By Fredy Ramirez, Jay Carpio and Carr Winn

The new GR 86 is looking to be a solid platform bur for driver in @Formula DRIFT they need more. Jhonnattan Castro decided to beef up his GR 86 with a B58 engine and some other goodies.

By Ashley Reyes

As America’s workforce evolves and more employees continue to work remotely, workers are burning out and struggling. Resignations are at an all-time high and employees are seeking better work-life balance. Discover how the busiest people avoid burning out and ways to create an environment of calmness in the workplace by taking part in the newest offering from the SBN Virtual Education Webinar Series, “Creating a Work Life Balance,” April 21, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Ann Swayka of AirPro Diagnostics will serve as moderator as she is joined by Lee Jordon, chief people officer with DataBrains, who is also an adjunct professor of kinesiology and integrative wellness, and a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach.

Attendees will learn:

• Why work-life balance is essential to both employees and employers.
• How to instill a culture of work-life balance in your company. 
• How to keep balance when stress increases.
• How to become a role model.

Attendees will engage in a Q&A with the speaker and participate in virtual breakouts to share how they reinforce work-life balance in their own careers. 

Register here. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA councils and networks host a variety of programs and activities for different market segments in the industry. The programs are guided by industry experts and leaders who volunteer their knowledge and time to ensure there is tremendous value and impact for members and the industry.

L–R: Todd Steen (WTC Chair), Mike Lusso (WTC Chair Elect) and Tyson Boyer (WTC Immediate past chair).

Applications are now available at www.sema.org/volunteer for a seat on a council or network select committee, which are small groups of volunteers who guide the council or network they represent. Each select committee meets throughout the year to develop programs, events, education opportunities and other resources that will be of value to its council or network membership.

In addition to sharing expertise with the industry, volunteers find that being on a select committee is a meaningful opportunity to contribute and to be a part of something bigger.

Sara Morosan of LGE-CTS Motorsports, who was named 2021 SEMA Person of the Year, has been volunteering for SEMA committees and councils for the last 10 years. She saw the value and difference that she was making for the industry and felt it was important to give back.

“The connection and friends that I have met by volunteering is one of the best rewards I have received from my volunteer time,” said Morosan. “I have a whole network of other people in the industry that I can now reach out to for help, support and mentorship that I would have never received otherwise. I have grown as a person, a leader and my business has grown as well from learning more than I would have if I never decided to step outside the bubble. I encourage everyone to volunteer at some level that want to help make a difference.”

Bryan Aldridge of The Right Stuff Detailing, who is a select committee volunteer for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), says, “I reach out to SEMA members who may be interested in joining ARMO, but most of my time is reaching out to existing ARMO companies—hoping they spread the word to friends and get everything out of ARMO/SEMA that they can. It’s rewarding work that when things are crazy in regular life can be pushed back a week if need be, but most of the time it’s a pleasant distraction. You also have a team around you with similar goals, and they are always there to help.”

The SBN select committee.

Mike Lusso of Hennessey Industries and chair-elect of the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) also commented on his experience: “Being part of SEMA has given me a different perspective on the industry. This has also allowed me to work closely with peers and customers in solving industry needs and supporting educational efforts. The networking with my customers and peers is rewarding knowing that we have a council or voice that will support the industry for many years.”

The ideal candidate will be able to commit 5-10 volunteer hours per month, have strong strategic planning skills, significant aftermarket knowledge and a passion for giving back to the industry. Apply to volunteer, or recommend someone who’s expertise would help elevate the industry by April 22 at www.sema.org/volunteer.

If you are interested in volunteering at a different level, or on a subcommittee or task force for a council or network, please contact Council Director Denise Waddingham at Deniselw@sema.org for more information. 

By Ashley Reyes

Bids are now being accepted for the ’37 Ford Panel Van custom-built by Gas Monkey Garage. All proceeds from the sale will go towards benefiting children in need at Victory Junction—a SEMA Cares charity.

The vehicle includes custom paint with vintage patina and custom lettering to reflect an authentic shop-truck feel, white-wall tires, interior with rustic wood trim, nostalgic dash and gauges.

Individuals can bid on the vehicle, which was featured on the television show “Fast N’ Loud” (Season 7, Episode 14), by visiting the Hemmings website until Monday, April 18.  

The vehicle includes custom paint with vintage patina and custom lettering to reflect an authentic shop-truck feel, white-wall tires, interior with rustic wood trim, nostalgic dash and gauges. Lebaron Bonney Co. products were used for upholstery, including seats in gray wool broadcloth with graphite-insight patterned cloth installed over a Glide Engineering seat frame, door panels with gray wool broadcloth and gray square weave carpet, which is carried throughout the floor, and dark gray napped-cotton headliner.

“Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA manager of recognition programs. “We applaud Gas Monkey Garage for what is truly a unique build that will go to a great cause.”

The vehicle is available for bidding until April 18 here. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is accepting renderings for its 2022 All-Female Build, where an entirely female crew will modify a Ford Bronco 4-door Wildtrak provided by Bronco Brand.

Women will modify all aspects of the car, including the engine, chassis, drivetrain, interior, sound system, exterior and paint.

The project will highlight women in the automotive industry while supporting females pursuing careers in the field. Women will modify all aspects of the car, including the engine, chassis, drivetrain, interior, sound system, exterior and paint.

Renderings may be submitted by a female in the automotive industry or a female student. This is a great opportunity for female designers to showcase their work and have their build idea featured at the 2022 SEMA Show.

All applicable submissions will be voted on by visitors of SBN’s Facebook and Instagram pages, April 20–24.

The deadline to submit renderings is April 15 here.

By Ashley Reyes

The world has changed, but how much has it changed, and how is it impacting the automotive aftermarket?  

SEMA members can get details on the state of the automotive specialty-equipment market in the new report, “SEMA State of the Industry—Spring 2022.” Filled with new data on the industry, the report will be available for download on April 21, and the SEMA Market Research team will go through the new findings during a webinar on April 27 at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).  

During the webinar, participants will hear from Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research, and Kyle Cheng, SEMA Market Research manager, as they share:

• Overall data on how the industry is doing.   
• If sales and demand are up or down year-over year.  
• How your business compares to the overall industry.  
• What the trends tell us about the future, including for consumers.  
• Changes that can impact future decisions.  
• The outlook for 2022 and beyond.  

Webinar participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about the data. Learn more and register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Knowing how to identify and professionally analyze combustion events, such as knocks, preignition, rev-limiter tuning and broken crankshafts is crucial to obtaining peak engine performance.

Join Gary Patterson, R&D engineer at Roush Yates Engines, during a SEMA webinar on April 19, at 1:00 pm (PDT), to discover the tools that are available to help measure cylinder pressure, how to identify the data in real-time and what actions to take as a result of the data. Whether it’s calibration optimization or valve timing optimization, the modifications can make a difference in overall engine performance.

Geared toward automotive engineers, programmers and product developers, the webinar will cover:

• Cylinder Pressure Measurements: What equipment it takes to acquire data, what the raw data looks like and examples of good versus bad data.
• Data Interpretation: How to interpret the data to quickly optimize ignition timing, and understanding valve timing tradeoffs.
• Abnormal Events: Examples of abnormal events such as knocks, preignition, examples of good and bad rev limiter tuning, detecting a broken crankshaft during a test, and stopping the test before damaging the engine block.
• Other Indicating System Uses: Other types of measurements indicating systems (i.e., fuel-rail pressure oscillations, crankshaft torsion and bending).

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) named Heather Tausch as this week’s WTC spotlight volunteer. Tausch is a WTC select committee member and the director of product development at Mickey Thompson Wheels & Tires—a designer and builder of performance wheels and tires for the automotive aftermarket.

Get to know Tausch in her interview with SEMA below:

SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?

Heather Tausch: I fell into the wheel and tire industry on accident when I was recruited to WELD in 2017 from a small spark plug company. I fell in love with the wheel industry when I discovered it’s the fashion industry of the automotive aftermarket. I branched out to tires when I launched MOMO Tires in 2018, and Mickey Thompson has opened my eyes in how technically advanced tires can be, which appeals to the nerd in me.

SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?

HT: Being a WTC volunteer has given me access to a whole community that has experience and insight into the unique challenges I face every day.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?

HT: My advice is to get involved with the industry and get out of the office to connect with the market.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

HT: I can be found doing fun activities with my seven-year-old.

Fill out a WTC spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on WTC’s social media, SEMA News and future WTC member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Melanie White as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. White is the CEO and owner of Hellwig Products, a manufacturer of load-control and sway-control solutions for trucks, RVs, musclecars, classic cars and fleet vehicles.  

Get to know White in her interview with SEMA below:  

SEMA: How many years have you been with your current company, and what do you enjoy most about working there?

Melanie White: I have been at Hellwig for now 16 years. I love the team most of all!

SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

MW: It’s dynamic, things are always changing, and there is always something new to learn (but it’s also what I love).

SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry, and what was your first industry job?

MW: I entered in the industry at Hellwig, but I first started cold calling for the company. That was a great way to get started.

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?

MW: If I had to pick just three qualities, I’d say focus, determination and vision.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?

MW: I’ve definitely had challenges, but my biggest accomplishment was being able to flip the script from seeing them as challenges. They also were opportunities.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

MW: I’ve had so many! Anne Johnson was my mentor and she gave me so much. Luanne Brown always challenged me to do more. Rose Kawasaki has always cheered me on, and there are so many more! I also should give credit to my male mentors: George Lathouris, Rich Barsamian, Kelly Kneifl, Joel Ayers, Mike Spagnola, again, there are just too many to name! This industry is full of generous people willing to mentor.

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

MW: Don’t focus on being female; the only thing going against you is your age—so be the most prepared.

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?

MW: No, I ended up here because I wanted to get into sales. I’m sure glad I did!

SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?

MW: My grandpa and my dad. I wouldn’t be in this industry without them. They have taught me a lot about hard work and taking care of our customers. I’m so grateful they kept the family business going and growing.  

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA News and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.

By Ashley Reyes

Erik Heitman is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) newest spotlight member. Heitman is the brand manager at FASS Diesel Fuel Systems, manufacturers of a fuel-air separation system designed to eliminate air and vapor trapped in diesel fuel.

Get to know Heitman in his interview with SEMA below:

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

Erik Heitman: The only thing standing in your way is you. Self-doubt and criticism are things we all struggle with. Learning how to combat this takes time, and consistent effort, but is a game-changer.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

EH: I love helping others and finding ways to keep the younger generations excited about the industry.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

EH: I can be found at the local racetrack or at a Cars & Coffee.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

EH: I prepare by making sure I have good questions about the topic and take time well beforehand to think through what we’re going to cover.

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

EH: Rick Hendrick—he is so good at putting the right people in the right places in both his dealerships and race team. It would be a privilege just to meet him.

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.