By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

By Ashley Reyes

4WP Factory is the is the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest member spotlight company. In this week’s feature, company director of retail marketing Kathryn Reinhardt shares 4WP Factory’s breakthrough moment and current projects.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your company. How did it start?

Kathryn Reinhardt: We saw a niche opportunity to be the new the leader in aftermarket parts for the Bronco and continued to focus on parts for off-road enthusiast-focused vehicles, including the Toyota Tacoma.

SEMA: What was your company’s breakthrough moment?

KR: The launch of the complete 4WP Factory line for the ’21 Ford Bronco.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2022 and projects that you are working on.

KR: The company is off to a great start with the launch of the 4WP Factory Wheels, Ford Bronco and Toyota Tacoma product lines. Our next exciting project is the launch of the 4WP Factory Bronco interactive retail display.

SEMA: Tell us about a product that you are proud of.

KR: One of our most innovative products is the 4WP Factory Tacoma bumper with modular swingouts that allow the end user to completely customize their storage options.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

KR: Always set goals, and when you reach those goals continue to set new ones, and most importantly, get out of your comfort zone.

Fill out an TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Shawn Wang is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) newest spotlight member.
Wang is the CRM director at Hoonigan Industries. Get to know what keeps him in the industry and how he prepares for important meetings in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Shawn Wang: The best advice I’ve ever received is, “You’ll never know unless you try.”

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

SW: My love for cars and the people within the industry is what keeps me here.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

SW: You can find me at the beach.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

SW: I make sure I have all the correct information and rehearse what I will be saying.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

SW: I would go to lunch with Henry Ford.  

If you are a current FLN member, fill out an FLN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on FLN’s social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) has expanded its advocacy efforts to further promote and protect one of America’s oldest pastimes and hobbies: motor vehicle racing.

PRI’s enhanced Save Our Racecars initiative features a redesigned website (SaveOurRacecars.com) that streamlines the process for industry professionals, enthusiasts and fans to join the fight to preserve racing. Included is an all-new “Vote Racing” program to help facilitate voter registration while highlighting pro-racing candidates in the November midterm elections. Visitors to the site also will find PRI-created template letters, phone scripts and other resources designed to streamline outreach to lawmakers.  

“PRI has a long history of advocating for and protecting the racing industry, and the expansion of the Save Our Racecars campaign is our latest effort,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “Bringing together industry, enthusiasts and fans will be critical to driving awareness and support for an American passion that is under fire. The resources and access available on SaveOurRacecars.com make it easy for anyone to get involved, show their support and demonstrate that support at the polls.”

Critical to the industry’s future—and central to PRI’s advocacy efforts—is the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2021 (H.R. 3281/S.2736), which must be enacted into law to protect the right to modify street cars, trucks and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles. Supported by both PRI and SEMA, the RPM Act aims to protect Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.

The RPM Act reverses the EPA’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act does not allow a motor vehicle designed for street use to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned for 45 years until 2015, when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even when they are no longer driven on public roadways. The RPM Act does not interfere with the EPA’s authority to enforce against individuals who illegally install race parts on vehicles driven on public roads and highways and companies that market such products.

Converting street vehicles into dedicated race vehicles is an American tradition dating back to the 1800s. Motorsports competition involves tens of thousands of amateur and professional participants and vehicle owners each year at more than 1,300 race tracks across the United States. Retail sales of racing products make up a nearly $2 billion market annually helping drive the larger $49 billion high-performance aftermarket industry. The RPM Act will provide the racing community with certainty and confidence in the face of an EPA interpretation of the Clean Air Act that threatens to devastate an American pastime and eliminate jobs in our communities.

To date, more than 150 federal lawmakers and candidates on both sides of the aisle have either signed on as co-sponsors or expressed support for the RPM Act. PRI has compiled a database on SaveOurRacecars.com that allows individuals to “Vote Racing” in November’s midterms by researching and identifying those elected officials and candidates that share their passion. The site also provides resources to register to vote, apply for an absentee ballot, and access election resources through sites such as USA.gov.

Additionally, visitors to the site can join PRI’s Membership to show their support for the industry and stay up-to-date on critical developments.

For more information and to get involved, visit SaveOurRacecars.com.

Centerforce Clutches Announces Chris Thomson as National Sales Manager

Centerforce Clutches has appointed Chris Thomson as national sales manager. Thomson is a longtime motorsports professional, most recently serving as a national account manager for TMG Performance Products based in Berea, Ohio. Prior, he was director of business development for Baer Brake Systems in Phoenix, senior director of sales for Airaid/K&N Filters and western regional sales manager and sales/marketing manager for Holley Performance Products. Thomson also served on the SEMA Board of Directors from 2006 to 2012. 

’29 Du Pont Crowned 2022 AACA Zenith Award Winner

The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) has selected a ’29 Du Pont for its 2022 Zenith Award winner. Owned by Lammot J. du Pont of McLean, Virginia, this automobile is one of only 25 Model G Club Sedans ever built and is one of only a handful of Du Pont automobiles known to exist today.

Under its hand-crafted body by the Merrimac Body Company, the limited-production Du Pont was well known for its superb engineering, outstanding performance and distinctive styling. Power is provided by a 322ci Continental inline-eight engine producing 125 hp.

This particular Du Pont started out as a total basket case that was little more than a parts car. After several years of research and meticulous craftsmanship by its talented restorers, it rightfully earned the AACA’s Zenith Award for 2022.

This award recognizes the very best automobile restoration for its overall quality, authenticity and rarity. The 13 automobiles that competed for this year’s Zenith Award, held at the AACA Grand Nationals in Virginia Beach, Virginia, May 20–21, 2022, were selected from each of the AACA National shows in 2021. Only one vehicle can be crowned “Restoration of the Year,” and this stunningly restored ’29 Du Pont clearly deserved that honor.

Hendrick Organization Promotes Senior Executives

Chairman and CEO Rick Hendrick has named four longtime senior executives to lead key areas within the organization. Hendrick Motorsports President and COO Marshall Carlson, who since 2005 has led the day-to-day operations of the 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions, has been promoted to president of Hendrick Companies. He will support all Hendrick-affiliated businesses and initiatives, including Hendrick Motorsports and Hendrick Automotive Group, the privately held network of car dealerships in the United States.

Executive Vice President and General Manager Jeff Andrews has been elevated to president and GM. He will assume day-to-day management, including competition, engine operations, manufacturing, marketing, and administration. Andrews will report to Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon.

Wayne Robbins, Hendrick Motorsports’ CFO since 2019, will re-assume his role as executive vice president and CFO of Hendrick Companies. He will oversee strategic financial planning, management of investments and oversight of the not-for-profit Hendrick Family Foundation.  

Longtime executive Scott Lampe, who came to Hendrick Motorsports in 1999 and served as its CFO from 2005 until 2019, has returned to the team in the same role following more than two years working in private equity. He will guide accounting, human resources, information technology, facilities, operational excellence and aviation, and will report to Andrews.

Jim Browning Jr. Named President of Ultimate Headers

Ultimate Headers has announced that it has appointed Jim Browning Jr. as its president. Browning has worked for Ultimate Headers for five years, and under his leadership, the company recently moved operations to a new 12,000-sq.-ft. facility in Berea, Ohio. Before joining Ultimate Headers, Browning worked in the oil and gas industry for six years. He spent 18 years in several positions at CORSA Performance Exhaust, where he worked on new-product development and customer relations for OE boat manufacturers in CORSA’s marine business and with OE automotive manufacturers.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Shell, IndyCar to Introduce Renewable Race Fuel

Shell and IndyCar have announced a variety of sustainability initiatives designed to help reduce the carbon footprint within IndyCar and power progress toward more sustainable motorsports in North America. Beginning in 2023, Shell will produce a new race fuel for the NTT IndyCar Series. This new product consists of a blend of second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels to create a fuel that is 100% comprised of feedstocks categorized as renewable under the applicable regulatory frameworks. The fuel would make the NTT IndyCar Series the first United States-based motorsports series to power racing with 100% renewable race fuel and enable at least 60% greenhouse gas emissions reduction compared to fossil-based gasoline, according to IndyCar. For complete details, visit the IndyCar announcement here. For more information, visit indycar.com.

McLaren Racing to Compete in Formula E

In an effort to further its understanding of EV technology, McLaren Racing will compete in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, beginning in the Season 9 Gen3 era in 2022–2023. McLaren Racing will utilize the new, all-electric Gen3 race car, which is designed specifically for street racing.

The McLaren Formula E Team will be formed through the acquisition of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, expected to complete later this year, following an agreement between McLaren Racing and Mercedes-Benz that will see the reigning ABB FIA Formula E World Championship team transfer into the McLaren Racing family. Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team Team Principal Ian James will continue to lead the team. For more information, visit mclaren.com/racing or fiaformulae.com.    

Jim France to Receive Spirit of Le Mans Award

Jim France at the 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, courtesy of NASCAR.

NASCAR and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Chairman Jim France will receive the 2022 Spirit of Le Mans Award, as announced by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) President Pierre Fillon and the ACO Board of Directors. France, who helped secure the convergence agreement between IMSA and the ACO in 2020, will be presented with the trophy on Friday, June 10, ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 11–12). For more information, visit lemans.org.

Trackhouse Entertainment Group Announces PROJECT91 Program

Trackhouse Entertainment Group has announced the creation of PROJECT91—a program designed to expand its international reach by fielding a NASCAR Cup Series entry for renowned international racing drivers. Trackhouse’s PROJECT91 will enter the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at least once during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, with 2007 Formula One World Champion Kimi Raikkonen set to race on the road course at Watkins Glen (New York) International on August 21. For more information, visit trackhouse.com/racing. 

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

SEMA News—June 2022

REQUIRED READING

By Juan Torres, Rachel Tatum and Carr Winn

SEMA Members in the Media

It’s Time to Replicate

Earlier this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized a regulation to implement the SEMA-led Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, enabling replica-car businesses to produce and sell turnkey vehicles. SEMA worked with Congress to pass this federal policy change, which became law in 2015 as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act.

The historic law allows a low-volume manufacturer to construct up to 325 replica cars a year—cars that resemble production vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago and that are required to meet current model-year emissions standards.

“This is a hard-fought victory for enthusiasts, small-volume manufacturers, their suppliers, and all the men and women who will be hired to fill new jobs created by this law,” said Daniel Ingber, SEMA vice president of government affairs.

These are some of the publications that informed customers about the NHTSA regulations.

MOTOR AUTHORITY

“This has been a long time coming,” wrote Stephen Edelstein, who reminded readers that SEMA was one of the strongest proponents of the new law. He also pointed out that while consumers could now buy turnkey replicas directly from a manufacturer, they will still have the option to buy and build kit cars.

Car & Driver Magazine

Lucas Bell was enthusiastic in reporting that NHTSA had officially implemented the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, especially since automotive enthusiasts don’t seem to catch many breaks these days.

“This is a win we can all get behind, and one that could help get some seriously cool cars on the road in the near future,” he wrote.

THE DRIVE

Reporter Peter Holderith listed the FD RX7, the BMW E36 3 Series and A80 Toyota Supra among the replica cars that could now be built, thanks to the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act.

“This translates into an endless stream of kit cars now being joined by a considerable number of turnkey replicas,” he wrote. “Expect to see a lot more DeLoreans running around.”

Nissan Z Engine Exhaust AND Suspension

Nissan brought the ’23 Z into SEMA Garage for a measuring session. We put the vehicle on a lift and @Nissan USA Product Planning Manager Sam Cates highlighted features of the car.

’22 Toyota GR86 Walk-Around with Chelsie Lesnoski

Top 12 Battle of the Builders finalist Chelsie Lesnoski (right) from Throttle Thrashers Garage got a tour around the GR86 from Toyota Spokesperson Dan Gardner.

Sana Dadabhoy Scans Toyota GR86 at SEMA Garage

Influencer Sana Dadabhoy (@Ladyzla_) collaborates with SEMA Director of Vehicle Technology Luis Morales to scan the ’22 Toyota GR86.

Faces in the Crowd

Steven Nadaskai
@typicalstevenn

Nadaskai is a young car enthusiast, builder and community figure sharing positivity within the automotive world. He has always been passionate about cars and bought his dream car—an ’11 Volkswagen GTI. Nadaskai ultimately became a Young Guns Regional Winner and made his debut at the 2019 SEMA Show. Nadaskai is an advocate for young builders and incorporates SEMA initiatives and possible opportunities through his social media.

Autumn Reine
@autumn_reine

Reine is a professional welder and fabricator, incorporating those skills into her personal automotive projects, alongside her designer/mechanic/fiancé Nick McPherson. Together, they have built their dream garage and created a YouTube channel called “Wrench & Chill” that features her dream car—a ’74 Datsun 240 Z named “CrayZ.” Their vision is to make CrayZ into a reliable street car that can compete and do long-distance driving while sharing the build process with others through social media. They enjoy making content showing fabrication techniques, handy tools, companies they recommend and love working with, and industry news.

Marissa Olivares
@illestevo

Olivares is a 23-year-old female automotive enthusiast with a passion for cars and more than seven years experience in the automotive industry. Starting in early 2021, Olivares began documenting her journey with her personal build—an ’05 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR. Collaborating with well-known SEMA members, she is providing quality content for viewers and consumers in the industry.

Jacob Davis
@jacobrossdavis

Davis is a former columnist and social-media manager for Hot Rod. He is now a social-media influencer and the sole proprietor of Sally’s Speed Shop. Sally’s Speed Shop turns dream cars into a reality while his YouTube channel is filled with tech tips, event coverage and automotive shenanigans.

HEARD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

“After years of lobbying from SEMA, it’s now legal throughout the U.S. for manufacturers to build and sell brand-new replicas of cars over 25 years old.”—Road & Track Magazine, via Facebook

“A NHTSA rule about low-volume manufacturers has finally come into effect since it became law in 2015.”—CNET, via Twitter

“The Sale Of Replica Cars Is Now LEGAL In The US. SEMA has fought the hard battle, now cars produced more than 25 years ago can be legally replicated.”—CarBuzz, via Twitter

“Old can be new again as feds finally issue replica car rules.”—The Journal Magazine, via Facebook

  SEMA News—June 2022

INDUSTRY NEWS

 Photos courtesy SpiedBilde, Brian Williams. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

Ford Performance Bronco

’22 Lamborghini Urus

Our man near the Arctic Circle got another batch of shots of the facelifted ’22 Urus Evo with a slight makeover. Today’s Urus comes powered by a V8 4.0 TT that is rated at 650 hp and 850 Nm. It needs only 3.6 sec. to hit 60 mph and maxes out at 190 mph. An eight-speed automatic transmission works in tandem with a limited-slip interaxle Torsen differential. Expect a slight plus in power and top speed.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Prototype

Other than that, the prototype appears to be identical to the S550 Shelby GT350.

SEMA News—June 2022

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

Law and Order

By Daniel Ingber

Low Volume Replica Vehicle Manufacturers: NHTSA finalized a regulation to implement the SEMA-led Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. SEMA worked with Congress to amend federal law to enable small auto manufacturers to produce completed replica vehicles under a streamlined regulatory structure that reflects the distinctly different business model of this niche industry. NHTSA’s regulations offer a business-friendly pathway for companies to begin producing up to 325 such replica cars a year. Replicas must resemble production vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago to qualify—from ’30s roadsters to ’70s musclecars and more.

FEDERAL UPDATE

RPM Act: SEMA and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) continue to work closely with key lawmakers in Congress, SEMA members and the racing community to enact the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), H.R. 3281 and S. 2736. The RPM Act clarifies that it is legal to make emissions-related changes to convert a street vehicle into a dedicated race car under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The bill would also confirm that producing, marketing and installing racing equipment on track vehicles does not violate the CAA.

The RPM Act enjoys strong bipartisan support in the 2021–2022 session of Congress, including more than 145 lawmakers cosponsoring the bill, which is the byproduct of unprecedented grassroots advocacy by SEMA members and the motorsports parts industry as well as targeted outreach to key lawmakers through congressional site visits and meetings. However, it is imperative that we continue to keep the pressure on lawmakers to pass the bill before this session of Congress ends on January 3, 2023.

What follows are four things you can do right now to help to pass the RPM Act:

• Call and send a letter to your lawmakers at www.saveourracecars.com. A letter has already been drafted. It takes less than a minute to address yours to your lawmaker.
• Sign a letter to your lawmakers on company letterhead. Email erics@sema.org for a template and more information.
• Post about the RPM Act on your company’s social-media accounts using the digital assets toolkit at www.sema.org/rpmtools.
• Learn more about SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) at www.semapac.com. SEMA PAC allows SEMA members to support the lawmakers who stand up for our industry in Washington, D.C.

ADAS Technology: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed adding four more advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technologies to its five-star safety rating program: lane-keeping support, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and blind-spot intervention. NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) already includes four ADAS technologies: forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support. The agency is also seeking to update and strengthen the testing procedures and performance criteria for the four ADAS technologies currently in NCAP. SEMA is reviewing the proposed rule and will submit comments aimed at protecting consumers’ ability to modify their ADAS-equipped vehicles.

Autonomous Vehicle Safety Rule: NHTSA has issued a final rule to update the occupant protection Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to account for autonomous vehicles. The rule updates the FMVSS to clarify the standards automakers are held to when manufacturing autonomous vehicles that don’t require traditional driving controls such as a steering wheel and a brake pedal. Vehicles that are equipped with automated driving system (ADS) technology must provide the same level of occupant crash protection as current passenger vehicles. Fully autonomous vehicles using ADS technology differ from ADAS such as lane-departure warnings and automatic emergency braking that are becoming commonplace on new passenger vehicles. There are currently no fully autonomous passenger vehicles available for sale.

USTR Reports on China: The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued its annual report on China’s compliance with the commitments made in 2001 to join the World Trade Organization. This year’s report focuses on China’s failure to implement many of the significant commitments made in the Phase One trade agreement signed in January 2020. Consequently, there was no indication in the report that the Biden administration will lift any of the Section 301 tariffs that have been imposed on more than $350 billion worth of Chinese goods. Most auto part imports from China are subject to 25% tariffs.

In a separate action, the USTR issued its annual “notorious markets” list and added two Chinese e-commerce platforms to the list that already included other Chinese online sellers. AliExpress and the “WeChat e-commerce ecosystem” were added to the “notorious markets” list for the first time, because the scale of counterfeiting and piracy is causing significant harm to U.S. companies that own the intellectual property rights as well as to their workers and U.S. consumers. There has been a steep rise in the sale of counterfeit automotive parts on online marketplaces.

STATE UPDATE

Arizona Restoration: The Arizona legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow full restoration of pre-’81 vehicles, including temporary removal of the vehicle identification number (VIN) when necessary. This bill changes existing law to allow for the removal and reinstallation of a VIN if the vehicle was manufactured before ’81 and if the removal and reinstallation is reasonably necessary for repair or restoration. The bill is pending before Governor Doug Ducey.

Iowa Single License Plate: The Iowa Senate introduced SEMA-supported legislation to allow certain vehicles to display a single license plate on the rear of the vehicle. Under the bill, eligible motor vehicles include vintage (model-year ’79 or older), reconstructed or specially constructed vehicles built to resemble vintage motor vehicles, and limited-production motor vehicles. The bill awaits consideration in the Senate Transportation
Committee.

Kansas Antique Vehicles: The Kansas House of Representatives passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow a vehicle registered as antique with a model year of ’60 or earlier to use a bill of sale as proof of ownership. The bill awaits consideration by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Kansas Restoration: The Kansas state legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow full restoration of antique vehicles, including temporary removal of the vehicle identification number (VIN) when necessary. This bill changes existing law to allow for the removal and reinstallation of a VIN if it is reasonably necessary for repair or restoration. Currently, restorers who intentionally remove or alter a VIN, regardless of reason, are guilty of a felony and the vehicle is subject to seizure and destruction by law enforcement. The bill is pending before Governor Laura Kelly.

Maryland Military Vehicles: The Maryland House of Representatives introduced SEMA-supported legislation to allow for the registration of military surplus vehicles. The bill specifies that when applying for a registration (military vehicle collectors), the vehicle owner must certify that the military vehicle will be maintained for occasional transportation, exhibitions, veterans’ events, club activities, parades, tours and similar uses and will not be used for general daily transportation. The legislation is pending before the House Environment and Transportation Committee.

Michigan Historic Vehicles: The Michigan House of Representatives introduced SEMA-supported legislation to expand the use of historic vehicles by allowing vehicles to be driven without restrictions between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. The bill declares this time period as “participation in an exhibition.” Currently, historic vehicles may be used only in participation for club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades and similar uses, with the month of August declared as an exhibition period. The bill currently awaits consideration in the House Transportation Committee.

Minnesota Ethanol: The Minnesota House of Representatives introduced SEMA-opposed legislation to increase the standard biofuel blend in gasoline to 15% ethanol. Currently, there is a 10% state-wide standard, and there is an exemption in place for those selling or dispensing limited quantities of nonoxygenated gas for collector vehicles. This legislation would create a similar exemption for vehicles not approved to use more than 10% biofuel, which includes all model-year ’00 and older vehicles. The bill awaits consideration in the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

Virginia Exhaust Noise: The Virginia legislature passed SEMA-opposed legislation to reform enforcement of its exhaust noise laws. After different versions of the bill passed each chamber of the legislature, a conference committee resolved the differences to create a final version. Under the final version of the bill, law enforcement is given the authority to make a traffic stop to prevent excessive and unusual levels of noise, repealing a 2021 law that prevented this. The bill states that a vehicle’s exhaust system must use either standard factory equipment or equipment that meets or exceeds the standards and specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers. The bill is pending before Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Virginia YOM Plates: The Virginia legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation to expand year-of-manufacture (YOM) license plates for vehicles registered as antiques to include plates manufactured in ’73 or thereafter. Currently, only vehicles manufactured in ’72 or earlier may display YOM plates with DMV approval. The bill awaits consideration before Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Utah Military Vehicles: The Utah legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation to exempt military vehicles from displaying a license plate. The bill would require a license plate to be carried inside the vehicle and ready for inspection by law enforcement upon request. The bill is pending before Governor Spencer Cox.

SEMA News—June 2022

INDUSTRY NEWS

FAST FACTS

Power Automedia announced that Brian Havins, editor of LSX Magazine, has been promoted to director of content and consumer marketing after four years of being with the company. With this new role, Havins will lead the content of Power Automedia’s publishing division, developing editorial ideas while motivating the editorial team. He will work with the chief operating officer, creative operations director and other members of editorial leadership.

Quadratec Inc., a leading independent retailer of parts and accessories for Jeep vehicles, announced that it named New England-based manufacturer Crown Automotive as its 2021 Vendor of the Year. Crown was chosen following an extensive search across Quadratec’s entire vendor lineup, which features more than 500 of the Jeep aftermarket industry’s biggest and most known manufacturers.

AirSept announced the addition of Charles “Chuck” Abbott as the company’s vice president of sales and marketing. Hired March 1 by Aaron Becker, AirSept’s president, Abbott’s expertise is in transforming businesses for profitable growth in the tool, equipment and chemical categories via multiple channels to the automotive and HVAC/R service markets. Abbott previously served as vice president for global automotive sales for CPS Products Inc., where he managed strategic accounts, including Snap-on and Lockheed Martin.

Lucas Oil Products announced that Katie Lucas has been named as one of the 2022 Forty Under 40 honorees by Indiana Business Journal. The list highlights local business and professional leaders who have achieved success in their fields before the age of 40. In her role, Lucas is responsible for Lucas Oil’s strategic direction, vision and growth as a solutions-driven, customer-centric aftermarket and emerging lifestyle brand.

McLeod Racing announced sport-compact driver Lisa Kubo as its new director of sport compact sales. Kubo is a professional drag racer of 12 years and the first sport compact FWD driver to break into the seven-second zone. She will help grow and strengthen the McLeod Tuner Series line in her new position.

Live Fast Motorsports announced that former general manager Jessica McLeod has been appointed as the company’s new CEO. McLeod will be working directly with the company’s team owners, Matt Tifft and her husband, co-owner and driver B.J. McLeod. The McLeods have had many business ventures within NASCAR’s K&N, Trucks, Xfinity and Cup Series. They co-own the Xfinity Series’ B.J. McLeod Motorsports, which fields three full-time stock cars (numbers 5, 78 and 99).

Grote Industries promoted Chief Engineer Chuck O’Neal to executive director to lead and manage the company’s U.S. engineering organization. O’Neal started his career at Grote Industries in 1987 as a design draftsman working on the newly launched UBS wire harness product line. Over the years, O’Neal served in an engineering design and development capacity for nearly every product line Grote Industries offers, helping to launch many staple lighting products for the heavy-duty industry.

Moorpark, California-based Kahn Media acquired the assets of Tread Agency, which will act as a sub-brand of Kahn Media and provide digital marketing services with a focus on off-road, shooting sports, fishing and boating, overland and related market segments. Tread is based in Southern California with affiliates in Texas, Arizona and Florida. Tread Agency was founded by public relations and marketing veteran Jeff Dillow. He joined Kahn Media in 2021 and will remain directly engaged with the Tread Agency brand.

Monique Radersma, a former director of engineering at Denso’s thermal manufacturing facility in Guelph, Ontario, has won a STEP Ahead Award from The Manufacturing Institute. The STEP Ahead Awards annually honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite. Radersma, who retired a last year, began her career at Denso in 2005. She eventually took roles of increasing responsibility and was later promoted to director of engineering.

Driven Lighting Group—a supplier of aftermarket automotive lighting products and an online retailer—announced Brett E. Lauter as president of the company, based in Atlanta, Georgia. Lauter joins Matt Kossoff, Chris Nelson, Jeremie Baker and Jiten Patel on the company’s executive team. Lauter previously served as CEO of Bestop Morris, overseeing the Morris 4x4 Center.

Leed Brakes named Bill Cummings as the company’s vice president. Cummings has been in the aftermarket brake industry since 1998. He started his career in the brake industry with Stainless Steel Brakes Corp., working his way from the warehouse to operations manager in his 16-year tenure. As vice president, he will direct all operations within the company and develop strategies to propel Leed Brakes to the front of the automotive aftermarket.

Truck Accessories Group LLC announced that the company will begin operating under a new name and will be known as Leer Group, effective immediately. This renaming strategy reflects the evolution of the organization as well as the strength of its brands. Leer Group is a collection of recreational and commercial/fleet products, including the Leer, SnugTop, Century, Pace Edwards by Leer, and Bedslide brands. The names of the individual brands will remain.

RNR Tire Express officially announced the appointment of three new executives to the brand’s national leadership team. They include the promotions of Tracy Cintron to the role of franchise director; Candace Lovett to national marketing director; and the recent addition of Susan Vice to serve as the company’s new financial controller. Cintron will continue helping franchisees in their store-development efforts and play a more central role in their onboarding, training and overall success. Lovett will oversee strategic planning and initiatives for the company’s 160-plus locations nationwide. Vice’s position with the franchisor puts her in control of the daily operations of the accounting department.