SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By SEMA Editors

The ’70 Pontiac Trans Am custom car, built by Riley Stair of Sacramento, will be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and will join the Hot Wheels collection as a 1:64 scale die-cast.

Mattel has announced the winner of the 2020 Hot Wheels Legends Tour. The ’70 Pontiac Trans Am custom car, built by Riley Stair of Sacramento, will be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and will join the Hot Wheels collection as a 1:64 scale die-cast. The ’70 Pontiac Trans Am is the third fan’s car to become a Hot Wheels die-cast and will hit store shelves worldwide in 2021. The announcement was made during the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Finale event by Ted Wu, vice president of global design for vehicles at Mattel.

The final stop was live-streamed from Jay Leno’s Garage and co-hosted by Jay Leno and motorsports ambassador Jarod DeAnda. Viewers tuned into Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube Page and Hot Wheels’ Facebook Page to see the winner determined by Hot Wheels designers and car-loving celebrity judges Jay Leno, Snoop Dogg, Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias and Brionna Lynch. Special guests including 007 driver Ben Collins, Paxton Booth and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart also participated in the event.

Riley Stair’s build was chosen from thousands of cars entered in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, which had 14 stops throughout Europe, LATAM, Asia and North America. While all finalists who competed at the global finale event embodied Hot Wheels high standards or performance and design, the winning custom build was selected for its true representation of the Hot Wheels garage spirit.

“By going virtual, the third year of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour demonstrated tremendous growth, engaging over 10 million fans from around the world,” said Ted Wu, vice president, global head of design for vehicles, Mattel. “With more vehicle entries this year than ever before, we know we found a special build that embodies the Hot Wheels challenger spirit with the ’70 Pontiac Trans Am. You see the vehicle and instantly know it is meant to be a Hot Wheels with the unique frame, engine, and purpose-driven build.”

The ’70 Pontiac Trans Am is a one of a kind race car engineered by Riley Stair on the side of his parents’ house. Revving up to 10,000 RPM, the vehicles motor is entirely custom built, and the foundation for the engine is a 400-cubic inch LS V8.

“To have my car immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast for car lovers of all ages to enjoy means the world to me,” said Legends Tour Winner Riley Stair. “To think that my car in a 1:64 scale could make a lasting impression for a young kid who loves cars, as Hot Wheels have for so many of us, is a dream come true. I can’t wait to see my nephew Noah pushing my car around the living room!”

A team of judges, including Hot Wheels designers, celebrities and automotive influencers, chose the Legends Tour winner for its authenticity, originality and garage spirit. The Legends Tour winner’s life-size car and die-cast version will also join the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, a collection of one-of-a-kind cars immortalized as Hot Wheels die-casts that meet the brand’s high benchmarks of style and performance.

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour Finale event was made possible in partnership with Mobil 1, Walmart, Ford, American Pinball, Hagerty and Horizon Brands. Learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

By SEMA Editors

The ’70 Pontiac Trans Am custom car, built by Riley Stair of Sacramento, will be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and will join the Hot Wheels collection as a 1:64 scale die-cast.

Mattel has announced the winner of the 2020 Hot Wheels Legends Tour. The ’70 Pontiac Trans Am custom car, built by Riley Stair of Sacramento, will be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and will join the Hot Wheels collection as a 1:64 scale die-cast. The ’70 Pontiac Trans Am is the third fan’s car to become a Hot Wheels die-cast and will hit store shelves worldwide in 2021. The announcement was made during the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Finale event by Ted Wu, vice president of global design for vehicles at Mattel.

The final stop was live-streamed from Jay Leno’s Garage and co-hosted by Jay Leno and motorsports ambassador Jarod DeAnda. Viewers tuned into Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube Page and Hot Wheels’ Facebook Page to see the winner determined by Hot Wheels designers and car-loving celebrity judges Jay Leno, Snoop Dogg, Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias and Brionna Lynch. Special guests including 007 driver Ben Collins, Paxton Booth and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart also participated in the event.

Riley Stair’s build was chosen from thousands of cars entered in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, which had 14 stops throughout Europe, LATAM, Asia and North America. While all finalists who competed at the global finale event embodied Hot Wheels high standards or performance and design, the winning custom build was selected for its true representation of the Hot Wheels garage spirit.

“By going virtual, the third year of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour demonstrated tremendous growth, engaging over 10 million fans from around the world,” said Ted Wu, vice president, global head of design for vehicles, Mattel. “With more vehicle entries this year than ever before, we know we found a special build that embodies the Hot Wheels challenger spirit with the ’70 Pontiac Trans Am. You see the vehicle and instantly know it is meant to be a Hot Wheels with the unique frame, engine, and purpose-driven build.”

The ’70 Pontiac Trans Am is a one of a kind race car engineered by Riley Stair on the side of his parents’ house. Revving up to 10,000 RPM, the vehicles motor is entirely custom built, and the foundation for the engine is a 400-cubic inch LS V8.

“To have my car immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast for car lovers of all ages to enjoy means the world to me,” said Legends Tour Winner Riley Stair. “To think that my car in a 1:64 scale could make a lasting impression for a young kid who loves cars, as Hot Wheels have for so many of us, is a dream come true. I can’t wait to see my nephew Noah pushing my car around the living room!”

A team of judges, including Hot Wheels designers, celebrities and automotive influencers, chose the Legends Tour winner for its authenticity, originality and garage spirit. The Legends Tour winner’s life-size car and die-cast version will also join the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, a collection of one-of-a-kind cars immortalized as Hot Wheels die-casts that meet the brand’s high benchmarks of style and performance.

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour Finale event was made possible in partnership with Mobil 1, Walmart, Ford, American Pinball, Hagerty and Horizon Brands. Learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

The all-new Kia Sportage, Kia’s twin to the ’21 Hyundai Tucson, is starting to take shape. A thinly-disguised (at least for Kia) prototype for the ’22 Kia Sportage has been snapped testing on the ’Ring ahead of its likely reveal in April next year. The ’22 Sportage will ride on a variation of the platform underpinning the ’21 Hyundai Tucson revealed last month. It’s expected to be longer, wider and taller than the current model—which is now looking small in comparison to the latest Toyota RAV4, despite only launching in 2015.

These images show the car will have wide fenders and sharper flanks than the current model, along with wheels that share plenty in common with those of the Hyundai Tucson. Korean Car Blog reports the Sportage won’t just be a shrunken version of the seven-seat Sorento on the outside, instead debuting its own design language.

It’s expected to be offered with gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, like the Tucson.

Measuring up at 4630mm long, 1865mm wide, and 1665mm tall with a 2755mm wheelbase, the new Tucson is 15mm longer than a Toyota RAV4 with a 65mm longer wheelbase, although both are the same width. Kia’s Sportage will therefore be of similar dimensions.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The all-new Kia Sportage, Kia’s twin to the ’21 Hyundai Tucson, is starting to take shape. A thinly-disguised (at least for Kia) prototype for the ’22 Kia Sportage has been snapped testing on the ’Ring ahead of its likely reveal in April next year. The ’22 Sportage will ride on a variation of the platform underpinning the ’21 Hyundai Tucson revealed last month. It’s expected to be longer, wider and taller than the current model—which is now looking small in comparison to the latest Toyota RAV4, despite only launching in 2015.

These images show the car will have wide fenders and sharper flanks than the current model, along with wheels that share plenty in common with those of the Hyundai Tucson. Korean Car Blog reports the Sportage won’t just be a shrunken version of the seven-seat Sorento on the outside, instead debuting its own design language.

It’s expected to be offered with gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, like the Tucson.

Measuring up at 4630mm long, 1865mm wide, and 1665mm tall with a 2755mm wheelbase, the new Tucson is 15mm longer than a Toyota RAV4 with a 65mm longer wheelbase, although both are the same width. Kia’s Sportage will therefore be of similar dimensions.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The all-new Kia Sportage, Kia’s twin to the ’21 Hyundai Tucson, is starting to take shape. A thinly-disguised (at least for Kia) prototype for the ’22 Kia Sportage has been snapped testing on the ’Ring ahead of its likely reveal in April next year. The ’22 Sportage will ride on a variation of the platform underpinning the ’21 Hyundai Tucson revealed last month. It’s expected to be longer, wider and taller than the current model—which is now looking small in comparison to the latest Toyota RAV4, despite only launching in 2015.

These images show the car will have wide fenders and sharper flanks than the current model, along with wheels that share plenty in common with those of the Hyundai Tucson. Korean Car Blog reports the Sportage won’t just be a shrunken version of the seven-seat Sorento on the outside, instead debuting its own design language.

It’s expected to be offered with gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, like the Tucson.

Measuring up at 4630mm long, 1865mm wide, and 1665mm tall with a 2755mm wheelbase, the new Tucson is 15mm longer than a Toyota RAV4 with a 65mm longer wheelbase, although both are the same width. Kia’s Sportage will therefore be of similar dimensions.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The all-new Kia Sportage, Kia’s twin to the ’21 Hyundai Tucson, is starting to take shape. A thinly-disguised (at least for Kia) prototype for the ’22 Kia Sportage has been snapped testing on the ’Ring ahead of its likely reveal in April next year. The ’22 Sportage will ride on a variation of the platform underpinning the ’21 Hyundai Tucson revealed last month. It’s expected to be longer, wider and taller than the current model—which is now looking small in comparison to the latest Toyota RAV4, despite only launching in 2015.

These images show the car will have wide fenders and sharper flanks than the current model, along with wheels that share plenty in common with those of the Hyundai Tucson. Korean Car Blog reports the Sportage won’t just be a shrunken version of the seven-seat Sorento on the outside, instead debuting its own design language.

It’s expected to be offered with gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, like the Tucson.

Measuring up at 4630mm long, 1865mm wide, and 1665mm tall with a 2755mm wheelbase, the new Tucson is 15mm longer than a Toyota RAV4 with a 65mm longer wheelbase, although both are the same width. Kia’s Sportage will therefore be of similar dimensions.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The all-new Kia Sportage, Kia’s twin to the ’21 Hyundai Tucson, is starting to take shape. A thinly-disguised (at least for Kia) prototype for the ’22 Kia Sportage has been snapped testing on the ’Ring ahead of its likely reveal in April next year. The ’22 Sportage will ride on a variation of the platform underpinning the ’21 Hyundai Tucson revealed last month. It’s expected to be longer, wider and taller than the current model—which is now looking small in comparison to the latest Toyota RAV4, despite only launching in 2015.

These images show the car will have wide fenders and sharper flanks than the current model, along with wheels that share plenty in common with those of the Hyundai Tucson. Korean Car Blog reports the Sportage won’t just be a shrunken version of the seven-seat Sorento on the outside, instead debuting its own design language.

It’s expected to be offered with gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, like the Tucson.

Measuring up at 4630mm long, 1865mm wide, and 1665mm tall with a 2755mm wheelbase, the new Tucson is 15mm longer than a Toyota RAV4 with a 65mm longer wheelbase, although both are the same width. Kia’s Sportage will therefore be of similar dimensions.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

Dave Williams loves to explore the mountains and deserts in his 4-Door JL Wrangler when he can.

Dave Williams is this week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Volunteer Spotlight member. He is also the director of sales and marketing at Go Rhino/Big Country and a current TORA select committee volunteer. In a recent interview with SEMA, Williams shares his insight on what makes the industry strong and gives priceless advice for anyone who attends the annual SEMA Show.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Dave Williams: When I was growing up, my dad had friends in the So Cal rod scene and I'd see people making a living playing with cars, trucks, Jeeps and Broncos who really loved their jobs and displayed that passion in their work. That planted the seed in my youth, but I liked being outdoors exploring in a Jeep, Meyers Manx, truck or motorcycle. Years later an opportunity came up with a truck brand and I was sold. I said, “I'm in!”  

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will impact you?

DW: I had previously worked on a select committee and was involved in SEMA Cares activities since the beginning, so I knew the impact and value of being involved and connecting companies working in the same space. We are stronger together, even as competitors. I also knew the transition to the broader mission of TORA would need extra hands and mouths around to help that mission. It has been a rewarding experience for sure.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

DW: Don't be afraid to work for little when you are starting out. Put in the dues, play fair, work hard and the rewards will come. Get involved. People will remember you for your honesty, loyalty and integrity above all. The relationships you build with a foundation like that will help you through thick and thin. Oh yeah, and don't forget to wear comfortable shoes to the actual SEMA Show. Priceless advice right there.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

DW: I live out west and love to explore mountains and deserts when I can. A dream off-road vehicle would be electric for the torque and also be rechargeable by solar methods so we could get out and cover a lot of ground without worrying about fuel. For now, I am pretty happy with my personal 4-Door JL Wrangler build. It gets me where I want to go grinning all the way.

By Ashley Reyes

Dave Williams loves to explore the mountains and deserts in his 4-Door JL Wrangler when he can.

Dave Williams is this week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Volunteer Spotlight member. He is also the director of sales and marketing at Go Rhino/Big Country and a current TORA select committee volunteer. In a recent interview with SEMA, Williams shares his insight on what makes the industry strong and gives priceless advice for anyone who attends the annual SEMA Show.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Dave Williams: When I was growing up, my dad had friends in the So Cal rod scene and I'd see people making a living playing with cars, trucks, Jeeps and Broncos who really loved their jobs and displayed that passion in their work. That planted the seed in my youth, but I liked being outdoors exploring in a Jeep, Meyers Manx, truck or motorcycle. Years later an opportunity came up with a truck brand and I was sold. I said, “I'm in!”  

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will impact you?

DW: I had previously worked on a select committee and was involved in SEMA Cares activities since the beginning, so I knew the impact and value of being involved and connecting companies working in the same space. We are stronger together, even as competitors. I also knew the transition to the broader mission of TORA would need extra hands and mouths around to help that mission. It has been a rewarding experience for sure.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

DW: Don't be afraid to work for little when you are starting out. Put in the dues, play fair, work hard and the rewards will come. Get involved. People will remember you for your honesty, loyalty and integrity above all. The relationships you build with a foundation like that will help you through thick and thin. Oh yeah, and don't forget to wear comfortable shoes to the actual SEMA Show. Priceless advice right there.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

DW: I live out west and love to explore mountains and deserts when I can. A dream off-road vehicle would be electric for the torque and also be rechargeable by solar methods so we could get out and cover a lot of ground without worrying about fuel. For now, I am pretty happy with my personal 4-Door JL Wrangler build. It gets me where I want to go grinning all the way.