JRi Shocks Acquired by Arnott

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 Super Store Debuts in Mooresville

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 Charity

1-800EveryRim 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 Announces Licensing Agreement With The Fan-Brand

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 Completes Acquisition of Fellers

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.

SEMA WTC, TIA President, Outgoing TIA CEO, to Headline California Tire Dealer Luncheon

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:

• Diamond – Federated Insurance
• Gold - Yokohama, Advance Professional, Turbo Wholesale Tire, Snap Finance
• Silver - Myers Tire Supply
• Host – 1-800EveryRim OEM Wheels

Although no local Coronavirus related restrictions are currently in place, CTDA is monitoring the situation closely.

Wilwood Engineering Adds Geoff Buxton

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 Names New Investment Partner

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:

• Manufacturers (3 open seats)
• Manufacturers Rep (1 open seat)

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

  In partnership with Toyota, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, has announced a Measuring Session, powered by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), for the ’22 Toyota GR86, December 13–15.

The SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session featuring the ’22 Toyota GR86.

The event will allow SEMA members to have a close-up experience with this newly designed vehicle. This event will feature the GR86 and GR86 Premium composed of the following:

• 2.4L 4-Cylinder Boxer Engine
• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Drivetrain
• Six-speed Manual Transmission
• Automatic Transmission
• Active Safety Suite (on Auto Transmission options)
• Pre-Collision Braking System
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Lead Vehicle Start Alert
• Lane-Departure Warning with Sway Warning
• Automatic High Beams
• Parking Assist (on Premium models)
• Reverse Automatic Braking (on Premium models)

Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited and subject to approval by availability.

Toyota technicians will be on-site to provide disassembly of selective components.

*All registered attendees will be required to an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment.

Register now.

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.

Optronics International
LED Marker/Clearance/Scene Lights

Optronics International introduced its new MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB LED Marker/Clearance/Scene Lights. The newest members of Optronics’ MCL16 series family of lights, the unique 1 and 1/4-inch, seven-diode, PC-rated lamps enable vehicles to meet clearance and all marker lighting regulations, but give users an extra lighting bonus. The new clear lens lamps are able to turn white when a truck or trailer is stationary, creating a bright halo of light around the vehicle perimeter.

Whether it’s a last mile delivery vehicle, a work truck, or a parked semi-trailer, when humans perform duties around them, they need adequate lighting. The new MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB LED Marker/Clearance/Scene Lights can create a safer and more productive environment for workers.

Both seven-diode MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB lights are hard wired and include separate grounding wires and both feature a pliable EPDM grommet. The lamps require only a single 1.4-inch diameter mounting hole.

www.optronicsinc.com
PN: MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB

Improved Racing
Flow Series Extreme (FSX) Inline Fluid Thermostat

Improved Racing's new FSX series thermostats are designed to control fluid temperatures in high-flow applications such as diesel engines found in semi-trucks and military vehicles.

This thermostat is based on the design Improved Racing originally developed for an amphibious assault vehicle for the US military. Recommended for flow rates of up to 33 GPM with lubricants and up to 50 GPM with less viscous fluids.

www.improvedracing.com/flow-series-extreme-16an-engine-oil-cooler-thermostat.html

Ingersoll Rand
2146Q1MAX ¾" Impact Wrench

Ingersoll Rand introduced the Ingersoll Rand® 2146Q1MAX ¾" Impact Wrench, the first pneumatic impact wrench with an innovative air gauge that indicates whether it is operating at, below or above the tool's maximum rated air pressure of 90 psi.

The new onboard air pressure gauge is situated on the back of the 2146Q1MAX and monitors the air pressure ranging from 60 psi to 120 psi. When the gauge indicates the tool is operating in the green range, it's receiving the maximum rated air pressure of 90 psi. If the gauge is in the yellow range, the air pressure is low, and if it's in the red range, it's operating over the rated maximum air pressure of the tool.

The industrial grade 2146Q1MAX ¾" Impact Wrench is the most powerful ¾" impact wrench in its class. Also available with a 1" drive (2146Q2MAX), both tools deliver up to 2,000 foot-pounds of nut busting torque. With its quiet, six-vane, efficient motor, the tool removes stubborn bolts reliably.

The ergonomic design is also a hallmark of the Ingersoll Rand 2146Q1MAX, featuring improved handle-positioning, balance, triggers and buttons. The tool features a feather touch trigger and a forward reverse mechanism that technicians can operate with one hand.

www.ingersollrand.com

Here’s a first look at the ’23 Nissan Altima while testing in Metro Detroit.

The sixth-generation Altima debuted in 2018 at the New York Auto Show as a ’19 model, since then there have been virtually no changes made to the model other than some appearance packages and Nissan Safety Shield 360.

Looking at the prototype, the changes are only to the front end. The camo would suggest that there will be new head lamps along with a completely revised front end. More aggressive styling is expected up front that lines up with some of the recently debuted concept vehicles.

Power is still expected to come from the 2.5L I4 along with the optional 248hp turbocharged I4, both being mated to a CVT transmission.

An official debut should happen in mid 2022.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the ’23 Nissan Altima while testing in Metro Detroit.

The sixth-generation Altima debuted in 2018 at the New York Auto Show as a ’19 model, since then there have been virtually no changes made to the model other than some appearance packages and Nissan Safety Shield 360.

Looking at the prototype, the changes are only to the front end. The camo would suggest that there will be new head lamps along with a completely revised front end. More aggressive styling is expected up front that lines up with some of the recently debuted concept vehicles.

Power is still expected to come from the 2.5L I4 along with the optional 248hp turbocharged I4, both being mated to a CVT transmission.

An official debut should happen in mid 2022.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the Young Executives Network (YEN) have the exclusive offer to apply for the YEN Professional Development Training Program, presented in partnership with Dale Carnegie. A limited number of applicants will be able to take part in the highly acclaimed two-day, in-person leadership program, at 50% off the regular registration fee and free hotel accommodations and meals during the event.  

The Dale Carnegie Program is a world-renown program that has been improving individual and business performance around the world for more than a century. Their books and seminars are highly respected and have proven to help individuals and organizations reach new levels of success.

During a Facebook live chat on Wednesday, December 15, at 12:00 p.m. (PST), YEN members will learn about the new YEN Professional Development Training Program. The program will be limited to 25 YEN members and will take place in March 2022 at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.  

YEN members are invited to join Brett Campbell, certified Dale Carnegie trainer, as he discusses what participants will learn from the program, how it will enhance their personal and professional development and how to apply.  

Location: YEN Facebook page.

Richard Petty Motorsports Sells Majority Interest

Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 driven by Erik Jones courtesy of RPM.

Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM)—owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty—has sold a majority interest to GMS Racing owner Maury Gallagher.

A statement from Gallagher and RPM reads: “Richard Petty Motorsports has agreed to sell a majority interest to Maury Gallagher, owner of GMS Racing. Two charters are included in the agreement and will be operated during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season. This is a special moment for both organizations as the Next Gen car allows a new chapter to be written.”

GMS Racing had previously announced that it would expand its NASCAR operation into the Cup Series level in 2022. Ty Dillon was revealed as the driver of the brand-new No. 94 Chevrolet. RPM, meantime, confirmed two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Erik Jones will return to the No. 43 Chevy.

RPM began racing in 2000 under a different name, Evernham Motorsports, and took on its current branding in honor of “The King” in 2009 following a merger between Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises. Since 2009, RPM has won five Cup races and two Xfinity Series races. For more information, visit gmsracing.net and richardpettymotorsports.com.

NMCA Introduces Drag & Drive Shootout

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has introduced Drag & Drive Shootout to bring select long-haul street car participants to three events in 2022.

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has introduced Drag & Drive Shootout to bring select long-haul street car participants to three events in 2022. The 2022 Gear Vendors Drag & Drive eight-car shootout presented by Sick the Magazine will take place during the NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem at Bradenton Motorsports Park (March 17–20), NMCA All-American Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park (August 25–28) and the NMCA World Finals Presented by Chevrolet Performance at Lucas Oil Raceway (September 22–25). The invitational will feature cars driven by Tom Bailey, the founder of Sick the Magazine, social media influencer Alex Taylor, and two-time Drag Week champion Dave Schroeder. For more information, visit nmcadigital.com.

2022 ASCS National Lineup Revealed

The lineup of events for the 31st season of competition for the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) has dropped with 57 dates spread across 30 tracks in 11 states. Putting the primary focus on tracks in the Midwest, new series owner Terry Mattox is entering his first year at the helm with the emphasis on making the national tour more efficient, effective and affordable for teams to be able to travel on a full-time basis. Among the new destinations is Superbowl Speedway in Greenville, Texas, Thursday, March 24. Just down the road, Jackson Motor Speedway in Byram, Mississippi, comes out swinging as Mattox has leased the track for action April 1–2. For the complete schedule, visit the ASCS website.

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

Trim-Lok Inc. Announces Major Midwest Expansion

A rendering of Trim-Lok’s more than 150,000-sq.-ft. facility in Elkhart, Indiana.

Trim-Lok has announced a major expansion in the Midwest, entering into an agreement to occupy a new, state-of-the-art facility on the eastern border of Elkhart, Indiana. This new facility will be 150,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehousing space and an additional 5,500 sq. ft. of office space with the latest technologies to support all facets of their business. Trim-Lok’s expansion will create many additional jobs, including manufacturing and warehouse jobs, as well as office positions to support the investment the company is making in equipment to increase manufacturing capacity and implement new capabilities. This location provides Trim-Lok with shorter transit lanes for raw material and finished goods and will allow better management of freight for both Trim-Lok and its customers.

Edward W. McCormick Joins Truck Hero Inc. as CFO

Truck Hero Inc. has announced the appointment of Edward “Ted” W. McCormick as CFO. He joins the company’s senior leadership team and reports to William Reminder, president and CEO. McCormick will be responsible for leading all aspects of Truck Hero’s finance and IT organizations, with a focus on key strategic initiatives and functions to support the company’s growth objectives. He has more than 20 years of private and public company experience. Prior to joining Truck Hero, McCormick held CFO roles at The Bountiful Company and Roland Foods. Prior to that, he spent more than 16 years with Unilever, where he held senior finance positions in supply chain, the Pepsi/Lipton Partnership, Ben & Jerry’s and in the Unilever foods business.

Continental Launches New North America Automotive Aftermarket Website

Continental has launched a new website encompasing all of Continental’s OE-quality aftermarket replacement parts, diagnostic equipment and solutions for specialty vehicles. The new website at continentalaftermarket.com serves as a central location for all product information, cataloging, training, news and more, and allows easy access to all of Continental’s brands.

A major component of the new website is the Continental Online Parts Catalog, which offers a year/make/model look-up along with a VIN search, cross reference, buyer’s guide, a where-to-buy feature, and links to product information and specifications, how-to videos and technical document downloads. In addition, the Continental website also features a “Training Central” section that provides a variety of online training programs, webinars and how-to demonstration videos to help users expand their technical knowledge about the products and their specific applications.

SEMA WTC, TIA President, Outgoing TIA CEO to Headline California Tire Dealer Luncheon

Chris Barry of The Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) will serve as the event’s emcee.

The California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA) will hold its luncheon CTDA/1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon at Geezers in Santa Fe Springs, California, January 20. SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) select committee member Steve Swanson, national sales manager of The Carlstar Group, Tire Industry Association (TIA) President Mason Hess of 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. CTDA urges early RSVPs as an overflow crowd is likely. The event is open to the tire and wheel industry and free to tire and wheel retailers and CTDA members. Sponsorships are still being accepted, as well as door prizes and table favors. For sponsorship inquiries, contact CTDA Executive Director Marc Connerly at 650-357-0600 or mconnerly@connerlyandassociates.com. Tire and wheel retailers may RSVP with CTDA President Billy Eordekian at 562-351-4840 or Billy@1-800EveryRim.com.

Kelly Tapped to Write About VP Racing Fuels’ First 50 Years

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has commissioned Jim “JK” Kelly to author a book chronicling the company’s first 50 years in business, from 1975–2025. Kelly served in various capacities in his 30-plus years with VP, including regional manager and also as director of sales and marketing. While Kelly retired to write novels, six to date, Kelly continued to work with the company as a marketing consultant. His most recent novel, Deadly Driver, is a fictional thriller about a Formula 1 driver who’s been forced to work for the CIA. That novel has received excellent reviews from world champion racers and the media.

LSI Adds 24,000-sq.-ft. Shipping, Distribution Hub

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) has announced the expansion of its warehouse footprint with the addition of a 24,000-sq.-ft. facility located in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. The new distribution and shipping hub will help accommodate the 50-plus SKUs of Hot Shot’s Secret products and LSI Chemical products developed and shipped in bulk for international sales.

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.