By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to ban the use of trichloroethylene (TCE) in aerosol degreasers and as a spot-removal agent in dry cleaning. TCE is a volatile organic compound that is primarily used to process refrigerants. It is also used in some consumer commercial products as a metal degreasing solvent since it is relatively inexpensive, has a low fire risk, quickly evaporates and requires no rinsing. For the latter use, the EPA has identified some potential health risks that can be addressed by switching to alternative chemicals. Consequently, the EPA is proposing to prohibit the manufacture, importing, processing and distribution in commerce of TCE for aerosol degreasing and for spot cleaning. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to ban the use of trichloroethylene (TCE) in aerosol degreasers and as a spot-removal agent in dry cleaning. TCE is a volatile organic compound that is primarily used to process refrigerants. It is also used in some consumer commercial products as a metal degreasing solvent since it is relatively inexpensive, has a low fire risk, quickly evaporates and requires no rinsing. For the latter use, the EPA has identified some potential health risks that can be addressed by switching to alternative chemicals. Consequently, the EPA is proposing to prohibit the manufacture, importing, processing and distribution in commerce of TCE for aerosol degreasing and for spot cleaning. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Dan Gurney received the Peter Bryant Challenger Award. Photo credit: Ed Justice Jr.

Bryant Honoree Dan Gurney Receives Individual Award

On August 20, 2016, Dan Gurney’s name was added to the honor roll attached to the Peter Bryant Challenger Award at the “Tribute to the Can-Am” event held in conjunction with the Monterey Historics event. Gurney was among the first waves of young American drivers to venture “across the pond” to race in sports cars and Formula One. His abilities behind the wheel and a keen sense of technical inquisitiveness eventually lead him to building and racing cars himself. He became the second driver in motorsports history to win an F1 race in a car of his own design and manufacture at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1967. He also teamed up with A.J. Foyt to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Ford. After he hung up his helmet, he continued that winning streak for his “Eagle” racing cars.  

Motorsport.com will partner with the Race of Champions, which will be held in Miami, January 21–22, 2017, as the event’s international digital media partner.

Motorsport.com Announces Official Partnership With Race of Champions

Motorsport.com will partner with the Race of Champions as the event’s international digital media partner. The Race of Champions is an annual blue ribband event that brings the best drivers from various forms of autosports from around the world—from Formula 1 to NASCAR and two-wheel championships—together for a weekend of competition. The event will be held in the United States for the first time January 21–22, 2017, at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida. Some of the drivers scheduled to participate include Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa, former World Champion Jenson Button and his compatriot, David Coulthard. The participants also include the 2016 Indianapolis 500 Champion Alexander Rossi, double Global Rallycross Champion Scott Speed and NASCAR Champions Kyle and Kurt Busch. Motorsport.com operates in multiple languages and editions and will support the Race of Champions with enhanced editorial coverage of the event throughout the weekend. Coverage will include live interviews, event footage and live-stream action. Motorsport Network will promote the event on Motorsport.com and its family of channels, including Autosport, F1Racing, Motorsport News and Motorsport.TV.

Tanner Foust has launched “Quantum Drift” on the Rockstar Energy Drink YouTube channel.

Champion Racer Tanner Foust Stars in “Quantum Drift”

Champion racer and stunt driver Tanner Foust has launched “Quantum Drift,” a new video on the Rockstar Energy Drink YouTube channel that showcases the driver’s skills behind the wheel of multiple machines. In a nod to the ’80s science-fiction television show “Quantum Leap,” the video follows Foust as he swaps between his favorite vehicles in unexpected environments. Linked by a special yellow steering wheel, Foust stunts his 600-hp Rockstar Energy Drink Volkswagen Beetle over a makeshift gap jump, takes a Jamaican excursion in a Polaris RZR UTV, gets sideways on gravel in his 900-hp drift Passat, drives a Porsche 912E with a personal family connection and pilots a boat. Donut Media led the production, capturing footage some 30 seconds at a time over six months in 2016. It is the first time that Foust has worked with Donut Media.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Dan Gurney received the Peter Bryant Challenger Award. Photo credit: Ed Justice Jr.

Bryant Honoree Dan Gurney Receives Individual Award

On August 20, 2016, Dan Gurney’s name was added to the honor roll attached to the Peter Bryant Challenger Award at the “Tribute to the Can-Am” event held in conjunction with the Monterey Historics event. Gurney was among the first waves of young American drivers to venture “across the pond” to race in sports cars and Formula One. His abilities behind the wheel and a keen sense of technical inquisitiveness eventually lead him to building and racing cars himself. He became the second driver in motorsports history to win an F1 race in a car of his own design and manufacture at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1967. He also teamed up with A.J. Foyt to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Ford. After he hung up his helmet, he continued that winning streak for his “Eagle” racing cars.  

Motorsport.com will partner with the Race of Champions, which will be held in Miami, January 21–22, 2017, as the event’s international digital media partner.

Motorsport.com Announces Official Partnership With Race of Champions

Motorsport.com will partner with the Race of Champions as the event’s international digital media partner. The Race of Champions is an annual blue ribband event that brings the best drivers from various forms of autosports from around the world—from Formula 1 to NASCAR and two-wheel championships—together for a weekend of competition. The event will be held in the United States for the first time January 21–22, 2017, at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida. Some of the drivers scheduled to participate include Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa, former World Champion Jenson Button and his compatriot, David Coulthard. The participants also include the 2016 Indianapolis 500 Champion Alexander Rossi, double Global Rallycross Champion Scott Speed and NASCAR Champions Kyle and Kurt Busch. Motorsport.com operates in multiple languages and editions and will support the Race of Champions with enhanced editorial coverage of the event throughout the weekend. Coverage will include live interviews, event footage and live-stream action. Motorsport Network will promote the event on Motorsport.com and its family of channels, including Autosport, F1Racing, Motorsport News and Motorsport.TV.

Tanner Foust has launched “Quantum Drift” on the Rockstar Energy Drink YouTube channel.

Champion Racer Tanner Foust Stars in “Quantum Drift”

Champion racer and stunt driver Tanner Foust has launched “Quantum Drift,” a new video on the Rockstar Energy Drink YouTube channel that showcases the driver’s skills behind the wheel of multiple machines. In a nod to the ’80s science-fiction television show “Quantum Leap,” the video follows Foust as he swaps between his favorite vehicles in unexpected environments. Linked by a special yellow steering wheel, Foust stunts his 600-hp Rockstar Energy Drink Volkswagen Beetle over a makeshift gap jump, takes a Jamaican excursion in a Polaris RZR UTV, gets sideways on gravel in his 900-hp drift Passat, drives a Porsche 912E with a personal family connection and pilots a boat. Donut Media led the production, capturing footage some 30 seconds at a time over six months in 2016. It is the first time that Foust has worked with Donut Media.

By SEMA Editors

Ford Motor Company is offering 2016 SEMA Show attendees a $750 SEMA Bonus Cash offer on any eligible ’16/’17 Ford or Lincoln vehicle through January 3, 2017.

In celebration of SEMA’s 50th anniversary, Ford Motor Company is offering 2016 SEMA Show attendees a $750 SEMA Bonus Cash offer on any eligible ’16–’17 Ford or Lincoln vehicle through January 3, 2017. Ford vehicles are perennial favorites among SEMA members as the hottest cars and trucks.

This additional $750 Bonus Cash on any eligible ’16–’17 Ford and Lincoln vehicles applies toward either a vehicle purchase or lease.

Request your SEMA $750 Bonus Cash offer.

By SEMA Editors

Ford Motor Company is offering 2016 SEMA Show attendees a $750 SEMA Bonus Cash offer on any eligible ’16/’17 Ford or Lincoln vehicle through January 3, 2017.

In celebration of SEMA’s 50th anniversary, Ford Motor Company is offering 2016 SEMA Show attendees a $750 SEMA Bonus Cash offer on any eligible ’16–’17 Ford or Lincoln vehicle through January 3, 2017. Ford vehicles are perennial favorites among SEMA members as the hottest cars and trucks.

This additional $750 Bonus Cash on any eligible ’16–’17 Ford and Lincoln vehicles applies toward either a vehicle purchase or lease.

Request your SEMA $750 Bonus Cash offer.

By Carr Winn and Clint Simone

The SEMA Garage recently had a special request to help design some accessories for a jolly guy with a tight deadline. He needed some special upgrades to fit a very unique application and it had to be completed by December 24. Here’s a look at how the SEMA Garage helped get this client ready for the holidays.

The SEMA Garage was developed to assist members with new-product development. From research to 3D prototyping and emissions testing, as well as the creation of marketing material, the Garage is a world-class design facility for all manufacturers.

The SEMA Garage features the following:

• A fully equipped installation center with measuring tools, vehicle lift and other items needed to work on any project vehicle.
• A tech transfer program with OEM-provided CAD files to help the development and fitment of newly produced products.
• 3D printing and scanning services to test the form, fit and function with prototype models of new parts.
• Hands-on access to new vehicles through measuring sessions.
• An emissions and dyno lab for EO/CARB certification.
• A vehicle and product photography studio with infinity walls and adjustable overhead lighting.
• A training center for conducting product reveals or training sessions.

For complete information about the SEMA Garage, read the SEMA Garage FAQ.

By Carr Winn and Clint Simone

The SEMA Garage recently had a special request to help design some accessories for a jolly guy with a tight deadline. He needed some special upgrades to fit a very unique application and it had to be completed by December 24. Here’s a look at how the SEMA Garage helped get this client ready for the holidays.

The SEMA Garage was developed to assist members with new-product development. From research to 3D prototyping and emissions testing, as well as the creation of marketing material, the Garage is a world-class design facility for all manufacturers.

The SEMA Garage features the following:

• A fully equipped installation center with measuring tools, vehicle lift and other items needed to work on any project vehicle.
• A tech transfer program with OEM-provided CAD files to help the development and fitment of newly produced products.
• 3D printing and scanning services to test the form, fit and function with prototype models of new parts.
• Hands-on access to new vehicles through measuring sessions.
• An emissions and dyno lab for EO/CARB certification.
• A vehicle and product photography studio with infinity walls and adjustable overhead lighting.
• A training center for conducting product reveals or training sessions.

For complete information about the SEMA Garage, read the SEMA Garage FAQ.

By Carr Winn and Clint Simone

The SEMA Garage recently had a special request to help design some accessories for a jolly guy with a tight deadline. He needed some special upgrades to fit a very unique application and it had to be completed by December 24. Here’s a look at how the SEMA Garage helped get this client ready for the holidays.

The SEMA Garage was developed to assist members with new-product development. From research to 3D prototyping and emissions testing, as well as the creation of marketing material, the Garage is a world-class design facility for all manufacturers.

The SEMA Garage features the following:

• A fully equipped installation center with measuring tools, vehicle lift and other items needed to work on any project vehicle.
• A tech transfer program with OEM-provided CAD files to help the development and fitment of newly produced products.
• 3D printing and scanning services to test the form, fit and function with prototype models of new parts.
• Hands-on access to new vehicles through measuring sessions.
• An emissions and dyno lab for EO/CARB certification.
• A vehicle and product photography studio with infinity walls and adjustable overhead lighting.
• A training center for conducting product reveals or training sessions.

For complete information about the SEMA Garage, read the SEMA Garage FAQ.

By Gavin Knapp

SEMA’s new “Specialty-Equipment Consumer Purchase Journey” report examines how the industry’s most engaged consumers go from finding inspiration to actually purchasing a product.

For many businesses, the end of the year means evaluating past performance and refining strategies to boost future sales. Do you know how to reach high-value customers? SEMA’s new “Specialty-Equipment Consumer Purchase Journey” report examines how the industry’s most engaged consumers go from finding inspiration to actually purchasing a product. Read about some of the key paths enthusiasts take to help better understand opportunities to engage them.

The report contains information regarding the size of the specialty-equipment market and the types of consumers who purchase products, but most importantly, it provides insight into how enthusiasts go about shopping for and purchasing parts. Understanding these touchpoints can help professionals decide where and how to connect with enthusiasts during their shopping process. 

Find the report online.

More great research is coming in the new year, including a report on the U.S. racing market and a special look at online vs. brick-and-mortar shopping. Stay tuned!