By Kyle Cheng

The “SEMA Future Trends” report includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

The world is changing. Amidst trade uncertainty and shifts in the automotive market, do you have the information you need to move your business into the future? Want to know what economic, consumer and industry trends are in store for the next few years?

Explore this and much more in the new “SEMA Future Trends” report. This report, published twice a year, includes economic and industry data and forecasts that provide the insights needed to help companies make strategic decisions for the future.

This report includes:

• Forecasts and trends for new vehicle sales.
• Changes in driving habits and trends.
• Economic indicators and overall outlook.
• Powertrain insights and forecasts—including drivetrains, engine displacements, GDI and turbocharging.

Download the “SEMA Future Trends” report today for free.

By Kyle Cheng

The “SEMA Future Trends” report includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

The world is changing. Amidst trade uncertainty and shifts in the automotive market, do you have the information you need to move your business into the future? Want to know what economic, consumer and industry trends are in store for the next few years?

Explore this and much more in the new “SEMA Future Trends” report. This report, published twice a year, includes economic and industry data and forecasts that provide the insights needed to help companies make strategic decisions for the future.

This report includes:

• Forecasts and trends for new vehicle sales.
• Changes in driving habits and trends.
• Economic indicators and overall outlook.
• Powertrain insights and forecasts—including drivetrains, engine displacements, GDI and turbocharging.

Download the “SEMA Future Trends” report today for free.

Kelly Bock explains how UPS is more than just the brown delivery truck, and talks about the services they offer to assist businesses in the automotive industry.

Kelly Bock explains how UPS is more than just the brown delivery truck, and talks about the services they offer to assist businesses in the automotive industry.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Garage has upgraded its 3-D printer’s hardware to run Stratasys’ new material: Nylon 12 CF.

For the past several years, the SEMA Garage has successfully provided SEMA members with a wide range of rapid-prototype (3-D printed) materials, ranging from the standard ABS plastic to high-performance ULTEM 9085. These rapid prototypes have proven their purpose through multiple applications, including tooling, fitment, molds, one-off designs and limited testing runs.

However, some members have voiced their desire to push the limits of plastic rapid prototypes into a more durable testing application. Thus, the SEMA Garage has upgraded its 3-D printer’s hardware to run Stratasys’ new material: Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber (Nylon 12CF), which is comprised of a blend of Nylon 12 resin and chopped carbon fiber. This combination provides the highest flexural strength, stiffness-to-weight ratio, and is one of the strongest materials in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) material portfolio.

This new material will generate firm, yet lightweight rapid prototypes for SEMA members, and allow them to undergo higher durability testing. Nylon 12CF will follow the same uniform process set for previous materials, in which members only pay for the cu.-in. amount of material that is required for the job.

“From a product-development standpoint, the goal of the SEMA Garage is to provide members with access to the latest technology,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA senior director of OE relations. “This investment in carbon-fiber 3-D printing does just that by allowing members to rapid prototype using this strong, lightweight material, which is ideal for durability testing. The SEMA Garage is committed to continuous improvement of technologies available to its members and is proud to offer this new service.”

For more information, contact Warren Kosikov, or visit the SEMA Garage website.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Garage has upgraded its 3-D printer’s hardware to run Stratasys’ new material: Nylon 12 CF.

For the past several years, the SEMA Garage has successfully provided SEMA members with a wide range of rapid-prototype (3-D printed) materials, ranging from the standard ABS plastic to high-performance ULTEM 9085. These rapid prototypes have proven their purpose through multiple applications, including tooling, fitment, molds, one-off designs and limited testing runs.

However, some members have voiced their desire to push the limits of plastic rapid prototypes into a more durable testing application. Thus, the SEMA Garage has upgraded its 3-D printer’s hardware to run Stratasys’ new material: Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber (Nylon 12CF), which is comprised of a blend of Nylon 12 resin and chopped carbon fiber. This combination provides the highest flexural strength, stiffness-to-weight ratio, and is one of the strongest materials in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) material portfolio.

This new material will generate firm, yet lightweight rapid prototypes for SEMA members, and allow them to undergo higher durability testing. Nylon 12CF will follow the same uniform process set for previous materials, in which members only pay for the cu.-in. amount of material that is required for the job.

“From a product-development standpoint, the goal of the SEMA Garage is to provide members with access to the latest technology,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA senior director of OE relations. “This investment in carbon-fiber 3-D printing does just that by allowing members to rapid prototype using this strong, lightweight material, which is ideal for durability testing. The SEMA Garage is committed to continuous improvement of technologies available to its members and is proud to offer this new service.”

For more information, contact Warren Kosikov, or visit the SEMA Garage website.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Rafella Golden

Carroll Shelby Foundation Names Rafella Golden New Managing Director

Rafella Golden has been promoted to managing director of the Carroll Shelby Foundation by the charity’s board of directors. In this new position, Golden will manage the daily operations of the non-profit founded by legend Carroll Shelby. Golden has been part of the Shelby community since 2009, when she first began to work for Carroll Shelby International. Previously, she worked in public school fundraising, event coordination and retail design for a variety of organizations. Since joining Shelby, Golden has been involved in many different roles for Shelby American, Team Shelby, Carroll Shelby’s Store, Carroll Shelby International and the Carroll Shelby Foundation. Golden will fill a dual role as both managing director of the charity and will still remain part of the Team Shelby management team. This position will allow her to maximize opportunities for the charity to integrate into Shelby American and the international club’s events.

Classic Industries Publishes First Mustang Catalog Since Recent Merger

Classic Industries newest catalog features Ford products as a result of a recent California Mustang and California Muscle Parts merger.

Classic Industries has released an all-new catalog for Ford Mustang enthusiasts that will include restoration, customization, performance parts and accessories for all 1964 through 2004 Mustang models. The all-new catalog is the first Mustang catalog Classic Industries has published since the company merged California Mustang and California Muscle Parts into its operations in Huntington Beach, California, and rebranded the newly acquired group of companies as Classic Industries. For more information, visit www.classicindustries.com/mustang/catalog.html.

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists LLC Acquires AWRS Midwest

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists LLC (AWRS) announced the acquisition of AWRS Midwest. The acquisition includes the following cities, surrounding areas, and regions: St. Louis, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City, Kansas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville, Fort Smith); Central Arkansas (Little Rock); Northern Louisiana (Shreveport, Bossier); East Texas (Tyler, Longview, Nacogdoches).

The acquisition will substantially grow the AWRS LLC  footprint geographically and financially, thereby expanding upon AWRS Midwest's successes and exploring more in-depth capabilities. Mike Riley, current COO of AWRS Midwest, will continue to oversee daily operations.

Kumho Tire USA Names Samuel Choi New CEO

Kumho Tire USA announced that Samuel Choi has succeeded Harry Choi, who is stepping down and will move on from the company to pursue new career opportunities after six years leading Kumho’s U.S. headquarters. The company reports that the transition comes as a part of a global shift in key executive management roles geared to positively reinforce the company for the present and future. Kumho Tire Chairman Jong Ho Kim has also resigned from his position and the company will be naming his successor once decided.

Samuel Choi began his career with Kumho Tire more than 28 years ago and has held various management positions, including sales-planning leadership roles in the Middle East and Europe with a specific concentration on the French market. He most recently served as president of Kumho Mexico.

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.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Shane Tucker

Rob Tucker Racing Joins Forces With Engine Builder Nick Ferri for 2019

The race for the 2019 Mello Yello NHRA Pro Stock world championship is expected to be wide open, and Rob Tucker Racing, anchored by driver Shane Tucker, has opted to take advantage by joining forces with veteran engine supplier and consultant Nick Ferri. The Statesville, North Carolina-based Rob Tucker Racing team will for the first time run all the NHRA national events at which Pro Stock is contested next year with an eye toward qualifying for the Countdown to the Championship. Nick Ferri Racing will supply engines and consult with Tucker and his team on the set-up. In the past, Ferri worked with Jegs, Cagnazzi Racing, Mike Edwards Motorsports and most recently Elite Performance for a combined five world championships in Pro Stock. In addition to supplying Rob Tucker Racing with power, Ferri also plans to provide engines to other teams competing in Pro Stock during the 2019 season. Rob Tucker Racing will begin testing for the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season in January. The team will be ready to make a run at their first NHRA Mello Yello championship at the 58th annual Lucas Oil Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 7–10.

(Right to left, back to front): Alex Laughlin, Steve Matusek, Richard Freeman, Justin Elks and two crew members of Elite Motorsports. Front Row: Erica Enders.

Pro Mod Standout Steve Matusek Joins Forces With Elite Motorsports Pro Mod Team

Pro Mod driver Steve Matusek has announced that he will drive a twin-turbo Ford Mustang for Elite Motorsports in 2019, joining Elite’s Pro Mod operation that will also feature Erica Enders and Alex Laughlin for the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service season. The addition of Matusek is the latest move for Elite Motorsports as it continues to take a bigger leap into the NHRA Pro Mod ranks. Matusek made his NHRA Pro Mod debut in 2011, grabbing his first career win in the class in 2017 in Houston. He has four top-10 finishes in the loaded Pro Mod class. Matusek and Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman both share success in business, which was a major contributing factor in Matusek’s decision.

Veteran off-road racer Brad Lovell will compete in both SCORE and Best in the Desert in a new Spec Trophy Truck adorned in AMSOIL livery.

AMSOIL Racing Takes to the Open Desert

AMSOIL INC. is expanding its off-road racing program in 2019 to include open-desert racing. Veteran off-road racer Brad Lovell will compete in both SCORE and Best in the Desert in a new Spec Trophy Truck adorned in AMSOIL livery. Lovell joined Team AMSOIL in 2005 as a championship-winning rockcrawler and has gone on to win championships in King of the Hammers and short-course, off-road racing. Lovell and his team will kick off its desert-racing season March 4, 2019, with the Mint 400 in Las Vegas.

Preliminary 2019 AMSOIL/Lovell Racing Schedule:

• King of the Hammers, February 1–9
• BITD Mint 400, March 4–10
• SCORE San Felipe 250, April 3–7
• BITD Silver State 300, May 2–5
• Ultra 4 San Felipe, May 17–18
• SCORE Baja 500, May 29–June 2
• BITD Vegas 2 Reno, August 16
• BITD Laughlin Desert Classic, October 10–13
• Ultra 4 National Finals, October 18 

LIQUI MOLY, Stevens-Miller Racing Announce 2019 Partnership

LIQUI MOLY USA has announced sponsorship of Stevens-Miller Racing (SMR) for the 2019 TA2 season. The agreement is for LIQUI MOLY branding of one team car and one of the SMR team transporters. SMR will use LIQUI MOLY lubricants and additives exclusively in their TA2 cars in The Trans Am Presented by Pirelli 2019 season.

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

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for Chair-Elect, two seats in the Manufacturer category and one seat in the Manufacturers’ Representative category.

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

• Chair-elect (one open seat)
• Manufacturer (two open seats)
• Manufacturers’ Representative (one open seat)

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board-member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 3, 2019. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process; our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the nominating committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for Chair-Elect, two seats in the Manufacturer category and one seat in the Manufacturers’ Representative category.

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

• Chair-elect (one open seat)
• Manufacturer (two open seats)
• Manufacturers’ Representative (one open seat)

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board-member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 3, 2019. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process; our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the nominating committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO