By The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation

SEMA members are encouraged to contact the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation for aftermarket employees or businesses that have been impacted by California’s wildfires.

According to Newsweek, the wildfire in Southern California that kicked off a series of destructive blazes across the region remains the fifth-largest fire in California history as of Thursday morning, with still just 30% containment.

AACF is poised to offer emergency financial assistance to aftermarket industry families that qualify.

Those in need can apply for help online at http://bit.ly/AACF-get-help. Call AACF at 772-286-5500 with any questions. 

Tax-deductible donations to AACF can be made online at http://bit.ly/AACF-Cares, by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL, 32886, or by calling 772-286-5500.

AACF will provide additional updates on this initiative as they become available.

About the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF)
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has been helping aftermarket families turn tragedy into triumph since 1959. Like the industry, AACF is driven by passion and devoted to family. As a nonprofit, AACF relies upon the support of generous donors, awareness partners and dedicated volunteers. To learn more, contact www.AftermarketCharity.org. 

By SEMA Editors

Automotive engineering students in “The Deep Orange 9” program at Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) are building a first-ever, high-performance motorsports vehicle with a clean, fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, advanced technical features and highly dynamic handling and acceleration. Photo credit: CU-ICAR

An automotive engineering student program at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) called “The Deep Orange 9” aims to bridge the gap between today’s gas-fueled cars and hybrid vehicles of the future.

These students are building a first-ever, high-performance motorsports vehicle with a clean, fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, advanced technical features and highly dynamic handling and acceleration. The concept is in response to rising fuel-efficiency standards and millennials’ interest in vehicles that are both safe and clean.

Honda R&D Americas Inc. is the primary sponsor of Deep Orange 9, also supported by Aisin Group and JTEKT Corp. as Leadership Sponsors; BFGoodrich as Track Sponsor; and SEMA and Red Bull as Marketing Sponsors. Deep Orange 9 will also integrate concussion research in collaboration with the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) Sports Medicine Institute, DriveSafety Inc. and EyeTracking Inc.

Deep Orange 9 is designing for global rallycross, and plans to disrupt current perceptions of energy-efficient vehicles by showing they can meet extreme performance demands in a safe, economical way. Deep Orange 9 will also present new ways to market vehicles to motorsports fans. Their project will benefit from an adjacent marketing collaboration sponsored by the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute at Clemson. Undergraduate students studying consumer behavior, sports marketing and marketing strategy will leverage consumer research to determine, segment and target customers for Deep Orange 9. Using these customer profiles and a deep dive into the OEM sponsor brand, students will design marketing strategies to position Deep Orange 9 for market success.

Deep Orange is a project-based learning program that produces highly capable automotive engineers by immersing them in the world of vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Over two years, the program provides students with experience in financial and market analysis, vehicle design, development, prototyping and production planning. While developing and manufacturing the prototype, students gain comprehensive technical knowledge as well as valuable “soft skills” that often are overlooked in traditional engineering programs.

“Many leading automakers’ production cars are becoming increasingly electrified; so will their motorsports vehicles and racing efforts. The race for the future of next-generation race cars and high-performance systems are critical to vehicle electrification and our autonomous future,” said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. “Deep Orange 9 is centered on the ability to solve problems and the demonstration of technical capability from the track to the street. Innovative programs like Deep Orange 9 help ensure that all racing does not become vintage racing and the future of motorsports remains relevant through modern values, safety performance and advanced vehicle technologies.”

By SEMA Editors

Automotive engineering students in “The Deep Orange 9” program at Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) are building a first-ever, high-performance motorsports vehicle with a clean, fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, advanced technical features and highly dynamic handling and acceleration. Photo credit: CU-ICAR

An automotive engineering student program at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) called “The Deep Orange 9” aims to bridge the gap between today’s gas-fueled cars and hybrid vehicles of the future.

These students are building a first-ever, high-performance motorsports vehicle with a clean, fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, advanced technical features and highly dynamic handling and acceleration. The concept is in response to rising fuel-efficiency standards and millennials’ interest in vehicles that are both safe and clean.

Honda R&D Americas Inc. is the primary sponsor of Deep Orange 9, also supported by Aisin Group and JTEKT Corp. as Leadership Sponsors; BFGoodrich as Track Sponsor; and SEMA and Red Bull as Marketing Sponsors. Deep Orange 9 will also integrate concussion research in collaboration with the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) Sports Medicine Institute, DriveSafety Inc. and EyeTracking Inc.

Deep Orange 9 is designing for global rallycross, and plans to disrupt current perceptions of energy-efficient vehicles by showing they can meet extreme performance demands in a safe, economical way. Deep Orange 9 will also present new ways to market vehicles to motorsports fans. Their project will benefit from an adjacent marketing collaboration sponsored by the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute at Clemson. Undergraduate students studying consumer behavior, sports marketing and marketing strategy will leverage consumer research to determine, segment and target customers for Deep Orange 9. Using these customer profiles and a deep dive into the OEM sponsor brand, students will design marketing strategies to position Deep Orange 9 for market success.

Deep Orange is a project-based learning program that produces highly capable automotive engineers by immersing them in the world of vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Over two years, the program provides students with experience in financial and market analysis, vehicle design, development, prototyping and production planning. While developing and manufacturing the prototype, students gain comprehensive technical knowledge as well as valuable “soft skills” that often are overlooked in traditional engineering programs.

“Many leading automakers’ production cars are becoming increasingly electrified; so will their motorsports vehicles and racing efforts. The race for the future of next-generation race cars and high-performance systems are critical to vehicle electrification and our autonomous future,” said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. “Deep Orange 9 is centered on the ability to solve problems and the demonstration of technical capability from the track to the street. Innovative programs like Deep Orange 9 help ensure that all racing does not become vintage racing and the future of motorsports remains relevant through modern values, safety performance and advanced vehicle technologies.”

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Lucas Oil Extends NHRA Sponsorship Agreement

Lucas Oil Products has announced that the organization is renewing its longstanding sponsor partnership with NHRA. This multi-year agreement includes Lucas Oil’s recent decision to sign on as the title sponsor for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series opener, the 58th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com. Most notably, Lucas Oil sponsors NHRA’s premier sportsman series, the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, in which more than 30,000 sportsman drivers compete each year at venues across the nation. Additionally, this agreement includes Lucas Oil’s designation as the Official Oil of NHRA.

TOPP Performance Race Parts and TOPP Motorsports have announced a new 2018 partnership with The Bow Foundation.

TOPP Performance Race Parts/TOPP Motorsports Partners With Rare Disease Charity for 2018 Season

TOPP Performance Race Parts and TOPP Motorsports have announced a new 2018 partnership with The Bow Foundation. The charity is focused on supporting medical research and increasing awareness for patients with GNAO1, a rare genetic disorder with no common name. TOPP will donate a portion of their winnings to the Bow Foundation, in addition to partnering with the foundation for fundraising events throughout the season. Seasoned sprint car veteran Justin Grant will sport the Bow Foundation’s logo on the TOPP Motorsport’s number 4 car throughout the 2018 season.

Formula DRIFT Announces Two-Year Title Sponsorship With Link Engine Management for PRO2 Championship

Formula DRIFT has announced a two-year sponsorship agreement with Link Engine Management for the Formula Drift PRO2 Championship. The sponsorship will allow expanded Livestream coverage and dedicated social media for the PRO2 Championship.

Hercules Tire will continue its partnership with Greg Wilson Racing in 2018.

Hercules Tire to Sponsor Greg Wilson Racing for 2018 World of Outlaws Tour

Hercules Tire has announced that the company will continue its partnership with Greg Wilson Racing in 2018. This announcement follows Wilson’s commitment to run once again with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series on the 2018 tour. As in past years, Hercules Tires’ Strongman logo will be featured prominently on Wilson’s #w20 car, as well as his racing suits, crew uniforms, trailer and driver’s merchandise. In turn, Wilson was recently the subject of a series of videos produced by Hercules Tires to give race fans a glimpse of Wilson as a competitor. 

The Permatex/Follow A Dream Race Team finished a successful 2017 season in the Top Alcohol Funny Car NHRA Series.

Permatex Follow A Dream Team Finishes Season as Top-Ranked Team in NHRA East Region

The Permatex/Follow A Dream Race Team, sponsored by Permatex, finished a successful 2017 season in the Top Alcohol Funny Car NHRA Series. Jay Blake’s Permatex/Follow A Dream Team finished the year ranked sixth in the nation and first in the East Region. The Permatex/Follow A Dream Race Team collected a pair of back-to-back wins during the 2017 season, capturing the NHRA Division 1 (Northeast) regional events at the team’s hometown track, New England Dragway, July 22, 2017, and at Atco Raceway in Atco, New Jersey, August 5, 2017. The 2017 season was the second year that the Permatex/Follow A Dream Team car was helmed by driver Phil Burkhart and tuned by Anthony Terenzio.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Lucas Oil Extends NHRA Sponsorship Agreement

Lucas Oil Products has announced that the organization is renewing its longstanding sponsor partnership with NHRA. This multi-year agreement includes Lucas Oil’s recent decision to sign on as the title sponsor for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series opener, the 58th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com. Most notably, Lucas Oil sponsors NHRA’s premier sportsman series, the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, in which more than 30,000 sportsman drivers compete each year at venues across the nation. Additionally, this agreement includes Lucas Oil’s designation as the Official Oil of NHRA.

TOPP Performance Race Parts and TOPP Motorsports have announced a new 2018 partnership with The Bow Foundation.

TOPP Performance Race Parts/TOPP Motorsports Partners With Rare Disease Charity for 2018 Season

TOPP Performance Race Parts and TOPP Motorsports have announced a new 2018 partnership with The Bow Foundation. The charity is focused on supporting medical research and increasing awareness for patients with GNAO1, a rare genetic disorder with no common name. TOPP will donate a portion of their winnings to the Bow Foundation, in addition to partnering with the foundation for fundraising events throughout the season. Seasoned sprint car veteran Justin Grant will sport the Bow Foundation’s logo on the TOPP Motorsport’s number 4 car throughout the 2018 season.

Formula DRIFT Announces Two-Year Title Sponsorship With Link Engine Management for PRO2 Championship

Formula DRIFT has announced a two-year sponsorship agreement with Link Engine Management for the Formula Drift PRO2 Championship. The sponsorship will allow expanded Livestream coverage and dedicated social media for the PRO2 Championship.

Hercules Tire will continue its partnership with Greg Wilson Racing in 2018.

Hercules Tire to Sponsor Greg Wilson Racing for 2018 World of Outlaws Tour

Hercules Tire has announced that the company will continue its partnership with Greg Wilson Racing in 2018. This announcement follows Wilson’s commitment to run once again with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series on the 2018 tour. As in past years, Hercules Tires’ Strongman logo will be featured prominently on Wilson’s #w20 car, as well as his racing suits, crew uniforms, trailer and driver’s merchandise. In turn, Wilson was recently the subject of a series of videos produced by Hercules Tires to give race fans a glimpse of Wilson as a competitor. 

The Permatex/Follow A Dream Race Team finished a successful 2017 season in the Top Alcohol Funny Car NHRA Series.

Permatex Follow A Dream Team Finishes Season as Top-Ranked Team in NHRA East Region

The Permatex/Follow A Dream Race Team, sponsored by Permatex, finished a successful 2017 season in the Top Alcohol Funny Car NHRA Series. Jay Blake’s Permatex/Follow A Dream Team finished the year ranked sixth in the nation and first in the East Region. The Permatex/Follow A Dream Race Team collected a pair of back-to-back wins during the 2017 season, capturing the NHRA Division 1 (Northeast) regional events at the team’s hometown track, New England Dragway, July 22, 2017, and at Atco Raceway in Atco, New Jersey, August 5, 2017. The 2017 season was the second year that the Permatex/Follow A Dream Team car was helmed by driver Phil Burkhart and tuned by Anthony Terenzio.

Magnus Walker speaks on his new book about his life journey to America and his enthusiasm towards the automotive industry.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Samantha Hart

Samantha Hart Joins PRI

A part-time contractor since late August, Samantha Hart signed on full-time as PRI’s new marketing and media coordinator on November 20. Her responsibilities include managing and implementing PRI’s marketing and social-media efforts. She brings a wealth of experience to PRI having run her own social media/marketing business and managed campaigns for several high-profile consumer brands.

“ToyMakerz” Television Show Launches New Digital Experience

“ToyMakerz” has partnered with Source Digital to launch a “ToyMakerz” companion app and website that connects fans to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, specs about builds and deals. Available now in the iTunes and Android stores, the “ToyMakerz” app enables fans to interact with the cast, score exclusive deals on anything they see on the screen while they are watching the show live, and share pictures of their own rides, along with a chance for viewers’ photos of their toys to appear on the show this season. With the sync feature, the app can be used simultaneously while watching the show, to recognize specific scenes or anytime when not in sync. Viewers can engage with brands and products they see on screen by pressing “sync,” or by looking in the “Meet the ToyMakerz” section.

Lumileds presented its 2017 Manufacturer’s Rep of the Year Award to Cody Hooper (second from left) of Red Line Marketing & Media for the excellent sales support and customer service delivered during 2017.

Lumileds Names Cody Hooper Its 2017 Manufacturer’s Rep of the Year

Lumileds presented its 2017 Manufacturer’s Rep of the Year Award to Cody Hooper of Red Line Marketing & Media for the excellent sales support and customer service delivered during 2017. Hooper accepted the award on behalf of Red Line Marketing & Media, noting that the accomplishments in 2017 were the result of a solid team effort and made possible only by the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. Hooper has represented Lumileds since 2015, serving the company’s traditional aftermarket distribution in the Southern California region. In addition to opening new accounts and launching local promotions, Hooper has conducted extensive fieldwork with WD sales personnel in the technician/installer channel.

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.

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde