By SEMA News Editors

Don Schumacher, NHRA team owner and Funny Car pioneer, passed away on December 20 at the age of 79. Schumacher had spent the past several months privately battling lung cancer before succumbing to illness-related complications, according to the NHRA.

Don Schumacher, 79

In November 2022, Schumacher was presented with the NHRA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2019, he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Daytona Beach, Florida, and in May 2013, was enshrined into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, Alabama. He was also invited into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2007.

A Funny Car match racer in the 1960s and ‘70s, Schumacher took a departure from motorsports to grow the family business, Schumacher Electric. In 1998, he returned to NHRA Drag Racing to build a team with son Tony Schumacher. Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) made its competition debut at the 1998 U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, clinched its first championship title in 1999. His teams have won 19 NHRA world championship titles and 367 Wally trophies, including the five he won while behind the wheel of a Funny Car.

For the full announcement, visit nhra.com.

Image courtesy of DSR Performance

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) recently announced an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to gather the information necessary to develop performance requirements and require impaired driving prevention technology in new passenger vehicles. Congress directed NHTSA to establish a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) on "advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology" in 2021 when it passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Section 24220). 

The NHTSA is gathering information to develop performance requirements for impaired driving prevention technology.

The ANPRM presents three regulatory options for how the agency might mitigate driver impairment: blood alcohol content detection, impairment detection (driver monitoring) or a combination of the two. Section 24220 defines "Advanced Drunk and Impaired Driving Technology" as a system that: 

• (A) can passively monitor the performance of a driver of a motor vehicle to accurately identify whether that driver may be impaired; and prevent or limit motor vehicle operation if an impairment is detected.

or

• (B) can passively and accurately detect whether the blood alcohol concentration of a driver of a motor vehicle is equal to or greater than the blood alcohol concentration described in section 163(a) of title 23, United States Code; and prevent or limit motor vehicle operation if a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit is detected.

or 

• (C) is a combination of systems described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).

SEMA solicits feedback from our member companies developing alcohol detection technology or feel the new FMVSS will impact them. The ANPRM initiates a rulemaking to gather the information necessary to develop performance requirements and require new passenger motor vehicles to be equipped with advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology. This phase will help the agency review the maturity of advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology and develop the foundational elements for potential technology standards in all new passenger vehicles when the technology is mature. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also stated that an FMVSS should be issued only if it meets the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. 

NHTSA will open a 60-day comment period once the ANPRM is published in the Federal Register. For more information on the state of technology, we have provided this resource from The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) Research Program.   

SEMA encourages aftermarket businesses to provide feedback on the rulemaking directly to our Government Affairs staff to ensure the association's official comments to NHTSA reflect the breadth of views and feedback from our member companies. Please send your comments on the ANPRM to Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Tucker Mathieson, chief operations officer at Revive Inc., as the network's newest spotlight member.   

Get to know Mathieson in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?   

Tucker Mathieson: "If you love what you do, then you will never work a day in your life." This is a statement that I used to want to believe but never thought it could be a reality. As I continued to follow my passions and be unapologetically myself, I, along with my father, were able to build a business around a shared passion for cars. Now I truly love what I do and because of that, I rarely tire of the work that I have to put in. Because I love what I do, I am able to cultivate a healthy balance between work and personal life due to the fact that they overlap in many facets of my life. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

TM: When we started our family business back in 2017, it was a grind to say the least. I was in the "honeymoon phase," essentially, and I loved the work that we were doing, but it wasn't sustainable. Now that we have grown [into] a recognized small business in our local area, there are so many opportunities for both growth and connection. Being a family business, I am invested much [more] than I would be otherwise. But growing up with a passion for cars, I've found it easy to come to work every day and enjoy both the day-to-day fun of being around cars while also working to build a family legacy that can support us and our staff.

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?   

TM: If I'm not at the shop, I can often be found at a car show enjoying the many different styles of builds our area has to show, or I'm on my motorcycle cruising along the coast. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

TM: I often don't prepare much--if at all--for an important meeting or presentation unless there are materials that need to be put together in advance. I am much more comfortable if I haven't stressed for days beforehand about getting everything perfect and would rather rely on my core knowledge of whatever subject I am there to discuss. I constantly strive to be prepared for the fact that I'm unprepared. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?  

TM: I've had many opportunities to share a meal with Renny Doyle in the detailing space and would always value another chance to pick his brain. He's outspoken, built his success from the beginning, and is [unapologetically] himself, which is a trait I am known for (sometimes to a fault). His insight has proven valuable time and time again in both life and business.

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members can learn how product sales are trending in the automotive aftermarket by reading the "SEMA State of the Industry--Fall 2023" report, available for download at sema.org/market-research.

The report, which helps SEMA members gain a better understanding of how the industry is performing in the current business climate, includes new data on how product sales have evolved in different categories over the past year.

"Understanding how industry sales are faring can help businesses discover new market trends and identify changes in consumer preferences," said SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp. "Readers will gain detailed insight into what products are in demand, helping them make more strategic business decisions."

The latest edition of the biannual report finds that retailers were especially likely to see growth in handling products (suspension, brakes and steering), as well as intake, fuel and exhaust products. Positive sales growth also continues across most performance categories.

Additional data revealed in the report includes forecast and sales expectations for the next year, industry insights from manufacturers, retailers and installers, sales shifts by channel and vehicle sales trends.

The "SEMA State of the Industry--Fall 2023" report is available for free download to all SEMA members at sema.org/market-research.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a significant victory for consumer freedom, the Ohio General Assembly has passed SEMA-supported legislation ensuring Ohioans, not the government, decide which vehicles best suit their needs. The bill, H.B. 201, prohibits any state or local government entity from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on their power source, including internal combustion engines (ICE).

Following its passage through the legislature, H.B. 201 now awaits the crucial decision of Governor Mike DeWine, who can sign it into law or issue a veto. This bill represents a significant step forward for proponents of consumer choice, who believe individuals should have the right to select the vehicle that best fits their lifestyle and budget, regardless of its fuel type. Click here to send a letter to Governor DeWine requesting his support for the bill.

"SEMA strongly applauds the Ohio General Assembly for taking a stand for consumer choice in the automotive marketplace," said Christian Robinson, SEMA senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "Consumers deserve the freedom to choose the vehicle that meets their individual needs, and H.B. 201 ensures just that."

The bill's passage comes at a pivotal time in the automotive industry, with rapid advancements in alternative fuel technologies alongside ongoing concerns about affordability and infrastructure readiness. H.B. 201 safeguards the diversity of options available to Ohioans, allowing them to choose vehicles that align with their budget, driving habits and personal preferences.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Spotted by SEMA News sources in Germany, the electric Mercedes C-Class, scheduled to hit dealerships in 2025, boasts a sleek and aerodynamic design that features distinctive LED lighting elements, a sculpted front grille and a futuristic silhouette, signaling a departure from conventional combustion engine designs.

The all-new C Class EV will have a sleek and aerodynamic design.

The electric powertrain will offer instant torque, enabling rapid acceleration and a silent driving experience. The '25 C-Class will be equipped with a state-of-the-art battery system designed to provide an extended range on a single charge.

The all-electric vehicle's interior is expected to incorporate wood accents, recycled textiles and other eco-friendly materials.

The electric C-Class is also expected to incorporate eco-friendly materials in its interior design, according to insiders. The cabin features responsibly sourced wood accents, recycled textiles and environmentally-conscious materials.

Upon release, the C-Class EV will also be equipped with the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which features a large touchscreen interface, voice controls and smartphone integration. Other features include autonomous driving capabilities, fast-charging capabilities and more.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Sawtooth

Expandable Tonneau Cover for Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon

Sawtooth has added to its product lineup with a new Sawtooth Expandable Tonneau Cover for the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Made from a composite textile, the water-resistant cover stretches and expands around objects extending above the pickup truck bed walls.

sawtootht.com

By SEMA News Editors

USAC Releases 2024 National Event Schedule

The United States Auto Club (USAC) has revealed its national event schedule for 2024.

Featuring races in 15 different states, the 2024 schedule consists of 98 total events for its Silver Crown, sprint car and midget series. The slate includes 54 sprint car, 30 midget and 14 USAC Silver Crown National Championship races.

For the full schedule, visit usacracing.com.

Atlanta Motorsports Park Wins Outstanding Facility Award

Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) received the 2023 Outstanding Facility Award, presented by SPEED SPORT, at the Race Track Owner's Conference held in conjunction with the PRI Show.

The accolade recognizes AMP's commitment to excellence and innovation in the high-performance driving and racing industry, setting a high benchmark for facilities worldwide, AMP representatives said.

For more information, visit atlantamotorsportspark.com.

MAVTV Adds Dakar Rally, Trans Am Coverage for 2024

MAVTV, the automotive media platform, is adding coverage of the Dakar Rally and Trans Am Series to its programming lineup for 2024.

Beginning January 5, MAVTV will broadcast same-day, one-hour highlight shows from the 2024 Dakar Rally until the final stage on January 19. The network has secured the broadcast rights for the annual off-road race through 2026.

Additionally, MAVTV will have expanded coverage of the Trans Am Series and its TA and TA2 events throughout 2024.

For more information, visit MAVTV.com.

For additional racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website. 

By SEMA News Editors

Circle D Specialties Acquires Reid Racing

Circle D Specialties, a manufacturer of high-performance torque converters and driveline components, has acquired Reid Racing.

Reid Racing offers a lineup of performance transmission cases and heavy-duty axle components for off-road vehicles.

With the acquisition of Reid Racing, Circle D Specialties now offers a comprehensive range of drivetrain and undercarriage performance products, the company said, providing enthusiasts and racers with a single source for performance transmission needs.

Circle D will consolidate Reid Racing's Concord, California, operations into Circle D's existing facility in Houston, Texas.

For more information, visit circledspecialties.com.

Radford Racing School Names Chuck Sundstrom General Manager

Radford Racing School has named motorsports veteran and professional drag racing instructor Chuck Sundstrom as its new general manager.

Beginning January 1, Sundstrom will manage the Radford Racing School team and operations and will be tasked with optimizing the automotive experience for students and guests of all levels, school representatives said.

For more information, visit radfordracingschool.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

Texas Speed and Performance

Research and Development Engineer in Georgetown, Texas

Texas Speed and Performance is hiring a research and development engineer as it adds Ford and Mopar products to its lineup. The selected candidate will perform engineering and design analysis for new product development, execute performance, durability and fitment testing and more.

Goolsby Customs

Paint and Body Team Member in Hueytown, Alabama

The Hueytown, Alabama-based hot rod shop is seeking new members for its paint and body team. Applicants must be experienced in the industry.