By SEMA Editors

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the Association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

• Chairman-elect (1 open seat)
• Manufacturers (2 open seats)
• Distributors/Retailers (2 open seats)
• Services (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, include 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 6, 2021. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. 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

By SEMA Editors

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Ford is expanding its rugged off-road family of trucks with the all-new F-150 Tremor. The ’21 F-150 Tremor combines all-terrain upgrades perfect for tackling the trails with the outstanding towing and payload capability its owners expect.

“Like Super Duty Tremor and Ranger Tremor, introducing the all-new F-150 Tremor is a direct response to seeing how customers use our trucks to enable their outdoor lifestyles,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “F-150 Tremor provides the additional off-road capability they’re looking for with our latest off-road technologies.”

F-150 Tremor has been designed and engineered for customers seeking more off-road capability than the available FX4 package and is the result of watching how customers use their trucks for life out in cornfields, on dusty two-tracks, in muddy bogs and on rock-strewn trails. Ford off-roading veterans listened to those customers to create a truck that would handle their demanding lifestyle. All the added capability comes without ignoring the core duties of a truck—towing and payload performance integrated with technology.

Like every other F-150, Tremor uses a high-strength steel frame and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body. It comes in SuperCrew configuration with a 5.5-ft. box, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission plus standard four-wheel drive. Available in standard, mid and high equipment groups, F-150 Tremor includes a range of standard and available features. All equipment levels share core suspension hardware that helps balance work with off-road prowess.

The upgraded suspension starts with retuned springs front and rear for added ground clearance and to help keep tires more firmly in contact with terrain. Front hub knuckles and upper control arms are revised while Tremor-specific monotube shocks at the front and twin tube shocks at the rear are tuned for softer damping at low speeds, with additional damping and control for more severe off-road events.

New 33-in. General Grabber all-terrain tires mounted on unique matte-finish 18-in. wheels offer added ground clearance and a 1-in. wider stance for more confidence off-road. A Raptor-style bash plate serves to protect front end components in challenging off-road situations. All of these modifications together result in an approach angle of 27.6 degrees, breakover angle of 21.2 degrees and departure angle of 24.3 degrees. Tremor has 1.5 in. more total travel in the rear and an additional inch of total travel in front.  

To really get in to and through tough, rocky trails, standard running gear includes a locking rear differential and optional late-availability upgrade to a Torsen limited-slip front across all equipment levels. Tremor high series customers get a torque-on-demand transfer case similar to the high-performance unit in F-150 Raptor. This case merges all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive capabilities to handle virtually any off-road environment.

In addition to its off-road abilities, F-150 Tremor has a maximum conventional tow rating of 10,900 lbs.—meaning recreational gear comes along for the ride, whether it’s a sand rail with spare parts, the family camper, boat or a small fleet of UTVs.

Tremor owners can handle weekday work needs then easily load up dirt bikes or quads for deep woods adventure or fun at the dunes with a beefy maximum payload rating of 1,885 pounds. This generous payload can be fully kitted out for overland setup so customers can put up a campsite when the trail ends. Those remote campsites don’t have to be without conveniences. Like other F-150 models equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, Pro Power Onboard is available with 2.0 kilowatts of exportable power in the bed for tools, an air compressor or electric chainsaw.

The hood and front end are redesigned for a more muscular, aggressive profile, while a unique grille featuring a blacked-out Ford oval is highlighted by the signature Tremor color of Active Orange, which also accentuates two front recovery hooks. Raptor-inspired off-road fixed running boards are mounted close to the body to limit damage, while a cutout rear bumper features a high-flow dual exhaust flanking its two rear recovery hooks. Active Orange-highlighted badging appears on the fenders, bed sides and tailgate.

Active Orange punctuates an interior loaded with Tremor detailing, including unique seat trim with special stitching, materials and finishes for the instrument panel, center console and doors.

Functional off-road hardware even extends to the cabin, with a six-position auxiliary power switch pack mounted in the overhead console so owners can easily add off-road winches and air compressors. A variety of off-road lighting options can be dealer-installed on all models.

Tremor technology is built for the trail to help customers get deeper into the outdoors without frequent stops for spotters. The available 360-degree camera package provides an in-cabin view of obstacles around the truck and the front-view camera provides a real-time tire track overlay to dynamically show the path of the wheels ahead. 360-degree view and rearview cameras can be called up at higher speeds with a convenient dash-mounted hard button.

Ford Trail Toolbox, a set of off-road assist features, is available in the all-new Tremor. Available Trail One-Pedal Drive helps make extreme off-road driving easier. The truck applies the brakes proportionally as the driver lifts from the accelerator.

Available Trail Turn Assist reduces steering radius in tight off-road terrain situations by applying brakes to the inside rear wheel, allowing for tighter turns in low-speed maneuvers. F-150 Tremor also features selectable drive modes, which allow customers to choose the setting best suited to driving conditions. In addition to Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Eco, Slippery and Deep Snow/Sand, and Mud/Rut modes Tremor has Rock Crawl mode, which automatically engages the rear locking differential, turns off stability and traction control, reduces throttle response, adjusts shift points and displays the available 360-degree camera view on the center screen.  

In addition to standard Hill Descent Control, Tremor also has available Trail Control which operates like cruise control for off-road use. Drivers simply select a set speed and the truck manages throttle and braking to allow them to focus on steering through challenging off-road conditions.

The all-new ’21 Ford F-150 Tremor will be available next summer.

By SEMA Editors

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SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak will be leaving his position with the association, and will transition into an advisory role with the coming new year.

“While this pandemic has presented plenty of challenges, it has also provided many of us with opportunities to pause, reflect, reset and begin a new chapter,” Waraniak said.

“We have made some lasting contributions in customizing with confidence, performance systems integration, and safety compliance of aftermarket-modified vehicles, but now is the time for me to move downrange and back to the frontlines of racing, performance and next-gen technology development,” he added.

Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, said “John has been our leader and voice in Detroit for nearly 15 years. “His accomplishments and contributions have helped automotive aftermarket companies understand the latest advanced vehicle technologies and develop solutions, tools, and resources to capitalize on new product and business opportunities.”

“John’s good work and collaborative efforts on behalf of the industry will be missed,” said Kersting, “but we look forward to working with John to support the specialty-equipment industry in Detroit as he transitions to new roles there.”

By SEMA Editors

World-class business and management education is a hallmark of PRI, and this year’s virtual lineup features an impressive array of topics and speakers to benefit motorsports businesses of all types and sizes.

The PRI Education program runs the gamut from Social Media Strategy to Pricing Policies, Sponsorship Activation, Building Brand Awareness and much more.

View the education schedule for December 9–12.

By SEMA Editors

World-class business and management education is a hallmark of PRI, and this year’s virtual lineup features an impressive array of topics and speakers to benefit motorsports businesses of all types and sizes.

The PRI Education program runs the gamut from Social Media Strategy to Pricing Policies, Sponsorship Activation, Building Brand Awareness and much more.

View the education schedule for December 9–12.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Burroughs Captures 2020 SCORE Overall Season Point Crown

Monster Energy key executive Matt Burroughs has captured the SCORE overall and Pro UTV FI class point championship of the pandemic-abbreviated two-race 2020 SCORE World Desert Championship. Racing in the Pro UTV FI class that had a race-high 45 total starters, Burroughs won his class in the BFGoodrich Tires 52nd SCORE Baja 500, presented by 4 Wheel Parts, and finished second in the recent season-ending BFGoodrich Tires 53rd SCORE Baja 1000, presented by 4 Wheel Parts, to clearly clinch his first SCORE Overall and Pro UTV FI season point championship. Burroughs also won the 2020 SCORE World Desert Championship Overall point championship. He finished second in his class at the SCORE Baja 1000 to secure the title. Burroughs, who joined the Can-Am factory UTV team in 2017, split the driving this year with Bradley Howe and Mitchell Alsup in the No. 2948 Can-Am X3 Turbo UTV.  He earned 249 total season points to lead all SCORE racers in the 2020 SCORE World Desert Championship.

Celebrating its 27th season as the marquee racing division in the sport, winning the season championship in SCORE Trophy Truck for high-tech, 950-hp unlimited custom trucks was Luke McMillin. He also is the 2020 SCORE Overall Truck point champion.

For complete results, visit the SCORE website.

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Hot Shot's Secret-Sponsored Firepunk Diesel S10 Sets New World Record

The Hot Shot's Secret-sponsored Firepunk Diesel S10 broke the world record during the qualifying round of the Radial Vs. World class at No Mercy 11 event. The event was hosted on one of drag racing's largest stages at South Georgia Motorsports Park. With Larson Miller behind the wheel, the Cummins-based D&J Precision Machine built billet diesel-powered S10 competed against the nation's fastest gas-powered cars. Traditionally on a big tire, the Firepunk team had only one day of testing on a new 315 radial tire setup before setting the record with a 4.11 pass at 181 mph, making it the fastest diesel doorslammer in the world.

NHRA Updates Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Schedule

NHRA officials have announced new dates for the 2021 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events contested at Cecil County Dragway and Rockingham Dragway. The event at Cecil County Dragway has been moved to October 8-10, and the event at Rockingham Dragway has been changed to October 22-24. The remainder of the 2021 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series schedule can be found here.

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Volkswagen to Cease All Motorsports Programs

The Volkswagen brand has announced it will terminate its motorsports activities as part of a company realignment. The Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH workforce, which employs 169 people based in Hanover, Germany, will be integrated into Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg in the coming months.

“The Volkswagen brand is on the way to becoming the leading provider for sustainable e-mobility. To this end, we are pooling our strengths and have decided to terminate the Volkswagen brand’s own motorsport activities,” VW Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for the Development Division Dr. Frank Welsch said.

The long-term supply of spare parts for the Polo GTI R5 and Golf GTI TCR for the racing circuit is secure. Production of the customer sport Polo GTI R5 for rallying expires at the end of 2020.

Champion Oil Adds Micro Sprint Racing to 2021 Contingency Program

Champion recently added a Racing Contingency Program for next year that is specifically for Micro Sprint Teams and Racers in all classes of competition in most sanctioned Micro Sprint events in North America. The 2021 Champion Micro Sprint Contingency Program includes racing classes such as:  Micro, Lightning Non-Winged and Winged Outlaw, “A” Class, Stock Non-winged, Restricted “A” Class, Jr. Sprint, 600CC & 1200CC Winged, Non-Winged sprint engines.  And local, regional and state series such as but not limited to: Hyper600 Speedweek, Champion Racing Oil Micro 600, NOW600, U6SAMicroSprint Series, Nevada, TOWR, Ark-La-Tex, Desert, Mile High, Mountain West, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, New York, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

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NMRA/NMCA Names Gavin Carter Operations Manager

The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals and NMCA Muscle Car Nationals have announced Gavin Carter has filled the newly created racing operations manager position. His full-time role at ProMedia Events/Publishing/Productions will include the Race Director spot at all NMRA/NMCA national events along with pre- and post-event responsibilities related to the competitor experience and event logistics. Carter joins the sanctioning body as the Holley NMRA Ford Nationals and NMCA Muscle Car Nationals prepare for a return to action in 2021. The NMRA season kicks off at Bradenton Motorsports Park with the Spring Break Shootout on March 4-6. Two weeks later, March 18-21, the NMCA group takes over Bradenton Motorsports Park for its Muscle Car Mayhem extravaganza.

POWRi Announces New Desert Winged Sprint Car Series

Performance Open Wheel Racing Incorporated (POWRi) has announced the POWRi Desert Winged Sprint Car Series (DWSCS) presented by MVT Services will launch in 2021. The series was established as a way to bridge the gap between the hometown racers and regional drivers. The POWRi DWSCS will begin its season with a limited number of events, including some two-day shows. The POWRi DWSCS will offer a $20,000 point championship fund, with a winner’s share of $4,000 while also paying out through the Top-20 finishers in the points standings. The inaugural season schedule will be unveiled in the following weeks, but plans have been made for races at Canyon Speedway Park, Aztec Speedway, Vado Speedway Park, and Fairgrounds Speedway in Colorado.

Yokohama Tire Named Title Sponsor of the 2021 Jeepspeed Race Series

Yokohama Tire has a new off-road racing partner: Jeepspeed. Starting in 2021, Yokohama will be the title sponsor and exclusive tire provider in the Yokohama Tire Jeepspeed Race Series. In 2021, Jeepspeed will be featured in all five Best in the Desert (BITD) events, plus the Mint 400. The 2021 BITD season opener kicks-off January 13-16, at the Bluewater Resort Parker 425 in Parker, Arizona. Jeepspeed will also be part of the LEGACY Racing Association’s final race—the LEGACY Battleground—in Jean, Nevada, December 2-5.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Truck Hero Acquired by L Catterton

Truck Hero Inc. and L Catterton have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which L Catterton—a global consumer-focused private equity firm—and its investors will acquire a controlling interest in Truck Hero. CCMP Capital Advisors LP (CCMP), the current holders of a majority interest in Truck Hero, and Truck Hero’s founding Chief Executive Officer Bill Reminder will remain significant investors as part of the transaction. Reminder will retain his current leadership position. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Jefferies LLC is serving as lead financial advisor, Robert W. Baird & Co. is serving as financial advisor, and Ropes & Gray LLP is acting as legal counsel to Truck Hero. BofA Securities is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel to the L Catterton-led investor consortium.

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Dura-Bond Bearing Appoints Joe Kerick as President

Dura-Bond Bearing has appointed Joe Kerick as its new president. Kerick, who will begin his new role effective January 1, was promoted from the position of new product development manager. Kerick is an ASE-certified Master Technician, a title he's held for 20 years. He also holds bachelor's and master's degrees.

With the announcement, Andre Moser has also been named the vice president of sales and marketing. He was promoted from the position of general sales and marketing manager. Current Controller Jennifer Pasquali, meanwhile, has been promoted to CFO. Chuck Barnett will continue to serve as the CEO and chairman in 2021.

NPW Companies Acquires Engine And Performance Warehouse

Miami-based NPW Companies has acquired Engine & Performance Warehouse Inc. (EPWI)—the engine parts warehouse distributor based in Denver. The transaction was finalized on December 4. The acquisition expands NPW’s footprint to 30 total warehouse locations and 50 storefronts.

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 Ashley Reyes

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Rod’s Restoration Wizards is the latest SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Member Spotlight company. In this week’s feature, SEMA speaks with Rodney Black as he shares his journey of becoming company employee to company owner, details on his company’s breakthrough build, and his ’57 Chevrolet Convertible build that received the Platinum Certificate at the Chevy Classics.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop? How did you start?

Rodney Black: I started working at Restoration Wizards in 1993 when I was in high school. In 2010, I was able to buy the shop and renamed it to Rod's Restoration Wizards. We always worked on older cars and also did collision work, but my passion was always the older cars. After I bought the shop I moved to more restoration and hot rod building.

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

RB: I showed my ’30 Model A Roaster Pickup in the ISCA shows in 2012. I ended up winning International Class Champion.  

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2020.

RB: We doubled the workshop area and bought property next to the shop to expand more. Our projects are getting bigger. We are working on a ’71 Volvo that we are doing a complete body swap on. We are using an ’06 Pontiac Solstice complete chassis and adding modern touches to the body.
We also have a ’69 Camaro, ’73 Nova and ’65 Mustang. I personally have a ’62 Impala and a ’58 Brookwood wagon that I'm building.

SEMA: Tell us about a build you are proud of.

RB: A ’57 Chevrolet Convertible. We did a complete frame-off restoration in six months. After we finished, we showed it at the Chevy Classics. It received the Platinum Certificate and got 990 points out of 1000. It also got best engine department.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

RB: Follow your passion and love what you do. The aftermarket world is always growing.

By Ashley Reyes

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Rod’s Restoration Wizards is the latest SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Member Spotlight company. In this week’s feature, SEMA speaks with Rodney Black as he shares his journey of becoming company employee to company owner, details on his company’s breakthrough build, and his ’57 Chevrolet Convertible build that received the Platinum Certificate at the Chevy Classics.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop? How did you start?

Rodney Black: I started working at Restoration Wizards in 1993 when I was in high school. In 2010, I was able to buy the shop and renamed it to Rod's Restoration Wizards. We always worked on older cars and also did collision work, but my passion was always the older cars. After I bought the shop I moved to more restoration and hot rod building.

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

RB: I showed my ’30 Model A Roaster Pickup in the ISCA shows in 2012. I ended up winning International Class Champion.  

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2020.

RB: We doubled the workshop area and bought property next to the shop to expand more. Our projects are getting bigger. We are working on a ’71 Volvo that we are doing a complete body swap on. We are using an ’06 Pontiac Solstice complete chassis and adding modern touches to the body.
We also have a ’69 Camaro, ’73 Nova and ’65 Mustang. I personally have a ’62 Impala and a ’58 Brookwood wagon that I'm building.

SEMA: Tell us about a build you are proud of.

RB: A ’57 Chevrolet Convertible. We did a complete frame-off restoration in six months. After we finished, we showed it at the Chevy Classics. It received the Platinum Certificate and got 990 points out of 1000. It also got best engine department.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

RB: Follow your passion and love what you do. The aftermarket world is always growing.

By Ashley Reyes

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The SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) named Shawn DiLeo as the council’s latest volunteer spotlight member. DiLeo is the owner of NuWave LLC. Dba RimTyme Custom Wheels—a rent-to-own custom wheel and tire concept offered by Rent-A-Center. The company offers wheels and tires for trucks and Jeeps, as well as the latest custom wheels for passenger vehicles.

SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?

SD: The volume and rate of return.

SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?

SD: I’ve made many business connections through networking.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?

SD: Learn the business and be into automotive customizing and repairs.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

SD: You can find me in one of my seven shops!