Nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class are open at www.sema.org/hof.

Induction to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association and honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket over a long period of time.

“Our industry is fueled by nothing short of passionate and hard-working individuals. The SEMA Hall of Fame honors those whom without, our industry would not be what it is today,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership.

“The industry’s input in the selection process is an invaluable asset to the association in identifying deserving hall of fame inductees.”

Since its inception in 1969, 165 individuals have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, including:

• Agosta, Matt (Steele Rubber Products)
• Airheart, Bob (Bob Airheart Sales)
• Alderson, Don (Muldoon Engineering)
• Amato, Joe (Keystone Automotive Warehouse)
• Appelgate, Brian (B&M Racing & Performance)
• Arias Jr., Nick (Arias Pistons)
• Arkus-Duntov, Zora (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Ayres, Joel (Automtoive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation)
• Babcox, Tom (Babcox Publications)
• Baney, Lou (SEMA)
• Barnett, Don (Speed Warehouse)
• Barris, George (Barris Kustom Industries)
• Barsamian, Rich (Advanced Clutch Technology Inc.)
• Bartlett, John (Grant Piston Rings)
• Baskerville, Gray (Hot Rod Magazine)
• Belond, Sandy (Belond Mufflers)
• Bingham, Jim (Winners Circle Speed & Custom Inc.)
• Black, Keith (Keith Black Racing Engines)
• Bleiweis, Raymond (Rocket Industries)
• Blum, Charles R. (SEMA)
• Bobins, Chuck (CB Sales)
• Bolio, Steve (Scafidi-Bolio & Associates)
• Borick, Louis (Superior Industries)
• Borré, Dan (Keith Black Performance Inc.)
• Borré, Jim (Manik Motors)
• Brock, Ray (Petersen Publishing)
• Brothers, Paul "Scooter" (Competition Cams, Inc.)
• Brown, Ray (Superior Industries)
• Cahill, Robert (Chrysler Corp., Mopar Division)
• Campbell, Ben, Nighthorse (Senator)
• Card, Charley (Honest Charley's)
• Carleton, GiGi (Robert E. Petersen Foundation)
• Cepek, Dick (Dick Cepek Inc.)
• Chandler, Bob (Bigfoot 4x4 Inc.)
• Chapouris, Pete (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Chrisman, Art (Chrisman’s Auto Rod Specialist – CARS)
• Coddington, Boyd (Boyds Wheels)
• Coker, Corky (Coker Tires)
• Coleman, Ron (Competition Cams)
• Cook, Bob (Book Cook Sales)
• Cornelison, Nile (Direct Communications Inc.)
• Cozzie, Jim (Brenton Productions Inc.)
• Crane, Harvey J. (Crane Cams)
• Crower, Bruce (Crower Cams)
• Day, Dick (Petersen Publishing Co.)
• Deane, Russ (SEMA General Counsel)
• Deist, Jim (Deist Safety Equipment)
• Diamond, Murray (Plasticolor Molded Products)
• Douglass, Howard (Douglass Mufflers)
• Eatherly, Donnie (P&E Distributors Inc.)
• Economaki, Chris (National Speed Sport News)
• Edelbrock Jr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Edelbrock Sr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Elliott, Ed (Elliott-McMullen Advertising)
• Elliott, George (Argus Publishers)
• Evans, Doug (Bonnier Corporation)
• Faulk, Amy (Hypertech Inc.)
• Fishel, Herb (The Business of Motorsports)
• Foose, Chip (Foose Design)
• Foote, George (Karbelt Speed & Custom)
• Foulger, Donna Imrie (SEMA)
• France Sr., Bill (NASCAR)
• Funfar, Run (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Gage, Dennis (MadStache Inc.)
• Gaines, John (G&M Performance Parts)
• Garlits, Don (Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing)
• Garner, Willie (Trans-Dapt)
• Giampetroni, Angelo (Ford Motor Company)
• Goldberg, Harvey (Goldberg Marketing Inc.)
• Goldstein, Jack (Jack Goldstein & Associates)
• Granatelli, Andy (Consultant)
• Grant, Eric
• Halibrand, Ted (Halibrand Engineering)
• Harman, Kenny (Harman Collins Inc.)
• Harris, Jack (Rush Sales)
• Hart, C.J. (Lion's Drag Strip)
• Hart, Jack (NHRA)
• Hays, Bill (Centerforce Clutches)
• Hedman, Bob (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Heffington, Mark (Hypertech Inc.)
• Hibler, Harry (Nanotech Fuel Corp.)
• Hilborn, Stuart (Fuel Injection Engineering Co.)
• Hiltz, Stan (Thrush Mufflers)
• Holding, Dennis (Direct Parts Inc.)
• Hooker, Gary (Hooker Headers)
• Hrudka, Joe (Mr. Gasket Co.)
• Hurst, George (Hurst Shifters)
• Iskenderian, Ed (Isky Racing Cams)
• Kagan, Leo (Amco Manufacturing)
• Kawasaki, Wade (Coker Group)
• Keller, Bob (Turbonetics, Inc.)
• Kerr, Jim (Jim Kerr & Associates)
• Konblett, Sheldon (SC Performance)
• Kuhns, Arnold (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Lahmann, Butch (American Specialty Equipment)
• Larivee Sr., Bob (Promotions Inc.)
• LeSage, Burke
• Leslie, Roy (Kenz & Leslie Accessories Ltd.)
• Light, Jerry (Speed Warehouse)
• Lipper, Ray (Center Line Wheel Corp.)
• Lohn, Els (Ansen Enterprises)
• Mallory, Boots (Mallory Ignition)
• Martin, Dick
• Maxwell, Dick (Chrysler Corporation)
• McClelland, Dave (Diamond P Sports)
• McFarland, Jim (AutoCom)
• McJannett, Bob (Performance Improvements)
• McMullen, Richard
• Meguiar, Barry (Meguiar’s)
• Menzler, John (COMP Performance Group)
• Moon, Dean (Moon Equipment Co.)
• Moore, Marla (Coker Tire)
• Moroso, Dick (Moroso Performance Products)
• Offenhauser, Fred (Offenhauser Equipment Corp.)
• Olson, Carl (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Parks, Wally (NHRA)
• Patteri, Robert (Patteri Sales)
• Perry, Bill (Bill Perry and Associates)
• Petersen, Robert E. (Petersen Publishing)
• Piggins, Vince (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Pink, Ed (Ed Pink Racing Engines)
• Pisano, Joe (Venolia Pistons)
• Prudhomme, Don (Don Prudhomme Racing)
• Raleigh, Don (Don's Speed Shop)
• Reed, Alan (IMARC)
• Richter, Roy (Cragar Industries)
• Rifchin, Marvin (M&H Tires)
• Roberts, Red (McLeod Industries)
• Rollins, Rick (Superchips, Inc.)
• Scafidi, John (Hurst Shifters)
• Schiefer, Paul (Schiefer Equipment Co.)
• Schubeck, Joe
• Schwartz, Chuck (ConvExx)
• Senter, Louis (Senter Engineering Corp.)
• Shedden, Tom (Cragar Industries)
• Shelby, Carroll (Shelby Automotives)
• Shelton, Nate (B&M Automotive Group)
• Sigman, Ben (Sigman-Pittman)
• Simmons, John (SECO Performance Centers)
• Simpson, Bill (Simpson Racing Products)
• Smith, Bill (Speedway Motors)
• Smith, Don (High Performance Distributors)
• Spar, Bob (B&M Automotive)
• St. Lawrence, Joe (RTM Studios)
• Stroppe, Bill (Bill Stroppe & Son)
• Thompson, Mickey (Mickey Thompson Enterprises)
• Thomson, Chris (TMG Performance Group)
• Towle, John (Performance Warehouse Association)
• Van Cleve, Charlie (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Van Cleve, Dick (Van Cleve & Associates)
• Vandergriff, Robert (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Vaughn, Jim (Mr. Phone)
• Vaughn, Linda (Hurst Performance Products)
• Warn, Thurston (Warn Industries)
• Weber, Harry (Weber Cams)
• Weiand, Joan (Weiand Industries)
• Weiand, Phil (Weiand Automotive Industries)
• Wells, Dick (SEMA)
• Winfield, Ed (Winfield Carburetors)
• Wirth, Jim (Wirth & Wirth Advertising)
• Woodell, Van (Weathers Auto Supply)
• Woomer, Steve (Competition Specialties)
• Worthan, Rolan “Jeep” (Auto Meter Products, Inc.)
• Xydias, Alex (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Yunick, Henry “Smokey”

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction. Nominations are open until March 18, 2022, and can be submitted here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, Project Manager-Recognition Programs, at chriss@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

The following important exhibitor milestones have been set in preparation for the in-person 2022 SEMA Show.

• Exhibit Space Reservation Application Deadline: Monday, April 4
• Early Space Selection: Monday, May 2–Wednesday, May 18
• Show Dates: Tuesday, November 1–Friday, November 4

The SEMA Show is the only place in the world that brings together every segment of the automotive industry to connect the people, products, vehicles and ideas that drive the passion for automobiles. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet in person with customers, new buyers, media and colleagues.

More than 100,000 industry exhibitors, buyers and media reconnected to do business for the first time in two years at the 2021 SEMA Show.

Reserve your booth today!

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

JMS PedalMAX

JMS PedalMAX was designed to improve the throttle response and driving characteristics of modern vehicles equipped with electronic throttle control systems. Throttle response and acceleration are improved, turbo applications see a big lag reduction, all leading to more power and torque. Taking only minutes to install, the unit plugs in-line between your vehicle's pedal position sensor and vehicle harness, utilizing OEM connectors with a control knob making performance adjustable on-the-fly! PedalMAX units are fully waterproof, backed by a lifetime warranty, designed and assembled in the USA.

PN: PX1920GMT
www.jmschip.com

Rugged Ridge Performance

Vented Hood Kit; ’07–’16 Jeep Wrangler JK

Remove the heat, maximize your engine performance and add a little flair to your Jeep exterior with this Performance Vented Hood kit from Rugged Ridge that combines the function of the Performance Vented Hood (PN: 17759.01) and the aggressive off-road style of the hood vents (PN: 17759.09) Made of stamped steel and a factory inner core, the Performance Vented Hood fits like the original yet allows more heat to escape from the engine compartment than other hoods on the market today. The SRT-inspired design gives a great aggressive look. Vents are removable to make it easier to paint. Uses factory attachment points and more aftermarket accessories will simply bolt into place. Got heat? You need this kit!  

Features:

• Includes PN: 17759.01 and PN: 17759.09
• Perfect add-on accessory
• Promote proper airflow into your engine bay
• OE-style inner structure
• Limited 5-year warranty

PN: 17759.02
www.ruggedridge.com

Boostline Ford Ecoboost 2.3L, 149.00 mm, ARP 625+, Set of 4

BoostLine connecting rods are designed from the ground up for high-power forced induction and nitrous applications. A patented, three-pocket design, forged from premium 4340 steel, maximizes strength while minimizing rotating weight. This revolutionary design dramatically improves the rod’s big-end stability under tensile loads and provides a 60% improvement in bending strength and 20% stress reduction in tension compared to H-beam designs. All of these benefits make BoostLine rods ideal for high-cylinder pressure engine combinations.

Features:  

• Purpose-built for boost
• Forged from ultra-strong 4340 steel
• Patented three-pocket design
• Industry-leading ARP 2000 fasteners (Available in 625+ for sport compact and European applications)
• Detailed inspection report included

PN: FD5866-886
www.boostlineproducts.com

CTEK MUS Test & Charge

CTEK’s MUS 4.3 TEST & CHARGE battery charger and maintainer has three unique and easy-to-use test programs that check the condition and performance of the battery, the alternator and the vehicle’s charging system. It also has a patented desulphation function and reconditioning mode that analyzes the state of the battery to recover its health and restore stratified and deeply discharged batteries. The MUS 4.3 TEST & CHARGE uses CTEK’s patented float/pulse system, which makes it ideal for long-term battery maintenance. The MUS 4.3 TEST & CHARGE provides excellent performance on 12V lead-acid batteries (Wet, MF, AGM, GEL) from 1.2Ah up to 110Ah. The MUS 4.3 TEST & CHARGE protects vehicle electronics, is spark-free and reverse polarity protected and short-circuit proof.

PN: 56-959
www.ctek.com

’21–’22 Ford Bronco Rock Fighter Front Bumper

Designed with heavy trail use in mind, this bumper feature high clearance and approach angles. At the center of the bumper is a universal light mount ready for up to a 20-in. radius light bar, or five cube lights. There are two light mounts for round lights on top, on either side of the low-profile top hoop and standard winch mount. This bumper retains OEM parking sensor locations, and there is an adaptive cruise control relocation bracket available. The Rock Fighter has an integrated bumper skid plate featuring louvers to allow airflow to the intercooler. Additionally, we offer an optional 3/16-in. aluminum alloy front skid plate to provide superior protection to the underbelly, as opposed to the OEM plastic skid. As always, this is fully bolt-on and made in America.

PN: F230181060103
www.addictivedesertdesigns.com

SEMA welcomes the installation of a new water well and weather and hydrologic equipment used for measuring salt growth conditions as part of its broader Restore Bonneville program. Federal and state funds were released last year to install the monitoring equipment and help increase the volume of salt pumped onto the Bonneville Salt Flats this year to a total of up to 500,000 tons.

Land-speed racers at the starting line. A new water well and weather and hydrologic equipment have been installed as part of the Restore Bonneville program to help increase the volume of salt pumped onto the Bonneville Salt Flats.

As part of the Restore Bonneville program, SEMA and the racing community joined forces with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Utah Geological Survey (UGS), and Intrepid Potash Inc. in the collaborative restoration effort. Originally in the ’60s, the racing venue was more than 13 miles in length, but the course is now eight miles or less. According to a study by the BLM, the Salt Flats have also shrunk in size from 96,000 acres to about 30,000 acres.

Located in northwestern Utah, the Bonneville Salt Flats are composed of densely packed salt remnants of an ancient lakebed formed over thousands of years. They serve as a unique stage set for movies, commercials, marathons and rocket club launches, and possess rare physical qualities that make it the perfect venue for land-speed racing, such as providing a cool surface that doesn’t overheat tires. Since 1914, hundreds of land-speed records have been set and broken in a variety of automotive and motorcycle classes. Speed Week, the marquee event at Bonneville, began in 1949, with scores of racers and thousands of spectators descending on Bonneville in the quest for records.

Bonneville serves another important role as a crucial natural resource for potash used primarily in fertilizers. To obtain potash, salt brine is collected in large solar evaporation ponds, from which potash is separated out and processed. The remaining salt is stored and may then be returned to the Salt Flats as salt brine.

Beginning in the ’60s, the BLM issued leases to the north of Interstate 80, where motorsports racing and other recreational activities take place, allowing salt brine to be collected in open ditches for commercial potash processing. The mine operator began pumping the processed salt back onto Bonneville in 1997 as a result of a pilot project SEMA advocated to create. The Restore Bonneville program will help address salt losses that occurred before 1997, when the potash project was operated by previous companies.

The BLM and DNR signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2020 to jointly pursue restoration efforts. The program, which SEMA calls Restore Bonneville, will be managed by DNR, in conjunction with the BLM, and operated by Intrepid Potash. The endeavor is strongly supported by SEMA and the Save the Salt Coalition, a collection of companies, organizations, individuals and land-speed racing teams.

In working with Intrepid Potash, the volume of salt laid down on Bonneville will be increased by updating and improving the efficiency of the current pumping infrastructure and water conservation efforts, which includes rebuilding water wells, covering ditches and installing new pipes and pumps. Great efforts to use water more efficiently will help achieve the goal to increase the volume of salt returned to the salt flats. It will likely take several years to upgrade the infrastructure and gradually increase pumping volumes.

The summer 2021 installation of the new water well and equipment to measure water evaporation rates and collect scientific data represented a tangible start to the ambitious restoration effort. The program will seek to identify the best ways to take advantage of the salt laydown and study the effects on the salt crust and underlying brine aquifer. For example, the program will consider ways to contain the salt within the large pumping area. If current research proves beneficial, efforts may be extended into the future upon funding availability.

Stakeholders are now identifying projects to be pursued in 2022 and beyond to continue increasing the volume of salt being pumped. While the bulk of the program funding will come from federal and state appropriations, both industry and the land speed racing community will voluntarily help pay the costs. Financial contributions from the racing community are gratefully accepted at www.savethesalt.org, a 501(c)(3) organization.

View Utah Geological Survey’s press release here.

The new “SEMA Battle of the Builders” television special premieres this Sunday, January 23, on the A+E Networks’ History Channel at 9:00 a.m. (EST).

In addition to tuning in, please invite your friends and family to tune in as well. Watch the 30-second trailer below and visit the SEMA Show YouTube channel to view the playlist of 20 three-minute videos showcasing contestants and their builds leading up to the competition at the 2021 SEMA Show.

The TV special has been airing annually since 2014, and gives consumers a glimpse into the trade-only SEMA Show. One very cool new feature this year is the inclusion of a vehicle lift for viewing each vehicle’s spectacular undercarriage. Don’t miss one second of this exciting premiere!

Visit www.semashow.com/botb for more information.

This is the next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor undergoing testing in light camo, showing a few new elements about the off-road truck.

These new shots provide a best look yet at the front end, including the unique grille and revised front fascia, complete with a set of fog lights and a noticeable front skid plate.

At the side, there’s a set of high-clearance running boards along with black wheels with beefy BFG tires, while the rear end features a set of dual exhausts with a black finish.

With the debut of the international Ford Ranger out of the way, Ford will next reveal the Ranger for the U.S. market, followed by the debut of the Ranger Raptor for global markets.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor undergoing testing in light camo, showing a few new elements about the off-road truck.

These new shots provide a best look yet at the front end, including the unique grille and revised front fascia, complete with a set of fog lights and a noticeable front skid plate.

At the side, there’s a set of high-clearance running boards along with black wheels with beefy BFG tires, while the rear end features a set of dual exhausts with a black finish.

With the debut of the international Ford Ranger out of the way, Ford will next reveal the Ranger for the U.S. market, followed by the debut of the Ranger Raptor for global markets.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The following important exhibitor milestones have been set in preparation for the in-person 2022 SEMA Show.

• Exhibit Space Reservation Application Deadline: Monday, April 4
• Early Space Selection: Monday, May 2–Wednesday, May 18
• Show Dates: Tuesday, November 1–Friday, November 4

The SEMA Show is the only place in the world that brings together every segment of the automotive industry to connect the people, products, vehicles and ideas that drive the passion for automobiles. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet in person with customers, new buyers, media and colleagues.

More than 100,000 industry exhibitors, buyers and media reconnected to do business for the first time in two years at the 2021 SEMA Show.

Reserve your booth today!

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

By Fredy Ramirez, Jay Carpio, and Carr Winn

Recently Toyota brought the new ’22 Toyota GR86 by the SEMA Garage for a measuring session. According to the company the new platform represents, ”...a track-ready, driver’s car made for pure fun.” SEMA members immediately poured over the car for several days looking for opportunities to develop new products. In addition, Top 12 Battle of the Builders Finalist, Chelsie Lesnoski from Throttle Thrashers Garage got a tour around the vehicle from Toyota Spokesperson Dan Gardner. Here’s a few highlights from the walk around.

According to Toyota, the GR86 offers more horsepower and torque, a redesigned interior and exterior and a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of just $27,700. Customers will have the option of two grades, GR86 and GR86 Premium and a choice of manual or paddle shifted automatic transmission.

To learn more about the Toyota GR86, visit www.toyota.com/gr86. If you have questions about the recent measuring session, or want to join fellow SEMA members for the next event visit www.semagarage.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) are invited to a cross-council/network mixer at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, on Friday, January 28.

“It’s exciting when SEMA councils and networks collaborate and get together. The synergy that is created benefits all participants and results in what is truly a productive and exciting event,” said ETTN Director Nicole Bradle. “We invite all current or prospective ETTN, SBN or WTC members to join us for this unique event."

Attendees will make new contacts, openly network with other industry professionals, and connect with select committee leaders from each group. Registration, although not required, is encouraged so that organizers can plan accordingly.

Learn more and RSVP here.