Compiled by SEMA Editors

Summit Racing to Title Sponsor 2019 American Endurance Racing Season

Summit Racing has announced it will be the title sponsor for the American Endurance Racing (AER) 2019 season. Composed of five classes—1 being the slowest, 5 being the fastest—each AER event features two nine-hour races completed on back-to-back days. Vehicle preparation, fueling strategy and driver skill are pushed to the limits during each race. Teams are classed via AER’s unique classing system that compares each team’s drivers’ qualifying times to one another. This means the race field is not only diverse, but also fair with little to no debate as to which cars belong in each class.

AER’s 2019 season begins February 15–17 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta near Atlanta. Other events include:

• April 12–14: Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, New York
• May 17–19: New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, New Jersey
• June 14–16: Palmer Motorsports Park, Palmer, Massachusetts
• September 13–15: Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, West Virginia
• October 18–20: Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course, Lexington, Ohio
• November 15–17: Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Wampum, Pennsylvania

True North Racing of Western Canada competes in the 4600 Stock Class with two off-road capable Jeep Grand Cherokee builds, as well as the 4800 Legends Class with a custom-fabricated “Brinkfab” off-road vehicle.

Nexen Tire USA Makes First Appearance at 2019 King of the Hammers, Sponsoring True North Racing Team

Nexen Tire is partnering with True North Racing this week for the 2019 King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California. True North Racing of Western Canada competes in the 4600 Stock Class with two off-road capable Jeep Grand Cherokee builds, as well as the 4800 Legends Class with a custom-fabricated “Brinkfab” off-road vehicle. Nexen Tire has provided its Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road tires for all three vehicles and will utilize the company’s 35x12.5x17-in. and 37x12.5x17-in. off-road tires. True Racing North will have two custom Jeep Grand Cherokee builds and one custom-fabricated off-road vehicle on the scene at this year’s King of the Hammers event.

“Horsepower Wars” $10K ‘2’ Drag Shootout Applications Now Open; Preliminary Rules Released for 2019

Power Automedia’s $10K Drag Shootout from “Horsepower Wars” has officially opened the team application process for the second season of its build-off and changes have been introduced to the event and rules. “Horsepower Wars’” $10K Drag Shootout challenge pits teams against one another with the goal of building the fastest, most capable drag car possible in just 10 days with a budget of only $10,000. The $10K Drag Shootout 2 is open to all teams who wish to apply through the online process. The official build has been set for May 8–18, in Riverside, California. New this year are several changes designed to make the competition more thrilling, both for participants and for spectators alike. Most notably, the $10K Drag Shootout will move to an eighth-mile format and will compete at No Mercy 10 in Valdosta, Georgia, in October. For performance-based rule changes, teams will be allowed to use E85 as a fuel and are no longer limited to running just race gas. Dual power adders, however, have been outlawed, and teams will be forced to choose one only for their builds to encourage more creative thinking. Overall, the rules have been tightened to increase competitiveness and creativity. Teams can now apply online until the February 21 deadline.

E3 Spark Plugs has announced a multi-year sponsorship contract renewal with Don Schumacher Racing.

E3 Announces Multi-Year Expanded Partnership With Don Schumacher Racing

E3 Spark Plugs has announced a multi-year sponsorship contract renewal with Don Schumacher Racing. E3 signed on as a sponsor initially with Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) in 2016, and during the course of the past three years, Leah Pritchett, Antron Brown and Ron Capps have all won championships running E3 products. The renewal, a three-year agreement, includes an elevated level of branding and a deeper product relationship. All DSR teams will be run DiamondFIRE racing spark plugs and the company’s new DiamondFIRE racing spark plug wires.

Permatex Returns to NASCAR with Sponsorship of StarCom Racing in 2019 Daytona 500

Permatex will return to NASCAR competition with StarCom Racing at the 2019 Daytona 500, February 17. The sponsorship of StarCom’s 00 Camaro and driver, Landon Cassill, in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ premier event represents Permatex’s first participation as a NASCAR team corporate sponsor in almost four decades.

Specialty Mustangs face off in the Mickey Thompson Cobra/Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout at two NMRA events in 2019.

Mickey Thompson Cobra/Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout Continues the Rivalry at NMRA Opener and Finals

The battle rages on when specialty Mustangs face off in the Mickey Thompson Cobra/Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout at two NMRA events in 2019. The first showdown happens during the 25th Annual NMRA Spring Break Shootout, February 28–March 3, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida. The second competition happens during the biggest Mustang race of the year, the NMRA All-Ford World Finals over the weekend of September 26–29, at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Mickey Thompson Cobra/Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout is open to any stock-appearing, VIN-verified ’96–’04 SVT Cobra or ’07–’14 Shelby GT500 with a 4.6L, 5.4L or 5.8L modular engine. The OEM chassis must remain but bolt-on modifications are permitted along with any street or race style rear tires. The winner walks away with a $500 winner’s check plus a Mickey Thompson $600 gift certificate and a $1,000 Aeromotive gift certificate. In addition to the check and bonus prizes, the category is included in the NMRA Contingency program, one of the largest all-cash programs in street-legal drag racing. The champion could walk away with winnings that exceed $3,000 for the victory. In addition to the cash and prizes, winners celebrate in the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle and receive an NMRA Victor award.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 2657) has been introduced in West Virginia to allow for the registration of “military surplus vehicles.”

Legislation (H.B. 2657) has been introduced in West Virginia to allow for the registration of “military surplus vehicles.” This legislation is based on SEMA model legislation.

The bill defines military surplus vehicle as a wheeled, multipurpose or tactical vehicle including a trailer, that was manufactured for a military use by or under the direction the U.S. Armed Forces or Armed Forces of any other country and was subsequently authorized for sale to civilians.

H.B. 2657 awaits consideration in the House Veterans’ Affairs and Homeland Security Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 2657) has been introduced in West Virginia to allow for the registration of “military surplus vehicles.”

Legislation (H.B. 2657) has been introduced in West Virginia to allow for the registration of “military surplus vehicles.” This legislation is based on SEMA model legislation.

The bill defines military surplus vehicle as a wheeled, multipurpose or tactical vehicle including a trailer, that was manufactured for a military use by or under the direction the U.S. Armed Forces or Armed Forces of any other country and was subsequently authorized for sale to civilians.

H.B. 2657 awaits consideration in the House Veterans’ Affairs and Homeland Security Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 31) that eases the process of registering a “street rod” in Delaware was passed by the state’s House of Representatives.

Legislation (H.B. 31) that eases the process of registering a “street rod” in Delaware was passed by the state’s House of Representatives. The bill will now be considered by the Senate Committee on Transportation.

If enacted, H.B. 31 would change the definition of a street rod from a pre-’70s vehicle to one 25 years or older. The legislation also removes the requirement that a street rod’s tires be covered by a fender.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.  

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 31) that eases the process of registering a “street rod” in Delaware was passed by the state’s House of Representatives.

Legislation (H.B. 31) that eases the process of registering a “street rod” in Delaware was passed by the state’s House of Representatives. The bill will now be considered by the Senate Committee on Transportation.

If enacted, H.B. 31 would change the definition of a street rod from a pre-’70s vehicle to one 25 years or older. The legislation also removes the requirement that a street rod’s tires be covered by a fender.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.  

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Icahn Automotive Completes Acquisition of RPM Automotive

Icahn Automotive Group LLC has completed its acquisition of RPM Automotive. For Icahn Automotive, the deal expands its presence in the Southeastern United States by 10 locations and more than 100 service bays. RPM Automotive will retain its name, longtime leadership and ASE-certified technicians. Icahn Automotive’s multi-year strategy to increase both the breadth and density of its national service network has resulted in the acquisition of independent and franchised locations across the country.

Business Madness Networking Event Scheduled for March 12

The Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration at CSU, San Bernardino, invites specialty aftermarket companies to participate in the 5th Annual Business Madness Internship and Career Networking Event. If your organization is actively recruiting business and public administration students for jobs and/or internship opportunities, don’t miss your chance to reach out to young, enthusiastic business leaders of tomorrow.

The career networking event takes place Tuesday, March 12, at the CSUSB – Santos Manuel Student Union, from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend the event.

Space is limited, RSVP by February 11.

If your company is actively hiring, be sure to post your job openings on the SEMA Career Center.

Greg Fuesler

RideTech Promotes Greg Fuesler to National Sales Manager

RideTech has announced the promotion of Greg Fuesler to the position of national sales manager. His work includes AFCO Racing Products and Jasper Engines’ High-Performance division. An avid enthusiast, Fuesler has been involved in the construction of numerous custom and race vehicles, including his current project—a unique, pro-touring late ’70s Impala.

Motoroso Launches Marketplace Dedicated to Automotive and Powersports Enthusiast Parts and Accessories

Motoroso.com, an interactive content community for automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts, has announced it is launching a dedicated automotive marketplace to help America's gearheads discover and buy the best name-brand products from carefully vetted and trusted retailers at competitive prices, with free shipping on all orders and no minimum purchase necessary. Motoroso has formed a strategic partnership with ChannelAdvisor, a marketplace selling platform that works with the many auto-parts retailers. Through this partnership, the Motoroso Marketplace can increase its offering to more than 1 million name-brand products by the end of 2019.

Caitlin Dempsey

Marx Group Welcomes Caitlin Dempsey as Account Executive, Expands Detroit-Based Team

Marx Group has hired Caitlin Dempsey as an account executive, further expanding its Detroit-based team. Dempsey joins Marx Group after several years at Hirons & Company, an advertising, public relations and digital agency in Indianapolis, where she led several of the firm’s accounts, specializing in leading large digital advertising and communications campaigns. Prior to that role, she was responsible for marketing and sales for the Eidelweiss Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and held a fifth-grade teaching position with Teach for America in San Antonio. At Marx Group she will manage accounts driving PR, advertising, social media and communication strategies for clients.

Billy Moore

Billy Moore Joins AirSept as Company’s New Sales Engineer

AirSept has announced the hiring of Billy Moore as the company’s sales engineer. In the newly created position, Moore will report to AirSept executive vice president Greg McGuinness and assist the company in its national sales efforts through distribution channels and in its work with end users. Before joining AirSept, Moore spent more than 10 years at Pinnacle Marketing, where he was responsible for the growth and retention of OEM customers in Georgia. He received the Pinnacle Marketing Sales Rep of the Year award for 2013–2014 and the Sager Manufacturer Representative of the Year award in 2013. Moore’s automotive aftermarket experience includes more than two years as an automotive sales representative for Maxxis Tires in Suwanee, Georgia, and two years as the general manager for Bridgestone Firestone in Norcross, Georgia. His experience also includes five years as a product specialist for Makita Power Tools in Duluth, Georgia.

Performance Business Media Partners With Heidts Automotive Group

Heidts Automotive Group has enlisted full-service marketing firm Performance Business Media to provide public relations, marketing consulting and creative services support. Effective immediately, Performance Business Media will facilitate, create and distribute product and press releases on behalf of Heidts while providing consulting, strategy and content for digital platforms.

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 SEMA  Washington, D.C., Staff

Beginning January 1, 2019, a motorist cited for violating the current California exhaust noise law can receive an immediate fine. Previously, motorists received what is known as a “fix-it” ticket, which allowed for 30 days to correct the violation.

California Assembly members Jim Frazier and Tim Grayson introduced SEMA-supported legislation (A.B. 390) to repeal a 2018 law (A.B. 1824) that amended how California law enforcement officials issue citations for exhaust noise violations. Both assemblymen are members of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus and have previously attended the SEMA Show. Assemblyman Frazier is the Chair of the Committee on Transportation.

Signed by then-Governor Jerry Brown in June of 2018, A.B. 1824 amended how excess exhaust noise violations are treated by law enforcement. Pursuant to the law, a vehicle cited for violating exhaust noise laws no longer receive what is known as a “fix-it” ticket. Instead, violations now result in an immediate fine. A.B. 390 would re-institute law enforcement’s discretion to issue “fix-it” tickets.

In California, exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 lbs., other than motorcycles, may not exceed a sound level of 95 decibels when tested under Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J1492 (formerly J1169). This would be unchanged by A.B. 390.

A.B. 390 is currently awaiting committee assignment in the Assembly. Legislation introduced in the state must undergo a 30-day waiting period before consideration by the legislature.

Supporters can stay informed on this and other issues by signing-up for the SEMA Action Network (SAN). There is no cost or obligation to receive updates on the bill’s progress and how to shape its future.

For more information: Fact vs. Fiction: California’s New Exhaust Noise Law.

Questions? Please contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA  Washington, D.C., Staff

Beginning January 1, 2019, a motorist cited for violating the current California exhaust noise law can receive an immediate fine. Previously, motorists received what is known as a “fix-it” ticket, which allowed for 30 days to correct the violation.

California Assembly members Jim Frazier and Tim Grayson introduced SEMA-supported legislation (A.B. 390) to repeal a 2018 law (A.B. 1824) that amended how California law enforcement officials issue citations for exhaust noise violations. Both assemblymen are members of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus and have previously attended the SEMA Show. Assemblyman Frazier is the Chair of the Committee on Transportation.

Signed by then-Governor Jerry Brown in June of 2018, A.B. 1824 amended how excess exhaust noise violations are treated by law enforcement. Pursuant to the law, a vehicle cited for violating exhaust noise laws no longer receive what is known as a “fix-it” ticket. Instead, violations now result in an immediate fine. A.B. 390 would re-institute law enforcement’s discretion to issue “fix-it” tickets.

In California, exhaust systems installed on motor vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 lbs., other than motorcycles, may not exceed a sound level of 95 decibels when tested under Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J1492 (formerly J1169). This would be unchanged by A.B. 390.

A.B. 390 is currently awaiting committee assignment in the Assembly. Legislation introduced in the state must undergo a 30-day waiting period before consideration by the legislature.

Supporters can stay informed on this and other issues by signing-up for the SEMA Action Network (SAN). There is no cost or obligation to receive updates on the bill’s progress and how to shape its future.

For more information: Fact vs. Fiction: California’s New Exhaust Noise Law.

Questions? Please contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show Education is now accepting applications for industry professionals interested in hosting a seminar during the 2019 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show Education is now accepting applications for industry professionals interested in hosting a seminar during the 2019 SEMA Show. Of particular interest to the industry are speakers with experience in advanced vehicle technology, technical training and installation, small business best practices, digital marketing and social media activation, industry disruptions and solutions, diversity in the automotive industry, and brick-and-mortar vs. online retailers.

“The SEMA Show is about helping industry businesses succeed, and a big part of that is educating participants with information that will help take their companies to the next level,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “Our seminars give Show participants greater return on their investment and an opportunity to learn about better strategies for success.”

To learn more, access the application and read the criteria.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2019 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket. All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We pride ourselves in providing top-rated information from industry experts to attendees through the education program,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “Seminar proposals should be forward-looking, practical and provide attendees with practical takeaways.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available until Friday, March 1. For more details, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show Education is now accepting applications for industry professionals interested in hosting a seminar during the 2019 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show Education is now accepting applications for industry professionals interested in hosting a seminar during the 2019 SEMA Show. Of particular interest to the industry are speakers with experience in advanced vehicle technology, technical training and installation, small business best practices, digital marketing and social media activation, industry disruptions and solutions, diversity in the automotive industry, and brick-and-mortar vs. online retailers.

“The SEMA Show is about helping industry businesses succeed, and a big part of that is educating participants with information that will help take their companies to the next level,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “Our seminars give Show participants greater return on their investment and an opportunity to learn about better strategies for success.”

To learn more, access the application and read the criteria.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2019 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket. All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We pride ourselves in providing top-rated information from industry experts to attendees through the education program,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “Seminar proposals should be forward-looking, practical and provide attendees with practical takeaways.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available until Friday, March 1. For more details, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.