By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
The current digital issue of Off-Road Business magazine explores the conversion of a M1087 military truck known as Bantha into an overlanding transport. The vehicle’s nickname comes from the woolly mammoth-looking creature from Star Wars. It is fun to see how the rugged industrial behemoth now includes a comfortable living space.
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
In a win for proponents of off-highway vehicle (OHV) activity at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), a study from the University of California, San Diego’s Scripps Institute of Oceanography on mineral dust particles in the dunes area indicates that “dune-derived mineral dust is more likely to be primarily caused by natural forces (i.e. wind) rather than human activities.” A central argument of those who oppose OHV activity at the SVRA is that it harms the environment by causing more particulate matter (dust) that worsens air quality in the region.
The study found that “There is no evidence that toxic compounds...are associated with the two major PM2.5 sources (dune dust and sea spray) during windy conditions at Oceano Dunes, so association of PM2.5 with detrimental health effects may be without foundation.” The study noted that PM2.5 “in urban locations is largely associated with emissions from motor vehicles that include high amounts of toxics, nanoparticles and transition metals. In areas where PM2.5 is dominated by natural emission sources rather than man-made combustion activities, the causal link between toxics and health effects is unlikely to hold.”
The California State Parks Departments’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission is holding a workshop to discuss the study on December 9. Click here for more information.
Oceano Dunes SVRA is California’s only OHV park on the Pacific Ocean, located about two hours northwest of Los Angeles near San Luis Obispo. It became a state park in 1974, originally encompassing 3,600 acres but now is less than 1,500 acres. The park draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the country and generates millions of dollars for the local economy.
Oceano Dunes SVRA has been under threat of closure for many years, primarily by groups that object to motorized recreation on the 8-mi. strip of land. Opposition is largely based on environmental arguments—airborne particulate matter (dust) and/or threatened plants and animals. For years, SEMA has joined with many other OHV groups in challenging the scientific basis for the claims and in citing the importance of the area for the enthusiast community.
Two state agencies have been locked in a conflicting jurisdictional dispute, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) and State Parks. The CCC contends that it has primacy with respect to environmental concerns while State Parks cites a mandate from the State Legislature to manage the area for OHV use.
In March 2021, the CCC voted to shut down OHV access within three years. SEMA and several other off-road groups have challenged the CCC decision in lawsuits filed in California State Superior Court for San Luis Obispo County. The Court has scheduled a hearing for January 2022.
In a separate action, the CCC is also holding a December 17 public hearing on a State Parks proposal to remove 130 acres of OHV and camping areas at Oceano Dunes as part of dust control mitigation and dune habitat restoration effort. CCC staff support State Parks request since it does not conflict with the CCC directive that all vehicular recreation be eliminated by January 2024.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
While most members of Congress were enjoying an extended Thanksgiving break with their families, U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey (R-TX) kept a busy schedule meeting with his constituents. Rep. Ellzey visited Summit Racing in Arlington, Texas, for a tour of their retail super store, order fulfillment center and distribution center. Summit Racing is headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio, although the company has opened three other facilities, including its Arlington location in 2017, which is their largest facility at nearly 1 million sq. ft. Rep. Ellzey’s visit provided the congressman a chance to learn more about the specialty automotive aftermarket and the role the industry plays in Texas’ 6th Congressional District, which is located both to the south and west of Dallas and includes parts of Fort Worth and Arlington.
U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey (R-TX) [third from right] visited Summit Racing in Arlington, Texas, for a tour of their retail super store, order fulfillment center and distribution center.
“The tour of Summit racing was nothing short of remarkable,” said Rep. Ellzey, “You all have a tremendous facility, but what was most impressive was all of the employees. The afternoon I spent there, I could tell that everyone cared about their job, each other and the customer. I am glad that Summit Racing is in our district. It is something we can all be proud of, and I look forward to rebuilding my ’79 F-150 with a little bit of help."
Rep. Ellzey is a native Texan, and is one of the newest members of Congress, as he won a special election in July 2021. Prior to running for elected office, Rep. Ellzey served 20 years as a Naval aviator flying H-60 helicopters, F-14 Tomcats, F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets in defense of our nation. He was deployed nine times during his military career with five combat tours over Afghanistan and two in Iraq.
The Congressman logged more than 800 carrier landings and served a tour as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller on the ground embedded with Navy SEALs. Following his tour as Commanding Officer of Strike Fighter Squadron, he served as the Air Boss on the USS Ronald Reagan. After his Navy career, he served Texas as a Commissioner of the Texas Veterans Commission, State Representative of the 10th District of Texas, ran a small business and worked as an airline pilot.
For additional information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) named Alexander Martinez as this week’s WTC spotlight volunteer. Martinez is a WTC select committee member and the chief marketing and customer officer at SD Wheel —a distributor of wheels and tires for the automotive aftermarket.
Get to know Martinez in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?
Alexander Martinez: I’ve always been passionate about people finding ways to express their individuality. It just so happens that cars were the best way to do that. My passion for bringing people together and expressing themselves through their vehicles sparked various entrepreneurial businesses when I was 17-18. Over time, this scaled into launching brands and companies that specialized in aftermarket wheels, tires and suspension.
SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?
AM: It's allowed me to connect with some incredible leaders in the wheel and tire industry. From new companies to well-established brands, being a part of WTC has allowed me to listen in and learn from so many exciting and incredible people with unique stories.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?
AM: There are opportunities everywhere. Take the risk and make the jump! Just be sure to plan for those jumps through standard work, lean management, accountability and discipline. If you can do that, you’ll win.
SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?
AM: I can be found at Road America driving my cars, hosting a car show or traveling with vendors learning about new products.
Fill out a WTC spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on WTC’s social media, SEMA eNews and future WTC member updates.
By Ashley Reyes
DEFCO Trucks has been named the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest member spotlight company. In SEMA’s Q&A with company partner Seth Gortenburg, he shares DEFCO Truck’s breakthrough moment and what projects the company is working on in 2021.
SEMA: Tell us the story of your company. How did your company start?
Seth Gortenburg: We started our company recently after purchasing the assets of DEFCO Trucks.
SEMA: What was your company’s breakthrough moment?
SG: Our company’s breakthrough moment was finishing our first two conversions and gauging the reaction from potential customers.
SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2021 and what are some projects you are working on?
SG: We just completed a ’21 F-250 and ’21 F-450.
SEMA: Tell us about a product that you are proud of.
SG: Our trucks run 43-in. tires with very modest lifts by replacing fenders and quarters.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
SG: The aftermarket is strong. Build what you love.
Fill out an TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA eNews and future TORA member updates.
By Ashley Reyes
The priority registration deadline for media attending the 2022 MPMC Media Trade Conference is December 15. The annual event is being held entirely online January 25–27, 2022, and caters to reporters, journalists, freelancers and those seeking one-on-one interviews with motorsports manufacturers. The 2021 event was held entirely online and was so overwhelmingly successful that members voted to host the 2022 entirely online again.
By signing up now, media will receive first priority to select the exhibitors they would like to meet with and will receive the best possible schedule. This is the ideal event for journalists to hear from key company spokespersons, see new products in action and get detailed information specific to their audience’s interests that may be dispersed throughout the whole year.
Learn more and sign up at www.sema.org/mtc or contact pr@sema.org.
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.
Whiteline is now offering suspension products for EVs. Enhance the handling of your Tesla Model 3 with part number BTF101Z, our 30mm solid front sway bar featuring three points of adjustment and synthetic elastomer bushings for improved response. Sway bars are designed to reduce body roll during cornering, which enhances driver confidence behind the wheel. Less body roll means lateral loads are spread more evenly across the tire surface to increase overall grip. Upgrading to adjustable sway bars will also allow finer tuning of the chassis balance, which can be used to eliminate pesky understeer. Pair with our 20mm rear sway bar, PN: BTR101Z, for the ultimate combination in handling performance.
PN: BTF101Z
www.whiteline.com.au
CTEK’s CS FREE is the world’s first multi-functional portable battery charger and smart maintainer with Adaptive Boost technology. The award-winning CS FREE is four cutting-edge products in one portable unit: Adaptive Boost safe start, battery charger, smart maintainer and hi-tech power bank. Adaptive Boost technology analyzes a battery to give it the correct power it needs to safely and quickly charge your battery within 15 minutes while protecting sensitive vehicle tech. That’s not all the CS FREE will do. The CS FREE keeps your tech up and running wherever you are. Charge phones, laptops, cameras and more. CTEK offers convenient accessories to enable charging via solar panel or a 12V service battery.
PN: 40-462
www.smartercharger.com
The wheeled DU-HA Tote is a portable, all-purpose storage device that rolls into the back of your SUV, pickup, van or trailers allowing you to quickly and easily take your organized gear along. The versatile Tote includes organizers/dividers/gun racks and two utility trays (with dividers) giving you a multitude of storage options. The Tote holds four shotguns or scoped rifles which sit upright on the gun racks. Three latches can all lock with standard padlocks and the lid seals to help keep moisture out even when subjected to the elements. The Tote was designed to slide into the back of your SUV, van or pickup and fits three abreast in many vehicles for the ultimate in organized transport.
PN: 70103
www.du-ha.com
TractionMAX is designed to work with high-horsepowered vehicles. Adjust to enhance traction and performance. Simple and quick install, the unit plugs in-line between your vehicle’s pedal position sensor and vehicle harness. Use the included dual-dial to adjust pedal (throttle) and time (traction) response making performance adjustable on-the-fly! Beneficial dual-dial save featured is great for new drivers, adjust to reduce the ability to over-power the tires. All units are waterproof, backed by a lifetime warranty, designed and assembled in the USA.
Arnott, the provider of air suspension products for passenger vehicles, has announced the acquisition of JRi Shocks based in Mooresville, North Carolina. JRi Shocks will continue to serve its existing markets and customers, “but will now be better positioned to grow those markets even further while also expanding into new ones,” according to Arnott. Customers should see no change in the day-to-day operations of the business. JRi Shocks was founded in 2007 by Jeff Ryan. Ryan, JRi Shocks Vice President of Operations Det Cullum, and JRi President and CEO Ray Evernham were all partners at the time of the acquisition. Ryan will stay on to continue managing all engineering activities for the company, while Cullum and Evernham will remain involved with the company in advisory roles.
RaceQuip and Carolina Racing Supply have partnered to bring the all-new RaceQuip Super Store concept to the Carolinas. CRS has devoted a large portion of its retail showroom to showcase the safety equipment that the RaceQuip brand has to offer. The company has backed it up by filling its warehouse with a large inventory of the complete line of safety gear and accessories.
OEM Wheel Text May be Worth $,1000 Plus $1,000 to Charity1-800EveryRim OEM Wheels, in celebration of 500,000 RimText messages, will award $1,000 to the winner of its contest and will also donate an additional $1,000 to charity in the winner’s name. Available charities are Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the American Cancer Society. The company’s RimText system, 951-RimText (951-746-8398) must be utilized to enter. Text “Contest” to 951-746-8398. After registration, subsequent messages must be legitimate inquiries into the buying or selling of factory original alloy or steel wheels. After registering, every message is a chance to win. The contest closes February 27. Management approval is required. For all contest rules, visit 1800everyrim.com/rimtext-contest.
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the signing of a licensing agreement with The Fan-Brand. VP Racing Fuels has licensed its brand names and logos to The Fan-Brand’s extensive line of home décor products. Bringing VP Racing Fuels décor products to market hits close to home for Harrison Grimm, founder and CEO of The Fan-Brand. Grimm has always been drawn to the car culture, from collecting die-cast cars and building model kits at an early age to the racing stripes down his daily driver musclecar. The licensing agreement was brokered by Pacific Swell Brands—VP Racing Fuel’s exclusive licensing agency.
American Pacific Group (APG), a San Francisco Bay Area-based private equity firm, has announced that it has acquired Fellers Inc., a distributor of vinyl wrap supplies. Fellers, a Tulsa-based company, distributes vinyl wrap films and wrap supplies to sign and graphics shops and automotive wrap installers. Founded in 1986, Fellers has supplied the sign and graphics community with a broad range of products to meet its end-customers’ diverse needs. Over the past 30 years, Fellers has expanded to 58 locations across the United States and developed a reputation of stocking top brands and delivering to its 40,000+ customer base. Over the last decade, Fellers has emerged a leader in supplying the growing automotive color-change wrap segment.
The California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA) will hold the CTDA/1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon at Geezers in Santa Fe Springs, California, January 20. Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Select Committee member Steve Swanson, National Sales Manager of The Carlstar Group; Tire Industry Association (TIA) President Mason Hess, Purcell Tire; and outgoing TIA CEO Roy Littlefield will headline the event. Chris Barry of The Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) will serve as emcee.
“We are social networking the old-fashioned way, and now with the tops of our industry,” said CTDA President Billy Eordekian.
The event is open to the tire and wheel industry and is free to tire and wheel retailers, as well as CTDA members. CTDA urges early RSVPs as an overflow crowd is likely. Sponsorships for the event are still being accepted, as well as door prizes and table favors.
Current event sponsors include:
Although no local Coronavirus related restrictions are currently in place, CTDA is monitoring the situation closely.
After more than two decades of work with IndyCar, World of Outlaws and USAC race teams, Geoff Buxton has joined Wilwood Engineering’s team of field sales and support representatives. The team of experts spends weekends at tracks around the country for trackside brake system support. Originally from Australia, Buxton had become a full-time resident of the United States following a stint with an Australian sprint car team. In the United States, he became a member of Randy Hannagan’s World of Outlaws crew until later working on IndyCar and Champ Car World Series teams. His resume also includes time with the Andretti and A.J. Foyt racing teams, as well as Indy Lights, Global Rallycross, Sprint, Midget and other motorsports disciplines.
PerTronix Performance Brands has announced a new investment partner, Charger Investment Partners private equity firm based in El Segundo, California. The announcement follows PerTronix’s acquisition of Aeromotive and Taylor Cables.
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.
Oracle Lighting has been awarded the 2021 Young Executives Network (YEN) Vanguard Award during the recent 2021 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas. The YEN Vanguard Award is presented to an individual, business, organization or sanctioning body that has had a positive effect on the careers of young executives within the automotive industry.
Oracle Lighting was awarded the 2021 Young Executives Network (YEN) Vanguard Award during the 2021 SEMA Show.
“It is an honor to be recognized by YEN for the Vanguard Award,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting CEO. “Our culture at Oracle Lighting fosters the idea of volunteering within our community and our industry. We encourage our team to join any one of SEMA’s committees, which is an easy way to be a part of the industry.”
Each YEN Vanguard Award candidate has to meet the following criteria: must be a current or past member of SEMA (no age requirement) and must have demonstrated exceptional service, integrity and business ethics. The Vanguard Award is presented to a person, company or sanctioning body that has influenced the professional growth and/or cultivation of talent for young executives through its actions, mentoring, visions and/or contributions for the past, present and future.
Oracle Lighting also won SEMA’s 2021 Manufacturer of the Year award during the 2021 SEMA Show.
In 2021, Oracle Lighting was also ranked as the third fastest-growing company in the entire metro New Orleans area, with a three-year growth rate of 56%, according to New Orleans CityBusiness magazine.
Dear SEMA Member:
A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.
The following seats are open for this year’s election:
Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, please include brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.
Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Please complete and submit the nomination form.
We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.
Thank you for your attention to this important request.
Sincerely,
Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President & CEO