These shots are of a third-gen Chevy Camaro leaving GM’s Milford Proving Grounds. But this is no ordinary Camaro, as witnessed by the manufacturer plate and a sticker on the windshield that allows it access to the Milford proving grounds.

Spy shooters followed the Camaro closely for some time, counted the shift pattern and noticed that it was shifting using a six-speed manual transmission. The engine, meanwhile, sounds like GM’s current small-block V-8. This Camaro prototype also has a roll cage, twin dual exhaust tips, a raised hood and GM Performance Parts badges on the sides and back.

This would not be the first time GM used a third-gen Camaro for testing purposes. Back in 2014, it tested a third-generation Camaro alongside a camouflaged sixth-generation Camaro as a sort of ultra-camouflage.

So, what is this Camaro testing? Could it be the next-generation Camaro or an upcoming engine update for the current sixth-gen model?

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

These shots are of a third-gen Chevy Camaro leaving GM’s Milford Proving Grounds. But this is no ordinary Camaro, as witnessed by the manufacturer plate and a sticker on the windshield that allows it access to the Milford proving grounds.

Spy shooters followed the Camaro closely for some time, counted the shift pattern and noticed that it was shifting using a six-speed manual transmission. The engine, meanwhile, sounds like GM’s current small-block V-8. This Camaro prototype also has a roll cage, twin dual exhaust tips, a raised hood and GM Performance Parts badges on the sides and back.

This would not be the first time GM used a third-gen Camaro for testing purposes. Back in 2014, it tested a third-generation Camaro alongside a camouflaged sixth-generation Camaro as a sort of ultra-camouflage.

So, what is this Camaro testing? Could it be the next-generation Camaro or an upcoming engine update for the current sixth-gen model?

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

These shots are of a third-gen Chevy Camaro leaving GM’s Milford Proving Grounds. But this is no ordinary Camaro, as witnessed by the manufacturer plate and a sticker on the windshield that allows it access to the Milford proving grounds.

Spy shooters followed the Camaro closely for some time, counted the shift pattern and noticed that it was shifting using a six-speed manual transmission. The engine, meanwhile, sounds like GM’s current small-block V-8. This Camaro prototype also has a roll cage, twin dual exhaust tips, a raised hood and GM Performance Parts badges on the sides and back.

This would not be the first time GM used a third-gen Camaro for testing purposes. Back in 2014, it tested a third-generation Camaro alongside a camouflaged sixth-generation Camaro as a sort of ultra-camouflage.

So, what is this Camaro testing? Could it be the next-generation Camaro or an upcoming engine update for the current sixth-gen model?

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

These shots are of a third-gen Chevy Camaro leaving GM’s Milford Proving Grounds. But this is no ordinary Camaro, as witnessed by the manufacturer plate and a sticker on the windshield that allows it access to the Milford proving grounds.

Spy shooters followed the Camaro closely for some time, counted the shift pattern and noticed that it was shifting using a six-speed manual transmission. The engine, meanwhile, sounds like GM’s current small-block V-8. This Camaro prototype also has a roll cage, twin dual exhaust tips, a raised hood and GM Performance Parts badges on the sides and back.

This would not be the first time GM used a third-gen Camaro for testing purposes. Back in 2014, it tested a third-generation Camaro alongside a camouflaged sixth-generation Camaro as a sort of ultra-camouflage.

So, what is this Camaro testing? Could it be the next-generation Camaro or an upcoming engine update for the current sixth-gen model?

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

These shots are of a third-gen Chevy Camaro leaving GM’s Milford Proving Grounds. But this is no ordinary Camaro, as witnessed by the manufacturer plate and a sticker on the windshield that allows it access to the Milford proving grounds.

Spy shooters followed the Camaro closely for some time, counted the shift pattern and noticed that it was shifting using a six-speed manual transmission. The engine, meanwhile, sounds like GM’s current small-block V-8. This Camaro prototype also has a roll cage, twin dual exhaust tips, a raised hood and GM Performance Parts badges on the sides and back.

This would not be the first time GM used a third-gen Camaro for testing purposes. Back in 2014, it tested a third-generation Camaro alongside a camouflaged sixth-generation Camaro as a sort of ultra-camouflage.

So, what is this Camaro testing? Could it be the next-generation Camaro or an upcoming engine update for the current sixth-gen model?

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to gradually increase the federal minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2024. H.R. 582, the “Raise the Wage Act,” would increase the minimum wage each year in seven steps and then index future increases to median wage growth. If enacted into law, the bill would increase the minimum hourly wage to $8.40 on the first day of the third month after it is enacted. It would then increase to $9.50 one year after the first increase and to the following amounts in each subsequent year: $10.60 in year two, $11.70 in year three, $12.80 in year four, $13.90 in year five and $15 in year six. H.R. 582 requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the effects of the first two minimum wage increases on the private sector, including small businesses, in addition to metropolitan, nonmetropolitan, urban and rural areas.

The bill would also gradually phase out lower minimum wages that currently exist for workers under the age of 20, the disabled and tipped workers:

• H.R. 582 would increase the base hourly wage for tipped workers from $2.13 to $3.60 during the first year after the bill takes effect and in each of the following years until it equals the minimum wage in 2027. Federal law requires employers to provide workers with a “tip credit” if their tips combined with their minimum hourly wage for tipped workers does not add up to the traditional hourly wage.
• The bill increases the hourly minimum wage for employees younger than 20 from $4.25 to $5.50 for the first year after the bill takes effect and in each of the following years until it equals the minimum wage in 2027. 
• H.R.582 would also increase the minimum hourly wage for workers with disabilities to $4.25 for the first year after the bill takes effect and would increase the wage over the period of six years until it is equal to the minimum wage. 

If enacted into law, H.R. 582 would mark the first time Congress has passed a law to increase the minimum wage since 2007. However, the U.S. Senate is not expected to take up the bill. Presently, 29 states and Washington, D.C., have minimum wages that are higher than the Federal minimum wage.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to gradually increase the federal minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2024. H.R. 582, the “Raise the Wage Act,” would increase the minimum wage each year in seven steps and then index future increases to median wage growth. If enacted into law, the bill would increase the minimum hourly wage to $8.40 on the first day of the third month after it is enacted. It would then increase to $9.50 one year after the first increase and to the following amounts in each subsequent year: $10.60 in year two, $11.70 in year three, $12.80 in year four, $13.90 in year five and $15 in year six. H.R. 582 requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the effects of the first two minimum wage increases on the private sector, including small businesses, in addition to metropolitan, nonmetropolitan, urban and rural areas.

The bill would also gradually phase out lower minimum wages that currently exist for workers under the age of 20, the disabled and tipped workers:

• H.R. 582 would increase the base hourly wage for tipped workers from $2.13 to $3.60 during the first year after the bill takes effect and in each of the following years until it equals the minimum wage in 2027. Federal law requires employers to provide workers with a “tip credit” if their tips combined with their minimum hourly wage for tipped workers does not add up to the traditional hourly wage.
• The bill increases the hourly minimum wage for employees younger than 20 from $4.25 to $5.50 for the first year after the bill takes effect and in each of the following years until it equals the minimum wage in 2027. 
• H.R.582 would also increase the minimum hourly wage for workers with disabilities to $4.25 for the first year after the bill takes effect and would increase the wage over the period of six years until it is equal to the minimum wage. 

If enacted into law, H.R. 582 would mark the first time Congress has passed a law to increase the minimum wage since 2007. However, the U.S. Senate is not expected to take up the bill. Presently, 29 states and Washington, D.C., have minimum wages that are higher than the Federal minimum wage.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

TascaParts.com has been named the official OEM replacement parts supplier of the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals through the end of 2019.

TascaParts.com Named Official OEM Replacement Parts Supplier of NMCA

TascaParts.com has been named the official OEM replacement parts supplier of the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals through the end of 2019. TascaParts.com is steep in drag-racing heritage reaching back to the ’60s. The family patriarch Bob Tasca Sr. led the way for the development of the Cobra Jet program and other racing ventures with Ford Motor Co. through the family’s Tasca Ford dealership. Today, Bob Tasca III competes in the pro ranks of NHRA in a nitro-burning Funny Car.

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

By Rachel Tatum

Jef White

THE SHOP magazine is a B2B media outlet that reaches shop owners, shop managers, installers and retailers in the performance, restyling, and off-road markets. Jef White, executive editor from THE SHOP, attends the SEMA Show each year seeking news and information from exhibitors. He recently provided exhibitors with insight on what he’s looking for at the SEMA Show and tips on how to obtain coverage from his outlet.  

SEMA: Who does your magazine reach?

Jef White: Our magazine reaches many of the SEMA Show attendees—shop owners, shop managers, installers and retailers. We cover every hall at the SEMA Show, including restyling, performance, trucks and off-road.

SEMA: How can exhibitors better work with you?

JW: Reach out early and work to understand how our magazine can support your programs before, during and after the Show. Get to know our magazine and the proper contact for press-release submissions. Make yourself available and friendly. With 2,400 exhibitors at the SEMA Show, you are competing with lots of other companies for our attention and space in the magazine. When we get a release telling us how great a new product is, we’re likely getting dozens of other releases saying the exact same thing.

SEMA: What can new companies do to establish a relationship with you?

JW: I suggest establishing a contact and reaching out once or twice throughout the year just to let us know what’s going on with your company. Don’t just hit me with one email out of the blue with a name or company I don’t recognize. We make an effort to read every single email, but if it’s a company I don’t recognize, it may get less attention than an email from someone I work with a lot.

SEMA: When do you start preparing for the SEMA Show and scheduling appointments?

JW: Our online/e-newsletter coverage of the Show is year-round, as news develops before, during and after. For the print magazine, our main SEMA Show issue has a November cover date—the deadline for that is mid-September. Scheduling a meeting or booth visit by an editor begins in earnest about three weeks before the Show starts. If you wait until the final week before the Show to reach out, it will be too late.

To view articles written by White, visit THE SHOP magazine website.

The SEMA Show attract nearly 3,000 approved media each year, representing print, video, radio and online outlets. SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist. For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

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 repository, 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.

COMP Cams Keyway Adjustable Billet Timing Set COMP Cams announces the release of a new Keyway Adjustable Billet Timing Set. This kit features CNC-machined sprockets from billet bar steel, which is induction heat-treated for balance between durability and load capacity. The billet gears are keyway adjustable and are designed to allow for tuning camshaft timing. The kit uses a C5-R Racing Chain as standard equipment. The chain is pre-stretched and heat-treated with blanked links and press fit center links designed to avoid further stretching or breaking. 800-999-0853 www.compcams.com PN 7113
Edelbrock Victor Jr. LS 416 Long-Block Edelbrock announces the release of Victor Jr. LS 416 Long-Block crate engine. The engine is designed to produce 602 hp and 538 ft-lbs. of torque. It features an aluminum LS3 block with a forged and balanced Manley crankshaft, forged Manley H-Beam connecting rods and Manley forged aluminum pistons to create a 416ci LS3 stroker with 4.0650-in. bore and 4-in. stroke. The core of this long-block are the Victor Jr. LS3 cylinder heads and Rollin' Thunder hydraulic roller camshaft. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN 46725
MAHLE Motorsport PowerPak Plus Piston Kit MAHLE Motorsport announces the release of their BBC Elite Sportsman PowerPak Plus Piston Kit, designed to maximize horsepower for aluminum big block Chevy cylinder heads capable of over 1,200 hp. This kit is engineered to work with the Brodix Dart Pro 1. The pistons are designed to add attention to drag-race-specific stress areas. The kit features lightweight pistons with a slipper skirt, 2618 alloy forgings, dual coatings, lateral gas ports for designed for increased ring seal, CNC finished pin bore and forced pin oiling. 888-255-1942. www.MahleMotorsports.com PN 930239300
Mishimoto Transmission Cooler Mishimoto announced the release of Direct-Fit Ford Raptor and F-150 Transmission Cooler. The cooler is designed for 2010-14 Ford Raptor and 2011-14 F-150s. The design features a 14-row tube-and-fin construction engineered for maximum cooling and flow. The cooler is designed to increase in-fluid capacity by 197% over the stock cooler and increase core volume by 94%. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN MMTC-F150-11SL
Powerhouse Products Heavy-Duty Engine Cradle With Wheels Powerhouse Products announces the release of their new Heavy-Duty Engine Cradle with wheels. The cradle is designed to make storing and moving GM LS and Chevrolet SBC/BBC engines easier. The cradle is constructed from heavy gauge steel, has mounting pads designed to accept both LS and standard SBC/BBC engines and features heavy-duty casters engineered for easy movement. The cradle’s low-profile is designed to allow for easy storage. 800-872-7223 www.powerhouseproducts.com PN POW102134
Wilwood’s Temperature Strips Wilwood announces the release of Temperature Strips, engineered to provide easy and accurate methods of recording observed on-track temperatures of brake calipers or other components on a race car. The adhesive-backed strips are designed to attach to any clean, smooth surface to record peak temperatures that occur during any session. The temperatures are marked for both Fahrenheit and Celsius with the range of 250 degrees to 536 degrees Fahrenheit and 121 degrees to 280 degrees Celsius. The indicator color changes to black when a temperature level is observed. Each package includes 10 non-reversible strips. 805-388-1188 www.wilwood.com PN 400-15671