By SEMA Editors

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is one of the first looks at the ’21 Jeep Wagoneer prototype. Jeep will re-introduce a three-row SUV to its U.S. lineup through a Ram 1500-based vehicle that will form the basis of its next upward move.

The Wagoneer, which reintroduces a storied name for Jeep, will compete with the Ford Expedition and the GMC Yukon, among others. Three rows of seats are implied, with an expected capacity of as many as eight seats.

Power will likely revolve around the Ram 1500’s current engine range, which includes a 3.6L V6 with or without a 48-volt boost system, as well as the ubiquitous 5.7L V8 engine. A plug-in hybrid system could be offered. A more plush, Grand Wagoneer version is expected soon after the debut of the Wagoneer to compete with the likes of the Lincoln Navigator and even Land Rover’s Range Rover.

The ’21 Wagoneer, however, is expected to be seen by mid-2020.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Riverside, California, College Seeking SEMA Members for Outreach Event

Riverside City College is seeking automotive aftermarket professionals to participate in an automotive networking event designed to cultivate the next generation of enthusiasts.

Students of Riverside City College are seeking automotive aftermarket industry professionals to participate in an automotive networking event designed to cultivate the next generation of automotive enthusiasts. Participating individuals are invited to share their career paths with students and provide advice on what's needed to be a successful automotive aftermarket professional, while educating students about their businesses.

The Riverside City College Automotive Networking Event will take place December 3, at the school's campus, located in Riverside, California, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Automotive employers can also meet with qualified candidates to discuss what skills and connections they need to reach their goals, making this one-of-a-kind event beneficial to all attendees involved.

For questions regarding the event or how to participate, contact Angelica Alcantar at 951-858-0924 or angelica.alcantar@rcc.edu.

Lubrication Specialties Inc. Hires Nikki Stoughton as 
Director of Marketing

Nikki Stoughton

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) President Brett Tennar recently announced the appointment of Nikki Stoughton as the company’s new director of marketing. Stoughton is an award-winning brand manager with a history of developing data-driven marketing strategy to identify new product or market opportunities. She has a background of account-based, integrated marketing for diverse industries, including hospitality, chemical, financial, education and pharmaceutical. Immediately prior to her position at LSI, she worked first as a solutions marketing manager and then brand marketing manager for CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, where she managed the company’s flagship brand SciFindern. As brand marketing manager, Stoughton exhibited an ability to create initiatives that ensured rapid market adoption and outstanding customer engagement. Prior, Stoughton worked as the marketing manager at Exceptional Innovation Inc., where she was responsible for account-based marketing, branding, market strategy, budgets, communications and events.

Nick D’Agostino

UEM Pistons Announces Nick D’Agostino as Director of Product Development

United Engine & Machine Co. has announced the addition of Nick D’Agostino as its director of product development. In his new role, D’Agostino will manage development of both cast and forged piston applications. With more than 19 years in the automotive industry, D’Agostino’s core competency rests firmly in performance racing, which is an asset for the ICON Forged Piston lineup. He will also be at the helm of development for product lines, including Silivolite Pistons and KB Hypereutectic Pistons, all while tasked with the reintroduction of the new Dualoy Diesel Piston lineup.

Ben Patel Joins Cooper Tire

Ben Patel

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. named Ben Patel senior vice president and chief technology officer. Patel is responsible for product planning and development, as well as engineering and technology across all regions. He leads a technology organization that includes a global technical center as well as technical centers in Asia, Europe and North America.

Patel joins Cooper following eight years at Tenneco Inc., where he most recently served as senior vice president, chief technology officer. In an earlier role at Tenneco, he served in the Global Clean Air Division as its vice president, global research and development, and helped create new products for global light and commercial vehicle customers to meet environmental and performance standards.

Earlier in his career, Patel spent 12 years at General Electric (GE), including a senior research scientist position at GE’s Global Research Center within the Polymer and Chemical Technology Laboratory.

BASF Supports Future Technicians With Donation to CREF

From left: Jeff Wildman, OEM Manager for BASF; Tiffany Bulak, CREF Development and Marketing Coordinator; Jane Niemi, BASF Refinish NA Marketing Manager; and Brandon Eckenrode, CREF Director of Development.

Thanks to BASF's recent commitment, students enrolled in automotive refinish programs can look forward to new spray guns and other resources. The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) announced that it has received donations from BASF, including spray guns, paint, materials and equipment with an estimated value of $200,000 that will support multiple automotive refinish programs and students around the country.

Donations went to schools demonstrating a strong curriculum for educating students in collision repair, which need assistance due to strained school budgets. A portion of the donated spray guns will also be available through an upcoming CREF Student Scholarship & Tool Grant program set to begin in early 2020. BASF also raised money for CREF at a private customer event during the 2019 SEMA Show.

Mitchell 1, ASE Present 2019 Technician of the Future Award

Zachery Ward (middle) was named the 2019 Mitchell 1 2019 Mitchell 1/Snap-on Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Technician of the Future.

Zachery Ward of Massena, New York, was named the 2019 Mitchell 1/Snap-on Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Technician of the Future during the recent ASE Fall Board of Governors Meeting and Annual Technician Awards. Ward received a $1,000 cash prize, a one-year subscription to ProDemand auto repair software from Mitchell 1, along with airfare and hotel accommodations to attend the event to receive his award.

During high school, Ward attended BOCES Seaway Tech in Norwood, New York. He then earned a two-year degree in automotive technology from The State University of New York in Morrisville and is currently enrolled in classes to obtain a master’s degree in technology, with the goal of teaching automotive classes. Ward has worked as an automotive technician at a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram dealership since May 2019.

To qualify to win the Mitchell 1/Snap-on ASE Technician of the Future award, the winner must be ASE Certified, must have registered as a student and have the highest cumulative test scores on the A4, A5, A6 and A8 tests.

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

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening in the Distributors/Retailers category.

As a member of the Association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seat is open for this year’s election:

• Distributors/Retailers (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 a brief 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 Friday, January 3, 2020. 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.

Chris Kersting, CAE

SEMA President & CEO

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

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening in the Distributors/Retailers category.

As a member of the Association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seat is open for this year’s election:

• Distributors/Retailers (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 a brief 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 Friday, January 3, 2020. 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.

Chris Kersting, CAE

SEMA President & CEO

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.

CNC Operators
COMP Cams is hiring several Level I, Level II and Level III CNC operators who have experience operating a variety of CNC machines. Successful candidates will perform some minor setups and part quality checks using micrometers, gauges and calipers. Operators are also responsible for monitoring machine output and providing suggestions for improved efficiency and quality. The ability to operate CNC machinery and knowledge of inspection procedures and tools are required.

Automotive Fuel Systems Sales Specialist
Group-A Engineering is hiring an experienced automotive fuel systems salesperson with technical abilities that directly correlate to fuel Injectors, fuel rails, pumps, electronic throttle bodies, etc. Candidates should have vast knowledge of various vehicles, including American musclecars, European and Japanese performance. Experience with closing sales is a must.

Inventory Manager
FOX Factory Inc. is hiring an inventory manager to maintain inventory accuracy, warehouse location maintenance, optimizing space utilization and process quality. This position will be responsible for inventories at all Sport Truck USA locations and will be hands-on while leading their team with a heavy emphasis on reporting and analytics. This position requires a degree in operations, supply chain or a related business field or equivalent years of experience and a strong understanding of personnel management and development. Candidates must have more than two years’ related experience preferably in a manufacturing and/or warehouse environment.

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

By SEMA Editors

“Reflection,” a ’65 Chevrolet Chevelle, owned by Sonny and Debbie Freeman of Lafayette, Louisiana, is the winner of the 2019 Mothers Shine Award.

From left: Dennis Holloway of Mothers, Sherry Goldman, Talbert Goldman and Mike Goldman of Mike Goldman Customs, owners Debbie Freeman and Sonny Freeman, and Jim Holloway of Mothers.

The prestigious Mothers Shine Award celebrates the finest examples of customized specialty vehicles and the builders behind their creations.

Aftermarket industry veteran and Shine Award judge, John Naderi, returned to host the ceremony for 2019, which was held in the Mothers booth at this year’s SEMA Show. After reviewing the entire field of custom-crafted vehicles, the judges awarded the 2019 Shine Award to “Reflection,” a ’65 Chevrolet Chevelle, owned by Sonny and Debbie Freeman of Lafayette, Louisiana, and built by Mike Goldman Customs in Meridian, Mississippi.

In addition to the Shine Award, nine Mothers Choice Award trophies were also presented to the following:

’72 Datsun 240Z

• Owner: Shawn Bassett, Apopka, Florida
  Builder: Shawn Bassett, Apopka, Florida
  Location: Holley booth

’62 Chevrolet C-10 Pickup “The Chevrolet E-10 Concept”

• Owner: General Motors, Detroit, Michigan
• Builder: General Motors, Detroit, Michigan
• Location: Chevrolet booth

’69 Chevrolet Camaro “Valkyrja”

• Owner: Undisclosed
• Builder: Ringbrothers, Spring Green, Wisconsin
• Location: BASF booth

’66 Datsun Fairlady 1600 Roadster

• Owner: Chris Bishop, Richmond, Virginia
• Builder: Japanese Classics, Richmond, Virginia
• Location: Fortune Auto booth

’65 M677 Jeep Forward Control Truck

• Owner: Roy Wallace, San Jacinto, California
• Builder: Rock Solid Off Road, San Jacinto, California
• Location: Truck Hero booth

’48 GMC Half-Ton Pickup

• Owner: Dave Jones, Scottsdale, Arizona
• Builder: Dave Kindig, Kindig-it Design, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Location: Borla booth

’36 Ford Roadster

• Owner: George Poteet, Memphis, Tennessee
• Builder: Pinkee’s Rod Shop, Windsor, Colorado
• Location: Absorber booth

’32 Ford Tudor “5th Avenue Special”

• Owner: Nathan Powell, Columbiana, Alabama
• Builder: Goolsby Customs, Hueytown, Alabama
• Location: Lokar booth

’72 Chevrolet K50 Blazer “The Bulldog”

Owner: Randall Robertson, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Builder: Rtech Fabrications, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Location: Toyo Tire booth

By SEMA Editors

“Reflection,” a ’65 Chevrolet Chevelle, owned by Sonny and Debbie Freeman of Lafayette, Louisiana, is the winner of the 2019 Mothers Shine Award.

From left: Dennis Holloway of Mothers, Sherry Goldman, Talbert Goldman and Mike Goldman of Mike Goldman Customs, owners Debbie Freeman and Sonny Freeman, and Jim Holloway of Mothers.

The prestigious Mothers Shine Award celebrates the finest examples of customized specialty vehicles and the builders behind their creations.

Aftermarket industry veteran and Shine Award judge, John Naderi, returned to host the ceremony for 2019, which was held in the Mothers booth at this year’s SEMA Show. After reviewing the entire field of custom-crafted vehicles, the judges awarded the 2019 Shine Award to “Reflection,” a ’65 Chevrolet Chevelle, owned by Sonny and Debbie Freeman of Lafayette, Louisiana, and built by Mike Goldman Customs in Meridian, Mississippi.

In addition to the Shine Award, nine Mothers Choice Award trophies were also presented to the following:

’72 Datsun 240Z

• Owner: Shawn Bassett, Apopka, Florida
  Builder: Shawn Bassett, Apopka, Florida
  Location: Holley booth

’62 Chevrolet C-10 Pickup “The Chevrolet E-10 Concept”

• Owner: General Motors, Detroit, Michigan
• Builder: General Motors, Detroit, Michigan
• Location: Chevrolet booth

’69 Chevrolet Camaro “Valkyrja”

• Owner: Undisclosed
• Builder: Ringbrothers, Spring Green, Wisconsin
• Location: BASF booth

’66 Datsun Fairlady 1600 Roadster

• Owner: Chris Bishop, Richmond, Virginia
• Builder: Japanese Classics, Richmond, Virginia
• Location: Fortune Auto booth

’65 M677 Jeep Forward Control Truck

• Owner: Roy Wallace, San Jacinto, California
• Builder: Rock Solid Off Road, San Jacinto, California
• Location: Truck Hero booth

’48 GMC Half-Ton Pickup

• Owner: Dave Jones, Scottsdale, Arizona
• Builder: Dave Kindig, Kindig-it Design, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Location: Borla booth

’36 Ford Roadster

• Owner: George Poteet, Memphis, Tennessee
• Builder: Pinkee’s Rod Shop, Windsor, Colorado
• Location: Absorber booth

’32 Ford Tudor “5th Avenue Special”

• Owner: Nathan Powell, Columbiana, Alabama
• Builder: Goolsby Customs, Hueytown, Alabama
• Location: Lokar booth

’72 Chevrolet K50 Blazer “The Bulldog”

Owner: Randall Robertson, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Builder: Rtech Fabrications, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Location: Toyo Tire booth

By Katie Hurst

Comstock High School was one of five high schools that participated in the 2019 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program. The students built an ’04 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is expanding to 10 builds for the 2019–2020 school year. As partners in this program, 10 high-school auto-shop classes will customize third-generation Toyota 4Runners and Jeep Wrangler TJs. The program aims to bridge the gap between industry and auto-shop students to foster the next generation of hobbyists and the automotive aftermarket workforce.

Through this hands-on build program, students will expand their real-world auto-tech skills by working with aftermarket products while being introduced to a new career path to pursue their passion for customization. The builds will begin in January, and students will complete their builds by the end of the school year.

Aftermarket companies can support this effort through parts donations and/or mentorship opportunities. Sponsors will have their product(s) installed on the vehicle(s) and receive recognition through the build website and in SEMA build promotions.

Sponsoring the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is not only giving high-school students a build experience of a lifetime, it’s also allowing them to open their minds to the possibilities of what can be accomplished using aftermarket products.

If you’re interested in supporting one or more of the student vehicle builds, please fill out the product donation form. If you’re interested in mentoring a school, please contact SEMA youth engagement programs manager Katie Hurst.  

Learn more and check out last year’s builds.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

2020 Southeast Conference U.S. Majors Tour Schedule Released

All but two race weekends on the Southeast Conference 2020 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) U.S. Majors Tour schedule are three-day events.

The Southeast Conference 2020 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) U.S. Majors Tour competition calendar has been released. A total of six weekends, 12 races in all, make up the schedule, January through June.

All but two race weekends on the Southeast Conference schedule are again three-day events. Two-day events are slated for June at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Roebling Road. Three events on the Southeast Conference schedule will also again be Hoosier Racing Tire SCCA Super Tour dates that offer a heightened experience for both competitors and race fans.

The calendar is subject to change, but the current 2020 U.S. Majors Tour Southeast Conference schedule is as follows:

• January 3-5: Homestead-Miami Speedway; Homestead, Florida
• January 10-12: Sebring International Raceway; Sebring, Florida
• March 20-22: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta; Braselton, Georgia
• April 10-12: VIRginia International Raceway; Alton, Virginia (Dual Southeast/Northeast Conference Event)
• June 6-7: Charlotte Motor Speedway; Concord, North Carolina
• June 27-28: Roebling Road; Bloomingdale, Georgia

Schedules for other SCCA U.S. Majors Tour Conferences will be published as they are finalized.

Ampudia Bros. Blast to Overall and SCORE Trophy Truck Win in BFGoodrich Tires 52nd SCORE Baja 1000

Brothers Alan and Aaron Ampudia won the overall and SCORE Trophy Truck title last Sunday in the BFGoodrich Tires 52nd SCORE Baja 1000, presented by 4 Wheel Parts. They split the driving in their No. 10 Monster Energy Papas & Beer Ford Raptor built by ID Design to a winning time of 16 hours, 10 minutes and 36 seconds while averaging 49.48 mph. This year’s race was held over a rugged 800.50-mile race course over the Northern part of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, starting and finishing in Ensenada, Baja California Norte. The race will be televised on a delayed basis as a one-hour special on ABC TV’s World of X Games programming, January 4, 2020. Produced by SCORE in association with BCII TV, announcers will be Hall of Fame racers Cameron Steele and Ricky Johnson. The Ampudia brothers became just the third team of Mexican Nationals to win the race. Joining the Ampudia brothers on the podium were 2019 Dakar Rally champions Nasser Al-Attiyah/Toby Price and Luke McMillin/Larry Roeseler.

For complete results visit the SCORE International website.

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