By Ashley Reyes

Laurel Dasher

Laurel Dasher of PDM Automotive recently shared how her company is pivoting during the pandemic and utilizing technology to keep business moving forward during a recent interview with the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN).

To help inspire and motivate others to learn new tips and ideas, Dasher’s insight provides a unique perspective on how her company has overcome recent challenges, and what trends she is seeing in sales and marketing as a result of COVID-19.   

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?    

Laurel Dasher: PDM Automotive is a cloud-based technology company, so we specialize in working remotely. We provide a platform that gives customers access to their product data 24/7/365 remotely and they can send product data to all sales channels instantly. Our customers have definitely benefited from managing their own product data remotely. They have not missed a beat. Growing a relatively new company during a pandemic has been a rollercoaster for sure. We run lean, so we are “all hands-on deck.” Staying focused has been the key and knowing that the automotive industry has a strong core, and it’s helped us keep a positive attitude.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?    

LD: We were looking forward to attending shows/conferences/events to network in person and build the brand; however, we have participated in multiple virtual events and conferences that have been very effective. Participating in virtual events has given us the ability to network in a whole new way. It has essentially been more targeted and focused. In-person shows that pivoted to a free or low-cost virtual event have been a great benefit to PDM.

The new technology that PDM offers has been an asset for companies needing/wanting to manage their data remotely. Whether they want to sell online, release new products or export data to their customers, they can do it from home like never before. Utilizing platforms to have face-to-face meetings and calls has been wonderful. I love seeing people during our calls. It's like we are in the same room. It has improved communication exponentially.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?    

LD: Virtual events! Podcasts. Social media is on fire. YouTube videos and electronic cataloging as well.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?    

LD: Access to cloud-based product data. Manufacturers selling direct to consumer. Brick-and-mortar companies selling online. We are a strong industry; The SEMA Show will prevail! I hope that video calls are here to stay. I love seeing the person that I am talking too. It helps to maintain all of the wonderful relationships we have built and show that we are in this together.

Register for ETTN’s “Industry Talks: Back to Business” virtual panel discussion on “Pivoting in a Pandemic: Technologies to Move us Forward” on September 4. Additional updates and resources to assist ETTN members get back to business are available at www.sema.org/reopen.  

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN Member Insight.

By Ashley Reyes

Laurel Dasher

Laurel Dasher of PDM Automotive recently shared how her company is pivoting during the pandemic and utilizing technology to keep business moving forward during a recent interview with the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN).

To help inspire and motivate others to learn new tips and ideas, Dasher’s insight provides a unique perspective on how her company has overcome recent challenges, and what trends she is seeing in sales and marketing as a result of COVID-19.   

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?    

Laurel Dasher: PDM Automotive is a cloud-based technology company, so we specialize in working remotely. We provide a platform that gives customers access to their product data 24/7/365 remotely and they can send product data to all sales channels instantly. Our customers have definitely benefited from managing their own product data remotely. They have not missed a beat. Growing a relatively new company during a pandemic has been a rollercoaster for sure. We run lean, so we are “all hands-on deck.” Staying focused has been the key and knowing that the automotive industry has a strong core, and it’s helped us keep a positive attitude.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?    

LD: We were looking forward to attending shows/conferences/events to network in person and build the brand; however, we have participated in multiple virtual events and conferences that have been very effective. Participating in virtual events has given us the ability to network in a whole new way. It has essentially been more targeted and focused. In-person shows that pivoted to a free or low-cost virtual event have been a great benefit to PDM.

The new technology that PDM offers has been an asset for companies needing/wanting to manage their data remotely. Whether they want to sell online, release new products or export data to their customers, they can do it from home like never before. Utilizing platforms to have face-to-face meetings and calls has been wonderful. I love seeing people during our calls. It's like we are in the same room. It has improved communication exponentially.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?    

LD: Virtual events! Podcasts. Social media is on fire. YouTube videos and electronic cataloging as well.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?    

LD: Access to cloud-based product data. Manufacturers selling direct to consumer. Brick-and-mortar companies selling online. We are a strong industry; The SEMA Show will prevail! I hope that video calls are here to stay. I love seeing the person that I am talking too. It helps to maintain all of the wonderful relationships we have built and show that we are in this together.

Register for ETTN’s “Industry Talks: Back to Business” virtual panel discussion on “Pivoting in a Pandemic: Technologies to Move us Forward” on September 4. Additional updates and resources to assist ETTN members get back to business are available at www.sema.org/reopen.  

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN Member Insight.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Oklahoma is one of a handful of states that has fully reopened race tracks to the public.

Oklahoma Among States Allowing 100% Fan Capacity

Although some race tracks have axed their 2020 plans due to coronavirus—noting that events without fans are not financially feasible—several facilities report healthy car counts and scores of spectators, thanks in part to state guidelines that support socially distanced activities. One of those is Oklahoma, which fully reopened race tracks, alongside movie theaters, bowling alleys, outdoor concerts, sporting events and rodeos, as part of its latest mandates issued on May 30. Social distance guidelines are at the discretion of the business owner or local officials, along with sanitation and disinfection, although considerations are mentioned. No fan capacity limits are enforced.  

Of nearly 20 currently active Oklahoma-based facilities, all but one are hosting events in August, with most websites mentioning social distancing, face coverings and handwashing precautions. One of those tracks is Port City Raceway in Tulsa, which hosted its “Quarantine Make Up” points race, Saturday, August 15, a replacement for one of six events lost when gates were shuttered mid-March through mid-May. The remainder of its calendar includes six events, highlighted by the 21st Annual Pete Frazier Memorial, September 4-5, and the RUJO Rumble, October 2-3.  

Oklahoma’s guidelines are similar to three other states’ in that they do not cap spectator attendance, according to language from the latest executive orders that affect racing found on PRI’s state-by-state race track reopening directory. Georgia, North Dakota and South Dakota also allow motorsports facilities to operate at 100% capacity.

The Speed Demon 715 has made history by clocking 470.016 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats.

Speed Demon Streamliner Breaks Land-Speed Record

The Speed Demon 715—the piston-powered land-speed streamliner—has made history by clocking 470.016 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats. The effort marks a record as the top piston-powered land-speed run to date. The streamliner, powered by a twin-turbocharged 555-cubic-inch Chevy, was piloted by George Poteet. The recent effort surpassed the previous record of 448.75 mph, secured in 2018 by Danny Thompson, the son of off-road racing and land-speed racing legend Mickey Thompson. Poteet and his crew previously clocked a five-mile speed of 469.298 mph last week, setting the stage for the record run. Figures are taken from two-run averages.

MOPAR Express Lane NHRA Nationals Canceled Due to Pandemic 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NHRA and Maple Grove Raceway have made the decision to cancel the 2020 Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil. NHRA is optimistic that the remainder of the 2020 schedule will proceed as planned. The next event is the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals, September 3–6, at historic Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis. NHRA and Maple Grove Raceway have asked all ticket holders for the 2020 Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals, September 11–13, to reach out to the Maple Grove Raceway office by email at bwitmer@maplegroveraceway.com or by phone at 610-856-9200. For more information about the NHRA schedule and the COVID-19 protocols, visit www.NHRA.com.

The Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Tour has added four additional Championship Tour events to the 2020 calendar.

SCCA Solo National Tour Schedules New Events

The Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Tour has added four additional Championship Tour events to the 2020 calendar in an attempt to bring some autocross competition back to the world, despite the challenges offered during this calendar year.

The events currently planned for the remainder of 2020 are:

• September 4-6: Champ Tour in Bristol, Tennessee at Bristol Motor Speedway (registration opens August 19)   
• September 18-20: Champ Tour in Maumee, Ohio at Toledo Express Airport (registration opens August 26)    
• October 16-18: Champ Tour in Hitchcock, Texas at Grandsport Speedway (registration opens September 9)
• December 4-6: Champ Tour in Cecil, Georgia at South Georgia Motorsports Park (SGMP) (registration opens October 30)

These events have an entry cap of 200 participants. Each of these events have been scheduled with the understanding and expectation that National, state and local COVID-19 restrictions will not change. Entrants should keep an eye on SCCA.com for any changes to schedules or entry caps as events near. More information will be announced soon.

The Sand Sports Super Show is rescheduled for October 17-18, at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Arizona.

Sand Sports Super Show Relocated to Scottsdale

The Sand Sports Super Show presented by Nitto will have a new date and location this year for the annual show. Originally scheduled for September 18-20, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, the Sand Sports Super Show will be moved to October 17-18, 2020, at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Arizona. The show will be run concurrently and share the venue with the Off-Road Expo. Individual Spectator tickets to the originally scheduled Sand Sports Super Show that were purchased online will be refunded automatically within 30 days. For more information and to purchase tickets online for the reimagined event in Scottsdale, visit offroadexpo.com.

Formula DRIFT To Resume Schedule, September 4–6

Formula DRIFT has revised its 2020 PRO and PRO2 Championship schedule, which features several rounds at four tracks, and resumes September 4–6, at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis, Illinois. The series will then visit Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, September 25-27, followed by a visit to Texas Motor Speedway, October 16–18. Formula DRIFT will conclude its PRO and PRO 2 Championships at Irwindale Speedway, November 20–22.

The Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo at the Fairplex in Pomona has been postponed until 2021.

Off-Road Expo in Pomona Postponed to 2021

As a result of continued concerns over COVID-19, along with county and state restrictions in place in the state of California, Bonnier Events has made the difficult decision to postpone the Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire, scheduled for October 3-4 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, to 2021. Exhibitors that have already booked a booth for the Off-Road Expo in Pomona can transfer booth space to Off-Road Expo Arizona, at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, October 17–18. Individual spectator tickets to the Off-Road Expo in Pomona that were purchased online will be refunded automatically within 30 days.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Todd Cawley

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) Announces Promotion of Todd Cawley to President, LSI Chemical

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) initially hired Todd Cawley as LSI vice president of global sales to head a new initiative to capture market share in the lubricant and additive market abroad. LSI has since announced the immediate promotion of Cawley to president to head a new company division—LSI Chemical. Cawley, with a strong sales and technical background in the oil, fuel and lubricant business, contributed to the decision to develop an all-new division that will operate as a stand-alone business unit with a focus of developing products utilizing LSI’s nano technology for new markets. A full announcement about LSI Chemical is expected soon.

Idea Ranch Named North American Agency Partner by REDARC Electronics

Idea Ranch has announced North American agency partnership with Australia-based REDARC Electronics. REDARC has more than 40 years’ experience developing a range of electronics for on- and off-road adventures, such as voltage converters and inverters, 12V-to-12V battery chargers, power management systems and brake controllers. REDARC Electronics adds to Idea Ranch’s growing portfolio in the outdoor vehicle and adventure sector market, joining Toyota, Yakima and B&W, among others.

David Page

Edelbrock Hires Industry Veteran for Newly Created Position of Product Manager for Forced Induction Products

Edelbrock has appointed David Page as its new product manager for Forced Induction Products. In his new position, Page will coordinate the efforts of the Edelbrock team and its resources to grow the presence of the Edelbrock brand in the forced induction market. This will include casting a vision for the product line, helping identify opportunities for new products, represent the group at trade shows and more. Page brings more than three decades of hands-on and professional experience in the performance automotive aftermarket component industry starting from age 14 when he raced go-karts. His experience includes building Drag and Dirt Street Stock cars, tuning Land Speed/Standing Mile record holders with both Turbo Charged and Nitrous power adders, Off Road Rock Bouncers, Ultra 4 Off Road buggies, boats, drag cars and show/street cars. Page has spent the last 15 years with COMP Performance Group holding several tech and sales positions, including technical training director, which he held prior to taking the new product manager position. Before coming to COMP, Page owned his own performance automotive shop and construction company.

National Auto Parts Warehouse Completes Acquisition of All Auto Plus Assets in Washington and Oregon From Icahn Automotive Group

National Auto Parts Warehouse (NPW), a family-owned automotive aftermarket parts distributor with a nationwide presence, and Icahn Automotive Group LLC (IAG), which owns and operates Auto Plus and Pep Boys automotive retail and service locations, have announced they have completed NPW’s acquisition of substantially all Auto Plus assets in Washington state and Oregon. The transaction includes two Pep Boys Parts retail store locations in Seattle, and excludes Pep Boys automotive service centers. National Auto Parts Warehouse will convert and rebrand the acquired Auto Plus and Pep Boys Parts retail locations as Auto Value parts stores. Icahn Automotive will continue to own and operate all of its service centers under the Pep Boys brand in Washington state and Oregon and focus on serving the growing demands of do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers and rapidly growing fleets.

Automotive Parts Services Group Honors Top Supplier Partners

The Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) announced its “Vendor of the Year” awards during its virtual national conference and expo. The Group recognized supplier partners for exceptional support in key categories important to its membership as well as the Outstanding Vendor of the Year award. Members of Federated Auto Parts and National Pronto Association cast votes for the top supplier in each category.

'The Group' Top Supplier Partner Awards

• Outstanding Vendor of the Year – APC/AP Centric
• Sales Support Vendor of the Year – Gates Corporation
• Marketing Excellence Vendor of the Year – KYB Americas Corporation
• Excellence in Education & Training Vendor of the Year – The Timken Company
• Service Level Excellence Vendor of the Year – FCS Automotive
• Catalog & Product Data Excellence Vendor of the Year – Standard Motor Products

15 Automotive Teachers, Teacher Teams Named Finalists for Harbor Freight $1 Million Prize

Fifteen automotive teachers and teacher teams from across the country were named finalists for the 2020 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. The teachers and their high school skilled trades programs are in the running for a share of $1 million in total cash awards.

The automotive teachers make up nearly one third oft he 50 skilled trades teachers named finalists for the prize, representing more than any other trade. The 50 finalists hail form 23 states and specialize in welding, construction, agriculture mechanics and technical theater. View the full list of finalists.

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.

Here’s a prototype of the Ford Ranger testing what is believed to be the Tremor package for the midsize pickup.

The vehicle is wearing some body-hugging camo on the front and rear ends, though there doesn't appear to be much—if anything—different about the body on either end except for a body-colored lower front fascia. The more noteworthy changes reside at the wheels, tires, running boards and lift.

This development prototype seems to be riding on a set of wheels from the international-market Ranger Raptor, wrapped in a set of knobby All-Terrain rubber. A set of high-clearance running boards is also clearly visible, and doesn’t appear like any other type of running board currently offered on the Ranger.

There’s also the question of ground clearance. It’s possible that this model is equipped with a lift, as it seems to be riding just a tad higher than normal Rangers.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a prototype of the Ford Ranger testing what is believed to be the Tremor package for the midsize pickup.

The vehicle is wearing some body-hugging camo on the front and rear ends, though there doesn't appear to be much—if anything—different about the body on either end except for a body-colored lower front fascia. The more noteworthy changes reside at the wheels, tires, running boards and lift.

This development prototype seems to be riding on a set of wheels from the international-market Ranger Raptor, wrapped in a set of knobby All-Terrain rubber. A set of high-clearance running boards is also clearly visible, and doesn’t appear like any other type of running board currently offered on the Ranger.

There’s also the question of ground clearance. It’s possible that this model is equipped with a lift, as it seems to be riding just a tad higher than normal Rangers.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a prototype of the Ford Ranger testing what is believed to be the Tremor package for the midsize pickup.

The vehicle is wearing some body-hugging camo on the front and rear ends, though there doesn't appear to be much—if anything—different about the body on either end except for a body-colored lower front fascia. The more noteworthy changes reside at the wheels, tires, running boards and lift.

This development prototype seems to be riding on a set of wheels from the international-market Ranger Raptor, wrapped in a set of knobby All-Terrain rubber. A set of high-clearance running boards is also clearly visible, and doesn’t appear like any other type of running board currently offered on the Ranger.

There’s also the question of ground clearance. It’s possible that this model is equipped with a lift, as it seems to be riding just a tad higher than normal Rangers.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a prototype of the Ford Ranger testing what is believed to be the Tremor package for the midsize pickup.

The vehicle is wearing some body-hugging camo on the front and rear ends, though there doesn't appear to be much—if anything—different about the body on either end except for a body-colored lower front fascia. The more noteworthy changes reside at the wheels, tires, running boards and lift.

This development prototype seems to be riding on a set of wheels from the international-market Ranger Raptor, wrapped in a set of knobby All-Terrain rubber. A set of high-clearance running boards is also clearly visible, and doesn’t appear like any other type of running board currently offered on the Ranger.

There’s also the question of ground clearance. It’s possible that this model is equipped with a lift, as it seems to be riding just a tad higher than normal Rangers.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a prototype of the Ford Ranger testing what is believed to be the Tremor package for the midsize pickup.

The vehicle is wearing some body-hugging camo on the front and rear ends, though there doesn't appear to be much—if anything—different about the body on either end except for a body-colored lower front fascia. The more noteworthy changes reside at the wheels, tires, running boards and lift.

This development prototype seems to be riding on a set of wheels from the international-market Ranger Raptor, wrapped in a set of knobby All-Terrain rubber. A set of high-clearance running boards is also clearly visible, and doesn’t appear like any other type of running board currently offered on the Ranger.

There’s also the question of ground clearance. It’s possible that this model is equipped with a lift, as it seems to be riding just a tad higher than normal Rangers.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Richard Hail

Ron Hinshaw of Roger’s Rod and Customs Inc. is restoring a ’57 Chevrolet 3200 for the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Hailing from East Bethel, Minnesota, comes Ron Hinshaw of Roger’s Rod and Customs Inc. Hinshaw has always been into cars and performance. His mantra of “if you couldn’t buy it, you had to build it” has suited him well while fabricating award-winning resto-mods. He gets a great feeling of accomplishment when taking something broken and restoring it to better than brand-new condition.

Hinshaw wasn’t even looking when he happened upon this ’57 Chevrolet 3200 “barn find.” Once a plan was in place, he kept the stock chassis, boxed in the frame and with some help from an installation kit from Flat Out Engineering, he added front and rear independent suspension from a C4 Corvette. An adjustable shock tower was fabricated to house the Mittler Bros. 5-in. Hydroshox hydraulic coil-over shocks in the rear, in which a custom hickory bed floor was built.

A ProCharger D-1X bolts up nicely to the Holley EFI-managed powerplant, while stopping power is provided by 14-in. Baer Pro+, six-piston calipers. Modifications yet to take place include shaving the door handles, relocating the gas tank to the rear of the truck and adding a ProCharger Race Series intercooler. An American Autowire wiring harness will support the Holley touchscreens in the cab, in addition to other modern amenities. Once the sheet metal inside is finished, Knish Kustomz will deliver a custom, hand-crafted interior. A blanket of Chrysler Header Orange paint will be the finishing touch on this classic pickup.

Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more videos and builder interviews, and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss future episodes. For more details about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.semabotb.com.