Reid Lunde, owner and founder of Kaizen Speed, was named
winner of the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad. The 2021 SEMA Launch
Pad competition is open to all qualified participants over the age
of 18 years, and includes a grand-prize package valued up to
$92,000 and promotional support.
Five finalists from the SEMA Launch Pad will compete at the SEMA Show, where they will pitch their product ideas to a panel of established industry professionals who serve as judges and mentors.
The SEMA Launch Pad is a product-pitching competition for inventors of automotive-related products. In addition to a chance to win a grand prize valued at $92,000, participants have an opportunity to showcase and pitch their products in front of a live audience during the SEMA Show.
For many past participants, getting feedback and hearing from established industry professionals is worth more than the prizes.
“Remember that just because you’re in love with it, doesn't mean it’s a good idea,” said Reid Lunde, who won the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad competition for the Kaizen Relay.
As winner of the SEMA Launch Pad, Lunde advises that competitors prepare their pitches in advance. “The judges are looking for a combination of the right product, in the right person’s hands. They’re betting on you as much as they’re betting on the product. Be prepared with answers to questions, such as your sales, rollout plan and history. Have the story about why your product is necessary and why you worked so hard to breathe life into it.”
To apply for the 2021 Launch Pad competition, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale. Applications are being accepted until May 30.
The GTstreet R performance model of the Porsche tuning company TECHART was spotted parked in downtown Stuttgart. The car will most likely be presented in the upcoming weeks.
The front of the GTstreet R has been aerodynamically improved over the “standard” 911 Turbo S. Carbon-fiber flaps ensure improved air flow on the new front apron. The carbon-fiber front hood with large GT3-like air inlets makes us expect significantly reduced lift at the front. Also, clearly visible above the widened fenders on the front are pronounced air outlets.
The rear features an aerodynamic carbon-fiber spoiler. Insiders report that an additional rear wing profile can be extended variably to maximize downforce on the racetrack.
Besides the spoiler, TECHART has given the rear a more aggressive apron compared to the Zuffenhausen models featuring a large carbon diffuser with two massive, center-mounted tailpipes. This sports exhaust system is said to deliver a deep sound.
Further to the edges of the car, the Formula VI Race wheels are equipped with aerodynamic discs. With TECHART having its own carbon manufacturing, these aero discs will likely be made of that material as well.
Performance of the engine under the wings can only be guessed. With the performance increase for the 911 Turbo S being 60 hp and 74 lb.-ft. to a total of 710 hp and 665 lb.-ft., a total power output of around 800 hp is expected for the second power stage. This means that the TECHART GTstreet R will be significantly faster than its counterpart from the Zuffenhausen factory.
While the interior of this particular prototype wasn’t modified, TECHART is known for its handcrafted interior refinement programs. For the predecessor, a clubsport package with roll bars, sports seats and individualized steering wheels were available. Expect the same to come for the new model, too, without having to do without standard comfort features of the base model.
The GTstreet R performance model of the Porsche tuning company TECHART was spotted parked in downtown Stuttgart. The car will most likely be presented in the upcoming weeks.
The front of the GTstreet R has been aerodynamically improved over the “standard” 911 Turbo S. Carbon-fiber flaps ensure improved air flow on the new front apron. The carbon-fiber front hood with large GT3-like air inlets makes us expect significantly reduced lift at the front. Also, clearly visible above the widened fenders on the front are pronounced air outlets.
The rear features an aerodynamic carbon-fiber spoiler. Insiders report that an additional rear wing profile can be extended variably to maximize downforce on the racetrack.
Besides the spoiler, TECHART has given the rear a more aggressive apron compared to the Zuffenhausen models featuring a large carbon diffuser with two massive, center-mounted tailpipes. This sports exhaust system is said to deliver a deep sound.
Further to the edges of the car, the Formula VI Race wheels are equipped with aerodynamic discs. With TECHART having its own carbon manufacturing, these aero discs will likely be made of that material as well.
Performance of the engine under the wings can only be guessed. With the performance increase for the 911 Turbo S being 60 hp and 74 lb.-ft. to a total of 710 hp and 665 lb.-ft., a total power output of around 800 hp is expected for the second power stage. This means that the TECHART GTstreet R will be significantly faster than its counterpart from the Zuffenhausen factory.
While the interior of this particular prototype wasn’t modified, TECHART is known for its handcrafted interior refinement programs. For the predecessor, a clubsport package with roll bars, sports seats and individualized steering wheels were available. Expect the same to come for the new model, too, without having to do without standard comfort features of the base model.
Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements that will be of
interest to a large number of media can utilize press conferences
during the 2021 SEMA Show.
Applications for SEMA Show exhibitors to be included in the official 2021 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule are now available.
Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements that will be of interest to a large number of media can utilize press conferences during the 2021 SEMA Show. Because media are not required or obligated to attend press conferences, many exhibitors opt to utilize other strategies and tools for reaching media at the SEMA Show.
After submitting an application, exhibitors should receive an automatic email confirming that the application was received. Those who do not receive the automatic email may have experienced a technical problem and are encouraged to email pr@sema.org or assistance.
SEMA Show management has secured discounted rates with more than 40 hotels in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Show. Through the SEMA Show's official housing partner, OnPeak, Showgoers will benefit from convenient and affordable options for their stay in Las Vegas.
OnPeak is the only hotel provider endorsed by SEMA. Showgoers are encouraged to book through OnPeak early for the best selection and price. Check out the latest rates available at www.SEMAShow.com.
Five benefits of booking your hotel through SEMAShow.com include:
Best Rate Pledge: We comparison shop to ensure our rates remain the lowest.
Flexibility: Make adjustments without penalty in case your plans change.
Reservation Protection: Get peace of mind with support before, during and after your stay.
Pay Delay: Ease your commitment—book now, pay later.
Group Bookings: Fully manage your group booking, large or small, with robust tools.
4 Wheel Parts has promoted Kathryn
Reinhardt to director of retail marketing.
4 Wheel Parts Names Kathryn Reinhardt Director of Retail Marketing
4 Wheel Parts has announced the promotion of Kathryn Reinhardt to director of retail marketing. She brings more than 15 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry to the company. Her expertise in new-product launches, vendor relationship building, and category marketing has catapulted her into this new role where she will lead the go-to-marketing strategy, planning and execution of the 4 Wheel Parts retail and house brands marketing.
“Kathryn’s made a significant, positive impact in her short time at 4WP, strengthening our partner brands’ marketing efforts as well as 4WP’s overall marketing presence,” said Jason DiFuccia, vice president of category management and marketing.
Reinhardt represents 4 Wheel Parts and its manufacturing brands on the SEMA Board of Directors, she is the immediate-past chairwoman of Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and the current chairwoman of SEMA Cares.
Air Lift Company Named One of West Michigan’s Best & Brightest Companies to Work for Six Years in a Row
For the sixth year in a row, Air Lift Company has been chosen as one of “West Michigan’s Best & Brightest Companies to Work For.” The award is given to companies that follow human resources best practices. Air Lift Company earned recognition for its commitment to employees, safety and community through unprecedented circumstances due to COVID-19. View all of the winners featured online.
NAMA’s 4th Overseas Tire Production Base in Southeast Asia
In 2021, NAMA plans to build an additional tire production base in Southeast Asia. So far, NAMA has three production lines based in Thailand and Vietnam (i.e., TBR-Thailand, TBR-Vietnam, and PCR-Vietnam tier-1 factory)
The new investment project will involve purchases of more than 150 SKUs and 300 tire molds. The SKUs will include: HP tires in 32 sizes, ranging from 14-18 inches; UHP tires in 39 sizes, ranging from 17-24 inches; HT tires in 55 sizes, ranging from 15-22 inches; MT tires in 11 sizes, ranging from 19-24 inches; and RT tires in 21 sizes, ranging from 17-24 inches. To ensure consistency in tire quality, NAMA will work with top designer teams to develop the most unique and aggressive tread patterns. Additionally, they will pay antidumping duties and can be the “importers of record.” They can also use DDP shipping to assume the potential risks associated with transporting goods until the buyers receive them.
Speedway Motors has promoted Richard Thomas, Andrew
Boellstorff, Brandon Bisch and Kaitlin Mathison.
Speedway Motors Promotes Four to Leadership Roles
Speedway Motors has announced four recent promotions within the company. Richard Thomas has been promoted to director of operations. Thomas, who has held various leadership roles in the U.S. Navy, first joined Speedway Motors in 2018 in the compliance department, where he helped oversee regulatory compliance, including the California Air Resources Board (CARB). In his new position, Thomas will oversee Speedway Motors’ warehouse capabilities, including the Nebraska, Arizona and West Virginia-based engineering teams and IT teams, a group comprised of about 200 employees.
Andrew Boellstorff has been promoted to director of digital product and technology. With more than 15 years of experience, he held positions at GT Exhaust, EMIT Technologies, Nebraska Book Company and Spreetail before joining Speedway Motors in 2018 as a senior product manager. In his new role, Boellstorff will oversee all aspects of development and analytics.
Brandon Bisch has been promoted to director of e-commerce. First joining the company as a customer care specialist and purchasing assistant in 2005, Bisch has held various roles, including quality control, marketplaces manager, and, most recently, business unit manager for the e-commerce team.
Kaitlin Mathison has been promoted to director of marketplaces. First joining Speedway Motors in 2015 as a sales associate, she later held positions including SEO analyst, marketplaces specialist, and, most recently, business unit manager, where she helped lead the marketplaces team toward growth. In her new role, Mathison is responsible for the entirety of Speedway Motors’ presence on eBay, Walmart and Amazon.
Pep Boys Extends Scholarship Deadline for Aspiring Automotive Technicians
Pep Boys invites those studying to become technicians to apply for one of the 15 scholarships available in the annual Find Your Drive scholarship program. The application window has been extended until Friday, June 4, at 12:00 a.m. (EDT), and winners will be notified by Tuesday, June 15. Scholarships awarded through the program this year will total $100,000 to celebrate the Company’s centennial and continue the “Race to 2026” initiative, designed to recruit talented technicians in the automotive industry and close America’s skills gap. To be eligible for consideration for a scholarship, students must be pursuing an automotive technician degree or certification through a full- or part-time college or trade school program and meet certain academic requirements, provide a written or video essay, and submit two letters of recommendation. Students can begin the application process and find additional details and eligibility requirements at www.pepboys.com/findyourdrive.
ElectraMeccanica Breaks Ground on U.S. Assembly and Engineering Technical Center
Designer and manufacturer of electric vehicles, ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp., commemorated the start of construction for its new U.S. Assembly and Engineering Technical Center with a groundbreaking ceremony held in Mesa, Arizona.
The 235,000 square foot facility is located on 18 acres of land adjacent to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport. It will include an assembly and manufacturing plant, a research center, 22,000 square feet of office space and 19,000 square feet of lab space. To maintain ElectraMeccanica’s asset-light model, the building will be leased from the Developer, Marwest Enterprises LLC. When operational, the facility will have a production capacity of up to 20,000 vehicles per year and employ upwards of 200-500 people. The current completion date is slated for Spring 2022.
The SOLO is a purpose-built, three-wheeled, all-electric solution for the urban environment. Engineered for a single occupant, it offers a unique driving experience for the environmentally conscious consumer. The SOLO has a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 80 mph, making it safe for highways. The SOLO features front and rear crumple zones, side impact protection, roll bar, torque-limiting control as well as power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and a Bluetooth entertainment system.
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.
Mark your calendars for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.
Tuesday, May 25—Securing Education and Skills Training for Current and Future Positions
Series: Soften Your Soft Skills Series, Powered by the SBN
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks
Securing education and skills training is imperative to ensure one’s success, relevancy and advancement in their job or future career. During this webinar geared toward entry- to mid-level professionals, attendees will learn how to identify the training and education opportunities that best suits their needs, and how to request skills training from an employer to earn proper wages and secure advancements.
NEWLY ADDED: Wednesday, June 2—Facebook Live Chat featuring Alex Parker, Redline Detection
Track: Industry Talks
As CMO and executive vice president of Redline Detection, Alex Parker utilizes her professional background in psychology, digital marketing, and publishing to generate great brand buzz around her company with authenticity and transparency. Tune in to this live chat as she shares tips for getting brands noticed and answers questions live.
NEWLY ADDED: Thursday, June 10—State of the Industry: Where are we now?
Series: SEMA Industry Insight Series
Track: Trends and Research
During this live webinar, SEMA members will learn about the current state of the specialty-equipment industry and where the market is headed. Presented by SEMA Market Research, the webinar will feature new stats on specialty-equipment sales, hot and emerging markets, and an outlook and projections for 2021 and beyond.
NEWLY ADDED: Tuesday, June 15 – ADAS Technologies: Real-World Systems & Trends
Series: ADAS Webinar Series
As part 1 of a new 3-part ADAS webinar series geared toward SEMA members who manufacture and install products for ADAS equipped vehicles, this webinar will feature top industry experts as they provide a high level look at current ADAS systems' function, technology and trends. For members in the business of manufacturing or installing parts that alter a vehicle’s body, suspension, or wheels and tires, this is a must-attend event.
John Force wrapped up a spectacular weekend at zMAX Dragway
with a run of 3.916 seconds at 328.78 mph in his 11,000-hp
PEAK/BlueDEF Platinum Chevrolet Camaro SS in the final round.
J. Force, S. Torrence, Glenn and Johnson Grab Wins at NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway
Sixteen-time world champ John Force added another win to his legendary Funny Car career on Sunday, clinching his 152nd victory at the 11th annual NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the fourth race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
Force wrapped up a spectacular weekend at zMAX Dragway with a run of 3.916 seconds at 328.78 mph in his 11,000-hp PEAK/BlueDEF Platinum Chevrolet Camaro SS in the final round. Force, who was also the No. 1 qualifier, went as quick as 3.897 at 330.31 on Sunday.
Torrence continued his four-wide dominance, winning for the sixth time in the last seven Top Fuel four-wide events, furthering the points lead for the reigning three-time world champ. Torrence went 3.716 at 329.10 in his 11,000-hp Capco Contractors dragster in the final round.
The Pro Stock final quad featured four young drivers going for their first career victory, and it was Glenn who came out on top, going 6.540 at 210.80 in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro. In his first final round appearance in just his fourth career start, Glenn gave KB Racing its fourth win in as many races to open the 2021 season. Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Steve Johnson set a track-record 6.729 at 198.03 in the final round on his Mac Rak Suzuki.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action May 21-23 with the Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil.
IndyCar Removes Canada From 2021 Schedule
Due to ongoing COVID-19 health and safety restrictions in Ontario, Canada, organizers for the Honda Indy Toronto and the NTT IndyCar Series have jointly announced that this year’s event set for July 9–11, will no longer be a part of the 2021 schedule. IndyCar is considering various scenarios for the remainder of the 2021 calendar as it relates to the recent cancellation. The current mid-summer portion of the schedule will resume Sunday, August 8, for the inaugural Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on the streets of Nashville, with live coverage on NBCSN.
Formula 1 Adds Second Austria Race to Replace Turkey in 2021
Formula 1 has provided an update on the 2021 race calendar, with new COVID-19 travel restrictions meaning it’s no longer possible to race in Turkey on June 11–13. That weekend will now remain free, with the French Grand Prix moving a week earlier than originally planned to June 18–20, and a second race in Austria—the Styrian Grand Prix—added to the calendar on June 25–27. That creates a new France-Styria-Austria triple header, with the Austrian Grand Prix staying in its original July 2–4 slot. All tickets to the French Grand Prix are valid for the earlier date. The changes mean there continues to be 23 races planned for the 2021 season.
Eddie Gossage will step down as president of The Great American
Speedway following the June 13 NASCAR All-Star Race.
Texas Motor Speedway President to Step Down After All-Star Race
After more than three decades with Speedway Motorsports, including the last 25 years at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS), Eddie Gossage will step down as president of The Great American Speedway following the June 13 NASCAR All-Star Race. Gossage joined Speedway Motorsports in 1989 as the vice president of public relations at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he worked under the guidance of Speedway Motorsports Executive Chairman Bruton Smith and then Charlotte Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler. Smith named Gossage general manager of Texas Motor Speedway in 1995 and added the title of TMS president in 2004. Now 62, Gossage is one of the longest-tenured employees at Speedway Motorsports.
Details Announced for 2022 Dakar in Saudi Arabia
Details have been released about the 44th edition of the Dakar Rally, which will run on January 2–14, 2022, during its third visit to Saudi Arabia. The rally will start in Ha'il and finish in Jeddah, after a rest day in Riyadh. The 2022 edition will mark the starting point for plans to host a field of cars powered by alternative energies or electric power by 2030. The new T1-E category, which launches in 2022 and will be dedicated for prototype vehicles engaged in carbon emission research, aligns with this plan. Related, the popularity of vintage vehicles in the “Dakar Classic” regularity race has encouraged many enthusiasts of ’80s and ’90s 4x4s to have a go in the adventure, and officials say the field could double in size at the start in Ha'il. Registration opens May 17. For more information, visit here or dakar.com.
100% has signed Ken Block as its latest visionary.
100% Signs Ken Block as Its Newest Visionary
100% has signed Ken Block as its latest visionary, joining a roster of athletes representing the brand. As an entrepreneur, in 1994 Block founded DC Shoes and in 2010, the clothing and media company Hoonigan. As a car driver, the Gymkhana franchise has racked up close to 700 million views to complement his decorated career as a rally car racer.
NHRA and Auto Club Raceway have announced July 30–August 1 as the rescheduled date of the 61st annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com. The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, which traditionally kicks off the NHRA season, was postponed due to state health guidelines in California. NHRA and the track have worked closely with state and local officials to find a new date for the event and are confident that the new date will allow more fans to attend the famed race.
Related, NHRA and Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington, have come to the decision to cancel the 2021 Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals. Though Washington State recently announced a lessening of its COVID-19 restrictions, there is still uncertainty about what rules could impact the event.
The Winternationals will take the original slotted date of the Northwest Nationals and now conclude the annual NHRA Western Swing, a three-race series from Denver to Sonoma and finally to Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California.
All feature vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting
company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the
SEMA Show beyond their booth.
Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show's Feature Vehicle Program.
All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.
Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app displaying; vehicle image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder’s name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibiting company.
When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. “SEMA Battle of the Builders” is judged by industry experts and presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.
Mark your calendars for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit 
