By Della Domingo

Emmitt Smith, the NFL legendary running back who became a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner last summer, will headline the 2022 SEMA Show Educational Program’s Friday Enthusiast Track. The new seven-session series will feature celebrities and iconic personalities as they share personal stories that will inspire and entertain Showgoers.

Smith, who will be joined on the Paradise Event Center stage by television personality Chris Jacobs from the hit show “Overhaulin’” on Friday, November 4, at 8:00 a.m., will discuss career opportunities in motorsports and the importance of paying it forward. His race team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to break down barriers in motorsports.

“Through Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, we want bring awareness to the many opportunities available in motorsports,” said Smith. “We want to inspire and educate people of all walks of life to work hard and pursue their dreams.”

SEMA Showgoers will hear from Smith about what motivated him to partner with Iwuji as a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner and how they are supporting minorities, youth and the service-member community.

The SEMA Education Enthusiast Track will continue with sessions throughout the day on how to secure sponsors for project vehicles, protecting the right to modify, land-use sustainability and more. The Enthusiast Track is open at no cost to all credentialed SEMA Showgoers, including top enthusiasts who are SEMA Individual Members attending through the SEMA Ignited Friday Experience.

“We’re excited about the Friday Enthusiast Track; it is the first time the SEMA Show Education Program has dedicated a series of seminars to appeal specifically to enthusiasts,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA Education director. “Given that this is such a passion-driven industry filled with professionals who love their jobs, the Enthusiast Track will be especially entertaining and engaging. Attendees will leave with practical information that speaks to this passion.”

For details about the SEMA Show Education Program and a complete schedule of seminars available, visit www.semashow.com.

For more information about the SEMA Ignited Friday Experience, visit www.semaignited.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Kail Withers as the council’s newest spotlight volunteer. Withers is the business manager for Armorlite, a complete replacement floor system for Jeep Wrangler JK-model vehicles.

Get to know Withers in his interview with SEMA below:

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

Kail Withers: I have a very broad range of taste when it comes to vehicles, but the one thing about off-road is the skill it takes to build something that can endure the roughest of conditions. It is the ultimate test.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?

KW: I came from years in the hot-rod industry and made many good connections through the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA). Coming into the truck and off-road industry I was starting out, in some cases, as the new guy. In the HRIA, I met new up-and-comers who joined, so I figured this would be a great way to get going.

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

KW: Working in an industry that you are passionate about makes it easy to be engaged, but sometimes the lines of personal life and work life can blur. Finding a balance is the key to not get burned out. Use your passion as experience, but remember the industry is full of people with varying style and experience. There is no absolute one direction, so try to step outside of your comfort zone a little.

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

KW: I work with mostly new vehicles right now, but my passion has always been the old stuff.

Right now I want to build a tube chassis Baja truck with either a C10 or F-100 body. Something that has timeless style but has chassis that will take the dunes at over 100 mph. Powertrain would likely be twin turbo LS based because that is what I know, but I would be open to other powertrains.

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA News and future TORA-member updates.

By Della Domingo

With nearly 3,000 credentialed media at the SEMA Show, the annual trade event is ideal for exhibitors that are making newsworthy announcements. Following is the official SEMA Show press conference schedule. Media are encouraged to attend all press conferences. To apply for media credentials, visit www.semashow.com/register.

Exhibitors that have breaking news announcements that are of interest to a large number of media are utilizing press conferences during the 2022 SEMA Show.

Official 2022 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule

(As of September 13, 2022)

Monday, October 31

• 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. – SEMA: SEMA Vehicle Reveal featuring the SEMA Award Presentation (outside of the Grand Lobby entrance)

Tuesday, November 1

• 7:30 a.m.–8:50 a.m. – SEMA: Kick-Off Breakfast, featuring announcements of Best New Products (Paradise Event Center)
• 9:00 a.m. – Volkswagen Group of America Inc.: Vehicle Unveil (Booth #10509)
• 9:30 a.m. – Toyota Motor North America: Toyota Press Conference (Booth #22200)
• 10:00 a.m. – SEMA: Keynote Speaker – TBA (Paradise Event Center)
• 11:00 a.m. – Keystone Automotive Operations Inc.: Ringbrothers Vehicle Unveil (Booth #21249)
• 11:30 a.m. – Centerforce Clutches: Ringbrothers & Centerforce Debut ’69 Mach 1 Mustang (Booth #23813)
• 12:00 p.m. – Quadratec Inc.: Quadratec to Debut Hybrid Jeep for “50 for 50” (Booth #58085)
• 12:30 pm – SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN): SBN All-Female Build Reveal (Booth 57061)
• 1:00 p.m. – Scorpion EV: Power and Performance … Electrified (Booth #11268/SEMA Electrified Area)
• 1:30 p.m. – SEMA: Battle of the Builders Top 40 Announcement (Booth #10139/SEMA Battle of the Builders Area)
• 2:00 p.m. – Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners: Ringbrothers Unveils the Super Truck (Booth #22357)

Wednesday, November 2

• 10:00 a.m. – Hellwig Products Co. Inc.: Hellwig Introduces New Silent Support System Line (Booth #57043)
• 10:30 a.m. – Radiant Ride: Radiant Ride Launches “Think Inside the Box” (Booth #12861)
• 11:00 a.m. – The 4 Less Corp.: AutoParts4Less.com motorsports sponsorship (Booth #11839)
• 11:30 a.m. – TORRIX: TORRIX – Altering Off-Road Possibilities (Booth #12439)
• 12:00 p.m. – SendCutSend.com: SendCutSend Launches On-Demand Manufacturing (Booth #24875)
• 12:30 p.m. – Redline Detection LLC: Redline Detection Global Brand Partnership (Media Center)
• 1:30 p.m. – SEMA: Battle of the Builders Top 12 Announcement (Booth #10139/SEMA Battle of the Builders Area)
• 2:00 p.m. – Formula DRIFT: 20 Years (Media Center)
• 2:30 p.m. – Anyline Inc.:  Anyline Launches Smartphone Tread Depth Scanner (Media Center)
• 3:00 p.m. – Repairify: Repairify Institute Announcement (Booth #31201)
• 3:30 p.m. – Myers Tire Supply: Myers Tire Supply Launches Comprehensive MXP Brand (Booth #43095)
• 4:00 p.m. – ASA Automotive: ASA Automotive Introduces New DVI APP (Booth #43051)

By Della Domingo

As the SEMA Show concludes on Friday, November 4, iconic cars and trucks will emerge from the Las Vegas Convention Center and make their way to the West Hall Parking Lot for SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—where enthusiasts will see some of the hottest custom vehicles in the world that debuted earlier in the week.

General admission tickets allow access into SEMA Ignited and are available at www.SEMAIgnited.com. Enthusiasts can purchase upgraded tickets for reserved seating to watch the SEMA Cruise and performances from Formula DRIFT and the Urias Globe of Death—daredevil motorcycle riders who perform jaw-dropping stunts in a mesh sphere ball. A limited number of Friday Experience packages are available for general admission into SEMA Ignited, as well as entrance into the SEMA Show on Friday, November 4, and come with a one-year SEMA Individual Membership. The SEMA Friday Experience ticket price is $70 if purchased by September 30, or $100 if purchased between October 1–November 4.

“The SEMA Ignited Friday Experience is a rare opportunity for gearheads to experience the trade-only SEMA Show, and engage with the industry as SEMA Individual Members,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Through the Friday Experience, enthusiasts will get a behind-the-scenes look at what industry professionals are doing at the SEMA Show and witness the trends as they are happening.”

Now in its eighth year, SEMA Ignited is a combination of a car show, parade, music, food, entertainment and exhibitions all rolled into what becomes the ultimate automotive celebration. It’s where consumers see, hear and, in some cases, get up close and connect with award-winning vehicles and their owners. With more vendors and exhibitors than ever before, the 2022 SEMA Ignited is where enthusiasts will be able to discover the newest trends, learn about new products, meet industry celebrities and experience the excitement of the growing aftermarket.

All SEMA Showgoers will be able to attend SEMA Ignited with their Show credentials. For more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. To learn more about the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.   

By Ashley Reyes

Motorsports parts manufacturers have until September 16 to sign up to exhibit at the 2023 MPMC Media Trade Conference.

At the Media Trade Conference, time is allocated for 42 private, 30-minute meetings over a span of three days, providing the ideal opportunity to share product demonstrations, company updates and plans for the future race season.

Taking place in Anaheim, California, at Embassy Suites Anaheim South, January 24–26, 2023, the annual conference connects manufacturers of racing and performance products with journalists though one-on-one quality meetings and interviews. Exhibitors share new and relevant information on their products, and in return receive coverage in trade and consumer outlets, including print, online, video/television, radio/podcasts and social-media outlets.

By signing up now, manufacturers can build and strengthen relationships with journalists and influencers who can help promote their brands. Time is allocated for 42 private, 30-minute meetings over a span of three days, providing the ideal opportunity to share product demonstrations, company updates and plans for the future race season.

Manufacturers can learn more and sign up at www.sema.org/mtc or contact MPMC Director marcy@sema.org with questions.

I-CAR, a leader in collision-repair training since 1979, is offering free, daily instruction—from welding 101 to advanced MIG welding techniques for aluminum and standard-strength steel—Tuesday–Friday, November 1-4, during the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Once completing the class, a voucher is provided, redeemable at the I-CAR welding demo area within the SEMA Collision Repair Stage, booth #32145, for free hands-on practice available at your convenience until Friday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m.

MIG Welding and I-CAR credited courses include:

• Initialization and calibration of electronic systems
• Coordinate the repair process
• Managing quality control

In addition, free I-CAR, SCRS and OEM daily presentations are available at the SEMA Collision Repair Stage at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Emissions compliance is a legal requirement that applies to almost all engine-related performance products. To help manufacturers understand how the emissions-compliance process works, if their products are subject to compliance and what the repercussions are to those who fail to obtain compliance, SEMA members are invited to a live webinar featuring Peter Treydte, SEMA director of emissions compliance. Treydte will explain and answer questions about the emissions-compliance process during the webinar “Guided Tour of the Emissions Testing Process,” September 27, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Presented by the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN), attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of the kinds of products that are tested, what the test process is, the dynamics of the test and what preparation goes into the tests.

This webinar will include a Q&A with Treydte and tips on how to best prepare for a successful test result.

Register here.

By Della Domingo

SEMA Show exhibitors are making headlines, and the SEMA Show Online Media Center is a great place to view press releases from exhibitors.

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is a great place to view press releases from exhibitors.

Below are some of the recent releases from SEMA Show exhibitors:

• 3FP’S Debut at SEMA 2022
• Malco Products Inc. Now Offering Popular Detailing Products in Retail-Friendly Sizes
• Stage 8 Introduces Motorhome Slideout Motor Locking Bolt Kit Solution
• BunduTec USA Launches Its New All-Inclusive Trailer
• Forcome Introduces a New Line of Premium Winches From X-Power
• Ridgeline Lubricants Launches Innovative Fluids Analysis Program
• Oracle Lighting: New Product Release

View all the exhibitor press releases at www.semashow.com/press, and find all SEMA Show news at www.semashow.com/news.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to post their press releases for free by visiting this link.

The 2022 SEMA Show will take place November 1–4 in Las Vegas. Registration and details can be found at www.SEMAShow.com.

Meyer Distributing Acquires P&E Distributors

Meyer Distributing—the automotive specialty products marketing and distribution provider based in Jasper, Indiana—has acquired Performance & Electronics (P&E) Distributors headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. P&E, a family-owned and operated business for more than 55 years, is the distributor of wholesale automotive aftermarket accessories and a two-time SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year. The announcement strengthens Meyer Distributing's position in 12-volt automotive and more markets.

In more Meyer Distributing news, the provider has also announced a new Albany, New York, location. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer's East Hanover, New Jersey, distribution hub which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, exhaust, and RV parts in the region. For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

Third Annual Hood Master Challenge to Be Held Downtown Indianapolis on October 7

Collision-repair students in high school and college will repair, design and paint retired bowling pins for a chance to win industry-related prizes that help better prepare them for their careers in the automotive industry.

FinishMaster has announced the third annual Hood Master Challenge, PiN Master Student Challenge and annual fundraiser for students—free and open to the public—Friday, October 7, at the Alexander Hotel in downtown Indianapolis from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Experience the art exhibit atmosphere showcasing talent from all over the country, complete with painted mini car hoods from industry painters and refinished and painted bowling pins from collision-repair students.

Through the support of Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF)—a national nonprofit organization that supports and gives back to high-school and college collision school programs—FinishMaster will host the PiN Master challenge again at Hood Master. Collision-repair students in high school and college will repair, design and paint retired bowling pins for a chance to win industry-related prizes that help better prepare them for their careers in the automotive industry. Hood Master attendees will also be able to help support CREF while at the event through the FinishMaster Fundraiser. All proceeds from the evening’s event will go directly to a FinishMaster educational grant for CREF to support collision repair programs in need. Attendees are asked to reserve their spot. For more information, visit www.finishmaster.com/hood-master-challenge.

Mullen Automotive Acquires Controlling Interest in EV Truck Innovator Bollinger Motors Inc.

Mullen Automotive Inc., an emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced its acquisition of a controlling interest in EV truck innovator Bollinger Motors. This is Mullen’s first EV acquisition and propels the company into the medium-duty truck classes 3–6, along with the B1 and B2 sport-utility trucks. The purchase price is $148.2 million in cash and stock for a 60% controlling interest, which gives Mullen the majority ownership of Bollinger Motors Inc. and positions Bollinger to capture the electric sport-utility and commercial vehicle markets.

Stertil-Koni Promotes Christine Coulson to General Accountant

Stertil-Koni has announced that Christine Coulson has been promoted to general accountant, based in the company’s North American headquarters location in Stevensville, Maryland. In her new post, Coulson will be responsible for activities that span payroll, health insurance, 401K administration, personnel administration and various corporate compliance matters and accounting responsibilities. Coulson, who joined Stertil-Koni in 2017, previously served in a senior role as retirement plan specialist for T. Rowe Price.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Ferrari was caught testing a track only SF90, which could get the “Challenge” moniker on the Ring. Looking at the photos, you see lots of “Ferrari Races” and “Ferrari Challenge” stickers as well as a blue decal of the “Adler Pelzer Group,” which is a “Corse Clienti” partner for customers who enjoy racing on the track. And there’s a little side story that gives away this SF90’s identity: The giant rear wing is by far too big for a road-legal car. Therefore, engineers kept going on and off the Nürburgring race circuit with the prototype, each time adding and removing the spoiler when entering or leaving the track. The spoiler was transported separately by a Fiat Ducato.

What engine lurks underneath remains unknown, but the existing SF90 makes a total of 986 hp from a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 and three electric motors. It’s not clear whether this track-focused machine will increase the output even more or if the aerodynamic tweaks would be the major upgrades for this version.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde