SEMA News—September 2021

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

Law and Order

By Stuart Gosswein

FEDERAL UPDATE

RPM Act: The SEMA-backed Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act; HR 3281) was reintroduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA). The bill would protect Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars as well as the motorsports parts industry’s ability to sell products that allow racers to compete. In 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that this activity was illegal under the Clean Air Act. The legislation would confirm that conversions are permitted along with the sale of race parts used to make the conversions. A massive grassroots campaign has generated more than 1.3 million letters sent to members of Congress urging passage of the RPM Act. The legislation has been subject to previous committee hearings and inclusion in a 2020 energy bill passed by the House but never taken up by the Senate. Consideration of HR 3281 is pending in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a companion bill will soon be introduced in the U.S. Senate. For more information, visit www.sema.org/rpmact.

Duties on Tires From Southeast Asia: The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) confirmed that U.S. industry is being harmed from imports of passenger and light truck tires at less than fair value (“dumping”) from South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. The ITC also found and that Vietnamese tire producers have received unfair subsidies from the country’s “undervalued currency.” The ITC dismissed the antidumping investigation for tires from Vietnam as being negligible. The U.S. Department of Commerce had previously calculated the dumping duties to be assessed range from 14.72% to 27.05% for South Korea, 20.04% to 101.84% for Taiwan, and 14.62% to 21.09% for Thailand. The subsidy rates for tires from Vietnam range from 6.23% to 7.89 %. The duties are collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

STATE UPDATE

Missouri—Historic Vehicles: The Missouri Senate failed to consider SEMA-supported legislation that would have allowed historic vehicles to be issued license plates without an annual mileage restriction, so the legislation died as the legislature adjourned. Current law limits historic vehicle owners to 1,000 mi. of driving for personal use per year. The Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety previously passed the bill.

Texas—License Plates: The House Transportation Committee failed to consider prior to adjournment SEMA-supported legislation that would have allowed the display of only a single, rear-mounted license plate for passenger vehicles if the vehicle is unable to display a front license plate. The Senate previously passed the bill.

By Ashley Reyes

Electric cars and advanced vehicle technology are hot topics for the automotive aftermarket industry. As the landscape continues to evolve, it’s important for SEMA members to stay up-to-date on how electrification, alternative power and emerging technology will impact the future.  

SEMA members are invited to join a live webinar on September 15, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT) to learn about the future of electric vehicles, other alternative fuels and emerging technology. Participants will receive the latest information on the vehicle landscape and how it’s changing, and walk away with:  

• An outlook and sales forecast for electric and other alternative energy vehicles.
• The latest research on electrification.
• Insight on the challenges and barriers to electric vehicle adoption.
• A look at the latest technology being developed for vehicles, including ADAS and autonomous driving.
• Potential impact on the specialty-equipment aftermarket. 

Participants will also get an early preview of the upcoming Alternative Power Report from SEMA Market Research, which will be released September 2.  

Learn more and register here for the September 15 “Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology” webinar. 

By Ashley Reyes

Having a diverse workforce brings new ideas, innovations and, ultimately, greater success to a team.   

SEMA members are invited to an upcoming webinar to learn how individuals with disabilities can bring valuable diversity to the workplace, and how to support and respond when a direct report discloses that they have disabilities.

The webinar will provide managers with information that is not typically provided when being trained for a management position. After the live presentation, there will be an opportunity to network through a virtual breakout.

Learn more about and register for “The Value of a Diverse Team” taking place September 14, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members have until September 3 to submit nominations for the 2021 SEMA Council and Network Awards.  

SEMA Council and Network Awards honor the dedication and passion that drives the automotive aftermarket industry by recognizing companies and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the niche automotive aftermarket segments that they represent.  

If you know of a council or network member who has significantly enhanced the stature and growth of the industry, nominate them for an award today so that they may have the chance to get the recognition that they deserve.  

Nominations are open for the following councils and networks:

• Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
• Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
• Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)
• Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
• Wheel and Tire Council (WTC)
• Young Executives Network (YEN) 

The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

BoostLine Diesel

BoostLine diesel connecting rods are designed specifically for high-torque, turbo diesel applications. The patented design and forged steel construction maximize strength and minimize weight, making BoostLine rods ideal for high-cylinder pressure engine builds. After all, the fun only begins at four-digit torque numbers, right?

• Patented three-pocket design provides 60% improvement in bending strength and 20% tensional stress reduction compared to common H-beam designs.
• Forged from ultra-strong, 4340 steel.
• Standard-equipped with 12mm ARP 2000 fasteners providing 23% more clamping force over 7/16-in. ARP 2000 fasteners.
• Duration tested on the dyno at more than 2000 lb.-ft. of torque
• Machining and honing specs held to the tightest tolerances and QC-tested for consistency with 25-point CMM inspection.
• Available for GM Duramax and Cummins diesel applications.

www.racewinningbrands.com
PN: GM6418-358 (Duramax) and DO7559-575 (Cummins)

AutoMeter
DPSS Shift-Lights, 0-16,000 RPM, Black/Silver

AutoMeter tube-style shift lights feature programmable shift points, digital RPM display, numerous LED color options, playback, memory, multiple shift points, launch light, and a progressive shift light. Available in black and silver finishes and include the innovative A.I.M. swivel mount for precise viewing angles. Compatible with an array of engine types and calibrates from 0.5 to 6 pulse ignition signals (1-12 cylinder engines). The shift light features a single programmable digital shift point with seven LED colors to choose from and is adjustable by 10 RPM increments to optimize use of your engine’s power band and improve vehicle run performance. For race applications, activate the trigger wire to start up the launch light feature, multiple RPM shift points, a progressive shift light, and the ability to record up to 80 seconds. Additional fine-tuning with adjustable brightness allowing for daytime and nighttime driving.

www.autometer.com
PN: 5343 and 5344

ZyCoat
8-Cylinder Housing

ZyCoat Coating Services will coat your 8 Cylinder Turbo Housing only with ZyBar high temperature heat dissipation coating is designed to reduce radiant heat, reduce under hood temperatures, offers outstanding corrosion resistance, provides lasting color stability under the most extreme engine conditions and extends the life of your components. ZyBar is rated to internal temperatures well in excess of 2000 F. ZyBar is a single component, durable polymer coating that far out performs ceramic paints, wraps and heat tapes. ZyCoat LLC has opened a Coating Services Division and will coat components for you. ZyCoat will ship you the “One-Stop” box, all shipping is prepaid and return to you coated and cured components—all for one price.  

zycoat.com
PN: 8C010

JMS Chip & Performance
JMS PedalMax Terrain

Designed for the off-road market, from trucks to UTVs, the JMS PedalMAX Terrain can increase or decrease the throttle sensitivity to match any driving conditions on the fly. Throttle response and acceleration are improved, turbo applications see a big lag reduction, all leading to more power and torque. Quick and easy installation, this plug and play product utilizes a control knob to “save” your throttle setting into the unit. PedalMAX Terrain units are fully waterproof, made with high-quality ruggedized components backed by a lifetime warranty, and made in the USA.

www.jmschip.com
PN: RC1418P01

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Hagan Wins All-Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car Final at Brainerd International Raceway

It was an all-Dodge final at the 39th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals with Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) pilot Matt Hagan powering the Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat to his first victory at Brainerd International Raceway by defeating fellow HEMI-powered driver Cruz Pedregon. It was Hagan’s 38th career Wally trophy and his second win of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Series season. After qualifying No. 4 on the eliminations ladder, Hagan put together a string of consistent runs and round wins over Dale Creasy Jr., Paul Lee and Bob Tasca III to advance to his 69th career final round. That paired him with No. 2 qualifier Pedregon and his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat for their first final round showdown in more than 10 years. Hagan’s quick 0.051-second reaction time gave the DSR Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat an early lead from which he never looked back on his way to a 3.923 second elapsed time run at 327.98 mph to defeat Pedregon’s 0.106-second light and solid 3.935 sec./324.83 mph pass and capture his second win in five national events. The last race of the regular season will be the 68th edition of the NHRA’s cornerstone event and world’s biggest drag-racing competition—the Dodge//SRT U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis on Labor Day weekend.

IndyCar to Return to Iowa for 2022 Doubleheader

After a one-year hiatus, the NTT IndyCar Series will return to Iowa Speedway in 2022 as part of a doubleheader event set for July 23–24. The series will return as part of a wide-ranging partnership with Hy-Vee—a grocery chain based in the Midwest. The NTT IndyCar Series was among the first to race on the D-shaped layout when it made its debut in Newton, Iowa, in 2007. A fan favorite for fans and drivers, IndyCar has held 15 races at the track known as “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet” since it opened in 2006. The Hy-VeeDeals.com 250 will take place Saturday, July 23, and the Hy-Vee Salute to Farmers 300 will occur Sunday, July 24. Officials say the entire 2022 Series calendar will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit indycar.com.

Albon Celebrates First DTM Career Win With Nürburgring Masterclass

Thai driver Alex Albon celebrated the first DTM win of his career in his #23 Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020 in last Sunday’s race eight at the Nürburgring circuit to move up to fourth overall in the title race. He crossed the line after 38 laps with a lead of 4.6 seconds to record his first DTM series career victory and third 2021 trip to the podium following third-place finishes at Zolder and Monza. The points awarded for pole position and the race eight win see Albon move up now to fourth spot in the 2021 drivers’ standings with 82 points. After eight races, Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse has scored 162 points and is in second place in the team standings with the next DTM stop from September 3–5, at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

Formula 1 Cancels 2021 Japanese Grand Prix

The Japanese Grand Prix will not take place in 2021, Formula 1 has announced. Race organizers have cited “ongoing complexities” related to the pandemic. The event—which was set to be part of a tripleheader with the Russian GP and the Turkish GP—was also canceled in 2020.

A statement from Formula 1 read: “Following ongoing discussions with the promoter and authorities in Japan, the decision has been taken by the Japanese government to cancel the race this season due to ongoing complexities of the pandemic in the country.”

Formula 1 is now working on the details of the revised calendar and will announce the final details in the coming weeks. For more information, visit formula1.com.

Pacific Raceways Breaks Ground on New Innovation Center

Pacific Raceways—the multi-purpose motorsports facility in Kent, Washington—has broken ground on the new Pacific Innovation Center and Pacific Motorsports Park, part of a $200 million expansion. The expansion will total 200,000 sq. ft. and be used as a garage/shop, business, innovation center and retail space. Racers, retailers, enthusiasts and technology-development companies will be able to utilize prototype manufacturing, storage and workspace steps away from the track. The groundbreaking ceremony at Pacific Raceways was attended by more than 100 notable guests, including elected officials, representatives, sponsors and fans. For more information, visit the Pacific Raceways website.

NHRA Set to Return to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in 2022

NHRA has teamed up with Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and the Gila River Indian Community to announce the return of the NHRA Arizona Nationals, slated for February 25–27, 2022. The NHRA Arizona Nationals traditionally serves as the second event on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series tour. The facility has seen record-breaking performances and is a fan-favorite of the circuit. Updates for 2022 include free event parking with the purchase of an NHRA Arizona Nationals ticket. Ticket renewals for 2020 ticket holders will begin in September, with new ticket sales opening in October. NHRA officials plan to announce the full 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule in the upcoming weeks. For more information, visit nhra.com.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Covercraft Sells to Audax Private Equity

Century Park Capital Partners has announced that it has completed the sale of Covercraft Industries to Audax Private Equity. Covercraft—a manufacturer of custom vehicle protection products—was founded by Bob Lichtmann in 1965, who established the company as a leading brand in the custom automotive accessory market. Marty Lichtmann, son of the founder, served as president and CEO when the family sold majority control of the company to Century Park in 2015. Under Century Park, Covercraft has enjoyed positive growth in the automotive sector with the acquisition of seat cover brands GT Covers and Marathon Seat Covers. Additionally, the company made an entrance in the RV and marine markets with the acquisition of ADCO and Carver Industries, respectively.

Sunnen Promotes Chris Miltenberger to CEO

Sunnen Products Co. has announced the promotion of F. Christopher Miltenberger to the additional role of CEO. Miltenberger joined Sunnen as president/COO in 2015 with extensive operations, engineering and business development experience. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in Sunnen’s transformation of global operations, as well as improving customer contact management and relationship development. Prior to joining Sunnen, Miltenberger held positions with PlayPower Inc., NN Inc., Aftermarket Technology Corp. and Delphi. 

Wheel Pros to Acquire Driven Lighting Group From Kian Capital

Wheel Pros, backed by Clearlake Capital Group L.P. and in partnership with management, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Driven Lighting Group (DLG)—a digitally native designer and online retailer of aftermarket enthusiast automotive lighting products—from Kian Capital. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Driven Lighting Group is a designer, marketer, influencer and online retailer of enthusiast automotive aftermarket lighting products. DLG has established brands, such as Morimoto and Profile Performance, and in-house product development capabilities that deliver high-performance products. DLG’s creative content engine and e-commerce platforms have attracted a large community of enthusiasts and wide customer base ranging from hobbyists to performance-driven consumers.

Goodyear Promotes Thad Ewald to Vice President, Strategy and Business Development

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has announced that Thad Ewald has been hired as vice president, strategy and business development, reporting to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Darren Wells, effective August 23. Before joining Goodyear, Ewald was vice president, corporate strategy and development for Cummins Inc.—a Fortune 500 manufacturer of power products. In that role, Ewald was responsible for developing the company’s global strategy and the company’s growth office that invested in new technologies, including products, services, and digital business initiatives. During his tenure, Ewald also led the development of Cummins’ start-up in the electrified and hydrogen power segment and was responsible for joint ventures, acquisitions and divestiture transactions.

MAVTV Motorsports Network Promotes Kevin Asbell to COO, General Counsel

MAVTV Motorsports Network—the U.S.-based motorsports TV network owned and operated by Lucas Oil Products—has announced the executive promotion of Kevin Asbell to chief operating officer and general counsel. He was previously general counsel of Lucas Oil Products. In his new role, Asbell will be responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the network with direct accountability for operational planning, accounting, forecasting, administrative affairs, information technology and human resources. Additionally, he will continue to oversee the business and legal operations in relation to MAVTV while retaining his responsibilities as general counsel of the network.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting a general membership meeting, along with two days of installer training, September 16–17 at Auto Additions in Westerville, Ohio.

Installers, restylers, shop management, owners and employees of PRO-member companies will be able to connect with the PRO Select Committee and discuss current council initiatives with the automotive restyling industry at large. Attendees will also hear firsthand from accessory manufacturers, as they provide expert installation training on the following topics:

• Katzkin: Leather and Cooled Seats
• Llumar: Paint Protection Film and Tint
• Brandmotion & Auto Additions: 12volt Electronics
• Auto Additions: Spray-in Liners
• Auto Additions: Remote Starts

The event will be packed with valuable information, discussions and resources.

Learn more and register here.

By SEMA Editors

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) and Madison International Speedway (MIS) in Oregon, Wisconsin, joined forces on Friday, August 20, to host the SaveOurRaceCars.com Championship Night—a special event that saw three track champions crowned while uniting the racing industry in support of PRI’s Save Our Race Cars initiative.

Zack Riddle (NASCAR Late Models), Ray Hellendrand (Dave's White Rock MISfitz) and Nick Schmidt (Pellitteri Waste Systems Bandits) recorded strong efforts during competition to secure track championships in their respective classes in front of a capacity crowd.  

The intense competition for season championships complemented PRI and Madison International Speedway’s continued dedicated efforts to protect the future of racing at the track and around the country.

“The SaveOurRaceCars.com Championship Night was an accomplishment on every front, from providing fans with a great night of racing to successfully educating those in attendance about the threats facing the racing industry,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “We had the opportunity to meet with drivers and discuss with fans some of the challenges race tracks are facing, current legislative issues in the racing industry, and programs and efforts available for them to join the fight and advocate on behalf of motorsports.”   

PRI’s outreach efforts at the event included meetings with racers and fans to discuss PRI’s initiatives in support of the motorsports community, Save Our Race Cars program announcements on the track’s PA system throughout the event, and promotion of the PRI Membership and RPM Act, which resulted in nearly 400 letters sent to members of congress.

“The reaction to PRI initiatives at the SaveOurRaceCars.com Championship Night was overwhelmingly positive,” said Meyer. “We heard from many fans who are excited to help protect motorsports. The only way we can protect the sport we love is by uniting to advocate on behalf of the industry.”

To learn more about PRI and its initiatives, including PRI membership, PRI Road Tour and the PRI Trade Show, visit performanceracing.com.

By Ashley Reyes

BAK Industries has been named the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest member spotlight company. In SEMA’s Q&A with the company’s Senior Vice President of Sales Joel Mohlenhoff, he shares BAK Industries’ breakthrough moment and what projects the company is working on in 2021.  

SEMA: Tell us the story of your company. How did your company start?

Joel Mohlenhoff: BAK first started around 1987 in North Hollywood, California. When it first began, the company made bedliners and caps before moving into the tonneau cover market. Before we started expanding, BAK products were being sold door-to-door out of a pickup truck in Southern California.

SEMA: What was your company’s breakthrough moment?

JM: BAK broke through with the creation of the BAKFlip, now the BAKFlip MX4, which is the number-one-selling hard fold cover in America. Additionally, Truck Hero acquired BAK in 2014, and the company has been able to develop newer products of even greater quality.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2021 and what are some projects you are working on?

JM: In 2021, BAK launched the Revolver X4s. The Revolver X4s has new features, including matte black aluminum underbody, integrated safety slat caps, rear corner caps and more.

SEMA: Tell us about a product that you are proud of.

JM: We are most proud of the BAKFlip MX4 for its design and style, as well as having the highest demand in the market for a hard folding tonneau bed cover.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

JM: This sector has tremendous growth opportunities for someone who wants to put in the effort, work their way up, and learn all that they can about the industry. Within the field, we are a small ‘big’ family, and it is an exciting, dynamic area to work.

Fill out an TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA eNews and future TORA member updates.