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 a few of the latest postings. 

Canepa

Motorsports Technician in Scotts Valley, California

Canepa is seeking a motorsports technician with a broad knowledge base of all mechanical aspects of a vehicle along with a background in race preparation. The ideal candidate must have experience working on IMSA, Trans Am, WEC or equivalent cars.

Torqued Distribution

Account Manager in Troy, Michigan

The warehouse distributor is searching for a digitally skilled individual to join its sales team. The position will be responsible for managing existing accounts, some prospecting and managing organic inbound dealer requests. Previous sales experience in a related field is required.

By SEMA News Editors

PMH Announces 2024 Powering Diversity Scholarship Recipients

Parella Motorsports Holdings, the parent company of the SpeedTour event series, has announced the recipients of its Powering Diversity Scholarship.

The scholarship will aid drivers competing in the Trans Am Series, Ligier JS F4 Series, Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) and Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). 

2024 PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship recipients:

• Michele Abbate
• Kaylee Bryson
• Maite Cáceres
• Harbir Dass
• Taylor Ferns
• Justin Garat
• Tyler Gonzalez
• Ava Hanssen
• Nicole Havrda
• Jenn Krpata
• Rafa Matos
• Landan Matriano Lim
• Christopher Parrish
• Amy Ruman

To read the full announcement, visit gotransam.com.

NOS Energy Drink Extends World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Title Sponsorship

NOS Energy has extended its partnership with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series in a multi-year deal.

The extension will make it the longest-running title sponsor in series history. The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series welcomed NOS Energy as its title sponsor in 2019 and extended the partnership several years later.

NOS Energy began working with the series in 2018, becoming the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars "Preferred Energy Drink" and signing on as the primary sponsor of Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing driver Sheldon Haudenschild in the same year.

For more information, visit worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars.

Latrobe Speedway Moves to FASTRAK Sanctioning for 2024

Latrobe Speedway in Pennsylvania has signed on to operate under FASTRAK sanctioning in 2024.

Latrobe Speedway pro late model competitors will race under the Richmond, Kentucky-based FASTRAK banner in 2024 and will compete for the $10,000-to-win Weekend Warrior Racing powered by FASTRAK National Championship in 2024.

Latrobe Speedway will also host at least one FASTRAK Touring Series event, with a date to be determined.

For more information, visit fastrakracing.com or latrobemotorsports.com.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

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.

Dent Fix Equipment

Tesla and Boron Punch Die Kits

Dent Fix Equipment is now offering two new Tesla die kits and a 6.7-mm. boron punch. Available for both the removal and application of self-piercing rivets, the Telsa die kits are offered in 15- and nine-piece sets. The boron punch is used for the application of flow form rivets in boron steel.

dentfix.com.

Wilwood Disc Brakes

Miata MX-5 NB Sport '01-'05 Rear Rotor/Hat Upgrade Kits

Wilwood's new Rear Brake Rotor and Hat Upgrade Kit is designed to increase thermal braking capacity while reducing weight. The kit offers bolt-on installation of hat to rotor using factory hubs, spindles and calipers while being fully compatible with stock master cylinder and front brakes.

wilwood.com.

Wilwood Disc Brakes

BMW E36 M3 '95-'99 and Z3 '98-'01 Superlite Big Front Brake Kits

Wilwood has engineered the new Big Brake Kits using the Superlite six-piston calipers and proprietary Spec37 iron alloy rotors. The result is increased brake torque and pad life from differential bore piston sizes in the radial mount caliper design, according to the company.

wilwood.com.

Calling all New York SEMA members!

Gear up for the SEMA New York Rally, roaring into Albany, New York, on May 14. This is your chance to amplify your voice and champion the future of the automotive aftermarket alongside fellow industry leaders. 

Shift into high gear and join us to: 

• Engage with influential New York lawmakers and advocate for policies that fuel industry growth and protect your interests. 
• Advocate on critical issues like ensuring new vehicle technologies don't adversely impact the aftermarket, tax policies that help small businesses and ensuring producer responsibility laws don't adversely impact our industry. 
• Network with fellow SEMA members and forge powerful connections that drive innovation and collaboration. 

Don't get left behind! Click here to register. Secure your spot and find lodging information to ensure a smooth ride. 

Together, we can make our voices heard and shape a brighter future for the automotive aftermarket in New York. Register today and join us in Albany on May 14. 

Questions? Contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News sources recently caught a glimpse of the upcoming Toyota bZ3X testing in metro Detroit, Michigan.

Toyota is expanding its bZ line of electric crossovers and sedans with the introduction of the compact bZ3X and follows the debut of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the bZ4X, developed in collaboration with Subaru. Toyota's BEV strategy includes the introduction of three distinct EV concepts: a small SUV, the bZ compact SUV, featuring a sporty coupe-like roofline, and a crossover EV, which was later revealed as the production Crown Sport crossover in 2022.

According to insiders, a production model of the bZ compact SUV concept should arrive as early as the '25 model year. This production-ready compact crossover, positioned just below the bZ4X, is expected to be named the bZ3X. While Toyota has not disclosed specific powertrain details, the bZ3X is expected to offer a base single-motor, front-wheel-drive configuration and an optional dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. In terms of size, the bZ3X is likely to closely resemble the gas-powered Corolla Cross crossover, according to sources.

By Ashley Reyes

Aftermarket companies and industry professionals can gain access to future engineers and students looking to jumpstart their careers in the automotive specialty-equipment industry by signing up now for one of two career fairs taking place at the SEMA Garage. 

Hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), the career fairs will take place at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan, on March 16, from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in their respective time zones. Participating businesses will share their expertise with university students who are actively building vehicles for SAE Collegiate Design Competitions, help them explore career opportunities and inspire them in their career paths.

Attending the event is free of charge for SEMA members and is a great chance for businesses to connect face-to-face with potential candidates, put your company name out in the industry and network with other aftermarket businesses and industry professionals. The SEMA Garage team will also provide a tour of its facility showcasing the state-of-the-art equipment used to assist SEMA members with product development. Lunch will be provided.

Register your company at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. 

Register your company at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hosting a Mobile Command Unit Industry Day webinar on Friday, February 16, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST. The virtual event is for industry professionals and will highlight FEMA's need for products to support its Mobile Command Units that respond to disasters nationwide.

Specialty vehicle builders are encouraged to participate in FEMA's virtual Mobile Command Unit Industry Day on Friday, February 16. Photo courtesy of FEMA, Facebook.

For SEMA members specializing in building specialty vehicles, we encourage you to participate in the event to learn more about FEMA's needs and opportunities to contract with the agency. FEMA requires preregistration for the webinar by COB on Monday, February 12. Register for the event here (limited to two attendees per company).

FEMA's virtual webinar will provide attendees with a program overview and more details about the needs of Mobile Command Units. 

For more information about the event, view FEMA's flyer here. For questions regarding registration, contact FEMAIndustry@fema.dhs.gov. To read more about opportunities to procure or contract with FEMA, explore the agency's resources.

By Mike Spagnola

Those who follow politics know that by February state legislatures across the United States are fully underway. This is an especially important topic for SEMA members, who frequently want to know what our association is doing to effectively engage government leaders and bring about positive outcomes for our industry. Seeing an increase of legislative and regulatory overreach, many are concerned about the specialty automotive industry's future.

SEMA members will be pleased to know that their association is forcefully addressing this issue and launching new programs to level the playing field and protect and advance this industry's interests. You'll be hearing more about one example, SEMA's new SuperPAC, which effectively supported several state legislative candidates favoring the repeal of Virginia's recent internal combustion engine (ICE) ban.

We believe our industry's best is a strong offense, and with the SuperPAC we'll play a bigger role in elections than we ever have, bringing the American consumer along with us. We will not shy away from forging a political landscape favorable to our businesses. This year, you'll see us combatting ICE bans at the state level across the nation.

And that's just the beginning. For 20 years, the environmental lobby has been slowly chipping away at issues affecting our industry, including land use. A recent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) ruling effectively deprived off-road enthusiasts access to more than 300 miles of trails in Moab, Utah. This ruling denies the good our industry does, from trail maintenance and cleanups to the Tread Lightly! program and more. We've joined the Off Road Business Association (ORBA) and other allies to fight this ruling. Increasingly, we're tackling such issues at the state and federal levels, legislatively and in the courts.

But even as we aggressively pursue favorable legislation and court decisions, we intend to foster good relationships with open-minded government officials. Positively effecting change means winning allies, which often involves education. Many are unaware of the good we do for consumers and the role we play in automotive innovation. For example, many of the safety systems we take for granted in cars today originated in racing, and aftermarket invention continues to make huge strides toward cleaner performance. 

Part of our strategy is positioning our industry to be emissions and safety-compliant through education and technical assistance from the SEMA Garage. We're supplying the tools and data that our members need to propel our industry into the next generation of automotive innovation. And we're spreading the message that the people researching and delivering the solutions our leaders seek are often their neighbors working right here in this industry.

That's also why we're building bridges with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board and other regulators to create more certainty for our companies where we can. Additionally, we're stepping up our educational outreach to legislators from state to state and in Washington, D.C. Too frequently, they only hear from one side on these important issues, and we will correct that. In the end, relationships matter, and we will secure them through education, communication and assertive advocacy. 

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage has announced a measuring session for the newly designed '24 Ford F-150.

SEMA members will have the opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the Ford truck; take advantage of this exclusive event, Tuesday, February 27, in person at the SEMA Garage Detroit in Plymouth, Michigan.

This event will feature two '24 Ford F-150 truck models:  

F-150 4x2 SuperCrew:

• 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop technology.
• STX Black appearance package.
• Extended range 36-gallon fuel tank.
• Spray-in bedliner.
• Cloth seats.
• 12-in. productivity screen.
• 5.5 ft. pick-up box. 

F-150 4x4 SuperCrew:  

• 5.0L V8 engine with auto start-stop technology.
• XLT with FX package.
• Mobile office and bed utility package.
• BlueCruise package.
• Cloth seats.
• 12-in. productivity screen.
• 5.5 ft. pick-up box. 

Spots are limited for this exclusive event; sign up today. For more information, visit the RSVP link or contact measuringsessions@sema.org. Don't delay; spots are filling up fast. RSVP now.

'24 Ford F-150 Measuring Session

Tuesday, February 27, 2024
SEMA Garage Detroit
14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170
View on Google Maps.
Click here to RSVP.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

We are excited to invite you to the SEMA and PRI Washington Rally, taking place in Washington, D.C., May 8-9, 2024. The Washington Rally provides an opportunity for SEMA and PRI member companies to come together and advocate on behalf of the specialty-automotive aftermarket and motorsports-parts industries with members of Congress. Click here to register for the event. 

By attending the Washington Rally, you will have the opportunity to meet with your members of Congress and their staff, discuss critical issues and advocate for policies that will benefit our industry. Your participation will help ensure that our industry's concerns are heard and that we can continue to innovate and grow. 

Whether it's protecting the right to repair and modify vehicles with advanced technology, combating vehicle technology mandates that limit consumer choice or protecting motorized access to federal government lands, there are many issues facing SEMA and PRI members in the nation's capital. With the 2024 presidential election heating up and the balance of power in both the House and Senate up for grabs, it's more important than ever for SEMA and PRI members to come to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry! 

SEMA and PRI have a limited number of rooms available at the Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill for $409 per night, plus tax. A link to book a room will be provided upon completing the registration form. 

Below is a list of 2024 Washington Rally events (all times ET): 

Wednesday, May 8, 2024  

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. -- SEMA-PRI PAC Reception* -- Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Sapphire Room and Terrace -- Penthouse level 

*A PAC contribution is required to attend in the suggested amount of $250 per individual. If you have already contributed to the SEMA and PRI PAC in 2024, this event may be complimentary as a part of your PAC Membership Benefits. Contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org if you have any questions. 

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. -- Washington Rally Congressional Dinner -- Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom -- Penthouse level 

Thursday, May 9, 2024 

7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. -- Breakfast and Welcome Briefing -- Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom -- Penthouse level 

9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. -- Meetings with Congressional Representatives -- House & Senate Office Buildings 

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Cars at the Capitol Event -- Southwest side of the U.S. Capitol on Maryland Avenue (across from the Botanical Garden) 

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. -- Congressional Luncheon -- Capitol Hill Club, Eisenhower Room 

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- Meetings with Congressional Representatives -- House and Senate Office Buildings 

For more information on the Washington Rally, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.