Show your products to SEMA's worldwide network of media contacts and qualified buyers at the 2021 SEMA Show. Put your company and products in front of the audience they deserve, and reconnect with the industry.
Take advantage of the opportunity that the SEMA Show provides for in-person interactions with customers, colleagues, leaders and legends. Reserve you booth at www.semashow.com/buyabooth.
Here are essential deadlines for the 2021 SEMA Show:
Exhibit Space Reservation Application Deadline: Friday, May 7
Early Space Selection: Monday, June 7–Wednesday, June 23
Full Refund Cancellation Deadline: Wednesday, September 1
Show Dates: Tuesday, November 2–Friday, November 5
The SEMA Show takes place November 2 - November 5, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. For complete Show information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
Platinum status represents SDC manufacturers that have achieved the pinnacle of product data by putting in the extra effort to provide resellers with the most complete data sets available.
ACT
Mod-Twin Kit
ACT’s new Mod-Twin Kit is a performance break-through for the Evo VIII, IX, X, and Subaru WRX applications! These vehicles are making lots of power and with great power comes the ACT Mod-Twin! A well-defined problem is half solved. The problem: The disc splines would strip out due to the extreme torsional vibration traveling down the input shaft. A great improvement would be a sprung hub. The space is so small, that in the past you could not adequately get two sprung hub discs to fit. If they did have springs, they would be very small, and not very effective. ACT has the solution! The new MOD-TWIN Series offers either a completely modular spring-centered or rigid Mono-Drive Hub design. Holds 700-1376 ft. lbs. of torque!
The Bull Ring #4025 fits the 2020-21 F Series trucks better than ever before. The cover material matches the color, grain texture and fit of the Ford Factory Rail Cap exactly. They install in 30 seconds with no special tools or cutting or drilling. Snap them up for use with ratchet straps or rope, then snap them back down to store flush in the rail. The stainless, eye ring holds 1000 pounds and comes with a lifetime (No Bull) no-hassle, warranty. A super-strong, flush fit, retractable truck bed tie down with a factory look, corrosion resistant chassis, mounted on the rail-for easy access-and a perfect match.
Add the safety, reliability and performance of power disc brakes to your factory manual transmission '64-'66 Ford Mustang. With our drum to power disc brake conversion kit, you receive everything needed to mount factory style 4 piston disc brakes to the original drum brake spindles currently on your vehicle.
The disc brake conversion kit is an easy installation with step-by-step instructions. All components used in these front disc brake kits are new high-quality, precision-machined products, making this a great front disc brake kit with a factory look.
Oracle Lighting
Underbody Wheel Well Rock Light Kit
Oracle Lighting the market leader in innovative LED lighting solutions for the automotive aftermarket, is proud to announce the debut of its new White Underbody Wheel Well Rock Light Kit. Now available, these new highly durable and intensely bright white LED rock lights easily install for applications on trucks, Jeeps, trailers, powersport vehicles, and more. Featuring more than 2,400 Lumens of output making them brighter than most headlights, you can drive with confidence using these white rock lights with high quality components that withstand any terrain you put them through on the streets or off-road,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. With multiple options on the market, you want the best quality for a good price when choosing white rock lights.
Rigid introduces the world’s most advanced Chase LED Light Bar. The Chase Bar is a 28” rear facing light that adds safety and functionality to any UTV, rail, buggy, Jeep, or other off-road vehicle by combining running, brake, reverse, turn signal and more into a single package. Pre-programmed features include strobe, scroll, flash, and can be fully customized to any vehicle trigger. This light has programmable triggers: running and three auxiliary triggers. The user can program each trigger by choosing from 27 pre-programmed modes for a completely custom setup. The running and auxiliary triggers allow for the selection of one of the pre-programmed modes or customize your own for over 300,000 possible configurations. Compliant with multiple race series requiring strobing blue, amber, green and red.
SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies each week. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.
DiabloSport
Suspension Controller
DiabloSport has launched its Suspension Controller for 2015+ Dodge Charger SRT and Hellcat. The Suspension Controller replaces the factory controller with a Plug-N-Play installation. The upgraded calibration featured in the controller is engineered to improve handling and traction across the board by controlling the OEM shocks electronically to optimize performance.
Design Engineering Inc. introduces its Stainless-Steel Pipe Heat Shields. The shield is designed to prevent burns while protecting drivers and passengers from uncomfortable heat. The shield is engineered to be utilized in a wide variety of applications, including turbo down pipes, headers or any component of the exhaust system. Available in two sizes, 4.5-in. x 8-in. and 6-in. x 12-in., each features a stainless-steel heat barrier material on the outside surfaces and an insulating inner layer, plus welded seams constructed for strength and durability.
Mac’s Tie Downs announces its Engine Lift Adapter Plate for the 7.3L Godzilla engine, which is available both in crate form and as a factory offering in the Ford Super Duty truck chassis. The plate temporarily replaces the intake manifold for engine removal and installation. The made-to-order plate is produced from laser-cut steel and powder coated.
Champion Oil announces the release of its RX454 penetrating oil to assist engine builders with rusted and hard-to-free mechanical parts such as nuts and bolts. It is designed to help metal components by penetrating the narrow space between the threads of two parts. It can also be used as a cleaner; however, it should not be used as a general-purpose lubricant or a corrosion stopper.
Racing Power Company introduces its LS1 and LS3 Rocker Arms. The arms feature caged roller bearings and 8620 steel trunions constructed for durability and performance over the stock units. The arms are engineered to handle higher spring pressures and high engine RPM’s. The kit includes one set of 16 rocker arms and new mounting bolts.
Competitors vying for the $25,000 Grand Prize package at
SEMA360 were (left to right) Matt Rafield of Beachcomber
Offroad; Eric Rivera of Dirt Dynamix; Justin Bradshaw of Rever;
Khanjan Desai of Alchemy; and Roland Hence of FrontLane.
SEMA’s Virtual Showcase Spotlights 2020’s Brightest Young Entrepreneurs
SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN, started in 2013 as a partnership between SEMA Education and the Young Executives Network (YEN). The goal was to promote entrepreneurship in the automotive aftermarket by giving young innovators and builders a chance to showcase their products before a panel of judges at the SEMA Show. Out of hundreds of aspirants who entered this year, five finalists were chosen to pitch their products at SEMA360 before a panel of industry experts.
The panel of judges for SEMA360 Launch Pad was composed of five industry leaders who cover a wide range of the specialty-equipment aftermarket. They were Daryl Sampson, director of marketing for Turn 14 Distribution; Dan Kahn, president and CEO of Kahn Media and a member of the SEMA Board of Directors; Jonathan Mill, executive producer and general manager at Alloy Studios and the 2013 SEMA Launch Pad winner; Brian Reese, CEO of The Retrofit Source; and Melanie White, president of Hellwig Products and a member of the SEMA Board of Directors. This year’s host was master builder and star of Discovery Channel’s “Shifting Gears” Aaron Kaufman of ArcLight Fabrication.
Judging the competition at Launch Pad 2020 were (left to right)
Melanie White of Hellwig Products; Dan Kahn of Kahn Media;
Daryl Sampson of Turn 14 Distribution; Jonathan Mill of Alloy
Studios; and Brian Reese of The Retrofit Source. Joining them at
far right was Launch Pad host Aaron Kauffman of Arclight
Fabrication.
Available to business owners, executives and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 who are launching new automotive products, the SEMA Launch Pad supports young innovators and encourages future industry growth. This year’s finalists pitched products to improve vehicle safety, convenience and the overall driving experience.
Competitors and Products
For competitors, the eligibility rules are simple and straightforward. Applicants do not need to be SEMA members but need be under the age of 40 at the time of the closing of SEMA360. The actual presenter must be the owner, president, CEO or a majority shareholder of his or her company, and the product being presented must be functional, whether as a concept, a prototype or a production model currently for sale.
The followng are the finalists who competed in SEMA360 Launch Pad 2020.
Justin Bradshaw, Director of Rever
Product: Rever Mobile App
Rever is a mobile app and website for powersports enthusiasts to discover, track and share routes. The company has thousands of recommended roads for sports cars and off-highway users as well as turn-by-turn directions, tracking to view other people in the users’ preferred groups in real time, and the first CarPlay-compatible app of its kind for this specific audience.
“Millions of people around the world buy vehicles to get out and escape,” Bradshaw explained. “But unlike Strava for cyclists or maybe All Trails for hikers, the powersports community lacks a common place to get together and do these things—until now.
“Rever is the world’s largest app and website to discover, track and share your powersports experiences. We do this in a few ways with a bunch of really rad technology that fits in the palm of your hand. Our Twisty Road algorithm will spit out the best way from A to B, and it’s not the shortest time or shortest distance like Google, Apple or Waze gives you. Also, features such as our Friend Tracker can keep group rides together, and our Weather Overlays lets you know when to put the top back up.”
Khanjan Desai, Director of Alchemy Product: ExoShield
ExoShield is a thin, transparent film that stops rock chips through increasing the impact resistance of the windshield by a claimed factor of six. It is powered by Alchemy’s proprietary nanocoatings, which allow it to be both impact- and scratch-resistant and prevent expensive windshield replacements for vehicle owners.
“Advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) with safety features such as lane-keep assistance and pedestrian collision avoidance will be in 75% of all new vehicles sold in the United States this year,” Desai noted. “Forty countries are already mandating that all new vehicles sold have this, which means that there will be 900 million ADAS-equipped vehicles in the world in the next 10 years.
“The sensors that power these safety systems are mounted behind the windshield, so when the windshield gets a stone chip and must be replaced, the sensors behind it must be recalibrated. The recalibration process is so expensive that the price of replacing a windshield has gone from $500 to $1,500 for vehicle owners. We’re solving that with ExoShield.”
Roland Hence, Director of FrontLane Inc.
Product: Impulse—Emergency Brake Light
The Impulse is a wireless, battery-powered emergency brake light that reduces rear-end collisions by pulsing eight ultra-bright LEDs under extreme braking situations up to a claimed 50% quicker. The Impulse can be installed on any passenger vehicle with a standard rear windshield in a matter of seconds.
“We looked at how brake lights are 40 years old in design, and while we keep upgrading our phones and every sort of distraction you can imagine, our brake lights haven’t changed,” Hence explained. “So we thought that it was time for an upgrade.”
The result is “an ultra-bright, pulsating brake light that makes the driver behind you react faster. It acts specifically when you brake hard,” providing an LED pulsing of red lights to attract the attention of trailing drivers.
One appealing element of the Impulse is its simplicity of operation.
“It’s completely stick-on,” Hence said. “It has no wires, because it uses a motion sensor and a battery, so you can simply stick it to the rear window of nearly any vehicle, with a four-year battery life for the average driver.”
Matt Rafeld, Director of Beachcomber Offroad Product: Stowaway Door
The Stowaway Door is designed for Jeep owners to enjoy door-free days without worrying about rain, cold or a little mud on the seats. When not in use, the soft door folds to fit under the rear seat or anywhere you could store a small tent.
“Almost every Jeep owner at some point takes the doors off their Jeep,” Rafeld said. “But what happens when the sun goes down or it starts to rain or maybe it gets a little bit colder? All of a sudden, the only thing between you and the elements is a sunburn and maybe a pair of wet swim trunks. I’ve lived that situation, and I can tell you that’s not fun.
“The Stowaway Door was designed to solve the problem that has plagued Jeep owners for generations. It’s a lightweight alternative to the heavy factory doors. When not in use, it can fold up and store right underneath the rear seat, and it’s ready for you if the weather goes foul or you need to make sure that you’re protected from the elements.”
Eric Rivera Director of Dirt Dynamix
Product: DDX Universal Truck Bed Mount
Established in August 2019, Dirt Dynamix designed and brought to market its Universal Truck Bed Mount—a simple and cost-effective way to offer shade via umbrella and/or mounting any flagpole in the bed of any truck.
“The DDX Truck Mount is a universal truck bed mount that’s a simple and effective way to add a tailgate umbrella or a flagpole to the bed of any truck,” Rivera said. “Officially, it’s the first of its kind that’s universal to all trucks, and it takes only three tools and 15 min. to install. It’s compatible with bedcovers, bed racks, bed slides and toolboxes for late models and old models.”
Rivera also called out the mount’s potential use as a commercial marketing tool beyond its basic functions.
“What better way than a 9-ft. canvas or a 3x5-ft. flag to be even more visible?” he said. “It allows you to protect yourself, your tools and your products quickly and effectively, all while branding your company.”
Judging and Verdict
The panel of judges agreed unanimously that the product offerings from this year’s contestants were uniformly strong. “All of them are solving a problem in our industry,” White noted. “I’m glad that I wasn’t competing this year,” said former Launch Pad winner Mill. “Every year it gets stiffer and stiffer, with a lot of good products.”
First up, competitor Hence was scored highly for his presentation skills.
Right out of the gate, he was calm,” Kahn observed. “He had a lot of self assurance. He knew his product. That wasn’t a memorized pitch so much as a guy on stage talking about something he’s passionate about.” On the downside, judges expressed concern that his product’s price point might be a bit too high to be competitive.
Competitor Rivera was judged highly for his product’s already-existent enthusiast appeal.
“Unlike the others, he has a product that doesn’t have to go out and convince the consumer that there’s a market for it,” Kahn said. “There is a built-in demand, and people already want it. All he has to do is make it and get it into distribution, and it’s going to sell.”
Conversely, the judges felt that his marketing plan was the weakest, suggesting that he look for a partner with high marketing acumen. Competitor Bradshaw was scored highly for his product’s innovation and appeal.
“I have actually been in the situation where I need to find a road or trail,” Reese said. “I’m a Strava user, so his product really resonated with me. I think it’s a great idea.”
On the flip side, the judges felt that his presentation could have been a bit more passionate and his monetization strategy could have been more thoroughly explained.
Competitor Desai earned high marks for his product knowledge and presentation.
“He came right out of the gate stronger than probably any other pitch we heard,” Kahn said. “He knows his product. He clearly developed it in the lab, but I think he’s also approaching it like an engineer,” stressing the need for good marketing skills as well as technical wizardry to bring a product to market. Additional concerns included potential high installation
costs.
Finally, competitor Rafield was judged highly for his authenticity and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Of everyone who presented today, he is the most representative of our core consumer, “ Kahn noted. “He was a guy who loves his Jeep, had an issue, and he wanted to fix that problem.”
The judges found his presentation a bit rough and regretted that he hadn’t brought an actual sample of the product for them
to examine.
After careful deliberation, the judges reached their final decision: The winner was Roland Hence and the Impulse emergency brake-light system.
“The first thing that stood out about Roland was how well-spoken he was,” Mill said. “The guy knows this product. He knows himself, and he’s very, very confident.”
“Roland is so polished, and he nailed it,” White added. “He just seems like someone really determined, willing to take feedback and ready to apply it.”
Hence’s fellow competitors were equally supportive.
“It’s awesome to see that Roland’s product saves people’s lives,” Rafield said. “That’s exciting in itself.”
“There’s a crash every three minutes in the United States,” Hence said. “The Impulse prevents up to 50% of crashes, and it’s a true breakthrough. As an entrepreneur, you dream about this moment. I am incredibly proud of my team and grateful to SEMA for the platform to showcase our hard work and life-saving product. I hope that we can take a meaningful step toward reducing rear-end crashes with this incredible result.”
For his winning effort, Hence received a prize package valued at $25,000, which included a 10x10-ft. turnkey exhibit space at the 2021 SEMA Show, a free full-color advertisement in SEMA News, up to three hours of free custom scanning services at the SEMA Garage, a one-year subscription to the SEMA Garage Tech Transfer program, and a host of other prizes—including a check for $10,000.
“What we’re going to do [with the $10,000] is put it into our marketing efforts,” Hence said. “But ultimately the question is getting to the point where we’re ready to go for it and just scale.”
Turning Launch Pad Dreams Into Reality
One of the most important purposes of SEMA Launch Pad has been to provide greater public exposure to the best new specialty-equipment products from the latest generation of entrepreneurs and innovators to better assist them in turning their concepts into reality and their prototypes into retail-ready products. It happened to one of SEMA Launch Pad’s finalists this year.
Only a few days after the conclusion of Launch Pad 2020, Comoto Holdings (parent company of leading motorcycle enthusiast brands RevZilla, Cycle Gear and J&P Cycles) announced that it had acquired Rever, the technology company started by Launch Pad finalist Justin Bradshaw that connects the global community of powersports enthusiasts via an app and website.
“One of Comoto’s core values is to ‘Share the Road,’ a commitment to putting people first,” said Ken Murphy, CEO of Comoto Holdings. “With the addition of Rever, we now have the opportunity to literally do this—to help people share their favorite roads with their fellow riders.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Launch Pad finalist Bradshaw observed: “We think life is better when there’s a motorcycle in it, and we use thoughtful technology to make powersports more enjoyable, accessible and safer for everybody.”
Entries for Launch Pad 2021 are set to open later this spring. For more information, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad.
One of the featured attractions at last November’s SEMA360 virtual event was the Builder Showcase, which featured the newest custom builds from SEMA-member companies around the world. More than 330 vehicles were available for participants to peruse at the Showcase, each with its own page of photos, video and specifications. From those, 40 were invited to participate in SEMA’s Battle of the Builders competition, with 12 selected as event finalists. We’ll have in-depth coverage of the finals in next month’s issue, but in the meantime, we thought we’d show you a few more entrants that were representative of the Builder Showcase entrants at SEMA360.
’56 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible
Submitted By: Tim Kilkeary
Open the hood of this ’56, and you’ll find a Whipple-supercharged LS motor sourced from Don Hardy Race Engines. It’s backed by a TCI transmission, and the powertrain rides between the frame rails of a Roadster Shop chassis. Evod Industries rims are controlled by Wilwood brake components, while Relicate Leather provides a touch of luxury for the interior, and the exterior is adorned in a coating of lustrous BASF Glasurit paint.
’20 Toyota Land Cruiser 79-Series
Submitted By: Bree Henry
Ready for the outback, this ’Cruiser is actually unlifted, but extra room is afforded in the wheelwells to clear a set of 35-in. Mickey Thompson tires via a pair of portal axles sourced from Marks 4WD. Bumpers, sidesteps and a snorkel kit from TJM give the Toyota extra measures of backcountry durability. In the back, an all-aluminum bed from PCOR contains side-mounted work lights and slide-out storage boxes. Xray Vision lightbars provide greater illumination, and a Dometic fridge keeps perishables fresh. A roof-mounted solar panel has been plumbed into the electronics, and a Redarc TVMS passes along the extra charge to an auxiliary battery under the hood.
’64 Chevrolet Corvette
Submitted By: Tony Arme
Ready to hit the open road, this classic C2 rides on a Roadster Shop chassis and rolls on a set of Toyo tires. It is halted by Wilwood brakes and steered with the aid of Ididit parts. Under the hood, Holley components assist with aspiration, while Heatshield Products provide protection against high temperatures. Vibro Solutions offers an extra measure of soundproofing, and Dakota Digital gauges monitor engine functions inside. Vintage Air keeps the interior cool, and Ceramic Pro PPF helps protect the BASF Glasurit paint.
’07 Pontiac Sorrari
Submitted By: Lee Burkhardt
The list of modifications and upgrades to this Norm’s Fiberglass-bodied vehicle is extensive, and it starts with a GM LM4 427 aluminum V8 and Tremec TR6060 transmission. Power flows to a Ford 9-in. rearend running Porsche CV axle shafts and a Wavetrac LSD. A set of Michelin Pilot Sport tires and CCW SP20 rims are slowed by Rotora Street Challenge brakes and damped by BC Racing ER Type Racing coil-overs with Swift Lightweight springs. Components from Kenwood, Dymamat and Braun Racing enhance creature comforts inside, while SaddlX leather trim provides comfort and visual appeal.
’17 Ford F-350 Diesel
Submitted By: Aaron Aldrich
A former SEMA Launch Pad competitor, this entrant’s ’17 Powerstroke rolls on an adjustable-height Any Level Lift that works in tandem with a four-link to clear room in the wheelwells for a set of American Force Wheels wrapped in Nitto Mud Grappler tires. Inside the cab, EZ Link diagnostics allow adjusting the suspension height. Outside, a Transfer Flow toolbox/fuel tank combo enhances work functions and cruising range, and a B&W gooseneck hitch allows the Power Stroke to pull a hefty trailer behind it.
’66 Dodge Charger
Submitted By: Mike Rutter
Awash in a shimmering coat of Axalta Sahara Bronze, this ’19 Hellcat-powered ’66 is backed by a 4L80 transmission. The car rolls on a set of BFGoodrich tires paired with custom Wheel Smith wheels that are damped by a Rallye Motorsports suspension. MOPAR accessories enhance underhood performance, and Painless Wiring provides electrical upgrades. Vintage Air and Lokar components afford extra levels of performance and comfort in the all-custom Paul Atkins interior.
’20 GMC Sierra
Submitted By: Bryson Clark
Already equipped with the capable AT4 package, this high-riding Sierra is given even more off-road capability with a complete Kelderman suspension system and bracketry. Hostile Forged and MKW wheels provide the rolling stock, and MGP aircraft-grade caliper covers help keep dust out of the brakes. The bed has been treated to a Line-X spray-on treatment. A variety of Truck Hero accessories enhance functionality, and a Horn Blasters air horn announces the truck’s presence far
and wide.
’71 Ford Maverick
Submitted By: Jesse Greening
Custom bodywork abounds on this Maverick, starting with the 3-in. rear fender extensions to accommodate extra-wide Pirelli tires. Between the rails of the Roadster Shop chassis resides a small-bock Ford running twin Precision Turbo turbochargers. A DEI heat wrap and C&R cooling components keep underhood temperatures manageable, and a Bowler 4L80 transmits power to the rear wheels, which are stopped by Baer Brakes. ididit steering components point the Ford in the
right direction.
’67 Pontiac Lemans
Submitted By: John Wargo
Under the hood of this bright-blue Pontiac rests a GM Performance LS3 conversion, and it’s backed by a Bowler transmission. A CTEK charger and an Odyssey battery help optimize electrical performance. The car rides on Continental tires and American Racing wheels, and Wilwood brakes stop the combo. Inside is a Sony audio system and an Enduratex-coated interior treatment. The paint is an attention-getter on this ride, and it’s aided thanks to products from ProSpray, Por 25, Presta and Sata Spray Guns.
’20 Toyota Tacoma
Submitted By: Ashley Lazarus
It may look unassuming, but this Tacoma’s got the gear aboard to take it deep into the backcountry for a weekend of outdoor adventure. A slew of parts are on hand from Front Runner Outfitters, including a Slimline II roof rack kit and a ratchet-mount spade/shovel and track-style recovery device. A Wolf Pack drawer kit provides in-bed storage solutions. An LED lightbar enhances night vision, a Pro bike mount enables safe transport of mountain bikes, and a 42-gal. water tank ensures that dry-camping adventurers have ample H2O.
’68 Chevrolet Nova
Submitted By: Dylan Goacher
This twin-turbocharged Nova runs a Dart-prepped 632 big-block equipped with JE pistons, a pair of Precision Turbos to provide additional boost, and a custom fender-exit exhaust to expel spent gases. An M&M Transmission-built TH400 sends power to the Weld Racing V-series wheels, which are stopped by Brakeman brakes. QA1 suspension components keep the ride under control, an Aeromotive pump assists with fuel delivery, and an XS Power battery and Painless Performance wiring provide electrical upgrades.
’39 Oldsmobile Two-Door Coupe
Submitted By: Rodney Black
Awash in a coating of House of Kolor Brandywine, this ’39 restomod sports a host of custom bodywork, including shaved door handles. A raft of new products brings old-school tech into the modern age. Dakota Digital gauges monitor engine functions, Vintage Air provides climate control, Dynamat sound-deadening materials keep the cab quiet and cozy, and American Autowire products optimize electrical performance. Holley induction components help generate power to turn the American Racing wheels.
’70 Ford Bronco
Submitted By: John Cole
An homage to the Stroppe “Big Oly” Baja Bronco, this frame-up prerunner runs a Cobra V8 and JBA headers. A twin-stick transfer case shifter from JB Fabrication helps transfer power to all four wheels, which turn Federal Couragia M/T tires wrapped around a set of U.S. Mags rims. Energy Suspension components keep the ride squeak- and rattle-free, and Baja Designs lighting enables greater trail visibility. Thermo-Tec insulation keeps the engine bay cool, Aeromotive assists with fuel management, and Painless Performance wiring provides electrical upgrades. Additional support for the build came from 4-Wheel Parts and Wild Horses 4x4.
’35 Custom Pickup
Submitted By: Frederick Simmons
A modern-day kit car, this ’35 is powered by a Blueprint Engines-sourced LS3 with a Procharger that provides extra boost, along with additional support from Holley and Deatschwerks components. Backing the engine is a 4L65 automatic transmission that spins Moser axles and a set of Nitto Tires. Electronics from HP Tuners optimize engine performance, Vintage Air keeps the interior cool on hot days, and a custom Speedhut all-in-one gauge cluster rides in the dash.
’70 Pontiac Trans Am
Submitted By: Riley Stair
Resting atop a custom tube chassis, this Trans Am runs a Dart-prepped LS conversion with a trick header setup that utilizes an eight-into-one collector tube and side-exit exhaust. The power is transferred to G-Force Engineering high-strength axles. The independent front and rear suspension was designed by the builder, with Ohlins coil-overs providing additional control. Aeromotive components optimize fuel flow, and MOMO seats enhance the ride inside. Also contributing to the build were parts from Vibrant Performance.
’50 Chevrolet 3100
Submitted By: George LeGrice
Under the hood of this “raw metal” Chevy rests a 383 stroker that receives help with aspiration from Holley components and is cooled via a Griffin radiator. SCAT engine internals provide strength under load, and a CVF Racing serpentine kit keeps engine-driven ancillaries operating properly. A ’bagged suspension gives the Chevy its low-rider stance, and parts from Lokar and Dakota Digital bring the ’50 into the digital age inside.
President Biden issued an Executive Order requiring the U.S. Department of the Interior to conduct a review of the monument boundaries and conditions of several National Monuments, including Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments. The size of both Monuments was reduced during the Trump Administration. It is anticipated that the Biden Interior Department will recommend partly or fully restoring the boundaries to what existed prior to January 20, 2017.
The 110-year-old Antiquities Act provides the president authority to preserve land with significant natural, cultural, or scientific features. It has resulted in hundreds of millions of acres being set aside over the decades leading many to question whether the footprints are larger than necessary. National Monument designations frequently lead to the closure of existing off-road roads and trails. SEMA supports a collaborative approach when making major land-use decisions, including input from local citizens, elected leaders and other stakeholders.
President Biden’s Order directs the Interior Department to consult with other agencies and Tribal governments to determine whether to restore the monument boundaries and conditions. The Secretary of the Interior has 60 days to provide a report of their findings.
For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to either modify or remove the current E15 warning label requirement. EPA currently requires fuel dispenser labels for gasoline-ethanol blends of greater than 10% ethanol and up to 15% ethanol (E15). The label is 3 by 5 inches and includes the following language with font size and color requirements: ‘‘ATTENTION, E15, up to 15% Ethanol, use only in 2001 and newer passenger vehicles, flex-fuel vehicles, don’t use in other vehicles, boats, or gasoline powered equipment. It may cause damage and is prohibited by Federal law.’’
The proposed new label would be smaller, and the warning message softened. The label would be about 3 by 3 inches and include the following language: ‘‘Contains up to 15% ethanol, safe for use in, 2001 and newer passenger vehicles, or flex-fuel vehicles, avoid use in other vehicles, motorcycles, boats, or gasoline-powered equipment. It may cause damage and is prohibited by Federal law.”
Alternatively, the EPA is seeking comment on whether a label is necessary. SEMA contends the label is vital to protect vehicles and engines for which E15 use is inappropriate. In previous comments, SEMA has urged the EPA to expand the warning so that consumers understand that E15 is incompatible with older vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, small engines and many other machines. SEMA supports making the warning label larger and including the words “WARNING” and “Check your owner’s manual,” along with pictograms of a classic vehicle, boat, motorcycle, ATV, lawnmower, chainsaw and snowmobile.
Comments on the proposed rule are due February 18, 2021. For additional information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is pleased to offer a new digital lobbying guide to assist enthusiasts in navigating the political process. This mobile-friendly multimedia advocacy tool features a series of quick and simple tips that break down common misconceptions about influencing public policy.
On the heels of an historic U.S. election, many fresh faces have taken office. It’s time to strike while the iron is hot. Not sure where to begin or how to initiate the conversation with your local elected representatives? The SAN’s new digital lobbying guide has everything you to put you on the road to success.
Refine your lobbying skills by taking advantage of this new resource free of charge and be sure to share it with others. Visit the SAN website for full details. While there, sign-up to stay informed on issues in your region by subscribing: www.semaSAN.com/Join.
There is a saying in the nation’s capital, “if you aren’t at the table, then you’re on the menu.” It may sound cliché, but it’s true.
Earlier this month, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, and a new Congress took office. With them comes a new legislative and regulatory agenda that could have a significant impact on the specialty automotive aftermarket industry and its future. In the coming weeks and months, it is expected that Congress will aggressively tackle climate change, trade, taxes, and vehicle technology regulations, among a host of other issues. It’s critical that SEMA be well positioned to meet this issues head on.
One important way SEMA members can help flex the industry’s political muscle is through the SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC).
By law, SEMA may not use association funds to impact the electoral process. However, SEMA PAC allows employees of SEMA-member companies to contribute their personal funds to help elect lawmakers who support our industry’s positions and initiatives. Government rules require SEMA PAC to get each member company’s permission before it can ask for support. It’s an easy process known as becoming prior approved and it only takes minutes. To find out if your company is prior approved, or to become prior approved yourself, click here. To make things even easier for you, when you log on, the form is partially filled out for you. Becoming prior approved does not obligate you to contribute.
For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has completed a rule that will allow low volume vehicle manufacturers to produce and sell replica cars—vehicles that appear to be at least 25 years old. SEMA members are invited to learn more about the replica car law during a webinar on Wednesday, February 10, at 11:00 a.m. (PST).
Replica car manufacturers and suppliers have waited since 2015 for the program to start, when the U.S. Congress passed legislation to establish it. Until then, NHTSA only had a one-size-fits-all regulatory framework intended for companies that mass-produce millions of cars.
A panel of industry experts will provide an overview of the new program and practical considerations for selling replica cars, engine packages, or vehicle parts.
Webinar Details
Title: A New Era for Replica Cars: How Manufacturers and Suppliers Can Take Advantage of Industry-Friendly Regulations
What is the definition of “replica car”?
How will replica cars be regulated by NHTSA?
How will the cars meet current model year emissions standards?
What are the rules for engine packages to be installed in the cars?
When and how do companies register with NHTSA, EPA, and CARB?
The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is pleased to offer a new