition of Jean Franks as the new chief financial officer. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry and more than two decades of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry. She joins Pilot after departing the executive team of K&N Filters for nearly 20 years. Franks joins the Pilot Automotive team in a time of expansion that includes the Rolling Big Power, Voodoo Ride, ROVI, DC Sports and Lunna brands.

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.

By Chad Simon

All five customized Jeeps are currently being auctioned through program partner Bring a Trailer during an event called “SEMA Week of Customs.”

Five high-school auto-shop programs across the United States participated in the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program by customizing five ’96–’06 model-year Jeep Wrangler TJs during the spring semester. All five customized Jeeps are now complete and being auctioned through program partner Bring a Trailer during an event called “SEMA Week of Customs.”

The online auction event launched Monday, July 15, with the release of one vehicle per day for five days. Each Jeep will be live for bidding for seven days following its launch date. Proceeds from the vehicle sales will be reinvested back into the program to fund another round of builds and the overall expansion of the program.

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program aims to introduce high-school students to the automotive customization hobby and lifestyle through real-world, hands-on educational experiences. The vehicles were delivered to the participating schools in early February. Students have since learned about automotive customization by working with donated aftermarket products and interacting with 14 industry members who have visited the schools.

“The build helped to enforce what is already taught here—problem-solving skills and schedule management,” said Ed Stevens, automotive instructor at C.D. Hylton High School—one of the participating schools. “The students gained much insight into what it takes to do these sorts of projects correctly. The build also helped to create new partnerships that will continue with us, and it also helped strengthen the ones we already had. Every year we take another step up and continue making the program and its impact on the community stronger.”

Each Jeep build features between 40–60 products and all of them have custom Katzkin leather interiors. The following are some of the highlights of each build and the names and locations of the participating schools:

Santa Fe ECO, Santa Fe, New Mexico ’05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport SEMA partnered with Santa Fe ECO in 2018 to pilot the high school vehicle build program in which they built a ’15 Jeep Wrangler that was auctioned off for more than $56,000. The sale of this vehicle allowed the program to expand to five builds in 2019. The students of Santa Fe ECO turned out another awesome build—a ’05 Jeep Wrangler that uniquely features a vented hood, trail doors, a 3.5-in. suspension kit with a 5-in. stretch from Rock Krawler Suspension and has undergone a full body repaint. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 22.
Comstock High School, Kalamazoo, Michigan ’04 Jeep Wrangler Sahara The Comstock High School auto-shop class in Kalamazoo Michigan, made excellent use of local resources and connections for their ’04 Jeep Wrangler build, including a program alumnus that is now a local body shop business owner. This is the program’s only hard-top Jeep that even includes a locally sourced donated roof rack from Just Jeep’N Stuff. Other unique features include LED headlights, full carpet replacement, bumpers, tire carrier and rock sliders from JcrOffroad, a 4-in. Skyjacker suspension kit and a fresh coat of paint. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 23.
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Santa Ynez, California ’97 Jeep Wrangler Sport The ’97 Jeep Wrangler from Santa Ynez sits on 37-in. Atturo Off-Road Tires with Black Rock Wheels and topped with an American flag-themed bikini top. This build is fully outfitted with Rugged Ridge products and also features a T-REX grille, Superlift Suspension 4-in. lift kit and LLumar window tint. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 24.
C.D. Hylton High School, Woodbridge, Virginia ’02 Jeep Wrangler Sport The students of C.D. Hylton performed a frame-off restoration on their ’02 Jeep Wrangler; they even painted the vehicle’s chassis. Along with the customization, the students did extensive work under the hood to ensure this Jeep runs with no issues. It has received a full body repaint, brand-new windshield from Safelite, front-door weatherstrip from Steele Rubber Products, a new hood from LQK/Keystone and a Rancho Suspension 3.5-in. short arm suspension kit. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 25.
R.L. Turner High School, Carrollton, Texas ’04 Jeep Wrangler X The ’04 Jeep Wrangler from the students of R.L. Turner caught the attention of Dennis Collins of Collins Bro’s Jeep, who visited the school and donated the build’s winch and front bumper. The build also features custom seatbelts from Seatbelt Planet, Rolling Big Power wheels and a Painless Performance trail rocker. This Jeep’s auction will be live July 19, at 9:00 a.m. (PDT) through July 26.

The program notably generates support from aftermarket industry companies that sponsor the builds through product donations and scheduled visits to the schools to perform product demos or talk about the industry with the students. The 2019 program’s Jeep Wrangler TJs were sponsored by 32 companies that donated 220 products. They included:

• 4 Wheel Performance
• Advance Auto Parts
• AFE Power
• Atturo Tire
• Bloomfield Manufacturing Company (Hi-Lift)
• BOLT Lock
• Collins Bros Jeeps
• Covercraft
• Diode Dynamics
• Eastman Chemical Company (LLumar)
• Finishmaster
• Husky Liners
• JcrOffroad Inc.
• Just Jeep'N Stuff
• Katzkin Automotive Leather
• LKQ/Keystone
• Omix-ADA (Rugged Ridge)
• Painless Performance Products
• Pilot Automotive (Rolling Big Power)
• QuietRide Solutions
• Rancho Suspension & Shocks
• Rock Krawler Suspension
• Safelite
• Seatbeltplanet.com
• Skyjacker Suspensions
• Steele Rubber Products
• Superlift Suspension
• The Carlstar Group/Cragar Wheels
• T-REX Truck Products Inc.
• Truck’n America
• Twisted Automotive
• Unicorn Tire

Program partners included the following:

Auction

• Bring a Trailer

Photography

• C.D. Hylton- Chris Cervenka, Chris Cervenka Photography
• Comstock High School - Mike Basse, Beam Photography
• R.L. Turner High School - Tyler Pfaffenbach, Collins Bros Jeep and Made Brand Studio
• Santa Fe ECO – Gerry Ruelas Photography

Leather Installation

• C.D. Hylton High School - Car Spa Dealer Services
• Comstock High School - Auto Image
• R.L. Turner High School - Southside Trim
• Santa Fe ECO - Accessories Unlimited
• Santa Ynez Valley Union High School - Dealership Services Direct

Volunteers

• BJ Leanse, Go Rhino
• Carol Walsh, Southside Trim
• Chuck Morrison, Truck'n America
• Daryl Hutson, JcrOffroad
  
• Dave Ludington, Jeep’N Stuff
• Dawson Druesdow, 4 Wheel Performance
• Dennis Collins, Collins Bros Jeep
• Jose Pichardo, Eastman Chemical Company
• Kelli Mallicote, Bodyguard Bumpers
• Kevin Taddeo, Add On Auto
• Matt Moore, Retrax
• Steven Sala, Eastman Chemical Company
• Matt Reasoner, Retrax
• Rory Connell, Advanced Accessory Concepts
• Kathryn Reinhardt, Pilot Automotive
• Tory Hudson, Bob Cook Sales

In its inaugural year, the 2018 student custom Jeep build program between SEMA and the Santa Fe Early College Opportunities (ECO) Auto Shop Program in Santa Fe, New Mexico, raised $56,175 to help fund this year’s project.

Learn more about the program at www.sema.org/student-builds.
 

By Chad Simon

All five customized Jeeps are currently being auctioned through program partner Bring a Trailer during an event called “SEMA Week of Customs.”

Five high-school auto-shop programs across the United States participated in the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program by customizing five ’96–’06 model-year Jeep Wrangler TJs during the spring semester. All five customized Jeeps are now complete and being auctioned through program partner Bring a Trailer during an event called “SEMA Week of Customs.”

The online auction event launched Monday, July 15, with the release of one vehicle per day for five days. Each Jeep will be live for bidding for seven days following its launch date. Proceeds from the vehicle sales will be reinvested back into the program to fund another round of builds and the overall expansion of the program.

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program aims to introduce high-school students to the automotive customization hobby and lifestyle through real-world, hands-on educational experiences. The vehicles were delivered to the participating schools in early February. Students have since learned about automotive customization by working with donated aftermarket products and interacting with 14 industry members who have visited the schools.

“The build helped to enforce what is already taught here—problem-solving skills and schedule management,” said Ed Stevens, automotive instructor at C.D. Hylton High School—one of the participating schools. “The students gained much insight into what it takes to do these sorts of projects correctly. The build also helped to create new partnerships that will continue with us, and it also helped strengthen the ones we already had. Every year we take another step up and continue making the program and its impact on the community stronger.”

Each Jeep build features between 40–60 products and all of them have custom Katzkin leather interiors. The following are some of the highlights of each build and the names and locations of the participating schools:

Santa Fe ECO, Santa Fe, New Mexico ’05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport SEMA partnered with Santa Fe ECO in 2018 to pilot the high school vehicle build program in which they built a ’15 Jeep Wrangler that was auctioned off for more than $56,000. The sale of this vehicle allowed the program to expand to five builds in 2019. The students of Santa Fe ECO turned out another awesome build—a ’05 Jeep Wrangler that uniquely features a vented hood, trail doors, a 3.5-in. suspension kit with a 5-in. stretch from Rock Krawler Suspension and has undergone a full body repaint. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 22.
Comstock High School, Kalamazoo, Michigan ’04 Jeep Wrangler Sahara The Comstock High School auto-shop class in Kalamazoo Michigan, made excellent use of local resources and connections for their ’04 Jeep Wrangler build, including a program alumnus that is now a local body shop business owner. This is the program’s only hard-top Jeep that even includes a locally sourced donated roof rack from Just Jeep’N Stuff. Other unique features include LED headlights, full carpet replacement, bumpers, tire carrier and rock sliders from JcrOffroad, a 4-in. Skyjacker suspension kit and a fresh coat of paint. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 23.
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Santa Ynez, California ’97 Jeep Wrangler Sport The ’97 Jeep Wrangler from Santa Ynez sits on 37-in. Atturo Off-Road Tires with Black Rock Wheels and topped with an American flag-themed bikini top. This build is fully outfitted with Rugged Ridge products and also features a T-REX grille, Superlift Suspension 4-in. lift kit and LLumar window tint. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 24.
C.D. Hylton High School, Woodbridge, Virginia ’02 Jeep Wrangler Sport The students of C.D. Hylton performed a frame-off restoration on their ’02 Jeep Wrangler; they even painted the vehicle’s chassis. Along with the customization, the students did extensive work under the hood to ensure this Jeep runs with no issues. It has received a full body repaint, brand-new windshield from Safelite, front-door weatherstrip from Steele Rubber Products, a new hood from LQK/Keystone and a Rancho Suspension 3.5-in. short arm suspension kit. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 25.
R.L. Turner High School, Carrollton, Texas ’04 Jeep Wrangler X The ’04 Jeep Wrangler from the students of R.L. Turner caught the attention of Dennis Collins of Collins Bro’s Jeep, who visited the school and donated the build’s winch and front bumper. The build also features custom seatbelts from Seatbelt Planet, Rolling Big Power wheels and a Painless Performance trail rocker. This Jeep’s auction will be live July 19, at 9:00 a.m. (PDT) through July 26.

The program notably generates support from aftermarket industry companies that sponsor the builds through product donations and scheduled visits to the schools to perform product demos or talk about the industry with the students. The 2019 program’s Jeep Wrangler TJs were sponsored by 32 companies that donated 220 products. They included:

• 4 Wheel Performance
• Advance Auto Parts
• AFE Power
• Atturo Tire
• Bloomfield Manufacturing Company (Hi-Lift)
• BOLT Lock
• Collins Bros Jeeps
• Covercraft
• Diode Dynamics
• Eastman Chemical Company (LLumar)
• Finishmaster
• Husky Liners
• JcrOffroad Inc.
• Just Jeep'N Stuff
• Katzkin Automotive Leather
• LKQ/Keystone
• Omix-ADA (Rugged Ridge)
• Painless Performance Products
• Pilot Automotive (Rolling Big Power)
• QuietRide Solutions
• Rancho Suspension & Shocks
• Rock Krawler Suspension
• Safelite
• Seatbeltplanet.com
• Skyjacker Suspensions
• Steele Rubber Products
• Superlift Suspension
• The Carlstar Group/Cragar Wheels
• T-REX Truck Products Inc.
• Truck’n America
• Twisted Automotive
• Unicorn Tire

Program partners included the following:

Auction

• Bring a Trailer

Photography

• C.D. Hylton- Chris Cervenka, Chris Cervenka Photography
• Comstock High School - Mike Basse, Beam Photography
• R.L. Turner High School - Tyler Pfaffenbach, Collins Bros Jeep and Made Brand Studio
• Santa Fe ECO – Gerry Ruelas Photography

Leather Installation

• C.D. Hylton High School - Car Spa Dealer Services
• Comstock High School - Auto Image
• R.L. Turner High School - Southside Trim
• Santa Fe ECO - Accessories Unlimited
• Santa Ynez Valley Union High School - Dealership Services Direct

Volunteers

• BJ Leanse, Go Rhino
• Carol Walsh, Southside Trim
• Chuck Morrison, Truck'n America
• Daryl Hutson, JcrOffroad
  
• Dave Ludington, Jeep’N Stuff
• Dawson Druesdow, 4 Wheel Performance
• Dennis Collins, Collins Bros Jeep
• Jose Pichardo, Eastman Chemical Company
• Kelli Mallicote, Bodyguard Bumpers
• Kevin Taddeo, Add On Auto
• Matt Moore, Retrax
• Steven Sala, Eastman Chemical Company
• Matt Reasoner, Retrax
• Rory Connell, Advanced Accessory Concepts
• Kathryn Reinhardt, Pilot Automotive
• Tory Hudson, Bob Cook Sales

In its inaugural year, the 2018 student custom Jeep build program between SEMA and the Santa Fe Early College Opportunities (ECO) Auto Shop Program in Santa Fe, New Mexico, raised $56,175 to help fund this year’s project.

Learn more about the program at www.sema.org/student-builds.
 

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination, the New Products Showcase is the most valuable resource for exhibitors seeking additional product exposure and company outreach. SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if entered by Friday, October 6, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.