Compiled by SEMA Editors

Specialty Vehicle Engineering has launched its latest project—the ’17 Yenko/SC Supercharged Camaro.

SVE Unleashes Limited-Production 800hp Yenko/SC Camaro

During the first half of January 2017, Classic Industries hosted the unveiling of the 800hp, supercharged Yenko/SC Corvette built by Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE). Building upon the reception of the Corvette, SVE has now launched its latest project—the ’17 Yenko/SC Supercharged Camaro. The latest build started as a Camaro SS, and a fully blueprinted 800hp LT-1 engine was added. The chassis of the Yenko has not been modified. Upgrades include Yenko-badged brake calipers, 20-in. five-spoke wheels with gunmetal finish, machined lip and sYc center caps, all wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Tires—285/35 R20 up front and 305/35 ZR20 on the back. Like the Corvette, power comes from a fully blueprinted 416-cid (6.8L) LT-1 engine, featuring an aluminum block that features a computer-balanced rotating assembly, including a race-quality forged 4340 steel crankshaft and H-beam rods, with forged aluminum pistons. CNC ported and polished LT-1 cylinder heads are topped off with a 2.9L twin-screw supercharger that is fed by an LT-4 fuel system and injectors, controlled by a custom-tuned PCM—a configuration good for 800hp and 750 lb.-ft. of torque. Exterior accents include the sYc hood stripe and Yenko/SC side stripe graphics, and strategically placed Yenko badges and Yenko Supercharged power badge with vehicle build number. Available in coupe or convertible and in a variety of color schemes, only 50 units will be produced. The Yenko/SC Camaro will be offered to customers through GM dealers as a custom order.

Dan Runte

Dan Runte Named Vice President of BIGFOOT

Dan Runte has been named vice president of BIGFOOT, taking over for Jim Kramer, who retired in 2016. With 28 years of industry experience, Runte will play an integral part of everything BIGFOOT—from the trucks to the drivers, in the shop and on the road. Expect to see him in the pits, shop and office. He may be turning a wrench, coaching a driver or talking with fans. He will also continue to work with sponsors and promoters.

Seventh Annual FAST Expo Appreciation and Awards Reception Recognizes Top Performers

National Performance Warehouse (NPW) has recognized Scott Morgan, KYB regional sales manager, for his dedication and support of NPW and the jobbers that NPW supplies. Morgan’s efforts selling and marketing shocks and struts in the company’s southeast territory has produced more than 50% sales growth. An award was also presented for Supplier of the Year, which went to APDI. Bumper to Bumper and Parts Pro awards in Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories were likewise awarded to 20 jobbers across Florida. The next NPW Expos are the Racer’s Equipment Open House, March 5, and the KARS Expo in Toronto, Canada, March 10–12.

E-ZOIL Names Marx Group as Agency of Record for Marketing and Public Relations

E-ZOIL, manufacturer of performance-enhancing fuel additives and cleaning solutions, has named Marx Group as its agency of record for marketing and public relations. Marx Group will assist E-ZOIL with marketing and branding strategies, messaging and ad creative, media planning and placement, trade show support, PR writing and distribution and represent the company to trade and consumer media.

Chip Foose	Dennis Gage

Foose, Gage Record Promotional Videos for Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation

Legendary car designer Chip Foose, star of “Overhaulin’,” and Dennis Gage, star of “My Classic Car,” recently recorded promotional videos for the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF). Carson Lev, president of Redphin Productions, exclusive representer for Chip Foose, said, “Chip and I proudly support and applaud the important work of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. We were happy to lend Chip’s voice to this worthy cause.” Lev went on to say: “AACF provides resources, guidance and financial support in times of illnesses and unexpected catastrophes to our friends and families in this great industry we love so much.”

The videos will be used at AACF events and presentations, shown during industry events like AAPEX/SEMA, and made available for public consumption via the Foundation website at www.aacfi.org. To make a donation or to simply learn more about the foundation, visit www.aacfi.org or contact Executive Director Joel Ayers at 916-628-0271.

SCRS Releases Part 2 of 2016 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit: “Restoring Vehicle Functionality Through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics”

During the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2016 SEMA Show, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) led several sessions with a focus on emerging trends in vehicle technology. Last week SCRS launched a second video that captured discussion about scan tools and options, in a segment on “Restoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics.” While the first segment featured representatives from leading automakers who discussed the positions they have released and the responsibilities expected of collision-repair providers, Part 2 features tool and solutions providers discussing the options available to the industry. The conversations cover different mechanisms available to the collision-repair community and unique challenges and advantages associated with the process of documenting the restoration of the technological elements in the vehicle. Individuals interested in training on the topic can find more information in I-CAR's recently released “Introduction to Diagnostics and Scan Tools” (VT210E01).

TBC Corporation Sells SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service to Grease Monkey

TBC Corp. has announced it has sold SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, effective January 31, 2017, to Grease Monkey International—an independent franchisor of automotive fast lube centers serving more than 2 million customers each year at more than 300 centers in the United States, China and Latin America. Founded in 1980, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service is a franchise-based full-service automotive care company with more than 100 shops across the United States in the Gulf Coast, Texas, Mid-Atlantic, California and New England regions. Grease Monkey President and CEO John B. Adams served the Big O Tires organization for more than 24 years, 12 of those years with Big O Tires as a wholly owned subsidiary of TBC.

Power Stop LLC Announces Griff Jordan as Executive Vice President

Power Stop LLC has announced that Griff Jordan has been appointed to the newly created position of executive vice president. He brings more than 30 years of aftermarket and OE brake experience to the performance braking solutions company. He has served in key leadership positions at Honeywell International Inc.’s Bendix brand, including engineering, product management, sales and marketing, and new-product launches.

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

Bestop will be the Official Truck & Jeep Outfitter of ULTRA4 Racing for the 2017 racing season.

Bestop Signs On as Official Sponsor of the 2017 ULTRA4 Racing Season

Bestop has announced it will be the Official Truck & Jeep Outfitter of ULTRA4 Racing for the 2017 racing season. The company has launched the partnership at the desert racing series’ kickoff event, King of the Hammers, February 3–11, in Johnson Valley, California. Bestop’s display for King of the Hammers was located on “Bestop Boulevard” in the iconic “Hammertown.” The Bestop Project Pink Jeep was at Hammertown to raise awareness for the Project Pink initiative—the company’s fundraising campaign in conjunction with the American Cancer Society. The Bestop Project Pink sweepstakes offers a chance to win one of two customized breast cancer embroidered Jeep soft tops. Tickets are $3 and there's no purchase limit. See www.BestopProjectPink.com for complete details.

The 23nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout kicks off the weekend of March 2–5.

NMRA Season Opener Kicks Off at Bradenton Motorsports Park March 2–5; AFCO to Sponsor Special Nostalgia Shootout

NMRA kicks off the 2017 season at Bradenton Motorsports Park the weekend of March 2–5 for the 23nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout, presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords magazine, features drag racing, an all-Ford car show, a manufacturer’s midway and more. The NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals Series includes the Street Outlaw class with 3,000+ hp turbo- and supercharged door-slammers and the Renegade class with their small-block Ford engines, plus special race classes, such as Outlaw True Street, Modular Xtreme, EcoBoost Battle, Terminator/GT500, Turbo Coyote and Stick Shift Shootouts. On Saturday, March 4, Street Outlaws’ Bobby Ducote in his ’86 Mustang will race and BoostedGT in his yellow JMS Chip-sponsored turbocharged ’03 SVT Cobra. For more information, visit www.NMRAdigital.com/FL. In addition, AFCO has stepped up to sponsor a special Nostalgia Muscle Car vs. Nostalgia Super Stock Shootout billed as Muscle Car Mayhem—a competition between 16 NMC and NSS racers. The winner of the NMC vs. NSS Muscle Car Mayhem Shootout will take home a custom cup filled with $750 cash.

Kyle Crouch won the 2017 Vision X Shootout.

Kyle Crouch Wins the 2017 Vision X Shootout

A late add to the roster and a first-time competitor at King of the Hammers, Kyle Crouch took down rock-bouncing legends Bobby Tanner and Richie Keith to win the 2017 Vision X Shootout, presented by KMC, King, and Nitro Gear. On his first pass on Backdoor, Crouch set a course record of 22.008, topping Tanner’s record of 22.6 seconds set in 2015. He won by almost six seconds to take home the $7,500 prize. One of the most popular events during the King of the Hammers week, 45 participants from more than 10 states competed in the 2017 edition. View the results.

RAM Mounts Plans Serious Motorsports Exposure With Team Lucas Events in 2017

This year, RAM Mounts is making a major push into the motorsports marketplace as Title Sponsor of the 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Pace Truck (RAM Mounts, Toyota Tundra); Presenting Sponsor of the Lucas Oil Modified Series and Title Sponsor of the 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Regional Series Official Pace Truck. RAM Mounts will also receive major exposure as sponsors of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling Series and the Lucas Oil Modified Series. In addition to sponsoring multiple Lucas Oil racing series, RAM Mounts has also announced that it has renewed its sponsorship agreement with El Cajon, California, native Ryan Beat, who competes in the Pro Lite Class in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, where he finished third overall in points in his 2016 campaign.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Bestop will be the Official Truck & Jeep Outfitter of ULTRA4 Racing for the 2017 racing season.

Bestop Signs On as Official Sponsor of the 2017 ULTRA4 Racing Season

Bestop has announced it will be the Official Truck & Jeep Outfitter of ULTRA4 Racing for the 2017 racing season. The company has launched the partnership at the desert racing series’ kickoff event, King of the Hammers, February 3–11, in Johnson Valley, California. Bestop’s display for King of the Hammers was located on “Bestop Boulevard” in the iconic “Hammertown.” The Bestop Project Pink Jeep was at Hammertown to raise awareness for the Project Pink initiative—the company’s fundraising campaign in conjunction with the American Cancer Society. The Bestop Project Pink sweepstakes offers a chance to win one of two customized breast cancer embroidered Jeep soft tops. Tickets are $3 and there's no purchase limit. See www.BestopProjectPink.com for complete details.

The 23nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout kicks off the weekend of March 2–5.

NMRA Season Opener Kicks Off at Bradenton Motorsports Park March 2–5; AFCO to Sponsor Special Nostalgia Shootout

NMRA kicks off the 2017 season at Bradenton Motorsports Park the weekend of March 2–5 for the 23nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout, presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords magazine, features drag racing, an all-Ford car show, a manufacturer’s midway and more. The NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals Series includes the Street Outlaw class with 3,000+ hp turbo- and supercharged door-slammers and the Renegade class with their small-block Ford engines, plus special race classes, such as Outlaw True Street, Modular Xtreme, EcoBoost Battle, Terminator/GT500, Turbo Coyote and Stick Shift Shootouts. On Saturday, March 4, Street Outlaws’ Bobby Ducote in his ’86 Mustang will race and BoostedGT in his yellow JMS Chip-sponsored turbocharged ’03 SVT Cobra. For more information, visit www.NMRAdigital.com/FL. In addition, AFCO has stepped up to sponsor a special Nostalgia Muscle Car vs. Nostalgia Super Stock Shootout billed as Muscle Car Mayhem—a competition between 16 NMC and NSS racers. The winner of the NMC vs. NSS Muscle Car Mayhem Shootout will take home a custom cup filled with $750 cash.

Kyle Crouch won the 2017 Vision X Shootout.

Kyle Crouch Wins the 2017 Vision X Shootout

A late add to the roster and a first-time competitor at King of the Hammers, Kyle Crouch took down rock-bouncing legends Bobby Tanner and Richie Keith to win the 2017 Vision X Shootout, presented by KMC, King, and Nitro Gear. On his first pass on Backdoor, Crouch set a course record of 22.008, topping Tanner’s record of 22.6 seconds set in 2015. He won by almost six seconds to take home the $7,500 prize. One of the most popular events during the King of the Hammers week, 45 participants from more than 10 states competed in the 2017 edition. View the results.

RAM Mounts Plans Serious Motorsports Exposure With Team Lucas Events in 2017

This year, RAM Mounts is making a major push into the motorsports marketplace as Title Sponsor of the 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Pace Truck (RAM Mounts, Toyota Tundra); Presenting Sponsor of the Lucas Oil Modified Series and Title Sponsor of the 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Regional Series Official Pace Truck. RAM Mounts will also receive major exposure as sponsors of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling Series and the Lucas Oil Modified Series. In addition to sponsoring multiple Lucas Oil racing series, RAM Mounts has also announced that it has renewed its sponsorship agreement with El Cajon, California, native Ryan Beat, who competes in the Pro Lite Class in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, where he finished third overall in points in his 2016 campaign.

By SEMA Editors

This is the latest look at the Ford F-150 Hybrid/PHEV mule, caught while testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Confirmed earlier this month by CEO Mark Fields, the F-150 will get a hybrid variant in late 2020 in conjunction with a heavily refreshed version of the truck. Previous photos have revealed the hybrid system has long been in the works, and a plug-in may also be in the works based on the charge point seen through the camouflage, suggesting an Energi version will be in the cards.

A noticable difference on this mule is that it appears to have a narrower track width than the current F-150. In 2014, Ford showed off a modified Fusion lightweight concept that featured narrower tires, and that’s what we could be seeing here. We also could be seeing narrower axles, but the cost associated with that doesn’t make fiscal sense.

This particular F-150 Hybrid mule was using a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6 to team with the electric powertrain based on the sound of the prototype. Being able to function at low speeds on electric power only, the prototype was able to accelerate quickly in city and highway driving.

Count on the hybrid getting the 2.3L EcoBoost four found in the Mustang and other Fords, where it’s capable of as much as 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the likely transmission, but sources have hinted at a new transmission dedicated strictly to the hybrid truck.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is the latest look at the Ford F-150 Hybrid/PHEV mule, caught while testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Confirmed earlier this month by CEO Mark Fields, the F-150 will get a hybrid variant in late 2020 in conjunction with a heavily refreshed version of the truck. Previous photos have revealed the hybrid system has long been in the works, and a plug-in may also be in the works based on the charge point seen through the camouflage, suggesting an Energi version will be in the cards.

A noticable difference on this mule is that it appears to have a narrower track width than the current F-150. In 2014, Ford showed off a modified Fusion lightweight concept that featured narrower tires, and that’s what we could be seeing here. We also could be seeing narrower axles, but the cost associated with that doesn’t make fiscal sense.

This particular F-150 Hybrid mule was using a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6 to team with the electric powertrain based on the sound of the prototype. Being able to function at low speeds on electric power only, the prototype was able to accelerate quickly in city and highway driving.

Count on the hybrid getting the 2.3L EcoBoost four found in the Mustang and other Fords, where it’s capable of as much as 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the likely transmission, but sources have hinted at a new transmission dedicated strictly to the hybrid truck.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is the latest look at the Ford F-150 Hybrid/PHEV mule, caught while testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Confirmed earlier this month by CEO Mark Fields, the F-150 will get a hybrid variant in late 2020 in conjunction with a heavily refreshed version of the truck. Previous photos have revealed the hybrid system has long been in the works, and a plug-in may also be in the works based on the charge point seen through the camouflage, suggesting an Energi version will be in the cards.

A noticable difference on this mule is that it appears to have a narrower track width than the current F-150. In 2014, Ford showed off a modified Fusion lightweight concept that featured narrower tires, and that’s what we could be seeing here. We also could be seeing narrower axles, but the cost associated with that doesn’t make fiscal sense.

This particular F-150 Hybrid mule was using a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6 to team with the electric powertrain based on the sound of the prototype. Being able to function at low speeds on electric power only, the prototype was able to accelerate quickly in city and highway driving.

Count on the hybrid getting the 2.3L EcoBoost four found in the Mustang and other Fords, where it’s capable of as much as 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the likely transmission, but sources have hinted at a new transmission dedicated strictly to the hybrid truck.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is the latest look at the Ford F-150 Hybrid/PHEV mule, caught while testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Confirmed earlier this month by CEO Mark Fields, the F-150 will get a hybrid variant in late 2020 in conjunction with a heavily refreshed version of the truck. Previous photos have revealed the hybrid system has long been in the works, and a plug-in may also be in the works based on the charge point seen through the camouflage, suggesting an Energi version will be in the cards.

A noticable difference on this mule is that it appears to have a narrower track width than the current F-150. In 2014, Ford showed off a modified Fusion lightweight concept that featured narrower tires, and that’s what we could be seeing here. We also could be seeing narrower axles, but the cost associated with that doesn’t make fiscal sense.

This particular F-150 Hybrid mule was using a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6 to team with the electric powertrain based on the sound of the prototype. Being able to function at low speeds on electric power only, the prototype was able to accelerate quickly in city and highway driving.

Count on the hybrid getting the 2.3L EcoBoost four found in the Mustang and other Fords, where it’s capable of as much as 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the likely transmission, but sources have hinted at a new transmission dedicated strictly to the hybrid truck.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is the latest look at the Ford F-150 Hybrid/PHEV mule, caught while testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Confirmed earlier this month by CEO Mark Fields, the F-150 will get a hybrid variant in late 2020 in conjunction with a heavily refreshed version of the truck. Previous photos have revealed the hybrid system has long been in the works, and a plug-in may also be in the works based on the charge point seen through the camouflage, suggesting an Energi version will be in the cards.

A noticable difference on this mule is that it appears to have a narrower track width than the current F-150. In 2014, Ford showed off a modified Fusion lightweight concept that featured narrower tires, and that’s what we could be seeing here. We also could be seeing narrower axles, but the cost associated with that doesn’t make fiscal sense.

This particular F-150 Hybrid mule was using a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6 to team with the electric powertrain based on the sound of the prototype. Being able to function at low speeds on electric power only, the prototype was able to accelerate quickly in city and highway driving.

Count on the hybrid getting the 2.3L EcoBoost four found in the Mustang and other Fords, where it’s capable of as much as 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the likely transmission, but sources have hinted at a new transmission dedicated strictly to the hybrid truck.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is the latest look at the Ford F-150 Hybrid/PHEV mule, caught while testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Confirmed earlier this month by CEO Mark Fields, the F-150 will get a hybrid variant in late 2020 in conjunction with a heavily refreshed version of the truck. Previous photos have revealed the hybrid system has long been in the works, and a plug-in may also be in the works based on the charge point seen through the camouflage, suggesting an Energi version will be in the cards.

A noticable difference on this mule is that it appears to have a narrower track width than the current F-150. In 2014, Ford showed off a modified Fusion lightweight concept that featured narrower tires, and that’s what we could be seeing here. We also could be seeing narrower axles, but the cost associated with that doesn’t make fiscal sense.

This particular F-150 Hybrid mule was using a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6 to team with the electric powertrain based on the sound of the prototype. Being able to function at low speeds on electric power only, the prototype was able to accelerate quickly in city and highway driving.

Count on the hybrid getting the 2.3L EcoBoost four found in the Mustang and other Fords, where it’s capable of as much as 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the likely transmission, but sources have hinted at a new transmission dedicated strictly to the hybrid truck.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Matt Agosta, Chip Foose and Gary Hooker were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2016.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate an industry professional for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

The 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products; Chip Foose, Foose Design; and Gary Hooker, Hooker Headers.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.