RealTruck, the online retailer of aftermarket truck parts and accessories, will become the new name of the Truck Hero organization, effective immediately. RealTruck.com has operated as Truck Hero’s e-commerce arm and consumer brand since 2015. As truck owners’ preferences and purchase patterns evolve, the name change reinforces the company’s commitment to grow consumer awareness and interest in the truck accessories category and to continue to deliver exceptional value and experiences to consumers. This, in turn, will benefit the company’s dealer and installer partners.
“When we started the company nearly 20 years ago, we were a small manufacturer of truck bed covers with approximately 180 employees,” said Bill Reminder, founder, and chief executive officer. “Over the years we grew Truck Hero into one of the most respected names in the aftermarket industry with more than 5,000 employees and 35 locations across North America. Our journey and success continue today as RealTruck. This important and exciting milestone supports our long-term growth strategy, ongoing commitment to product innovation, and alignment with the way consumers now learn about and purchase their truck, Jeep and off-road accessories.”
Gold Eagle and LSI Announce Merger
Gold Eagle Co., a family-owned and ISO 9001-certified manufacturer, has acquired Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI). Ohio-based LSI makes several fuel and oil products for the automotive industry, including the Hot Shot’s Secret brand line. Currently, there are more than 50 products, fuel and oil additives, specialty oils, coolants and fluids that make up the Hot Shot’s Secret line.
The merger will not lead to downsizing or significant changes for the LSI team, the companies announced. All 71 employees will retain their respective roles and position LSI for future growth in the local Morrow County economy. The LSI executive team will work closely with Gold Eagle Co.’s senior management in Chicago, but it will be business as usual for LSI’s staff and middle management, they added. The strategic acquisition of LSI inclusive of the Hot Shot’s Secret product brand was completed July 1. Details of the agreement will not be publicly disclosed.
Jeremy Gordon
R&R Marketing Welcomes Jeremy Gordon as Sales and Marketing Representative
R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. has announced the recent hire of Jeremy Gordon as sales and marketing representative. Gordon will join the RRMCI northeast sales team. Following high school, Gordon jumped head-first into the automotive field. Throughout the past 10+ years, he has been focused on truck upfits, wheels and tires. With more than 20 years in sales and installation of auto accessories, between big-box, wholesale distribution, privately owned brick-and-mortar and e-commerce sales, he has a well-versed background in the industry.
Scott Woodruff
Elite Motorsports Names Woodruff New Branding and Motorsports Director
Scott “Woody” Woodruff has been named the new branding and motorsports director at Elite Motorsports LLC. In his new role, Woodruff will work closely with the organization’s various brands, including Elite Motorsports, Elite Performance, Elite HP, Patterson-Elite and Elite Cultivation. Woodruff was most recently the director of Media and Motorsports at JEGS, where he spent the last two-and-a-half decades “effectively and efficiently increase branding,” according to published accounts. He graduated with a degree in marketing from Ashland University in 1992.
Borowski to Take on BBC Market
Having recently completed major capital investments and added staff, Borowski Race Engines Inc. is broadening its scope to include big-block Chevy engines. The company had focused on LS engines in recent years. Borowski’s new BBC product line will build on its long-standing relationship with Dart Machinery, as Borowski will be using its Big M (billet steel main caps) and Sportsman blocks (ductile iron main caps) in a 4.560-in. bore diameter. Borowski’s Sportsman blocks will have a BBC standard deck height of 9.800 in., while the Big M's will be tall decks at 10.200 in.
The rotating assemblies will feature Callies Performance Products crank and rods with Diamond Pistons. The Sportsman block builds will use Callies Compstar crank and rods. Diamond Pistons will provide a range of products with various compression ratios and design features for specific naturally aspirated and boosted engines, the company said.
The Big M blocks are intended for heavier boost, Borowski added, and the tall deck will be utilized to incorporate much stronger parts appropriate to the task.
The parts and assemblies used in these engines will be available for sale to Borowski’s retail and trade customers. In addition, the company will be offering custom BBC engines built on these available foundations to cover street, marine and a range of race applications.
For more information, call Borowski Race Engines at 815-25-2727, visit borowskirace.com or email sales@borowskirace.com.
Nic Moncher
Hoosier Racing Tire Appoints New Head of Marketing
Nic Moncher has been tapped to head up the newly established marketing department at Hoosier Racing Tire in Lakeville, Indiana. In his new role, Moncher will be responsible for developing business plans that support the company’s strategic targets, supporting sales concepts and expanding promotional marketing strategies to drive growth. In addition, he will help with overall brand development and strengthening of the brand in the global marketplace. Moncher brings years of marketing experience in the racing industry, having worked with several major racing teams based in North Carolina.
WTO Establishes Technical Partnership With Roush Yates Engines
Roush Yates Engines and Germany-based WTO have announced a technical partnership to expedite machining of engine components to support internal design, development, and build of NASCAR and road racing engines. WTO designs and manufactures precision tool holders and tooling systems for turning centers, multi-axis mill turns and Swiss-type lathes. WTO USA is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
“WTO is a technology-driven organization, and their employees continue to provide invaluable solutions to our team,” said Todd English, vice president of strategic partnerships and marketing at Roush Yates Engines. “As a global market leader, WTO develops state of the art technology to maximize productivity for manufacturing facilities across the globe. It is critical that we align our organization with world-class companies to support our internal engine component machining as well as machining for other forms of motorsports, aerospace, defense, space, and medical markets at RYMS, where failure is not an option.”
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.
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.
Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.
“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”
Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.
“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.
Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.
“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.
Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.
The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.
The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.
Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.
Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.
Three customized third-generation Toyota 4Runners and two Jeep Wrangler TJs will be available for purchase via auction on BringaTrailer.com, beginning July 18, as part of the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program. Each vehicle features dozens of donated parts from automotive parts manufacturers, and was installed by students in high school automotive shop classes under the guidance of industry experts.
The public is invited to bid on the vehicles beginning July 18 through BringaTrailer.com. One vehicle will be released each day, for five consecutive days, and will be available for bidding for seven days following its respective launch date.
The five vehicles and details on the bidding are:
July 18: A ’97 Toyota 4Runner customized by John Hersey High School in Chicago. The vehicle features the factory Desert Dune exterior color with a tan interior. Upgrades also include Alpine 7-in. screen multimedia head unit and backup camera, K&N cold-air intake, ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 suspension, as well as a True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers and a WARN winch.
John Hersey’s ’97 Toyota 4Runner.
July 19: An ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ customized by Career Center High School in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The vehicle’s exterior has been fully custom painted in red, roll cage in black, with a complementing black vinyl soft top. Upgrades also include Katzkin front and rear custom leather seats, Azzy’s gauge overlay kit, and Rugged Ridge Drakon wheels on Atturo 33x12.5R17LT Trail Blade M/T Tires, 32.8-in. height.
Career Center High School’s ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
July 20: A ’96 Toyota 4Runner customized by OPS Career Center in Omaha, Nebraska. The exterior is Sunfire Red Pearl with a black and tan interior. Upgrades also include PRP Enduro reclining seats and a custom back bench seat, Borla cat-back exhaust,True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers with spare-tire carrier swingout and RBP Saharan wheels on Atturo LT275/65/R18 Trail Blade M/T Tires, 32.3-in. height.
OPS Career Center’s ’96 Toyota 4Runner.
July 21: An ’02 Jeep Wrangler TJ customized by Santa Fe ECO in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The vehicle is custom painted in a USC Dominator Bed Liner tinted Matte Green with the original black hardtop. Both the OEM doors and trail doors are included, each with their own set of mirrors. The frame and under body are detailed and painted with 3M undercoating, topped with SEM semi-gloss hot-rod black.
Santa Fe ECO’s ’02 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
July 22: A ’97 Toyota 4Runner customized by Comstock HS in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The vehicle features a full exterior repaint in Quicksand Tan, Katzkin front and rear custom leather seats, Borla cat-back exhaust, True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers with spare-tire carrier swingout, and bronze-finished ICON wheels on Atturo 35x12.5R17LT Trail Blade M/T Tires, 34.8-in. height.
Comstock HS’ ’97 Toyota 4Runner.
Visit BringaTrailer.com to see all the upgrades and build details of each vehicle in the upcoming auction.
Ten participating high schools participated in the 2020 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, which was put on hold due to COVID-19 and resumed earlier this year. The program helps students learn about the automotive customization hobby and give them real-world, hands-on educational experiences. They also received build training directly from product manufacturers and industry members who visited the schools.
The remaining five vehicles will be auctioned off in late September. Proceeds from the auctions will be reinvested back into the program and other SEMA Education Youth Engagement initiatives.
Charlie Skaf is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) newest spotlight member. Skaf is the retail sales director at 3D International LLC, a manufacturer and seller of premium detail products. Get to know what keeps him in the industry in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Charlie Skaf: Believe in yourself and always prepare. This has helped me tremendously because preparing yourself to overcome any challenge or obstacle builds confidence and belief that you can and will accomplish anything you put your mind to, especially when you know you put the work in.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
CS: My love and passion for cars!
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
CS: I can be found at the beach or watching sports.
SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
CS: I plan, research, organize and prepare important notes, data, charts, etc. to be well informed and knowledgeable so I can answer any question that comes my way.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?
CS: I would go to lunch with Enzo Ferrari.
If you are a current FLN member, fill out an FLN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on FLN’s social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.
The SEMA Awards Gala, taking place on July 29, in Anaheim, California, is a celebration of the volunteers and pioneers who have helped build today's $50 billion specialty-equipment industry. Among those to be honored at this year’s Gala are incoming and outgoing board members, and 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Walker Evans, Jack Roush and “Gene” Winfield.
A limited number of tickets are still available for the prestigious SEMA Awards Gala. Get you tickets at www.sema.org/gala.
“The SEMA Awards Gala is a great opportunity for the industry to come together at mid-year to connect in person and have meaningful conversations in an intimate setting,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.
The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags, a cherished Gala tradition, will also return to offer industry participants the chance to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser runs in conjunction with the Gala. If you’d like to sponsor a race car or challenge colleagues, visit www.sema.org/semacares.
The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception and into the evening.
Immediately following the gala, there is a private SEMA PAC reception scheduled. For more information, contact Samantha Large at samanthal@sema.org or 202-796-2252.
SEMA News highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.
Improved Racing
High-Flow Check Valves
Improved Racing has released a new high flow, low restriction check valve. Based on a check valve design used in military jet turbines, these valves feature a flapper that swings completely out of the fluid's flow path, for virtually no additional flow restriction.
The company says the internal geometry of the check valve body is based on a math model that presents the lowest possible pressure drop. Each part was completely designed and optimized using commercial-grade CAD and flow simulation software.
According to the company, every internal component is made from stainless steel to ensure long lasting, reliable performance and compatibility with just about any automotive fluid. The flapper's gasket seal is made from FKM (Viton), giving it a high operating temperature of up to 302°F. It's also highly chemical resistant and compatible with all types of fuel.
Features
High-flow flapper design optimized for low restriction.
Precision CNC-machined 6061-T6 anodized aluminum body and all stainless-steel internal components.
FKM (Viton) rubber seal.
< 0.05 psi cracking pressure.
-40°F to 302°F operating temperature range.
300 psi max operating backflow pressure, 1,000 psi max operating pressure in unchecked direction of flow.
Compatible with virtually all automotive fluids.
Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Milwaukee Tool expands its REDLITHIUM USB Lighting Solutions to deliver advanced LED technology and optical designs for a more efficient workday. Effectively replacing alkaline and low-capacity flashlights, the REDLITHIUM USB Stick Light w/Magnet provides heavy-duty equipment mechanics, automotive mechanics, and technicians with a premium lighting solution for general task and inspection work.
The REDLITHIUM USB Stick Light is designed with 220 degrees of vertical light head rotation and paired with a slim light blade design and inspection light, making this solution ideal for engine work.
The 1471 Black Out blower from BDS sets the standard for performance, strength and appearance. A tried and proven completion blower on land and water the 1471 is also a very popular choice for street and show machines.
Made in the USA at the BDS factory, the superchargers are precision machined from the highest quality billet aluminum. Available in several performances stages, kits can be purchased in hard black anodize or fully polished. BDS prides themselves on their in-stock and ready to ship or pick up status on the industry’s largest selection of superchargers, manifolds, drive components and associated hardware.
Details
Standard Helix or Hi-Helix: Standard has a 60° twist in the rotor and Hi Helix models have 120° twist.
Available in Stage II Stage III and Stage IV.
Available in front inlet/discharge or standard openings.
Rear nozzle body locations drilled and tapped.
Set back plates available for various street and strip applications.
For setback and non-setback applications.
100% billet from case and bearing plates to rotors.
Yokohama Tire’s latest member to the iconic ultra-high performance ADVAN family is the ADVAN Neova AD09. Available now in sizes ranging from 15-in. to 20-in., the AD09 features extreme grip for faster lap times, razor-sharp handling, superior wet performance and constant performance on the street and track. A total of 51 sizes are planned for the AD09, which replaces the ADVAN Neova AD08R.
AD09 Highlights
Outstanding grip comes from a new tread pattern that sports large, continuous tread blocks that put more rubber compound to the road and track surface for a solid grip.
Precision handling is achieved thanks to the all-new casing construction, which features a high turn up ply that results in the strongest and most rigid casing Yokohama has ever offered. Also, a solid center rib provides constant contact with the road surface for lightning-fast steering response.
Consistent performance is produced by chamfered grooves, which improve wear resistance and maintain effectiveness throughout the life of the tire.
Improved wet grip occurs due to a new, optimized high silica compound that provides improved grip for wet cornering and braking on the road and on the track.
SEMA Showgoers who want to stay close to monorail stations are encouraged to make their hotel reservations while rooms are still available.
With a quick look on the www.SEMAShow.com/travel homepage, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the star rating, rate per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here are six hotels in the SEMA Show block with easy monorail access:
SAHARA
Westgate
Harrah’s/LINQ
Flamingo
Bally’s
MGM Grand
Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.
Discounted rates will be available for SEMA Showgoers.
When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through the SEMA Show’s official hotel provider. All negotiated rates include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.
More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.
Watson Racing Cobra Jet Showdown Returns to NMCA All-American Nationals
The National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) has announced the Watson Racing Cobra Jet Showdown will return to NMCA’s All-American Nationals Presented by Sick the Magazine at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, August 25–28. Cobra Jet owners can participate in the on-track Showdown, which mixes the various generations of Cobra Jet in an Open Comp format. Cobra Jet Showdown competitors may also double-enter Stock Eliminator or Super Stock Eliminator, as well as a bracket class, for a total of three categories. For more information or tickets, visit nmcadigital.com.
IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge to Debut in 2023
A new, multiple-class, sprint-race series will make its debut in 2023 as International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) officials have unveiled the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, with entitlement sponsorship from VP Racing Fuels. The series will feature currently homologated Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) and Grand Touring 4 (GT4) race cars in 45-minute sprint races with one driver per car. The new series class names will be LMP3 and GSX, respectively. To be eligible to drive in either class, all drivers must have an FIA Driver Categorization of either Bronze or Silver. A five-event, 10-race schedule is planned for the series, which replaces the current IMSA Prototype Challenge series.
The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge will continue in its traditional endurance format, featuring the Grand Sport (GT4) and Touring Car (TCR) classes, competing across a 10-race schedule. Each IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge event weekend will include a qualifying session in which the fastest timed lap will set the field for the first race. The second fastest qualifying lap by each car will determine the starting grid for the second race of the weekend. There will be no pit stops during the races, and all race cars will ride on Michelin tires.
FloSports, MAVTV Announce Live Streaming Partnership
MAVTV Motorsports Network and FloSports have announced a new live streaming partnership that will deliver MAVTV Plus live content to fans through FloRacing, FloSports’ dedicated motorsports platform. All live programming that previously aired on the MAVTV Plus app, including the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, finals of the Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, and more will be now hosted by FloSports under the “MAVTV on FloRacing” banner.
FloRacing and MAVTV Plus have begun co-streaming MAVTV Plus programming to their respective subscribers and will do so through midnight on July 26. On July 27, MAVTV Plus programming will be exclusively streamed through FloRacing. MAVTV Motorsports Network programming will still be available through cable television and select digital outlets with FloSports becoming MAVTV Plus' dedicated direct-to-consumer live-streaming platform. MAVTV will contact MAVTV Plus subscribers with information about their accounts and instructions on how to access MAVTV on FloRacing to watch new, live MAVTV programming moving forward.
USAC Announces 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
The United States Auto Club (USAC) has announced its class of 2022 inductees into the USAC Hall of Fame. The list includes car owner/mechanic Doug Caruthers; driver Jay Drake; car owner/mechanic Galen Fox; driver Jeff Gordon; driver/car owner/builder/innovator Dan Gurney; car owner/mechanic Ray Nichels; car owner/official/promoter Johnny Vance; and track owner/promoter Joe Shaheen. Gordon and representatives for the late Gurney received their Hall of Fame awards during separate ceremonies in 2021. For more information, visit the USAC announcement here or visit usacracing.com.
Truck Hero Changes Name to RealTruck
WTO Establishes Technical Partnership With Roush Yates Engines
Watson Racing Cobra Jet Showdown Returns to NMCA All-American Nationals