Taking place Friday, February 10, from 3:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m. (MST) at the Ski Village inside the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, Colorado, the event is the ideal place for members to expand their professional network by making new connections. Attendees also will learn about SEMA’s resources and programs, plans for the year and enjoy complimentary snacks and cold drinks.
Registration is requested so that event coordinators can plan accordingly.
SEMA members are invited to connect with Vin Anatra of Hoonigan during the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Facebook and Instagram live chat, Wednesday, February 15, at 12:00 p.m. (PST).
An inexperienced kid from New York with a passion for cars, Anatra helped build one of the most notable and influential brands in the automotive apparel and media space—Hoonigan. He will now go live to share his expertise on the importance of content creation in the automotive aftermarket’s marketing mix and how to turn content into tangible and sellable assets.
Anatra moved to Los Angeles in 2015 to work for the brand as an entry-level marketing coordinator. At 34 years old, he is senior vice president of partnerships and has put together more than $20 million in brand deals with automakers, 10 of the top Fortune 100 companies and a majority of the endemic aftermarket.
SEMA members will have the opportunity to ask Anatra questions as he discusses the importance of content creation in our industry, and how he’s pivoted and evolved with the ever-changing digital landscape with authenticity as his north star.
This story was originally published on February 7, 2023. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.
Ford Returns to Formula 1; Strategic Partner to Oracle Red Bull Racing for 2026 Season and Beyond
After more than two decades, Ford is returning to Formula 1. The automaker and Red Bull Powertrains are entering into a long-term strategic technical partnership for the development of a next-gen hybrid power unit to be used from the 2026 Formula 1 season onward. Red Bull Ford will provide the power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030.
Starting from 2023, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will work to develop the power unit that will be part of the new technical regulations, including a 350 kW electric motor and a new combustion engine able to accept fully sustainable fuels, ready for the 2026 season. Ford will provide technical expertise in all areas where it can add value to the front-running world championship team. Areas to be explored together are in the combustion engine development and key developments like battery cell and electric motor technology, power unit control software and analytics.
Ford is investing $50 billion to lead the EV revolution around the world. Ford is working to meet increased consumer demand and deliver an annual run rate of 600,000 electric vehicles globally by the end of this year and 2 million globally by the end of 2026 as part of its Ford+ plan.
In 2026, Ford will compete in racing disciplines from grassroots motorsports to Formula 1 comprising WEC and IMSA, including Le Mans 24 Hours with Mustang GT3, WRC with the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1, Baja 1000 with Ranger Raptor and Bronco, and NASCAR, NHRA and Supercars with Mustang.
Ford Performance and Bronco to Defend King of the Hammers Stock Racing Class Crown
Ford Performance and Bronco has returned to the King of the Hammers Ultra4 off-road races in Johnson Valley, California, to defend last year’s 1-2-3 podium sweep in the Every Man Challenge 4600 stock class and go for the win in the 4400 Unlimited class.
Billed as the toughest one-day off-road racing series in America, the 17th annual King of the Hammers, held February 2–11, presents the utmost challenge to showcase state-of-the-art off-road technologies and the Built Wild mental fortitude of drivers across a myriad of diverse terrain. The event also serves as the start to the Ultra4 Off-Road Racing season.
King of the Hammers consists of 90-mile courses across high-speed desert sands and rock crawling across tricky terrain. It is one of the most extreme off-road competitions in the world. Each year, a pop-up city of 80,000 spectators converges on the barren Johnson Valley to watch the race, with millions more viewing online.
The Every Man Challenge features Bronco 4600s, which start their lives as stock production Bronco SUVs at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant before being modified to align to race class specifications. Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Loren Healy, Bailey Cole and Jason Scherer, and defending race winners Brad and Roger Lovell all return as driver/co-driver highlights to the entry list.
Scherer and Healy (both three-time overall Hammers champs) as well as Gittin Jr. (2021 Ultra4 4400 champ) are driving double-duty during the event, also competing in the Race of the Kings in Bronco 4400s, the original unlimited class that helped launch King of the Hammers many years ago.
The 4400 vehicles are all-out custom-built marauders, featuring tubular chassis, powerful engines and massive tires. However, production vehicle innovations also come into play, with the Bronco 4400s utilizing Fox’s live valve shock technology also found on the Bronco Raptor.
Several Ford Performance hero vehicles are on display at the event for fans to see up close, including the ’19 Bronco R race prototype, ’22 Baja 1000-winning Ranger Raptor, three-in-a-row Rebelle Rally-winning Bronco Sport, as well as Bronco DR. Fans can also venture over to the Bronco Nation Basecamp, located right in Hammertown, to visit with fellow Bronco enthusiasts. To learn more about the Bronco two-door, four-door and Bronco Sport models, please visit Ford.com/Bronco.
Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D-Burbank) has introduced Senate Bill 301—a bill sponsored by SEMA to create a financial rebate program for converting gas- and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs). The legislation will allow California to support small businesses and maintain its rich car culture, while assisting consumers who want to convert their vehicles to cleaner engines.
SEMA is sponsoring the legislation, embracing the innovation of the auto industry as it works to make ZEV ownership more accessible following a similar bill introduced last year that passed in the Assembly with zero opposition.
“The aftermarket is a leader in innovation, and that includes in zero-emissions technologies,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “SB 301 creates opportunities for our California-based small businesses, their employees and consumers to build and have access to affordable ZEVs.”
California has multiple programs, including the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) and the Clean Cars for All Program, to promote the purchase of new ZEVs. However, none of these programs assist with ZEV conversions of gas-powered vehicles that started their life with an internal-combustion engine. SB 301 addresses consumers’ desire for clean transportation options by funding a creative alternative way to make ZEV ownership more accessible and affordable.
SB 301 also preserves California’s diverse and deep-rooted car culture, while helping the state meet its ambitious climate goals. Classic cars are a core part of American history and many communities across the state. By converting their vehicles to ZEVs, classic-car owners and enthusiasts can retain a piece of California’s history and contribute to a lower-emissions future.
SB 301 will additionally benefit automotive workers and small automotive repair and ZEV conversion businesses. ZEV conversions are a rapidly growing market. Encouraging and assisting in ZEV conversions puts money back into the hands of the small, independently owned businesses to support and create sustainable, good-paying jobs.
The bill will offer eligible Californians a rebate of up to $2,000 to convert their gas-powered vehicle into a ZEV.
“It is essential that we continue to look for new methods and ideas to meet our strong climate goals,” said Senator Portantino. “SB 301 will make it much easier for many Californians who have the desire to go green but lack the financial capacity to do so. It will aid conversion by providing a financial rebate for Californians who choose to convert their gas-powered car into an electric vehicle but can’t afford to do so. Cutting-edge energy efficiency should not be reserved only for those wealthy enough to afford it.”
SEMA encourages its members and enthusiasts in California to contact their lawmakers in support of SB 301.
Featured speakers at this year’s California Tire Dealers Association’s CTDA/1-800 EveryRim New Year Luncheon—held January 26 in Santa Fe Springs, California—included Dick Gust, CEO of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), and Carlstar Group’s Steve Swanson, representing SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), both of whom outlined their organization’s various offerings.
(L–R): SEMA WTC’s Steve Swanson, TIA CEO Dick Gust, CTDA President Chris Barry, Host Billy Eordekian of 1-800EveryRim OEM Wheels, and diamond sponsor Jon Slania of Federated Insurance.
During the festivities, Ken Kevorkian was inducted into the CTDA Hall of Fame. Kevorkian, now retired, was one of the first CTDA members, serving as its president in 1993 and 1994. He also served as a director of the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association. In the ’50s, after fighting in the Korean War, he began his career at United Vulcanizing with his father. In addition, Kevorkian chaired the California Transportation Commission after being appointed by Governor George Deukmejian.
As president of the California-Nevada Super Speed Train Commission and as a director for the California State Assistance Fund for Enterprise, Business and Industrial Development, Kevorkian also found time to volunteer as board of trustees chair for the United Armenian Congregational Church in Los Angeles.
“We thank our sponsors without whom this event would not be possible. We were at capacity this year, and we are looking forward to having everyone back, plus more, on January 18, 2024,” said CTDA President Chris Barry of the Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG).
CTDA Hall of Fame inductee Ken Kevorkian.
Sponsors of this year’s luncheon were event host 1-800 EveryRim OEM Wheels, diamond sponsor Federated Insurance, gold sponsors Yokohama Tire Corp., Advanced Auto Parts, Mighty Auto Parts, RoboTire, TireTutor and Wholesale Tire Distributors. Silver sponsors were Penn Tires, Optimize Digital Marketing, NetDriven, ShopMonkey, Conceptual Minds and Atturo Tire Corp.
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.
Polaris Off Road has expanded its offering with the return of its RANGER CREW XP 1000 Texas Edition and RANGER SP 570 NorthStar and RANGER CREW SP 570 NorthStar Edition designed for the rancher, farmer and landowner. For ATV riders, Polaris is bringing back its Sportsman 850 and XP 1000 High Lifter Editions, Sportsman 570 and XP 1000 Ride Command Editions and Sportsman 570 Utility HD model packed with factory-equipped technology and features allowing riders to explore further when on the trails or in the mud.
“We are constantly learning from the unique ways customers use our products,” said Steve Menneto, president of Polaris Off Road. “From mudding to property maintenance, these vehicles are purpose-built with enhanced features that enable our customers to make the most of their day, and we're excited to bring them back for 2023.”
The RANGER and Sportsman models offer features to meet the needs of riders who require more capability, performance and durability from their off-road vehicle, according to Polaris.
The RANGER CREW XP 1000 Texas Edition features include:
Custom Styling – The Texas Edition comes with exclusive Texas badging, unique colors and graphics and is fully customizable with accessories to get the job done.
Towing and Hauling Confidence – Class-leading 2,500-lb. towing and 1,000-lb. bed capacity, plus a factory-installed 4,500-lb. winch with synthetic rope and autostop gives ranchers the confidence to pull and haul more around the property.
All-Day Comfort – A factory-installed poly sport roof and contoured seats with back bolsters for all day comfort.
Built for Texas – Tackle tough terrain with high clearance arched A-arms and 8-ply 29-in. Pro Armor tires that provide 14 in. of ground clearance and durability.
Powerful LED Lighting – With high-intensity LED headlights, ranchers have the ability to work early mornings and tackle late-night tasks with improved visibility.
Remain in Charge – Power phones and small electronic devices with a new USB charging port in the dash.
The RANGER SP 570 and CREW SP 570 NorthStar Edition features include:
Pro Shield Cab System – Best-in-class full-cab delivers comfort and protection from rain, dust and cold weather with full crank-down windows doors and front and rear panels for added comfort.
Work and Play in Comfort – Heating and ventilation to allow for year-round use of the vehicle in the comfort of a warm cab during cold days and early mornings.
Redefined Powerful LED Lighting – New for 2023, LED headlights allow customers to work and play with more confidence in low-light conditions.
Added Protection – New Mud Guards prevent debris collection under the cab for less clean up and more durability.
Capability – Factory-equipped Polaris Pro HD 3,500-lb. winch with synthetic rope and autostop.
Remain in Charge – With a new USB charging port in the dash, customers can stay charged and connected while on the move.
Key features for the Sportsman 850 and Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition include:
Navigate the Mud – High-mount air intakes and clutch ducting allow clean, cool air to enter the engine when traversing mud/water.
Mud Specific Tires – 30-in. Outlaw 2 tires and 14-in. aluminum wheels offer greater clearance and handling on deep mud, rocks and trails.
Traction and Suspension – Equipped with 13.5 in. ground clearance to clear obstacles.
Recovery Ready – Factory-installed on Sportsman XP 1000 Mud Edition, the 3,500-lb. winch has the power to pull.
Key features for the Sportsman 570 and XP 1000 Ride Command Editions include:
RIDE COMMAND+ – Factory installed on the Sportsman XP 1000 Ride Command Edition, receives key information including remote vehicle location services, vehicle health monitoring and more. All available in the Polaris App.
Duro Tires – Up to 27-in. Duro Tires and 14-in. aluminum rims offer greater clearance and handling on the trail to confidently tackle off-road terrain.
Powerful LED Lighting – Extend the riding day with LED headlights, providing better visibility in low-light conditions to brighten the trail from dawn to dusk.
Premium Style & Protection – Both Ride Command Editions feature the new Silver Quartz Metallic colorway plus front bumpers for the ultimate vehicle protection on the trails ahead.
The Sportsman 570 Utility HD features include:
Strength and Capability – 1,350 lbs. of towing, 270 lbs. of rack capacity.
Ready For Tough Jobs – Easily Park a trailer in a tight spot with more direct control thanks to the front hitch and added vehicle protection with the front utility bumper.
Get More Done – With the addition of a rear power port plug, users can easily integrate added equipment, including utility sprayers and grass mowers.
Extra Capacity – With added front and rear metal racks, riders have extra space to tie down cargo and get around the property.
For full details on the ’23 Polaris Sportsman lineup, the Sportsman 850 and Sportsman1000 High Lifter Edition models, Sportsman 570 and Sportsman 1000 Ride Command, Sportsman 570 Utility HD and other 2023 Sportsman models, visit Polaris.com/Sportsman. To learn more about the 2023 RANGER family, visit Polaris.com/RANGER.
Greg Gates Returns to Original Parts Group Inc. as National Sales Manager
After five years, retired Original Parts Group Inc. (OPGI) alumni Greg Gates will return to the company as national sales manager, OPGI’s President and Founder Dave Leonard recently announced to staff members. Gates brings more than 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, 10 of which were dedicated to the OPGI retail sales and RESTOPARTS manufacturing division.
During his previous stint with Original Parts Group, Gates served six years as a sales specialist and four years as director of RESTOPARTS. In his new role as national sales manager, Gates hopes to enhance the customer experience through better service, sales and product-knowledge training.
Champion Brands Parent Company Names New CEO
PLZ Corp—the North American-based specialty aerosol and liquid product manufacturer and parent company of specialty lubricants manufacturer Champion Brands—has announced the appointment of Brett Finley as CEO. Finley, who begins his position on February 15, brings more than 25 years of specialty manufacturing industry leadership experience. He will focus on leveraging R&D resources and product breadth.
Finley joins PLZ from Fortune Brands, a home and security products company, where he served as president of outdoors & security. He oversaw growth initiatives and managed a business segment with 7,800 employees across five business units.
VP Racing Fuels Announces New Identity
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the launch of a new identity for the corporation, its products and programs. VP will immediately begin transitioning to the “VP Racing” moniker and a refreshed logo.
“We are excited to announce an updated identity for VP,” said Alan Cerwick, VP Racing's president and CEO. “This change is a better reflection of the vitality of our company and its ever-expanding product and service lines.”
RRMCI to Represent TJM USA Throughout North America
TJM USA will now work with R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) for North American sales and marketing representation, the firm announced. RRMCI will represent TJM USA throughout the United States and Canada.
“We’ve been looking for a partner to support our growth throughout the United States and provide an improved level of service to our growing customer base. RRMCI has a great reputation across the industry, and we look forward to working with the R&R team,” said Matt Logan, head of customer experience, TJM.
Foose Design Starts New Vlog Series
A new, casual Vlog-style video shows the hustle and bustle at Foose Design on a daily basis. Watch Chip Foose juggle multiple client projects at once with nothing but the tools in his hands and a smile on his face. Tune in to Foose Design for more shop updates.
KMC Returns as Official Wheel of 2023 King of the Hammers
KMC Wheels has announced its return as the official wheel sponsor of the King of the Hammers (KOH) off-road racing event. The event attracts participants from across the globe in categories including Ultra4, UTV, everyman, EV and more, and is considered one of the toughest and most grueling off-road races in the world.
This year, KMC Wheels has sponsored the following drivers for the 2023 KOH race event; Bryce Menzies, Casey Currie, Dustin Jones, Darren Parsons, Hollie Fowler, Jacob Versey and the Ampudia Brothers.
Attendees can visit the KMC Wheels booth adjacent to the 4 Wheel Parts Booth in the center of Hammertown and have a chance to win parts and goods from KMC and 4WP, including sets of the new KMC KM549-GRS. Additionally, KMC Wheels has partnered with Progressive Insurance and ON-X Off-Road to bring the KMC Wheels Public Wi-Fi Lounge Presented by Progressive Insurance. Located inside Hammertown, attendees can visit to relax and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi during the event.
Eastman Chemical Acquires Dalian Ai-Red Technology
Eastman Chemical Company has announced it has acquired Ai-Red Technology (Dalian) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and supplier of paint protection and window film for auto and architectural markets in the Asia Pacific region. This acquisition demonstrates Eastman’s commitment to driving growth in Performance Films and the paint-protection and window-film markets. The investment further strengthens the company’s ability to deliver value as a specialty materials company and expands the service level in China and the Asia Pacific region. This site will align with Eastman Performance Films’ operations and its standard of quality supply into the market.
“This acquisition provides additional capacity to serve the growing demand for our paint-protection and window-film products and creates additional capacity for innovation and product scale-up from our existing operations,” said Erin Bernhardt, vice president and general manager of the Performance Films business of Eastman’s Advanced Materials segment. “By adding this capacity and team to Eastman’s industry-leading team, technologies, and brands, we expect to accelerate an already aggressive growth trajectory in automotive and architectural aftermarket films.”
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Hypertherm Now Accepting Educational Grant Applications
The program, now in its eighth year, will provide 12 North American schools with a Powermax45 XP air plasma system and in-person training from a Hypertherm product expert.
Hypertherm is now accepting applications for its Spark Something Great educational grant program. The program, now in its eighth year, will provide 12 North American schools with a Powermax45 XP air plasma system and in-person training from a Hypertherm product expert.
The Spark Something Great grant program is meant to support the next generation of welders and metal fabricators by making the newest generation of plasma-cutting equipment and standardized instruction available to schools. To date, the company has awarded systems to 76 schools. This year, applications are due on or before April 1 with grant decisions communicated by May 2. More information, including instructions for applying, is available on Hypertherm’s website.
In addition to the grant program, Hypertherm will continue to make all 10 hours of its AWS SENSE-approved “Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice” curriculum available for free download to teachers.
Lucas Oil Products Announces Additions to Leadership Team
Lucas Oil Products has announced three additions to its leadership team: the hiring of Jason Bonikowske as general counsel and the promotions of Nicole York to vice president of finance and Megan Burakiewicz to vice president of human resources.
Bonikowske previously spent 16 years at CSM Sport and Entertainment (formerly JMI), where he oversaw legal operations, developed internal governance policies, advised executives on risk mitigation and routinely negotiated high-quality sport and entertainment agreements. York, meanwhile, was recognized by the Indiana CPA Society with the Emerging Leader Award in 2021. In her new role, she will supervise activities, including tax preparation, gathering and analyzing financial data and preparing financial reports. Building on her previous role as the director of people operations, Burakiewicz will continue to “foster a flourishing company culture and growth opportunities” as vice president of human resources, the company stated.
Polaris RZR Troy Lee Designs Edition
Polaris and Troy Lee Designs Unveil Limited-Edition RZR Pro R and RZR 200 Models
Polaris Off Road has unveiled two limited-edition offerings in partnership with motocross, mountain bike and action sports brand Troy Lee Designs (TLD)—the ’23 Polaris RZR Pro R Troy Lee Designs Edition and matching RZR 200 EFI Troy Lee Designs Edition. While the RZR 200 EFI Troy Lee Designs Edition marks Polaris’ first-ever limited-edition RZR 200, both limited-edition models carry the TLD race-inspired design aesthetic.
The Polaris-TLD collaboration combines the artistry of Troy Lee with Polaris’ performance-engineering. This is the second time the two brands have come together to deliver a limited-edition offering, previously collaborating on a limited-edition Polaris GENERAL in 2022.
“We're thrilled to continue our partnership with Troy Lee Designs, offering two limited-edition RZRs that powerfully demonstrate our shared passion for off-roading and our commitment to premium style, performance and safety,” said Reid Wilson, vice president, Polaris Off Road Recreation. “This year, we selected the RZR Pro R and RZR 200 models for the simple fact that they are at the top of their class—the Pro R for its unmatched power and strength, and the RZR 200 for its unique blend of performance and safety features, ideal for unlocking the excitement of off-roading for the next generation of riders.”
The top-tier Ulimate Trim Pro R features a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that delivers 225 hp, a welded one-piece cage, solid box chassis and stronger driveline, plus the adaptive DYNAMIX DV, and all-new Max-Link suspension.
For the young, aspiring riders, Polaris is offering the RZR 200 EFI Troy Lee Designs Edition. Designed for children 10 years or older, the youth side-by-side packs safety features, kid-friendly performance and adjustability to allow the young rider to grow with their machine.
“The RZR Pro R and RZR 200 are both an incredible design canvas. The Pro R has power for days, suspension that delivers a ridiculously smooth ride, and strength to manage anything thrown its way, while the RZR 200 gives the next generation of rider the confidence to tackle the trails,” Lee said.
To learn more about the new RZR Pro R Troy Lee Designs Edition and the RZR 200 Troy Lee Designs Edition, visit the Polaris website.
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.
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.
Ford Returns to Formula 1; Strategic Partner to Oracle Red Bull Racing for 2026 Season and Beyond
Ford Performance and Bronco to Defend King of the Hammers Stock Racing Class Crown
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.
VP Racing Fuels Announces New Identity
