SEMA News highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Improved Racing
High-Flow Check Valves

Improved Racing has released a new high flow, low restriction check valve. Based on a check valve design used in military jet turbines, these valves feature a flapper that swings completely out of the fluid's flow path, for virtually no additional flow restriction.

The company says the internal geometry of the check valve body is based on a math model that presents the lowest possible pressure drop. Each part was completely designed and optimized using commercial-grade CAD and flow simulation software.

According to the company, every internal component is made from stainless steel to ensure long lasting, reliable performance and compatibility with just about any automotive fluid. The flapper's gasket seal is made from FKM (Viton), giving it a high operating temperature of up to 302°F. It's also highly chemical resistant and compatible with all types of fuel.

Features

• High-flow flapper design optimized for low restriction.
• Precision CNC-machined 6061-T6 anodized aluminum body and all stainless-steel internal components.
• FKM (Viton) rubber seal.
• < 0.05 psi cracking pressure.
• -40°F to 302°F operating temperature range.
• 300 psi max operating backflow pressure, 1,000 psi max operating pressure in unchecked direction of flow.
• Compatible with virtually all automotive fluids.
• Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty.

www.improvedracing.com

Milwaukee Tool
REDLITHIUM USB Lighting Solutions

Milwaukee Tool expands its REDLITHIUM USB Lighting Solutions to deliver advanced LED technology and optical designs for a more efficient workday. Effectively replacing alkaline and low-capacity flashlights, the REDLITHIUM USB Stick Light w/Magnet provides heavy-duty equipment mechanics, automotive mechanics, and technicians with a premium lighting solution for general task and inspection work.  

The REDLITHIUM USB Stick Light is designed with 220 degrees of vertical light head rotation and paired with a slim light blade design and inspection light, making this solution ideal for engine work.  

www.milwaukeetool.com

BDS
1471 Black Out Blower

The 1471 Black Out blower from BDS sets the standard for performance, strength and appearance. A tried and proven completion blower on land and water the 1471 is also a very popular choice for street and show machines.

Made in the USA at the BDS factory, the superchargers are precision machined from the highest quality billet aluminum. Available in several performances stages, kits can be purchased in hard black anodize or fully polished. BDS prides themselves on their in-stock and ready to ship or pick up status on the industry’s largest selection of superchargers, manifolds, drive components and associated hardware.

Details

• Standard Helix or Hi-Helix: Standard has a 60° twist in the rotor and Hi Helix models have 120° twist.
• Available in Stage II Stage III and Stage IV.
• Available in front inlet/discharge or standard openings.
• Rear nozzle body locations drilled and tapped.
• Set back plates available for various street and strip applications.
• For setback and non-setback applications.
• 100% billet from case and bearing plates to rotors.
• Hard anodized or polished.
• On the shelf and ready to ship.

www.blowerdriveservice.com

Yokohama
ADVAN Neova AD09

Yokohama Tire’s latest member to the iconic ultra-high performance ADVAN family is the ADVAN Neova AD09. Available now in sizes ranging from 15-in. to 20-in., the AD09 features extreme grip for faster lap times, razor-sharp handling, superior wet performance and constant performance on the street and track. A total of 51 sizes are planned for the AD09, which replaces the ADVAN Neova AD08R.

AD09 Highlights

• Outstanding grip comes from a new tread pattern that sports large, continuous tread blocks that put more rubber compound to the road and track surface for a solid grip.
• Precision handling is achieved thanks to the all-new casing construction, which features a high turn up ply that results in the strongest and most rigid casing Yokohama has ever offered. Also, a solid center rib provides constant contact with the road surface for lightning-fast steering response.
• Consistent performance is produced by chamfered grooves, which improve wear resistance and maintain effectiveness throughout the life of the tire.
• Improved wet grip occurs due to a new, optimized high silica compound that provides improved grip for wet cornering and braking on the road and on the track.

www.yokohamatire.com

  SEMA Showgoers who want to stay close to monorail stations are encouraged to make their hotel reservations while rooms are still available.

With a quick look on the www.SEMAShow.com/travel homepage, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the star rating, rate per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here are six hotels in the SEMA Show block with easy monorail access:

• SAHARA
• Westgate
• Harrah’s/LINQ
• Flamingo
• Bally’s
• MGM Grand

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

Discounted rates will be available for SEMA Showgoers.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through the SEMA Show’s official hotel provider. All negotiated rates include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

Watson Racing Cobra Jet Showdown Returns to NMCA All-American Nationals

The National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) has announced the Watson Racing Cobra Jet Showdown will return to NMCA’s All-American Nationals Presented by Sick the Magazine at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, August 25–28. Cobra Jet owners can participate in the on-track Showdown, which mixes the various generations of Cobra Jet in an Open Comp format. Cobra Jet Showdown competitors may also double-enter Stock Eliminator or Super Stock Eliminator, as well as a bracket class, for a total of three categories. For more information or tickets, visit nmcadigital.com.

IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge to Debut in 2023

A new, multiple-class, sprint-race series will make its debut in 2023 as International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) officials have unveiled the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, with entitlement sponsorship from VP Racing Fuels. The series will feature currently homologated Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) and Grand Touring 4 (GT4) race cars in 45-minute sprint races with one driver per car. The new series class names will be LMP3 and GSX, respectively. To be eligible to drive in either class, all drivers must have an FIA Driver Categorization of either Bronze or Silver. A five-event, 10-race schedule is planned for the series, which replaces the current IMSA Prototype Challenge series.

The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge will continue in its traditional endurance format, featuring the Grand Sport (GT4) and Touring Car (TCR) classes, competing across a 10-race schedule. Each IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge event weekend will include a qualifying session in which the fastest timed lap will set the field for the first race. The second fastest qualifying lap by each car will determine the starting grid for the second race of the weekend. There will be no pit stops during the races, and all race cars will ride on Michelin tires.

FloSports, MAVTV Announce Live Streaming Partnership

MAVTV Motorsports Network and FloSports have announced a new live streaming partnership that will deliver MAVTV Plus live content to fans through FloRacing, FloSports’ dedicated motorsports platform. All live programming that previously aired on the MAVTV Plus app, including the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, finals of the Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, and more will be now hosted by FloSports under the “MAVTV on FloRacing” banner.

FloRacing and MAVTV Plus have begun co-streaming MAVTV Plus programming to their respective subscribers and will do so through midnight on July 26. On July 27, MAVTV Plus programming will be exclusively streamed through FloRacing. MAVTV Motorsports Network programming will still be available through cable television and select digital outlets with FloSports becoming MAVTV Plus' dedicated direct-to-consumer live-streaming platform. MAVTV will contact MAVTV Plus subscribers with information about their accounts and instructions on how to access MAVTV on FloRacing to watch new, live MAVTV programming moving forward.

USAC Announces 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees  

The United States Auto Club (USAC) has announced its class of 2022 inductees into the USAC Hall of Fame. The list includes car owner/mechanic Doug Caruthers; driver Jay Drake; car owner/mechanic Galen Fox; driver Jeff Gordon; driver/car owner/builder/innovator Dan Gurney; car owner/mechanic Ray Nichels; car owner/official/promoter Johnny Vance; and track owner/promoter Joe Shaheen. Gordon and representatives for the late Gurney received their Hall of Fame awards during separate ceremonies in 2021. For more information, visit the USAC announcement here or visit usacracing.com.

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

Caymus Equity Partners Teams Up With Overland Vehicle Systems

Caymus Equity Partners has joined forces with Overland Vehicle Systems, partnering with founder and CEO Sean Angues. OVS is a supplier for overlanding and off-road enthusiasts headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California. The investment builds on OVS's high-growth vision and provides the company with the capital support necessary to achieve the vision laid out by Angues and his team.

OVS has developed a full line of products marketed for overlanding, camping, cargo management, recovery gear and air management that provides customers everything they need to adventure. OVS has several brands under its portfolio: King 4WD, a Jeep accessory supplier; Up Down Air, an air-management company; and Overland Vehicle Systems, its parent company. To learn more about Overland Vehicle Systems, visit https://overlandvehiclesystems.com/. To learn more about Caymus Equity, visit www.caymusequity.com.

Driven Brands Appoints Jose Tomás to Board of Directors

Driven Brands announced the election of Jose Tomás to its Board of Directors. Tomás currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for TelevisaUnivision, the world’s leading Spanish language content and media company, where he oversees strategic support areas, including Human Resources; Corporate Communications; Enterprise Technology Services; Facilities/Real Estate; Social Impact; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Corporate Safety, Health and Security. Previously, he was a Principal and Managing Partner at BrandSparc, a global communications, employment branding, and human resources consulting firm. He also led human resources and other strategic functions for General Motors, Anthem Inc., and Burger King Corporation.

Torqued Distribution Launches No-Cost 3PL Service

Torqued Distribution announced that it launched an industry-first No-Cost 3PL service for the automotive and complimentary industries. The Torqued No Cost 3PL gives manufacturers a full-time 3PL fulfillment solution in a combination with an established dealer network of resellers.

Torqued warehouses, picks, packs and ships the products at no additional cost beyond packaging and shipping costs. Orders are sent via a direct connection from manufacturers’ eCommerce store or manually from their supplier dashboard. The products will also automatically become available to all Torqued authorized dealers giving the manufacturer access to hundreds of pre-qualified, high-quality dealers.

Stertil-Koni Promotes Jacqueline Cullison to Logistics Manager

Stertil-Koni has announced that Jacqueline Cullison has been promoted to logistics manager, based in the company’s North American headquarters location in Stevensville, Maryland. In her new post, Cullison will be responsible for all supply-chain-related activities for the company, including inbound and outbound freight for Stertil-Koni lifts and accessories. As such, she is responsible for all aspects of vehicle lift shipments, including transport by means of containers, LTL, flatbed, air, international and intermodal.

Cullison is additionally responsible for streamlining the lift-ordering process and maintaining ongoing product shipment communications with Stertil-Koni’s North American distributor network, its sales personnel, engineers, the company’s manufacturing locations in the United States and Europe and its customer base.  Further, she is tasked with performing sales analyses to ensure appropriate inventory levels for all models of heavy-duty vehicle lifts, accessories and ship equipment. Cullison, who joined Stertil-Koni in 2018, previously served more than 14 years managing ground operations at FedEx. She has received numerous awards throughout her career including Administrative Service Manager of the Year and HR Service Manager of the Year.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Product information and details for project vehicles displayed at the 2022 SEMA Show will be available at the click of a button. Through the SEMA Show mobile app, visitors will be able to scan QR codes that are on the vehicles and see comprehensive details about the build, including vehicle make, model, year, sponsors and products.

Product information and details for project vehicles displayed at the 2022 SEMA Show will be available by scanning its QR code using the SEMA Show mobile app.

Last year, all feature vehicles in common areas, such as outside parking spaces or indoor lobbies, had QR codes that could be scanned through the mobile app. This year, the option is expanding to include sponsored vehicles and booth vehicles that exhibitors submit applications for in advance.

“The feedback to the QR codes on the feature vehicles was so popular and well-received that we are expanding the option to allow Showgoers to scan and obtain information for even more vehicles at the SEMA Show,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “This is going to enhance the attendee experience and make it easier for buyers to connect with exhibitors.”

The Project Vehicle option in the SEMA Show mobile app will include the sponsoring exhibitor, booth number, products installed and more. Vehicles are also listed by categories, such as hot rod, off-road, sport compact, musclecar, luxury, lowrider and more.

Applications for feature vehicle space is available as an exclusive benefit to Show exhibitors at www.semashow.com. All approved feature vehicles and sponsored vehicles are automatically included in the mobile app. Exhibitors must submit a booth vehicle application form in order for booth vehicles to be included in the mobile app.

The mobile app, which is automatically updated each year in the fall, can be downloaded for free. Learn more by visiting www.semashow.com.

The 2022 SEMA Show will feature an expanded SEMA Electrified section. Located in the North Hall, the specialized exhibit area will feature the latest advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, including new products and solutions for EV platforms and conversions.

The 2022 SEMA Show will feature an expanded SEMA Electrified section that will include the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology.

“The EV aftermarket is evolving quickly and continues to change; we’re curating a unique collection of the latest products related to electric vehicles and the aftermarket,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “SEMA Electrified will help businesses see the latest trends and understand how the EV market has evolved. Visitors will gain an understanding of the advancements and opportunities for the future.”

Although alternative powertrains currently represent just 1% of the 250 million cars, SUVs and light-duty trucks in operation on American roads, sales and interest in EVs are increasing rapidly. According to recent SEMA Market Research, the electric market includes several areas of opportunity for the aftermarket, including the development of parts and products to aid in the conversion of older internal-combustion vehicles; building and modifying new project, racing and purpose-built vehicles; and expertly accessorizing new OEM electric offerings. SEMA is dedicated to helping its member companies identify those opportunities and adapt to the growing segment of the industry.

While the dedicated SEMA Electrified section will highlight the endless possibilities in the electric market, EV projects and products will be displayed throughout the SEMA Show.

To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show taking place November 1–4, in Las Vegas, Nev., visit www.semashow.com.

SEMA Show organizers are hosting a “boot-camp”-style training event to help exhibitors plan and get maximum return on investment at the 2022 SEMA Show. Called the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, the two-and-a-half-day event takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, includes hotel accommodations and meals, and is free to register.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, held July 26–28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will show exhibitors how to maximize their 2022 SEMA Show investment.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit has taken place annually since 2010 and gives exhibitors hands-on, personal connections with both SEMA staff and event-support partners.

“We know that exhibitors invest a great deal to participate in the SEMA Show, and we do everything we can to help exhibitors maximize that investment,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “By connecting in Las Vegas months before the trade show takes place, we’re able to focus and work with exhibitors right as they are in the critical part of their booth-planning process.”

Exhibitors learn how to attract buyers to their booths, ways to save on booth expenses, what journalists look for while at the Show and how to connect with buyers in their market segments. Exhibitors are also able to meet with show organizers, industry colleagues, support partners and others involved in their successful participation in the Show, including with an assigned account representative who works with them throughout the year, in person during the Exhibitor Summit.

“We’re available to help exhibitors all year long, but it’s rare that we have an opportunity to connect in person and meet face-to-face,” said Gattuso. “The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is a great chance for us to establish a deeper relationship. We appreciate the opportunity to meet with exhibitors and better understand their goals and how SEMA can play a part in their efforts.”

Participation, which is limited to two representatives per exhibiting company with maximum of about 200 for the entire event, includes free hotel rooms, networking functions, and meals throughout the event. Show organizers host the event to help exhibitors succeed for years to come.

To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit taking place July 26–28 in Las Vegas, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

Spy photographers recently captured shots of the Ford Escape ST-line completely undisguised testing in Dearborn . The ST gains a thin light bar connecting the headlamps across the front, similar to F-150 Lightning, but the Escape will likely keep its current ICE, Hybrid and PHEV engine lineup.

It appears that Ford is trying to further counter-balance the rugged looks of Bronco Sport with an even more urban and upscale version of Escape for city dwellers.

An official debut is expected by the end of Q3, with production starting by November.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

The deadline to update exhibitor information for the printed 2022 SEMA Show Directory is August 19. The first of four emails was sent to exhibitors on Wednesday, June 29, allowing updates to their directory listing for both the online and print versions.

The SEMA Show Directory is one of the strongest tools buyers use to learn about exhibiting companies and their products. In addition, more than two-thirds of Show buyers say the directory is a useful tool for navigating the Show.

Click here for more information about updating your SEMA Show Directory listing, or contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660 if you do not receive an email to update your directory listing.

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.