By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
During the 2022 PRI Show in Indianapolis, thousands rallied to “Save our Racecars” at Lucas Oil Stadium to show their support for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act and PRI’s Political Action Committee (PAC).
The 2022 Save our Racecars Rally, emceed by Johnny D, featured appearances by members of the Street Outlaws, Sage “Donkmaster” Thomas and Brent Leivestad from PFI Speed. Nearly $40,000 was raised for PRI’s PAC, including proceeds from a live auction featuring ticket packages to racing events, memorabilia signed by the Street Outlaws and ride-along experiences.
The PRI PAC allows individual PRI Members to contribute personal funds to help elect lawmakers who support the racing industry’s positions and priorities, such as the RPM Act. The RPM Act is common-sense, bipartisan legislation to protect Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete. The bill clarifies that it is legal to make emissions-related changes to a street vehicle for the purpose of converting it into a racecar used exclusively in competition. It also confirms that it is legal to produce, market and install racing equipment.
For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
By Ashley Reyes
The biggest obstacle women face on the path to senior leadership is getting the first step up to manage, according to Lean In’s Women in the Workplace Study.
For every 100 men promoted from entry level to manager, only 87 women are promoted, and only 82 women of color are promoted. As a result, men significantly outnumber women at the manager level, which consequently means that there are less women to promote into senior leadership positions.
The 2023 SBN Women’s Leadership Forum will bring women together to enhance their professional development and leadership skills, and feature targeted seminars from top speakers and experts, hands-on workshops and networking.
To ensure that professional women in the automotive aftermarket have the tools and resources needed to advance in their careers, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting its 2023 SBN Women’s Leadership Forum, March 1–3, 2023, in Costa Mesa, California.
Registration is open now at www.sema.org/sbn-wlf, and will close February 2, 2023. The three-day comprehensive leadership program will bring women together to enhance their professional development and leadership skills, and feature targeted seminars from top speakers and experts, hands-on workshops and networking.
“This year’s keynote sessions will focus on futuristic-next level leadership trends and how to elevate one’s impact and influence,” said SBN Director Nicole Bradle. “The intimate setting is unlike any other offered in the industry and will provide women the opportunity to share their common challenges so they can inspire and support one another.”
A complete event program will be available in late December. Registration is limited. SBN members can register at a reduced rate of $599, compared to non-SEMA members at $799. Participants must make their own travel arrangements. Secure your seat today!
Tomorrow is the final opportunity for media to secure a priority schedule for the 2023 MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place in person on January 24–26, at the Embassy Suites Anaheim South in Garden Grove, California.
Unlike traditional trade shows, where manufacturers are focused on buyers and making sales, MPMC Media Trade Conference exhibitors attend to conduct quality media interviews.
By registering before December 16, media are given first priority to select the exhibitors they would like to meet with and will receive the best possible schedule.
Register today to secure quality, private meetings (up to 14 each day) with motorsports parts manufacturers.
For questions or more information, click here or contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org.
By Mike Imlay
The automotive industry—and consequently the aftermarket—has entered a period of unprecedented change. Emerging technologies; new ways of doing business; and market, social and governmental forces are creating a barrage of opportunities and challenges for our industry. As a trade organization, SEMA is committed to helping members navigate industry trends so they can future-proof their businesses, succeed and prosper.
What trends, challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the aftermarket in 2023 and beyond? SEMA News turned to council and network leaders representing our major industry sectors for answers. Shutterstock.com
SEMA councils and networks play a vital role in this mission. They offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment. They also serve as “think-tanks” to help identify segment needs and priorities.
This article is the second in a two-part series in which SEMA News queried the leaders of each SEMA council and network for a SWOT analysis of their industry segments. We also asked about council and network initiatives targeting their industry segments. (The first part appeared in our December 2022 issue.) What follows are insights into the hot-rod, performance motorsports and truck and off-roading categories, as well as trends relating to emerging technologies. The statements below are edited for clarity and conciseness.
Emergent Tech and Product-Development TrendsKelleigh Ash
Select Committee Member,
Emerging Trends & Technologies Network (ETTN)
Our industry has experienced rapid innovation and development over the past year. Going into 2023 those trends will only continue their increase in velocity. We’ve witnessed unprecedented advances in such key areas as autonomous driving; electric and hybrid vehicles; artificial intelligence; revolutionary and improved biofuels; new and advanced safety features; the most efficient and powerful internal combustion engines (ICEs) ever produced; an increase in availability and choices for sustainable materials; and more.
The aftermarket has the unique distinction of being the ground floor for these exciting new and emerging technology opportunities—and the challenge of keeping up with it all while navigating the ever-evolving regulations that accompany them. ETTN is here to serve our industry’s engineering and product-development professionals by providing resources and solutions to address these emerging vehicle trends and technologies.
One of our larger initiatives—the ETTN Networking, Education, Resources and Development (N.E.R.D.) Symposium—was launched in 2022. The symposium is designed to benefit small, medium and large SEMA-member companies by connecting their engineers with service providers in one-to-one meetings—allowing them to attend in-depth education sessions led by industry experts, providing networking opportunities with other engineers with similar needs, and addressing shared topics of challenge and concern. Make sure to watch for the 2023 N.E.R.D. Symposium!
Trends in the Hot-Rod MarketAmy Fitzgerald
Select Committee Member,
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Hot rods continue to be staples of the aftermarket industry. The most positive market trend that we have seen is more vehicles on the road. Enthusiasts are participating in more cruises and driving to events, as opposed to simply hauling trailer queens. This has meant a positive influx in the need for restoration parts and upgrade components. A drivable vehicle is a much different beast than the trailer queen.
As for current challenges, like the rest of the segments in the automotive industry, our member companies are struggling with raw-material availability, shipping delays, and employee-retention issues—not to mention finding employees, period.
The hot-rod segment is always evolving. As a younger generation becomes more involved in the industry, we are finding they are modifying and “hot rodding” a totally different kind of vehicle than what we were 20–30, or even 5–10, years ago. The availability of modern upgrades and components has changed the definition of “hot rod” to encompass a much wider range of vehicle years and styles.
We are hoping to present some education events in which members can learn from industry peers about what has and hasn’t worked in their businesses. We are asking membership to let us know what they want to discuss and learn about. This will allow the HRIA select committee to address the issues, questions and problems the membership is seeking guidance on.
“We are Hot Rod!” HRIA is an incredible group of small businesses with the same goal. We all want to keep pushing the limits to go faster, look cooler and produce amazing parts and products to keep the aftermarket going and see our hobby continue for generations to come.
HRIA is dedicated to assisting our membership with resources for daily operations as well as long-term planning and everything in between. HRIA is a community that works together to help each other grow each of our businesses. We are each other’s best resource for business success.
Motorsports and Performance Parts TrendsMelissa Scoles
Chair, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)
Racing is being enjoyed by more and more individuals, and it’s fun to see younger generations becoming more engaged. With many people renewing their focus on hobbies, and more automotive conversations due to the electric-vehicle (EV) evolution, there seems to be a renewed energy around motorsports. We’re hopeful that these positive activities and reactions will overcome any setbacks from the economy.
Passing the RPM Act would increase our segment’s opportunities. The EPA is taking a stance against many in the motorsports industry, and it’s important that we stand together to keep our industry strong.
A plethora of changes in vehicle technologies is creating opportunities for new and existing motorsports manufacturers to create new products and solutions for racers and enthusiasts. For example, EVs have a lot of performance potential. We can see a future where the hot rodders and racers of tomorrow are upgrading their EVs with more power and larger battery packs to make their economy cars fast—just like past generations did with motor swaps and power adders! The new technology will be a challenge, but that’s part of the excitement of pushing forward.
MPMC is best known for the Media Trade Conference held each year in January. This conference provides the opportunity for motorsports parts manufacturers to meet individually with different media partners to discuss a variety of topics, including the changing motorsports and aftermarket environments, new-vehicle technologies, challenges and more. Additionally, we provide several learning opportunities throughout the year dedicated to helping motorsports parts manufacturers. We’re also working to create more meaningful networking opportunities so that, as manufacturers, we can work with and learn from each other in our evolving markets.
Our segment of the automotive aftermarket is full of innovative and passionate people and companies. They are fantastic problem-solvers. These are the companies and people who can be ideal partners for products from design to release, and any step in between, if you’re looking for partners.
SEMA is a very powerful association that has thousands of members with countless ideas of where to focus the association’s attention. The MPMC is a voice to ensure that your best interests are represented to SEMA leadership. The MPMC is led by industry professionals who are continually donating their time and efforts to deliver information, events and opportunities that benefit you and your business. We welcome you to visit www.sema.org/mpmc for more information, to join MPMC or to contact us directly.
Truck and Off-Roading Issues and TrendsTroy Wirtz
Chair, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
The Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s mission statement is “to serve, engage and unite the truck and off-road community through networking, education and outreach initiatives to provide value and help our members succeed.” The TORA select committee meets on a regular basis, and we are always working toward adding value to our members. We are an excellent voice within the SEMA association for sharing issues you may have in your business. Our goal is to help industry folks thrive in the ever-challenging
marketplace.
The off-road community is currently facing—and will continue to face—challenges focused on regulatory issues. There are groups that want to close trails, as they perceive damage is taking place by off-roaders. Land abuse from vehicles and trash are the main concerns. TORA realizes that keeping our trails open is a top priority as this impacts so many people throughout the industry. We are partnering with organizations like the Off Road Business Association (ORBA) and Tread Lightly! to unify our approach promoting healthy land-use awareness. Many people are unaware of the efforts SEMA and its councils put forth promoting and supporting our industry. SEMA has staff at our nation’s capital focusing year-round on our industry needs.
The TORA council generally holds six regional events per year as a “thank you” to our members. These events are held in conjunction with other industry and enthusiast events. In the past we have held these at King of the Hammers, Easter Jeep Safari and the Keystone Big Show. If you haven’t attended one yet, you really need to! It’s a great place to network with other people in the industry and discuss what is new and exciting.
Every year at the SEMA Show, TORA also holds a happy hour and reception. We also place six to 10 featured vehicles to represent the various parts of our off-road and truck segment. I would encourage members to submit their builds early for 2023 since it is becoming more and more competitive to get your ride featured.
If you’re not a TORA member yet, I would strongly suggest you sign up soon to get the latest notifications and stay up-to-date in our industry.
Editor’s Note: The viewpoints expressed in this article are those of our council and network sources and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of SEMA or its Board of Directors.
The following message is from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola
A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.
The following seats are open for this year’s election:
Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, please include brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.
Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Please complete and submit the nomination form.
We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.
Thank you for your attention to this important request.
Sincerely,
Mike Spagnola
SEMA President and CEO
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.
Customer Service Representative
Quadratec
Quadratec is currently hiring a knowledgeable and reliable contact center specialist to join its fast-paced contact center. This position will be the liaison between the company and its customers. The successful candidate will be able to accept ownership for effectively solving customer issues, taking orders and keeping customer satisfaction at the core of every decision and behavior. Three years of customer service experience is preferred but not required.
Marketing Manager
Off Road Business Association Inc.
Off Road Business Association Inc. (ORBA) is hiring a marketing manager to build the ORBA brand, increase name recognition and share the story of ORBA through community outreach, organic and paid media outlets; ensure the integration of branding, campaign messaging and strategy across all appropriate channels; identify and source partnership and membership opportunities; maintain healthy ongoing relationships with current members and partners by offering new ways to provide continual value to stakeholders; and develop and oversee marketing and communications campaigns. Knowledge of the off-road industry is a plus.
QA1 is seeking a seasoned manager of motorsport sales with a comprehensive understanding and passion for the motorsports industry to be part of its management team. You will be responsible for leading all channel sales activities for QA1 motorsports products, including strategy, planning, organization and team development to deliver business goals. The ideal candidate is a big-picture thinker who develops the sales channel and key account strategies to be executed on by the sales team. A bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university and 10 to 15 years’ related experience in the automotive or powersports aftermarket is a requirement.
By SEMA Editors
Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.
For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.
Following three days of competition at the 2022 PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) has announced its national champion team—Georgia’s Forsyth Central High School, sponsored by A-Tech Training. This year, five teams ran head to head in the Elite Ten Championship.
Team A-Tech Training finished with an average time of 16 minutes and 28 seconds.
The A-Tech Training team was led by instructor Leah Bavirsha and finished with an average time of 16 minutes and 28 seconds. Bavirsha is the first female coach and Forsyth Central High School is the first school from Georgia to win the national championship. Second place went to the Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center team, sponsored by ARP, which came in with an average time of 18 minutes and 9 seconds. Third place went to the Allstar team from Forsyth Central High School, which finished with an average time of 18 minutes and 24 seconds.
The timed engine-building competition sees teams of high-school students disassemble and reassemble a small-block Chevrolet engine in less than 33 minutes (including penalties). Winning teams receive scholarship opportunities to various technical schools.
To date, the School of Automotive Machinists & Technology, Universal Technical Institute and Ohio Technical College have provided $2.7 million in scholarships for Hot Rodders of Tomorrow students.
For a video of the awards ceremony, visit the Facebook Live recap here.
For more information, visit hotroddersoftomorrow.com.
The deadline for media to secure priority schedules for the 2023 MPMC Media Trade Conference is Friday, December 16.
At the 2023 MPMC Media Trade Conference, members of the media can connect with up to 42 manufacturers of racing and performance products.
Register today to build lasting relationships and connect with up to 42 manufacturers of racing and performance products (14 each day) in quality meetings! There is no fee for media, and the event includes complimentary lunch.
The 2023 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 24–26, at the Embassy Suites Anaheim South in Garden Grove, California, and offers editors, writers, producers, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers many opportunities to meet privately with motorsports parts manufacturers and network with key industry figures.
For questions or more information, click here or contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org.
Atturo’s motorsports contingency program will further expand the company’s commitment and support to racing teams in the off-road racing community.
Atturo Tire Corp. announced at the 2022 PRI Trade Show the introduction of an expansive and competitive motorsports contingency program. The introduction of this program will further expand Atturo Tires’ commitment and support to racing teams in the off-road racing community.
“Atturo has a long history of utilizing motorsports to prove the durability, performance, and quality of our products to consumers,” said Michael Mathis, president of Atturo Tire Corp. “It was only right to develop a contingency program that helps to support these racers in the same way they have supported us throughout our motorsports endeavors.”
The new contingency program will feature payouts of up to $2,500 for the premier off-road series, such as SCORE, Best in The Desert and Ultra4. Atturo also plans to offer payouts of up to $1,000 for regional series such as Great American Short Course, Mid-America Outdoors, and Nor-Cal Rock Racing. Interested racers can find full details and the 2023 off-road motorsports contingency application here.
Edwin Abd’s first race will be the annual King of The Hammers race in Johnson Valley, February 11.
In other news, Atturo Tire Corp. has announced at the 2022 PRI Trade Show that it is continuing its partnership with off-road racer Edwin Abd with a collaboration that will support Abd’s racing efforts in Ultra4, Best in The Desert and SCORE International. Abd will race on Atturo’s 40x13.5R17 Trail Blade BOSS: Green Label Non-D.O.T. Competition Tires. Abd’s first race will be the annual King of The Hammers race in Johnson Valley, February 11, and he will compete in the 4400 Unlimited class.
Hot Shot’s Secret has announced the title sponsorship of the National Hot Rod Diesel Association (NHRDA) series. NHRDA promotes diesel events throughout North America, including diesel drag racing, sled pulling, show ‘n’ shines, dyno competitions and burnout competitions. At this time, NHRDA has committed to five events scheduled to occur in April, May, June, July and September. The series will open with the Desert Diesel Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona, followed by the Nor Cal Diesel Rally at Redding Dragstrip in Redding, California, Canadian Diesel Shootout at Mission Raceway in Mission British Columbia, and the Big Sky Truck Fest at Yellowstone Dragstrip in Billings, Montana. The NHRDA World Finals will have competitors from all over the world coming to compete, and will be held September 15–17 at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas.
Heading into 2023, Texas Motorplex will once again host a wide variety of drag-racing events drawing fans from across the country. The Stampede of Speed, the largest continuous motorsports event second only to the Indy 500, will anchor a season of racing action in 2023. Throughout the season the track will host bracket races, as well as specialty racing events. Following the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals Street Outlaws No Prep Kings the newest series in the Street Outlaws franchise will be contested October 27–28. Click here to view the entire schedule.
For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.