Compiled by SEMA Editors

Donna Garlits was recently honored for her efforts to preserve, promote and perpetuate the heritage of drag racing as the general manager and CFO of the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida.

Donna Garlits Honored at Recent USA-1 DragFest  

Donna Garlits—the youngest daughter of “Big Daddy” Don Garlits—was honored for her efforts to preserve, promote and perpetuate the heritage of drag racing as the general manager and CFO of the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida, at Bruce Larson’s “USA-1 DragFest Presented by Drag Racing List” gathering, November 10, in Dauphin, Pennsylvania. She retired from the day-to-day management of the museum in 2017, but still retains the title of vice chairman of the board of directors. The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame’s 29th Annual Induction Banquet, on which Ms. Garlits worked to increase its visibility and importance, will be held Thursday, March 14, 2019, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel – Gainesville in Gainesville, Florida. Ticketing and other information are available by calling the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing toll-free at 877-271-3278.

Landon Simon will switch to BMP’s black, green and blue No. 1 beginning this week at the Gateway Dirt Nationals.

Landon Simon Partners With Best Performance Motorsports for 2019 and Beyond

Reigning Lucas Oil WAR Wildcard Series champion Landon Simon will drive for Best Performance Motorsports in 2019. Simon, who has owned, operated and driven his familiar black, silver and blue LSR No. 24 with support from primary sponsor Mt. Baker Vapor for the past five years, will switch to BMP’s black, green and blue No. 1 beginning this week at the Gateway Dirt Nationals. The Best Performance Motorsports Super Late Model team based out of St. Marys, Ohio, has competed full-time with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series since 2016. The newly formed open-wheel team will operate out of Simon’s Indianapolis shop. A full Sprint Car schedule and additional Midget events will be released at a later date. The Gateway Dirt Nationals is held in The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and features the largest indoor dirt track in America, with a semi-banked 1/5-mile dirt surface.

Motovicity Distribution Announces 2019 Dates for The Never Lift Half Mile

The Never Lift Half Mile race will take place April 27–28, 2019, in Coalinga, California.

Motovicity Distribution has announced that the dates for The Never Lift Half Mile race next year will be April 27–28, in Coalinga, California. The Never Lift Half Mile doesn’t have the usual ¼-mile limitations, and gives drivers an opportunity to open up, bringing speeds of more than 230 mph in 2018.  In addition, the competition has a cash payout for each of the class winners, totaling more than $38,000 in payouts. For more information, visit www.neverlifthalfmile.com.

SAMTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown to Return in 2019

The SAMTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will return to the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in 2019 and will expand to eight races during the year. The popular category will make inaugural visits to the Virginia NHRA Nationals in Richmond, Virginia, and the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals in Topeka, Kansas.

The SAMTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown series will compete at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, the events in Richmond and Topeka, the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, and will conclude at the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals. Drivers will once again be competing for a year-end NHRA Wally based on all eight events counting toward the championship.

The 2018 SAMTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown champion was Leah Pritchett, who raced to three consecutive wins in her Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak during the year.

2019 School of Automotive Machinists & Technology Schedule

• March 14–17, Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Gainesville, Florida
• April 26–28, NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Charlotte, North Carolina
• May 17–19, Virginia NHRA Nationals, Richmond, Virginia
• June 7–9, Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals, Topeka, Kansas
• June 20–23, Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Norwalk, Ohio
• August 28–September 2, Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis
• September 27–29, AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, St. Louis
• October 17–20, AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, Dallas

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

By Kyle Cheng

The “SEMA Future Trends Report” includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

Despite media reports to the contrary, electric and hybrid vehicles will not take over the road anytime soon. At least for the near future, gas engines will remain dominant. SEMA forecasts that by 2025, more than 81% of all vehicles produced will still have traditional gasoline engines.

Diesel engines have ebbed and flowed over the last 40 years. Today, they represent 0.3% of total vehicles produced (a share roughly the same as in 1975). SEMA forecasts that diesel engines will maintain a comparable share over the coming years.

Want to know what economic, consumer and industry trends are in store for the next few years? Check out the new “SEMA Future Trends Report.” This report, published twice per year, includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

To download, visit www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

The “SEMA Future Trends Report” includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

Despite media reports to the contrary, electric and hybrid vehicles will not take over the road anytime soon. At least for the near future, gas engines will remain dominant. SEMA forecasts that by 2025, more than 81% of all vehicles produced will still have traditional gasoline engines.

Diesel engines have ebbed and flowed over the last 40 years. Today, they represent 0.3% of total vehicles produced (a share roughly the same as in 1975). SEMA forecasts that diesel engines will maintain a comparable share over the coming years.

Want to know what economic, consumer and industry trends are in store for the next few years? Check out the new “SEMA Future Trends Report.” This report, published twice per year, includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

To download, visit www.sema.org/research.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Colby Abernathy

Martin & Company Names Colby Abernathy Accounting and Traffic Manager

Martin & Company Advertising has promoted Colby Abernathy to accounting and traffic manager. In the new position, he will provide full fiduciary oversight over the agency’s operations, direct and track progress on all agency work projects while providing some human resource duties. Abernathy is now responsible for all account receivables and payables, statements, tax payments, budgets, invoices, monthly and quarterly close processes and reporting, reconciliations, forecasting and budgets and analysis to ensure efficient staff utilization and company time. As traffic manager, Abernathy will ensure that all work flow occurs on time and within budget. Working with both the agency’s full-time in-house employees and multiple independent contractors, Abernathy will ensure that all state and federal laws are strictly adhered to and advise the agency on execution of benefits and pay scale. 

Faurecia and Hella Announce Strategic Partnership

Through a new partnership, HELLA and Faurecia will jointly develop lighting with high-technology content in the domain of surface lighting and dynamic lighting.

Lighting and electronics specialist HELLA and leading automotive technology company Faurecia have announced a strategic partnership for the development of innovative interior lighting solutions. Both companies will jointly develop lighting with high-technology content in the domain of surface lighting and dynamic lighting for a more personalized cockpit environment. Faurecia will contribute its expertise as a complete system integrator for vehicle interiors and HELLA will supply innovative products in the field of interior lighting.

At the Paris Motor Show held in October 2018, Faurecia and HELLA showcased a first demonstration of a unique ambient lighting experience. On entering the vehicle, occupants were welcomed by personalized interior lighting on the instrument panel, door panels and seats. Faurecia and HELLA also have worked on an autonomous driving scenario to devise a series of dynamic lighting features aimed at enhancing driver information and safety.

TREMEC Transmissions Names American Powertrain 2018 Elite Performer at 2018 SEMA Show

American Powertrain has been named the 2018 Elite Performer by TREMEC Transmissions. The Elite Performer Award is given to the authorized TREMEC dealer that has the No. 1 sales volume of TREMEC-brand performance products for the year. The award was presented to Robert Hall, owner of American Powertrain at the 2018 SEMA Show by Nate Tovey, enthusiast marketing director for TREMEC.

The ’19 Genesis G70 was named 2019 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

Genesis G70 Named 2019 Motor Trend Car Of The Year

Motor Trend has named the ’19 Genesis G70 the recipient of its 2019 Car of the Year award at the annual Motor Trend Awards ceremony held in conjunction with the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Mobility Show. It marks the first time that a Genesis has taken the honor. G70 competed against 19 other Car of the Year award contenders in Motor Trend’s evaluation of the most competent, desirable and capable vehicles to debut for the ’19 model year. As part of testing, Motor Trend editors put eligible vehicles through their paces on both the street and on the test track to determine a verdict.

Brett Kinsfather	Karen Grassel

Hellwig Suspension Products Announces Two New Hires

Hellwig Suspension Products has announced that Brett Kinsfather has taken on the role of director of sales and marketing and Karen Grassel has joined as the company’s new customer service manager. Kinsfather comes to Hellwig with a strong marketing and sales background, having worked extensively with both manufacturers and distribution. Beginning his professional career in the CART series, he eventually went on to work for K&N Engineering as its sales and marketing program manager. He later served as vice president of sales and marketing at Motovicity Distribution, where he launched several high-yielding sales and marketing initiatives. After accruing more than 15 years of experience, Grassel developed her skills in sales, management and business development in the food service industries with George’s Greek Café and Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurants.

Permatex Receives 2018 Automotive Communications Award

Donny Braga (left), Permatex senior product manager, and Paco Agrafojo, Permatex director of marketing, accept the 2018 Automotive Communications Award for Best Business to Consumer-Article/Blog/Content Piece.

Permatex received a 2018 Automotive Communications Award in the Best Business to Consumer-Article/Blog/Content Piece category for the company's technical feature, "10 Most Common Epoxy Mistakes." The award was presented during the 2018 Automotive Communications Award ceremony, by Women in Auto Care. The feature focuses on the 10 most common mistakes consumers make when using epoxy adhesives. Epoxy adhesives are a valuable chemical tool, but to make sure the consumer gets the results they are hoping for, Permatex details and illustrates the 10 common mistakes made when using epoxies and the solutions to avoid those mistakes. This information was provided to media, distributors, bloggers, content managers and industry websites across the automotive aftermarket as a ready-to-use editorial and as individual text and high-quality images. Permatex also provides a complementary instructional YouTube video to support the content.

Trevor Lilovich

Airtex-ASC Names Trevor Lilovich Account Manager

Airtex-ASC has named Trevor Lilovich as account manager, according to Charles Harris, senior director of sales and marketing for Airtex-ASC. Prior to joining Airtex-ASC, Lilovich served as business development manager for Brake Parts Inc., where he partnered with distributor customers helping develop mutually profitable relationships. Lilovich has also held positions at Valvoline and Hertz.

Duke R. Vair

Hopkins Names Duke R. Vair Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. has announced the addition of Duke R. Vair as vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer. Vair will lead and direct all human resources-related activities for Hopkins, at its 10 locations around the world. Most recently, Vair was vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer for Brakebush Brothers, a food processing, trucking/transportation, logistics, sales and marketing company.  Prior to that, he served as vice president, human resources for AG Processing, a global soybean oil and biofuels manufacturing and processing company. He has also had human resources experience in a variety of industries, including architectural services, staffing services and telecommunications.

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.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Colby Abernathy

Martin & Company Names Colby Abernathy Accounting and Traffic Manager

Martin & Company Advertising has promoted Colby Abernathy to accounting and traffic manager. In the new position, he will provide full fiduciary oversight over the agency’s operations, direct and track progress on all agency work projects while providing some human resource duties. Abernathy is now responsible for all account receivables and payables, statements, tax payments, budgets, invoices, monthly and quarterly close processes and reporting, reconciliations, forecasting and budgets and analysis to ensure efficient staff utilization and company time. As traffic manager, Abernathy will ensure that all work flow occurs on time and within budget. Working with both the agency’s full-time in-house employees and multiple independent contractors, Abernathy will ensure that all state and federal laws are strictly adhered to and advise the agency on execution of benefits and pay scale. 

Faurecia and Hella Announce Strategic Partnership

Through a new partnership, HELLA and Faurecia will jointly develop lighting with high-technology content in the domain of surface lighting and dynamic lighting.

Lighting and electronics specialist HELLA and leading automotive technology company Faurecia have announced a strategic partnership for the development of innovative interior lighting solutions. Both companies will jointly develop lighting with high-technology content in the domain of surface lighting and dynamic lighting for a more personalized cockpit environment. Faurecia will contribute its expertise as a complete system integrator for vehicle interiors and HELLA will supply innovative products in the field of interior lighting.

At the Paris Motor Show held in October 2018, Faurecia and HELLA showcased a first demonstration of a unique ambient lighting experience. On entering the vehicle, occupants were welcomed by personalized interior lighting on the instrument panel, door panels and seats. Faurecia and HELLA also have worked on an autonomous driving scenario to devise a series of dynamic lighting features aimed at enhancing driver information and safety.

TREMEC Transmissions Names American Powertrain 2018 Elite Performer at 2018 SEMA Show

American Powertrain has been named the 2018 Elite Performer by TREMEC Transmissions. The Elite Performer Award is given to the authorized TREMEC dealer that has the No. 1 sales volume of TREMEC-brand performance products for the year. The award was presented to Robert Hall, owner of American Powertrain at the 2018 SEMA Show by Nate Tovey, enthusiast marketing director for TREMEC.

The ’19 Genesis G70 was named 2019 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

Genesis G70 Named 2019 Motor Trend Car Of The Year

Motor Trend has named the ’19 Genesis G70 the recipient of its 2019 Car of the Year award at the annual Motor Trend Awards ceremony held in conjunction with the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Mobility Show. It marks the first time that a Genesis has taken the honor. G70 competed against 19 other Car of the Year award contenders in Motor Trend’s evaluation of the most competent, desirable and capable vehicles to debut for the ’19 model year. As part of testing, Motor Trend editors put eligible vehicles through their paces on both the street and on the test track to determine a verdict.

Brett Kinsfather	Karen Grassel

Hellwig Suspension Products Announces Two New Hires

Hellwig Suspension Products has announced that Brett Kinsfather has taken on the role of director of sales and marketing and Karen Grassel has joined as the company’s new customer service manager. Kinsfather comes to Hellwig with a strong marketing and sales background, having worked extensively with both manufacturers and distribution. Beginning his professional career in the CART series, he eventually went on to work for K&N Engineering as its sales and marketing program manager. He later served as vice president of sales and marketing at Motovicity Distribution, where he launched several high-yielding sales and marketing initiatives. After accruing more than 15 years of experience, Grassel developed her skills in sales, management and business development in the food service industries with George’s Greek Café and Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurants.

Permatex Receives 2018 Automotive Communications Award

Donny Braga (left), Permatex senior product manager, and Paco Agrafojo, Permatex director of marketing, accept the 2018 Automotive Communications Award for Best Business to Consumer-Article/Blog/Content Piece.

Permatex received a 2018 Automotive Communications Award in the Best Business to Consumer-Article/Blog/Content Piece category for the company's technical feature, "10 Most Common Epoxy Mistakes." The award was presented during the 2018 Automotive Communications Award ceremony, by Women in Auto Care. The feature focuses on the 10 most common mistakes consumers make when using epoxy adhesives. Epoxy adhesives are a valuable chemical tool, but to make sure the consumer gets the results they are hoping for, Permatex details and illustrates the 10 common mistakes made when using epoxies and the solutions to avoid those mistakes. This information was provided to media, distributors, bloggers, content managers and industry websites across the automotive aftermarket as a ready-to-use editorial and as individual text and high-quality images. Permatex also provides a complementary instructional YouTube video to support the content.

Trevor Lilovich

Airtex-ASC Names Trevor Lilovich Account Manager

Airtex-ASC has named Trevor Lilovich as account manager, according to Charles Harris, senior director of sales and marketing for Airtex-ASC. Prior to joining Airtex-ASC, Lilovich served as business development manager for Brake Parts Inc., where he partnered with distributor customers helping develop mutually profitable relationships. Lilovich has also held positions at Valvoline and Hertz.

Duke R. Vair

Hopkins Names Duke R. Vair Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. has announced the addition of Duke R. Vair as vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer. Vair will lead and direct all human resources-related activities for Hopkins, at its 10 locations around the world. Most recently, Vair was vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer for Brakebush Brothers, a food processing, trucking/transportation, logistics, sales and marketing company.  Prior to that, he served as vice president, human resources for AG Processing, a global soybean oil and biofuels manufacturing and processing company. He has also had human resources experience in a variety of industries, including architectural services, staffing services and telecommunications.

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 Kyle Cheng

Download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report from SEMA Market Research.

Over the past month, the U.S. stock market has witnessed significant volatility and equity correction, wiping out the gains made so far in 2018. Despite this, the economy continues to run on all cylinders. Consumer sentiment remains positive and high, with spending growing at one of its highest rates since 2000—although vehicle sales were essentially flat in October. Additionally, October added another 250,000 jobs.

However, hurdles are looming. As we move into 2019 and 2020, waning fiscal stimulus and restrictive monetary policy may hinder growth. Likewise, housing continues to weaken, and affordability is a major concern in some markets. A strengthening dollar and weak economic growth outside the United States will also affect the economy.

To learn more, download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report from SEMA Market Research.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Interested in seeing current and projected product trends? Check out SEMA's new "Industry Perspectives Report."

Interested in learning about what young accessorizers drive? Curious about their motivations and how to reach them more effectively? Check out the new “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report.”

Download both of these reports and much more for free.

By Kyle Cheng

Download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report from SEMA Market Research.

Over the past month, the U.S. stock market has witnessed significant volatility and equity correction, wiping out the gains made so far in 2018. Despite this, the economy continues to run on all cylinders. Consumer sentiment remains positive and high, with spending growing at one of its highest rates since 2000—although vehicle sales were essentially flat in October. Additionally, October added another 250,000 jobs.

However, hurdles are looming. As we move into 2019 and 2020, waning fiscal stimulus and restrictive monetary policy may hinder growth. Likewise, housing continues to weaken, and affordability is a major concern in some markets. A strengthening dollar and weak economic growth outside the United States will also affect the economy.

To learn more, download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report from SEMA Market Research.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Interested in seeing current and projected product trends? Check out SEMA's new "Industry Perspectives Report."

Interested in learning about what young accessorizers drive? Curious about their motivations and how to reach them more effectively? Check out the new “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report.”

Download both of these reports and much more for free.

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde