By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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

Paint Shop Manager: Cinema Vehicle Services LLC is hiring a paint shop manager to identify all areas in need of prepping for buffing/sanding or any other repairs before proceeding to paint application; mix to specified color using standard formulas, color charts and factory recommended specifications; and sand, mask, blend and polish finish. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in the auto or truck repair and paint industry and five years of management experience.

Mechanical Design Engineer: Cognito Motorsports is hiring a mechanical engineer or design engineer to lead and assist in the development of new aftermarket suspension-related products for passenger trucks, SUVs and UTVs. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills in addition to a comprehensive knowledge of engineering topics, including strength of materials, fatigue behavior, stresses, fits and interference and weld joint design. A bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent and a minimum of four years’ related design experience in a manufacturing environment are required.

Audi Performance Sales and Customer Service Manager: JH Motorsports Inc. is hiring an Audi Performance sales and customer service manager to oversee the sales and customer service departments. This position will be responsible for building and training a sales team, driving sales, managing and attending events and assisting with new product releases. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of Audi/VW/Porsche cars and parts, good overall mechanical aptitude, an ability to understand how automotive parts and systems work and experience in sales and customer service.

Vehicle, Wheel and Tire Technician: DriveRightData is hiring a vehicle, wheel and tire technician. This position is focused around performing specialized wheel testing services and gathering vehicle-related data to maintain the company’s databases. Necessary training will be given. The ideal candidate will have experience with wheel and tire fitments on a variety of vehicles, from luxury cars to large passenger trucks and knowledge of lift kits. The ability to mount tires, check air pressures and willingness to learn how wheels should be mounted on specialist machinery for physical tests are required. This position will involve heavy lifting and requires the ability to follow strict guidelines to ensure the DriveRightData’s high standards are enforced in all activities.

Sales Coordinator: Method Race Wheels is hiring a sales coordinator responsible for facilitating and responding to inbound electronic communication from existing and potential customers, facilitating orders and following up on order timelines electronically. This position will make a continual effort to respond to customers as quickly as possible and make an effort to remain up to date on all the products and services offered. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• PRI Trade Show, December 6–8, 2018, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
• Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception, December 7, 2018, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
• 2019 SEMA Middle East and Australia Overview Conference Call, December 12, 2018
• MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 22–24, 2019, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, Santa Ana, California
• SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, March 26–31, 2019, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, May 9–13, 2019, Melbourne, Australia
• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 12, 2019
• 2019 SEMA Show, November 5–8, 2019, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

The RPM Act needs your support.

The RPM Act needs your support.

The RPM Act needs your support.

The RPM Act needs your support.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The Toyo Tires/Flying Lizard Motorsports team won its fourth consecutive overall victory at the NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill presented by Hawk Performance last Sunday.

Toyo Tires/Flying Lizard Motorsports Wins Record Fourth 2018 NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill Presented by Hawk Performance

The Toyo Tires/Flying Lizard Motorsports team won its fourth consecutive overall victory at the NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill presented by Hawk Performance last Sunday. The team overcame a broken axle just after the start of the race on Saturday and powered on to the checkered flag at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Northern California. The team now holds the most overall titles in the 16-year history of 25 Hours of Thunderhill. Nearly 50 teams competed in seven classes in the endurance race that started Saturday at 11:00 a.m., and concluded at noon on Sunday.

Edelbrock has announced an enhanced partnership with Pat Musi Racing Engines that will cater to the hardcore drag-racing market.

Edelbrock Partners with Pat Musi Racing Engines to Power New Crate Engine Program

Edelbrock has announced an enhanced partnership with Pat Musi Racing Engines that will cater to the hardcore drag-racing market. At the center of the partnership is a new crate engine program created specifically for drag racers, which features the Musi 632 Top Sportsman/Top Dragster engine. Besides the complete engine available from Pat Musi Racing Engines, individual components are also available directly from both Edelbrock and Musi as part of the program. Available components include 12-degree cylinder heads and Victor Musi Big-Block Chevy 24-degree CNC cylinder heads, a Super Victor II CNC intake manifold and a Big Victor 2 Spread-Port Tall Deck intake manifold. Edelbrock is also continuing its support of Pat Musi’s 27-year-old daughter Lizzy Musi in the Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) Pro Nitrous ranks as a primary sponsor of Musi and her Pro Nitrous ’18 Dodge Dart. The official unveiling of the partnership will take place in the Edelbrock booth (#1713), Friday, December 7, at 1:00 p.m. (EST) at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, held at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

Cris Vandagriff

Sonoma Speed Festival Brings HMSA and Vandagriff on Board

Sonoma Speed Festival Owner Jeff O’Neill and General Manager Ryan Turri have tabbed veteran vintage racing expert Cris Vandagriff and the Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA) to sanction and oversee all competition for the new event.

MacCachren Wins SCORE Trophy Truck points, W. Matlock Tops Overall and Pro UTV FI in 2018 SCORE World Desert Championship

Veteran champion desert racer Wayne Matlock drove solo for the entire 1,802.68 miles to become the first UTV racer to win the SCORE Overall Point season championship, capturing the title in the four-race 2018 SCORE World Desert Championship. Tied in the SCORE overall points race for 2018 with eventual SCORE Trophy Truck season point champion Rob MacCachren entering November’s season-ending 51st SCORE Baja 1000, Matlock capped his season with his solo drive to the 2018 SCORE Overall and his Pro UTV FI class. A night of champions will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019, at the San Diego Air and Space Museum at Balboa Park. The evening will salute the champions of the 2018 SCORE World Desert Championship, honor the 2018 SCORE Off-Roadsman of the Year award winners and recognize the 43 winners of the 2018 SCORE Milestone awards. For more information and complete results, visit the SCORE website.

2018 champions: J.R. Todd, NHRA Funny Car World champion; Matt Smith, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion; Joey Logano, NASCAR champion; and Mike Janis, E3 Pro Mod Drag Racing Series champion.

Four MAHLE-Sponsored Racers Achieve Fastest MPH Recorded for NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Competition

In 2018, MAHLE-sponsored racers came out on top with four racers titled champions. They include Joey Logano, who won the 2018 NASCAR championship with a MAHLE-sponsored Roush Yates-built engine. In NHRA series racing, MAHLE-sponsored racer J.R. Todd with Kalitta Racing won the NHRA Funny Car World Championship. Matt Smith not only clinched the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship at the finals in Pomona, but also recorded the fastest MPH ever recorded at 201.22 MPH. In a final five-second run against Ricky Smith at the E3 Pro Mod Drag Racing Series eliminations in Las Vegas, MAHLE-sponsored racer Mike Janis won his first Pro Mod Championship.

AJ Flick Wins Chili Bowl Opportunity

Mt Baker Vapor and Landon Simon Racing have officially named Pennsylvania driver AJ Flick winner of the MBVDirt campaign’s grand prize—a free ride at the 2019 Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Flick will pilot the second entry out of the LSR stable beside driver and team owner Landon Simon.

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

SEMA News—December 2018

EVENTS

By Chad Simon

About 400 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala, themed “Success Starts Here,” at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in Universal City, California, on July 20, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers.

About 400 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala, themed “Success Starts Here,” at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in Universal City, California, on July 20, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers. Jessi Combs and Kevin Oeste served as the evening’s emcees. Honorees included the SEMA Hall of Fame class of 2018—Donnie Eatherly, P&E Distributors; Ed Pink, Ed Pink’s Garage; and Chris Thomson, TMG Performance Products.

SEMA Hall of Fame Class of 2018

Induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame is considered the trade association’s most prestigious honor and is reserved for outstanding individuals within the specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of the industry and significantly contributed to its growth.

From sales, inventory management, marketing and managing capital, resources and people, Donnie Eatherly has worked in all areas of the industry and has a broad perspective of every aspect involved. He now owns one of the longest-running speed shops in the mid-Tennessee area, which was originally founded by his father. His unique experience has helped him to effectively champion many important industry initiatives, including youth engagement, legislative advocacy, data standardization and vehicle technology. He is among the industry’s most active volunteers, having served on the SEMA Board of Directors, SEMA Political Action Committee and various SEMA councils and task forces.

For more than 60 years, Ed Pink Racing Engines has helped legendary racers set records and win championships. And while that alone is reason to honor “The Old Master,” it’s his dedication, innovation and contribution to the industry that sets him apart from all the others. Ed Pink has worked alongside industry pioneers such as Lou Baney, Ed Iskenderian and the Edelbrock family. He opened his first shop in 1957 and built engines used in virtually every avenue of motorsports. Although Pink sold his original business about 10 years ago, he continues to consult and actively supports programs such as the SEMA Scholarship Foundation. He is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame in Detroit, Don Garlits International Drag Racing Hall of Fame and the Super Stock Hall of Fame.

Before joining TMG Group earlier this year, Chris Thomson worked for leading industry brands, including Baer Brakes Systems, Airaid/K&N Filter Co., Holley Performance Products and FlowTech Exhaust Co. For more than 40 years, he held coveted executive positions in those organizations and played a key role in the companies’ successes. However, it is his selfless dedication to the industry as a whole that makes him stand out from others. Having served numerous terms on the SEMA Board of Directors, as well as on several councils, committees and task forces, Thomson is often described as a “mentor” and an “advocate.” He was honored in 2006 as the PWA Person of the Year, the same year that the company he worked for—Airaid Filter Co.—received the PWA Manufacturer of the Year award.

Recognizing Industry Leaders

Among the event’s highlights, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting and Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki took the stage to pay tribute to longtime SEMA General Counsel Russ Deane to recognize the efforts of outgoing Board of Directors officials and to welcome the incoming Board. They included:

• Jim Bingham of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. (outgoing)
• Laurel Dasher of MagnaFlow (outgoing)
• Russ Deane of Trainum, Snowdon & Deane, General Counsel (outgoing)
• Susan Carpenter of CPG (outgoing)
• Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors (incoming)
• David Goch of Webster of Chamberlain & Bean LLP, General Counsel
• Nick Gramelspacher of Meyer Distributing (outgoing)
• Dan Kahn of Kahn Media Inc. (re-elected)
• Brian Lounsberry of Motovicity Distribution (incoming)
• Dr. Jamie Meyer of General Motors (incoming)
• Steve Whipple of Edelbrock LLC (incoming)

“This year’s Installation & Gala was another outstanding celebration of the spirit and passion that drives our industry,” said Kersting. “I’d like to once again thank the dedicated volunteers who serve on the SEMA Board of Directors and congratulate our incoming Hall of Fame inductees. Their service and leadership have meant so much to the specialty-equipment aftermarket. This event will also be long remembered for its unprecedented outpouring of generosity in service to SEMA Cares charities. And for many of us, it will be remembered as an evening of appreciation for the many years of dedicated and outstanding service of SEMA’s General Counsel Russ Deane.”

SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races

The evening’s festivities also featured the Pinewood Drag Races—an annual fundraiser for SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. In addition to the Build-It-For-Me (BIFM) class, the races included the Council Cup, People’s Choice, several different industry classes and Industry Cup Challenge. Children living at the Childhelp facilities and Victory Junction campers built the vehicles for the BIFM class and donors sponsored their race cars.

Council Cup

1st Place: Automotive Restoration Market Association (ARMO)

Build It For Me Class (cars and trucks built by kids)

1st Place: Hella

People’s Choice

Edelbrock

Industry Cup Challenge

1st Place: Hot Rod

Media Class: Hot Rod
Service Provider’s Class: LGE*CTS
Rep Agency Class: R&R Marketing
Warehouse Distributor Class: RSD
Manufacturer’s Class: A.R.E.

While the racing is over, it’s not too late to make a direct donation to Childhelp and Victory Junction via SEMA Cares.

The Gala was emceed by industry personalities Kevin Oeste (left) and Jessi Combs (right).		SEMA Board of Directors Chairman Wade Kawasaki welcomed attendees to the annual Installation & Gala.
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) and SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki (right) honored longtime SEMA Counsel Russ Deane, who retired.		SEMA Cares Chairman Rich Barsamian encouraged guests to sponsor a Pinewood car to help raise money for children’s charities.
Outgoing SEMA Board member Jim Bingham (center) of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. was recognized for his contributions.		Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors was welcomed to the SEMA Board.
Outgoing Board member Nick Gramelspacher (center) of Meyer Distributing was thanked for his efforts.		Dan Kahn (center) of Kahn Media Inc. was re-elected to the SEMA Board of Directors.
Outgoing SEMA Board member Laurel Dasher (center) of MagnaFlow was recognized for her contributions.		Dr. Jamie Meyer (center) of General Motors was welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors.
Brian Lounsberry (center) of Motovicity Distribution was welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors.		SEMA paid tribute to longtime General Counsel Russ Deane (center), who retired.
Steve Whipple (center) of Edelbrock LLC was welcomed to the SEMA Board.		2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Donnie Eatherly.
2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Ed Pink.		2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Chris Thomson.
The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, held in conjunction with the Installation & Gala, raised money for charities supported by SEMA Cares.		2018–2019 SEMA Board of Directors.

SEMA News—December 2018

EVENTS

By Chad Simon

About 400 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala, themed “Success Starts Here,” at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in Universal City, California, on July 20, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers.

About 400 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala, themed “Success Starts Here,” at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in Universal City, California, on July 20, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers. Jessi Combs and Kevin Oeste served as the evening’s emcees. Honorees included the SEMA Hall of Fame class of 2018—Donnie Eatherly, P&E Distributors; Ed Pink, Ed Pink’s Garage; and Chris Thomson, TMG Performance Products.

SEMA Hall of Fame Class of 2018

Induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame is considered the trade association’s most prestigious honor and is reserved for outstanding individuals within the specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of the industry and significantly contributed to its growth.

From sales, inventory management, marketing and managing capital, resources and people, Donnie Eatherly has worked in all areas of the industry and has a broad perspective of every aspect involved. He now owns one of the longest-running speed shops in the mid-Tennessee area, which was originally founded by his father. His unique experience has helped him to effectively champion many important industry initiatives, including youth engagement, legislative advocacy, data standardization and vehicle technology. He is among the industry’s most active volunteers, having served on the SEMA Board of Directors, SEMA Political Action Committee and various SEMA councils and task forces.

For more than 60 years, Ed Pink Racing Engines has helped legendary racers set records and win championships. And while that alone is reason to honor “The Old Master,” it’s his dedication, innovation and contribution to the industry that sets him apart from all the others. Ed Pink has worked alongside industry pioneers such as Lou Baney, Ed Iskenderian and the Edelbrock family. He opened his first shop in 1957 and built engines used in virtually every avenue of motorsports. Although Pink sold his original business about 10 years ago, he continues to consult and actively supports programs such as the SEMA Scholarship Foundation. He is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame in Detroit, Don Garlits International Drag Racing Hall of Fame and the Super Stock Hall of Fame.

Before joining TMG Group earlier this year, Chris Thomson worked for leading industry brands, including Baer Brakes Systems, Airaid/K&N Filter Co., Holley Performance Products and FlowTech Exhaust Co. For more than 40 years, he held coveted executive positions in those organizations and played a key role in the companies’ successes. However, it is his selfless dedication to the industry as a whole that makes him stand out from others. Having served numerous terms on the SEMA Board of Directors, as well as on several councils, committees and task forces, Thomson is often described as a “mentor” and an “advocate.” He was honored in 2006 as the PWA Person of the Year, the same year that the company he worked for—Airaid Filter Co.—received the PWA Manufacturer of the Year award.

Recognizing Industry Leaders

Among the event’s highlights, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting and Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki took the stage to pay tribute to longtime SEMA General Counsel Russ Deane to recognize the efforts of outgoing Board of Directors officials and to welcome the incoming Board. They included:

• Jim Bingham of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. (outgoing)
• Laurel Dasher of MagnaFlow (outgoing)
• Russ Deane of Trainum, Snowdon & Deane, General Counsel (outgoing)
• Susan Carpenter of CPG (outgoing)
• Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors (incoming)
• David Goch of Webster of Chamberlain & Bean LLP, General Counsel
• Nick Gramelspacher of Meyer Distributing (outgoing)
• Dan Kahn of Kahn Media Inc. (re-elected)
• Brian Lounsberry of Motovicity Distribution (incoming)
• Dr. Jamie Meyer of General Motors (incoming)
• Steve Whipple of Edelbrock LLC (incoming)

“This year’s Installation & Gala was another outstanding celebration of the spirit and passion that drives our industry,” said Kersting. “I’d like to once again thank the dedicated volunteers who serve on the SEMA Board of Directors and congratulate our incoming Hall of Fame inductees. Their service and leadership have meant so much to the specialty-equipment aftermarket. This event will also be long remembered for its unprecedented outpouring of generosity in service to SEMA Cares charities. And for many of us, it will be remembered as an evening of appreciation for the many years of dedicated and outstanding service of SEMA’s General Counsel Russ Deane.”

SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races

The evening’s festivities also featured the Pinewood Drag Races—an annual fundraiser for SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. In addition to the Build-It-For-Me (BIFM) class, the races included the Council Cup, People’s Choice, several different industry classes and Industry Cup Challenge. Children living at the Childhelp facilities and Victory Junction campers built the vehicles for the BIFM class and donors sponsored their race cars.

Council Cup

1st Place: Automotive Restoration Market Association (ARMO)

Build It For Me Class (cars and trucks built by kids)

1st Place: Hella

People’s Choice

Edelbrock

Industry Cup Challenge

1st Place: Hot Rod

Media Class: Hot Rod
Service Provider’s Class: LGE*CTS
Rep Agency Class: R&R Marketing
Warehouse Distributor Class: RSD
Manufacturer’s Class: A.R.E.

While the racing is over, it’s not too late to make a direct donation to Childhelp and Victory Junction via SEMA Cares.

The Gala was emceed by industry personalities Kevin Oeste (left) and Jessi Combs (right).		SEMA Board of Directors Chairman Wade Kawasaki welcomed attendees to the annual Installation & Gala.
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) and SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki (right) honored longtime SEMA Counsel Russ Deane, who retired.		SEMA Cares Chairman Rich Barsamian encouraged guests to sponsor a Pinewood car to help raise money for children’s charities.
Outgoing SEMA Board member Jim Bingham (center) of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. was recognized for his contributions.		Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors was welcomed to the SEMA Board.
Outgoing Board member Nick Gramelspacher (center) of Meyer Distributing was thanked for his efforts.		Dan Kahn (center) of Kahn Media Inc. was re-elected to the SEMA Board of Directors.
Outgoing SEMA Board member Laurel Dasher (center) of MagnaFlow was recognized for her contributions.		Dr. Jamie Meyer (center) of General Motors was welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors.
Brian Lounsberry (center) of Motovicity Distribution was welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors.		SEMA paid tribute to longtime General Counsel Russ Deane (center), who retired.
Steve Whipple (center) of Edelbrock LLC was welcomed to the SEMA Board.		2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Donnie Eatherly.
2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Ed Pink.		2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Chris Thomson.
The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, held in conjunction with the Installation & Gala, raised money for charities supported by SEMA Cares.		2018–2019 SEMA Board of Directors.