By Rachel Tatum

Cody Medeisis (@cody342_/) will join SEMA Young Guns followers for an Instagram “Ask Me Anything” on Tuesday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PDT).

Medeisis was the Young Guns division winner in the 2020 Battle of the Builders competition with his ’68 Camaro. This build was transformed for the dragstrip, featuring a 388ci LS engine outfitted with a Callies crankshaft, BoostLine connecting rods, JE pistons, Frankenstein Monster Series heads, Holley EFI, a Vortech V-7 YSi-B supercharger and a custom stainless-steel exhaust equipped with MagnaFlow mufflers and Granatelli Motorsports exhaust cutouts, producing an estimated 900 hp. Medeisis is currently working on a ’94 S10 rebuild.

Join us for this very special Ask Me Anything to learn what it’s like to compete—and win—in the Young Guns division for SEMA’s Battle of the Builders. SEMA continues to actively recruit automotive influencers for the SEMA Social Media Correspondent program. Apply now to be considered.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Motorsports Technician
Canepa is hiring a motorsports technician with a broad knowledge base of all mechanical aspects of a vehicle, from suspension and brakes to engine and transmission. Candidates must be highly versatile with superior skills and be able to produce work of the highest quality. Exceptional diagnostic ability along with race preparation experience and the ability to work individually as well as part of a multifunctional team are required.

Regional Sales Manager
LIQUI MOLY USA currently seeks a regional sales manager for the Central Ohio region assignment of Columbus/Cleveland/Cincinnati. Occasional travel will be required. In this position, you will take an active part in the successful growth of the company.  Throughout this region, you will be responsible for sales growth, marketing efforts and business expansion. Candidates must have a minimum of five years experience in field sales management (preferably in lubricant products or the automotive aftermarket).

Sales and Marketing Manager
Bed Wood and Parts is hiring an experienced sales and marketing manager with a proven history of driving positive change in these areas of the organization and will contribute to Bed Wood’s success by creating new sales opportunities and revenue growth in the restoration, classic and late-model truck segment of the automotive aftermarket. The sales and marketing manager’s responsibilities include day-to-day sales and supervisory activities, creating engaging advertisements and marketing campaigns, emails and promotional literature, and working with third-party advertising firms to achieve the company’s sales and marketing goals.

By SEMA Editors

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

For the first time in SEMA Garage history, the team hosted a measuring session featuring an electric vehicle: the F-150 Lightning. Luis Morales, Director Of Vehicle Technology talks us through it.

Excitement for the 2022 SEMA Show is ramping as exhibitors prepare to select their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, May 2–18. Show officials will use the weeks-long process to begin building this year’s floorplan. With more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed, enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to be stronger than last year as “confirmed spaces are running 25% above 2021” explained Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Among the exhibiting companies at the 2022 SEMA Show are several automakers that will return with expanded activations and a bigger presence at the world’s leading automotive trade show. OEMs rely on the SEMA Show each year to introduce concepts, showcase custom builds and launch new accessory products that not only enhance their production vehicles but also provide solutions for enthusiastic car owners who love to personalize their automobiles.

“The SEMA Show is the prefect venue for OEMs to showcase their vehicle lineups and accessories to tens of thousands of qualified buyers who are looking for the latest products and trends,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “SEMA Show attendees look forward to connecting with the OEMs and learning about the products that are available to help their customers modify their rides.”

Numerous OEMs, including Chevrolet, Hummer, GMC, Toyota, Lexus and Nissan are returning to the 2022 SEMA Show with larger exhibitor displays that will not only provide more space to enrich their activations on the Show floor but also help enhance their exposure. They will be joined by Stellantis and a new OEM exhibitor in Volkswagen, who will use their booth space to showcase their vehicles and complimentary aftermarket accessories to Show attendees for the first time.

Due to a change in corporate strategy, Ford and Honda will not be displaying at the 2022 SEMA Show. We appreciate their long-time support, and while many of us are going to miss their participation at this year’s Show, we are excited to see the Show take on a new look in Central Hall. SEMA will continue to collaborate with both Ford and Honda on various SEMA programs, such as Tech Transfer and Measuring Sessions in 2022 and beyond.

The 2022 SEMA Show, held November 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will build on the success of last year’s event, which was the largest automotive trade show in North American since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“Our industry thrived in the face of the pandemic and continues to grow despite current challenges in the marketplace,” said Gattuso. “Last year’s SEMA Show showcased the resiliency of our industry, which was eager to connect in person after two years apart. Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.

Making hotel reservations in the Block, backed by the official housing partner OnPeak, provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

• Aria
• Bally's Las Vegas
• Bellagio
• Caesars Palace
• Circus Circus Hotel
• Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World
• Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
• Courtyard By Marriott (LVCC)
• Downtown Grand Las Vegas
• Elara By Hilton Grand Vacations – Center Strip
• Embassy Suites By Hilton Convention Center Las Vegas
• Encore At Wynn Las Vegas
• Excalibur
• Flamingo Las Vegas
• Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
• Harrah's Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
• Hilton Grand Vacations at the Flamingo
• Hilton Grand Vacations on Paradise (LVCC)
• Hilton Grand Vacations on the Las Vegas Strip
• Las Vegas Hilton At Resorts World
• Las Vegas Marriot
• Luxor
• MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
• Mirage
• New York-New York
• Oyo Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
• Palace Station
• Paris Las Vegas
• Park MGM
• Planet Hollywood
• Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel
• Residence Inn Las Vegas Convention Center By Marriott
• Sahara Las Vegas
• Springhill Suites By Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center
• The Cromwell
• The Linq Hotel
• The Palazzo
• The Signature At MGM Grand
• The Strat Hotel
• The Venetian
• Treasure Island
• Tropicana Las Vegas – A Doubletree By Hilton Hotel
• Trump International Hotel Las Vegas
• Vdara Hotel & Spa At Aria Las Vegas
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
• Westin
• Wynn Las Vegas

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

St. James, Paretta Launch Women In Motorsports North America

Seven-time Indy 500 driver and Automotive Hall of Fame inductee Lyn St. James and current IndyCar team owner Beth Paretta have announced the launch of the Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) organization.  

WIMNA is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charity “that looks to foster mentorship, advocacy, education and growth to help ensure a successful and effective future for women in professional motorsports roles.”  

“Our strength is in our members and the breadth of their perspectives across many disciplines, including engineers, drivers, team management, PR/marketing, track operations, sponsor relations, and event promotions,” said Paretta.  

Resources include best practices at the race track, job listings and a recommended reading list. The WIMNA Mentorship Matters Program, meantime, is a monthly, fireside chat-style virtual discussion for industry members to interact with mentors and moderators. More details of the program and overall organization will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit womeninmotorsportsna.com.

Kenny Koretsky and Family Purchase Maple Grove Raceway

Veteran NHRA racer Kenny Koretsky and his family, including his sons Kenny Jr. and current Pro Stock driver Kyle, have purchased Maple Grove Raceway, located near Reading, Pennsylvania. The track has hosted NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series events for nearly four decades and will host the opener to the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals, September 15–18. Maple Grove also hosts regional racing throughout the season, including the upcoming NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series regional race on May 27–29. Koretsky, who won his first Pro Stock race in 2021 after making his class debut in 2020, discussed plans for several renovations to the facility, including general cleanup, landscaping, paving and upgrading the bathrooms, among more upgrades. For more information, visit maplegroveraceway.com.   

Paretta Autosport Announces Return to IndyCar, Partnership With Ed Carpenter Racing

The team plans to compete with its No. 16 Chevrolet-powered entry with driver Simona De Silvestro.

Paretta Autosport has announced its return to the NTT IndyCar Series and a new technical partnership with Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR). The team plans to compete with its No. 16 Chevrolet-powered entry with driver Simona De Silvestro at the Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin) on June 12, the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, Ohio) on July 3, and the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on August 7 on the streets of Nashville, Tennessee, Team Principal Beth Paretta said. Additional races may be added.

In addition, team owner Ed Carpenter—a three-time Indianapolis 500 pole sitter—will supply a car and crew members to augment the returning members of last year’s Indy 500 Paretta Autosport team. For more information, visit parettaautosport.com.

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

GM to Produce Hybrid, Electric Chevrolet Corvettes

General Motors has announced plans for a hybrid Chevrolet Corvette sports car, followed by a fully electric model, as GM President Mark Reuss announced in a LinkedIn post. The hybrid Corvette is expected in 2023.

The fully electric Corvette will likely feature Ultium Platform’s energy recovery system, a patented onboard system designed to take the heat generated by EV batteries to warm the cabin, create more efficient charging conditions and increase vehicle acceleration. Image courtesy: Chevrolet

The fully electric Corvette will feature GM’s Ultium-powered batteries. In addition, it will likely feature Ultium Platform’s energy recovery system, a patented onboard system designed to take the heat generated by EV batteries to warm the cabin, create more efficient charging conditions and increase vehicle acceleration. Additional details, including the names of the new models, will be announced later.  

Reuss stated that the new models would be in addition to the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and other gas-powered variants. For more information, visit gm.com.

Melling Engine Parts Acquires Casalandra Metal Stamping

Melling Engine Parts has announced the acquisition of Casalandra Metal Stamping, a manufacturer of expansion plugs based in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

“Casalandra has been a key vendor to Melling for years, and we were excited when the opportunity presented itself,” said Melling Engine Parts CEO Mark Melling. “We are committed to becoming basic in more product lines and, of course, love the fact that the parts are made in the USA.”  

For more information, visit melling.com.

Brian Rowland Joins JEGS as CEO

Arkansas-native Brian Rowland has been appointed CEO of JEGS High Performance Parts, the aftermarket auto parts mail-order retailer founded in 1960 by the Coughlin family. In his new position, Rowland will help oversee the company, which features a 10,000-sq.-ft. retail store and 225,000-sq.-ft. warehouse and corporate headquarters in Delaware, Ohio, among other duties. Rowland comes from Walmart eCommerce, where he served as the vice president/general manager of the automotive, tires and powersports division. Prior, he was with Nissan Motor Corp. as the director of marketing and technology. For more information, visit jegs.com. 

Keiser Takes on New Role at Continental Tire

Adam Keiser has been named content and communications specialist for the General Tire brand at Continental Tire. Since 2019, Keiser had been director of marketing at PFC Brakes, where he oversaw marketing for the company's motorsports, fleets and manufacturers units. He began with PFC in 2016 as advertising art director. Keiser's experience also includes stints at Speed Digital in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Callies Performance Products in Fostoria, Ohio. For more information, visit continentaltire.com.

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.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California lawmakers introduced bipartisan SEMA-sponsored legislation (A.B. 2350) that would incentivize consumers to convert gasoline- and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV). If enacted, A.B. 2350 would provide eligible motorists who convert their vehicle with a $2,000 rebate.

At the 2021 SEMA Show, Salvage to Savage decided to take a completely unique path with its ’85 Chevy C10. Instead of using a V8 engine, the team yanked the electric drivetrain out of two Teslas to create a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive truck.

In recent years, California has implemented various programs, including the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program and the Clean Cars for All Program, to promote the purchase of new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). However, none of the programs currently offer benefits for vehicles that started their life with an internal combustion engine and can be converted to a ZEV via an aftermarket motor package.

The adoption of ZEVs by consumers and industry is growing, as is the demand for aftermarket technology that can convert used gasoline-powered vehicles into hydrogen or electric ZEVs. At the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, ZEV conversions were on full display, including vehicles powered by electric crate motors. Additionally, a recent article by the Los Angeles Times demonstrated that demand for aftermarket ZEV conversions is rapidly growing, with some shops featuring long waiting list for customers.

A.B. 2350 helps preserve California’s rich car culture while creating new ways to make ZEV ownership more accessible.

SEMA encourages its members and enthusiasts in California to contact their lawmakers in support of A.B. 2350 by clicking here.

For further details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In 2021, New York enacted a bill into law—the SLEEP Act—that aims to crack down on excessively loud vehicles. The law, which went into effect on April 1, is simple: anyone who sells, offers for sale, installs or uses a “cut-out, bypass or similar device” to make a motor vehicle louder could be subject to a new penalty of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail. These devices have been illegal in New York for more than 60 years and are also illegal in every other state in the country.

Unfortunately, false media reporting and misleading letters from the state’s DMV have created anxiety in the marketplace regarding the new law. In response, SEMA and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) have published and are constantly updating a Fact vs. Fiction page to cut through the noise. Click here for the latest updates.

For further details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.