Back In July, we caught our first look at a mystery (believed to be three-row) SUV, but it has been confirmed that it was a clever disguise for the Bronco Sport-based Ford Maverick.

One shot straight through the windshield shows a small rear window at the end of the prototype’s cab—a feature generally associated with pickups. This confirms that this is, in fact, a pickup, and not an SUV, as the camo designers would have us believe.

The Maverick will slot below the Ranger in Ford’s expanding pickup lineup. It will be smaller and less expensive, while also utilizing a unibody construction.

Expect an official debut near the end of 2021, with an on-sale date not expected until 2022.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Dear PRI Exhibitors, Attendees, and Race Fans,

Despite the great efforts of PRI staff, the city of Indianapolis, and industry members from around the world to produce a first-class event for motorsports professionals, PRI made the tough decision this week to cancel the 2020 PRI Trade Show. While this is quite a setback for the racing industry, I do want to take this opportunity to share some insights with you.

Getting this far was only possible through the hard work of our partners at Visit Indy and the Indiana Convention Center, as well as the people of Indianapolis. And while we certainly respect the tough job that local public health officials have in keeping their community safe, it became clear that we wouldn’t be able to provide a trade show environment in 2020 with the business and networking opportunities you’ve come to expect.

Our goal will always be to deliver a world-class event that helps racing and performance businesses succeed, and we share your disappointment over the outcome of this year’s show. That said, I do want to express our thanks and gratitude to the hundreds of exhibiting companies that stayed committed to the show through these unprecedented times. To the many exhibitors who sent me letters offering support and suggestions, and selflessly trying to help the industry that you love so much, I am humbled by your passion for this industry. Others stepped up and offered PRI additional support, often at their own expense.

Moving forward, we invite you to follow our print and online media channels, where you will see a surge of content throughout an enhanced PRI Magazine, a robust digital experience, a stronger advocacy program, and our social platforms featuring frequent and timely updates from across the racing world. Our talented trade show team has already started planning for 2021 and what will be the comeback year of our lifetimes. Until then, we remain your valued partner in facilitating the business of racing.

Wishing you, your families, and your employees the very best. Be safe, and please support your local race tracks.

I welcome your comments at this email: President@PerformanceRacing.com.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jamie Meyer
President
Performance Racing Industry Trade Show & Media Company

Dear PRI Exhibitors, Attendees, and Race Fans,

Despite the great efforts of PRI staff, the city of Indianapolis, and industry members from around the world to produce a first-class event for motorsports professionals, PRI made the tough decision this week to cancel the 2020 PRI Trade Show. While this is quite a setback for the racing industry, I do want to take this opportunity to share some insights with you.

Getting this far was only possible through the hard work of our partners at Visit Indy and the Indiana Convention Center, as well as the people of Indianapolis. And while we certainly respect the tough job that local public health officials have in keeping their community safe, it became clear that we wouldn’t be able to provide a trade show environment in 2020 with the business and networking opportunities you’ve come to expect.

Our goal will always be to deliver a world-class event that helps racing and performance businesses succeed, and we share your disappointment over the outcome of this year’s show. That said, I do want to express our thanks and gratitude to the hundreds of exhibiting companies that stayed committed to the show through these unprecedented times. To the many exhibitors who sent me letters offering support and suggestions, and selflessly trying to help the industry that you love so much, I am humbled by your passion for this industry. Others stepped up and offered PRI additional support, often at their own expense.

Moving forward, we invite you to follow our print and online media channels, where you will see a surge of content throughout an enhanced PRI Magazine, a robust digital experience, a stronger advocacy program, and our social platforms featuring frequent and timely updates from across the racing world. Our talented trade show team has already started planning for 2021 and what will be the comeback year of our lifetimes. Until then, we remain your valued partner in facilitating the business of racing.

Wishing you, your families, and your employees the very best. Be safe, and please support your local race tracks.

I welcome your comments at this email: President@PerformanceRacing.com.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jamie Meyer
President
Performance Racing Industry Trade Show & Media Company

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is the largest database of specialty market product information.

Manufacturers who achieve data excellence status (listed below) have provided the desired product descriptions, digital assets, vehicle fitment, and other sales-related facets to make it easy for retailers, jobbers, and WDs to create engaging and informative product listings, giving customers confidence in their buying decision.

Products from these brands will be featured in future SEMA eNews issues.

American Car Craft ’08–’20 Challenger/Charger/Magnum/300 5.7L- 5.7L Engine Shroud Dress-up Kit This American Car Craft 5.7L Engine Shroud Trim Kit is crafted from premium grade polished stainless steel and is designed for very easy installation. This dress-up engine shroud kit fits on the 5.7L stock engine shroud and adds a clean show-winning style to the engine bay. The Engine Shroud Kit includes all trim on engine shroud except HEMI lettering which is sold separately. The kit fits all 5.7L Engines equipped with the same stock engine shroud. SKU 153008: ENGINE SHROUD 14-Pc SKU 153009: HEMI LETTER SET 8PC FOR CHALLENGER (2008-2020) SKU 333007: HEMI LETTER SET 8PC FOR CHARGER, MAGNUM, & CHRYSLER 300 (’11–’18)
HushMat Stealth Black Bulk Kit HushMat's Stealth Black Bulk Kit includes 30 sheets of theUltra sound deadening and thermal insulation material. It's designed to make every type of vehicle cool, quiet and comfortable to drive and enjoy! HushMat is an easy to install, USA Made material that molds, forms and adheres to your vehicle’s surface. No tools, glues and or special equipment needed to install HushMat. Simply peel and stick. HushMat has invested thousands of hours over the past 15 years measuring vehicles to create a year, make and model specific portfolio of 365,000 part numbers. HushMat insulates firewall, floor pan, tunnel, doors, roof and trunk. Visit www.hushmat.com or call 913-599-2600.
Leed Brakes Bandit Vacuum Pumps Bandit Vacuum Pumps are a Rotary Vane style electric vacuum pump. This style pump is 30% more efficient and 60% quieter than a traditional vacuum pump. Bandit Pumps are available in three styles: Naked, Black Canister or Chrome Canister. They are pre-assembled and prewired for simple 2 wire installation. Every kit includes 6-ft. of vacuum hose, wire harness, ring terminal, 15A fuse, mounting hardware, and hose clamp. Canister dimensions are 7-3/4-in. tall x 6-3/4-in. from mounting bracket to face of canister. Pump dimensions are 7-1/4-in. tall x 4-3/4-in. wide x 5-in. max depth.
Auto Gage 3 ¾-in. Pedestal Tachometers Now Available in 0-10,000 RPM The new Auto Gage 3¾-in. Pedestal 0-10,000 RPM Tachometer with Shift Light provides great performance at a great value. Available in black (Model #233908) or silver (Model #233909), these models have been engineered to be easy to read with through the dial incandescent lighting featuring bright, distinctly illuminated numbers. The new AutoGage tachometers are compatible with most 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder engines (2–4 pulse per revolution ignition signals) with points, electronic ignitions and most 12V high-performance racing ignitions. Optimize the use of your engine's power band plus improve vehicle performance and driver gear changes with a rapid response, high visibility user-programmable shift light.
ZyBar 16 oz. Cast ZyBar 16 oz. Cast (part #13016) high-temperature heat dissipation coating is designed to reduce radiant heat, reduce under hood temperatures, offers outstanding corrosion resistance, provides lasting color stability under the most extreme engine conditions and extends the life of your components. ZyBar is rated to internal temperatures well in excess of 2000 degrees F. ZyBar is a single component, durable polymer coating that far out performs ceramic paints, wraps and heat tapes. ZyBar is spray applied inside and outside the component. ZyBar treats manifolds, headers, turbo housings, exhaust, brakes and intakes. ZyBar is a thin .001-.0025 film coating that is either oven cured (2 hours at 450 degrees F) or air cured (120 hours).   Call 913-599-2600 or visit www.zycoat.com.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is the largest database of specialty market product information.

Manufacturers who achieve data excellence status (listed below) have provided the desired product descriptions, digital assets, vehicle fitment, and other sales-related facets to make it easy for retailers, jobbers, and WDs to create engaging and informative product listings, giving customers confidence in their buying decision.

Products from these brands will be featured in future SEMA eNews issues.

American Car Craft ’08–’20 Challenger/Charger/Magnum/300 5.7L- 5.7L Engine Shroud Dress-up Kit This American Car Craft 5.7L Engine Shroud Trim Kit is crafted from premium grade polished stainless steel and is designed for very easy installation. This dress-up engine shroud kit fits on the 5.7L stock engine shroud and adds a clean show-winning style to the engine bay. The Engine Shroud Kit includes all trim on engine shroud except HEMI lettering which is sold separately. The kit fits all 5.7L Engines equipped with the same stock engine shroud. SKU 153008: ENGINE SHROUD 14-Pc SKU 153009: HEMI LETTER SET 8PC FOR CHALLENGER (2008-2020) SKU 333007: HEMI LETTER SET 8PC FOR CHARGER, MAGNUM, & CHRYSLER 300 (’11–’18)
HushMat Stealth Black Bulk Kit HushMat's Stealth Black Bulk Kit includes 30 sheets of theUltra sound deadening and thermal insulation material. It's designed to make every type of vehicle cool, quiet and comfortable to drive and enjoy! HushMat is an easy to install, USA Made material that molds, forms and adheres to your vehicle’s surface. No tools, glues and or special equipment needed to install HushMat. Simply peel and stick. HushMat has invested thousands of hours over the past 15 years measuring vehicles to create a year, make and model specific portfolio of 365,000 part numbers. HushMat insulates firewall, floor pan, tunnel, doors, roof and trunk. Visit www.hushmat.com or call 913-599-2600.
Leed Brakes Bandit Vacuum Pumps Bandit Vacuum Pumps are a Rotary Vane style electric vacuum pump. This style pump is 30% more efficient and 60% quieter than a traditional vacuum pump. Bandit Pumps are available in three styles: Naked, Black Canister or Chrome Canister. They are pre-assembled and prewired for simple 2 wire installation. Every kit includes 6-ft. of vacuum hose, wire harness, ring terminal, 15A fuse, mounting hardware, and hose clamp. Canister dimensions are 7-3/4-in. tall x 6-3/4-in. from mounting bracket to face of canister. Pump dimensions are 7-1/4-in. tall x 4-3/4-in. wide x 5-in. max depth.
Auto Gage 3 ¾-in. Pedestal Tachometers Now Available in 0-10,000 RPM The new Auto Gage 3¾-in. Pedestal 0-10,000 RPM Tachometer with Shift Light provides great performance at a great value. Available in black (Model #233908) or silver (Model #233909), these models have been engineered to be easy to read with through the dial incandescent lighting featuring bright, distinctly illuminated numbers. The new AutoGage tachometers are compatible with most 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder engines (2–4 pulse per revolution ignition signals) with points, electronic ignitions and most 12V high-performance racing ignitions. Optimize the use of your engine's power band plus improve vehicle performance and driver gear changes with a rapid response, high visibility user-programmable shift light.
ZyBar 16 oz. Cast ZyBar 16 oz. Cast (part #13016) high-temperature heat dissipation coating is designed to reduce radiant heat, reduce under hood temperatures, offers outstanding corrosion resistance, provides lasting color stability under the most extreme engine conditions and extends the life of your components. ZyBar is rated to internal temperatures well in excess of 2000 degrees F. ZyBar is a single component, durable polymer coating that far out performs ceramic paints, wraps and heat tapes. ZyBar is spray applied inside and outside the component. ZyBar treats manifolds, headers, turbo housings, exhaust, brakes and intakes. ZyBar is a thin .001-.0025 film coating that is either oven cured (2 hours at 450 degrees F) or air cured (120 hours).   Call 913-599-2600 or visit www.zycoat.com.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Sales/Customer Service Associate
Ron Francis Wiring is hiring a sales/customer service associate to provide product information and resolve problems that customers might face with accuracy and efficiency. Responsibilities include answering inbound customer service/sales/technical calls/emails to troubleshoot and diagnose customer issues, creating and processing customer orders and returns and developing a strong knowledge of the entire product line. Previous customer service experience is required.

National Account Sales Manager
Auto Meter Products Inc. is hiring a national account sales manager with direct responsibility to achieve sales objectives in their assigned accounts. The ideal candidate must be proficient in developing positive customer relationships and successfully navigating complex organizational structures to close on programs and opportunities. Other responsibilities include interfacing with existing and new customers to drive growth, improving customer satisfaction and determining market product requirements. This position will also be responsible for participating in new product planning sessions that can result in the recommendation of new products that can expand the business. This position requires 50% travel nationally presenting and demonstrating programs and products. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. Candidates must have more than five years of related experience.

PR Account Coordinator
Kahn Media is hiring an entry-level PR account coordinator to learn how to develop and implement dynamic PR and social media strategies; maintain relationships with journalists; communicate directly with clients, attend events and trade shows to support clients; facilitate interviews with the media; capture content for social media use; and create monthly, quarterly and yearly reports for clients. The ideal candidate will be a capable writer, have an understanding of the current media landscape and PR process, have a working knowledge of major social media channels and a passion for communication.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA Webinar: Top Tips for Negotiating Agreements with Overseas Distributors, September 24, 2020
• YEN Virtual Happy Hour, September 24, 2020
• SEMA Webinar: U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Practicalities/Mechanics of Obtaining the Lowest Tariff Rate, October 1, 2020
• SEMA360, November 2–6, 2020
• 2021 SEMA Nordic Business Development Conference, September 2–6, 2021, Stockholm, Sweden

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) has named Steve Swanson of the The Carlstar Group/Cragar Wheels as the council’s newest volunteer spotlight member. A current WTC Select Committee volunteer and previous SEMA Board member, Swanson brings more than 35 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket and nearly a decade of active involvement with the association.

Read how volunteering for SEMA has influenced his career in his Q&A with the WTC.

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

Steve Swanson: Honestly, I was brought in by one of my dearest friends and mentor Murray Diamond in 1979. Murray had been my district manager while we were both at Chief Auto Parts in the early ’70s, and I apparently impressed him enough to suggest to Don Turney, then national sales manager at Keystone Wheel and Murray’s new boss, to offer me a job as inside sales manager with Keystone Wheel in Ontario, California.

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

SS: Well, it most obviously has kept me employed. One of my close associations while on the SEMA Board of Directors in the early 2000s was with George Finch—a WTC (at that time, WIC) Select Committee member. After walking away from direct employment in the wheel industry to become an independent rep, I still maintained my connection through the Board of Directors work as the WIC Board liaison. Through that direct association, George and I developed a friendship that eventually led him to suggest me for my current position of national sales manager of the Styled Wheel Division at The Carlstar Group (Cragar/Black Rock/Unique).

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

SS: Bring passion for the automobile, a deep interest in style and a willingness to put in the hours.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

SS: At a Goodguys or NSRA event hawking our brand(s), out working in the yard, riding my BMW K1600GTLE motorcycle or chasing the grandkids around a park somewhere.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) has named Steve Swanson of the The Carlstar Group/Cragar Wheels as the council’s newest volunteer spotlight member. A current WTC Select Committee volunteer and previous SEMA Board member, Swanson brings more than 35 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket and nearly a decade of active involvement with the association.

Read how volunteering for SEMA has influenced his career in his Q&A with the WTC.

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

Steve Swanson: Honestly, I was brought in by one of my dearest friends and mentor Murray Diamond in 1979. Murray had been my district manager while we were both at Chief Auto Parts in the early ’70s, and I apparently impressed him enough to suggest to Don Turney, then national sales manager at Keystone Wheel and Murray’s new boss, to offer me a job as inside sales manager with Keystone Wheel in Ontario, California.

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

SS: Well, it most obviously has kept me employed. One of my close associations while on the SEMA Board of Directors in the early 2000s was with George Finch—a WTC (at that time, WIC) Select Committee member. After walking away from direct employment in the wheel industry to become an independent rep, I still maintained my connection through the Board of Directors work as the WIC Board liaison. Through that direct association, George and I developed a friendship that eventually led him to suggest me for my current position of national sales manager of the Styled Wheel Division at The Carlstar Group (Cragar/Black Rock/Unique).

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

SS: Bring passion for the automobile, a deep interest in style and a willingness to put in the hours.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

SS: At a Goodguys or NSRA event hawking our brand(s), out working in the yard, riding my BMW K1600GTLE motorcycle or chasing the grandkids around a park somewhere.

SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• Access Cover
• All Sales
• BAK Industries
• BBK Performance Parts
• CARR
• Excel from Richmond
• FAST
• FIA
• HushMat
• Jet Performance