By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued an advanced proposed rule to begin creating a framework for regulatory oversight of Automated Driving Systems (ADS). The agency is seeking public comment on ADS safety issues to be addressed as they enter the marketplace. The framework is intended to define, assess, and manage ADS performance safety issues while providing flexibility for continued design innovation.

NHTSA had identified four core ADS functions:

• Sensing: ability of the automated vehicle (AV) to receive information from its environment;
• Perception: ability of the AV to interpret the information received through sensors;
• Planning: ability of the AV to establish and navigate a route to its destination; and
• Control: ability of the AV to execute the driving functions necessary to carry out the driving plan.

Although wide-scale deployment of AVs may be several years away, the technology to be incorporated in the vehicles is being actively developed and tested—from cameras, radar, and LiDAR to global position satellite (GPS) data, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and vehicle-to-everything devices. The technology is being incorporated into new crash avoidance safety systems such as automated braking and lane departure warnings.

NHTSA notes that it is premature for the agency to issue safety standards or other performance standards for ADS competency. However, the advance proposed rule is intended to help identify aspects of ADS safety performance that may need the most attention. NHTSA has presented 25 questions in seeking public feedback on a range of topics including how to prioritize core elements of ADS safety performance, how to evaluate the functions, and how to consider regulatory oversight of the systems (guidance documents, industry best practices, safety standards, etc.)

For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has ruled that a PPP loan borrower may not deduct eligible expenses on its 2020 tax return if the borrower has a reasonable expectation that the PPP loan will be forgiven. The ruling applies to a covered PPP loan for which the taxpayer has filed or intends to file an application for forgiveness by the end of the taxable year. A “reasonable expectation” would exist if the PPP loan had been used to pay expenses outlined in the CARES Act (payroll, rent, interest on the mortgage, covered utility payment, etc.).

The IRS has also ruled that the PPP borrower may claim a deduction on its 2020 tax return if the borrower’s forgiveness application is denied in whole or in part, or if the borrower does not seek forgiveness. If the tax return has already been filed, the borrower may amend it.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has ruled that a PPP loan borrower may not deduct eligible expenses on its 2020 tax return if the borrower has a reasonable expectation that the PPP loan will be forgiven. The ruling applies to a covered PPP loan for which the taxpayer has filed or intends to file an application for forgiveness by the end of the taxable year. A “reasonable expectation” would exist if the PPP loan had been used to pay expenses outlined in the CARES Act (payroll, rent, interest on the mortgage, covered utility payment, etc.).

The IRS has also ruled that the PPP borrower may claim a deduction on its 2020 tax return if the borrower’s forgiveness application is denied in whole or in part, or if the borrower does not seek forgiveness. If the tax return has already been filed, the borrower may amend it.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Champion Oil is expanding its Racing Contingency Program for 2021.

Champion Oil Expands Truck and Tractor Pulling Contingency Program

Champion Oil has announced the expansion of their Racing Contingency Program for 2021. The marketing program is designed to link Champion performance products directly with truck and tractor pullers in all racing classes of competition and in most sanctioned events in North America. The 2021 Champion Truck and Tractor Pullers Contingency Program includes, but is not limited to racing events such as: National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA), WNY Pro Pulling Series – New York and Canada, Outlaw Pulling Series, Hot Farm Pulling Series Club, Diesel Motorsports (NADM), SS Pulling Series, Smoke & Speed, Northwest PA Tractor & Truck pullers Association, Truck & Tractor Pulling (TNT), Mid Missouri Pulling, Outlaw Diesel Super Series (ODSS), Texas truck & Tractor Pullers Association (TTTPA), Pro Pulling League, Illinois Tractor Pulling Association (ITPA), Rudy’s Diesel Truck Jam, etc. Trucks or tractors pull a heavy drag sled along a 35 ft. wide, 330 ft. long track, with the winner being the vehicle that pulls the drag sled the farthest. Racing teams and racers can apply for the Champion Racing Oil Contingency Program now through June 30, 2021. 

NHRA Announces Complete 2021 National Event Schedule

NHRA officials have announced the details of the 2021 Camping World Drag Racing Series 23-event season, revealing national event pro category qualifying days and specialty series schedules. The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series' 70th anniversary season begins March 11-14, with the 52nd annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway and concludes November 11-14 with the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona. Teams in Top Fuel and Funny Car will compete at every 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series event. Pro Stock, which celebrated its 50th year in 2020, will race at 18. The Pro Stock Motorcycle class will compete at 16 races.

Officials also announced the continuation of its quick-draw qualifying format in 2021. At 17 events, professional teams will run three qualifying sessions over two days, Friday and Saturday, with final eliminations on Sunday. At five events, pro teams will run two qualifying sessions on Saturday with final eliminations on Sunday. The format, which was utilized as NHRA first returned to racing in July 2020, provides racing excitement and allows economic balance for all stakeholders. NHRA expects to return to the customary four qualifying runs in the future.

View the complete schedule.

New Owners For Crandon International Raceway

Officials from Crandon International Raceway have announced that the historic facility and all its assets have been purchased by off-road racer, business owner and Crandon native Jamey Flannery. One of the most iconic motorsports venues in the world, the 400-plus acre track located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin has hosted some of the largest off-road races in motorsports since first opening in 1984. Flannery will operate the track as a business venture, replacing the current non-profit club structure. Crandon International Raceway features a 1.75-mile short-course off-road track, more than 2,100 designated grass camping sites, a modern grandstand and a hospitality facility, a designated off-road park, corporate hospitality suites, a trap range, and a VIP center and office at the location’s original barn.

Fans attending the 2021 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire, set for January 11–16, at the River Spirit Expo Center, will be required to wear a mask and have their temperature checked.

25% Capacity, Masks, Temperature Checks For 2021 Chili Bowl

Fans attending the 2021 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire, set for January 11–16, at the River Spirit Expo Center, will be required to wear a mask and have their temperature checked. Currently, the 35th annual event has been placed at a 25% capacity. Masks must completely cover the individual’s nose and mouth. Any attendee with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed into the Tulsa, Oklahoma, facility. Once admitted, all attendees will be required to follow all other River Spirit Expo guidelines. Current ticket holders who do not wish to attend in 2021 are encouraged to contact the Chili Bowl office at 918-838-3777 by November 20. The tickets may be held for renewal prior to the 2022 event.

In recent related news, FloSports, the sports streaming and original content network, has announced the acquisition of streaming rights for the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire. The 10-year deal was signed for FloSports to broadcast the indoor midget racing event to racing fans worldwide. For more information, visit www.chilibowl.com.

Evergreen Speedway Announces Director Of Business Development

Evergreen Speedway, the super-oval race track based in Monroe, Washington, has hired longtime Everett AquaSox executive Brian Sloan as the director of business development. Sloan is a marketing specialist who has established and cultivated high-profile community and advertising partnerships in the Puget Sound area. As an executive with the Everett AquaSox, Sloan was honored in 2010 as the Northwest League’s Executive of the Year. Most recently, he worked as director of business development with a local promotions company in Bellevue, working with more than 100 professional and collegiate teams, helping each partner with their annual promotional calendars.

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

By John Santos

Unlike in previous years, the 2021 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held entirely online.

Journalists may now register for the 2021 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 26–28, entirely online.

With the event being held online, the registration process is different this year. Media will be required to fill out a registration form to receive instructions on how to log in to the Event Portal.

One registration will be required for each media group, which may include multiple individuals.

Also, the program will schedule meetings from 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PST). Journalists who would like to block specific days/times will need to indicate so on the registration form. Once the meetings are set and distributed in January, media and manufacturers will be able to schedule meetings before or after the official event hours if both parties agree.

The upcoming online event provides media with a great opportunity to connect with manufacturing companies and learn about new product lines, updates within their company and the latest industry trends. Media participation is free to all editorial representatives, making it the most affordable and efficient way to gather detailed information for editorial content that may be dispersed throughout the whole year.

Early registration is encouraged to provide reporters with an opportunity to participate in the priority selection period, during which journalists will select the companies they like to meet with prior to having their schedule created.

For more information regarding the event, visit www.sema.org/mtc.

By John Santos

Unlike in previous years, the 2021 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held entirely online.

Journalists may now register for the 2021 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 26–28, entirely online.

With the event being held online, the registration process is different this year. Media will be required to fill out a registration form to receive instructions on how to log in to the Event Portal.

One registration will be required for each media group, which may include multiple individuals.

Also, the program will schedule meetings from 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PST). Journalists who would like to block specific days/times will need to indicate so on the registration form. Once the meetings are set and distributed in January, media and manufacturers will be able to schedule meetings before or after the official event hours if both parties agree.

The upcoming online event provides media with a great opportunity to connect with manufacturing companies and learn about new product lines, updates within their company and the latest industry trends. Media participation is free to all editorial representatives, making it the most affordable and efficient way to gather detailed information for editorial content that may be dispersed throughout the whole year.

Early registration is encouraged to provide reporters with an opportunity to participate in the priority selection period, during which journalists will select the companies they like to meet with prior to having their schedule created.

For more information regarding the event, visit www.sema.org/mtc.

By John Santos

Unlike in previous years, the 2021 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held entirely online.

Journalists may now register for the 2021 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 26–28, entirely online.

With the event being held online, the registration process is different this year. Media will be required to fill out a registration form to receive instructions on how to log in to the Event Portal.

One registration will be required for each media group, which may include multiple individuals.

Also, the program will schedule meetings from 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PST). Journalists who would like to block specific days/times will need to indicate so on the registration form. Once the meetings are set and distributed in January, media and manufacturers will be able to schedule meetings before or after the official event hours if both parties agree.

The upcoming online event provides media with a great opportunity to connect with manufacturing companies and learn about new product lines, updates within their company and the latest industry trends. Media participation is free to all editorial representatives, making it the most affordable and efficient way to gather detailed information for editorial content that may be dispersed throughout the whole year.

Early registration is encouraged to provide reporters with an opportunity to participate in the priority selection period, during which journalists will select the companies they like to meet with prior to having their schedule created.

For more information regarding the event, visit www.sema.org/mtc.

By Kyle Cheng

In the new “SEMA State of the Industry” report, SEMA Market Research looks at the current state of the specialty-equipment industry, including how companies have adapted to the virus, current sales and forecasts, industry trends, and outlook for the future.

Despite the disruption from the virus, new research shows that the specialty-equipment industry is bouncing back and optimistic for the future.

Approximately 70% of companies think the industry will be back to its pre-pandemic levels by the middle of next year, and 90% think it will be back by the end of 2021 at the latest.

In the new “SEMA State of the Industry” report, SEMA Market Research looks at the current state of the specialty-equipment industry, including how companies have adapted to the virus, current sales and forecasts, industry trends, and outlook for the future.

Most companies met or exceeded their sales goals in Q3 2020: 79% of manufacturers, 70% of distributors, and 69% of retailers.

• 55% of companies expect their 2020 sales to finish higher or at least the same as 2019.
• 93% of companies report being mostly business as usual or only impacted short term.
• Despite the pandemic, in-store and physical channels continue to drive our industry’s sales and outpace online sales.

Want to learn more about the current state of the specialty-equipment industry? Download the new “SEMA State of the Industry – Fall 2020” report today at  www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

In the new “SEMA State of the Industry” report, SEMA Market Research looks at the current state of the specialty-equipment industry, including how companies have adapted to the virus, current sales and forecasts, industry trends, and outlook for the future.

Despite the disruption from the virus, new research shows that the specialty-equipment industry is bouncing back and optimistic for the future.

Approximately 70% of companies think the industry will be back to its pre-pandemic levels by the middle of next year, and 90% think it will be back by the end of 2021 at the latest.

In the new “SEMA State of the Industry” report, SEMA Market Research looks at the current state of the specialty-equipment industry, including how companies have adapted to the virus, current sales and forecasts, industry trends, and outlook for the future.

Most companies met or exceeded their sales goals in Q3 2020: 79% of manufacturers, 70% of distributors, and 69% of retailers.

• 55% of companies expect their 2020 sales to finish higher or at least the same as 2019.
• 93% of companies report being mostly business as usual or only impacted short term.
• Despite the pandemic, in-store and physical channels continue to drive our industry’s sales and outpace online sales.

Want to learn more about the current state of the specialty-equipment industry? Download the new “SEMA State of the Industry – Fall 2020” report today at  www.sema.org/research.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Matt Michielin

Matt Michielin Joins Eleven Engineering Marketing Team

Eleven Engineering Inc. has announced that Matt Michielin has joined the company as marketing team leader. His responsibilities at Eleven Engineering include maintaining the SKAAstore and the creation of the new SKAAstore website, customer service, office operations, database management and social media and communications assistance. Prior to joining Eleven Engineering, Michielin worked with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, The Government of Alberta, and Special Olympics Alberta.

Voyomotive Partners With CerebrumX

Voyomotive has announced a partnership with CerebrumX to offer new analytics-based solutions for the Insurtech market. The Voyomotive telematics platform will provide embedded vehicle data to CerebrumX’s Augmented Deep Learning Platform (ADLP).  The combination of the two systems will enable new dynamic pricing models for Pay As You Drive (PAYD) and Manage How You Drive (MHYD) policies while providing real time insights that increase driver safety. This new partnership follows the recent release by Voyomotive and Intelematics of the FailSAFE algorithm for predictive battery failure. Companies developing machine learning and analytics applications that require advanced telematics data are invited to make enquiries at contact@voyomotive.com.

Dan Clarke

Permatex Names Dan Clarke Director of Marketing for the Engine Repair Business

Permatex has appointed Dan Clarke to the position of director of marketing for the Engine Repair Division. In his role, Clarke will be responsible for driving the development and execution of all marketing activities for the Engine Repair business to meet strategic objectives and deliver financial goals. The announcement was made by Lee Burtelson, vice president/general manager, Engine Repair. With Permatex since 2015, Clarke recently served as the company’s sales director for the U.S. traditional channel. Promoted to director of traditional sales in 2018, Clarke successfully drove the company’s efforts to increase new product sales in the traditional automotive channel and implemented a preferred distribution program that better focused on Permatex’s customers in the traditional automotive aftermarket and helped simplify business activities in the channel. Clarke began his career at Permatex as senior product manager where he oversaw significant growth in revenue, market share and margin in his product categories. Prior to Permatex, Clarke was a business unit manager at Coburn Technologies Inc., and spent 11 years with HID Global Corp. in various management and sales positions.

Beta Tools USA has announced its North American presence as a wholly owned subsidiary of Beta Utensili S.P.A.

Beta Tools USA Establishes Presence to Serve North America With Italian-Designed Professional Tools

Beta Tools USA has announced its North American presence as a wholly owned subsidiary of Beta Utensili S.P.A., which will expand its global presence. The company offers Italian-designed and manufactured tools for mechanics, industrial maintenance and car repair professionals and tool enthusiasts.

Red Line Synthetic Oil Announces New Partnership With Oil Changers

Red Line Synthetic Oil has announced a new partnership with quick lube chain Oil Changers. Through this partnership, Red Line will supply the company’s high-performance oil for use at Oil Changers locations. The company’s high-performance engine oil will be used to service all types of vehicles.

NGK Announces Executive Changes

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. has announced two promotions within its executive team. Brian Norko has been promoted to senior vice president of commercial business. In this role, he will be responsible for all sales, product development, and marketing strategies for the NGK Commercial Busines’ automotive aftermarket, OEM, and OES channels. Prior to this promotion, Norko served as the vice president, aftermarket for three years. Lesley Skinner has been promoted to vice president, culture, communication and people. In this newly created role, Skinner will be responsible for driving the company culture, corporate communications, and administration strategies. Skinner was previously the senior director of human resources and administration and has been with NGK for nine years.

LGE-CTS is customizing a Ford F-250 Platinum 4x4 Diesel truck.

Win a Custom LGE-CTS Ford F-250 and $20,000 Cash

LGE-CTS is customizing a Ford F-250 Platinum 4x4 Diesel truck featuring a leather interior and a turbodiesel V8 that produces more than 1000 lb.-ft. of torque. LGE-CTS Motorsports customizations include Baja Forged 5-in. bulge carbon-fiber fenders and bed sides, Baja Forged front and rear tubular bumpers, a bed cage spare tire rack, a rigid light bar and accessory lights, a Warn 9,500-lb. winch, an ICON Stage 5 coilover conversion suspension with a 3.5-in. lift, 8-in. Method wheels with 37-in. Toyo tires, Banks cat-back exhaust, iDash and Pedal Monster. The sweepstakes begin on February 18, and the winner will be announced on March 10. Proceeds will benefit the First Responders Children’s Foundation, which has provided financial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring significant hardships due to tragic circumstances. Enter for your chance to win the truck along with $20,000 cash.

Jenna Jefferies

Jenna Jefferies Joins PerTronix Performance Brands

PerTronix Performance Brands has announced that industry veteran Jenna Jefferies has joined the company as national account manager. She previously spent 18 years at K&N as national account manager and two years at Pilot Automotive as vice president of sales. In her new role, Jefferies will be responsible for growing national account revenue and for providing new product feedback to the PerTronix engineering team. She comes from a motorsports family and is passionate about desert off-road racing. Just last week, SEMA SBN honored her as its SHEIsSEMA Woman of the Year.

Brembo Announces Acquisition Of SBS Friction A/S

Brembo has acquired SBS Friction A/S—a Danish company that develops and manufactures eco-friendly sintered and organic-material brake pads for motorbikes. Brembo will integrate the company’s brake pads into its current product range, strengthening its position in the motorbike sector. The agreement is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2021.

Continental earned 2020 Automotive Communications Awards for the advertising program featuring its new Autodiagnos Automotive Diagnostic System and Autodiagnos TPMS Service Tools.

Continental Receives 2020 Automotive Communications Awards for Best Ad Campaign

Continental earned 2020 Automotive Communications Awards for the advertising program featuring its new Autodiagnos Automotive Diagnostic System and Autodiagnos TPMS Service Tools. The award was presented during the 2020 Virtual AAPEX Experience tradeshow by Women in Auto Care, part of the Auto Care Association, for the Best Ad Campaign to the Distribution and Retail Audience. Continental was recognized for its strategic, multi-channel advertising and marketing campaign supporting the launch and promotion of the new Autodiagnos brand in the automotive aftermarket.

Meyer Distributing Announces New Bridgeport, West Virginia, Location

Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced a new location in Bridgeport, West Virginia. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer’s Jasper, Indiana, distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, exhaust and RV parts in the region.

Steve Grimshaw	Mark Sanders

Caliber Announces Internal Promotions

Caliber has announced that its current President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Sanders will succeed longtime CEO Steve Grimshaw, effective January 1, 2021. Grimshaw will move to full-time executive chairman at this time. Sanders has spent his entire career in the automotive industry and joined Caliber Collision in 1997 as they expanded their operations into Texas. As President and COO, Sanders led the growth strategy, which expanded Caliber Collision’s footprint throughout the U.S., while also positioning Caliber for the future through the strategic acquisition of other lines of business. He also led the consolidation and alignment of all brands—Caliber Collision, Caliber Auto Care, and Caliber Auto Glass under the Caliber umbrella, priming Caliber for its next phase of growth. Caliber plans to name Sanders’ successor in the near-term. During Steve’s tenure, the organization grew from 68 locations in two states to more than 1,200 locations in 34 states across the U.S. Caliber’s revenue also increased from $284 million to $4 billion.

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.