By Fredy Ramirez

Joel Ayres has a reputation. A shrewd businessman and salesman, he has had a successful aftermarket career for more than 40 years. But his reputation is not hard-as-nails or barbarous. Ayres is known for being one of the nicest guys in the industry.

Those who know Ayres understand why he was perfect for a job offered in 2015: executive director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. The organization provides financial assistance to those in need within the aftermarket industry from problems such as sickness, catastrophe or accident. The foundation is more than 50 years old, yet Ayres became the first to hold that position. And it speaks to the core of who Ayres is: that nice guy.

“My volunteer work started when I was very young,” he explained. “My whole life has been about volunteerism and charity work. It’s been my passion.” He’ll tell you that his father “gave me my business and selling side, and my mother and stepmom gave me my loving, caring and charitable side.” As such, he cofounded the first Big Brothers of Northeastern Indiana and has been a volunteer teacher and had a nearly lifelong involvement with various children’s charities.

His devotion to the industry and community has resulted in many accolades, including the LTAA Hall of Fame, the SBN Athena Award, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award and the SEMA Person of the Year. Still, Ayres feels unworthy of his SEMA Hall of Fame induction.

“I’m still in a cloud,” he confessed. “To think about the legends who are in this—the people I grew up hearing about or people I’ve known—it’s just…wow. I shouldn’t even be here. I’m very honored and very proud. The biggest achievements in my life are my children and grandchildren, but as far as the industry and this association, this is huge!”

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.semahof.com.

By Fredy Ramirez

Joel Ayres has a reputation. A shrewd businessman and salesman, he has had a successful aftermarket career for more than 40 years. But his reputation is not hard-as-nails or barbarous. Ayres is known for being one of the nicest guys in the industry.

Those who know Ayres understand why he was perfect for a job offered in 2015: executive director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. The organization provides financial assistance to those in need within the aftermarket industry from problems such as sickness, catastrophe or accident. The foundation is more than 50 years old, yet Ayres became the first to hold that position. And it speaks to the core of who Ayres is: that nice guy.

“My volunteer work started when I was very young,” he explained. “My whole life has been about volunteerism and charity work. It’s been my passion.” He’ll tell you that his father “gave me my business and selling side, and my mother and stepmom gave me my loving, caring and charitable side.” As such, he cofounded the first Big Brothers of Northeastern Indiana and has been a volunteer teacher and had a nearly lifelong involvement with various children’s charities.

His devotion to the industry and community has resulted in many accolades, including the LTAA Hall of Fame, the SBN Athena Award, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award and the SEMA Person of the Year. Still, Ayres feels unworthy of his SEMA Hall of Fame induction.

“I’m still in a cloud,” he confessed. “To think about the legends who are in this—the people I grew up hearing about or people I’ve known—it’s just…wow. I shouldn’t even be here. I’m very honored and very proud. The biggest achievements in my life are my children and grandchildren, but as far as the industry and this association, this is huge!”

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.semahof.com.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data warehouse, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Holley Concentric Clutch Slave Cylinder Throwout Bearing Assembly for T-56 Holley has released its concentric clutch slave cylinder throwout bearing assembly for the LS1 and LS6 F-body (’98–’02 Camaro/Firebird). The assembly features an aluminum construction and a black powdercoated finish engineered to prevent corrosion. A hydraulic line disconnect tool is included in the package. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 319-100
Holley ’65–’82 Corvette Rotors Holley introduces its REKUDO front and rear disc brake rotors for ’65 — ’82 C2/C3 Chevrolet Corvette. The rotors feature a black E-coat on the fully machined finished hats that passes a 400-hour salt spray test without rusting. The finish is also non-directional constructed to allow for better pad and rotor break-in. REKUDO rotors are also mill balanced, an additional machining operation designed to reduce pedal feedback associated with rotor vibration. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: RK400-06, RK400-07
Hooker Blackheart Long-Tube Headers Hooker Blackheart announces the release of its equal-length long-tube headers designed for the ’15 –’19 Subaru WRX/STI with 2.5L engines. The geometry is designed for simple installation and maximum performance. The headers do not require oxygen sensor (02 Sensor). Note: This product is not street-legal and may only be used on Racing Vehicles. It is illegal to install this product on a registered vehicle and use it on the street. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: BH9306
Hooker Blackheart Cat-Back Exhaust System Hooker Blackheart releases its Cat-Back exhaust system for the ’15–’19 Subaru WRX/STI with a 2.0 or 2.5L engine. The exhaust uses a high-flow straight-through muffler and a resonator to designed to deliver civilized attitude with a deep, sporty tone. The system is constructed from 304SS providing engineered for maximum durability and corrosion resistance. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: BH9303	3
Heatshield Oil Filter Heat Shield Heatshield Products introduces its Lava Oil Filter Shield for applications including Chrysler, Ford and GM engines. The shield is constructed to provide added protection for your engine by reducing oil temperature and helping to keep metal debris trapped in the oil filter. Lava Oil Filter Shields are engineered to withstand up to 1,200° F of constant heat and up to 2,000° F of intermittent heat. 844-723-2665 www.heatshieldproducts.com PN: Varies
Mishimoto BMW F8X M3/M4 Performance Air-to-Water Intercooler, 2015–2020 Mishimoto has released its Performance Air-to-Water Intercooler for the ’15–’20 BMW F8X M3/M4. The intercooler features full, cast aluminum end tanks, TIG-welded to a bar-and-plate core constructed for maximum durability. The end tanks also include internal air diverters on both the inlet and outlet engineered to ensure an even flow of charged air through the core. The intercooler core also features a unique single-pass internal fin layout for the coolant passage manufactured for optimal heat transfer from the charged air to the coolant. The intercooler is designed to record an average increase of 11 hp and 8 lb.-ft. of torque with peak gains of up to 31 hp and 10 lb.-ft. of torque. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMINT-F80-15
Mishimoto BMW F8X M3/M4 Performance Heat Exchanger, ’15–’20 Mishimoto introduces its Performance Heat Exchanger for the ’15 – ‘20 BMW F8X M3/M4. The dual-pass flow through the core is engineered for maximum cooling properties while expanding the core into the available space. The design features a 42mm-thick core while extending the height by 150 mm. The heat exchanger is manufactured to drop 10°F in global intercooling temperatures over the stock unit. The heat exchanger comes equipped with an optional steel mesh stone guard constructed for an added layer of protection for the fins. It also incorporates a variable fin pitch for the lower 12 rows on the core designed to facilitate cooling to DCT-equipped Ms. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMHE-F80-15

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data warehouse, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Holley Concentric Clutch Slave Cylinder Throwout Bearing Assembly for T-56 Holley has released its concentric clutch slave cylinder throwout bearing assembly for the LS1 and LS6 F-body (’98–’02 Camaro/Firebird). The assembly features an aluminum construction and a black powdercoated finish engineered to prevent corrosion. A hydraulic line disconnect tool is included in the package. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 319-100
Holley ’65–’82 Corvette Rotors Holley introduces its REKUDO front and rear disc brake rotors for ’65 — ’82 C2/C3 Chevrolet Corvette. The rotors feature a black E-coat on the fully machined finished hats that passes a 400-hour salt spray test without rusting. The finish is also non-directional constructed to allow for better pad and rotor break-in. REKUDO rotors are also mill balanced, an additional machining operation designed to reduce pedal feedback associated with rotor vibration. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: RK400-06, RK400-07
Hooker Blackheart Long-Tube Headers Hooker Blackheart announces the release of its equal-length long-tube headers designed for the ’15 –’19 Subaru WRX/STI with 2.5L engines. The geometry is designed for simple installation and maximum performance. The headers do not require oxygen sensor (02 Sensor). Note: This product is not street-legal and may only be used on Racing Vehicles. It is illegal to install this product on a registered vehicle and use it on the street. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: BH9306
Hooker Blackheart Cat-Back Exhaust System Hooker Blackheart releases its Cat-Back exhaust system for the ’15–’19 Subaru WRX/STI with a 2.0 or 2.5L engine. The exhaust uses a high-flow straight-through muffler and a resonator to designed to deliver civilized attitude with a deep, sporty tone. The system is constructed from 304SS providing engineered for maximum durability and corrosion resistance. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: BH9303	3
Heatshield Oil Filter Heat Shield Heatshield Products introduces its Lava Oil Filter Shield for applications including Chrysler, Ford and GM engines. The shield is constructed to provide added protection for your engine by reducing oil temperature and helping to keep metal debris trapped in the oil filter. Lava Oil Filter Shields are engineered to withstand up to 1,200° F of constant heat and up to 2,000° F of intermittent heat. 844-723-2665 www.heatshieldproducts.com PN: Varies
Mishimoto BMW F8X M3/M4 Performance Air-to-Water Intercooler, 2015–2020 Mishimoto has released its Performance Air-to-Water Intercooler for the ’15–’20 BMW F8X M3/M4. The intercooler features full, cast aluminum end tanks, TIG-welded to a bar-and-plate core constructed for maximum durability. The end tanks also include internal air diverters on both the inlet and outlet engineered to ensure an even flow of charged air through the core. The intercooler core also features a unique single-pass internal fin layout for the coolant passage manufactured for optimal heat transfer from the charged air to the coolant. The intercooler is designed to record an average increase of 11 hp and 8 lb.-ft. of torque with peak gains of up to 31 hp and 10 lb.-ft. of torque. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMINT-F80-15
Mishimoto BMW F8X M3/M4 Performance Heat Exchanger, ’15–’20 Mishimoto introduces its Performance Heat Exchanger for the ’15 – ‘20 BMW F8X M3/M4. The dual-pass flow through the core is engineered for maximum cooling properties while expanding the core into the available space. The design features a 42mm-thick core while extending the height by 150 mm. The heat exchanger is manufactured to drop 10°F in global intercooling temperatures over the stock unit. The heat exchanger comes equipped with an optional steel mesh stone guard constructed for an added layer of protection for the fins. It also incorporates a variable fin pitch for the lower 12 rows on the core designed to facilitate cooling to DCT-equipped Ms. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMHE-F80-15

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Jay Carpio

The SEMA Family video library is about re-living special moments in our industry’s history. From interviews with industry legends to SEMA Show recaps and more, these videos offer viewers a chance to watch our SEMA Family hard at work, doing what it does best—working hard, pushing the limits and having a little bit of fun, too.

This week’s videos feature and interview with Industry Icon Gale Banks, highlights from the 2015 LA Auto Show and a look at Kyle Tucker and an amazing Chevelle.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week six indicators that will enable him to modify the Golden State’s current stay-at-home order and reopen its economy.

California’s six indicators for modifying the stay-at-home order are:

• The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed.
• The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19.
• The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges.
• The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand.
• The ability for businesses, schools and childcare facilities to support physical distancing.
• The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.

California was the first state to issue a statewide stay-at-home order due to the Coronavirus. SEMA has compiled a state-by-state directory of closures and essential business definitions, which is continuously updated.

While no specific timeline was given for lifting his order, Governor Newsom, along with the Governors of Oregon and Washington, also announced plans to work together on a regional strategy for loosening current restrictions.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week six indicators that will enable him to modify the Golden State’s current stay-at-home order and reopen its economy.

California’s six indicators for modifying the stay-at-home order are:

• The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed.
• The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19.
• The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges.
• The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand.
• The ability for businesses, schools and childcare facilities to support physical distancing.
• The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.

California was the first state to issue a statewide stay-at-home order due to the Coronavirus. SEMA has compiled a state-by-state directory of closures and essential business definitions, which is continuously updated.

While no specific timeline was given for lifting his order, Governor Newsom, along with the Governors of Oregon and Washington, also announced plans to work together on a regional strategy for loosening current restrictions.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Several racing organizers have announced virtual and simulation motorsports events set to take place throughout April and May.

As racing schedules around the world have come to a halt due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several racing organizers have announced virtual and simulation motorsports events set to take place throughout April and May. View the running list, updated regularly, of virtual races, below.

GT Rivals Esports Invitational

The inaugural SRO America GT Rivals Esports Invitational has made its debut in early April. Drivers will go head-to-head in the first round of esports competition in the GT racing simulation game, Assetto Corsa Competizione, at the famed WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. An all-star cast of drivers from SRO America’s series - GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, Pirelli GT4 America, TC America, and GT Sports Club America - will challenge the 2.238-mile, 11-turn circuit set in the hills of Monterey county. They’ll be joined by five Champion Motorsports sim racing league regulars for an epic battle down the Corkscrew. For more information, visit www.gt-world-challenge-america.com.

Jim Beaver eSports eShort Course World Cup

The first-ever Jim Beaver eSports eShort Course World Cup presented by General Tire made its debut on the iRacing platform at the virtual Wild West Motorsports Park and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. The first major short course event on iRacing, the Jim Beaver eSports eShort Course World Cup presented by General Tire, pitted drivers in a two-hour, four-race campaign that saw them alternate between Pro 2 and Pro 4 trucks at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and Wild West Motorsports Park. Plans for future events put on by Jim Beaver eSports will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.jimbeaveresports.com.

Lucas Oil eSports

Lucas Oil Products has announced a new eSports program that will focus on virtual competition surrounding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series on the iRacing platform. In addition, officials announced the opportunity for other racers to compete with its Dirt Late Model stars. Real-life racers with iRacing experience are encouraged to apply for The Open by filling out an entry form. eSports officials will evaluate and determine the drivers who will participate. The complete eSports schedule will be released at a later date. For more information, visit www.lucasoil.com.

Motorsport UK

Motorsport UK has launched the Karting Esports Championship, which will be open to drivers from around the world. The championship is split into three categories, with a class for Motorsport UK license holders aged between 8-11 as well as a 12+ Motorsport UK license holder class. The final category will be for anyone aged 12 and over and open to any driver around the world. For more information and the series schedule, visit www.motorsportuk.org.

NASCAR

Entering its 11th consecutive season, the eNASCAR Forty Coca-Cola iRacing Series features 40 sim racers battling head-to-head across a 20-week schedule. Drivers race virtual replicas of NASCAR Cup Series cars on digital replicas of NASCAR's most iconic tracks, with races taking place Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. (EDT) on www.eNASCAR.com.

eNASCAR Forty Coca-Cola iRacing Series Schedule:

• Round 6: Dover, April 28, Dover International Speedway
• Round 7: Charlotte, May 12, Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Round 8: Atlanta, May 26, Atlanta Motor Speedway
• All-Star Race, June 16, TBD

POWRi

POWRi Lucas Oil West Midget League has announced a schedule for iRacing competition events. The POWRi West League will oversee all race-day duties including entry, timing, and scoring. Drivers from around the globe are eligible to compete as long as they meet specific computer requirements to run the iRacing program. Drivers must also prove their on-track skills in a qualifying race, which limits the top 50 participants for the main feature. POWRi TV will broadcast each iRacing event, which is set for Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. CST, for free. The on-track action resumes Tuesday, April 14, at Fairbury Speedway, and will conclude Tuesday, May 5, at Eldora Speedway. For more information, visit www.powri.com.

Road To Indy Presented by Cooper Tires

The Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires has gone virtual with a new e-series. The e-series allows drivers from Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship to compete against one another using race simulators. Drivers will continue to compete using Cooper Tires in the virtual series, as the tire manufacturer provided iRacing with performance data to allow similar handling and tire performance like on-track competition. Races will be held each Saturday through the end of April. The series is set to visit the IMS road course on April 11. Races can be viewed on several platforms, including facebook.com/coopertire, as well as through the Road to Indy TV website and app. For more information, visit www.roadtoindy.tv.

SCCA

Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has introduced the Hoosier eSports Super Tour, a virtual representation of the analog, real-world Hoosier Super Tour that runs at bucket list tracks across the country. The series features five race groups each weekend on the iRacing platform with the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup as the main event. Seasoned Runoffs announcers Gregg Ginsberg and Larry MacLeod provide color commentary of the live streamed races, which will be broadcasted on the SCCA Facebook page and the SCCA YouTube channel each Saturday. Competition is open to any current SCCA member. The weekly schedule concludes May 16, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. For more information, visit www.scca.com.

Supercars

The Australia-based Supercars series has formed the BP Supercars All Stars Eseries, which will run a nearly 10-week schedule on Wednesdays through mid-May. Supercars drivers will log-in from home using the iRacing platform, and teams will use current Holden ZB Commodore and Ford Mustang Supercars available with liveries of their own choosing. The events will be broadcasted and live streamed across Twitch and Supercars’ digital channels. The All Stars Eseries will run prior to the third installment of the Supercars Eseries using sim-racing experts, which will begin later this year. The complete schedule can be found here. For more information, visit www.supercars.com.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Classic Instruments is helping support the efforts of businesses and people in Northern Michigan in the quest to fight COVID-19.

Classic Instruments Supports Efforts in Northern Michigan to Fight COVID-19

Classic Instruments is helping support the efforts of businesses and people in Northern Michigan in the quest to fight COVID-19. Mayfair Plastics in Gaylord, Michigan, designed and is producing protective face shields for hospitals and first responders. With material from Alro Plastics, Classic Instruments has been laser cutting out the shields and providing 3D printing assistance for the team at Mayfair to assemble and ship the shields. Additionally, Classic Instruments has lended support to two local Boyne City businesses—Shaggy’s and 1-800-Stencil—in the parts production for two additional styles of shields. Classic Instruments completed a prototype to Shaggy’s and 1-800-Stencil’s design specs and a final tool for production use was made in less than one week. They are providing the plastic molded headbands to Shaggy’s and 1-800-Stencil for assembly.

Visteon is producing and donating medical equipment to front-line nurses and doctors around the world who are battling the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and providing critical care for COVID-19 patients.

Visteon Helps Protect Front-Line Medical Teams Battle Against Coronavirus

Visteon is leveraging its global capabilities in engineering, design and manufacturing to produce and donate much-needed medical equipment to front-line nurses and doctors around the world who are battling the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and providing critical care for COVID-19 patients. The company is using production lines at its Palmela manufacturing facility in Portugal—usually dedicated to automotive cockpit electronics—to produce protective face shields that will initially be donated to local medical facilities. The process will be replicated by Visteon facilities in India, Brazil and Mexico. In total, the company hopes to deliver up to 50,000 protective face shields, personal protective equipment (PPE) medical staff require to stay healthy while they treat and save people who are sick with COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Rigid Industries to Donate 5% of Each Purchase to United Food Bank to Help COVID-19 Victims

Through the end of May, Rigid Industries is offering 10% off all purchases at www.rigidindustries.com and free shipping in the United States. In addition, Rigid will donate 5% of each purchase to the @unitedfoodbank to help those in need due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

How It Works:

• Create an account at www.rigidindustries.com.
• Find the items you want and add them to your cart. Proceed to checkout when ready.
• Enter the code “Community” in the Promo Code box at checkout to redeem.
• Rigid will donate 5% of all sales using this code to the United Food Bank.

A minimum purchase of $99 is required for free shipping in the United States. Outlet and sale items are already deeply discounted and are not eligible for additional discounts. Free shipping is not applicable outside of the United States.

Oracle Lighting CEO Tiffanie Hartenstein and Director of Development Justin Hartenstein outside their Metaire, Louisiana, company headquarters with 1,000 N95 respirator masks and nearly 500 surgical masks that they recently donated to the Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans to help its staff battle COVID-19.

Oracle Lighting Donates Personal Protective Equipment to Tulane Medical Center

Oracle Lighting has made a donation of 1,000 N95 respirator masks and nearly 500 surgical masks to the Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans to help its staff battle COVID-19 in Louisiana where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is much needed. Suppliers are now helping out by including procured PPE in Oracle Lighting’s inbound shipments so that Oracle Lighting can donate to places in need. After procuring the PPE supplies, Oracle was able to donate the masks to Tulane Medical Center through Supplies for Saints, a group that is managing the collection of PPE for local hospitals.

XS Power Batteries Acquires Ultracapacitor Manufacturer Ioxus

XS Power Batteries has announced its acquisition of all of the assets of New York-based ultracapacitor manufacturer Ioxus Inc. Ioxus will continue to manufacture the same products through Systematic Power Manufacturing LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Systematic Power Solutions LLC, dba XS Power Batteries. Existing customer orders will continue to ship on schedule with no foreseeable delays in the manufacturing and delivery process.

Champion Brands to Manufacture Products to Help Combat COVID-19

Champion Brands LLC has announced that the company has started preparing to manufacture critically needed alcohol hand sanitizer and isopropyl alcohol disinfectant. Champion’s plan is to supply local senior homes, hospitals, medical-related businesses, food shelves and local government agencies.

Nexen Tire Adds New Distribution Center in Lockbourne, Ohio

Nexen Tire America Inc. has announced a new distribution center located at 2190 Creekside Pkwy in Lockbourne, Ohio. The new Ohio distribution center marks the third addition to its list of U.S. distribution facilities, joining the existing two located in California and Georgia. Ohio was strategically chosen for its centralized location in the U.S. allowing Nexen to increase efficiency. With three distribution centers triangulating most of the U.S., customers can now expect shorter delivery times and lower costs, according to the company.

Michael Park

Idemitsu Lubricants America Names Michael Park Senior Director for Aftermarket Sales and Operations, North America

Idemitsu Lubricants America has announced the appointment of Michael Park as senior director for aftermarket sales and operations, North America. Park has more than 30 years' experience and proven leadership in the automotive aftermarket, including sales, logistics/distribution, wholesale and retail parts. He has been with Idemitsu for almost nine years, and most recently managed the company's largest division, growing it from just a handful of employees.

Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) Supports COVID-19 Fight

Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) is marshaling resources and people to help fight COVID-19. The company is announcing several actions it is planning and executing from its Auburn Hills, Michigan, headquarters and manufacturing facility. These include the following initiatives:

• Re-tooling manufacturing facility to produce an aspiration box with an ease-of-use design and face shields and masks to local frontline healthcare workers and first responders. Additional products will be identified through coordination between the state of Michigan and National Association of Manufacturers.
• Mahindra food truck to distribute free meals to Oakland County healthcare workers and first-responders.
• Launching the “ROXOR Delivers” program that supports ROXOR dealers across the country who have had to close due to state mandates and consumers who are unable or unwilling to leave their homes. The program will deliver ROXORs right to consumers’ doors, limiting social interaction. 

MANA will continue to work closely with the state of Michigan, its congressional delegation, National Association of Manufacturers, Michigan Manufacturer’s Association, Oakland County and others to continually evaluate what it can do to contribute to the COVID-19 fight. If you're an essential business in need of PPE products during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit www.mahindraautomotivena.com/response to inquire about quantities and availability.

Mike Sinoway

Aftermarket Performance Group Names Mike Sinoway Chief Executive Officer

The Aftermarket Performance Group (APG), a holding company of automotive performance aftermarket companies in the wholesale, retail, eCommerce and manufacturing segments, has announced that it has named Mike Sinoway as the company’s chief executive officer, effective immediately. Prior to APG, Sinoway served as CEO at MaritzCX, a global provider of customer experience, data analytics and artificial intelligence that directly supports 19 out of 20 of the world’s largest automotive companies. Sinoway also has more than 30 years of experience in distribution, manufacturing, eCommerce and technology. He will also immediately focus on the health and safety of employees, vendors and the community while still serving customers during COVID-19.

Lubrication Specialties is now selling hand sanitizer to businesses and individuals.

Lubrication Specialties Hand Sanitizer Now Available for Purchase

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI), manufacturer of Hot Shot’s Secret performance oils and additives and other specialty lubrication products, recently announced the production of alcohol-based hand sanitizer at its Mt Gilead, Ohio, manufacturing facility to assist with preventative care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, LSI began offering 4 oz. bottles of Hot Shot’s Secret hand sanitizer for free to its local hospital and healthcare workers, nursing homes and to truckers transporting essential supplies. According to the company, due to an overwhelming response from businesses and individuals seeking to also purchase hand sanitizer, LSI has ramped up production to sell hand sanitizer to businesses and individuals in larger bottles and quantities, including bulk under the company’s LSI Chemical brand. LSI Chemical hand sanitizer is now available for purchase in multiple bottle sizes, including 16-oz., 32-oz., 64-oz., 1-gallon, 5-gallon and bulk sizes, including 55-gallon and 330-gallon. Using the formulation recommended by the World Health Organization, the formulas are 80% Alcohol by volume. 

Sparta Evolution to Manufacture Medical Equipment

Mark Joseph, COO of Sparta Evolution, has confirmed that he is repurposing several CNC machines to manufacture components for various medical equipment, such as life support ventilators, respirators and other instruments. Along with CNC machines, Sparta Evolution maintains commercial equipment, such as 3D printers and laser etchers. Staff members have reached out to several medical suppliers offering the services of its manufacturing facility. As of now, there has been an interest in Sparta Evolution to be an “overflow manufacturer," which enables the company to be a resource for manufacturers that are currently at capacity. To inquire about its new manufacturing assistance, contact info@spartaevo.com or 425-298-0617, ext. 101. For more information, visit www.spartaevo.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 Editors

Reid Lunde, owner and founder of Kaizen Speed, was the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad winner.

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) is now accepting applications for the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad Program, a competition for young entrepreneurs who would like to launch their products into the $44.6 billion dollar aftermarket industry. 

Now in its seventh year, the program provides emerging business leaders the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of iconic industry judges and compete for a prize that includes $10,000 to be used for the benefit of their business, and exhibit space at the annual SEMA Show.  

“Our goal is to encourage and support young entrepreneurs in the automotive industry,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “We hope to identify emerging leaders who have amazing new ideas and products. We want to provide these young businesses with the support and resources to help them succeed.”  

Fifteen applicants will be selected to receive a one-year SEMA membership, as well as one professional Launch Pad video to be hosted on the SEMA YouTube Channel. The 15 Launch Pad participants will learn new business strategies and film a short video that will be used for an online voting competition.

The public will be able to view the 15 videos online and cast their votes for the businesses they would like to advance to the next round. From there, 10 finalists will receive a complimentary kiosk booth at the 2020 SEMA Show, with the Top 5 vote-getters earning a chance to pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 2, at the SEMA Show.  

"SEMA Launch Pad competitors represent the most innovative and passionate emerging industry-leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Ridnouer. “As such, the public will be able to play a key role in the voting process and help determine what product or service consumers will find valuable.”    

Applicants do not need to be members of SEMA or YEN to participate but must hold stake within the company. Students who meet the qualifications are invited to apply as well.  

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/launchpad before May 3.