Thu, 10/29/2020 - 18:31

By Richard Hail

Social Media

More than 40 influencers have been granted a VIP backstage pass to cover SEMA360 special guests and events.

From builders to racers to photographers, the list of Social Media Correspondents covering SEMA360 was assembled from a pool of talented individuals from across the industry. More than 40 influencers have been granted a VIP backstage pass and you’re invited to follow along with them.

The correspondents will cover special guests and events like, the live keynote Q&A powered by OPTIMA Batteries featuring Mike Rowe, who is best known as creator and host of the hit TV series “Dirty Jobs,” along with industry icon Tanner Foust. And don’t miss out on the play-by-play commentary showcasing the industry’s first virtual 24-hour build, featuring Ryan Friedlinghaus and his crew from West Coast Customs. The West Coast Customs Experience will stream live from the floor of their shop in Burbank, California, and can only be seen on SEMA360.

Do you want to discover more than 330 of the latest creations from top shops like Foose Design, past winners from Battle of the Builders, and first-time garage builders? Then follow along to see what’s hot this year in the SEMA360 Builder Showcase. Is education on your mind? Our team of influencers will be in the front row to share the conversation coming from interviews and seminars featuring special guests, industry icons and professional builders.

If you aren’t at SEMA360 this year, the only way to see this exclusive content is to follow along with the SEMA Social Media Correspondents. And if you are at SEMA360, they’ll cover anything you missed. Stay in the know and follow your favorites for everything SEMA360-related and beyond.

The 2020 SEMA Social Media Correspondents

Name

Profession

Instagram

Adrian McQueenInfluencer & Content Creator@adrenalinelifestyles
Alex TaylorRacing & Motorsports@alextaylorracing
Austin PhippsCar & Truck Builder@1radaccord
Big MikeInfluencer & Content Creator@thebigmike
Brandon FolkCar & Truck Builder@dbfolk
Brooke BeriniRacing & Motorsports@brookeberini
Brooklyne PipkeCar & Truck Builder@that.ppump.24v
Brylee DeMarcoCar & Truck Builder@brylee_demarco
Camden MurphyRacing & Motorsports@camden.murphy
Chelsie LesnoskiCar & Truck Builder@chelc.ttg
Chloe YonkerCar & Truck Builder@thecumminscowgirl
Claudia MorenoCar & Truck Builder@rstgirl
Cole MartenCar & Truck Builder@cole.ttg
Darrell ReeseCar & Truck Builder@mopar1darrell
David GrahamInfluencer & Content Creator@dave.thirtytwo
Dina PariseRacing & Motorsports@dpariseracing
Eric RitzCar & Truck Builder@impalow66
Far From StockCar & Truck Builder@farfromstock
Gabby DowningCar & Truck Builder@_gbabz_
Gage BrodersonCar & Truck Builder@brodyzbrz
James ThomasCar & Truck Builder@jayshacklefordengineering
Jason BrozakOther Automotive@justthedipz
John VelascoPhotographer & Videographer@huesaflash
Jonas NeelsCar & Truck Builder @jonasneels 
Joseph Guglielmo IIICar & Truck Builder @jg_iii_
Julia Rose StalloneInfluencer & Content Creator@juliasgarage
JW MontoyaCar & Truck Builder@jw_montoya
Kaylee CraytonCar & Truck Builder@86_nebula
Keenan LacourCar & Truck Builder@lacour_evo
Kiesha FouldsCar & Truck Builder@kiesha_lynn
Kyle KuhnhausenCar & Truck Builder@kckuhnhausen
Luke MerrillCar & Truck Builder@tinman2kustons
Matteo MedoroCar & Truck Builder@shabbamotorsports 
Matthias IngleCar & Truck Builder@4god_4country 
Micah RussellPhotographer & Videographer@spokephotos
RJ de Vera Influencer & Content Creator@rj_devera
Rob DahmCar & Truck Builder@robdahm
Ryan BruttInfluencer & Content Creator@theautoarchaeologist
Shane DurrenceCar & Truck Builder@ogmister_2
Steven NadaskaiCar & Truck Builder@autoenthusiastnetwork
Tim TannhauserCar & Truck Builder@tim.tann
Trevor ReiffPhotographer & Videographer@fleetingmemoriesmedia
Verena MaiInfluencer & Content Creator@verenamei
Jacob DavisCar & Truck Builder@jacobrossdavis
Mitchell StapletonCar & Truck Builder@stapleton42_

Connecting buyers and manufacturers from around the world, SEMA360 will feature new product debuts, feature vehicles, and industry-leading educational sessions. Through the Social Media Correspondent (SMC) Program, these niche influencers will curate and create original and relevant content for SEMA360. SEMA360 takes place online November 2-6. Follow all the action and join the conversation at #SEMA360.

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 18:31

By Richard Hail

Social Media

More than 40 influencers have been granted a VIP backstage pass to cover SEMA360 special guests and events.

From builders to racers to photographers, the list of Social Media Correspondents covering SEMA360 was assembled from a pool of talented individuals from across the industry. More than 40 influencers have been granted a VIP backstage pass and you’re invited to follow along with them.

The correspondents will cover special guests and events like, the live keynote Q&A powered by OPTIMA Batteries featuring Mike Rowe, who is best known as creator and host of the hit TV series “Dirty Jobs,” along with industry icon Tanner Foust. And don’t miss out on the play-by-play commentary showcasing the industry’s first virtual 24-hour build, featuring Ryan Friedlinghaus and his crew from West Coast Customs. The West Coast Customs Experience will stream live from the floor of their shop in Burbank, California, and can only be seen on SEMA360.

Do you want to discover more than 330 of the latest creations from top shops like Foose Design, past winners from Battle of the Builders, and first-time garage builders? Then follow along to see what’s hot this year in the SEMA360 Builder Showcase. Is education on your mind? Our team of influencers will be in the front row to share the conversation coming from interviews and seminars featuring special guests, industry icons and professional builders.

If you aren’t at SEMA360 this year, the only way to see this exclusive content is to follow along with the SEMA Social Media Correspondents. And if you are at SEMA360, they’ll cover anything you missed. Stay in the know and follow your favorites for everything SEMA360-related and beyond.

The 2020 SEMA Social Media Correspondents

Name

Profession

Instagram

Adrian McQueenInfluencer & Content Creator@adrenalinelifestyles
Alex TaylorRacing & Motorsports@alextaylorracing
Austin PhippsCar & Truck Builder@1radaccord
Big MikeInfluencer & Content Creator@thebigmike
Brandon FolkCar & Truck Builder@dbfolk
Brooke BeriniRacing & Motorsports@brookeberini
Brooklyne PipkeCar & Truck Builder@that.ppump.24v
Brylee DeMarcoCar & Truck Builder@brylee_demarco
Camden MurphyRacing & Motorsports@camden.murphy
Chelsie LesnoskiCar & Truck Builder@chelc.ttg
Chloe YonkerCar & Truck Builder@thecumminscowgirl
Claudia MorenoCar & Truck Builder@rstgirl
Cole MartenCar & Truck Builder@cole.ttg
Darrell ReeseCar & Truck Builder@mopar1darrell
David GrahamInfluencer & Content Creator@dave.thirtytwo
Dina PariseRacing & Motorsports@dpariseracing
Eric RitzCar & Truck Builder@impalow66
Far From StockCar & Truck Builder@farfromstock
Gabby DowningCar & Truck Builder@_gbabz_
Gage BrodersonCar & Truck Builder@brodyzbrz
James ThomasCar & Truck Builder@jayshacklefordengineering
Jason BrozakOther Automotive@justthedipz
John VelascoPhotographer & Videographer@huesaflash
Jonas NeelsCar & Truck Builder @jonasneels 
Joseph Guglielmo IIICar & Truck Builder @jg_iii_
Julia Rose StalloneInfluencer & Content Creator@juliasgarage
JW MontoyaCar & Truck Builder@jw_montoya
Kaylee CraytonCar & Truck Builder@86_nebula
Keenan LacourCar & Truck Builder@lacour_evo
Kiesha FouldsCar & Truck Builder@kiesha_lynn
Kyle KuhnhausenCar & Truck Builder@kckuhnhausen
Luke MerrillCar & Truck Builder@tinman2kustons
Matteo MedoroCar & Truck Builder@shabbamotorsports 
Matthias IngleCar & Truck Builder@4god_4country 
Micah RussellPhotographer & Videographer@spokephotos
RJ de Vera Influencer & Content Creator@rj_devera
Rob DahmCar & Truck Builder@robdahm
Ryan BruttInfluencer & Content Creator@theautoarchaeologist
Shane DurrenceCar & Truck Builder@ogmister_2
Steven NadaskaiCar & Truck Builder@autoenthusiastnetwork
Tim TannhauserCar & Truck Builder@tim.tann
Trevor ReiffPhotographer & Videographer@fleetingmemoriesmedia
Verena MaiInfluencer & Content Creator@verenamei
Jacob DavisCar & Truck Builder@jacobrossdavis
Mitchell StapletonCar & Truck Builder@stapleton42_

Connecting buyers and manufacturers from around the world, SEMA360 will feature new product debuts, feature vehicles, and industry-leading educational sessions. Through the Social Media Correspondent (SMC) Program, these niche influencers will curate and create original and relevant content for SEMA360. SEMA360 takes place online November 2-6. Follow all the action and join the conversation at #SEMA360.

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 15:58

By SEMA Editors

The automotive specialty equipment industry typically gathers during the first week of November for the SEMA Show. Although the in-person event is not taking place this year, the industry will connect online through SEMA360. Taking place November 2-6, at www.sema360.com, the trade-only online emarketplace is set to include more than 650 manufacturing companies and thousands of attendees from throughout the world.



Like the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, SEMA360 will include live activities throughout the week, including a 24-hour vehicle build by Ryan Friedlinghaus and the West Coast Customs crew, a press conference from Toyota, appearances from celebrities and more. The stars of the week, however, have always been and continue to be the manufacturers and their new products, including 2,200 that will be included in the New Products Showcase and those that will be featured on the 330 project vehicles in the SEMA360 Builders Showcase.



Despite the consumer appeal of the SEMA Show, both the annual in-person event and the SEMA360 online event are trade-only and focus on helping businesses with new products and skills. Since the first SEMA Show in 1967 under the grandstands of Dodgers Stadium, small manufacturers have been able to launch their businesses to a worldwide audience of professional resellers, buyers and media. The SEMA Show has maintained its allure for small mom-and-pop shops exhibiting alongside established manufacturers and major automakers, and SEMA360 will continue that tradition. More than 100 participating manufacturers have never exhibited at the SEMA Show before. They help make up the 650-plus manufacturers representing every market segment of the automotive aftermarket.


From motorsports, hot rods and restoration, to off-road, restyling and collision repair, SEMA360 represents a $46.2 billion industry. Attendees include buyers, distributors and resellers from big box stores, as well as speed shops, installers, restylers, jobbers, and online retailers. Nearly 30% of the SEMA360 attendees are from outside of the United States, giving manufacturers greater opportunities to expand their markets.



“This will be the first time in more than 50 years that the SEMA Show will not take place in person,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We’re pleased and excited to bring the industry together to connect and do business through SEMA360. The online platform is making it possible for the industry to celebrate SEMA Week during the first week of November. Manufacturers and buyers will be connecting and interacting, and they’ll be making history.”



The 650 Manufacturer Showcases, more than 2,200 new products and 30 education seminars are available only to those registered for SEMA360. Login credentials are required, and will be sent to participants who are registered and approved. For more information or to sign up, visit www.sema360.com.

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 15:58

By SEMA Editors

The automotive specialty equipment industry typically gathers during the first week of November for the SEMA Show. Although the in-person event is not taking place this year, the industry will connect online through SEMA360. Taking place November 2-6, at www.sema360.com, the trade-only online emarketplace is set to include more than 650 manufacturing companies and thousands of attendees from throughout the world.



Like the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, SEMA360 will include live activities throughout the week, including a 24-hour vehicle build by Ryan Friedlinghaus and the West Coast Customs crew, a press conference from Toyota, appearances from celebrities and more. The stars of the week, however, have always been and continue to be the manufacturers and their new products, including 2,200 that will be included in the New Products Showcase and those that will be featured on the 330 project vehicles in the SEMA360 Builders Showcase.



Despite the consumer appeal of the SEMA Show, both the annual in-person event and the SEMA360 online event are trade-only and focus on helping businesses with new products and skills. Since the first SEMA Show in 1967 under the grandstands of Dodgers Stadium, small manufacturers have been able to launch their businesses to a worldwide audience of professional resellers, buyers and media. The SEMA Show has maintained its allure for small mom-and-pop shops exhibiting alongside established manufacturers and major automakers, and SEMA360 will continue that tradition. More than 100 participating manufacturers have never exhibited at the SEMA Show before. They help make up the 650-plus manufacturers representing every market segment of the automotive aftermarket.


From motorsports, hot rods and restoration, to off-road, restyling and collision repair, SEMA360 represents a $46.2 billion industry. Attendees include buyers, distributors and resellers from big box stores, as well as speed shops, installers, restylers, jobbers, and online retailers. Nearly 30% of the SEMA360 attendees are from outside of the United States, giving manufacturers greater opportunities to expand their markets.



“This will be the first time in more than 50 years that the SEMA Show will not take place in person,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We’re pleased and excited to bring the industry together to connect and do business through SEMA360. The online platform is making it possible for the industry to celebrate SEMA Week during the first week of November. Manufacturers and buyers will be connecting and interacting, and they’ll be making history.”



The 650 Manufacturer Showcases, more than 2,200 new products and 30 education seminars are available only to those registered for SEMA360. Login credentials are required, and will be sent to participants who are registered and approved. For more information or to sign up, visit www.sema360.com.

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 15:20

By Della Domingo

ToyotaMarketing GVP Ed Laukes will address SEMA360 participants on Monday, November 2, at 9:30 a.m. (PST).

Just because SEMA has gone “virtual” this year, doesn’t mean great announcements still can’t be made on the new SEMA360 platform. Indeed, on November 2, at 9:30 a.m. (PST), Ed Laukes, GVP for Toyota Marketing, will let everyone know what’s in store for Toyota’s 2020 SEMA program.

“Of course, I’d rather be talking from the SEMA Show floor in Las Vegas, but I’m really excited everyone will be tuning in from afar,” said Laukes. “When SEMA decided to go virtual, we knew we wanted to be a part of it.”

Toyota has long been the gold standard in the industry for its quality, durability and reliability, so it’s no surprise that Toyota would be a reliable SEMA partner regardless of what twists and turns the road had in store.

Tune in live Monday, November 2, at 9:30 a.m. (PST) on the Media Center tab or on Toyota’s Showcase on SEMA360. You won’t want to miss it!

 

 

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 15:20

By Della Domingo

ToyotaMarketing GVP Ed Laukes will address SEMA360 participants on Monday, November 2, at 9:30 a.m. (PST).

Just because SEMA has gone “virtual” this year, doesn’t mean great announcements still can’t be made on the new SEMA360 platform. Indeed, on November 2, at 9:30 a.m. (PST), Ed Laukes, GVP for Toyota Marketing, will let everyone know what’s in store for Toyota’s 2020 SEMA program.

“Of course, I’d rather be talking from the SEMA Show floor in Las Vegas, but I’m really excited everyone will be tuning in from afar,” said Laukes. “When SEMA decided to go virtual, we knew we wanted to be a part of it.”

Toyota has long been the gold standard in the industry for its quality, durability and reliability, so it’s no surprise that Toyota would be a reliable SEMA partner regardless of what twists and turns the road had in store.

Tune in live Monday, November 2, at 9:30 a.m. (PST) on the Media Center tab or on Toyota’s Showcase on SEMA360. You won’t want to miss it!

 

 

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 14:06

By Della Domingo

SEMA360 LogoDozens of the 650-plus manufacturers participating in SEMA360 are offering exclusive discounts and specials to attendees taking part in the event, November 2-6, at www.sema360.com.

To have your company's SEMA360 discounts and other specials promoted in SEMA eNews, submit information here: www.sema360.msc-digital.us/press-release/.

Here are the most recent submissions:

  • Blud Lubricants is offering special pricing on products designed for professional level racing and includes suspension fluids, auto and moto engine oils, gear oils, differential fluid, chain lube, 2 stroke pre-mix, automatic transmission fluids, power steering fluid and a variety of cleaning products.
  • Performance Electronics is offering a discount on all Performance Electronics ECUs, wire harnesses, digital displays, PE-wideband and apparel.

Manufacturer Showcases and their specials are only available on SEMA360. Attendees who are registered and approved will receive their SEMA360 login and have access to all Manufacturer Showcases, the New Products Showcase with 2,200 products, Builders Showcase with 330 vehicles, industry education and more. Registration and details about the event are available at www.sema360.com.

Participating manufacturers who have special SEMA360 discounts, or who would like to promote their SEMA360 plans and be included on the list above, are invited to submit their information here.

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 14:06

By Della Domingo

SEMA360 LogoDozens of the 650-plus manufacturers participating in SEMA360 are offering exclusive discounts and specials to attendees taking part in the event, November 2-6, at www.sema360.com.

To have your company's SEMA360 discounts and other specials promoted in SEMA eNews, submit information here: www.sema360.msc-digital.us/press-release/.

Here are the most recent submissions:

  • Blud Lubricants is offering special pricing on products designed for professional level racing and includes suspension fluids, auto and moto engine oils, gear oils, differential fluid, chain lube, 2 stroke pre-mix, automatic transmission fluids, power steering fluid and a variety of cleaning products.
  • Performance Electronics is offering a discount on all Performance Electronics ECUs, wire harnesses, digital displays, PE-wideband and apparel.

Manufacturer Showcases and their specials are only available on SEMA360. Attendees who are registered and approved will receive their SEMA360 login and have access to all Manufacturer Showcases, the New Products Showcase with 2,200 products, Builders Showcase with 330 vehicles, industry education and more. Registration and details about the event are available at www.sema360.com.

Participating manufacturers who have special SEMA360 discounts, or who would like to promote their SEMA360 plans and be included on the list above, are invited to submit their information here.

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 13:30

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Truck Hero
The ’19 Ford F-350 Lariat, to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson on October 23, made its debut at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Truck Hero to Auction ’19 Ford F-350 Lariat at Barrett-Jackson for Charity

Truck Hero’s 2018 SEMA Show “Ultimate Tailgate Truck” will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson, Friday, October 23, at 5:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Building Homes for Heroes. Starting with a ’19 Ford F-350 Lariat and designed by Truck Hero engineers, the pickup features a crew cab, dual rear wheel, 8-ft. bed with a stock 6.7L diesel engine (with 935 lb.-ft. of torque and 450hp) and an automatic transmission. The 2WD chassis was lowered by ARFT's Speed Shop's custom-dropped air suspension with a 4-link rear end and Air Lift Performance 3P air management system on all four corners. Black, copper and smooth, this truck shines thanks to the Custom Cars & Concepts program at Michigan's Washtenaw Community College, with students shaving door handles and applying the mirror-perfect AkzoNobel Modern Classikk black paint.

Accents include a custom billet Ford oval and fender badges, all copper-plated. Other added touches include a Ford Performance tailpipe, BedRug bedliner, Husky Liners all-weather floor mats, ARP 12-point fasteners and a Kleinn Automotive train horn. This truck rides on custom Fuel Off-Road Dually Maverick 24-in. wheels that are copper-plated with black painted spokes and baby moon caps, wrapped in Dilente Bandit 285/40R24 tires. To top it off, an assembly of custom tailgating elements were designed that package under the truck bed cover and behind the tailgate to put on a complete party. The truck bed houses a remote-controlled, articulating 65-in. TV, custom bed slide with integrated inlaid wood game table and Maxxsonics audio speakers stuffed into UnderCover dual SwingCases (also remote-controlled), all covered up by Extang's Solid Fold 2.0 hard folding bed cover. On the back of the truck is a custom copper mount with an articulating Yeti cooler and grill.

The entire sale price of this truck will benefit Building Homes for Heroes, which makes a significant difference in the lives of wounded American service members from the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts and their families since 2006. The organization gifts mortgage-free homes that meet the needs of the men and women who have selflessly served our country. These homes not only help to remove the family's financial burden, they help to restore the individual's freedom, and enable the veteran to lead a more independent and productive civilian life. To further assist veterans, the organization has added programs, including financial planning services, family funding and emergency support.

For more information, visit the Barrett-Jackson website.

Bedwood Names B.J. Elmore President and COO

ElmoreB.J. Elmore

Bed Wood Parts announced that B.J. Elmore has been named vice president and chief operating officer. Bedwood's founder and CEO Jeff Major will continue his role and involvement in the business, according to the company.

Elmore has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, including a decade of senior management and strategic development, most recently serving as vice president and general manager of Ridetech.

3M Becomes Official Automotive Films Global Partner for Tesla Motors Club

3M Commercial Solutions Division has announced a partnership with Tesla Motors Club as the Official Automotive Films Global partner.  

“Our partnership with 3M highlights the important role that 3M already plays in the community as a provider of aftermarket solutions for our members' vehicles,” said Daniel Sacks, founder, Tesla Motors Club. “Most Tesla owners are passionate about technology and the unique performance of their vehicles. They also demonstrate a strong technical interest in the aftermarket products that they use. 3M is a popular and trusted provider for Tesla owners on TMC, and we believe that that reflects well on the 3M brand and its products. In addition, many of our Vendors who offer installation services of car protection solutions turn to 3M products.”  

LubeZone
LubeZone Inc. has purchased All Star Truck Repair in Houston.

LubeZone Inc. Acquires All Star Truck Services Corp. in Houston

LubeZone Inc. has announced the purchase of All Star Truck Repair in Houston. The acquisition serves to strengthen LubeZone's presence in the Houston market, while expanding its high-quality service offerings for both fleet partners and drive-up customers with heavy-duty trucks. All Star utilizes its fleet of trucks to service customers at their locations. LubeZone will look to expand further into this new arena over the next several months, seeking other add-on opportunities across the United States in the mobile truck services space. All Star Truck Services will continue to operate under its existing name.

Ross Berlanga
Ross Berlanga

TMI Automotive Products Inc. Hires Ross Berlanga as Marketing Director

TMI Automotive Products Inc. has hired Ross Berlanga as its marketing director. He will be responsible for TMI’s overall marketing efforts, including product marketing and marketing communications. Berlanga is a Southern California gearhead who brings more than two decades of automotive experience, having held roles in marketing, advertising and graphic design. Starting in publishing, he worked on well-known titles, including Hot Bike, Sport Compact Car and Custom Rodder. He later contributed to the growth of Edelbrock, MagnaFlow, JE Pistons and KTC Media Group. Berlanga was most recently the director of advertising at Race Winning Brands. He previously led the marketing efforts at both K&N and AEM.

Camilo Pardo
Camilo Pardo

’05 Ford GT Chief Designer Camilo Pardo Joins Gateway Bronco

Gateway Bronco CEO Seth Burgett has tapped Camilo Pardo, chief designer of the ’05 Ford GT supercar, to become Gateway Bronco's chief designer. Camilo will work closely with Gateway’s clientele to reimagine their heritage Ford Bronco or classic Ford F-Series truck. After 15 years at Ford, he was assigned to re-design the ’60s-era Ford GT. This project became the 2002 Ford GT concept car. As chief designer of the Ford GT and the SVT Studio, Pardo’s team worked on the 2005 and 2006 production Ford GT. He then left Ford to open his own design studio. At Gateway Bronco, he will collaborate with clients, as well as Burgett, who has led the design team over the past several years.

Reviver and Hansel Auto Group Announce Strategic Alliance to Sell Digital License Plates in Northern California

ReviverMX Inc. has announced a strategic alliance with Hansel Auto Group to sell the Reviver Rplate across northern California. According to the agreement, Hansel will sell and install the Rplate as an accessory. Rplate sales will start at Hansel Auto Group's flagship Ford dealership located in Santa Rosa. Hansel has secured the option of offering Reviver's Rplates at the rest of their outlets in Northern California. The Rplate, managed by an encrypted app, allows a user to automatically renew vehicle registration online without the need to deal with the stickers and associated Motor Vehicle Administration paperwork sent through the mail. The Rplate also offers a variety of personalization features.

Bob Voltmann
Bob Voltmann

NIADA Selects Bob Voltmann as CEO

Longtime trade association executive Robert Voltmann, CAE, has been named chief executive officer of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), effective immediately. Voltmann was selected by the NIADA board of directors after a month-long nationwide search to replace former NIADA CEO Steve Jordan, who resigned in August to pursue other opportunities. Most recently, Voltmann served for 23 years as president and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, which represents the third-party logistics industry. Under his leadership, TIA more than tripled its membership – it now represents nearly 80% of the market by value.

Before his tenure with TIA, Voltmann was director of policy for the National Industrial Transportation League. He also served in President George H.W. Bush’s administration at the Interstate Commerce Commission. In all, Voltmann comes to NIADA with 30 years of Washington experience.

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.

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 13:21

Compiled by SEMA Editors

ProMedia
ProMedia Productions is responsible for handling the drag-racing segments of Holley LS Fest and Holley MoParty, and is currently in talks with other high profile specialty drag-racing events for 2021 and beyond.

ProMedia Launches New Event Production Division

ProMedia Events & Publishing has announced ProMedia Productions—a new division for the sanctioning body and media company. The newly formed brand is a for-hire event production and logistics group offering complete, turnkey motorsport event management. ProMedia Productions is responsible for handling the drag-racing segments of Holley LS Fest and Holley MoParty, and is currently in talks with other high profile specialty drag-racing events for 2021 and beyond. ProMedia Productions allows companies to focus on their core business while developing live events. The events will carry the moniker “Powered by NMCA” to let racers and fans know there will be a high level of professionalism and organization.

“We currently produce and operate 17 nationwide events with NMRA, NMCA, NMCA WEST and outside events. We have developed teams of experienced staff featuring an SFI-certified technical inspection department, race operations, and a fire and safety group that includes trucks, equipment, and a motorsport-trained rescue staff. Additionally, ProMedia Productions is capable of handling off-track concerns with gate management, racer and spectator parking, advance and same-day ticketing, marketing and media relations,” said Rollie Miller, general manager at ProMedia Events, Publishing, & Productions.

For more information about ProMedia Productions visit www.NMCAProductions.com.

Hot Shot's Secret
The Hot Shot’s Secret-sponsored Firepunk Diesel S10 broke the world record in the qualifying round in the Radial vs. World Class at No Mercy 11.

Hot Shot’s Secret Sponsored Firepunk Diesel S10 Crushes Diesel World Record at No Mercy 11

The Hot Shot’s Secret-sponsored Firepunk Diesel S10 broke the world record in the qualifying round in the Radial vs. World Class at No Mercy 11. The event was hosted at South Georgia Motorsports Park, October 17–18, with qualifiers held earlier in the week. With Larson Miller behind the wheel, the Cummins-based D&J Precision-built billet diesel-powered S10 competed against the nation’s fastest gas-powered cars. Normally on a big tire, the Firepunk team had only one day of testing on a new 315 radial tire setup before setting the record with a 4.11 pass at 181 mph. For video footage of the record-breaking qualifying round, visit www.facebook.com.

Toyota Extends Agreement to Serve as Official Car of NHRA

Toyota has extended its agreement to serve as the Official Car of the NHRA. In continuation of its long-standing partnership with NHRA, Toyota will have a season-long presence at NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series events and will be featured prominently in NHRA’s television broadcasts. Toyota will receive NHRA on FOX commercials, trackside signage, in-venue video ad placements and bannering rights. NHRA fans will also see Toyota displays at races where they can see the latest Toyota products, including a Toyota Camry replica Funny Car, driven by NHRA racers. In addition to serving as the Official Car of the NHRA, Toyota also supports several NHRA drivers, including Antron Brown, Alexis DeJoria, Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon and J.R. Todd. These teams use Toyota Racing Development (TRD) technology to battle the competition in their 11,000-horsepower nitro-burning machines. The partnership between Toyota and NHRA began in 2002. Toyota added the Official Car of the NHRA title beginning with the 2014 season.

Tony Schumacher
Tony Schumacher’s run of 3.669 seconds at 330.63 mph in his 11,000-hp Okuma/Sandvik Coromant Toyota dragster edged past Steve Torrence’s 3.687 at 330.07.

Schumacher, Johnson Jr., Stanfield and Krawiec Earn Victories at Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals Presented by Pennzoil

Eight-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher picked up his first victory in more than two years, powering to the win in a side-by-side duel with Steve Torrence in the final round of last Sunday’s 33rd annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil at Houston Raceway Park. Tommy Johnson Jr. (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil, the 10th of 11 races during the 2020 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. Schumacher’s run of 3.669 seconds at 330.63 mph in his 11,000-hp Okuma/Sandvik Coromant Toyota dragster edged past Torrence’s 3.687 at 330.07. It gave Schumacher his 85th career victory and first since winning at Bristol in June of 2018.

Johnson remained in championship contention in Funny Car with a clutch performance in Houston, going 3.929 at 321.04 in his 11,000-hp MD Anderson Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat to beat teammate Ron Capps’ 3.952 at 325.14 in the final round. It gave DSR its 13th straight Funny Car win and a victory for Johnson’s sponsor in their hometown. The victory pulled Johnson to within 42 points of Hagan, with Jack Beckman, who was upset in the opening round by Capps, just one point behind Johnson, ensuring a must-see showdown in Las Vegas.

In Pro Stock, Stanfield earned his first career win in the class, thanks to a pass of 6.535 at 211.03 in his Janac Brothers Racing Chevrolet Camaro to beat Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the final round. Stanfield won the race in the SAMTech.edu Factory Stock Showdown Drag Racing Series, also clinching the world championship in that class. Add in the Pro Stock victory and Stanfield took home three Wallys on Sunday.

Despite falling in the second round, Enders stretched her points lead as she tries to win back-to-back world titles and her fourth overall. She leads Jason Line and Coughlin by 55 points heading to Las Vegas. Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Krawiec won for the first time in more than two years on his Harley-Davidson FXDR, going 6.801 at 198.61 in the finals to beat Ryan Oehler. Matt Smith kept the points lead and is 58 points ahead of Scotty Pollacheck with one race remaining.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series finishes its 2020 season October 30-November 1, with the Dodge NHRA Finals presented by Pennzoil at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.


Dan Fresh and co-driver Mike Kim.

Team Falken Has Big Weekend at ULTRA4 Season Finale

Team Falken spent the weekend in Davis, Oklahoma, competing in ULTRA4’s Season Finale at Cross Bar Off Road Park, winning two races and taking home the National Points Championship in two different classes. Dan Fresh and co-driver Mike Kim, competing in the 4500 Class, took first place in the last event of the season and scored enough points to walk away with the 2020 National Championship. Different class, same result for Team Falken’s Josh Atteberry and co-driver Jack Gessner, who took first in the 4600 Class and earned the points necessary to win the Season Championship along the way.

Off-road racing fans are encouraged to mark their calendars for the 2021 ULTRA4 King of the Hammers week, January 29 to February 6, at “Hammertown” in Johnson Valley, California. For more information, visit www.ultra4racing.com.

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