By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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.

Social Media Marketing Coordinator
Lodestone Events is hiring a social-media marketing coordinator responsible for developing and implementing the social-media strategy for Lodestone Events’ family of event social channels—Overland Expo and Outside Adventure Expo—in order to develop new audiences, increase the community’s engagement, and improve marketing and sales efforts. This position will create original photo and video content for distribution across these channels. The marketing role will entail the management of asset collection from clients and the deployment of a weekly e-newsletter. 

Junior Draftsman
aFe Power is hiring a junior draftsman responsible for the design, drawing/drafting and development of new products, and modifying the design of existing products. This may include performance testing and occasional working on vehicles. Candidates should have intermediate to advanced knowledge of general automotive mechanics and advanced proficiency in SolidWorks/CAD.

Product Manager
WinboUSA is hiring a product manager to assist with the company’s automotive aftermarket accessory programs. This position will be responsible for driving the continued success of the company’s brands and overall promotion of the products in this category. New-product development is a key portion of the role where this position will also be responsible for continually looking for trends and opportunities to expand product offerings while managing the launch of those products. Strong relationships with key suppliers and company management will be vital to the position as well as maximizing brand awareness and customer appeal. The ideal candidate will have experience in e-commerce with a background in automotive accessories. A working knowledge of marketing and sales principles is critical to the success of the position. Excellent communication skills and critical thinking are important qualities of the right candidate.

 It’s never too early to start planning for the annual SEMA Show. More than 100,000 industry exhibitors, buyers and media reconnected to do business for the first time in two years at the 2021 SEMA Show. With 2021 in the books, it’s now time to start planning for the 2022 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

More than 100,000 industry exhibitors, buyers and media reconnected to do business for the first time in two years at the 2021 SEMA Show.

Reserve a booth now!

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• COMP Cams
• Dinan Engineering
• EGR
• Fidanza Performance
• Granatelli Motorsports
• Havoc Offroad
• Innovate Motorsports
• K1000
• LIQUI MOLY
• McGard

By SEMA Editors

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

IndyCar Announces 14-Race Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Schedule

With a new era of operational control of Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, IndyCar has announced a 14-race schedule for 2022. The schedule features events in 11 key markets and three doubleheader weekends, including a return to Iowa Speedway and the series’ debut on the Streets of Nashville. In November, IndyCar had added the role of promoter to its position of sanctioning body of Indy Lights.

All 14 races, qualifying sessions and practices will happen within 2022 NTT IndyCar Series weekends, providing an inclusive atmosphere for the developmental series that serves as the final step toward competing in North America’s premier open-wheel series. Additionally, where available, Indy Lights will benefit from a more integrated paddock area as its team garages will be inside the NTT IndyCar Series paddock footprint. For the complete schedule, visit indylights.com.

Maserati to Compete in ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

Maserati will debut in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in 2023. The automaker is the first Italian automaker to compete in Formula E, the world’s first all-electric road racing motorsports series. Maserati will debut on the grid from Season 9 with the new Gen3—the fastest, lightest, most powerful Formula E racing car to date. Since its inception, Formula E has raced on the streets of iconic cities, including New York, Monaco, Berlin, Mexico City, London and Rome. The series focuses on energy efficiency, enhancements in battery range and advances in powertrain development. For more information, visit fiaformulae.com. 

Trans Am Announces New Name, Start Date for West Coast Championship

Trans Am Race Company officials have announced that its West Coast-based championship will be renamed the “Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Western Championship.” A new date and venue will also be added to the 2022 calendar. Thunderhill Raceway will now stage the Western Championship’s season opener as part of the Northern California Shelby Club Spring Sprint on April 9–10. The addition of the two-day event will expand the Western Championship schedule to eight rounds held at seven venues. For more information, visit gotransam.com.

SCCA to Honor 2022 Hall of Fame Class

The 2022 class of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Hall of Fame has been announced. A group of five longtime SCCA members will be recognized for each of their contributions to the Club’s history and the world of motorsports. The class includes a sports car racing champion across multiple decades, an all-around Champion driver and promoter and a group of members who have contributed to the promotion and growth of the SCCA. Charlie Clark, Howard Duncan, Paul Pfanner, Greg Pickett and Mark Weber will officially join the SCCA Hall of Fame during a virtual induction on January 21—the opening day of the 2022 SCCA Convention. For more information on the inductees, visit the announcement here or visit scca.com.

NASCAR Announces Two Key Competition Personnel Promotions

NASCAR has announced that Brad Moran has been promoted to NASCAR Cup Series managing director, and Seth Kramlich will transition to NASCAR Camping World Truck Series managing director. Most recently, Moran held the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series managing director position. Kramlich moves to his new role after three years as NASCAR Xfinity Series assistant director. Moran, Kramlich and NASCAR Xfinity Series Managing Director Wayne Auton will continue to be headquartered at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina, and report to Scott Miller, senior vice president of competition. For more information, visit nascar.com.

Tulsa Speedway Announces Operational Changes, Track Upgrades

Tulsa Speedway, the quarter-mile dirt oval dirt track based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has announced co-owner Keith Haney has taken over daily operations of the facility as they seek a new general manager. Haney and co-owner Todd Martin have announced several improvements to the track, including plans to construct a new building with an office complex, ticketing/will call, merchandise, full concessions and new restrooms. The pair have also announced plans to purchase a new electrical grid and and track equipment. A new clay surface and additional lighting will also be implemented. Racing is expected to begin on March 25 for the Classic Chevrolet Friday Night Lights Opening Night followed by the ASCS Sooner Region sprint season opener on April 1. For more information, visit tulsaspeedway.com.

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

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) is strengthening its commitment to the motorsports industry and cementing its presence in the racing capital of the world by purchasing a 42,500-sq.-ft. building in Speedway, Indiana, just outside of Indianapolis. Located within walking distance of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the building will serve as PRI Membership Headquarters and offer a broad range of programs and services to assist the motorsports community.

PRI purchased a 42,500-sq.-ft. building in Speedway, Indiana, that will serve as PRI Membership Headquarters and offer a broad range of programs and services to assist the motorsports community.

“Indianapolis is the epicenter of motorsports in America and the world, and we are excited to work alongside our Indianapolis neighbors and racing industry icons, and be at the forefront of the racing community,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “PRI Membership is a groundbreaking program that unites the industry and creates a collective voice for the motorsports community to address any challenges and needs."

By establishing its PRI Membership Headquarters on Main Street in Speedway, Indiana, PRI has solidified its commitment to Indianapolis—site of the organization’s annual PRI Trade Show. The building, which will be a key tool in helping expand PRI Membership, will include office space for dedicated staff, have a Content Factory where garage space will be transformed into a content-generation machine, offer live and virtual educational opportunities, host motorsports gatherings and membership meetings and more.

The new PRI Membership Headquarters will also support other PRI initiatives. PRI launched an aggressive PRI Road Tour in 2020 where staff embarked on a nationwide trek visiting motorsports companies and tracks, sharing their stories and increasing awareness to billions of enthusiasts. PRI Membership followed in early 2021, giving businesses and individuals the opportunity to unite and advocate for the protection and growth of the racing industry. The recent PRI Trade Show in December 2021 included 50,000 attendees and marked the motorsports industry’s largest trade gathering since the pandemic began in March 2020.

“PRI is at the forefront of building, promoting and protecting the racing community,” said Meyer. “The new PRI Membership Headquarters in Indianapolis will allow us to expand on the PRI Membership promise to unite the industry and remain a strong voice for the racing community.”

PRI Membership Headquarters is scheduled to open in May 2022, just in time for the running of the Indianapolis 500.

The PRI Trade Show was created in 1988 and found its home in Indianapolis, where 16 of the 33 shows have been held. The Show encompasses all forms of racing and attracts attendees from all 50 states and across the globe, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media. The annual Show features the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies and trailers for the racing industry.

To learn more about PRI, visit PerformanceRacing.com. To learn more about PRI Membership or to join, visit PerformanceRacing.com/Membership.

By Ashley Reyes

“Effective leaders embrace change as an opportunity for individual and organization growth and development,” Brett Campbell, a certified trainer from Dale Carnegie, shared with attendees at the 2021 SEMA Show. Dale Carnegie was the sponsor of the “Aspiring Leadership” track and presented four seminars, all of which will be made available for on-demand viewing.

Viewers of SEMA’s “Aspiring Leadership” track will learn how to avoid common leadership mistakes, identify ways to lead others, self-manage during organizational change and how to recognize the elements and apply a model for change engagement.

Learn more about what Campbell has to say about leading change and what the critical actions of a change leader are by watching a recording of the seminar at www.semashow.com/education.

Viewers will learn how to avoid common leadership mistakes, identify ways to lead others, self-manage during organizational change and how to recognize the elements and apply a model for change engagement.

“The changes that you have experienced over the last year, they’re not fake, you didn’t imagine them. You’re not a poor leader if you lost sleep the last year over this stuff. You’re an alive person, you’re a real person,” said Campbell. “And so we feel those things too, but leaders do something different. Leaders overcome those fears. Leaders execute with confidence and a positive mindset.”

New seminars are added weekly at www.semashow.com/education. Other recently added seminars include:

• How To Get the Most from Social-Media Influencers
• Best Practices for Thriving in a Family Business
• Safely Modifying Vehicles with ADAS, Powered by WTC
• Top Aftermarket Journalists Predict the Future

Users of the SEMA Education website will need to create a personal profile upon their first visit, which will then provide access to all recordings in the library.

By Ashley Reyes

Zachary Zajdel is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN)—formerly Young Executives Network (YEN)—newest spotlight member. Zajdel is the technical sales and support manager at Brandmotion, an aftermarket company that integrates new technology into vehicles to make them safer.

Get to know Zajdel in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Zachary Zajdel: Always go above and beyond for your customers. You will always make a good impression that will reward you for years to come. This advice has propelled me forward within my career by helping to create valuable relationships within the industry.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

ZZ: The unmatched passion within the industry is second to none. In this industry, exciting news comes each and every single day.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

ZZ: I can be found wrenching in my garage on either my LS Squarebody pickup or my wife’s Squarebody pickup.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

ZZ: I review notes and recent emails. If there is any bad news, I try to address it first, so that the meeting can improve from there and so that the last note of the meeting is not a bad one. After reviewing, set up an itinerary with a couple of notes or action items. You can easily cross these off during the meeting, avoiding missing anything important. These also give a great start to follow up emails or action items that need to be completed.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

ZZ: If I could go to lunch with one industry leader, it would be David Freiburger. I follow him religiously in MotorTrend as well as Roadkill and he seems to be a seemingly limitless fountain of knowledge of cars, parts and people.

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 eNews and FLN member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Mercedes Lilienthal, a freelance journalist and PR/marketing consultant at Crankshaft Consulting, as the newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.

Lilienthal started her career in the automotive aftermarket three-and-a half years ago after spending 15 years as a commercial interior designer and project manager. Her first job in the automotive industry was writing articles for a variety of automotive publications.

Learn about Lilienthal’s career in her interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

ML: As a full-time freelancer, the most challenging part of my job is continually keeping all the balls in the air and making sure nothing drops out of my sight.

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?

ML: 1. Perseverance: not letting “no” or no answer from people get the best of me. 2. Striving for top quality: creating the best content or partnerships I’m capable of (my name is associated with everything I do). 3. Willingness to try something new and not being afraid to fail.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?

ML: Challenges: Men account for the majority of automotive journalists. When at automotive shows, trail runs, or even off-roading/overlanding events, I sometimes get the “invisible” attitude that I’m a woman who doesn’t know anything auto-related, especially when it comes to the off-roading or supporting aftermarket segments (my specialty). I need to prove myself before being taken seriously.

Accomplishments: Being extremely proud to be one of a few women that regularly writes for notable publications, like The New York Times’ “Wheels” column, Car and Driver, Forbes Wheels, Autoblog and so on. The majority of content comes from men and to break down those barriers and be recognized is humbling.

I’ve also received journalism and photography awards from the Texas Auto Writer's Association and Motor Press Guild, among so many extremely talented peers.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

ML: Jessi Combs: Her dedication to her craft, willingness to help others, fierce drive and humble personality are traits I strive for. Sue Mead: her talent as a journalist and automotive racer is what I aspire to, her dear friendship and mentorship mean the world to me and have helped me grow exponentially.

For his support and guidance, my husband, Andy Lilienthal, as I switched careers and gave freelancing a go. His dedication to help me succeed, love to keep me going and mad editing skills to help hone my articles are some of the many reasons I love him so. He supports me in ways I didn't even know I needed.

SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?

ML: If you believe in yourself and want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen.

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?

ML: Yes. The people, vehicles and evolution of everything keep me here.

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.

By Della Domingo

Featuring 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders Champion Robert Matranga with his ’55 Chevrolet Bel Air, the History Channel will premiere the Battle of the Builders special on Sunday, January 23, at 9:00 a.m. (EST). The one-hour special has aired on television since 2015, giving viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show, up-close footage of the vehicles and exclusive interviews with builders as they share their personal stories and journey to the SEMA Show. For many of the builders, SEMA Battle of the Builders is their chance to prove that they are among the elite.

“As a trade-only event, the SEMA Show is where every car enthusiast dreams of attending,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party, has made it possible for consumers to participate in the excitement. The Battle of the Builders TV special also gives viewers, who have never experienced the SEMA Show, an opportunity to see what happens behind closed doors, while those who attended the Show get to relive the experience.”

Along with Matranga, the TV special will feature dozens of builders in the automotive industry, as well as hosts Adrienne Janic and Tanner Foust, and judges Cam Miller, Jeremiah Proffitt, Kyle Kuhnhausen and R.J. de Vera.

For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the TV special, visit www.semashow.com/botb.