Here’s another look at the ’24 Ford F-150, this time though we caught the top-tier Limited SuperCrew.

The ’21 F-150 debuted in June 2020 with all new looks, and now it’s that time again (just on the heels of the new Tundra). The Limited will have a revised front end with new headlights, grille and front fascia. Around back, the Limited should feature a revised tailgate (with optional multi-use feature), bumper and taillights. Inside, expect updates to the gauge cluster and center stack. This ’24 Limited also gains some new 22-in. rims along with what appears to be door handles with a different finish.

Power for the Limited is expected to come from the 3.5 L PowerBoost hybrid V6, but it’s still unknown if there will be upgrades to performance.

Expect an official debut in mid-2023.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

SEMA Show attendees and exhibitors can start making travel arrangements by taking advantage of the discounted airfare options available through the SEMA Show travel page.

SEMA Show organizers work with major air carriers to offer discounted airfare for exhibitors, attendees and media heading to the SEMA Show. Alaska, Delta and United are among the airlines offering up to 10% off on round-trip airfare to Las Vegas.

Each airline provides discounts for all Showgoers, whether they arrive a few days before the Show, or leave several days after. The valid travel dates that the discounts are available are below.

Travel Dates for Airfare Discounts

Alaska Airlines

• October 27, 2023–November 8, 2023
• Discount: 7% off published fares.
• Online Reservations: www.alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECME606
• Phone Reservations: Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435, a $15 per-person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations.

Delta Airlines

• October 25, 2023–November 8, 2023
• Discount: 5%–10%
• Online Reservations: www.delta.com and enter the Meeting Event Code NM2EE in the box provided on the “Book a Flight” page.
• For guidelines and questions, contact the Delta Meeting Network Desk at 1-800-328-2216 or at DeltaMeetingNetwork@delta.com.

United Airlines

• October 24, 2023–November 6, 2023
• Discount: 2%–10%
• Online Reservations: www.united.com and enter your offer code ZN38 in the Promotions and Certificates box when searching for your flights.
• Phone Reservations: United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122, provide them with the following information: Z Code: ZN38, Agreement Code: 978830. Note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone.

For rates, booking information, discount codes and additional details on airfare, visit the SEMA Show travel page.

The 2023 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth to secure booth space for the 2023 SEMA Show.

Complete information about the 2023 Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.   

In partnership with Honda, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 Honda Civic Type R, to be held February 28–March 2.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

This event will include a ’23 Honda Civic Type R equipped with:

• A 2.0L Turbo: 315 hp and 310 lb.-ft.
• Limited-slip differential
• 13.8-in. front rotors and 12-in. rear rotors
• 6MT with rev-matching
• Weighted aluminum shift knob
• Adaptive dampers
• Four drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, +R and a new Individual mode
• 19-in. alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
• LED headlights and taillights
• Rear spoiler
• Exhaust system features a straight through design and active exhaust valve
• Honda Sensing
• Type R-exclusive red racing seats and carpet
• 10.2-in. configurable digital instrument cluster
• 9-in. color touchscreen with navigation
• LogR Performance Datalogger
• 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless charging
• Sirius XM satellite radio
• Active sound control

Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage and will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Click here for event registration details.

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.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Auto-Body Technician
Canepa

Canepa is hiring an auto-body technician who is quality-minded, hardworking and dedicated to providing the highest level of workmanship in the industry. Candidates must have automotive experience, a minimum of four years of auto-body experience, referred knowledge of restoration style of bodywork, strong bodywork skills and early domestic and musclecar experience.

Advertising Sales Representative
Power Automedia

Power Automedia is hiring an advertising sales representative to assist and be part of a team of business development managers. This position will be responsible for prospecting new endemic and near-endemic brands, and nurturing accounts that are not currently part of the Power Automedia family, ideally building early relationships and coordinating opportunities with the BDMs in addition to managing some business in partnership with the BDMs. Candidates must be passionate automotive enthusiasts and have one or more years of experience in automotive media, marketing or aftermarket product sales.

Vehicle and Fuel Systems Calibration Engineer
Nostrum High Performance

Nostrum High Performance is hiring a vehicle and fuel systems calibration engineer responsible for calibrating vehicles, conducting product validation and regulatory compliance testing and supporting the release of calibration data packages. You will work with a variety of software and hardware tools and collaborate with the test engineering team to develop and release data packages. Candidates must have a B.S. in engineering or a similar science and have intimate knowledge of gasoline engine combustion systems, operation and controls.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

Avalanche Andretti Formula E Announces Partnership With NAGASE Group

Avalanche Andretti Formula E has announced an official partnership with NAGASE Group—a global leader in innovative products and solutions through its expertise in chemicals, plastics, electronics, automotive and life sciences—for the 2022/2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. NAGASE Group will be featured on both Avalanche Andretti Porsche 99X Electric entries throughout Season 9, making its first appearance at the upcoming CORE Diriyah E-Prix for Rounds 2 and 3 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

FIA Launches Applications for Prospective Formula 1 Teams

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has launched an application process to identify prospective teams seeking to participate at a competitive level in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

“For the first time ever, as part of the selection conditions, we are requesting that candidates set out how they would meet the FIA’s sustainability benchmarks and how they would make a positive societal impact through sport,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “The process is a logical extension of the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations from engine manufacturers, which has attracted Audi to Formula 1 and created interest among other potential entrants.”

For the first time ever, candidates are required to address how they would manage the sustainability challenge and how it plans to achieve a net-zero CO2 impact by 2030. In addition, prospective F1 teams would also need to illustrate how they intend to achieve a positive societal impact through participation in the sport. For more information, visit the FIA announcement here.

PROJECT X Named Official Lighting Partner of Ultra4 USA

PROJECT X has been named the official lighting partner of Ultra4 USA for the 2023 and 2024 race seasons. The marketing partnership is the first of its kind for PROJECT X, as it continues to expand their market to off-road motorsports fans and racers alike.

PROJECT X first began participating in Ultra4 USA in 2021, by putting its off-road lighting products to the ultimate test on brand ambassadors Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s and Loren Healy’s unlimited class race cars. Over the course of two race seasons, these Ultra4 USA applications have continued to prove their durability and performance and has spearheaded PROJECT X’s product development with the direct feedback of world-class drivers.

“We are excited to join forces with Ultra4 USA and support off-road motorsports on this level. At PROJECT X, we not only believe in supporting the off road community but being an active part in it. We look forward to a partnership that helps us grow the sport and connect with racers and enthusiasts for years to come.”, said Jared Chavez, director of brand development for PROJECT X.

NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion Leaders

NASCAR has honored advocates and trailblazers throughout the sport during its 15th annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards. Ten individuals and organizations who set an example by advocating for diversity and inclusion across NASCAR were honored during a ceremony in Los Angeles.

“We continue to make significant progress in increasing diversity and inclusion across our sport, a collective effort made possible thanks to those receiving awards today,” said NASCAR President Steve Phelps said. “Their contributions are helping drive our sport forward, and these awards celebrate the passion and commitment of leaders who are bolstering our efforts to build a more inclusive NASCAR culture.”

The 2023 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Award recipients included Chris Justice (Crew Member Award); Nick Sanchez (Developmental Series Driver Award); Jamie Little (Sam Belnavis Industry Ambassador Award); Sports Biz Camps (Institution Award); Daniel Suárez (National Series Driver Award); Susan Wong (Outstanding Intern Award); Advance Auto Parts (Partner Award); 23XI Racing (Team Award); Daytona International Speedway (Track Award); and Nathan Lyons (Young Racer Award).

For more information, visit nascar.com.

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

By Ashley Reyes

To keep businesses in the hot-rod market up-to-date on programs and resources available to their companies, the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a Virtual General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion, Tuesday, March 7, at 10:00 a.m. (PST).    

General membership meetings are the ideal time to learn about what the council has planned for the year and get updated on programs available to help members succeed in the marketplace. AJ Carney, SEMA membership director, will share information on money-saving member benefits, educational programs and top industry networking opportunities, while Jonathan Goolsby of Goolsby Customs and Adam Howard of Insatiable Auto Fab will give testimonies on how they benefit from HRIA programs and resources.

This is a can’t-miss event for those who want to expand their footprint in the hot-rod industry, as you’ll get to network, ask questions and ensure you are maximizing your SEMA and HRIA membership.

Visit here for all the details and to sign up now. 

SEMA News—March 2023

PEOPLE

By Douglas McColloch
Photography Courtesy LAT Images

Women in Racing: Growing the Sport for Future Generations

Breaking Down Barriers, Blazing Trails

It’s no great secret that the auto-racing industry has been a male-dominated profession from the beginning. While some individual female pioneers have managed to achieve success on the track over the years, the infrastructural support needed to promote greater numbers of women in racing has been all too often lacking.

But as the new century progresses, things are changing in a profound and meaningful way, and more women than ever are making lasting impressions on the track, in the pits, in the shop and in the executive suite. A 2022 SEMA Show Education seminar, “Engaging the Next Generation of Women in Motorsports,” took an in-depth look into this subject, with a trio of women from diverse backgrounds describing how they became involved in the racing industry while offering insights for attracting women and people of color to the sport.

DYSTANY SPURLOCK: THE RACER

Named a BMW Motorrad Ambassador for 2022, champion motorcycle drag racer Dystany Spurlock traces her attraction to motorsports to a very young age, riding on the back of her father’s motorbike at age six and imploring him to “hit it, dad!” Her first visit to a racetrack came at age 12, where the sound of speeding bikes on asphalt captivated her, and her mother gave her a Suzuki GSX-R 750 for her 16th birthday. After only two months of training, she set a 1/4-mi. record on a Brocks Performance BMW S1000RR with a time of 8.46 sec. at 163 mph. In 2019, she became the first woman (and the first African-American) to win a 4.60 index final. She currently competes in the Mancup Series at tracks along the East Coast, and she continues to work toward securing sponsorships and racing professionally for NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Spurlock credits her mother for instilling her with a proactive attitude at an early age: “Never be the kid who sits in the back of class and says, ‘if only I’d volunteered’ or ‘if only I’d raised my hand.’” This “can-do” mindset led her as a teenager to try out for her high-school football team (she made the squad) as well as racing motorcycles. Eventually, she decided she wanted to drive 18-wheelers, which she still does to this day.

“I love helping people,” Spurlock concludes. “I love it when young girls—and guys—come up to me and ask me, ‘How can I get into racing?’ I just tell them, ‘Go to your local racetrack and take some time and find the test-and-tune days. A lot of people think you need a lot of money or a big setup trailer, but you really don’t need any of that. If you can ride it to the track, just take your time.”

MICHELLE DELLA PENNA: THE EDUCATOR

The daughter of a celebrated IndyCar racer and owner, Michelle Della Penna literally grew up at the track, often accompanying her father to races around the country. (“I spent a lot of time in Indianapolis,” she admits.) Her own career path led her into the hospitality industry, where she continues to work as the CEO of a hotel management company, but after her father’s unexpected death in 2019, she says, she was “kind of trying to figure out how to honor his legacy.” While Della Penna had no particular interest in racing, her three sons were all enthusiastic go-karters, and a visit to a local track with one of them led her to an epiphany of sorts. Observing the karters at the track, she noticed only two girls out of some 30-odd karters. “And it just got me thinking, why aren’t there more girls involved in karting? How do we get more girls in karting?”

“I had the luxury of growing up in motorsports, but it’s not a sport that you’re going to play at school or at the Y or in your cul de sac,” Della Penna explains, so to provide girls and young women with the same opportunity she had, she started the Della Penna NextGen Foundation, a California-based nonprofit organization, which aims to empower girls and young women to pursue careers in motorsports, and to impart the STEM education that’s necessary to succeed in the profession, “Girls tend to drop out of sports and STEM initiatives at the end of junior high and the beginning of high school,” she notes, “so our programs are geared from ages 5 to 16.”

Among the programs NextGen sponsors are: weekend invitationals, where girls and their families attend a VIP racing event with paddock access; track days, where girls experience a day of karting and learn basic STEM theories; and fellowships, where girls gain hands-on experience participating as a member of an all-female race team. The foundation also has a scholarship program in the works for 2024.

BETH PARETTA: THE TEAM OWNER

Beth Paretta’s path to the racetrack was slightly more circuitous than the others. The daughter of a hobbyist, Paretta often helped her father and brother clean car parts, but she didn’t develop a keen interest in cars until her brother’s death. After earning a degree in broadcasting and an MBA, she “made a pivot” and took a job selling cars at a dealership. (“Lee Iacocca started selling cars,” she reminds.) Eventually she was “plucked from obscurity” by Volkswagen, who hired her as a business development manager. This led to leadership positions at Aston-Martin and Fiat Chrysler, where she became the first woman to head a performance division (SRT) for an OE manufacturer. She launched Grace Autosport in 2015, a professional race team of women and an initiative to promote STEM education for girls, and in 2021, she started Paretta Autosport to lead diversity initiatives across professional racing circuits such as the IndyCar series and Indianapolis 500, in particular. Recently, she has partnered with racer Lyn St. James to form Women in Motorsports North America, a community of racing-industry professionals devoted to supporting and creating opportunities for women across all disciplines of motorsports.

Like Della Penna, Paretta aims to instill an interest in motorsports for girls while they’re still young. “You can affect a kid’s trajectory of what they want to be when they grow up between age 10 and 12. That’s the sweet spot. If you’re General Motors or Stellantis or Ford, you’re going to college fairs and trying to recruit people, but by then it’s too late.

“My aim is not to create a bunch of racing mechanics,” she continues. “I want you to think it’s interesting. Pay attention in school and go work for Boeing if you want.” But she also mentions that “racing is something that’s fun. It’s like the spoonful of sugar.”

Paretta describes another compelling reason for attracting more women into a male-dominated profession. “Everybody’s lamenting the shortage of talent,” Paretta says. “There’s a shortage of engineers. They’re retiring at a faster rate than they’re being backfilled. At Chrysler, I had to fly people in from overseas because there wasn’t enough homegrown talent.

Paretta says she has encountered a similar “skills deficit” among race mechanics: “There is such a shortage of talent that we’re actually trying to pull people from Europe if we have to. There are more cars on the grid in IMSA now. SRO is expanding, and Indy Lights is expanding. We desperately, regardless of gender, need mechanics.”

“We want racing to survive for many years,” she adds. “We want to broaden the audience. So diversity is not just a nice, cute thing to do. We need people to buy tickets. We need them to watch in the stands.

“It can’t just be old white dudes racing anymore,” Paretta concludes, “because that’s not what the world is.”

By Ashley Reyes

Each year, SEMA helps employees of member businesses pay off student loans as part of the SEMA Loan Forgiveness program. The 2023 application period is now open and runs through March 1.  

What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program?

The Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds to help selected current employees of SEMA-member businesses pay off education loans from a college, university or career technical/trade school. Unlike the SEMA Scholarship Program, which assists current students, the Loan Forgiveness Program focuses on recent graduates who are actively working for SEMA-member companies to help lessen the burden of education loans post-graduation.  

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Currently employed by a SEMA-member business.
• Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
• Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States.
• Have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.

What are the benefits of being selected?

Beyond the impact that the monetary awards provide, the SEMA Loan Forgiveness program is a passion-driven program aimed to help SEMA members further their careers in the automotive and performance parts industries. SEMA members and program recipients also have access to resources through SEMA Education and the SEMA Career Center, and in-person networking opportunities at the SEMA Show.

What is the application process?

Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness before the March 1 deadline. If you have children, friends or know someone who may qualify, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them.

SEMA News—March 2023

By Gigi Ho

NEW PRODUCTS

SEMA Data Product News

The products featured below are from SEMA Data member companies that have attained Gold- or Platinum-level data, which means that their product data is robust and complete—likely to drive customer purchase decisions. SEMA Data members meeting data scorecard requirements are invited to submit product releases for consideration to enews@semadata.org.

Hedman Hedders LS into ’91–’96 B-Body Headers; 13/4-in. Mid-Length Tubes UncoateD

These mid-length design LS swap headers fit ’91–’96 GM B-Body cars (Chevy Caprice, Impala SS, Buick Roadmaster). They have a mild steel construction, and use smooth-flowing, 13/4-in.-diameter, CNC mandrel-bent tubes that are hand-welded to ensure each pair is identical to the next. The stout 3/8-in. header flanges ensure a great seal that will resist warping, and the unique, gasketless ball and socket collector design allows your Caprice, Impala or Roadmaster exhaust system to bolt up, even if it is not perfectly aligned with the header collectors.

PN: 45480
www.hedman.com

ANZO USA Chevy Corvette ’05–’13 Projector Plank Style Switchback Headlights (No HID Kit)

AnzoUSA is the answer for all of your performance lighting needs. With more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, we surpass our competition in quality, innovative styling and product offerings. We are dedicated to providing great service and superior customer support through an experienced sales team and a knowledgeable technical staff. Original fitment; SAE- and DOT-compliant to FMVSS No. 108; strict testing for impact strength as well as fresh/salt water and dust/dirt resistance; and a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

PN: 121553
www.anzousa.com

Vibrant Performance Horizontal Flow Air to Air Intercooler Core, 18x12x6-in.

Vibrant Air to Air Intercooler Cores feature heavy-duty bar and plate construction that is designed to deliver maximum cooling efficiency while minimizing pressure drop. These intercooler cores are designed for forced-induction engines found in motorsport, marine and industrial applications. Vibrant offers a range of intercooler cores sized small enough for ATVs, snowmobiles and Genset generators and big enough for 1,300-plus-hp gasoline or diesel race engines.

PN: 12844
www.vibrantperformance.com

AutoMeter 5-in. Quad Gauge, 100 PSI/100–250ºF/8–18V/0–90 ohms, American Muscle

The AutoMeter Quad Gauge provides a solution to limited dashboard space while providing a clean look. Individual AutoMeter air core meter movements for each function provide the accuracy and durability required by even the most demanding applications. Includes a single-wire 1/8-in. NPT temperature sender and a 1/8-in. NPT oil pressure sender. The voltmeter reads from 8–18v on negative ground electrical systems and fuel level resistance range is 0 ohms empty to 90 ohms full (compatible with mid-’60s through mid-’90s GM fuel-level senders).

PN: 1225
www.autometer.com

SEMA Data is “data central” for the specialty-equipment segment, containing millions of products and vehicle fitments from performance and accessories brands. Created by SEMA, SEMA Data is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data warehouse, complete with comprehensive online tools, and a team of dedicated data and technology experts to assist manufacturers and resellers with product data needs. Learn more at www.semadata.org.