Erica Rahola is the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) newest spotlight volunteer. Rahola is a designer and customer liaison at Crush Customs.
Get to know Rahola in her interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?
Erica Rahola: My boss, Chelsea Allen, inspired me.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?
ER: I’m new in this industry and wanted to dive into something where I can be around and influenced by my peers in the same industry.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
ER: Take your time. There’s so many products, services, and new developments happening every day in this field. It can definitely be a little overwhelming. Structure, organization, and a team with like-minded individuals on your side are fundamental.
SEMA: What is your dream vehicle?
ER: My dream vehicle is a Bentley.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
ER: Never give up.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
ER: My boss, my manager and the whole staff! They are wonderful and amazing people. I also never get tired of the appreciation and happiness customers express when they receive their cars with their new installs.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
ER: At home with my dog Benjamin.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.
The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named BBT Fabrications as this week’s member spotlight company. Get to know the company in SEMA’s interview with business owner Troy Gudgel below.
SEMA: Tell us about your company.
Troy Gudgel: BBT Fabrications specializes in high-end hot rods and hot-rod components, including our modular mirror systems.
SEMA: What projects are you working on?
TG: We are focused on building high-quality vehicles and growing our product line. We focus on every detail and making sure our product performs at the highest level.
SEMA: Tell us about a build you are proud of.
TG: Brad Sather's ‘69 Pontiac Firebird was winner of Goodguys Street Machine of the Year as well as Shades of the Past Triple Crown. We are proud that this car hit a top speed of 203 MPH in Blytheville, Arkansas, at their HP Harvest event.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
TG: Don't be afraid to start at the bottom. Put in the time and work hard to get where you want to be.
Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA’s social media, SEMA News and future HRIA-member updates.
SEMA members attending Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, are invited to join the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) for a trail ride and a mixer on Thursday, April 6.
Participants will meet at 9:00 a.m. (MDT) and be educated on proper land use before proceeding on a scenic drive through one of Moab’s backcountry trails. Moab routes offer exciting obstacles and beautiful scenery, while the program includes a stop for lunch in the great outdoors, and will conclude at around 2:00 .p.m.-3:00 p.m. (MDT).
Members will reconnect in the evening for a TORA Mixer hosted in conjunction with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). This will be a great time strengthen and build new relationships and share stories from the trail ride earlier in the day.
Employees of SEMA members companies are invited and encouraged to increase their involvement in the industry by volunteering for a council or network leadership role. Applications are open now at www.sema.org/volunteer, and will run through April 21.
Comprised of automotive aftermarket professionals who are passionate about the advancement of the industry, select committee volunteers work alongside industry professionals from different market segments to provide valuable programs, events, education opportunities and other resources for the council or network membership.
By lending just a few hours a month, volunteers gain hands on leadership experience, are able to develop industry solutions to strengthen their market and gain valuable business connections and friendships while having fun in the process.
Applicants must be employed by a current SEMA member company, be a current member of the council or network that the nominee would represent, and serve a two-year term.
Strong strategic planning skills and significant aftermarket knowledge are helpful, but the most important trait is a passion for giving back to the industry. Learn how you make can a difference and apply here.
Exhibitors from Toyota, MOPAR, Fox Factory and Hypercraft USA describe the ultimate gathering of automotive passion, community, networking and innovative products, services and vehicles on display at the annual SEMA Show.
Don’t miss your opportunity to share your story in front of more than 132,000 trade show attendees from more than 140 countries.
To take part in the May 1–17 Priority Booth Space Selection Process, you must submit your Exhibitor Services Rental Application and deposit by Monday, April 3.
Tires for EVs are significantly different from tires for traditional vehicles. But what exactly are the differences? And how do these differences affect the driving experience?
SEMA members are invited to the webinar “EV Tires and the Realistic Expectations for your Customers, presented by the WTC,” Thursday, March 16, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)/ 3:00 p.m. (EDT). Join experts as they break down the design differences between regular tires and EV tires, the life wear of EV tires and what customers should expect when purchasing EV tires, including price ranges and more.
Participants will hear from industry experts:
Karen Salvaggio, Vice President of Business Development at Scorpion EV
Brenton Murray, Founder and CEO of Electruck424.com
Gary Ruede, Product and Quality Management Technologist at Discount Tire
John McDonough, Senior Product Manager, Competition & Specialty Tires at Mickey Thompson
Tyson Boyer, Senior Director of Sales, Key Accounts at Dill Air Valves
You’ll leave knowing how EV tires are transforming electric mobility as we know it, and what to expect from EV tires now and into the future.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), a subset network of SEMA that supports and raises awareness of women in the automotive industry, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.
The network, which encourages and supports women pursuing careers in the automotive field, represents more than 700 female and male members spanning across various occupations and markets in the aftermarket industry.
Since 1993, the SBN has developed and managed industry-focused programs for women, including networking and recognition opportunities. Most recently, it completed its second all-female vehicle build, hosted its second annual Women’s Leadership Forum, and continues to spotlight the stories and careers of women in the automotive industry though its #SheIsSEMA campaign.
“SBN’s history is one of ambition and progress and we couldn’t be more excited for the community that we have created,” said SBN Director Nicole Bradle. “It’s a network where all women are recognized and supported for their contributions to this thriving industry.”
To celebrate the milestone, SBN launched a campaign to highlight the stories and members of the network throughout SEMA and SBN communication channels. The campaign will run throughout 2023 and culminate at the SBN 30th Anniversary Reception and Party at the SEMA Show in November.
“There is no better time than now to reflect on what the SBN has achieved,” added Bradle. “Looking to the future, we aspire to further foster growth, support and community for women.”
To learn more about the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, visit www.sema.org/sbn.
West Virginia lawmakers passed SEMA-supported legislation to establish the Motorsport Responsibility Act, which would define areas of responsibility and assumed risks by participants for recreational and commercial motorsports facilities. The bill now awaits approval by Governor Jim Justice.
Enactment of The Motorsport Responsibility Act will reduce liability insurance premiums and allow racing venues to invest the savings—such as in promotion—increasing tourism and creating more jobs in the state.
In February, representatives from SEMA and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI), and other members of West Virginia’s motorsports community, traveled to Charleston to raise awareness and advocate for the bill with state lawmakers.
Click here to contact Gov. Justice in support of the Motorsport Responsibility Act.
For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
Hemmings has announced the dates for its inaugural Tailgate Throwdown— a weekend full of on-road and off-road activities for new and classic trucks and SUVs, taking place at NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans, Friday-Saturday, March 31-April 1. Hemmings invites all automotive enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of events and activities, including drag racing, autocross, dirt racing and trail rides. The truck show portion will be open to all years, makes, and models of trucks, including lifted trucks, lowered trucks, and everything in between.
Turn 14 Distribution Announces PowerStop as Winner of 2022 Supplier of the Year Award
Turn 14 Distribution has awarded PowerStop with its Supplier of the Year Award for 2022. The Supplier of the Year Award is presented annually to Turn 14 Distribution’s leading supplier to recognize its merit in the industry and its role in the supply chain. Turn 14 Distribution takes all aspects of its relationship into account with a special focus on sustainable long-term relationships. PowerStop received the Supplier of the Year Award for its excellence in support for a streamlined supply chain, ease of managing promotional opportunities and dedication to a robust and long-term supplier-distributor partnership.
“Each year, we review performance metrics, including sales revenue, profit per inventory dollar, and profit percentage, along with relationship strength, to determine the recipient of our Supplier of the Year award. The increased level of support PowerStop has provided us, along with the company's ability to leverage inventory despite supply chain issues in the past year, has resulted in substantial growth which exceeded our expectations. We truly appreciate our partnership with PowerStop and look forward to future success” said Mike Malloy, director of purchasing, Turn 14 Distribution.
Jeep and JPP by Mopar Concepts Head to 2023 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab
The Jeep brand is headed back to Moab, Utah, for the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari, scheduled for April 1–9. For more than five decades, thousands of enthusiasts and Jeep brand loyalists have gathered to take part in one of the largest off-road gatherings in the world, hosted by Moab’s Red Rock 4-Wheelers club.
A new collection of concept vehicles will be unveiled and driven aggressively during the annual event. The Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar design teams are creating several one-of-a-kind, rock-crawling vehicles that will take four-wheeling to the next level, according to the manufacturer.
Several “trail markers” leading up to the event will provide clues for what’s in store for this year’s Easter Jeep Safari lineup. The first Jeep and JPP sketches hint at two of the new concept vehicles, including one 4xe electrified Jeep SUV set to conquer Moab’s tumultuous backcountry trails in absolute silence and further highlight the Jeep brand’s vision of accomplishing zero-emissions freedom.
Hyundai Launches Third-Annual Women in STEM Scholarship
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Hyundai Motor America has announced that applications for its third-annual Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship are now open. Since launching the scholarship in 2020, Hyundai has provided $150,000 USD to the next generation of women leaders, helping to close the gender gap in STEM fields such as engineering, mobility and autonomous driving. For 2023, five female STEM students will receive a scholarship in the amount of $10,000 USD each.
Recipients must be high-school seniors or undergraduate students who identify as female, reside in the United States and plan to pursue or are pursuing a STEM-related field of education. Eligible students can apply for the award by writing an essay of 500 words or more on how they think the future of mobility can be improved to better serve communities and enhance quality of life through STEM-related solutions.
Applications are open now until June 30, 2023. More information can be found here.
American Honda Motor Company Partners With I-CAR
The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) has announced that American Honda Motor Company enhanced its partnership with I-CAR. The transition to I-CAR's learning management system will support technicians with streamlined training easily accessible in one platform alongside all other I-CAR courses. It also enables those repair facilities that currently have a Gold Class training subscription to complete their Honda network training requirements with no additional fees.
The online courses will be available at I-CAR.com soon for both the Honda/Acura Certified Collision Network, including 1,800 repair centers, and all collision-repair professionals, in alignment with I-CAR’s vision “that every person in the collision-repair industry has the information, knowledge and skills required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.”
Lubrication Specialties Hires New Digital Marketing Manager and Field Marketing Rep
Brian Haws (left) and Chris Lane
Lubrication Specialties (LSI) has announced the addition of Ben Haws as the company’s new digital marketing manager and Chris Lane as Hot Shot’s Secret’s new field marketing representative.
Haws recently joined Lubrication Specialties to develop and oversee both paid and unpaid digital marketing campaigns to ensure strong SEO, awareness, engagement and sales of the company’s flagship Hot Shot’s Secret performance brand. Collaborating with the company’s brand manager and marketing director, Haws will develop strategies to build brand loyalty solicited from both new and returning users for multiple markets. He will also work to increase educational opportunities for Hot Shot’s Secret’s dealer network and fleets. Haws has 10 years of experience in digital media production and marketing.
Lane is Hot Shot’s Secret’s new field marketing representative who is working directly with and reporting to Hot Shot’s Secret Director of Branding and Promotions Kyle Fischer. In this new position, Lane will create programs that will drive brand loyalty and develop strategies to increase brand awareness at consumer and trade events.
AWE Launches Full ACES and PIES Data Program
AWE has completed an 18-month project to convert all data into the ACES and PIES format for “easy importing and updating across its global network of dealers.” The brand worked with the data team at PDM Automotive, which serves as the backbone of AWE’s data, acting as its data warehouse. AWE’s new website also features the new application side of the data.
“AWE has undergone a significant transformation, moving from legacy spreadsheets to becoming proficient users of PDM’s product information management platform. Utilizing PDM’s technology not only creates operational efficiencies, it enables fast and accurate data refreshes and provides more robust product and application data to AWE’s website. The result is a better consumer experience,” stated Tayler Edwards, director of account management at PDM Automotive.
AWE’s data can now be seen and utilized by approved partners, dealers and distributors. The premium exhaust brand’s data is now standardized with key attributes. AWE data can be obtained by either signing up for an account at PDM Automotive or applying to become an AWE dealer here.
’35 Voisin C25 Aerodyne and ’64 Ferrari 250 LM Named Best in Show at The Amelia Concours d'Elegance
A ’64 Ferrari 250 LM and ’35 Voisin C25 Aerodyne were named Best in Show at The Amelia Concours d'Elegance.
A ’35 Voisin C25 Aerodyne and a ’64 Ferrari 250 LM were crowned Best in Show at The Amelia Concours d'Elegance. Known to many as “the racers' concours,” the 2023 event honored that tradition by hosting some of the most accomplished competition cars and drivers at the Golf Club of Amelia Island and the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Central to the weekend's festivities was the celebration of The Amelia’s 2023 honoree: four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports Jeff Gordon.
The Aerodyne was Voisin’s “Car of the Future,” an automobile that sought to capitalize upon the public’s growing fascination with streamlining and aerodynamics. It was first shown in October 1934 at the 28th Paris Salon de l’Automobile and was considered avant-garde, even in an era of progressive design. In the spring of 1935, Voisin displayed this special Aerodyne at the Lyon Fair and at the concours d'elegance at the Place Bellecour. With its two-tone paint, low faired-in headlights, high beltline, skirted rear fenders, and power, retractable roof, this Aerodyne cut a profile unlike anything else. In total, 28 C25s were produced; including six Aerodynes, four of which survive.
The Best in Show Concours de Sport was awarded to a ’64 Ferrari 250 LM displayed by Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum of Indianapolis. Entered by Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team (NART), American Masten Gregory partnered with future world champion Jochen Rindt of Austria for the unexpected win. The pair completed 347 laps of the 8.365-mile circuit, averaging 120.944 mph over 24 hours. This victory was the last time a Ferrari won overall at Le Mans. In the years after its 1965 victory, this 250 LM competed at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966 and 1968. It returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968 and 1969, before its final race at the 1970 24 Hours of Daytona, where it finished seventh. Shortly after its final race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum acquired the Ferrari 250 LM.
Tread Lightly! Announces UTV Offroad Adventures Newest Official Partner
Tread Lightly! has announced UTV Offroad Adventures its newest official partner. As an official partner of Tread Lightly!, UTV Offroad Adventures will support Tread Lightly!’s mission to protect off-road trail access and public lands through stewardship projects and responsible recreation education. UTV Offroad Adventures offers panoramic guided tours of Arizona side-by-side and off-road trails for enthusiasts and beginners.
Pennzoil Partners With Rebelle Rally
The Rebelle Rally has announced a new relationship with motor oil brand Pennzoil. The official announcement took place at the Pennzoil 400, presented by Jiffy Lube NASCAR Cup Series race. In its eighth year, the Rebelle Rally has become a competition known for its challenging nature and unique format. The 2,500-km rally pushes teams of two piloting stock manufacturer vehicles, not racecars through eight days of competition across California and Nevada’s remote terrain. The competition tests vehicles, products and individuals to the highest level. Pennzoil will support the rally, collaborative mechanics program and the training arm of Rebelle known as Rebelle U.
In addition to rally support, Pennzoil will be the presenting partner of Rebelle U—the training arm of the Rebelle with courses in driving, navigating and supporting education that open doors for a future of adventure. The long-standing program conducts both in-person and online training classes. The mission is to establish a strong platform for a lifetime of success in both rallying and vehicle adventure, and build key skills for all levels. The curriculum has been developed over 15 years and features top-notch, highly skilled instructors with decades of coaching experience.
Eastman Performance Films Recognizes Advanced Film Solutions as the 2020 LLumar SelectPro National Dealer of the Year
Advanced Film Solutions Inc. was recognized as Eastman Performance Films LLumar SelectPro 2020 National Dealer of the Year. Advanced Film Solutions provides high-performance window film solutions for the greater Tampa Bay, Orlando and Sarasota, Florida, regions.
“2020 was a challenging year for many family owned businesses,” said Mike Feldman, president of Advanced Film Solutions. “Our team of consultants, installation experts and customer service pulled together to meet the COVID obstacles and economic concerns.”
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
This is the Colorado ZR2 Bison testing sans heavy camo in Metro Detroit.
The ZR2 Bison originally debuted in 2019, and took the Colorado ZR2 to another level through its collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). The original ZR2 Bison comes equipped with steel front and rear bumpers, boron-steel skid plates that protect the truck’s oil pan, differentials, fuel tank and transfer case, which provides an additional level of protection compared to the base ZR2’s aluminum plate. The Bison also features a faux Raptor inspired grille, bigger fender flares and unique 12-spoke wheels.
Looking at these shots, the all-new ZR2 Bison will stick to its original formula, with a higher ride, bigger tires and exclusive looks. The Bison will ride on a set of 12 spoke beadlocked rims, which are finished in black and are wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Territories. This tire setup appears to be larger than the current ZR2 Bison (which has a 31-in. tire), and is most likely a 35-in. tire, similar to what's found on the Ford Bronco Sasquatch.
The third-gen Colorado is powered by a 2.7L turbo engine, which is available in three different tunes depending on the trim. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 features the most powerful tuned 2.7L turbo, with power coming in at 310 hp and 430 lb.-ft. of torque.
Erica Rahola is the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) newest spotlight volunteer. Rahola is a designer and customer liaison at Crush Customs.
The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named BBT Fabrications as this week’s member spotlight company. Get to know the company in SEMA’s interview with business owner Troy Gudgel below.
SEMA members attending Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, are invited to join the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) for a trail ride and a mixer on Thursday, April 6.
Employees of SEMA members companies are invited and encouraged to increase their involvement in the industry by volunteering for a council or network leadership role. Applications are open now at 
West Virginia lawmakers passed SEMA-supported legislation to establish the Motorsport Responsibility Act, which would define areas of responsibility and assumed risks by participants for recreational and commercial motorsports facilities. The bill now awaits approval by Governor Jim Justice.
Turn 14 Distribution has awarded PowerStop with its Supplier of the Year Award for 2022. The Supplier of the Year Award is presented annually to Turn 14 Distribution’s leading supplier to recognize its merit in the industry and its role in the supply chain. Turn 14 Distribution takes all aspects of its relationship into account with a special focus on sustainable long-term relationships. PowerStop received the Supplier of the Year Award for its excellence in support for a streamlined supply chain, ease of managing promotional opportunities and dedication to a robust and long-term supplier-distributor partnership.
The Jeep brand is headed back to Moab, Utah, for the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari, scheduled for April 1–9. For more than five decades, thousands of enthusiasts and Jeep brand loyalists have gathered to take part in one of the largest off-road gatherings in the world, hosted by Moab’s Red Rock 4-Wheelers club.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Hyundai Motor America has announced that applications for its third-annual Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship are now open. Since launching the scholarship in 2020, Hyundai has provided $150,000 USD to the next generation of women leaders, helping to close the gender gap in STEM fields such as engineering, mobility and autonomous driving. For 2023, five female STEM students will receive a scholarship in the amount of $10,000 USD each.
The Rebelle Rally has announced a new relationship with motor oil brand Pennzoil. The official announcement took place at the Pennzoil 400, presented by Jiffy Lube NASCAR Cup Series race. In its eighth year, the Rebelle Rally has become a competition known for its challenging nature and unique format. The 2,500-km rally pushes teams of two piloting stock manufacturer vehicles, not racecars through eight days of competition across California and Nevada’s remote terrain. The competition tests vehicles, products and individuals to the highest level. Pennzoil will support the rally, collaborative mechanics program and the training arm of Rebelle known as Rebelle U.
