By SEMA Editors

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels--the provider of racing and high-performance tires and wheels for street, strip, truck and off-road applications--has announced John Bodart has assumed the role of president.

Bodart brings more than three decades of experience in the tire industry to the position. He has held leadership positions in the technical, quality, sales and manufacturing organizations of Cooper Tire, where he began his career. Additionally, Bodart played a critical role in the integration of Cooper Tire with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

"I look forward to working with the team to build upon the success of recent years and continue to elevate Mickey Thompson's strength and performance as a business," said Bodart.

LSI Announces Retirement of Company Founder, CEO Chris Gabrelcik 

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI)--the Mt. Gilead, Ohio-based manufacturer of Hot Shot's Secret brand of additives, oils, and fluids--has announced the retirement of company founder and CEO Chris Gabrelcik. He will continue to own and oversee the management of Microwave Renewable Technologies (MRT) in Mount Gilead.

Gabrelcik began LSI in 1997, focusing on providing lubrication services to top industrial and commercial accounts to ensure equipment operated at maximum capacity. 

Around 2005, Gabrelcik created the Hot Shot's Secret Original Stiction Eliminator, one of the fastest-growing performance lubricant brands in the USA.

In June 2022, Gabrelcik sold most of the assets of Lubrication Specialties Inc., including Hot Shot's Secret, Frantz Filter and LSI Chemical to Gold Eagle Company (Chicago, Illinois), retaining ownership of MRT with the agreement to continue to serve as CEO of Lubrication Specialties for one year.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Opens Two New Exhibitions 

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum has announced the opening of two new exhibitions, "1956" and "Our Collection, Your Favorites," presented by Shell. The exhibitions are now open and showcase collection highlights through two unique storytelling designs.

The "1956" exhibit celebrates the origin of the IMS Museum and features the first 13 vehicles, including the Marmon Wasp and Indian Motorcycle. The "Our Collection, Your Favorites," presented by Shell exhibit, puts the guest in the role of the curator. Collection items featured in this exhibition include more than 30 diecast cars, vintage games and racing suits.

By Juan Torres

World-renowned athlete, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tim Tebow will share his mission-possible life message with attendees at the 2023 SEMA Show as part of the trade-only event's professional-development experience. Taking place October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show will highlight Tebow as a keynote speaker on the SEMA Show Main Stage, a new program that will feature iconic personalities in the automotive industry, thought leaders and entertainers sharing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas and strategies.

"I'm looking forward to helping SEMA Show attendees find their mission and create a life that counts," said Tebow. "I hope my experiences and the lessons I've learned first-hand will inspire them to live a purposeful life that helps them succeed personally and professionally."

Tebow's keynote address will take place at 1 p.m. PDT on Thursday, November 2, in the West Hall. His speech is part of a comprehensive SEMA Show Education program that focuses on leadership and year-round skill development.

"We're really excited about bringing Tim Tebow to our Main Stage Experience as a subject-matter expert who has the knowledge and ability to inspire change," said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education. "His ideas will elevate and strengthen an attendee's business strategy because he's a very strong entrepreneur himself. His multigenerational message is going to resonate with all attendees."

In addition to globally recognized speakers and industry leaders on the Main Stage, the 2023 SEMA Show Education Program will include 99 learning sessions that begin the Monday before the official start of the Show, six highly focused SEMA Education tracks, the Dale Carnegie Leadership Essentials program, a Women in Automotive Symposium and an on-site electric vehicle (EV) certification program. Access to most education programs is included as a benefit to registration.

"The SEMA Show is the only place where aftermarket professionals can discover new products and trends, make new business contacts and take their careers and businesses from good to great in one location," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "We are committed to ensuring that participation in the SEMA Show is easy, affordable and provides the greatest return on investment."

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register for just $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date. To learn more or to register to attend the 2023 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Ford has unveiled the Mustang GT4 during a special event at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in eastern Belgium.

The GT4 is based on the all-new '24 Mustang Dark Horse, just like its sibling, the Mustang GT3. With the reveal, Ford officially continues an uninterrupted tenure in the SRO-sanctioned GT4 category, first entered in 2017.

"The Mustang GT4 is a key member of our motorsports lineup. Its placement between the Mustang GT3 and soon-to-be-unveiled Mustang Dark Horse R keeps the brand in competition at all levels of on-track performance and is an important part of our customer racing program," said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports.

The Mustang GT4 race car features Multimatic DSSV dampers, a Holinger dog-ring gearbox, paddle shifters with pneumatic actuation, natural fiber body panels, as well as a unique aero package developed to meet GT4 category targets.

For racers and teams interested in acquiring a Mustang GT4 to enter into competition, visit ford.com/performance/mustang-gt4.

2024 SRO America Calendar Revealed

SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO Stephane Ratel outlined the global SRO schedule, with the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS featuring seven events across the U.S., with four additional series accompanying the headlining act. GT America powered by AWS, Pirelli GT4 America, TC America powered by Skip Barber and the Toyota GR Cup North America join the fun for action-packed weekends.

Sonoma Raceway once again plays host to the official season opener. Two rounds of racing will liven the rolling hills of wine country in the Sonoma Valley on April 5-7. The second stop of the championship heads back to the Big Easy, with NOLA Motorsports Park returning to the calendar on April 26-28.

The 2024 season will end at the crown jewel of American race tracks, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) for the Indianapolis 8 Hours presented by AWS on October 5 and the final rounds of racing for all SRO America series, October 4-6.

2024 SRO MOTORSPORTS AMERICA CALENDAR

• February 28-29/SRO Winter Test/Location TBA
• April 5-7/Sonoma Raceway/Sonoma, CA
• April 26-28/NOLA Motorsports Park/New Orleans, LA
• May 17-19/Circuit of The Americas/Austin, TX
• June 14-16/Virginia International Raceway/Alton, VA
• August 2-4/Music City Grand Prix/Nashville, TN
• August 16-18/Road America/Elkhart Lake, WI
• September 6-8/To Be Announced
• October 4-6/Indianapolis Motor Speedway/Indianapolis, IN

Statement From Save Our Speedway, Greenville-Pickens Speedway (SC)

Greenville-Pickens Speedway--the asphalt track in Easley, South Carolina--has released a statement alongside Save Our Speedway, the organization behind the efforts to reopen North Wilkesboro Speedway.

The statement is as follows:

We're truly saddened and disappointed to announce that due to circumstances beyond our control, our fight to salvage a 2023 racing season at Greenville-Pickens Speedway has unfortunately come to an end.

Jackie Manley's lawyer advised him not to sign the proposed lease contract he recently received from the owner of the race track without a few minor, yet critical, changes. Despite repeated efforts to negotiate for a few key terms that were necessary to facilitate the 2023 racing season, however, Jackie was told that the lease was offered on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. Based on the advice of Jackie's lawyer, the Save The Speedway team which revived North Wilkesboro, and all of our other trusted advisors, we simply cannot move forward, as the proposed deal could not support the goals of SOS GPS in returning Greenville-Pickens Speedway to its former glory. We wish you could've experienced all that we had planned.

For more information, visit the track Facebook page here.

For more racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Jake Hopkins--the marketing manager at FASS Diesel Fuel Systems--as the network's newest spotlight member.

Get to know Hopkins in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

JH: The best advice I've ever received is that your circumstances are defined by your perspective. This advice changed my life both personally and professionally--knowing that any situation can be improved by a change in perspective. I cannot control everything in my life, but I can control how I think, behave, react and take action.  

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

JH: A passion to see the automotive lifestyle thrive for generations to come.  

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

JH: Detailing my Mustang or tinkering with my GX470 (I have a weakness for old 'Yotas). 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

JH: I print physical copies of emails, notes, spreadsheets--anything important. I like to have all my information laid out in front of me.  

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

JH: I would love to sit down with Chip Foose and discuss how he has navigated such an incredible career. From design to entrepreneurship, it would seem he's been successful in every venture--something rarely seen.

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.  

 By Ashley Reyes

Electric vehicles (EVs) are part of a rapidly growing segment in the performance aftermarket. To ensure efficient product development, engineers, programmers and developers must know how to accurately assess modifications' influence on EV performance--and they can do so with an upcoming online program.

During the webinar EV Dyno Testing on Wednesday, July 13, at 1:00 p.m. PDT, attendees will learn how to properly dyno test an EV chassis. Participants will hear from Michael Caldwell, the sales manager at Mustang Advanced Engineering, and walk away knowing: 

• The difference between dyno testing an EV and an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
• How to prepare an EV for accurate chassis dyno testing. 
• How to evaluate the results from an EV chassis dyno test. 
• How to report accurate performance increases. 

Caldwell has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive testing business. Connect with him live on Wednesday, July 13, and register for the webinar today.

By SEMA Editors

Every year, the Las Vegas Convention Center is filled with hundreds of world-class vehicles and builds as part of the exclusive Feature Vehicle Display at the SEMA Show. The cars--which span all categories and applications of the aftermarket--are submitted by Show exhibitors looking to expand their footprint beyond their booth.

Submit your Feature Vehicle Display application by Friday, July 28. Additional vehicles will be considered on a space-available basis. Exhibiting companies with multiple vehicle application submissions will be asked to rank submissions based on priority. For the complete rules, visit here. 

The program not only directs buyers and media to exhibitors' booths but also provides invaluable pre-Show exposure. Each vehicle accepted into this program will be featured in the SEMA Show app with the vehicle's image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder's name, and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibitor company.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB), Presented by Mothers

In addition, exhibitors can also request information on how to enter the vehicle into the SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB), Presented by Mothers. The prestigious competition is judged by industry experts, with awards presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, SUVs, sport compacts and luxury and exotic builds.

Note that applying for BOTB does not grant a vehicle a spot at the SEMA Show. Applicants must secure a display as an exhibitor's booth vehicle or as part of an exhibitor's Feature Vehicle Display entry. The deadline for BOTB is Friday, October 13.

More Information

For a complete list of SEMA Show deadlines, visit here. For more information on the Feature Vehicle application, contact Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

In partnership with onPeak, SEMA has secured exclusive discounted rates at a wide selection of Las Vegas hotels for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, in the Las Vegas Convention Center. To help ease travel plans, onPeak--the only official hotel provider for the SEMA Show--offers convenient housing options with flexible change and cancellation policies. SEMA encourages exhibitors and attendees to book through onPeak today for the best selection and prices.

Book an attendee hotel here.

Book an exhibitor hotel here.

Don't See the Hotel You're Looking For? Just Ask! 

SEMA Show management does its best to offer the best selection of Las Vegas hotels based on demand and popularity. But, there are countless hotels in Vegas--if you don't see the property you want to stay at, we can still try to get you a great deal. Contact onPeak for help at semaaapex@onpeak.com or 866-611-8831.

By SEMA Editors

A prototype of the '24 Hyundai Tucson--which will make its way to dealers late this year--has been spotted undergoing testing in the Australian Alps.

A trio of four-cylinder engines--a 2.0-L, 1.6-L turbo and 2.0-L turbo-diesel (in European markets)--are expected to remain available, alongside the anticipated addition of the hybrid version.

While much of the car is covered, what appears to be a different grille pattern and new alloy wheels are visible. The distinctive front daytime-running lights integrated into the grille--with the main headlight beams below--appear to carry over, as do the claw-like taillights.

'24 Jeep Gladiator Seen Testing Near Detroit

Sources have captured the '24 Jeep Gladiator testing just outside of Detroit. The prototype, caught in white, appears to be the High Altitude trim and, surprisingly, is entirely free of any exterior camouflage.

The Gladiator features a refreshed grille and minor alterations to the rear end, indicating that Jeep has made some subtle but effective changes to enhance the overall design.

By SEMA Editors

Kahn Media--the full-service marketing agency specializing in the automotive, outdoor and luxury/lifestyle markets--has received three industry gold awards recognizing its 2022 public relations and influencer marketing campaigns.

Most recently, Kahn Media received a Hermes Creative Award, which honors the creative industry's best publications, branding collateral, websites, videos, advertising, marketing and communication programs. Kahn Media was recognized in the Media Relations and Press Kit Strategic Campaigns category for its '90s-themed campaign for Bring a Trailer.

Kahn Media also received gold from the Stevie Awards, which recognizes the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. Kahn Media took top honors in the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year-Influencer Management category for its work with the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.

The Titan Business Awards, an international awards platform that recognizes and honors significant achievements across a wide range of industries, selected Kahn Media as a gold winner in the PR & Communications-Best Media Relations Strategy category for its efforts surrounding Ringbrothers' four custom vehicle debuts at the 2022 SEMA Show.

By Kristin Goodwin

The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly the SEMA Awards Gala) is a long-established tradition to honor and celebrate the individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the automotive industry.

Join SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons at this year's Gala, Friday, July 21, in Anaheim, California, to honor the 2023 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees.

Since its inception in 1976, the Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized and the outgoing Directors are thanked. In addition, SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also highlighted during the event.

Connect with friends and family who share a passion and love for the industry--and join others in helping celebrate Hall of Fame inductees' lifetime achievements--during an evening with cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating is limited; a full table can be purchased by selecting 10 tickets. 

The event will take place at the Anaheim Marriott (700 W. Convention Way).

Register for the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala here.