While Ford just recently debuted the third-generation F-150 Raptor R back in February, they only provided a look at the tamer version with the 3.5L EcoBoost. The Raptor R is rumored to have a unique grille, beefier trailing arms, exclusive rims and, as everyone knows by now, the heart and soul of the GT500—the Predator 5.2L supercharged V8.
According to sources, the R will pump out around 725 hp to 750 hp, leaning more toward 750 hp, especially since the GT500 puts out 760 hp. One source said “Honestly, we had to counter RAM once we knew they installed the HellCat in the TRX.” The team is allegedly looking to beat the RAM TRX in every facet of the Raptor R.
The ’21 F-150 Raptor will be assembled at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and will be available at dealers this summer. The Raptor R is expected to debut later this year with an on-sale date in 2022.
John Thomas Named President and CEO of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.
Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has announced that John Thomas has been selected as its next president and CEO. He brings more than 30 years of automotive experience to the role, including extensive knowledge of the North American OEM and aftermarket landscape. In his most recent role, Thomas served as president and CEO of Webasto Charging Systems Inc. based in Monrovia, California. Thomas will report to Tatsuo Mitsuhata, chairman of the board of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. All departments at Toyo Tires, including sales, finance, pricing and planning, marketing, and product planning and technical services will report directly to Thomas. He succeeds Roy Bromfield, who will retire in July after nearly nine years with Toyo Tires and 37 years in the tire industry. Bromfield will serve as an advisor to Toyo Tires at least through the end of 2021.
RANDYS Worldwide Promotes Neal Hollingsworth to Vice President of Marketing
Neal Hollingsworth
RANDYS Worldwide has announced the promotion of Neal Hollingsworth to vice president of marketing. As a part of the executive leadership team and reporting to the President and CEO, Hollingsworth will continue to be responsible for activities related to RANDYS Worldwide and the network of brands across all sales and marketing channels. His marketing group leads RANDYS’ companies in web, analytics, digital, event and brand management, graphic design, motion graphics, sales channel support and development, customer marketing support and more. In addition to RANDYS internal work, Hollingsworth’s group functions as a marketing agency to customers, building brand and sales support programs within their market area. He began with RANDYS in September of 2010 and continues to place emphasis on brand development along all channels of the business.
Pep Boys to Award $100,000 in Scholarships to 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. 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.
This year’s program will include five $10,000 scholarships to be awarded to qualified students studying to become professional automotive technicians in major metro areas: Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando, Philadelphia and Puerto Rico. An additional 10 $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to qualified students studying to become professional automotive technicians in other areas in the U.S.
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. The application window will remain open until Friday, May 21, at 12:00 a.m. (EDT), and winners will be notified by Tuesday, June 1. Students can begin the application process and find additional details and eligibility requirements at www.pepboys.com/findyourdrive.
Dan Walmsley
Retrac Group Announces New CEO, Company Structure
Retrac Group has announced a structural change designed to increase growth and enhance the security and prospects of its employees. The company’s ownership has been transferred from the Carter family to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) structure, making the 115-strong workforce the company’s beneficiaries. Experienced automotive and motorsports executive Dan Walmsley has been appointed as CEO. He will lead the group’s two divisions—Retrac Productions Ltd. and Retrac Composites Ltd. Long-standing co-owner and Retrac Productions Managing Director Andy Carter has been appointed as chairman of Retrac Group. Walmsley arrives at the company from VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium. Prior, he was the motorsports director at McLaren Automotive from 2016-20, having been team principal at FIA World Sportscar Championship entrant Strakka Racing.
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.
The motorsports industry scored a major victory on April 21 with the announcement that Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) will host up to 135,000 fans during this year’s Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The 105th running of the iconic event will take place May 30, and comes on the heels of the city of Indianapolis successfully hosting the NCAA Tournament, March 18–April 5. Indianapolis will also welcome the world’s premier event for motorsports professionals—the PRI Trade Show—on December 9–11 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.
The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals has announced an All-Female
True Street category will compete at its upcoming Ohio event.
NMRA Announces All-Female True Street Set for Ohio
The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals has announced an All-Female True Street category will compete at its upcoming Ohio event. Presented by Baer Brake Systems, All-Female True Street will take place during the NMRA Ford Performance Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, June 10-13. The new class will follow the same format as the QA1 True Street category with its 30-mile drive and three consecutive runs down the quarter-mile. NMRA officials will rank competitors based on ET, rewarding the overall winner, overall runner-up, and the quickest average times in the nine-second, 10-second, 11-second, 12-second, 13-second, 14-second and 15-second zones. The All-Female True Street category is open to any Mustang or Ford, car or truck, whether the competitor owns it or not. All True Street rules require DOT tires, and all vehicles must be registered and insured.
Formula DRIFT Partners to Help at-Risk Youth
Formula DRIFT has announced a partnership with Acceler8—a California-based automotive education and workforce development program—as part of ongoing community outreach. The Acceler8 program pairs volunteer automotive professionals and law-enforcement officers with eligible youth to help provide support and stable adult role models. The program aims to help youth complete school, acquire skills and prepare them for jobs in the wide automotive sector. As part of the new partnership, Formula DRIFT will help Acceler8 reach more communities around the nation, thanks in part to the popularity of the drifting series with a younger automotive enthusiast audience. As the education partner for Formula DRIFT, Acceler8 will invite youth from local communities throughout the 2021 national tour. The students will receive an up-close look at professional drift teams and the automotive industry while speaking to crews, drivers and FD personnel. They will also have the opportunity to watch their favorite drivers perform during the FD weekend. Acceler8 will also be on-hand at events to demonstrate its automotive educational programs to all attendees, along with highlighting the importance of high-school auto-shop classes. The 2021 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship kicks off on May 7–8, at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.
They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.
SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show and shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the automotive specialty-equipment market has to offer.
In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social-media influencers ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.
Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.
Below are key dates that SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to mark on their calendars.
The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
The Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit are due May 7.
Dates for the SEMA Show Space Selection: June 7-23
Jim Liaw – President/Co-Founder, Formula Drift Holdings
Voting will take place online between May 11–25, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning April 30. Winners will be announced by May 28.
Pinewood cars signed by motorsports
celebrities, including Justin Pawlak, are
available for purchase on the SEMA Cares
website.
Celebrity-autographed pinewood cars signed and inspired by noteworthy industry celebrities are available for purchase on the SEMA Cares website, providing individuals an opportunity to give back to the charities that reflect the values and interests of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
Newly added to the website for purchase—in addition to pinewood cars signed by NASCAR Champion Joey Logano, drag-racing star Leah Pruett, television personality Aaron Kaufman, Formula DRIFT racer Vaughn Gittin Jr., and racing legend Mario Andretti—are DieselSellerz’ Heavy D. and Diesel Dave, NHRA Champion John Force, motor racing personality Linda Vaughn, and Formula DRIFT racer Justin Pawlak.
The SEMA Cares mission embraces and values the participation of association members and other partners in a collective effort to make the world a better place. Purchasing a pinewood car is one of the easiest ways to contribute—join the effort today!
SEMA Show exhibitors are demonstrating their excitement for the
2021 SEMA Show by securing booth space at the event taking place
November 2–5 in Las Vegas.
Following Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s recent announcement to reopen the state at 100% capacity by June 1, SEMA Show exhibitors are demonstrating their commitment and excitement for the 2021 SEMA Show by securing booth space at the event taking place in Las Vegas.
“The industry has spent the past year separated, and businesses are anxious and eager to reconnect in person,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We’re seeing more and more manufacturers sign up to exhibit at the SEMA Show every day, and we anticipate hundreds more will do so before the Priority Booth Space Draw begins in June.”
More than 1,200 companies are already confirmed to exhibit at the event on November 2-5, at which time the SEMA Show will mark the first industry-wide in-person gathering in almost two years. While manufacturers are able to secure space up until the event in November, those who submit their space applications before May 7 will be included the Priority Booth Space Draw—a multi-week process when exhibitors select their space within the 3.2 million sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center.
Utilizing the Las Vegas Convention Center’s newly constructed West Hall, the SEMA Show will include exhibits in all four halls, seminars in dozens of meeting rooms, networking events in nearby ballrooms and special displays and interactive attractions in the outdoor areas.
Having been separated for more than a year, manufacturers are making plans to impress the industry with enhanced booths and unique displays.
“We are hearing an overwhelming response from exhibitors,” said Gattuso. “They have nearly two years’ worth of innovation to share, and they will be showing it off at the SEMA Show. Based on what we are hearing, exhibitors are pulling out all the stops.”
Since 1967, manufacturers of automotive aftermarket parts have relied on the SEMA Show to debut their new products, showcase new trends and conduct business. Made up mostly of small- to mid-size manufacturers with a deep passion for turning everyday drivers into one-of-a-kind works of art, exhibitors take center stage as they unveil groundbreaking and ingenious products that enhance the performance, styling and functionality of cars, trucks and SUVs. This year more than any other year, designers and engineers are pushing the boundaries to advance the industry.
Manufacturers can apply for booth space at www.semashow.com, where applications for attendee registration will open in May.
While SEMA is unable to host its traditional in-person Washington Rally event this year, SEMA members still have the opportunity to connect with their lawmakers in our nation’s capital to impact the issues that matter most to the industry.
SEMA invites members to virtually meet one-on-one with their elected representatives this spring. Unlike at the single day in-person event, meetings will be scheduled over the course of several weeks, allowing SEMA Government Affairs to make arrangements with your schedule in mind. There are no registration fees to participate. Registration closes April 30.
Whether it’s standing up for motorsports, combating zero-emissions vehicle mandates or ensuring vehicle data access for the specialty aftermarket industry, there are many issues facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital. That’s why it’s more important than ever to get engaged with your elected officials.
If you are interested in participating in the virtual Washington Rally, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
SEMA is opening a second SEMA Garage Emissions
Compliance Center near Detroit to help more automotive
aftermarket parts manufacturers meet standards for emissions
compliance.
SEMA is advancing its commitment to help automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers meet established standards for emissions compliance by investing millions of dollars into a second SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center.
In 2014, SEMA established a groundbreaking SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center in Southern California. The state-of-the-art facility features high-tech equipment, including a CARB-recognized lab that has helped hundreds of SEMA manufacturers—more than 100 of which have secured 431 CARB Executive Orders (EO) through the SEMA Garage. The Center is currently operating two full shifts, and demand from manufacturers seeking to obtain compliance remains at an all-time high.
To help meet the compliance needs of the $46.2 billion automotive aftermarket parts industry, SEMA recently announced the purchase of a building just outside Detroit that will be used as a second SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center. At 45,000-sq.-ft., the Detroit facility is three times the size of the existing SEMA Garage in California and will feature millions of dollars of new OEM-quality tools and equipment, including a CARB-recognized testing lab, as well as an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Research and Development Center.
“The SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center sets out to remove any mystery or confusion over the rules and regulations related to emissions compliance,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM relations and product development. “Since opening the Southern California SEMA Garage seven years ago, automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers have poured through our doors seeking help with the complicated and confusing compliance requirements.”
With the Detroit SEMA Garage opening in early 2022, SEMA will help dramatically more members obtain CARB and EPA compliance, as well as shorten the processing time so that manufacturers remain competitive. Additionally, the Detroit Garage is expected to continue, and increase, the long-standing tradition of collaboration between OEMs and the aftermarket industry for the benefit of the consumer experience.
“The California Air Resources Board applauds SEMA for investing in this second testing and resource facility designed expressly for the performance aftermarket industry,” stated Annette Hebert, California Air Resources Board deputy executive officer. “We appreciate SEMA’s commitment to provide its members with the tools and services needed to ensure that products sold for California vehicles meet our requirements. CARB looks forward to our continued communication and cooperation with SEMA in this important area.”
“I congratulate SEMA for continuing to be a resource for the industry and setting the example for compliance,” said California State Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton). “I have visited and continue to support the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, and I am proud that SEMA is opening this new facility, which extends the excellent work done by the folks in Diamond Bar.”
Like the SEMA Garage in Southern California, the Detroit Garage will hire and train staff dedicated solely to helping aftermarket parts manufacturers understand and navigate the emissions-compliance process. Whereas manufacturers previously reported a significant delay to obtain a CARB EO, manufacturers working through the SEMA Garage average about four months.
“While we have made great strides towards reducing emissions from motor vehicles, the aftermarket industry is thriving,” said California State Assembly Member Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda). “The new SEMA Compliance Center will help make it possible for the industry—particularly small businesses—to continue to meet California’s stringent air-quality standards and succeed in today’s regulatory environment.”
Although there are a handful of other CARB-recognized test labs throughout the country that offer similar services, many manufacturers choose to go through the SEMA Garage because SEMA offers its members the benefits of aiding with the application process. Annually, SEMA submits more than 200 aftermarket product applications to CARB’s Aftermarket Parts Division, representing approximately 50% of the volume received. By working closely with CARB and EPA throughout the year, SEMA staff are intimately familiar with CARB EO requirements and able to successfully assist manufacturers with the entire process, from application to testing.
“By meeting regularly and communicating openly with regulators, we are able to better understand what their concerns are and develop programs that will ultimately help manufacturers get their products to market faster,” said Spagnola. “We value and appreciate the collaborative relationship we have with CARB and EPA.”
The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show and shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the automotive specialty-equipment market has to offer.
