Legendary Companies, led by Wade Kawasaki and his partners at Irving Place Capital, has announced the acquisition of Paragon Corvette Reproductions. The Michigan-based Corvette restoration parts manufacturer and supplier enters as Legendary Companies’ third strategic acquisition since partnering with Irving Place Capital in late 2018. This acquisition expands the range of products available from Legendary Companies and widens its customer base by offering high-quality restoration components for ’53–’96 Corvettes. Under Legendary Companies, Paragon will continue to operate with the same leadership team and staff that has helped drive the company’s growth since its founding in 1970. Legendary Companies will provide additional support where needed to support ongoing operations.
Pep Boys is recognizing automotive technicians in each
business region with its annual Top Tech award program.
Top Techs Awarded at Pep Boys
As the industry and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) celebrates Automotive Service Professionals Month, Pep Boys is again recognizing automotive technicians in each business region with its annual Top Tech award program. The 2021 Top Tech award winners are Loy Chour, Anaheim, California; John Morin, St. Augustine, Florida; Dan Stone, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania; David Wade, Lone Tree, Colorado; and Jose Massanet, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. The Top Techs were selected based on multiple factors, including ASE certifications, strong productivity and performance metrics, mentorship, and living the company’s values. The respective stores of each Top Tech now have the distinction of being home to the country’s most outstanding technicians.
Garrett Motion to Expand China Production Facility
Garrett Motion has announced plans to expand and modernize its existing production facility in Wuhan, China. Garrett’s Wuhan plant opened in 2013 and currently serves major local and global automakers. The expansion, expected to increase its state-of-the-art facility by 50%, is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2022.
Holley Appoints Investment Banking Executive as Vice President
Holley has announced that Vinod (Vinny) Nimmagadda has been appointed as executive vice president of corporate development and new ventures. Nimmagadda, an experienced investment banker, will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and report directly to President and CEO Tom Tomlinson. Prior to joining the Holley team, Nimmagadda served as vice president at Jefferies Group LLC, in the global automotive aftermarket team, where he played a role in many M&A transactions, financings and equity offerings.
CarParts.com Inc. announced that its Grand
Prairie, Texas, distribution center is nearly
doubling in size with a 156,000 sq.-ft.
expansion.
CarParts.com Grand Prairie Distribution Center Expands Footprint
CarParts.com Inc. announced that its Grand Prairie, Texas, distribution center is nearly doubling in size with a 156,000-sq.-ft. expansion, bringing the facility to a total of 366,000 sq. ft. The expanded warehouse will increase CarParts.com’s total distribution center network to more than 1 million sq. ft. and allow the company to add 125 full-time positions to its Grand Prairie location when fully operational in Q1 2022.
According to the company, since making a home in Grand Prairie in 2020, CarParts.com has become a part of the community, creating more than 200 jobs to date and donating $100,000 to Feeding Texas’ relief efforts during the winter storms in early 2021.
Aldan American Announces New Website
Aldan American, a leader in aftermarket suspension, is proud to announce the launch of its new website, AldanAmerican.com. The new site features a completely updated theme and design to provide faster load speeds and a streamlined design to easily find the right suspension parts for your car or truck.
Optimized for desktop and mobile, Aldan American site visitors can talk with sales and tech support via Aldan’s online chat feature. Customers can also stay up to date with the latest tech and how-to videos produced at the Aldan Shock Lab.
Port City Racecars Continues Strategic Growth Plan
Port City Racecars (PCR) announced that, over the next 45 days, the company will finalize the acquisition of Crazy Horse Racecars, one of the leading asphalt short track chassis builders in the Northeast and current PCR dealer. Once the acquisition is complete, Crazy Horse Racecars will become Port City Racecars.
The transition will be seamless, and current CHR customers should only expect increased resources to help them win races. These additional resources will include skilled fabricators, sales and marketing efforts, as well as back-end office operations, that will position the company for immediate growth.
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.
The gala will take place in the new West Hall of the Las
Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the same venue
where thousands of industry professionals will
congregate for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.
The SEMA Installation Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated.
Join SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons at the SEMA Installation Gala, Friday, July 30, in Las Vegas, to honor 2021's SEMA Hall of fame Inductees—Jessi Combs, Rick Love, Bob Moore and Carl Schiefer. The gala will take place in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the same venue where thousands of industry professionals will congregate for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.
Since its inception in 1976, the SEMA Installation Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors is sworn in, and outgoing Directors are thanked. SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also recognized during the event.
The evening will feature cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating is limited. For more information and to register, visit www.sema.org/gala.
Even though the deadline to participate in the 2021 SEMA Show Space Selection process has passed, it’s never too late to register to exhibit.
Exhibiting at the 2021 SEMA Show puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry, including buyers looking for your products. The 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November.
Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.
Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show, scheduled for November 2-5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, is available here.
The premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November. Exhibitors include major automakers and small businesses, as well as iconic aftermarket manufacturers who are enhancing their booths to heighten their presence at what will be the first industry-wide in-person gathering for the $46.2 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry in nearly two years.
“Given the restrictions our industry has endured the last year, pent-up demand for the SEMA Show is at an all-time high,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “More so than other years, the 2021 SEMA Show will be fundamental in helping industry professionals grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward.”
Attendees at the 2021 SEMA Show will witness firsthand nearly two year's worth of innovation, technology and new products from manufacturers, as they showcase products, debut vehicles, conduct demonstrations and prepare to do business throughout all four halls of the 3.2-million-sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center.
“We are ready to get back to SEMA and connect with our customers this fall,” said Michael Hamrick, Wilwood Disc Brakes events and promotions manager. “Everyone at Wilwood Disc Brakes is putting their best foot forward to have a great event and catch up with our customers. We have quite a few new products to unveil, and SEMA is the place to do it.”
With the entire Convention Center in use, the SEMA Show floor will be designed to improve traffic flow and make navigating the event simple and easy. The 2021 SEMA Show floorplan will begin to take shape during the annual Priority Space Selection process, June 7–23. Companies that submit booth space applications before May 7 will participate in the weeks-long process to determine their booth location in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees will also be able to sign up for educational seminars featuring industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together.
“We’re excited to already be working with the more than 1,500 companies that have committed to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show, and we expect hundreds more to reserve booth space before May 7,” said Gattuso. “We encourage attendees to register early so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from what will be an amazing event.”
Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2021 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
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.
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.
Executive Director The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) is hiring an executive director. This is a multi-faceted leadership position requiring attention to day-to-day operations and management along with big-picture decisions and strategic execution. The IMRRC’s worldwide reach, linkages to international racing and the major celebrities in auto racing and American automotive culture offer ample opportunity to expand the IMRRC’s impact and build on past success. The position requires solid organizational management, fundraising, people skills and networking along with passion and visionary leadership to provide direction and guidance to an energized staff and engaged Board. This is a roll-up-your-sleeves position with international reach in a beautiful small-town environment. Candidates should have a minimum four-year college degree and expertise in auto racing, automotive enterprise or racing history, nonprofit leadership, American history, popular culture history and sports history.
Inside Sales Representative VIAIR is hiring an inside sales representativeto provide daily sales and customer service support for customers across all industries, domestic and international. Successful candidates should have a track record of providing outstanding customer service, with knowledge of the automotive and/or Industrial market segments, and some previous experience in sales.
National Account Manager Car-Rep Automotive is hiring a national account manager to proactively communicate market trends and needs and identify key sales and marketing strategies and initiatives with the management team to support fast sales growth. Candidates should be eager to take on special projects as needed and demonstrate strong organizational skills, a can-do attitude and passion toward ongoing learning.
The automotive specialty-equipment industry has largely weathered the pandemic, with many companies reporting sales growth over the past year and anticipating continued growth in the coming months, according to new SEMA Market Research.
Findings from the new “SEMA State of the Industry—Spring 2021” report indicate that the majority of businesses saw significant sales growth during the pandemic: 66% of manufacturers, 60% of distributors and 40% of retailers/installers reported increased sales compared to 12 months ago, and nearly three-fourths of all manufacturers and distributors expect sales to increase over the coming year.
Filled with data on how the pandemic has impacted businesses in the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the 63-page market research report helps companies understand how the market is performing. Key findings from the report include:
The specialty-equipment industry saw minimal staffing disruption because of the pandemic, with most maintaining or growing staffing levels. Additionally, 83% of manufacturers, 77% of distributors and 63% of retailers/installers plan on hiring more staff over the coming year.
Many companies selling in the pickup, sports car and classic segments reported double-digit growth in the past 12 months.
Manufacturers saw sales increase across many channels, especially direct-to-consumer through their company website and at independent specialty retailers.
The industry saw growth across a variety of product categories. Manufacturers and retailers saw significant sales growth in performance categories especially, including intake and suspension products.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, retail sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers hit $139.5 billion—its highest level in U.S. history. Despite the pandemic, consumers continue to work on their cars.
According to a survey of Americans conducted by Hertz, more than 80% of Americans plan on taking a road trip this summer. This means a lot more driving, and potentially a lot more potential engagement with the specialty-equipment industry.
66% of manufacturers, 60% of distributors and 40% of
retailers/installers reported increased sales compared to 12 months
ago, and nearly three-fourths of all manufacturers and distributors
expect sales to increase over the coming year.
At a time when most countries, like Japan and the European Zone, are experiencing economic contractions, the United States is showing strong growth after the disruption from the pandemic. This strong growth is expected to continue through the rest of 2021, as the services part of the economy fully reopens.
To learn more about the current state of the specialty-equipment industry and outlook for the future, download the new “SEMA State of the Industry—Spring 2021” report today at www.sema.org/research.
John Force went 3.972 seconds at 327.51 mph in his 11,000hp
PEAK/BlueDEF Platinum Chevrolet Camaro SS to edge out teammate
Hight’s 3.993 at 323.35.
J. Force, B. Torrence and Stanfield All Get Wins at Tascaparts.com NHRA New England Nationals Presented by Bandero Premium Tequila
John Force knocked off Robert Hight in Funny Car at New England Dragway, powering to his 153rd career victory last Sunday at the TascaParts.com NHRA New England Nationals presented by Bandero Premium Tequila. Billy Torrence (Top Fuel) and Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) also won in their respective categories at the sixth race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
Force, NHRA’s all-time wins leader, went 3.972 seconds at 327.51 mph in his 11,000hp PEAK/BlueDEF Platinum Chevrolet Camaro SS to edge out teammate Hight’s 3.993 at 323.35. Force is now second in points.
B. Torrence, who qualified No. 1, finished off his standout Top Fuel weekend in Epping with a victory, beating Mike Salinas on a holeshot in his 11,000hp Capco Contractors dragster. B. Torrence went 3.827 at 324.44 to Salinas’ 3.816 at 325.37, but the Texan was slightly quicker on the starting line to earn his first victory of 2021 and seventh in his career.
Stanfield again came through with a clutch performance, beating four-time world champ Greg Anderson with a run of 6.576 at 209.88 in his Janac Brothers Chevrolet Camaro.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action June 24–27 with the 14th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.
Oxford Replaces Monadnock on ACT, PASS Schedules
The American-Canadian Tour (ACT) and Pro All Stars Series (PASS) have announced that the doubleheader initially planned for New Hampshire’s Monadnock Speedway on July 4 has been moved to Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway on Sunday, July 11. The program will remain the same with twin 150-lap features for the ACT Late Model Tour and PASS Super Late Models, plus a 50-lap PASS Modified shootout. The change allows weekly Late Model and Super Late Model racers around the region more time to get their cars ready. Qualifying begins at 4:00 p.m. with features to follow. PASS will also visit Oxford Speedway for the 48th annual Oxford 250, August 27–29. Monadnock Speedway and ACT are still in discussions about the possibility of an event at the track later in the year if scheduling allows. For more information, visit acttour.com and proallstarsseries.com.
BMW M Motorsport’s LMDh car is being developed for use in the
North American IMSA series, beginning with the 2023 season. Photo
courtesy: BMW M Motorsport
BMW M Motorsport to Return to Prototype Racing
BMW M Motorsport has announced its return to international prototype racing. It was confirmed that an LMDh car is being developed for use in the North American IMSA series, beginning with the 2023 season with visits to Daytona, Sebring and Road Atlanta. Head of BMW M Motorsport Mike Krack will be responsible for the development, testing, and race outings of the new car. The regulations for LMDh cars stipulate that they have both a combustion engine and an electric motor. While each manufacturer may develop their own combustion engine, the electric motor and battery, as well as the transmission, are standard parts. The chassis is also built by an external partner. The works team and the driver lineup for the two LMDh prototypes will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit bmw-motorsport.com.
Simon Roberts to Leave Williams F1 Team
Formula 1 has announced that the restructure of Team Williams, following the arrival of new owners Dorilton Capital, continues following the arrival of new owners Dorilton Capital. Simon Roberts will leave the Formula 1 team, and Team CEO Jost Capito will absorb the team principal duties. Roberts first joined Williams last June in the newly created role of managing director before taking over as acting team principal when the Williams family sold the team last August. That role was made permanent before the start of 2021, and Roberts was charged with managing the transition. He previously served as operations director and then chief operating officer for McLaren for nearly 17 years. Capito, who joined the team about four months ago, will take on the role of team principal. Trackside leadership duties held by Roberts will be transferred to Technical Director Francois-Xavier Demaison, putting him in charge of technical aspects across the factory and race track.
Grand Prix of St. Pete Extended Through 2026
Florida’s St. Petersburg City Council has unanimously approved a two-year extension with Green Savoree St. Petersburg (GSSP) for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to remain a cornerstone event on the downtown streets and waterfront through at least 2026. A marquee event for the NTT IndyCar Series for the past 17 years, the Grand Prix of St. Pete is set to return to its traditional position on the calendar during the second weekend of March in 2022. It was previously moved to October in 2020 and late April in 2021.
The dates for the next five Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg races are March 10–13, 2022; March 9–12, 2023; March 7–10, 2024; March 6–9, 2025; and March 12–15, 2026. The City of St. Petersburg’s “Embrace the Race” campaign has worked alongside local businesses to help multiply the economic impact for the city and surrounding communities each year. For more information, visit gpstpete.com.
The automotive specialty-equipment industry has largely weathered the pandemic, with many companies reporting sales growth over the past year and anticipating continued growth in the coming months, according to new SEMA Market Research.
Grand Prix of St. Pete Extended Through 2026