By Mike Imlay

Video By Carr Winn & Clint Simone

Every SEMA Show vehicle has a story, but few intertwine the themes of mentorship, industry know-how, teamwork and inspiration as compellingly as Project Underdog, a student-customized 1972 Ford Maverick built under the tutelage of actor Sung Kang. Sponsored by Shell and featuring Pennzoil, and supported by Ford Motor Company, Samsung, NITTO, GReddy, Rocket Bunny and Facebook, the unique vehicle venture was completed at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, just days before its official unveiling at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Kang created Project Underdog as an exercise in youth engagement, putting together a unique team consisting of three aspiring California car enthusiasts from Alhambra High School, award-winning vehicle builder Steve Strope, members of the SEMA Garage and other industry professionals to successfully transform the unassuming "underdog" Maverick into a showcase performer and winner of a Ford Corporate Design Award for its significant contribution to vehicle design. Along the way, student builders Tony Chen, Alexis Hernandez and Christian Quiroz acquired valuable technical and life skills from Kang and his company of adult mentors.

The actor first drove the Maverick while shooting a Fast & Furious movie on location in Brazil and immediately fell in love with the vehicle. "The Maverick has always been under-appreciated, overlooked and undervalued, but those who love her are loyal forever," he explained. "This and the chance to make a difference for these students is something I can stand behind."

The Maverick is now on tour, benefit other aspiring industry students via an extensive media campaign ending in an October 2017 Barrett Jackson auction in Las Vegas where its sale will benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Providing financial support to young people pursuing automotive careers, the Foundation delivers dozens of annual awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 to deserving student recipients, with a $5,000 award going to a top achiever. The program also includes a loan forgiveness fund for employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off loans from study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program. Since its inception in 1984, the Memorial Scholarship Fund has granted $2.1 million to more than 1,200 students.

"Kang's Project Underdog is, at its heart, designed to promote youth outreach and inspire the next generation to become future enthusiasts and pursue automotive careers," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM & product development programs, who oversees the SEMA Garage. "Our SEMA programs were simply the right fit for this team project that proved the underdog can win big and benefit our community."

The vehicle build also proved the right fit for high-profile industry sponsors eager to support young talent eyeing industry careers. "Project Underdog' puts the spotlight on fostering automotive education for today's youth, one of the many core values that Shell, featuring Pennzoil, shares with Sung Kang and SEMA," said Don Moser, marketing director for Shell Lubricants, a chief Project Underdog sponsor. "These students [saw] a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hone their passion for cars and take on the task of rebuilding one of the greatest underdogs in automotive history, the Ford Maverick."

Big Aspirations

As for the vehicle itself, Project Underdog features a blend of humble, old-school hot-rodding and leading-edge, new-school performance tuning. Utilizing SEMA Garage resources, the build leveraged advanced prototyping tools such as 3D scanning, extensive use of CAD and even full-scale 3D printing of a dummy "engine block" for fitment into an unorthodox Maverick application. The vehicle's new bodywork boasts flared wheel arches, a custom front bumper and forward-mounted black wing mirrors, all riding on a set of deep-dish gold wheels. Amid these and other extensive chassis and body modifications, the project replaced the outdated 1972 inline six-cylinder engine with a new Ford EcoBoost 2.3L from a 2015 Mustang. Originally rated at 305HP, the EcoBoost was reworked to churn out an excess of 400HP while delivering modern levels of efficiency, fuel economy and lowered emissions. The high-achieving engine was mated to a six-speed Tremec T56 transmission -- a none-to-easy task, but a challenge the SEMA Garage team was happy to take on.

"Part of what we were trying to show here is the engineering ability of the SEMA Garage," explained Spagnola. "From the beginning we scanned the engine bay and we scanned the engine so we would know exactly how it would fit into the engine bay. We got dimensions from Tremec and their CAD files, so we knew what it would take to put that transmission into the car. The experience was something kind of new for us here in Diamond Bar. Our four SEMA Tech Transfer engineers here at the Garage help members all the time to produce products, but they've never had to do it themselves. It was neat to see them do that. It was a great learning process for us that will help us serve our members even better."

The Maverick build became a learning experience for its other industry supporters as well. According to Jesse Kershaw, product manager, Ford Performance Parts, Project Underdog helped speed the development of a new control pack, the electronic wiring kit that allows Ford's late-model engines to be transplanted into non-original vehicles like the Maverick.

"In this case, when the SEMA group decided to do Project Underdog and they contacted Ford [about making the new engine work in the Maverick], we said, well we're actually working on this great install kit the will make your life very easy there. We're planning to debut it and show it as a new product submission at the SEMA Show in a few weeks, so this was the perfect timing to get it out here and get some real-world feedback from the SEMA team. A lot of what we've learned here is going to roll into our installation instructions, and probably add some some tweaks to the control pack that will make it easier for everyone else to put it in their car," explained Kershaw. "What I liked about doing the Maverick with one of our 2.3-liter engines is that it's a little unconventional. I won't say it can fit in anything, but if you can make it work in here, and you can work around the details and get all the small details right, the lessons learned here can be applied to so many other platforms."

Pure Vision founder and well-known vehicle builder Steve Strope became Project Underdog's designer through his longtime friendship with Sung Kang. Down to the wire right up to its SEMA Show debut, Strope noted that the Maverick required a lot problem-solving and out-of-box thinking on the fly. However, he viewed those bumps along the way as a valuable education for the team's high schoolers.

"Hopefully the kids are seeing that, because that's what this is all about," he said. "It's supposed to be teaching and mentoring the kids in the small picture of this is how [something] goes together, and the big picture [of] this is what you do when a problem hits you."

Moreover, helping inner-city students overcome daunting obstacles was always at the heart of Sung Kang's vision for the build. "He was formulating the idea for this project, and already had the terminology Project Underdog, because these kids he envisioned were underdogs. They were not the stars of the world, the football team, the homecoming kings. They're from the inner city, don't get a lot of opportunity, but like to work on cars," reiterated Strope, adding that the team was encouraged by several aftermarket sources who came along at just the right moment to keep the build on track and on schedule. "There were a lot of good people with big hearts and knowledge helping out, and that kind of saved the day," he said.

Bolt manufacturer ARP was among the aftermarket companies that rushed in to keep the project moving, supplying its hardware for use throughout the Maverick. In fact, ARP Vice President Robert Flourine confessed to wanting his own Maverick build project in his younger years, but unfortunately lacked the time and money for it back then. Still, he says, he had something today's youth often miss out on: high school shop training.

"What drove me to this was the fact it was getting young school kids in the project and learning how to put together a project of this scale," said Flourine. "Getting these young people involved and learning skills and learning a vocation, I think, is one of the best things we can do for our youth. When I was a young man growing up, we had metal shop, we had auto shop, we had a variety of vocations we could learn in school. Too many schools have gotten rid of those programs."

Indeed, opportunities like Project Underdog are so sought-after nowadays that student builder Alexis Hernandez never thought he'd make the team. "At first I was like shocked. I didn't think I was going to be picked. There were so many students. When we got called, I was like, is this for real? It was pretty crazy," he recalled.

Tragically, the excitement of the build was soon tempered by the sudden death of his father, who had taken real pride in Hernandez' achievement. But Hernandez learned to channel his sadness into the project as a tribute to his late father.

"My dad was telling everybody about this project," he said. "When he passed away, I thought about how he talked to everybody, and said, 'I can't just give up. I'm going to keep on doing it for him.' It was amazing. After that I started coming to the SEMA Garage early mornings and late at night to work on it."

In those late hours, Hernandez gained not only valuable technological skills but an even more important spirit of camaraderie. "A lot of industry people came together and helped us out with this project," he explained. "I learned about working in a team and working with people who have been in the industry for many years. I learned a lot about old-style and new technologies."

It's an opportunity Hernandez believes he wouldn't have gotten anywhere else, and one he will now take with him as he continues his vocational education at United Technical Institute, which he entered just weeks after the vehicle's SEMA Show unveiling.

Back at the SEMA Garage, Spagnola says all three students learned to push beyond the limits in the unusual vehicle build, which culminated in a huge thrill for the entire team when a turn of the ignition key verified that their hours of painstaking dedication had paid off.

"Starting the car was like seeing your baby born," he said. "It was great to see all three of our students mature in different ways. As excited as we are about the car, I'm more excited about the students, seeing them grow, seeing their passion for this industry, and hearing them talk about their future."

For more information about the SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center, visit www.semagarage.org, email garage@sema.org, or call 909-978-6728. To learn more about the SEMA Memorial Scholarship program, contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA manager of education projects, at 901-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org. To view Project Underdog's promotional video and episodes, visit Garage Monkey's YouTube channel at YouTube.com/user/GarageMonkeyTV.

By Mike Imlay

Video By Carr Winn & Clint Simone

Every SEMA Show vehicle has a story, but few intertwine the themes of mentorship, industry know-how, teamwork and inspiration as compellingly as Project Underdog, a student-customized 1972 Ford Maverick built under the tutelage of actor Sung Kang. Sponsored by Shell and featuring Pennzoil, and supported by Ford Motor Company, Samsung, NITTO, GReddy, Rocket Bunny and Facebook, the unique vehicle venture was completed at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, just days before its official unveiling at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Kang created Project Underdog as an exercise in youth engagement, putting together a unique team consisting of three aspiring California car enthusiasts from Alhambra High School, award-winning vehicle builder Steve Strope, members of the SEMA Garage and other industry professionals to successfully transform the unassuming "underdog" Maverick into a showcase performer and winner of a Ford Corporate Design Award for its significant contribution to vehicle design. Along the way, student builders Tony Chen, Alexis Hernandez and Christian Quiroz acquired valuable technical and life skills from Kang and his company of adult mentors.

The actor first drove the Maverick while shooting a Fast & Furious movie on location in Brazil and immediately fell in love with the vehicle. "The Maverick has always been under-appreciated, overlooked and undervalued, but those who love her are loyal forever," he explained. "This and the chance to make a difference for these students is something I can stand behind."

The Maverick is now on tour, benefit other aspiring industry students via an extensive media campaign ending in an October 2017 Barrett Jackson auction in Las Vegas where its sale will benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Providing financial support to young people pursuing automotive careers, the Foundation delivers dozens of annual awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 to deserving student recipients, with a $5,000 award going to a top achiever. The program also includes a loan forgiveness fund for employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off loans from study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program. Since its inception in 1984, the Memorial Scholarship Fund has granted $2.1 million to more than 1,200 students.

"Kang's Project Underdog is, at its heart, designed to promote youth outreach and inspire the next generation to become future enthusiasts and pursue automotive careers," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM & product development programs, who oversees the SEMA Garage. "Our SEMA programs were simply the right fit for this team project that proved the underdog can win big and benefit our community."

The vehicle build also proved the right fit for high-profile industry sponsors eager to support young talent eyeing industry careers. "Project Underdog' puts the spotlight on fostering automotive education for today's youth, one of the many core values that Shell, featuring Pennzoil, shares with Sung Kang and SEMA," said Don Moser, marketing director for Shell Lubricants, a chief Project Underdog sponsor. "These students [saw] a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hone their passion for cars and take on the task of rebuilding one of the greatest underdogs in automotive history, the Ford Maverick."

Big Aspirations

As for the vehicle itself, Project Underdog features a blend of humble, old-school hot-rodding and leading-edge, new-school performance tuning. Utilizing SEMA Garage resources, the build leveraged advanced prototyping tools such as 3D scanning, extensive use of CAD and even full-scale 3D printing of a dummy "engine block" for fitment into an unorthodox Maverick application. The vehicle's new bodywork boasts flared wheel arches, a custom front bumper and forward-mounted black wing mirrors, all riding on a set of deep-dish gold wheels. Amid these and other extensive chassis and body modifications, the project replaced the outdated 1972 inline six-cylinder engine with a new Ford EcoBoost 2.3L from a 2015 Mustang. Originally rated at 305HP, the EcoBoost was reworked to churn out an excess of 400HP while delivering modern levels of efficiency, fuel economy and lowered emissions. The high-achieving engine was mated to a six-speed Tremec T56 transmission -- a none-to-easy task, but a challenge the SEMA Garage team was happy to take on.

"Part of what we were trying to show here is the engineering ability of the SEMA Garage," explained Spagnola. "From the beginning we scanned the engine bay and we scanned the engine so we would know exactly how it would fit into the engine bay. We got dimensions from Tremec and their CAD files, so we knew what it would take to put that transmission into the car. The experience was something kind of new for us here in Diamond Bar. Our four SEMA Tech Transfer engineers here at the Garage help members all the time to produce products, but they've never had to do it themselves. It was neat to see them do that. It was a great learning process for us that will help us serve our members even better."

The Maverick build became a learning experience for its other industry supporters as well. According to Jesse Kershaw, product manager, Ford Performance Parts, Project Underdog helped speed the development of a new control pack, the electronic wiring kit that allows Ford's late-model engines to be transplanted into non-original vehicles like the Maverick.

"In this case, when the SEMA group decided to do Project Underdog and they contacted Ford [about making the new engine work in the Maverick], we said, well we're actually working on this great install kit the will make your life very easy there. We're planning to debut it and show it as a new product submission at the SEMA Show in a few weeks, so this was the perfect timing to get it out here and get some real-world feedback from the SEMA team. A lot of what we've learned here is going to roll into our installation instructions, and probably add some some tweaks to the control pack that will make it easier for everyone else to put it in their car," explained Kershaw. "What I liked about doing the Maverick with one of our 2.3-liter engines is that it's a little unconventional. I won't say it can fit in anything, but if you can make it work in here, and you can work around the details and get all the small details right, the lessons learned here can be applied to so many other platforms."

Pure Vision founder and well-known vehicle builder Steve Strope became Project Underdog's designer through his longtime friendship with Sung Kang. Down to the wire right up to its SEMA Show debut, Strope noted that the Maverick required a lot problem-solving and out-of-box thinking on the fly. However, he viewed those bumps along the way as a valuable education for the team's high schoolers.

"Hopefully the kids are seeing that, because that's what this is all about," he said. "It's supposed to be teaching and mentoring the kids in the small picture of this is how [something] goes together, and the big picture [of] this is what you do when a problem hits you."

Moreover, helping inner-city students overcome daunting obstacles was always at the heart of Sung Kang's vision for the build. "He was formulating the idea for this project, and already had the terminology Project Underdog, because these kids he envisioned were underdogs. They were not the stars of the world, the football team, the homecoming kings. They're from the inner city, don't get a lot of opportunity, but like to work on cars," reiterated Strope, adding that the team was encouraged by several aftermarket sources who came along at just the right moment to keep the build on track and on schedule. "There were a lot of good people with big hearts and knowledge helping out, and that kind of saved the day," he said.

Bolt manufacturer ARP was among the aftermarket companies that rushed in to keep the project moving, supplying its hardware for use throughout the Maverick. In fact, ARP Vice President Robert Flourine confessed to wanting his own Maverick build project in his younger years, but unfortunately lacked the time and money for it back then. Still, he says, he had something today's youth often miss out on: high school shop training.

"What drove me to this was the fact it was getting young school kids in the project and learning how to put together a project of this scale," said Flourine. "Getting these young people involved and learning skills and learning a vocation, I think, is one of the best things we can do for our youth. When I was a young man growing up, we had metal shop, we had auto shop, we had a variety of vocations we could learn in school. Too many schools have gotten rid of those programs."

Indeed, opportunities like Project Underdog are so sought-after nowadays that student builder Alexis Hernandez never thought he'd make the team. "At first I was like shocked. I didn't think I was going to be picked. There were so many students. When we got called, I was like, is this for real? It was pretty crazy," he recalled.

Tragically, the excitement of the build was soon tempered by the sudden death of his father, who had taken real pride in Hernandez' achievement. But Hernandez learned to channel his sadness into the project as a tribute to his late father.

"My dad was telling everybody about this project," he said. "When he passed away, I thought about how he talked to everybody, and said, 'I can't just give up. I'm going to keep on doing it for him.' It was amazing. After that I started coming to the SEMA Garage early mornings and late at night to work on it."

In those late hours, Hernandez gained not only valuable technological skills but an even more important spirit of camaraderie. "A lot of industry people came together and helped us out with this project," he explained. "I learned about working in a team and working with people who have been in the industry for many years. I learned a lot about old-style and new technologies."

It's an opportunity Hernandez believes he wouldn't have gotten anywhere else, and one he will now take with him as he continues his vocational education at United Technical Institute, which he entered just weeks after the vehicle's SEMA Show unveiling.

Back at the SEMA Garage, Spagnola says all three students learned to push beyond the limits in the unusual vehicle build, which culminated in a huge thrill for the entire team when a turn of the ignition key verified that their hours of painstaking dedication had paid off.

"Starting the car was like seeing your baby born," he said. "It was great to see all three of our students mature in different ways. As excited as we are about the car, I'm more excited about the students, seeing them grow, seeing their passion for this industry, and hearing them talk about their future."

For more information about the SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center, visit www.semagarage.org, email garage@sema.org, or call 909-978-6728. To learn more about the SEMA Memorial Scholarship program, contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA manager of education projects, at 901-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org. To view Project Underdog's promotional video and episodes, visit Garage Monkey's YouTube channel at YouTube.com/user/GarageMonkeyTV.

Chevrolet engineers are currently polishing the final details of what is set to become the swansong of the C7 Corvette generation—the ’18 Corvette ZR1—which has been spotted testing at the German Nürburgring race circuit.

The biggest question revolving around the upcoming supercar has to do with the contents of its engine compartment. Rumors about the heart of the upcoming ZR1 are split, with one of the most likely versions talking about the LT4 V8 animating the Corvette Z06 and the Camaro ZL1 receiving a larger supercharger for the newcomer. Other voices talk about the all-new LT5 DOHC V8, which has been confirmed for the ’18 Corvette, being the engine of the ZR1.

For one thing, the GM confirmation only regarded the 6.2L LT5 powering the a ’18-model-year ’Vette, but since we’re most likely looking at a naturally aspirated mill, this seems more suitable to the mid-engined C8 Corvette. This theory is not without its questions though, and that’s because the engine will land for the ’18 MY, while the C8 is expected to be introduced as a ’19 model. Regardless of the engine, the ’18 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 should feature the new 10-speed automatic GM and Ford have developed together.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Chevrolet engineers are currently polishing the final details of what is set to become the swansong of the C7 Corvette generation—the ’18 Corvette ZR1—which has been spotted testing at the German Nürburgring race circuit.

The biggest question revolving around the upcoming supercar has to do with the contents of its engine compartment. Rumors about the heart of the upcoming ZR1 are split, with one of the most likely versions talking about the LT4 V8 animating the Corvette Z06 and the Camaro ZL1 receiving a larger supercharger for the newcomer. Other voices talk about the all-new LT5 DOHC V8, which has been confirmed for the ’18 Corvette, being the engine of the ZR1.

For one thing, the GM confirmation only regarded the 6.2L LT5 powering the a ’18-model-year ’Vette, but since we’re most likely looking at a naturally aspirated mill, this seems more suitable to the mid-engined C8 Corvette. This theory is not without its questions though, and that’s because the engine will land for the ’18 MY, while the C8 is expected to be introduced as a ’19 model. Regardless of the engine, the ’18 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 should feature the new 10-speed automatic GM and Ford have developed together.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Chevrolet engineers are currently polishing the final details of what is set to become the swansong of the C7 Corvette generation—the ’18 Corvette ZR1—which has been spotted testing at the German Nürburgring race circuit.

The biggest question revolving around the upcoming supercar has to do with the contents of its engine compartment. Rumors about the heart of the upcoming ZR1 are split, with one of the most likely versions talking about the LT4 V8 animating the Corvette Z06 and the Camaro ZL1 receiving a larger supercharger for the newcomer. Other voices talk about the all-new LT5 DOHC V8, which has been confirmed for the ’18 Corvette, being the engine of the ZR1.

For one thing, the GM confirmation only regarded the 6.2L LT5 powering the a ’18-model-year ’Vette, but since we’re most likely looking at a naturally aspirated mill, this seems more suitable to the mid-engined C8 Corvette. This theory is not without its questions though, and that’s because the engine will land for the ’18 MY, while the C8 is expected to be introduced as a ’19 model. Regardless of the engine, the ’18 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 should feature the new 10-speed automatic GM and Ford have developed together.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Chevrolet engineers are currently polishing the final details of what is set to become the swansong of the C7 Corvette generation—the ’18 Corvette ZR1—which has been spotted testing at the German Nürburgring race circuit.

The biggest question revolving around the upcoming supercar has to do with the contents of its engine compartment. Rumors about the heart of the upcoming ZR1 are split, with one of the most likely versions talking about the LT4 V8 animating the Corvette Z06 and the Camaro ZL1 receiving a larger supercharger for the newcomer. Other voices talk about the all-new LT5 DOHC V8, which has been confirmed for the ’18 Corvette, being the engine of the ZR1.

For one thing, the GM confirmation only regarded the 6.2L LT5 powering the a ’18-model-year ’Vette, but since we’re most likely looking at a naturally aspirated mill, this seems more suitable to the mid-engined C8 Corvette. This theory is not without its questions though, and that’s because the engine will land for the ’18 MY, while the C8 is expected to be introduced as a ’19 model. Regardless of the engine, the ’18 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 should feature the new 10-speed automatic GM and Ford have developed together.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Chevrolet engineers are currently polishing the final details of what is set to become the swansong of the C7 Corvette generation—the ’18 Corvette ZR1—which has been spotted testing at the German Nürburgring race circuit.

The biggest question revolving around the upcoming supercar has to do with the contents of its engine compartment. Rumors about the heart of the upcoming ZR1 are split, with one of the most likely versions talking about the LT4 V8 animating the Corvette Z06 and the Camaro ZL1 receiving a larger supercharger for the newcomer. Other voices talk about the all-new LT5 DOHC V8, which has been confirmed for the ’18 Corvette, being the engine of the ZR1.

For one thing, the GM confirmation only regarded the 6.2L LT5 powering the a ’18-model-year ’Vette, but since we’re most likely looking at a naturally aspirated mill, this seems more suitable to the mid-engined C8 Corvette. This theory is not without its questions though, and that’s because the engine will land for the ’18 MY, while the C8 is expected to be introduced as a ’19 model. Regardless of the engine, the ’18 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 should feature the new 10-speed automatic GM and Ford have developed together.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Chevrolet engineers are currently polishing the final details of what is set to become the swansong of the C7 Corvette generation—the ’18 Corvette ZR1—which has been spotted testing at the German Nürburgring race circuit.

The biggest question revolving around the upcoming supercar has to do with the contents of its engine compartment. Rumors about the heart of the upcoming ZR1 are split, with one of the most likely versions talking about the LT4 V8 animating the Corvette Z06 and the Camaro ZL1 receiving a larger supercharger for the newcomer. Other voices talk about the all-new LT5 DOHC V8, which has been confirmed for the ’18 Corvette, being the engine of the ZR1.

For one thing, the GM confirmation only regarded the 6.2L LT5 powering the a ’18-model-year ’Vette, but since we’re most likely looking at a naturally aspirated mill, this seems more suitable to the mid-engined C8 Corvette. This theory is not without its questions though, and that’s because the engine will land for the ’18 MY, while the C8 is expected to be introduced as a ’19 model. Regardless of the engine, the ’18 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 should feature the new 10-speed automatic GM and Ford have developed together.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Chevrolet engineers are currently polishing the final details of what is set to become the swansong of the C7 Corvette generation—the ’18 Corvette ZR1—which has been spotted testing at the German Nürburgring race circuit.

The biggest question revolving around the upcoming supercar has to do with the contents of its engine compartment. Rumors about the heart of the upcoming ZR1 are split, with one of the most likely versions talking about the LT4 V8 animating the Corvette Z06 and the Camaro ZL1 receiving a larger supercharger for the newcomer. Other voices talk about the all-new LT5 DOHC V8, which has been confirmed for the ’18 Corvette, being the engine of the ZR1.

For one thing, the GM confirmation only regarded the 6.2L LT5 powering the a ’18-model-year ’Vette, but since we’re most likely looking at a naturally aspirated mill, this seems more suitable to the mid-engined C8 Corvette. This theory is not without its questions though, and that’s because the engine will land for the ’18 MY, while the C8 is expected to be introduced as a ’19 model. Regardless of the engine, the ’18 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 should feature the new 10-speed automatic GM and Ford have developed together.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Jeff Allen (center-left) took first place in the Fool’s Roll race for charity, raising $10,000 for SEMA Cares.

Jeff Allen Wins Fool’s Roll, Raises $10,000 for SEMA Cares

Partnering with Shell, Pennzoil and SEMA Cares, Jeff Allen, owner of Flat 12 Gallery and co-host of the automotive podcast “Skidmarks Show,” took first place in the Fool’s Roll race for charity, raising $10,000 for SEMA Cares. Fool’s Roll is a “Cannonball Run”-type event that starts in Austin, Texas, and ends in Las Vegas. Using $2,000 or less, participants must buy a car, drive it to Vegas in the least amount of time without getting a ticket, sell the car and put all the money on one bet of blackjack, roulette, craps or war while wearing costumes the entire time. Allen drove a car with 224,866 miles cross-country to win the race.

CURT Announces Roch Lambert as New CEO

CURT Manufacturing LLC, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, has announced the appointment of Roch (Rock) Lambert, as the company’s new CEO, effective March 13, 2017. Lambert will succeed, Greg Hooks, who will continue to serve as a member of CURT’s board of directors. Lambert has more than 30 years of experience in leadership roles in the durable consumer goods environment. He spent many years with the BRP Group (Ski Doo Sea Doo) and his earlier career includes such positions as plant engineering manager, operations vice president, vice president and general manager, and CEO with P&L responsibility of more than $1 billion in annual revenue. He has spent the past 20 years of his career in senior executive-level roles, serving on several industry boards of directors, including most recently as CEO and chairman of the board for RBH/Beneteau Group (Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab and Wellcraft). Lambert succeeds Greg Hooks, who joined CURT as CEO in 2000, and led the company through a series of acquisitions, including Aries Automotive, Towing Electrical Systems (TES) and Luverne Truck Equipment. Under Hooks’ leadership, CURT has received numerous industry awards for service to its customers, including American Honda and Honda Accessory America, JC Whitney and the AAM. Since 2000, CURT has experienced consistent year-over-year revenue growth, innovation of the product portfolio, and expansion of the company’s warehouse and service footprint from a regional distributor to an international- and United States-based manufacturer and distributor of a diverse array of towing and automotive aftermarket accessory products.

VOXX to Buy Rosen Electronics

VOXX has entered a definitive agreement to purchase Rosen from AAMP. It expects during the next two weeks to move Rosen operations from AAMP’s Ontario, California, warehouse to VOXX’s facilities in Nevada, Virginia and Orlando. AAMP purchased Rosen, then an independent company, in May 2015. Rosen supplies car video, navigation interfaces, radio, backup sensors, and other car audio products.

Tenneco Continues to Add Monroe, Walker Servicegrams to Technical Resources Available to Service Professionals

Tenneco’s Monroe Shocks and Struts and Walker Emissions Control Servicegram technical flier series continues to grow. The free monthly flier training library—launched to automotive service professionals and counter professionals last March—now encompasses a wide array of timely service and product topics that provide additional insight into a repair process, troubleshooting process or frequently asked question. Available in English, French and Spanish, Servicegrams are published monthly and available electronically through the Monroe and Walker websites. The latest Monroe Servicegrams available on Monroe.com cover topics including “Weepage vs. Leakage: Leaking Fluid Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Shock or Strut Failure” and “Strut Assembly Installation—Avoiding Noise Issues.” The latest Walker Servicegrams—available on www.WalkerExhaust.com—feature topics that include “Treating All Exhaust Clamps as Interchangeable Can Lead to Safety Concerns & Other Issues,” “The VECI Label Can Be Your Guide in Converter Replacement,” and “Improperly Torqued Flanges Can Result in Leaks, Warping and Failure.”

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (MFCS) was named a GM Supplier of the Year.

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions Recognized by General Motors as a 2016 Supplier of the Year Winner

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (MFCS) was named a GM Supplier of the Year during the General Motors 25th Annual Supplier of the Year awards ceremony, held March 31, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. This is the second consecutive year MFCS has been awarded Supplier of the Year by General Motors. GM recognized 118 of its best suppliers, representing 15 countries, that have consistently exceeded GM’s expectations, created outstanding value or brought new innovations to the company. The announcement represented the most suppliers GM has recognized since debuting the Supplier of the Year event in 1992. Winning suppliers were chosen by a global team of GM purchasing, engineering, quality, manufacturing and logistics executives and selected based on performance criteria in product purchasing, indirect purchasing, customer care and aftersales and logistics. More than half of the suppliers are repeat winners from 2015.

Xceleration Media Publications Now Available Through EPWI

Xceleration Media Group has announced that all four of its print titles (Power and Performance News, Drag Racing Scene, Street Rod Life and OneDirt) are now available through Engine and Performance Warehouse Inc. (EPWI). With 13 strategic locations, EPWI services more than 7,500 active, qualified customers, including automotive jobbers, machine shops and engine builders. Xceleration Media magazines will be available through EPWI distribution centers starting April 17.

Buck’s 4x4 and Rebuilding Generations are working together to transform a ’17 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a full adventure Jeep for the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

Pro Builder Buck’s 4x4 and Rebuilding Generations Collaborate on Adventure Jeep

A Team ARIES Pro Builder, Buck’s 4x4, and an organization called Rebuilding Generations are working together to transform a ’17 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a full adventure Jeep for the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Rebuilding Generations is an organization that pairs the skills and knowledge of true automotive experts with young enthusiasts. The annual Easter Jeep Safari features nine days of trail riding and hardcore rock crawling in Moab. The build will feature the following ARIES Automotive components. Sponsors include CURT Manufacturing, WARN, BDS Suspension, Fox Shocks, KargoMaster, SOTA Offroad Wheels, Factor55, Bartact Seat Covers, JKS Suspension, API Tires, Alpine Stereo, Hoffman’s Autobody, The Wrap Shop and Yukon Gears.

Mike Mizusawa Named President and Chief Operating Officer of Wells Vehicle Electronics

Wells Vehicle Electronics (WVE) has announced that Mike Mizusawa has been named as the company’s new president and chief operating officer. Mizusawa previously served as WVE’s senior vice president – operations, where he was responsible for management and oversight of the company’s manufacturing facility in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. In his new role, Mizusawa will be responsible for day-to-day operations of WVE, including product development, manufacturing operations and distribution. Prior to his role at WVE, Mizusawa served as the president of Autolite Spark Plug Co.

One of the teams that ran through the engine twice was a team of brothers; Kyle, 9, and Billy, 8, from Frankfort, Illinois.

First Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge Kicks Off at the Gateway Motorsports Park

The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Junior Engine Challenge started last weekend with the first official event held at Gateway Motorsport Park in Madison, Illinois. A team comprised of two individuals (one of whom must be 5–18 years of age) must completely disassemble/reassemble a complete single-cylinder OHV engine, utilizing only basic hand tools. Some goals behind this contest are to help individuals develop great communication skills, self-esteem, problem-solving skills and an understanding of an internal combustion engine. More than 20 competitors participated, including a team of brothers; Kyle, 9, and Billy, 8, from Frankfort, Illinois. The next HROT Junior Engine Challenge will be the Protect the Harvest Midwest Junior Super Series, to be held May 5–7, at Byron Dragway in Byron, Illinois. For more information, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

Turn 14 Distribution Adds Anzo USA Lighting Products to Line Card

Turn 14 Distribution has added lighting products from AnzoUSA to its line card. AnzoUSA’s lighting products are designed using CAD/CAM computerized equipment, and are then tested using three-dimensional machinery to ensure precision and accuracy in the research, development and design process of the product molds. All AnzoUSA products are manufactured in their state-of-the-art ISO 9002 and QS 9000 quality-certified factory.

Classic Industries Introduces Catalog for Buick Regal, Grand National and T-Type Models

Classic Industries has announced that the company will expand its coverage of classic GM vehicles to include a variety of Buick models, including Regal, Grand National and T-Type. Classic Industries’ upcoming expansion will be geared toward ’78–’87 Buick Regal, Grand National and T-Type models focusing heavily on restoration, performance and customization products. This expanded product line will offer a selection of parts and accessories for either the interior or exterior of the vehicle, including many officially licensed GM Restoration Parts.

The AAM Group selects GCommerce to Implement EDI

The members of the Automotive Accessories Marketing Group (AAM Group), have chosen to implement EDI with their suppliers, and selected GCommerce to handle all of the connectivity between AAM members and their suppliers. In support of the program, GCommerce will communicate with the suppliers to the AAM Group beginning immediately and facilitate onboarding, mapping, testing and implementation of electronic documents, including purchase orders, acknowledgements, shipping notifications and invoices. The cloud architecture of GCommerce enables suppliers to the AAM Group to communicate with all members, regardless of their technology platform, document formats or IT protocols, through a single integration.

(L–R): John Outcalt, PPG vice president, global automotive refinish; Tammy and David Kenimer, owners, Southern Auto Color; Greg Benckart, vice president, Americas.

PPG Honors Southern Auto Color and Tasco Auto Color with Platinum Distributor of the Year Award

PPG has named two distributors—Southern Auto Color and Tasco Auto Color—as recipients of its Platinum Distributor of the Year award. It was the first time PPG has given the recognition to more than one distributor. Bob Wenzinger, director of the PPG Platinum Distributor program, presented the award at the annual PPG Platinum Distributor Conference held recently at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas. The conference brought together distributors from across the United States and Canada. Southern Auto Color owners David and Tammy Kenimer and Tasco Auto Color president and vice president David Abrahams and Lee Martinez, respectively, accepted the award. Also taking part in the presentation were PPG’s Michael McGarry, president and CEO; John Outcalt, vice president, global automotive refinish; and Greg Benckart, vice president, Americas.

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