Holley LS Fest Invades Texas Motor Speedway June 17-18, 2022
Holley’s next installment of its LS Fest series, Holley LS Fest Texas, will be held June 17–18, inside the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. The event will feature drifting, drag racing, burn-out contests, a show-n-shine, autocross, a dyno and more. LS Fest Texas drag racing will take place on pit road at Texas Motor Speedway, and will be a true no-prep-style 1/8th-mile drag race. Race cars, drift cars, street rods, rat rods, musclecars, trucks and late models powered by an LS engine are welcome at LS Fest Texas. Event/class champions will be crowned as well as an overall event champion for those that want to compete in multiple events. Participant packages and spectator tickets are available at lsfest.com.
Hemmings Names Douglas R. Glad Head of Editorial
Hemmings has announced that President Jonathan Shaw has appointed Douglas R. Glad as head of editorial. Terry McGean, who has been acting as editor-in-chief since 2005, will remain at the company in an editorial capacity. Glad’s employment will commence this month. Glad has more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive publishing industry, including a decade of editorial planning and direction at automotive performance magazines and websites, most recently acting as group performance director, Motor Trend Group. Prior to that, Glad served as content director for the Mustang and Chevy groups at TEN: The Enthusiast Network, and as editorial director for HOT ROD magazine.
As group performance director at Motor Trend Group, Glad successfully combined a group of leading performance and aftermarket brands into the HOT ROD Network. Before the creation of the HOT ROD Network, Glad grew the grassroots publication Car Craft magazine into a leader in the hands-on enthusiast space, and created the cult-classic magazine Elapsed Times.
Power Automedia Announces “PAM FIRST,” a New Education Webinar Series
Power Automedia has announced the creation of “PAM FIRST,” a new education webinar series. Taking inspiration from the editorial division’s annual seminar, “PAM FIRST” expands on the idea of continued education to provide a platform for this discourse to continue throughout the year. The webinars cover a variety of content-related topics and are open to all Power Automedia employees.
“PAM FIRST” is a monthly webinar series that covers a variety of topics, going beyond simply crafting digital content to include subjects on self development with the latest and most innovative techniques from world renowned thought-leaders. Each webinar comprises an hour-long presentation by a Power Automedia employee, followed by a question-and-answer session. The first webinar took place back in November 2021 and focused on stress management while later webinars in the series delved into subjects such as SEO, indoor photography tips, and even video production.
Race Winning Brands Acquires PAC Racing Springs
Race Winning Brands Inc., a portfolio company of MiddleGround Capital, announced the acquisition of PAC Racing Springs (PAC), a leading manufacturer of high-performance valve springs serving the automotive and powersports performance and racing aftermarket. PAC represents the ninth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands.
PAC is headquartered and operates out of Southfield, Michigan, just outside the industry-famous “Motor City,” Detroit. With roots in engineering and manufacturing dating back over a century, PAC Racing Springs has combined their manufacturing expertise with involved, high-performance racing experience to focus on developing and producing best-in-class valve springs and valvetrain components.
PAC’s manufacturing and supporting operations will remain based out of the company's current Southfield, Michigan headquarters.
Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its Reading, Pennsylvania, location. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer's East Hanover, New Jersey, and Scranton, Pennsylvania, distribution hubs, which house some of the largest inventories of automotive, RV and marine accessories and replacement parts as well as outdoor lifestyle, janitorial/sanitation and industrial products in the region.
VP Racing Fuels Announces Factory-Fill Agreement With Zenvo Automotive
Zenvo Automotive produces limited-edition hypercars in Denmark.
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced an agreement with Zenvo Automotive to be the company’s official fuels and technical fluids partner. Zenvo Automotive is a producer of limited-edition hypercars based in Denmark. Founded in 2007, Zenvo was formed with the aim of combining the latest technologies and innovation with an analogue feel, offering the driver a true connection and performance. Production of all Zenvo models is limited to just five cars per year, all manufactured in Denmark and available to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
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.
JW Montoya (@jw_montoya) will join SEMA Young Guns followers for an Instagram “Ask Me Anything,” Wednesday, April 13, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PDT).
Montoya is an automotive enthusiast, specifically interested in trucks and the off-road industry. He is currently documenting his work on a ’20 AT4 HD and ’05 GMC Sierra 2500 on YouTube. JW stays busy with build collaborations, sponsor visits and truck events throughout the southern United States.
SEMA continues to actively recruit automotive influencers for the SEMA Social Media Correspondent program. Apply now to be considered.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a proposed rule to ban all manufacturing, processing, importation and commercial distribution of six categories of products containing chrysotile asbestos, which covers all of its current uses in the United States.
This includes sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings and other vehicle friction products. Chrysotile asbestos is the only known form of asbestos currently imported into the United States.
Almost 70 countries have banned asbestos, and its use in the United States has been declining for decades. In 1989, the EPA attempted to block most uses of asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act, but a federal appeals court overturned the rulemaking two years later. The proposed prohibition of asbestos use in brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes and linings, other vehicle friction products and other gaskets for commercial use would take effect 180 days after the EPA issues a final rule.
For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.
Land Rover will expand the Defender lineup next year with the introduction of the extended-wheelbase 130 variant, which has been spotted on the German Nürburgring racetrack, giving a close look at the longer car’s final styling and an indication of its readiness for production. Our photographer actually snapped the V8 variant of the Defender 130—a model that wasn’t on our radar.
A precise launch date for the range-topping Defender has yet to be confirmed, but prior to the standard Defender’s 2019 unveiling, a leaked internal presentation confirmed it will arrive in 2022 with eight seats, one more than the mid-range 110.
It is positioned as the “premium explorer” of the Defender range, while the entry-level 90 is the “halo, image icon,” and the 110 is the “definitive Defender.” The 130 is likely, therefore, to command a substantial price premium over the other Defender models and be available in top-end trim levels only.
While the previous-generation Defender 130 featured an extended wheelbase over the 110, the new car’s longer footprint comes courtesy of a visibly upsized rear overhang, which takes the vehicle’s total length to 5.10 meters—342 mm longer than the 110 and 227 mm longer than the Mercedes G-Class.
The Defender 130 is expected to receive the full raft of diesel and gas powertrains, including the P300e PHEV option and the hot, 550 hp supercharged V8, as seen in these pictures. Also expected is an open-backed pick-up variant to rival the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok.
Bids are being accepted until April 18 for the ’37 Ford Panel Van custom-built by Gas Monkey Garage. All proceeds from the sale will go towards benefiting children in need at Victory Junction—a SEMA Cares charity.
The vehicle includes custom paint with vintage patina and custom lettering to reflect an authentic shop-truck feel, white-wall tires, interior with rustic wood trim, nostalgic dash and gauges.
Individuals can bid on the vehicle, which was featured on the television show “Fast N’ Loud” (Season 7, Episode 14), by visiting the Hemmings website until Monday, April 18.
The vehicle includes custom paint with vintage patina and custom lettering to reflect an authentic shop-truck feel, white-wall tires, interior with rustic wood trim, nostalgic dash and gauges. Lebaron Bonney Co. products were used for upholstery, including seats in gray wool broadcloth with graphite-insight patterned cloth installed over a Glide Engineering seat frame, door panels with gray wool broadcloth and gray square weave carpet, which is carried throughout the floor, and dark gray napped-cotton headliner.
“Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA manager of recognition programs. “We applaud Gas Monkey Garage for what is truly a unique build that will go to a great cause.”
The vehicle is available for bidding until April 18 here.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is accepting renderings until April 15 for its 2022 All-Female Build, where an entirely female crew will modify a Ford Bronco 4-door Wildtrak provided by Bronco Brand.
Women will modify all aspects of the car, including the engine, chassis, drivetrain, interior, sound system, exterior and paint.
The project will highlight women in the automotive industry while supporting females pursuing careers in the field. Women will modify all aspects of the car, including the engine, chassis, drivetrain, interior, sound system, exterior and paint.
Renderings may be submitted by a female in the automotive industry or a female student. This is a great opportunity for female designers to showcase their work and have their build idea featured at the 2022 SEMA Show.
All applicable submissions will be voted on by visitors of SBN’s Facebook and Instagram pages, April 20–24.
The deadline to submit renderings is April 15 here.
Co-hosted by the SEMA Garage and SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), the Southern California Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is staging an event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, Saturday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., to showcase its students in front of the local industry.
This event will provide a great networking opportunity between SEMA-member companies, additional industry professionals and university students who are part of Formula and Baja SAE competition teams. It will include a career fair, allowing companies to recruit upcoming graduates. Students will also have an opportunity to gain feedback from industry professionals on their engineering and business presentations as preparation ahead of their upcoming competition.
SEMA staff will provide facility tours and showcase product-development services utilized by automotive aftermarket companies. Lunch will be provided.
This event will provide a great networking opportunity between SEMA-member companies, additional industry professionals and university students who are part of Formula and Baja SAE competition teams.
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.
Marketing Manager Hitachi Astemo is hiring a marketing manager. Working under the direct supervision of the vice president, America's Aftermarket Division, this position will research and analyze the current marketplace in order to accurately propose long-term marketing strategies that maximize return on investment and support overall organizational objectives. Additional responsibilities include overseeing the execution and measurement of promotions, publicity, advertising activities and product launches.
Cylinder Head Production Manager Speedmaster is hiringa skilled assembly lead to connect automotive parts into specific components. This position will ensure all parts fit correctly and are suitable for the final product. Candidates must have good technical knowledge and possess the skills to coordinate task for the day via the company’s WMS. There are a number of staff that make up the assembly team and a key part of this role is the allocation and coordination of tasks each day to ensure our assembly team meet the production requirements of each shift.
Sales Representative Monster Performance Group is looking for an experienced sales representative. Applicants must possess superior phone communication skills. All equipment and training will be provided to the candidate upon hire. The ideal candidate would like to be part of a small team that works in a dynamic environment. The candidate should be a “people person” who likes to interact with customers and grow within their role and take on additional responsibilities as the company expands.
The September 2022 issue of SEMA News magazine will again highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger.
If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2022—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you by May 1. In addition, for the first time ever, self-nominations are also allowed this year. (Those nominating themselves must provide an industry reference.)
Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young entrepreneurs and professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.
They could also be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.
SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process.
We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
Power Automedia Announces “PAM FIRST,” a New Education Webinar Series
Race Winning Brands Acquires PAC Racing Springs
