A Case Study in Resurrecting a Racing Venue Once Given Up for Lost
There was a time when the North Wilkesboro Speedway was a renowned mecca of American motorsports. With roots in the moonshine racing that helped birth NASCAR, the 0.625-mi. short-oval dirt track opened May 18, 1947, about 5 mi. east of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Back then, the oval was owned by Enoch Staley and partners Lawson Curry, and Jack and Charlie Combs. Its first official event—promoted by the legendary Bill France—drew more than 10,000 fans, surpassing all expectations. From there, the speedway quickly rose in popularity, due in large part to its unique uphill and downhill stretches and the intense, high-speed racing they delivered.
Weathered by time, North Carolina’s historic North Wilkesboro Speedway once seemed lost to racing—until a successful partnership of racing fans, track ownership, business leaders and public officials united to save it. This May, it will host the NASCAR All-Star Race.
In 1949, the speedway began hosting NASCAR Cup Series racing. That year, Robert “Red” Byron was crowned the first NASCAR champion on October 16. He is just one of the countless historic drivers who have powered through the North Wilkesboro oval over the years—greats like Kenneth Wagner, Fireball Roberts, the Flock Brothers, Junior Johnson, Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, among others.
Throughout its heyday, the track saw scant upgrades. Although it was paved in the ’50s, its owners never invested in the sorts of facilities renovations undertaken at other tracks. At North Wilkesboro, it was the hardcore racing action that drew the crowds, not the amenities. For fans, it was a timeless community landmark supporting the area’s rural economy. (Today, Wilkes County is home to an estimated 65,000-plus inhabitants.)
But by the ’90s the track was sputtering. Economic factors, the facility’s age and changes in ownership all played a role. After hosting its last Winston Cup Series event in 1996, the speedway went dark, with little hope of a comeback. Sure, there were a few ill-fated attempts to revive it in the early ’00s, but after 2011 the track sat essentially lifeless, home only to cracking pavement, decaying infrastructure and weeds.
Or so it seemed. Thanks in good measure to the vision of a far-flung network of motorsports enthusiasts, track-owner Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR recently announced that, as part of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season, the NASCAR All-Star Race will be held at North Wilkesboro Speedway this May 21. The race will cap off a three-day weekend of series racing at the speedway, which begins Friday, May 19.
The Return to Glory
“The NASCAR All-Star Race has always been the fans’ race, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the fans during NASCAR’s 75th anniversary than returning to North Wilkesboro Speedway,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, the track’s current owner. “We couldn’t have made this happen without tremendous support from so many people including Governor [Roy] Cooper, our state legislature, NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and of course, the people of Wilkes County. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’ve got the will to create something special alongside a community and hard-working staff that will get it done.”
And that work will be well-supported. In November 2021, an $18 million allocation from federal American Rescue Plan funds was designated for infrastructure improvements through the North Carolina state budget, and Wilkes County has awarded construction contracts for the forthcoming work. In addition, the state’s General Assembly agreed in principle to provide a $4-million economic grant this year toward additional facility improvements to host the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race and other special events down the line.
“The future of North Wilkesboro Speedway is bright,” Smith said. “There is a great opportunity to revive this fantastic venue to be, not just a racetrack, but a place that can host lots of events, a place that people will come to from far away and enjoy the community, enjoy the region and enjoy special events.”
It’s a historic turnaround for a track that promoters tout as “one of stock car racing’s most storied venues.” In fact, the speedway’s comeback offers a case study in what grassroots activism combined with ownership, government and sanctioning-body cooperation can accomplish—and may well be a template for preserving other racing venues across the nation.
Although no one knows the actual number of endangered racing facilities, there is a general industry sense that the recent pandemic may have added to the stress factors that tracks have already been facing for some time. Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Track Ambassador Tom Deery, who has been keeping an eye on the trend, characterizes the problem as one of ongoing and persistent pressures that are taking a toll on facilities throughout the United States.
“There’s always going to be an issue that will pop up,” he said. “The challenge that most motorsports facilities have is they used to be out in the country or they used to be remote, and [with] many of the places that are being targeted right now, the community has grown up around them or near them, and that has created a whole new dynamic.”
For most of these tracks, as urban landscapes grew, “all of a sudden people began to complain,” explained Deery. “In a general sense, a motorsports facility is always going to be a target of someone. They create noise. They create traffic. They create activity. They create a thousand things that somebody within their universe doesn’t like. And if they’re not a motorsports fan, then they will always be that person that’s raising their hand saying, ‘Why are we doing this? What are we doing? How can we stop this?’”
Should tracks continue to shutter, the closures could have vast consequences for grassroots racing and, ultimately, higher-level motorsports. However, Deery noted that PRI and the racing industry at large are making real progress in addressing the issue.
The Grassroots Factor
Which brings us back to the North Wilkesboro Speedway, whose path to reopening was greased in no small part by Save the Speedway, a grassroots organization co-founded in 2005 by racing nostalgia fans Robert Marsden and Steven Wilson.
“Robert kind of started this effort because many years ago on his way south, he remembered that the speedway was still there,” explained Wilson. “He stopped in, saw the place out there, thought it [still] had a lot of potential, and started doing some research.”
Wilson, who was also researching historic auto racing at the time, likewise became enamored with the speedway’s past. He learned that while there had been prior petition drives to save the North Wilkesboro oval, they had either proven disorganized or unrealistic in their approach. But once he connected with Marsden online, all that changed.
“We started [Save the Speedway] independently, really to answer two questions: First and foremost, what would it take to reopen the speedway? And then if we were to reopen the speedway, after all those things that needed to happen first, who would even come race there and what events would come there?”
It wouldn’t be easy. There was a significant learning curve and a lot of hard work ahead of them. Prior discussions among local officials and track owners had ended in unproductive stalemates and built-up animosity.
“What stuck with us [was] there was such an investment in trying to force [track ownership] to do something instead of trying to find ways to work with them. Over time, those ideas have changed, and we feel like we’ve been a part of that,” said Wilson.
Plus, Save the Speedway had something that earlier initiatives lacked—digital reach that could enlist a legion of diverse supporters, many from places far beyond North Carolina, including foreign countries.
“Our group is geographically dispersed,” he explained. “The funny thing is probably the number-one question that we get is, ‘Are you from Wilkes County?’ And most people are very surprised at the fact of no, I’m not from Wilkes County. But I’m from a very similar town in Virginia that is economically depressed. It’s a very rural area that has opportunities that are very limited in nature. And I see a lot of my town in Wilkes County.”
“This was a totally 100% a grassroots effort,” he added. “We had no advertising budget. We had no connections other than using social and digital to promote this effort, not only very early on in 2005 when this started, but even today.”
Moreover, other than being fans of the sport, Save the Speedway volunteers had no real racing connections. But leveraging the internet, Facebook and other social media, they dug in and forged the needed relationships through sheer determination. “We built Save the Speedway up over the years, and we went from being the outsiders to being the ones with a seat at the table,” Wilson explained.
The organization helped galvanize local support for the racing facility, including securing buy-in from local officials—and, when necessary, supporting the election of political candidates more favorable to reopening the track. The goal, said Wilson, was to identify people in positions of authority in all walks of life who could push change while deescalating the adversarial tensions that had characterized prior efforts.
Over time, discussions between track ownership and business and civic leaders gained momentum. Soon, supporters of all stripes were pitching in, including racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., who in 2019 led volunteers in cleaning the venue so it could be scanned into the iRacing platform. (“Some of my best memories as a little boy were going to North Wilkesboro,” he would recall. “And it got even better when I raced there as a teenager.”)
With that groundswell of support, Speedway Motorsports was able to announce the return of grassroots racing events in April 2022, and Smith laid out his vision for full raceway restoration.
“Water, sewer, electricity, roads, connectivity—those are a lot of the building blocks that we need to get done,” he said. “We want to keep the character of the property, celebrate the history, but, of course, make it safe, convenient and enjoyable for everyone who comes to visit. In the car world, I would call it a restomod. It’s going to look old, but it’s going to work new.”
State government also threw itself behind the program. Following a tour of the track in May 2022, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper reconfirmed the importance of motorsports to the state’s economy. “North Carolina’s speedways are strong economic drivers for communities across the state that bring friends, families and neighbors together for a rip-roaring good time,” he said. “North Wilkesboro Speedway is just one of many racetracks that will be able to cross the finish line on much-needed repairs with [state] funds. Racing in North Carolina is back and here to stay.”
There are tangible signs that this is more than rhetoric. County infrastructure and access routes to the venue are currently undergoing improvement, adding to Smith’s optimism for the future.
“Bringing back races, bringing back special events, bringing back tourism, creating a very special place where the community can gather, it’s exciting,” he said. “When you think about nostalgic opportunities, this is one of those one-in-a-million opportunities.”
Smith also credited community support for the turnaround. “Anybody might have said this place is too far gone, but this community rallied and brought it to a place where we can rebuild it and it can be a fantastic jewel,” he said.
For his part, Wilson says the Save the Speedway organization will stay focused on North Wilkesboro, supporting the racing events planned for 2023 and ongoing restoration efforts. He added that he is proud of the role that grassroots fans played alongside others to revive the track.
“We were just a group of people that came together,” he observed. “We were just people that were interested in racing, people that remember racing during that time period, and wondered where things went and why they went away. And, you know, the deeper we dug, the more we found there was opportunity to work together.”
A Hotline for Troubled Tracks
Although not involved with the rescue of North Wilkesboro Speedway, PRI has created a hotline for racing venues facing difficulties or closure. According to PRI Track Ambassador Tom Deery, the hotline team has developed a comprehensive plan to help preserve and reopen venues, build coalitions, and offer support for dealing with issues or regulations that may adversely affect racing facilities. To access this help, call 202-847-6593 or email racinghelp@performanceracing.com.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Named Best SUV of 2023 by Cars.com
Jeep Grand Cherokee is the Best SUV of 2023, according to Cars.com in its inaugural Best SUV of 2023 award. The editors of Cars.com evaluated all SUVs available in the United States to determine which model demonstrates the best combination of capability, versatility and value, selecting the expanded Grand Cherokee family as the best of the best.
The award applies to the entire ’23 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup, including the two-row Grand Cherokee, three-row Grand Cherokee L and plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe, which delivers 56 MPGe, 25 miles all-electric range and 470-mile total range with no range anxiety.
The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is purpose-built and has an available plug-in hybrid powertrain. The ’23 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup has been designed for capability with class-leading space and versatility and advanced safety features.
“We’re proud that the two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee, three-row Grand Cherokee L and electrified Grand Cherokee 4xe represent the best SUV lineup,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “In terms of 4x4 capability, two- and three-row versatility, a plug-in model that delivers 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 MPGe with no range anxiety and value that speaks to both new and return customers, the Grand Cherokee stands alone at the top of the mountain. It’s rewarding to know that Cars.com feels the same.”
The new Grand Cherokee is the first to offer 4xe plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and three-row variants. The Grand Cherokee 4xe signals the continued growth of the Jeep brand’s electrified mission of Zero Emissions Freedom. Designed to maximize overall passenger comfort, the Grand Cherokee L delivers third-row capacity, increased cargo volume, seating for up to seven passengers and more than 110 advanced safety and security features.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 models come standard with the Selec-Terrain traction management system, which offers five available terrain modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand) to provide optimized calibrations for any given driving scenario. The Grand Cherokee L, equipped with the available 5.7L V8, delivers best-in-class towing capability of 7,200 lbs.
With premium styling and craftsmanship inside and out, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has more than 110 advanced safety and security features, including an impressive amount of standard safety features, plus available driver-assist systems, 360-degree surround view, drowsy driver detection and night vision cameras. Segment-leading technologies include a 10.25-in. front passenger screen, rear-seat monitoring camera system, rear-seat entertainment displays with Amazon Fire TV Built-in and an available premium 19-speaker, 950-watt McIntosh audio system. The entire Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup also comes equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota Grand Highlander Makes World Debut at Chicago Auto Show
Toyota unveiled the all-new, three-row Grand Highlander at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show.
Toyota unveiled the all-new, three-row Grand Highlander at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show. In addition, Toyota featured 44 vehicles in its exhibit at McCormick Place. The show cars range from production vehicles to NASCAR properties to SEMA specialty products, such as the recently revealed Trailhunter Concept Vehicle. A trio of all-new, production vehicles—’23 Prius, ’23 GR Corolla and ’23 Crown—are also on display.
The ’23 Prius is the most fuel-efficient Prius ever, with a manufacturer-estimated 57 combined MPG, featuring a fresh new sporty exterior design and fifth-gen hybrid powertrain with up to 196 hp. The Prius has been updated with new tech offerings for enhanced connectivity and the latest Toyota Safety Sense system.
The first-ever ’23 GR Corolla is the newest member of Toyota’s GAZOO Racing sports-car family. Rooted in rally, the GR Corolla was developed under master driver Akio Toyoda and inspired by Toyota’s sports-car lineage. The GR Corolla is powered by the lightweight, compact-yet-powerful G16E-GTS turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that pumps out 300 hp, and comes in three grades: Core, Circuit Edition, and the limited, track-focused, MORIZO Edition.
The ’23 Toyota Crown is available in three grades: XLE, Limited and Platinum, and offers a choice of two different hybrid powertrains and standard all-wheel drive.
The HYBRID MAX powertrain, exclusive to the Platinum grade, is Toyota’s all-new performance hybrid that puts out 340 net hp and is paired with a 2.4L turbocharged engine and a direct-shift six-speed automatic transmission. The XLE and Limited grades come equipped with the THS IV hybrid system, which can achieve a manufacturer-estimated 38 MPG.
Also, adjacent to Toyota’s exhibit, the automaker has created “An Electrified Drive For All Seasons” ride and drive course. This four-seasons-themed demonstration area provides passenger-only access to Toyota’s hybridized vehicles, including Prius, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia and Tundra.
Power Automedia Announces Winner of 1,000-HP Engine Giveaway Presented by Summit Racing Equipment
Power Automedia’s EngineLabs magazine recently partnered with Summit Racing Equipment to host an engine giveaway at the industry’s SEMA and PRI Trade Shows. A 7.3L V8 “Godzilla” crate engine from Ford Performance was built into a 1,000-hp-capable twin-turbo engine by Late Model Engines (LME). Attendees of the 2022 PRI Trade Show had the opportunity to watch the engine build live and enter to win at various sponsors’ booths.
The giveaway officially ended December 31, 2022. The randomly chosen winner, John K. of Wimberly of Texas, was then notified on January 13, 2023.
“This was a complete surprise, and it was on my birthday so that made it double awesome,” explained Wimberly. “The vehicle I want to put this in is a ’51 F-1 Ford Pickup. I’ve had the truck since I was 19 and this is the second time I am going through it. This is going to make the truck’s story even better.”
Next up, the engine will be put to the test on the dyno at LME. The complete build series, including the upcoming dyno video, can be found on the Power + Performance YouTube channel. For additional build details and updates, follow EngineLabs.com.
The new Hennessey Supercharged H700 Corvette C8 Stingray, fitted with a muscular blower, vaults the standard mid-engined Stingray coupe to exotic car power and torque levels that surpass even the ’23 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, according to Hennessey.
The eighth-generation Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray coupe is shipped with a mid-mounted LT2 6.2L V8 engine. Naturally aspirated in stock form, it delivers 490 bhp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. However, to unleash the untapped potential of the American small-block V8, Hennessey’s Texas-based engineering team fits a high-flow centrifugal supercharger, an air-induction system with an air-to-water intercooler and an optional enhanced cat-back exhaust.
Completed with updated high-performance engine software, the H700 boasts 708 bhp and 638 lb.-ft.—a 44% increase in horsepower and a 37% increase in torque over the factory rating. In terms of power output, according to Hennessey, the supercharged H700 Corvette C8 Stingray tops Chevrolet’s flagship C8 Z06 whose naturally-aspirated 5.5L LT6 flat-plane crank V8 engine produces 670 bhp and 460 lb.-ft.
“The stock C8 Corvette Stingray is an extraordinary sports car, yet Chevrolet left some V8 performance on the table,” said John Hennessey, founder and CEO. “Our exciting H700 supercharger package integrates seamlessly with the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and our exhaust upgrade sounds much more aggressive than stock.”
The complete Hennessey Supercharged H700 Corvette C8 Stingray upgrade package includes the supercharger, intercooler, engine tune, lightweight wheels, cat-back exhaust and graphics priced at MSRP $49,950. The 19- and 20-in. alloy wheels are offered with a brushed aluminum, satin black or graphite finish, while the striking vinyl Hennessey Heritage Livery is offered in blue, white, black, silver or red. A power-only package, with just the supercharger upgrade and warranty, is offered for MSRP $34,950. All packages feature Hennessey and H700 badging and a serial numbered plaque.
EGR Group has announced the company’s 50th anniversary. Founded in 1973, the EGR Group was started in a garage by brothers, Greg and Rod Horwill, with the vision of creating stylish products utilizing advanced precision-engineered quality acrylic products and plastics. Today, EGR Group is named after the Horwills in recognition of the influence of their father Edward, who encouraged his sons’ entrepreneurship. The company employs more than 1,000 people, services 180 markets and has global offices in North America, Europe, China, South Africa, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Thailand and Brazil. The company has four major divisions: EGR Auto Accessories, EGR Display for the manufacture of custom-made permanent and semi-permanent point-of-sale displays, EGR Extrusion for the manufacture of specialized plastics and alloys and EGR building products for home and commercial architectural solutions under EGR Décor.
In celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary, EGR USA is rolling back prices on some of its top accessories, including fender flares, window visors, hood guards and sport bars for a limited time. The 50th-anniversary promotion may change throughout the year to focus on different products. For more information, visit EGR’s website.
Holley Announces CEO Transition
Holley Inc. has announced that Tom Tomlinson will retire as president and CEO and resign from the board of directors. The Board has appointed current director, Michelle Gloeckler, as interim president and CEO while it conducts a comprehensive search process to identify a permanent CEO. The search will be conducted with the assistance of Heidrick & Struggles, who was retained by the board in September 2022 for a comprehensive review of succession planning. Gloeckler has been a member of the board since July 2021 and has more than 30 years of experience in consumer-packaged goods, merchandising, sourcing, manufacturing and strategy.
In addition, Matthew Rubel, the company’s current chairman of the board, was designated and appointed executive chairman of the board, and expects to serve in such role until a permanent CEO has been selected. Further, Graham Clempson, an observer on the board since the company’s business combination with Empower Ltd. in July 2021, was appointed to serve as a member of the board, effective immediately. Clempson will serve as the chair and member of the Compensation and Talent Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee. Anita Sehgal, who joined the board in May of 2022, will become the chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Ali Tonn
Nissan Foundation Appoints New Executive Director
The Nissan Foundation has named Ali Tonn executive director. She will be responsible for leading the corporate giving and philanthropic strategy for Nissan in the Americas region, as well as overseeing the Foundation’s ongoing support of education programs that celebrate and foster diversity.
Tonn brings to the Nissan Foundation more than 20 years of experience in non-profit program leadership, driving initiatives in pursuit of service and social good, plus extensive work in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI+B). Her professional background includes community impact programming in Tennessee, Wisconsin, New York, California, Texas, Canada and numerous other communities. She most recently served in an executive role at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as senior director of education and community engagement.
Street Car Takeover Adds Chris Baker as Car Show Director
Street Car Takeover—the premier national street car drag racing event—has announced the addition of Chris Baker as its new director of the Show Car Takeover. Street Car Takeover features drag racing and roll racing with 15 events across the United States annually. With the announcement, Street Car Takeover has also unveiled a new car show that will take place at each event in 2023. Baker is a longtime industry professional, with more than 13 years as creative director at JEGS and as co-founder and founder of several well-known events, like the Tri-Five Nationals in Bowling Green, Kentucky; F-Body Nationals in Memphis, Tennessee; and the C10 Nationals in Ft. Worth, Texas, Nashville, Tennesse, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Baker also heads CK Truck Magazine, founded in 2020. The 10th anniversary Street Car Takeover season opens February 24–25 in Bradenton, Florida. For more information, visit streetcar-takeover.com.
’23 Kia Niro HEV
Kia Niro HEV Named Best Car of 2023 by Cars.com
The ’23 Kia Niro HEV was named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2023, beating four other vehicles for the top spot. The ’23 Kia Carnival was named Best Family Car of 2023. The ’23 Sorento was nominated for Best SUV of 2023, which is the outlet's newest award category.
Cars.com’s automotive experts chose the Best Car of 2023 winner based on three variables: quality, innovation and value. The awards program includes six different categories: Best Car, Best SUV, Best Pickup Truck, Best Family Car, Best Luxury Car and Best Electric Vehicle.
“The 2023 Niro HEV rises to the top of our rankings because of its affordability, fuel economy, functional Aero Blade, and stand-out styling inside and out,” said Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman. “Available in three powertrains, the Niro is offered as an EV, plug-in hybrid or hybrid, which is our favorite. Its EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined left our editors impressed. The five-seat compact hatchback sports an SUV-like profile. The dynamic dashboard design, padded surfaces and satin-finish accents give the Niro a classy ambiance, and the interior features innovative materials. For shoppers that want a little customization without the cost, the ‘Aero Blade’ accent panels are available in different colors. The ’23 Niro's innovation proves affordable alternative-fuel vehicles can come with style.”
Vortech Superchargers and Paxton Automotive Join AFR, Scat, RaceTec and ProCar
Taglich Private Equity has acquired Oxnard, California-based Vortech Superchargers and Paxton Automotive. The companies join the Air Flow Research (AFR), Scat Crankshafts, RaceTec Pistons and Procar Custom Seating Systems family of companies.
“Vortech Superchargers is a perfect match with this organization; all brands complement one another. For the first time in the performance aftermarket, a customer can purchase a reliable, high horsepower, proven combination directly from the companies manufacturing the core components,” said Jim Middlebrook, the founder of Vortech Superchargers.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Named 2023 Best Electric Vehicle by Cars.com
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been named the Best Electric Vehicle by Cars.com in its Best of 2023 Awards surpassing all ’23 EVs in the market that were tested by the company's editorial team of expert car reviewers. The IONIQ 5 stands out for its Hyundai exclusive Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that allows for more interior space and optimized performance as well as having a host of advanced technology. Many vehicles were evaluated, and three finalists were selected for the 2023 Best Electric Vehicle Award with the IONIQ 5 coming out on top.
“Hyundai's IONIQ 5 stands out as a well-rounded all-electric SUV, which is why it’s Cars.com’s Best Electric Vehicle of 2023,” says Jenni Newman, Cars.com editor-in-chief. “The IONIQ 5 is an excellent choice for first-time EV shoppers interested in making the jump to EV ownership as well as seasoned EV owners. Here’s what makes the IONIQ 5 a winner: It’s easy to drive with many of the familiar controls of a traditional gas-powered vehicle; it has a spacious, airy interior that's large enough for families; and its taller profile offers good outward visibility. The 800-volt architecture allows drivers to add miles of range faster than most other mainstream EVs when using a 350-kilowatt DC fast charger, which will ease the minds of the range-anxious.”
Wharton Automotive Group, McLeod Racing Announce New Appointments
Wharton Automotive Group—featuring brands McLeod Racing, FTI Performance and Silver Sport Transmissions—has appointed Will Baty to the position of product development manager. He was previously the off-road and research and development specialist for McLeod Racing in Anaheim, California. With more than 35 years in the drivetrain aftermarket, Baty will continue to add applications to the company’s product lines and work to develop new products and kits.
In addition, McLeod Racing has announced the addition of racer and engine builder Gary Kubo as its new racing department coordinator. He will help develop new drivetrain solutions, including overseeing the addition of small-diameter clutch kits to the McLeod product line. He will also serve as a liaison to race teams.
Nissan Futures Showcases Innovations in Sustainable Mobility
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is holding Nissan Futures, an event showcasing how Nissan is shaping the future of sustainable mobility and innovative design, at its Global Headquarters Gallery from February 4–March 1. As part of the event launch, Nissan unveiled a physical concept model of its Max-Out EV convertible. The model was previously shown in virtual form as part of the Nissan Ambition 2030 vision announced in November 2021 under the Nissan Futures banner. The Max-Out—which will be on display for the duration of the event—embodies Nissan’s ambition to support greater access to both sustainable and innovative mobility.
Nissan Futures features interactive customer events, panel discussions with experts, and various displays, all aimed to exhibit its innovations in electrification, vehicle intelligence, power management, vehicle battery reuse and more. Entry to the Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery and participation in the planned events (physically or virtually) is free of charge.
Gentex to Open Production Facility in Grand Rapids
Gentex Corp. has announced that it plans to open a satellite production facility that will bring 50 new jobs to the Madison Square neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Michigan. By expanding its manufacturing footprint, the company hopes to boost its employee base and provide greater access to well-paying jobs as it continues to implement meaningful solutions to address the ongoing labor shortage.
“Rising transportation costs make commuting increasingly difficult, so if Gentex wants to recruit employees from Grand Rapids, we need to be here,” said Gentex President and CEO Steve Downing. “And by locating a satellite plant and creating jobs in a neighborhood near city center, our goal is to strengthen not only Gentex, but also the surrounding community, and we look forward to future opportunities to do so.”
The decision to locate in the Madison Square neighborhood came after months of working alongside Amplify GR, a local non-profit that works in partnership to bring together neighbors, businesses, and local organizations to help strengthen neighborhoods.
Gentex’s Grand Rapids facility will be located at 355 Cottage Grove, SE. The building is currently undergoing renovations, with production slated to begin in late May. The facility will produce sub-assembly components for Gentex’s popular HomeLink product, which consists of vehicle-integrated buttons for operating garage doors and other home automation devices. When fully operational, the facility will operate two shifts and employ 50 team members engaged in light assembly, warehousing and logistics.
’23 Dodge Durango
Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Brand Vehicles Bring Home 19th Annual Vincentric Best Value in America Awards
Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brand vehicles earned multiple honors in the 19th annual Vincentric Best Value in America Awards, announced Tuesday, February 7. Dodge brand earned the Vincentric Best Value in America brand award in the SUV/Van category while the ’23 Chrysler 300, ’23 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, ’23 Dodge Durango and ’23 Jeep Gladiator took home Best Value in America wins in their respective segments.
The Vincentric Best Value in America Awards are model-specific honors that determine the best value in each segment. Value is determined using a statistical analysis that incorporates the current market price and total cost of ownership of ’23 model-year vehicles.
In addition to the Dodge brand claiming Best Value in America in the SUV/Van Brand category, the ’23 Chrysler 300 and ’23 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid plug-in earned Best Value in America honors in the Large Sedan segment and Minivan segment, respectively. For the second time, Dodge Durango was recognized as the Best Value in America in the Large SUV segment, while the Jeep Gladiator picked up a second consecutive award in the Small/Mid-Size Pickup segment.
As part of the awards process, Vincentric also identified two Stellantis models as having the lowest total cost of ownership in its class: the ’23 Chrysler 300 (Lowest Cost to Own in America: Large Sedan) and the ’23 Dodge Durango (Lowest Cost to Own in America: Large SUV segment).
Cassie Schilling (center)
Meyer Distributing Presents 2023 Q4 Sales Performance Award
Meyer Distributing has announced that Cassie Schilling has been honored with the 2023 Fourth Quarter Outstanding Sales Performance Award. This award recognizes sales account managers who continuously surpass expectations at Meyer Distributing.
“Cassie is an original collision category account manager here at Meyer Distributing,” states Rick Stenftenagel, assistant collision sales manager for Meyer. “She sets the example for others to follow and routinely exceeds the high standards we hold ourselves to. We greatly appreciate her hard work and daily dedication to her team.”
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.
10 Tips for Recruiting and Retaining “Right-Fit” Employees in a Worker’s Market
Today more than ever, finding and retaining talent requires
creating and projecting a company culture that attracts potential
employees and remains focused on their wellbeing once they’ve
joined your organization.
If anything, The Great Resignation is teaching us that finding and keeping “right-fit” talent is harder than we could have imagined. Hiring managers and recruiters find themselves negotiating a realm of developing benefits like flexible work arrangements, philanthropy and even mental wellbeing.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to attracting talent,” says executive Angelia Pelham. “Every industry is struggling to find right-fit talent, and every industry is struggling to figure out how to retain this talent.”
And she should know: For more than three decades, Pelham has held upper-
management and vice president positions in manufacturing, human resources and sales at giants like PepsiCo Frito-Lay, Yum! Brands, CineMark Holdings and Dave & Buster’s. In addition, she is the Mayor Pro Tem of Frisco, Texas, and founder and CEO of the executive coaching and mentoring firm Real-Talk
(www.real-talkcoaching4women.com). “I’ve been around when it comes to talent,” she says. “I cut my teeth on what it takes to attract and retain in any industry.”
At last November’s SEMA Show, Pelham presented “Proven Strategies to Recruit and Retain Top Talent,” a seminar designed to help employers build their talent game. In her presentation—now available as a SEMA Education on-demand video—she explained how best-in-class companies use flexibility, compensation, engagement initiatives, and cultural factors to make their organizations compelling places to work.
“The smaller the organization, the more critical it is for you to have right-fit talent,” she said. “When organizations like Disney and Pepsi lack talent in one area, chances are they can absorb that missing head count until they can fill the job. When you are in a smaller organization, every head counts. And when you have one person or two people that are missing, you feel it every day.”
Pelham recommended appealing to prospective employees with the single most important component to a company’s presence in the community: reputation.
According to Brookings Institution, routine-oriented jobs face the highest threat of automation, whereas those that require nuanced social interactions or analysis face lesser risk. This skill bias threatens jobs, but attentive employers will retain and retrain the workers who did them.
“Have you read or looked at Glassdoor reviews of your organization?” she asked. “Well, guess what. People are using the feedback from your employees to determine whether [they] want to attach themselves to your organization.” She said the following will go a long way to improving any brand’s reputation…
1. Hire and Promote Emotional Intelligence
Ask yourself if your business’ leaders are emotionally intelligent enough to develop and engage their teams. “People with high emotional intelligence have a good understanding of what their strengths and opportunities are. They’re able to read the room and see how their behavior is impacting other people. Great leaders are people who know how to get things done through other folks.”
2. Future-Proof Your Organization
“Are you thinking about the talent that you will need to be able to manage automation three to five years from now?” she asked. “Can your workforce survive another global crisis like a pandemic? How many of you have sat down with your teams and said, ‘if something like this happens again, this is what we can apply in the future?’
“Organizations that have taken time to ask what they learned from this pandemic have. What did we learn about our business and how do we ensure that we are prepared for the next wave of change?
“Who remembers A&P? Blockbuster? These companies were on the S&P 500, but no longer exist today. New ways of thinking drove many of these companies out of business. But what do you think happened there fundamentally? Intellectual complacency!
“We don’t spend enough time thinking around the corner, especially when it comes to talent,” Pelham asserted. “Automation is going to take over opportunities. How do you protect your people? The job may go away, but you don’t want to lose good people.”
3. Embrace Technology
The technology that threatens your employees’ wellbeing can also help. “Look at applicant-tracking systems,” Pelham urged. “They have them for all levels in an organization; there are small-business platforms that apply to yours.”
These digital assistants write job descriptions, attract talent, conduct video interviews, comb through analytics, and even onboard new hires. “All of that can be automated at the press of a button,” Pelham noted.
“Everybody has a screen now,” she added. “So [instead of] bringing people in for that first level of interview, do a video one.”
4. Preserve Institutional Knowledge
“Key people who do major things are going to be retiring in the next three to five years,” she warns. “And they’re taking their institutional knowledge with them.
“I’ve been in organizations where we allowed institutional knowledge to retire, and as soon as that person retires, we’re left trying to figure out how to fill the gap. What are you doing to make sure that you’re getting that institutional knowledge from them into the minds of the folks who are coming?
“You’re going to have a different workforce than we’ve seen in the past, and that workforce is going to be working to get up to speed with that institutional knowledge.
5. Recruit Now, Wait Later
“Organizations that win the talent war are going to be ones that recruit from trade schools, from colleges, and even from high schools,” Pelham observed. “They are building that talent pipeline. Get to know the principal of those schools. Talk to guidance counselors. If you don’t, and you anticipate having four or five jobs that somebody coming out of school would love, you are missing out on building your talent pipeline.
“Don’t just rely on future talent to decide what to do after they graduate. These things don’t necessarily have an immediate payoff; but long term, these will determine if you win this talent war.”
6. Regard Culture as a Value, Not a Place
“People tell me that their [work] culture has gone down the drain after COVID. They say that it’s because their people are geographically dispersed. So, culture is a place? Because that’s exactly what they’re saying: Because we’re not in the same four walls, we can’t have the same culture,” Pelham observed.
Pelham countered that it’s better to see culture as a value and an intentional mindset. In other words, “what are you doing to make sure that your people, regardless of where they’re located, feel as though they’re a part of your organization?” she asked.
“Think about what kind of culture you want to create so that you can be that magnet for that talent. Some organizations [are] very intentional about what kind of culture [they] want to create. They come up with the adjectives and then work their way backward to ensure that their organization is that kind of space. Organizations that are struggling to retain people, I guarantee you that they have not spent enough intentional time on the kind of culture they want to create.”
Successful organizations do it because culture has value. She referenced a study conducted by Fortune in which workers younger than 35 said they would sacrifice $7,600 annually to work at a job that provided a better culture. “That’s basically saying people will pay to work at a company that has a good culture,” she observed.
And it drives them to review sites like Glassdoor. “If this job [is] paying this amount and [that] job [is] paying roughly the same, what’s the difference? It’s going to be what people are saying about working in that culture [that matters].”
7. Model Inclusion and Affirm Your Workforce
“People want to work for companies with effective diversity and inclusion programs. Workers want to see people who look like them at every level in your organization,” advised Pelham.
“They also want feedback on their performance. The workforce that’s under 35 loves affirmation. They love to be told they’re doing a really good job. In many cases, they just want you to come pat them on the back and tell them, ‘You’re doing a great job, and I want you to know I see you.’ I see you. That simple phrase will change the culture in your organization,” she emphasized.
“You want your spouse to see you. You want your children to see you. It’s a natural human desire to be seen. This workforce wants to know what they’re doing is not in vain.”
8. Do Well by Doing Good
“Employees want to work for companies that have a family-friendly approach. They also want to work for organizations that do things in the community,” Pelham noted, adding that she recommends partnering with a nonprofit.
“Regardless of your industry, there are nonprofits out there that you can support by letting employees volunteer,” she said. “You’d be surprised at what that does for potential employees. If you told me that you’re going to give me two days and all I have to do is show you that I volunteered in the community? I’m going to take it. That may be the tie-breaker between you and another company. You need to be able to [tell] your employees that what they’re doing means a lot in society.”
9. Respect the Whole Person
According to Pelham, Glassdoor and MIT Business School studied 5,000 reviews of companies to determine what people expect from today’s workplace today. The number-one thing that employees mentioned was that they want to feel respected.
“Have you asked your employees what respect looks like?” she asked. “A predictor of the company’s culture was manager support. They had their manager’s attention; their manager had their back. Manager support was the second most important thing that was mentioned in this study: respect and manager support.”
In short, employees want to work for companies that care about their total well-being—their physical health along with their mental health.
“Do you have benefits that support mental health? Are you doing things that would reduce stress on your employees to show that you are concerned about their mental health? Total health and total wellbeing are critical for the future,” she asserted.
“What I’m talking about is not stuff that you have to go out and buy,” she added. “This is all free stuff; you could go back and start a whole revolution without spending a dime because respect doesn’t cost a thing. Manager support doesn’t cost a thing. This is stuff you could do today.”
10. Finally, Tell the World
“Your website is the one surefire way that you can tell consumers how you treat your employees—and you can tell potential employees what it’s like to work there,” explained Pelham.
“It could be a simple video where three or four of your employees say what it’s like to work there. Then put it on your website. [It] doesn’t have to be beautifully produced. People just want to know if [yours] is a company that they want to spend time with. Because you spend the bulk of your time with the people that you work with, you’re missing out on an opportunity if you don’t have a section of your website that’s dedicated to potential employees.”
Wrapping up her presentation, Pelham challenged her audience to ask themselves what they plan to do differently going forward. “How are you going to think about the workforce? Whether it’s through attraction, through technology, through creating a culture that has some of those pieces that we talked about, how are you going to ensure that you are prepared for this workforce shift [and] demographic that’s going to be hitting the workplace today?
“These are not just nice-to-haves,” she concluded. “These are going to be table stakes when employees are starting to make decisions about companies they want to work for.”
SEMA is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame program, now through March 17.
The award honors individuals in the automotive aftermarket who have enhanced the stature of the industry. Inductees include visionaries, innovators and leaders who have positively impacted what is now a $50.9 billion market. Nominees may be business leaders or contributors from any aftermarket segment or niche.
The SEMA Hall of Fame award honors individuals in the automotive aftermarket who have enhanced the stature of the industry.
“The SEMA community is filled with men and women whose accomplishments are so great that the entire industry is changed for the better,” said SEMA Project Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. “The SEMA Hall of Fame honors these individuals for their outstanding contributions. Without them, our industry would be significantly different from what it currently is.”
Criteria for the SEMA Hall of Fame are:
His/her contributions must have extended beyond the local level and reach throughout the national or international level.
The candidate is and/or has been involved in the specialty-equipment automotive industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years.
The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity and/or general stature and growth of the specialty-equipment automotive industry.
The candidate must have conducted him/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the specialty-equipment automotive industry.
Candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the 2023 SEMA Show, or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.
New Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May. Nominations can be submitted now at www.sema.org/hof.
Keystone Automotive Operations announced it will open the 2023 BIG Show Presented by Weather Guard—its annual customer event—with a live demonstration showcasing the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition finalists and winners. The annual customer-only, business-to-business networking event, to be held for the first time in Colorado at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, February 10–11, will feature receptions, an array of automotive aftermarket exhibitor displays, new products, show vehicles and education, along with substantial show-only sales and promotions.
Led by Emmy Award-winning host, Chris Jacobs, best known for his work on “Overhaulin’” and Mecum Auctions as well as a number of Discovery live specials, the interactive 2023 Battle of the Builders Panel will provide an exclusive, insiders perspective into what it takes to compete and win on the world’s largest automotive stage.
Longtime automotive aftermarket industry veteran, SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera—a former Battle of the Builders judge for many years—will be introduced to provide his insight along with the history and background of the competition as it has evolved over the years.
“The SEMA Show and The BIG Show are about building meaningful connections; connecting jobbers and shops with the suppliers and manufacturers whose products they install on customers vehicles every day,” said de Vera. “SEMA is proud that this competition creates an opportunity for all builders at every level from multiple aspects of the business to be recognized for their creativity, skill and dedication. While this panel represents some of the industry's elite builders, their efforts in overcoming challenges on the path to accomplishing their goals will resonate with each attendee.”
Joining Jacobs and de Vera will be two-time Battle of the Builders champions Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers, who captured the title at the 2022 SEMA Show with their one-of-a-kind ’48 Chevy Loadmaster Truck. Having also taken the overall prize in 2019, Ringbrothers also took top honors in the Off-Road and Truck category at last year’s Show with their custom K5 Blazer.
Representing the future of customization on the stage will be 2022 Battle of the Builders Young Guns winner and overall finalist Josh Michels. At just 22 years old, Michels rescued a ’66 Corvette from a field in Wisconsin and transformed the classic into a modern supercar to take top honors in his class in 2022. Rounding out the panel will be Russell Built Fabrications’ TJ Russell, who parlayed his expertise in vehicle development and customization along with his passion for off-road racing to take the class win in the Sport Compact, Luxury and Exotics division last year with his ’91 Porsche “Baja” 911.
“The SEMA Battle of the Builders is the greatest custom vehicle competition on the world’s largest automotive aftermarket stage,” said Keystone Automotive Operations Vice President Category Management & Marketing and a member of the SEMA Board of Directors Larry Montante. “Each of the individuals on this panel, representing multiple facets of vehicle building and customization has a unique story to share. We are looking forward to hearing their perspective on their motivation, how they approach their business and sharing with attendees how entering and winning a competition like Battle of the Builders can help attract customers by showcasing their talents with these high-profile builds.”
The SEMA Battle of the Builders Panel will be held on February 10, at 4:30 p.m., at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in the Aurora Ballroom for registered BIG Show attendees only. Show attendees will also have a chance to visit with the panelists throughout the event while viewing the Ringbrothers’ 2022 winning vehicles along with Greg Ward’s ’71 Toyota FJ40 Landcruiser—a Top 4 finalist in the 4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road category.
For more information about SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semashow.com/botb. For more information about the Keystone BIG Show, click here.
SEMA is planning its 2023 education program and has issued a call for speakers for its annual SEMA Show—taking place in Las Vegas, October 31–November 3—and its year-round virtual education program. Dynamic and entertaining presenters now have until February 10 to apply to share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket at www.sema.org/speakers.
Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate thought-provoking, forward-thinking seminars that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.
SEMA’s year-round virtual program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry’s complex issues and topics through online events and informational webinars. Likewise, the educational seminars make up one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals come to learn new business strategies.
Topics of focus for 2023 include:
Aftermarket updates and future trends
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Electric vehicles
Emerging and executive leadership
Legal and regulatory
Sales and marketing
Small-business strategy
Vehicle technology
Specific industry segments
Speaker proposals for the 2023 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 10. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit proposals at www.sema.org/speakers.
For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.
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.
Custom Trucks Unlimited is hiring an automotive technician responsible for installation of aftermarket accessories, including lift and leveling kits, alignments, mount and balance wheels/tires, bed covers, grille guards, bumper replacements, winch and winch mounts, cab lighting, LED lighting, hitches, step bars, toolboxes, cargo-management systems, fiberglass products, etc. Candidates must have at least three years’ experience.
Nostrum High Performance is hiring a test asset engineer responsible for the health and life of critical test assets. The candidate will be responsible for both production and development testing of Nostrum products, including test asset health, test procedures, characterization testing, performance testing and benchmarking. The candidate will conduct hands-on development and validation testing. The candidate will also be responsible for the design, build, qualification and maintenance of the testing assets, including fuel injector test benches, fuel pump test benches, leak test assets, component test benches and additional test equipment. The candidate will be responsible for new test equipment design engineering, including sourcing, building and qualification. The candidate will work with engineering staff and suppliers and will work directly with the calibration and controls engineers. This position will require up to 10% travel to various domestic and international locations.
Brandmotion is hiring a vehicle fabricator to build-up prototype autonomous vehicles as well as prototype installations on factory vehicles. An individual in this position will work closely with product development. The successful candidate for this role has a self-starting mentality, fully developed fabrication skills to influence both engineers and technicians and enjoys working hands-on with prototype vehicles.
As an automotive writer, photographer, videographer, racer and builder, few in the specialty-equipment industry can rival Larry Chen for versatility. Best known for his work with Hoonigan, he is also the official series photographer for the Formula Drift racing series and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. You can find his automotive vlog at Hoonigan, where he hosts a web series called "AutoFocus," or at YouTube, where his channel lists more than 440,000 subscribers. To recognize his contributions to the industry across a variety of media, he was named SEMA's first-ever Influencer of the Year at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.
Recently we spent some time with Chen to learn more about this uniquely talented individual.
SEMA News: What's your latest project? What's in your garage/driveway/studio, etc.?
Larry Chen: My latest project is my 2022 SEMA Show build. I built a GR86 for the Toyota booth. It’s a simple drift and street car. It pretty much has every single bolt-on that exists for that car, including an HKS Supercharger.
Over the years I’ve just been collecting cars that I love to drive. For off-road, I have a stick-shift supercharged FJ Cruiser, and a wide-body Toyota Tundra. I have a 350z that I built into a drift car so I could learn how to drift. I have an A90 Toyota Supra that I use as a camera chase vehicle. I have a 170 SR20DET-powered 240z as well as a ’90 Nissan Skyline GTR. I have a 996 turbo as well for a fun street car.
SN: What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
LC: My first job was fixing computers and networks. I did house calls, and I went to businesses to work on their computers. I learned how hard it was to earn money as an entrepreneur.
SN: Besides your photographic work, you’re now a builder. How did that come about?
LC: This all came from a love for cars. I initially got into the hobby from tinkering on my car and driving at the local race tracks with friends. I got into taking photos because it was my way of being around car culture, even though I was not a mechanic or professional driver.
SN: Talk about your SEMA Show build. What kind of statement did you want to make, and how well do you think it came out?
LC: I think it came out great. To prove to everyone that it was a functional drift car, I actually took it to the track to burn some rubber three days before the Show. I was pretty careful, so I didn’t break anything. I just wanted to build something within my skill level. It’s not the craziest car as it only makes 300 hp, but it’s very special to me as my third SEMA build.
SN: What have you learned from your years in the industry that you didn’t know at the start of your career?
LC: I’ve learned so much over the years. I’ve been shooting cars for 17 years now. The most important thing is to maintain and build relationships with people in the industry. There are folks that I’ve been working with since I first picked up a camera, and it’s incredible to have those people you can rely on.
SN: Describe your first SEMA Show. What do you remember most about it?
LC: My first SEMA Show was in 2006. I remember I bummed a ride from a few friends and I actually slept on the floor of a hotel room the entire week. I was so blown away by the cars that were there at the Show. It was eye-opening to see as a car photographer and since then I have not missed a single Show.
SN: What’s your daily driver, and what do you like most about it?
LC: My daily driver is an LC200 Lexus Land Cruiser. I love it because it’s like driving a couch. It’s also very capable as a production vehicle and it’s great off-road. I actually took it on some nice trails in Moab.
SN: Say you’re shooting a cover for Hot Rod. How do you prepare, what kind of gear do you bring, and how much time does it take?
LC: It depends on what we are shooting and where, but generally speaking I have a pretty standard kit for car photography. I’ve only used Canon cameras, and that has certainly paid off for me as I am the only car photographer on their team of professional photographers, also known as “Explorers of Light.”
SN: For someone looking to break into the business, what advice would you give them?
LC: I would say to find an internship to learn as you go. There is a huge shortage of passionate people in the industry. It seems like so many people see what we do from the outside, but they don’t want to put in the hard work.
SN: When you’re not working, where will we find you, and what will you be doing?
LC: You will probably find me hanging out with my family. Or at the track driving my cars or tinkering with them in my shop.
New videos are available from the recent SEMA Show Education Program. Visit www.semashow.com/education-videos to view two popular sessions touching on diversity and inclusion in the automotive aftermarket; the sessions will leave you more aware and inspired.
DEI Business Panel: Diversity in the Aftermarket Industry
Learn about contributions from people of color in the automotive aftermarket industry as panelists reel you into a rich discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). You’ll hear from Alan Williams, general manager of quality systems and planning, Toyota Motor North America Inc; Carmen Belanger-Martin, CEO, AM Hot Rod Glass; Chris Harris, co-founder, African American Racers Association; Lisa Lunsford, co-founder and CEO, GS3 Global; and Edward Hightower, CEO and president, Lordstown Motors Corp., as they share how to accelerate the advancements of people of color in the automotive aftermarket.
Keynote With NHRA Champion, Antron Brown
In his inspiring SEMA Show Education Keynote, Brown shares his favorite industry experiences and life lessons, challenging you to aim higher and imagine new ways of thinking.
Power Automedia Announces Winner of 1,000-HP Engine Giveaway Presented by Summit Racing Equipment
Hennessey Unveils Supercharged H700 Corvette C8 Stingray
EGR Group Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Nissan Futures Showcases Innovations in Sustainable Mobility
View the Full Seminar
As an automotive writer, photographer, videographer, racer and builder, few in the specialty-equipment industry can rival Larry Chen for versatility. Best known for his work with Hoonigan, he is also the official series photographer for the Formula Drift racing series and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. You can find his automotive vlog at Hoonigan, where he hosts a web series called "AutoFocus," or at YouTube, where his channel lists more than 440,000 subscribers. To recognize his contributions to the industry across a variety of media, he was named SEMA's first-ever Influencer of the Year at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.