Five industry experts gathered during the recent SEMA Show for a rare discussion about the truck and off-road industry, and what they see as some of the aftermarket’s best business opportunities.
Led by Sean Holman of MotorTrend, the seminar features Brad DeBerti, DeBerti; Cris Payne, Truck Guru’s; Sara Morosan, LGE-CTS Motorsports; and Nick Psomas, Peak Suspension.
Watch the recording of the seminar “Why Truck and Off Road Builders are Thriving, Powered by TORA” now at www.semashow.com/education. Led by Sean Holman of MotorTrend, the seminar features Brad DeBerti, DeBerti; Cris Payne, Truck Guru’s; Sara Morosan, LGE-CTS Motorsports; and Nick Psomas, Peak Suspension.
Viewers will hear the panel share what platforms they see having the most opportunity, trends that are on the horizon, their thoughts on the truck and off-road EV landscape, OEs providing a platform open to accessorization and expanding reach through social media.
“If you can see something ahead of its time and then go that direction before somebody else, then you’re going to be super successful,” said Payne. “You have to pay attention to what people are doing. Consumers are going to tell you and steer you to where you need to go, and they are the ones buying your products so at the end of the day, you really have to pay attention to where that curve is going.”
Morosan added: “I always get excited about something that’s new that’s coming to the market. That’s why we’re builders right? We’re passionate. We see something and even though they build something that’s super rad, we look at it and say, ‘how can we make it better?’ And when it actually comes to reality, you’re like, ‘That’s super cool.’ People get excited about it and it just makes you get more excited about wanting to build more products, build more trucks and go out there.”
The seminar recording is one of many available at www.semashow.com/education. New recordings are added weekly. Other recently added seminars include:
Digital Marketing 201/301: Achieve Breakthrough Growth in Digital Marketing Using Website Conversion Rate Optimization
The SEMA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed upon individuals who have made a personal impact on improving the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These individuals have gone above and beyond the normal course of business to enhance the stature of the industry and/or the association’s growth.
The SEMA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association.
New members are inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame each year, and nominations for the 2022 program are being accepted until March 18, 2022, at www.sema.org/hof.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help with the nomination process.
What is the SEMA Hall of Fame?
The SEMA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association. It is designed to honor outstanding persons in the industry who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or the association's growth.
Who is the ideal SEMA Hall of Fame candidate?
The ideal nominee will have contributed to the industry beyond the local level and achieved national or international significance. A significant contribution to SEMA is an important consideration for nomination, but not a requirement. A rule of thumb to qualify could be the following question: “How would SEMA and the industry be different without their contributions?”
Is there an age requirement for nominees?
The nominee must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.
How many years should the nominee have contributed to the industry?
The nominee should have been involved in the industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years.
How many individuals can I nominate?
There is no nomination limit. In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction. The selection committee can also choose to induct zero candidates for the 2022 class if seen fit, although this has never happened.
Where can I view a list of past SEMA Hall of Fame candidates?
How long after someone has been nominated will the ceremony take place?
The 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class will be announced in May. Individuals honored with Hall of Fame commendation will be recognized at the SEMA Awards banquet during the 2022 SEMA Show.
If you still have any questions, please email Chris Standifer, project manager – Recognition Programs, at chriss@sema.org, 909-978-6692.
Motor Trend Group is inviting industry personalities to participate in a new build series taking place at the SEMA Garage in Southern California.
Individuals are invited to help restore a ’91 Bronco that will take place February 23–March 25 at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The project will be filmed for a new off-road build series “4X4 Garage” and used on Overland Adventure 2022.
If you have the desire, experience and availability between these dates, Motor Trend wants to hear from you. Must be a local enthusiast with the desire to be on camera and have previous experience wrenching on cars. Off-camera labor opportunities may also be available.
For more information, email Cody_Busch@motortrend.com.
Support for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), H.R. 3281 and S. 2736, continues to strengthen as members of Congress receive an outpouring of support for the bill from racers and the motorsports parts industry. The racing community sent more than 1.5 million letters in 2021, which have been integral in generating strong bipartisan support for the RPM Act (more than 145 members of Congress having agreed to sponsor the bill as a result). However, we need your help now more than ever, as Congress just passed the halfway point in the 2021–2022 session. We must ramp up the pressure on lawmakers in Washington to pass the RPM Act in 2022 and protect the future of racing!
Below are five things you can do right now to help to pass the RPM Act:
Send a letter to your lawmakers at: saveourracecars.com. A letter has already been drafted. It takes less than a minute.
Sign a letter to your lawmakers on company letterhead. Email erics@sema.org for a template and more information.
Make a quick call to your lawmakers to voice your support for the bill. SEMA has made it easy to call by clicking here.
*Also, if you have a connection to a member of Congress or their staff, please let us know. It is important that we leverage personal relationships to stand up for the industry.
Post about the RPM Act on your company’s social-media accounts using the toolkit of digital assets or pass out a flyer at your business of events.
Learn more about SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) at www.semapac.com. SEMA PAC allows SEMA members to support the lawmakers that stand up for our industry in Washington, D.C.
The RPM Act must be enacted into law to guarantee your right to modify street cars, trucks and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles, and ensure that industry can offer parts that enable racers to compete. It is imperative that lawmakers continue to be reminded of the importance of passing the RPM Act.
For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.
Quadratec
Spare Tire Mount Backup Camera for Jeep Wrangler JK
Quadratec Inc. has released a new Spare Tire Mount Backup Camera system for ’07–’18 Jeep Wrangler JK vehicles. The Spare Tire Mount Backup Camera improves the safety and overall visibility of the Jeep Wrangler. Available for vehicles equipped with both factory and aftermarket stereos, the backup camera reduces the blind zone of the Wrangler, which is often blocked by oversized spare tires or other bumper-mounted accessories.
The easy-to-install kit comes complete with a camera, a black powdercoated stainless-steel mounting bracket, a plug-n-play wiring harness and installation hardware. The Quadratec Spare Tire Mount Backup Camera features a 170-degree viewing angle with integrated fixed parking lines for maximum visibility. These guidelines can be deactivated during installation by bypassing the line wire. With a fully sealed zinc-alloy housing, the camera is corrosion-resistant and features an IP68 waterproof rating.
Derived directly from the SS1R-GT wheel (which is engineered specifically for ultra-competitive IMSA and WEC GT3 racing), the Forgeline one piece forged monoblock SS1R 5-Lug wheel is the company's lightest, strongest, and stiffest racing wheel made to date. The Forgeline SS1R 5-Lug wheel is precision-machined from a single forging of a proprietary grade of 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum. It features a split six spoke design, I-beamed spokes, tapered outer edge, and aggressive machining details that allow it to look as good as it performs.
The Forgeline SS1R 5-Lug is available in a range of widths and custom offsets in diameters ranging from 18 to 22 in. and can be finished with a wide offering of fully customizable powdercoat colors and finish options.
AudioControl has introduced The Epicenter Micro, a modernized revision of the Epicenter bass-restoring audio processor. A new member of The Epicenter family, The Epicenter Micro adds AudioControl’s OEM integration capability and increased durability from a new form factor that delivers easy-to-use top-mounted controls.
The Epicenter Micro delivers an ultra-clean signal from even the most challenging factory sound systems to one or more amplifiers, accommodating any system design. And with easily accessible top-mounted controls, perfectly calibrated OEM integration and superb sound quality have never been easier to achieve.
The processor comes with the brand new ACR-4 dual-concentric controller, enabling listeners to adjust both subwoofer levels (inner knob) and Epicenter effect levels (outer knob) all from a single, elegant module.
BDS Suspension
Coilover Lift Systems for '19+ GM 1500 Trucks
BDS Suspension is offering their 4-in. and 6-in. high-clearance coilover systems for the ’19–’21 Chevy/GMC 1500 trucks with FOX 2.0 Performance Snap Ring Coilover (struts). The systems join the existing 4-in. and 6-in. lift options as an intermediary between the standard (strut spacer) kits and full-blown FOX 2.5 R/R coilover systems by utilizing FOX 2.0 performance series IFP (non-reservoir) coilovers and 2.0 PS IFP rear shocks.
The new suspension system features the high-clearance IFS to correct suspension, steering and driveline geometry for improved on road comfort and off-road performance and combine with FOX 2.0 coilovers and shocks for improved performance.
Raptor Series
Slide Track Series Bracket Kit Covers
The new Raptor Series Slide Track Series Bracket Covers are designed to install with all Raptor Slide Track Series Brackets that are easily trimmed to the user's liking. The heavy-duty thermoplastic rubber is designed to last in all elements and help to protect powdercoated steel brackets from snow.
Raptor Series offers the bracket covers in packs of four, six and eight.
The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.
During the process of venting crankcase pressure back through your intake track, large amounts of oil, in the form of vapors, intake tube, intake manifold runners dilute your gas, lowering its octane level. This happens on all engines and is even worse with forced inducted vehicles (supercharged and turbocharged) as crankcase pressures are increased. To combat this, we have developed an oil separator of our own design. Milled from solid billet aluminum, this is a rock-solid piece. It has a knurled tank base for easy removal to drain the spent oil and an O-ring seal to prevent any leaks. Filtering consists of a fine mesh stainless-steel screen that traps fine oil vapors and releases them once heavy enough to fall. They then pass through a 1/2-in. thick 1/16th-in. aluminum honeycomb filter, where they grow every larger and then fall into the bottom. By the time the oil gets through the filter it’s too heavy to be passed on into the intake. The tank holds 3 oz. of fluid, while that may not sound like a lot, you shouldn’t see that much oil in your PCV system. Drain it every 2,000–3,000 miles and you will never come close to filling it.
Features:
3-oz. capacity
Solid billet construction
OEM-style quick-connect PCV fittings
Multi-stage filter system designed to collect the finest of vapors and drop them into the easily removable bottom while allowing clean air to pass through to the intake.
FAST EZ 2.0 Base Kit with Touchscreen, Throttle Body and Inline Pump Kit
As with the EZ-EFI Fuel, simply hook up the system, answer the Setup Wizard questions on the hand-held, and EZ-EFI 2.0 Fuel + Ignition tunes itself as you drive. Its eight-injector, die-cast throttle body features late-model OEM sensors for accuracy and durability, supports up to 1,200 hp (the highest on the market), includes optional ignition timing control and can run E-85 fuels while competing versions cannot. It flows more air than the first-generation EZ-EFI throttle body due to an improved inlet, while a new secondary shaft throttle stop adjustment provides even more precise idle airflow adjustment and balance. Meanwhile, an industry-exclusive and unique-to-FAST integrated fuel pulse damper creates ultra-precise fuel control. The EZ-EFI 2.0 Fuel + Ignition also incorporates needle-bearing supported shafts instead of bushings and an integrated fuel rail design with crossover for tighter packaging. Setup includes the market’s fewest connection wires, including a high-quality wiring harness that is encased in a sleek mesh-type loom. The EZ-EFI 2.0 has an updated hand-held as well, featuring the industry’s first color touchscreen. Self-powered through the ECU rather than requiring an outside power source, it shares the same mounting points as the Garmin Nuvi GPS, meaning there are nearly limitless mounting options (suction cup mount is included with all kits). The hand-held has various advanced features, including screen hide/sleep function, expanded diagnostics and data screens, plus intuitive navigation. The FAST EZ-EFI 2.0 Fuel + Ignition works with either generation of EZ-EFI throttle body, multi-port systems and Inglese throttle bodies and is compatible with in-tank, inline, high-horsepower inline, return-style and return-less-style fuel pumps. Electronic fuel pressure measurement is standard on all kits, and each one works with a wet nitrous system, providing built-in nitrous timing retard and special nitrous AFR targeting.
Features:
Higher flowing and higher-horsepower-capable, eight-injector throttle body supports stock-to-1,200hp engines.
No laptop or tuning experience required; Self tunes as you drive with revised tuning strategy over original EZ-EFI.
Advanced, color touchscreen, hand-held/sensor dash with suction-cup mount; same mounting points as Garmin GPS.
Market’s only fuel pulse damper creates precise fuel control; return- or return-less-style fuel systems supported
Works with standard, carb-type distributors or FAST distributors for plug-and-play electronic timing control.
High-quality wiring harness with mesh loom and wide-band O2; system has fewest connection wires in market.
Available in multi-port systems for GM LS engines and other multi-port EFI V8 engines.
Throttle body features Holley carb-style throttle linkage and 4150 bolt pattern.
ECU includes on-board LED diagnostics and EZ-Test indicator lights.
E85-capable as opposed to competitor versions that are not.
Designed to fit flush with the rear of the Jeep Wrangler JL, the Flush Taillights from ORACLE Lighting offer new LED features and improved styling. This innovative design is a sleek taillight that wraps tightly around the body of the Jeep Wrangler JL. Protruding out significantly less than the factory taillights, this low-profile design helps avoid damage while trail riding. These taillights feature an attractive design and functional LED lighting features, including high-powered reverse lights and unique signature perimeter lighting. The plug-and-play design is compatible with both the base and LED packages and features an enhanced reverse function with 12 high-powered LEDs for optimal rear illumination. Gain sleek styling that complements the original body lines and offers more innovative features!
The ultimate Carhartt Seat Covers that combine the rugged protection and style you expect from Carhartt with an ultra-comfortable foam-backing to make any drive better. When it comes to protecting your vehicle's seats from the damaging effects of water, mud, grease, oil, food and dirt, Carhartt fabric is the protection you’ll love. Tough as nails, these covers are finely crafted and sewn from the firm-hand Carhartt duck weave fabric and double stitched at the main seams. Our Covercraft Carhartt PrecisionFit Seat Covers are custom fit for your exact vehicle seats. We tailor every seat cover to fit your factory seat like a second skin and never obstruct any of your factory seat knobs, levers, buttons or arm rests. If your vehicle has seat airbags, we use the same type of hidden tear-away stitching that are used on your factory seats for a sleek finished look that keeps your safety a priority. Carhartt has been known for their tough, rugged quality since 1889. Hamilton C. Carhartt, known as “Ham,” started his company in the harsh times of steel and locomotives. His motto was “Honest value for an honest dollar,” and that’s exactly what you’ll get with these legendary Carhartt Seat Covers available in Carhartt Brown or Carhartt Gravel. If you love the look and protection, but don’t need comfort as much, check out our Covercraft Carhartt SeatSavers.
Features:
Exact fit
Foam-backed comfort
Pocket on back of front seat covers
Heavy-duty material
Highly water resistant
Classic Carhartt styling
Carhartt double-stitched seams
All applicable headrests, armrests and console covers Included
While the motorsports industry has been vocal in advocating for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, wheel and tire businesses are equally impacted by this legislation. Companies and professionals in the wheel and tire industry will learn why passage of the RPM Act is critical to the future of the industry during the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)-sponsored webinar taking place February 17.
John Rastetter, a member of the WTC Select Committee, and a panel of wheel and tire professionals, will share how businesses are being impacted by EPA overreach. Webinar participants will hear and learn what the current status of the bill is, why it is better positioned than ever before for passage this calendar year and what is required in order to get the bill over the finish line.
Learn more about the live webinar and register here.
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced the election of Mike Spagnola to its board of trustees. Spagnola is vice president of OEM and product development programs at SEMA and oversees the SEMA Garage Product Development Center as well as the SEMA Data. Beginning February 1, he has added to his role; he now serves as co-CEO for the association and oversees the Government Affairs, SEMA Data, Human Resources and Accounting departments until a new CEO is hired for the Association.
“I have had the privilege and honor to have worked with Mike over many years,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF. “His industry knowledge, creativity and big heart will be fantastic addition to the AACF Board of Trustees. Mike and his entire family are a perfect example of those that do unselfish charitable work.”
“I have been in the industry 40+ years, it’s very gratifying to help people. I’m excited about joining the board of AACF as it focuses on helping our own family within the automotive aftermarket,” Spagnola said.
“The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation has a long-standing tradition of extending a helping hand to those in need,” Spagnola continues, “More specifically, AACF is especially known for its charitable work on behalf of those in the aftermarket industry who need financial assistance in times of hardship. It’s a cause worthy to support and I’m honored to be asked to be a part of the AACF board."
SuperSprings International Grows a Record-Breaking 42% in 2021
Coming off the heels of a record-breaking 2019 and 2020, SuperSprings International continued the momentum throughout 2021, recording full year growth of 42%. The company attributes its three-year streak of success to a shift toward end-consumer marketing at the end of 2019, strong partnerships, and a well-defined strategic vision under the executive leadership of Adam Weisner (CCO) and Gerry Lamberti (CEO).
The plans for 2022 are much of the same—to grow the business at an impressive pace and advance on the company goal of becoming the best-known suspension brand in the world. There will be new application releases throughout 2022, as well as additions to the product lineup that will introduce SSI to brand new market spaces.
In Q4 2021, SSI implemented a new leadership structure. This change was part of Weisner and Lamberti’s strategy to establish five business units, each tasked with being the best in their respective field. These business units’ leaders now report to Weisner, who continues to report to Lamberti.
This year will continue to see SSI adding partnerships in the RV industry, as it did in 2021 when it added Coachmen Class C and Winnebago Class A motorhomes as standard equipment. There will continue to be a heightened focus on adding a trailer manufacturer as an OEM partner in 2022, with Trailer SumoSprings being the companies fastest-growing product for the past two years. In addition, SSI has placed effort in deepening and growing partnerships with distributors throughout 2022.
RNR Tire Express Announces the Appointment of Three New Executives to National Team
RNR Tire Express has officially announced the appointment of three new executives to the brands national leadership team. These include the promotions of Tracy Cintron to the role of franchise director and Candace Lovett to national marketing director, as well as the recent addition of Susan Vice to serve as the company’s new financial controller.
Cintron, who had previously served as franchise coordinator for RNR, will continue helping franchisees in their store development efforts and will begin playing a more central role in their onboarding, training and overall success. Lovett, who’s moved up from her previous role as marketing manager for RNR, will oversee strategic planning and initiatives for the company’s 160+ locations nationwide, lead the national marketing team and work to expand the size and scope of all marketing efforts. Vice’s position with the franchisor puts her in control of the daily operations of the accounting department and the financial well-being of the company.
Maverick Motorsports, the provider of powersports and side-by-side equipment and accessories in Missoula, Montana, has purchased Staack’s Motorsports in Butte, Montana. Staack’s, which also offers powersports and side-by-side equipment and accessories, has been owned and operated by Ed Staack and his son Brian Staack for more than 50 years. Maverick Motorsports is co-owned by Brent Gyuricza and Guy Sharp. For more information, visit mavmotorsports.com and staacksmotorsports.com.
Mark Carter Joins MAVTV Motorsports Network
MAVTV Motorsports Network, the U.S.-based TV network owned by Lucas Oil Products, has appointed Mark Carter as director of sales and marketing. In his new position, Carter will be responsible for the MAVTV brand strategy and implementation in growing sales and advancing the entire MAVTV platform to a larger and more engaged audience. For more information, visit mavtv.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.
Performance reviews play a critical aspect in the role of a manager. It is not a time to grade performance, but a time to give honest feedback that can have a significant impact on an individual’s career. This allows employees to improve in smaller timeframes and can help determine their advancement opportunities and career path.
Automotive aftermarket managers will learn how to conduct a successful performance review by joining the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) for a live webinar on February 17, at 11:00 a.m. (PST).
During the webinar, attendees will learn:
The importance of reviews and setting targets for an employee’s professional growth.
How to have an honest and productive conversation that points to specific examples of achievements and what is expected moving forward.
Tips for providing and receiving feedback from the employee that identifies training and development needs.
This webinar is designed specifically for automotive aftermarket managers and includes a live Q&A and breakout-session. Register here.
As industry requirements for emissions compliance evolve, manufacturers will need to prepare and adapt to new testing procedures. Stephen Ruiz, ACS, Automotive Consulting Services, will share firsthand experience on emissions calibration and compliance during a webinar on Tuesday, February 15, at 1:00 p.m. (PST).
Participants will learn practical experience about how to go through the process of emissions calibration and compliance as they learn from Ruiz’s extensive experience with powertrain calibration for internal-combustion engines and transmissions to meet specific engineering requirements.
Register here to join the webinar, “A Practical Approach to Emissions Calibration and Compliance.”
