By Della Domingo

SEMA has announced the hiring of Benjamin Kaminsky as the new Detroit operations manager. Earlier this year, SEMA announced the purchase of a 45,000-sq.-ft. building in Detroit to be used as a second SEMA Garage. Kaminsky will be responsible for the overall management of SEMA Garage Detroit services and facilities to assist members with new product development and integration.

“Benjamin Kaminsky will be a great addition to our SEMA Garage team,” said Mike Spagnola, vice president of OEM & product development programs. “He comes to SEMA with over 20 years of experience in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industry as an engineering and project manager having worked at both automakers and tier-one suppliers.”

Kaminsky will work closely with domestic and import OEMs, along with tier-level suppliers and testing facilities to ensure flow of information essential to the industry’s accurate development of new and innovative products. They will also collaborate to develop opportunities that will benefit SEMA-member manufacturers. Kaminsky’s experience will allow him to cultivate these relationships. Prior to joining SEMA, Kaminsky worked at General Motors as a senior design and release engineer. He oversaw the design, development, validation and release of Chevrolet Performance air intakes, exhausts and components for use in performance applications. He also worked closely with GM emissions compliance and legal groups to ensure engineering hardware development and release processes consistently delivered products that met and exceeded regulatory requirements.

Prior to GM, Kaminsky worked at Bosch Motorsport in a variety of roles, from senior technical engineer to hardware development manager. He managed a department of engineers to develop hardware components for the professional racing industry.

“With his experience and solid OEM and tier supplier relationships, Ben will help the SEMA Garage Detroit best serve our manufacturer members,” shared Spagnola.

The SEMA Garage Detroit will offer manufacturers access to advanced product-development tools and equipment, a state-of-the-art emissions testing lab, an ADAS research and development center and expert technicians who will help bring products to market at the SEMA Garage Detroit. The Detroit facility will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to sophisticated resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers. In addition to exclusive OEM measuring sessions, scanning services, advanced tools and equipment, a CARB-recognized emissions lab and a modern training center, the Detroit facility will include expanded services and offer new SEMA benefits through the ADAS Research and Development Center.

“Being part of SEMA Garage provides me the opportunity to combine my engineering background, project management skills and relationships to make a difference in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industry,” said Benjamin Kaminksy. “I look forward to working with SEMA manufacturer members and continuing my relationships with OEMs and tier suppliers.”

The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is scheduled to be open for members in early 2022. For more information, visit www.semagarage.com. 

  By SEMA Editors

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show and entering at least one product in the New Products Showcase puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry.

Entry Fees:

• The first product entered in one category in the New Products Showcase is free.
• Additional $75 per product category before October 8.
• After October 8, the cost is $150 per entry.
• No refunds provided after October 8.
• Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space availability basis.

Enter your new products now!

For more information on New Products Showcase display guidelines, visit www.semashow.com/esm.

By SEMA Editors

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/Paris
• 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.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak, the only official hotel provider for the 2021 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak 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 2–5, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

In partnership with American Honda Motor Co., the SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session for the ’22 Honda Civic, August 16–20. The event will allow SEMA members to have a close-up experience with the all-new Civic sedan, which features:

• Touring Trim.
• 1.5L direct-injection turbo-charged four-cylinder engine.
• CVT drivetrain.
• Standard ADAS Honda SENSING technology.

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.

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

Register now!

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Evergreen Cooperatives' Fund Acquires Assets of LED Accessory Producer Intellitronix

Evergreen Cooperatives—an internationally recognized nonprofit focused on revitalizing urban neighborhoods by preserving jobs that build middle-class wealth—has added to its growing portfolio of employee-owned businesses with the asset purchase of Intellitronix—a producer of LED automotive aftermarket digital and analog gauges. Terms of the deal were not released.

Intellitronix, a wholly owned subsidiary of the US Lighting Group, manufactures microprocessor-controlled LED products, energy-saving devices designed for the automotive electronic, marine and recreational vehicle markets. The company produces a wide range of automotive electronics, accessories and digital gauges sold and distributed internationally. All products are made in the USA at its own manufacturing facility near Cleveland, Ohio. The transaction benefits the remaining subsidiaries of the U.S. Lighting Group, which will now have additional capital to focus on new business opportunities, fuel growth, save existing jobs and ensure that manufacturing operations of those companies can remain in the Cleveland area.

Tri-State Enterprises Adds New Facility

Tri-State Enterprises, a wholesale distributor of automotive parts, automotive paint, mobile audio/electronics, and truck accessories, has announced the addition of a 492,000-sq.-ft. warehouse in Arlington, Texas. This will be the largest facility for Tri-State Enterprises. The general manager will be Junior Calvert, who has more than 30 years of industry experience. The assistant general manager will be Scott Covelli, who has 25 years of experience. Along with this new building, Tri-State is adding new technologies to increase efficiencies and expanding its current line offerings.

Steve Reed Joins RWB as Wiseco Powersports Brand Manager

Race Winning Brands (RWB) has announced industry veteran Steve Reed as the powersports brand manager for Wiseco Performance Products. In his new position, Reed will play a vital role in developing existing initiatives and supporting Wiseco powersports growth through product management and development, business platform and partnership support, marketing initiatives and direct customer visits.

Reed comes to RWB with more than 22 years of experience in the powersports aftermarket. Reed has been driven by a passion for riding and racing dirt bikes since he was young, and began his powersports career in distribution before moving on to inside and international sales. Reed most recently gained experience in portfolio management for Tucker Rocky Distributing, where he managed 150+ brands within powersports distribution, being directly involved in consecutive off-road product portfolio launches while simultaneously maintaining long-established relationships. In related news, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of Wiseco Performance Products.

WyoTech School Announces Growth Following New Ownership

WyoTech, the Laramie, Wyoming-based diesel- and automotive-related training school, has announced an increase in student enrollment following the purchase by WyoTech diesel alumnus Jim Mathis in 2018. When Mathis led the purchase of WyoTech in July 2018, the school had 12 students. Now, WyoTech boasts nearly 500 students from all 50 states and expects to have more than 1,000 by 2023, according to school officials. After the state of Wyoming approached him for the purchase in early 2018, Mathis announced plans to reinvigorate the school that gave him an excellent education and training. For more information, visit wyotech.edu.

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.

By SEMA Editors

The deadline to update exhibitor information for the printed 2021 SEMA Show Directory is August 20.

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.

Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.

Here’s another look at the all-new ’23 Ford Ranger Raptor, this time though are the first shots of an LHD unit with an interesting soft bed topper.

Overall, the next-gen Ranger Raptor looks more substantial than the current model, with bolder proportions and stance. The front fascia will maintain the bold “FORD” lettering across the grille accompanied by a set of intricate C-shaped headlamps.

The cab and bed appear to be carryovers from the current model, which has been on sale in global markets since 2011. The prototype rides on a set of black wheels that appear to be fairly similar to the current design. A dual-exhaust setup can be seen at the rear, along with a camo’d rear suspension that hides a coil spring setup similar to the F-150 Raptor.

The ’23 Ranger is expected to launch near the end of the ’22 model year and will serve as the basis for an upcoming Volkswagen midsize pickup as a result of a collaboration agreement between Ford and VW announced in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s another look at the all-new ’23 Ford Ranger Raptor, this time though are the first shots of an LHD unit with an interesting soft bed topper.

Overall, the next-gen Ranger Raptor looks more substantial than the current model, with bolder proportions and stance. The front fascia will maintain the bold “FORD” lettering across the grille accompanied by a set of intricate C-shaped headlamps.

The cab and bed appear to be carryovers from the current model, which has been on sale in global markets since 2011. The prototype rides on a set of black wheels that appear to be fairly similar to the current design. A dual-exhaust setup can be seen at the rear, along with a camo’d rear suspension that hides a coil spring setup similar to the F-150 Raptor.

The ’23 Ranger is expected to launch near the end of the ’22 model year and will serve as the basis for an upcoming Volkswagen midsize pickup as a result of a collaboration agreement between Ford and VW announced in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Texas Motorplex Adds Charles Myers as Operations Manager

The Texas Motorplex has hired Charles Myers to the newly created operations manager position at the multi-use motorsports facility located in Ennis, Texas. Myers joins the Texas Motorplex staff with a wealth of motorsports and event management experience. Myers will work with the sales manager on new sponsor recruitment as well as current sponsors support to maximize relationships with the race track. He will also focus on all production aspects of events, including planning, creative, staff and promoter management.

The motorsports marketing professional joins the Texas Motorplex after serving as business development manager for Nitrous Supply in Huntington Beach, California, where he grew the business from $900,000 in sales to $3.5 million in one year. He also developed and implemented a dealer program in 29 states while increasing profits and expanding the brand internationally. Myers also worked with government officials on a variety of projects.

Myers brings on-track experience from his time at Irwindale Speedway, Auto Club Famoso Raceway and Galot Motorsports Park. He also has national event series experience as marketing services manager for the National Hot Rod Association. Myers has twice been named to the Drag Illustrated “30 under 30 List” and was recently announced by SEMA as a member of the “35 Under 35” class for 2021.

S. Torrence, Hight, Stanfield and Stoffer Celebrate Wins at NHRA Sonoma Nationals

Steve Torrence kept his hopes alive to sweep the NHRA’s famed three-race Western Swing on Sunday, powering to the Top Fuel win at the 33rd annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway. Robert Hight (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the ninth race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the second of the famed three-race NHRA Western Swing.

Torrence, the points leader and three-time defending world champ, went 3.757 seconds at 327.98 mph in his 11,000-hp Capco Contractors dragster to squeak past Leah Pruett in the final round by just .002. It gives Torrence his third straight win, and second in a row during the Western Swing and he’ll head to Pomona next weekend to try to become the eighth driver in NHRA history to sweep the Western Swing and the first since 2009.

Hight won for a third straight time, delivering a run of 3.971 at 322.50 in his 11,000-hp Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS to beat defending world champ Matt Hagan in the final round.

Stanfield won a duel of young standouts in the Pro Stock final round, slipping past rookie Dallas Glenn with a run of 6.557 at 209.56 in his Janac Brothers Chevrolet Camaro. The close win gave Stanfield his second victory in the past three Pro Stock races and three in his career.

Stoffer capped off a resurgent weekend in Pro Stock Motorcycle, winning for the first time since 2019 by taking out Andrew Hines in the final round with a run of 6.798 at 197.36 on her Ray Skillman/Big St. Charles Suzuki. It also marked Stoffer’s 10th career win, as she was able to hold off a hard-charging Hines at the finish line.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series closes out its three-race Western Swing with next weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Brent Marks Wins $20,000 at Champion Racing Oil Summer Nationals

PA Posse’s Brent Marks scored his sixth-career World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series victory last Saturday night at the Champion Racing Oil Summer Nationals. Marks took the lead in the closing laps and officially scored his 11th career Williams Grove win with a 0.903-second margin of victory. Over the final five laps, Marks maintained a steady pace on the cushion and walked away with his second World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series victory of the 2021 season.

ICMS Announces New Mentor, Ambassador Programs

Officials from the International Council of Motorsport Sciences (ICMS) have announced its new ICMS Mentor Program, which was founded to assist young motorsports enthusiasts with the chance to enter a racing career with proper supervision from an ICMS member as they complete their schooling and training. Designed and executed by the ICMS, this new program will connect an ICMS member as a mentor to students with aspirations to serve in the motorsports industry's medical and/or safety rescue sectors. ICMS members will share real-life experiences, provide input on career opportunities, and assist with networking with others in the industry.

Led by ICMS Education Committee Chair Dr. David Ferguson from Michigan State University and ICMS Executive Director Tom Weisenbach, ICMS will work with universities and colleges globally to connect interested students with ICMS members who live in 27 U.S. states and 20 countries.

In addition, the ICMS will launch virtual networking events for its student members so they can have open discussions about their studies and career pathway while meeting key players in the industry.

ICMS has also announced its new worldwide ICMS Ambassador Program led by Weisenbach, Mark Tyler, MD from Cambridgeshire, England, and Rickard Johansson, a fire lieutenant for High Coast Ådalens Rescue Service in Sundsvall, Sweden. The program is designed to expand awareness of the council through live and virtual events.

Coastal Plains Raceway Becomes Goodyear All American Speedway

Coastal Plains Raceway Park, the tri-oval track based in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is now Goodyear All American Speedway. Veteran racer Anthony Goodyear and his wife Tonya have taken ownership of the 4/10-mile track and have renamed it Goodyear All American Speedway. The pair also runs the infield restaurant and bar at Bobby Watson’s Carteret County Speedway in Swansboro, North Carolina. The track will host its inaugural race on Saturday, July 31, for the All American Showdown featuring Late Models, Super Trucks, street stocks, Legends, U-CARS, Mini Cups and Jr. Mini Cups.

Goodyear has announced plans to secure events with regional touring series, including the Carolina Pro Late Model Series and the Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour. He also plans to implement affordable racing classes, including stock V8s. Cars shows, concerts, and related events are also slated to take place. Officials have also announced upgrades to the facility, including new paint, updated bathrooms, remodeled suites, and a “good, family-oriented” menu for its concession stands.

Related, the nearby Coastal Plains Raceway Park Dragway is separate from the announcement and will remain in operation as-is, according to officials with Goodyear All American Speedway. For more information, visit goodyearallamericanspeedway.com.

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

By Matt Kennedy

The year 2020 was in many ways unprecedented for the specialty-automotive aftermarket. Unique disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic forced consumers to make often radical adjustments to their daily lives, with many remaining largely stuck at home for much of the year.

With time on their hands and a lot of their usual places to spend money no longer an option, it was a great time for folks to work on their vehicle(s). Many consumers took advantage. In the recently released “2021 SEMA Market Report,” you’ll find information and insights into how specialty-automotive consumers reacted to COVID-19, and how those adaptations affected our industry.

A few examples of what SEMA’s research found include:

• 48% of specialty-automotive enthusiasts spent more time than normal shopping online for car parts.
• 40% of enthusiasts spent more time working on their vehicles themselves.
• An estimated 57% of parts purchases made were through online channels.
• U.S. consumers bought nearly $8 billion worth of parts through independent retailers.

And that’s just scratching the surface. You’ll find a whole lot more data in the full report on the parts market, consumer behavior, vehicle population trends, and more in the “2021 SEMA Market Report,” available now at www.sema.org/research. Download your copy today!