By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Michael Lavelle, vice president of expeditor sales at Voxx Electronics, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. 

Get to know Lavelle in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?

Michael Lavelle: My interest in vehicles of all types and sizes combined with the positive experiences that family members have had working in the industry.  

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?

ML: I believe that I can help bring a unique perspective to PRO, having been in the industry with a dynamic company for more than 20 years and personally experiencing the changes that the industry has gone through.

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

ML: Be adaptable. The industry is constantly evolving.

SN: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

ML: A Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS. You would find me anywhere near the water.

SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?

ML: Learn from your mistakes. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?

ML: The anticipation of the next big thing.

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

ML: On my boat or at one of my daughter's many sporting events.

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.

By Marissa Guajardo

Exhibitors who are making breaking news announcements at the 2023 SEMA Show that will be of interest to a large number of media can submit a press conference application here. The deadline to be part of the official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is Friday, August 4.

Once an application is submitted, exhibitors will receive an automatic email confirming their application was received. Those still waiting to receive a confirmation email or experiencing a technical problem are encouraged to reach out to the SEMA Public Relations team for assistance. 

Since media are not required to attend press conferences, many exhibitors also choose to reach out to media through an alternative means, such as submitting a press release through the Exhibitor Online Media Center.

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center or other PR resources for SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members have until Friday, July 14, to submit their nominations for the notable SEMA Industry Awards, which are awarded to leading companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry. 

In recognition of the recipient's exceptional contributions to the specialty-equipment industry throughout the last year, these awards are among the highest honors given by the trade association. A recipient is an individual or business that embodies the industry's mission while also demonstrating the principles, professionalism and service that advance the sector. 

Nominations are open for:  

• Person of the Year: Established to honor a person for their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment market.  
• Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding contributions and innovations.  
• Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail and/or e-commerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.  
• Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Honors a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology and/or trends.  
• Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts. 

The Industry Awards are presented during SEMA Show week, October 31-November 3, 2023. The Kick-Off Breakfast, held on Tuesday, October 31, will award both The Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year. On Thursday, November 2, the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet will recognize the Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Person of the Year and Content Creator of the Year.

Nominations for all five awards are now being accepted at sema.org/awards. 

[Editors' note: You can also submit a recommendation form if you don't have all the requested information to complete the nomination form. When you submit a recommendation form, the awards committee sends a nomination form to the person or business you recommend so they can complete their nomination.] 

By Juan Torres

Tickets for the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, to honor this year's Hall of Fame members and fellow industry leaders, are now available here. The prestigious annual celebration is open to the industry and will be held Friday, July 21, at the Anaheim Marriot in Anaheim, California.

"The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala is among our association's most iconic events," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "As the event's name implies, the Gala honors excellence and achievement, especially as embodied in our SEMA Hall of Fame inductees."

Formerly known as the SEMA Awards Gala, the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala will honor incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors, industry leaders and volunteers, and 2023 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Steve Ames, John Iannotte and Mitch Williams.

The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags, a cherished Gala tradition, will run in conjunction with the Gala, offering industry participants opportunities to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception and into the evening, support SEMA Cares, a group that unites the automotive aftermarket to raise funds for various charities, including the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction.

"It's a great opportunity to come together mid-year and recognize those who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry," said Spagnola. "I'm looking forward to celebrating with friends and colleagues."

To secure a seat or table, or to sponsor a SEMA Pinewoods Drags car, at the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, visit the event page here. 

By the SEMA D.C. office 

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to the agency's proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years '27-'32. The EPA's proposed rulemaking seeks to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs). If finalized, the EPA estimates the rule would lead to EVs making up two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United States by 2032 and essentially blocking out other technologies that can help achieve these goals. Click here to read Spagnola's comment to the EPA.

SEMA also coordinated a grassroots and media campaign that led to SEMA members and automotive enthusiasts sending the EPA more than 7,700 letters outlining the adverse impacts of the proposed rule. Highlights of the campaign include: 

• Spagnola and SEMA members Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Superchargers; Rob Simons, principal with Automotive Consulting Services; Billy Brooks, director of Engineering for Cobb Tuning; Dan Millen, owner of Livernois Motorsports; Mike Copeland, CEO of Arrington Performance; Laurel Moorhead, regulatory compliance engineer with Transfer Flow; and Keith Cavallini, owner of Green Diesel Engineering testified before the EPA in May about the proposed rule, speaking about how it would impact their businesses and the importance of the EPA maintaining a technology-neutral approach to motor-vehicle technology.
• Ian Lehn, the founder and CEO of BOOSTane, spoke to ABC News 5 in Cleveland, Ohio, about how the EPA's proposed rule could unfairly tilt the market toward EVs over the next decade. He also wrote an op-ed that was published on Cleveland.com. Read it here.   
• West Virginia state lawmaker and SEMA-member Gary Howell (R-WV) penned a powerful op-ed piece for the Cumberland, Maryland Times-News. Read it here. 
• Spagnola wrote an op-ed to the Washington Examiner and was interviewed on the "Smoking Tire Podcast."
• The Atlanta-Journal Constitution published an op-ed from Chelsea Allen, owner of Crush Customs and Nick Caloroso, national sales manager for Driven Lighting Group.

"Thousands of small businesses and their employees will be adversely impacted by this proposal's overly aggressive push to electrify America's automotive sector," said Spagnola. "There are many options on the road to zero emissions. American-grown biofuels, carbon capture and innovations in engine production are all aimed at this shared goal. The specialty automotive aftermarket has also led the way in fuel innovations and conversions of old vehicles into new and cleaner technologies and is committed to playing a central role in the evolution of automotive technology, including the parts and products that power our vehicles. However, this proposal embraces electrification as the technology of choice to the detriment of many of our members and their innovations." 

The EPA is expected to issue its final rule later this year or early next. Through our grassroots and education efforts, SEMA's work on this issue will continue over the coming months. While the EPA can issue its final rule, Congress still oversees the agency and its actions, so we expect this fight to make its way to Capitol Hill and continue well into 2024. 

For more information on these efforts, visit sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans.

By the SEMA D.C. office 

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to the agency's proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years '27-'32. The EPA's proposed rulemaking seeks to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs). If finalized, the EPA estimates the rule would lead to EVs making up two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United States by 2032 and essentially blocking out other technologies that can help achieve these goals. Click here to read Spagnola's comment to the EPA.

SEMA also coordinated a grassroots and media campaign that led to SEMA members and automotive enthusiasts sending the EPA more than 7,700 letters outlining the adverse impacts of the proposed rule. Highlights of the campaign include: 

• Spagnola and SEMA members Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Superchargers; Rob Simons, principal with Automotive Consulting Services; Billy Brooks, director of Engineering for Cobb Tuning; Dan Millen, owner of Livernois Motorsports; Mike Copeland, CEO of Arrington Performance; Laurel Moorhead, regulatory compliance engineer with Transfer Flow; and Keith Cavallini, owner of Green Diesel Engineering testified before the EPA in May about the proposed rule, speaking about how it would impact their businesses and the importance of the EPA maintaining a technology-neutral approach to motor-vehicle technology.
• Ian Lehn, the founder and CEO of BOOSTane, spoke to ABC News 5 in Cleveland, Ohio, about how the EPA's proposed rule could unfairly tilt the market toward EVs over the next decade. He also wrote an op-ed that was published on Cleveland.com. Read it here.   
• West Virginia state lawmaker and SEMA-member Gary Howell (R-WV) penned a powerful op-ed piece for the Cumberland, Maryland Times-News. Read it here. 
• Spagnola wrote an op-ed to the Washington Examiner and was interviewed on the "Smoking Tire Podcast."
• The Atlanta-Journal Constitution published an op-ed from Chelsea Allen, owner of Crush Customs and Nick Caloroso, national sales manager for Driven Lighting Group.

"Thousands of small businesses and their employees will be adversely impacted by this proposal's overly aggressive push to electrify America's automotive sector," said Spagnola. "There are many options on the road to zero emissions. American-grown biofuels, carbon capture and innovations in engine production are all aimed at this shared goal. The specialty automotive aftermarket has also led the way in fuel innovations and conversions of old vehicles into new and cleaner technologies and is committed to playing a central role in the evolution of automotive technology, including the parts and products that power our vehicles. However, this proposal embraces electrification as the technology of choice to the detriment of many of our members and their innovations." 

The EPA is expected to issue its final rule later this year or early next. Through our grassroots and education efforts, SEMA's work on this issue will continue over the coming months. While the EPA can issue its final rule, Congress still oversees the agency and its actions, so we expect this fight to make its way to Capitol Hill and continue well into 2024. 

For more information on these efforts, visit sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans.

By Ashley Reyes

Motorsports parts manufacturers who would like to develop strong connections with media to promote their brand can sign up now to exhibit at the 2024 SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference.

Taking place January 30-February 1, 2024, at the Embassy Suites-Anaheim South in Southern California, the event will bring together manufacturers of racing and performance parts together with media in up to 40-plus private, 30-minute meetings over a span of three days. The program is the most convenient way for motorsports manufacturers to share detailed information about their products, changes in their company or the latest industry trends with media representatives who can promote the news to mass audiences.

Unlike traditional trade shows that focus on meeting with buyers on the show floor, Media Trade Conference meetings are held in private suites, so there are no elaborate booths or setup costs. With media in attendance representing everything from print, online, video/television, radio, podcasts and social-media content creators, the event is the best place for motorsports manufacturers to expand their audience reach and develop new partnerships.

"Technology in our industry progresses quite rapidly, so the MPMC MTC provides the best platform for discussing editorial opportunities to explain new technologies and products," said Lake Speed Jr. of Total Seal Piston Rings. "Seeing the top industry journalists and influencers makes this the most productive three days of the year."

Early registration ends on August 7 and exhibitor applications close September 14. Manufacturers can sign up to exhibit here, or they can send their questions to MPMC Director Marcy Yanus at marcy@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. office

Join SEMA and PRI Political Action Committees (PACs) on Sunday, August 13, for an unforgettable day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in a private-suite gathering to witness the heart-pounding action of the NASCAR Verizon 200 at the Brickyard.

What role does a PAC have within SEMA and PRI? U.S. law restricts trade associations like SEMA and PRI from funding political candidates, but our voices still need to be heard. A PAC allows association members to pool resources to support the lawmakers and candidates who stand up for the racing and aftermarket industry and protect individual freedoms such as vehicle purchase choice, off-road access and the right to race.

Tickets are limited for the August 13 race and include suite and garage access, full catering and an open bar. Are you interested in attending or have questions? Contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252 for more information. Attendance is limited and requires a purchase to attend--RSVP today!

By SEMA Editors

Sources have caught up with Cadillac's all-new compact crossover electric vehicle (EV). The automaker plans to introduce a range of new EVs as part of its transition to an electric-only brand.

One of these upcoming EVs, expected to be released next year, is a compact electric SUV similar to the XT4. Specific details are still unknown, but it's worth noting that Cadillac showed dealers an electric crossover the size of an XT4 size about a year ago, so an official debut is expected by the end of this year.

Currently, Cadillac only offers one electric model, the Cadillac Lyriq, an upscale two-row vehicle. Reports suggest that the OEM is increasing Lyriq production at its Tennessee factory. In addition, Cadillac has recently unveiled the Celestiq, an exclusive and "meticulously crafted" model.

By SEMA Editors

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels--the provider of racing and high-performance tires and wheels for street, strip, truck and off-road applications--has announced John Bodart has assumed the role of president.

Bodart brings more than three decades of experience in the tire industry to the position. He has held leadership positions in the technical, quality, sales and manufacturing organizations of Cooper Tire, where he began his career. Additionally, Bodart played a critical role in the integration of Cooper Tire with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

"I look forward to working with the team to build upon the success of recent years and continue to elevate Mickey Thompson's strength and performance as a business," said Bodart.

LSI Announces Retirement of Company Founder, CEO Chris Gabrelcik 

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI)--the Mt. Gilead, Ohio-based manufacturer of Hot Shot's Secret brand of additives, oils, and fluids--has announced the retirement of company founder and CEO Chris Gabrelcik. He will continue to own and oversee the management of Microwave Renewable Technologies (MRT) in Mount Gilead.

Gabrelcik began LSI in 1997, focusing on providing lubrication services to top industrial and commercial accounts to ensure equipment operated at maximum capacity. 

Around 2005, Gabrelcik created the Hot Shot's Secret Original Stiction Eliminator, one of the fastest-growing performance lubricant brands in the USA.

In June 2022, Gabrelcik sold most of the assets of Lubrication Specialties Inc., including Hot Shot's Secret, Frantz Filter and LSI Chemical to Gold Eagle Company (Chicago, Illinois), retaining ownership of MRT with the agreement to continue to serve as CEO of Lubrication Specialties for one year.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Opens Two New Exhibitions 

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum has announced the opening of two new exhibitions, "1956" and "Our Collection, Your Favorites," presented by Shell. The exhibitions are now open and showcase collection highlights through two unique storytelling designs.

The "1956" exhibit celebrates the origin of the IMS Museum and features the first 13 vehicles, including the Marmon Wasp and Indian Motorcycle. The "Our Collection, Your Favorites," presented by Shell exhibit, puts the guest in the role of the curator. Collection items featured in this exhibition include more than 30 diecast cars, vintage games and racing suits.