The motorsports industry’s best and brightest products were honored at the 33rd annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis earlier this month.

In all, nearly 30 exceptional parts and accessories were recognized by a panel of 12 judges representing traditional and new media, as well as sanctioning bodies and race tracks, from more than 340 entries in the PRI Show’s popular Featured Products Showcase. Entries are submitted by PRI exhibitors throughout the year, and are displayed in a dedicated area of Lucas Oil Stadium during the Show.

View the full list of winners here.

This year’s Featured Product Award judging, which took place on day one (December 9) of the three-day Show, identified outstanding products across eight separate categories—Accessory, Chassis, Drivetrain, Engine, In-Vehicle/Electronic/Telemetry, Race Fluid, Shop Equipment and Suspension—along with Judge’s Pick for overall excellence.

“There were lots of great new products, but (Turbosmart’s StraightGate 50) stood out to me because I have a newfound understanding of why it’s important,” said Alex Taylor, a popular social media personality who builds cars and drag races and served as one of this year’s judges. “With the precision and consistency that the StraightGate50 would allow, I can see it being a game-changer.”

Others agreed, as three more judges—Chad Reynolds from BangShift, Kevin Wells from Formula DRIFT, and Mike Galimi from ProMedia—also selected the StraightGate50 as their Judge’s Pick for 2021.

A total of 25 PRI exhibitors received either a Judge’s Pick or a Category Award through the program. The complete list of winners is below, and can also be found on the PRI website, with additional information about the Featured Product Awards.

By Kyle Cheng

How was 2021 for the specialty-equipment industry? Find out this and much more in a recently released recording of the 2021 SEMA Show Education Seminar “SEMA State of the Industry.”

The latest edition of SEMA’s ongoing “State of the Industry” report series offers 70 pages of data on the specialty-equipment industry to help companies understand how the market is performing and evolving.

In this seminar, Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research, discusses the current state of the specialty-equipment industry, trends that will affect your business in the coming years and the outlook for 2022 and beyond. The seminar is available here to both SEMA members and non-members at no cost.

In addition to this seminar, the SEMA Virtual Education Portal includes a comprehensive collection of educational webinars and resources targeted to the automotive aftermarket. New seminars are added regularly. Among the newest additions are the following recordings from the 2021 SEMA Show:

• ChangeMasters: How to Make the Changes You Need Now in Your Business and for the Rest of Your Life (Track: Small-Business Strategy)
• MAP and Resale Price Policies: Everything You Wanted to Know, but Didn’t Know Who to Ask (Small-Business Strategy)
• Future-Proofing Classic and Collector Cars (State of Electric Vehicles)
• Seamless Visual Integration of Modern Electronics in Vehicles (Track: Automotive Electronics)

Users can access the program at www.semashow.com/education.

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

Quadratec
New Xtreme Fender Flares for JL Wrangler

Quadratec, Inc. recently released its new Quadratec Xtreme fender flares for Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator.  The fender flares increase vertical tire clearance by nearly 3 in. over the OE Sport flares, and approximately .75 in. over the factory Rubicon flares.  The enhanced and clever styling delivers a customized look that’s subtle, yet noticeable. Manufactured in the USA of durable 2mm-thick TPE plastic, the flares are UV resistant and virtually indestructible.  Rubicon Xtreme Flares come complete with hardware and detailed installation instructions and there’s no drilling or modifications required. 

www.quadratec.com/wholesale

Wilwood Disc Brakes
DOT 5.1 Rated Hi-Temp 570 Brake Fluid

Wilwood Hi-Temp 570 racing brake fluid has been a staple of circle track, road racing, and autocross markets for decades. The new lower viscosity fluid was specifically formulated to allow modern ABS, stability control, and brake-based limited-slip systems to react faster. The DOT 5.1 rated formula retains the 570° F dry boiling point and other features of the previous DOT 3 fluid. It continues to be highly resistant to aeration and foaming for an improved pedal feel, lap after lap.

For racers and cars without ABS, the new lower viscosity also makes bleeding and flushing your brakes quicker and easier, getting you back behind the wheel faster.

www.wilwood.com

Brass Knuckle
SmartCut BKCR4420 Gloves

Brass Knuckle SmartCut BKCR4420 gloves offer A4 cut resistance with double-coated protection that combines slip resistance and permeation protection in a surprisingly dexterous glove.

These gloves deliver high-cut resistance without bulk. A foam nitrile top coat adds grip security for oils, petrochemicals, fuels and most acids. The sandy grip finish increases abrasion resistance and cut protection, all while being the most breathable and flexible glove in its class.

Over a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shell goes a greener-formula water-based polyurethane (WBPU) coating as a palm and finger base coat that helps reduce penetration of liquids, including light oil. In this method, the polyurethane is infused into the glove with water rather than with potentially harmful chemicals such as dimethylformamide. The result is a superior, long-wearing glove that feels softer and provides excellent breathability, fit, and manual dexterity. It also reduces workers’ cumulative exposure to chemicals.

www.brassknuckleprotection.com

 The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

JMS LightbarMAX Wiring Kit

LightbarMAX completely solves the issues that occur when an aftermarket LED light bar is installed on all ’18+ F-150 and all ’20+ F-250–F450 Super Duty trucks. No more random trailer detection or blind-spot/lane-detection issues. Easy installation on your vehicle. This is a universal unit that can work on virtually any vehicle that has this issue (universal flat four-way trailer plug).

PN: LBMU2021
www.jmschip.com

Agri-Cover – ROCKSTAR Tow Flaps

ROCKSTAR Full Width Tow Flaps are seriously stylish and tremendously tough. The full-width coverage closely follows the unique lines underneath your truck’s body for maximum protection, no need to disable rear parking sensors. Easily change ball mounts for pull behind trailers when needed. This design is ideal for gooseneck and 5th-wheel trailers as ball mount is not required. Our model-specific, no-drill mounting brackets prevent sailing while ensuring quick attachment or removal. Tow your way with ROCKSTAR Full Width Tow Flaps.

PN: H1020039
www.agricover.com

 Tiny Monster Xtreme Series Light Bars by ARC Lighting

Well-suited for off road adventuring, emergency vehicles and even daily drivers, the street-legal Tiny Monster Xtreme Series LED light bars maximize light output and enhance road safety. With an innovative design and cutting-edge technology, Xtreme Series light bars boast multiple sizes, brightness and mounting options. The all-new optical design not only produces a SAE-compliant beam pattern, but also surpasses the power of most off-road light bars. Plus, customers gain the unique versatility of combining driving, fog and emergency strobe beams in one ultimate package. Xtreme Series Bars are engineered with a low-profile chassis and performance-rated and patented optics. Each set comes with all the necessary components required for installation, such as mounting brackets and a no-drill wiring harness.

6 in. – PN: 61012
10 in. – PN: 61022
20 in. – PN: 61033

https://arc.lighting

 Ford Flush-Fit Retractable Truck Bed Anchors

BullRing USA’s Truck Bed Anchors are the fastest and easiest way to secure cargo in the bed of your truck. Each Anchor fits right into the stake pockets of your truck bed, making it quick and easy to hook up ratchet tie downs, without having to reach all the way to the bottom of the bed. The stainless-steel ring is fully retractable; it SNAPS UP when you need it, and SNAPS DOWN flush when you don’t. Each anchors have a 1,000-lb. rating and comes with our “No Bull” lifetime warranty. These flush-fit models are designed to perfectly fit into the rail caps of ’15+ Ford F-150, Super Duty and Raptors.

PN: 4025
www.bullringusa.com

By Ashley Reyes

As the automotive specialty-equipment market enters 2022, companies need to be informed about current industry issues and what to expect in the new year and beyond in order to make the best decisions for their business.

SEMA members will learn everything they need to know to plan ahead during the January 19 webinar, “Outlook for 2022: Industry Forecast, Supply Chain Projections and Changing Consumer Demographics.”

During this webinar, SEMA Market Research will provide their forecast on the industry’s growth in the coming years, discuss the current supply-chain disruption and when things will likely resolve and explore generational shifts within the industry’s consumer base and what they mean for the industry moving forward. 

Presented live by Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research, and Kyle Cheng, SEMA market research manager, this event is the ideal time to ask questions to the presenters and get an in-depth overview of the of the upcoming “Future Trends Report” from SEMA Market Research.

Log in to SEMA Education to register.

By Ashley Reyes

Eighty-eight percent of consumers are unlikely to return to your website if they can’t navigate the page, and research shows that more than half of all websites in the automotive aftermarket are in need of updating.

Barry Alt of Motorhead Digital shares analyses of websites from more than 450 aftermarket restoration, performance and restyling shops.  

In today’s digital age, maintaining your business’s online presence and website is more crucial than ever before. User experience is the key to success and higher conversions, and ignoring your online presence can result in a customer’s ability to find you or navigate your service, and encourage them to shop elsewhere.  

In a recently released recording of the 2021 SEMA Show Education seminar “Why Ignoring Your Online Presence is Costing You Money,” Barry Alt of Motorhead Digital shares analyses of websites from more than 450 aftermarket restoration, performance and restyling shops.  

“In our research, we learned that 55% of industry websites look unprofessional,” said Alt. “Ninety-four percent of first impressions are from people coming to your website and your design. Eighty-eight percent of consumers are unlikely to return if they can’t navigate your website.”

Alt shares real-world examples and research on how companies build an amazing website, rank better in search and get people to their site for free and how to spend money that produces real results.

The seminar is available at semashow.com/education to both SEMA members and nonmembers at no cost. The Virtual Education Portal includes a comprehensive collection of educational webinars and resources targeted to the automotive aftermarket. New seminars are added regularly. Among the newest additions are the following recordings from the 2021 SEMA Show:

• Emissions Compliance: What You Need to Know (Track: Legal and Regulatory)
• Middle East Tazweed (Track: International Roundtables)
• SEMA State of the Industry (Track: Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends)
• Small Business Hacks: 25 Shortcuts for Your Success (Track: Small Business Strategy)
• Women Who Build, Powered by SBN (Track: Builders)

Users can access the program at semashow.com/education. 

By Ashley Reyes

Innovative speakers and dynamic presenters who can share new ideas, technologies and expertise with the industry are invited to apply to present at the 2022 SEMA Show and in the association’s year-round virtual education program by visiting www.sema.org/speakers.

Speaker proposals for the 2022 SEMA Show must be submitted by January 7, 2022.

The SEMA Education Program helps industry professionals gain new skills and ideas, and learn about new trends and topics from the automotive aftermarket’s top experts and presenters. The year-round virtual program, which saw thousands of SEMA members participating since its debut in January 2021, provides thought-provoking, forward-thinking webinars that help participants take their businesses and careers to the next level. Likewise, educational seminars are an essential component of the SEMA Show where industry professionals come to network in person and learn new business strategies.

Topics of interest for 2022 include:

• Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends
• Digital Marketing
• Automotive Electronics
• Legal & Regulatory
• Small-Business Strategy
• Electric Vehicles
• Vehicle Technology
• Leadership
• Business Management

Speaker proposals for the 2022 SEMA Show must be submitted by January 7, 2022. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit a proposal today at www.sema.org/speakers.

For more details, contact Gary Vigil, SEMA senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA launched a new online education library to provide the automotive aftermarket with easy and affordable year-round access to experts and leaders.

The new SEMA Virtual Education Portal at sema.org/education includes a comprehensive collection of educational webinars and resources targeted to the automotive aftermarket.

From technical details about advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and legislative and advocacy updates, to best practices and tips on common business skills and behind-the-scenes conversations with industry leaders, celebrities and icons, the new SEMA Virtual Education Portal at sema.org/education includes a comprehensive collection of educational webinars and resources targeted to the automotive aftermarket.

“The SEMA Virtual Education Portal provides the automotive aftermarket with a one-stop-shop of industry-leading education and resources that will support the industry throughout the year,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA senior manager of professional development. “The portal is user-friendly and provides businesses and employees a convenient way to learn best practices and increase their knowledge in order to advance in their careers.”

Employees of SEMA-member companies will have the distinct advantage of being able to access most education at no cost or at a discount, but all sessions are available to anyone in the industry—regardless of SEMA membership status. SEMA Show education is free to everyone. New users will need to create a free individual user profile and log on to the system.

Through sema.org/education, users will find:

• Recordings of 2021 SEMA Show Education seminars (to be added in the coming months). 
• Live and simu-live virtual sessions that allow participants to connect with speakers in real-time.
• Recommended sessions, based on individual profiles.
• Easy-to-find sessions sorted by categories, topics and industry segments.
• A personal dashboard of purchased or registered items.

“We collaborate with leading subject-matter experts and the most dynamic speakers to bring the industry the best experience possible,” added Vigil. “Participants of the education program can expect comprehensive presentations, insightful discussions, and entertaining videos that teach, inform and inspire.”

More than 50 on-demand sessions are already housed on the SEMA Virtual Education website. Searchable categories include but are not limited to marketing and sales, small business strategies, legislative and regulatory, trends and research, vehicle technology and professional development. New content will be added weekly.

Users can access the program and create a personal profile at sema.org/education.

By Richard Hail

In advance of the nationwide premier of the SEMA Battle of the Builders one-hour television special airing on the HISTORY Channel on January 23, 2022, viewers can check out this ’34 Ford 5 window coupe that Troy Gudgel of BBT Fabrications brought to the SEMA Show.

As one of the Top 12 in the Hot Rod category, the vehicle features virtually all reworked or replaced sheet metal and the powerplant in this coupe is a 427 LS bolted to a BDS supercharger which is topped by a 4-port Hilborn injection system. All four corners flaunt genuine Halibrand magnesium wheels complemented by Kinmont-style disc brakes from Walden Speed Shop.

The interior panels were machined out of aluminum including the custom “era-correct” A/C vents. Dakota digital gauges were added into the hand-formed dash. Custom-built seats finish off the immaculate interior of this hot rod. Click on the video to watch the full story behind this build.

To see more on the SEMA Battle of the Builders program, mark your calendars for January 23, 2022, and tune in to the HISTORY Channel at 9:00 a.m. (EST). Details are also available at www.semabotb.com, or SEMA’s YouTube channel.

By Ashley Reyes

Editors, reporters and editorial teams from all over the world will connect with manufacturers of racing and performance parts and accessories at the MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place entirely online January 25–27, 2022.

While the deadline for priority registration has passed, journalists can still sign up to participate by visiting www.sema.org/mtc. Personalized schedules will be created for media, based on the companies they select during the application process.

Below are top reasons why media should not miss out on the event:

Not your average conference: Unlike traditional trade shows, where manufacturers are focused on buyers and making sales, exhibitors are here to share information with journalists. They are prepared with press materials and have staff who can answer a reporter's questions.

Personalized schedules: Media will select which manufacturers fit their editorial needs and match their target audience, so only meetings that are requested and relevant are scheduled.

Meet up to 14 exhibitors a day: By attending all three days of the conference, journalists can have up to 42 quality meetings (up to 14 each day) with representatives from manufacturers of racing and performance products who come prepared to discuss everything from their newest product line to changes at their company to industry trends.

Live product demonstrations: The event includes dozens of manufacturers sharing new products, company updates and plans for the future race season. Meetings are private and live, and they take place through video.

Media participation is free: This exclusive and affordable opportunity is free to media, making it the ideal event for journalists to obtain editorial content on the latest industry news and trends that can be shared to their audience throughout the year.

Learn more and sign up at www.sema.org/mtc or contact pr@sema.org.