By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) members and those involved in the hot-rod segment of the industry are invited to join the council for its upcoming general membership meeting, February 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PST).

The HRIA Select Committee will share details about the council’s latest programs and resources, and host a virtual panel discussion focused on trends and predictions in the hot-rod industry. This event is the ideal opportunity for members to connect directly with council leadership and get questions answered on the state of the hot-rod industry at large.

Register now.

For additional questions regarding the event, contact HRIA Council Director Jim Skelly at Jimsk@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

On February 2, 2021, California began accepting round-two applications from small businesses and nonprofits seeking funds from the state’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. The program is being administered by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Applications are due February 8, 2021. Round-one applicants who did not receive funds do not need to reapply.

Grant recipients will be awarded between $5,000 and $25,000, based on annual revenue from the most recent tax return. Eligible recipients with annual revenue of $1,000 to $100,000 may be awarded $5,000. Those with revenue more than $100,000, up to $1 million, may receive $15,000. If a recipient’s revenue is greater than $1 million, up to $2.5 million, it may receive $25,000. Funds may be used to cover eligible expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as payroll expenses, working capital, costs associated with reopening and COVID-19 mitigation expenses.

Applicants will be scored based on priority criteria, including geographic distribution based on California’s Blueprint for a Safe Economy; impact of COVID-19 on the applicant’s industry sector; and underserved small business groups served by the State supported network of small business centers.

For more information on the program or to learn how to apply, visit https://careliefgrant.com/.

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has completed a rule that will allow low volume vehicle manufacturers to produce and sell replica cars—vehicles that appear to be at least 25 years old. SEMA members are invited to learn more about the replica car law during a webinar on Wednesday, February 10, at 11:00 a.m. (PST).

Replica car manufacturers and suppliers have waited since 2015 for the program to start, when the U.S. Congress passed legislation to establish it. Until then, NHTSA only had a one-size-fits-all regulatory framework intended for companies that mass-produce millions of cars.

A panel of industry experts will provide an overview of the new program and practical considerations for selling replica cars, engine packages, or vehicle parts.

Details

Webinar: A New Era for Replica Cars: How Manufacturers and Suppliers Can Take Advantage of Industry-Friendly Regulations

• What is the definition of “replica car”?
• How will replica cars be regulated by NHTSA?
• How will the cars meet current model year emissions standards?
• What are the rules for engine packages to be installed in the cars?
• When and how do companies register with NHTSA, EPA, and CARB?

Register now.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA members can again apply for a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan or emergency injury disaster (EIDL) loan. The current deadline is March 31, 2021, for submitting PPP loan applications, and December 31, 2021, for EIDL applications. SEMA has provided two resources to assist:

• Click here for an overview of PPP first and second loans, EIDL loans, and links for more information.
• Click here for a recording of the “Everything You Need to Know About the New PPP Program” webinar presented by Gene Marks on January 19, 2021.
• Webinar PowerPoint presentation.

Questions? Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Richard Hail

The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here. The 2020 “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special will air on A+E Networks’ History Channel this Sunday, February 7, at 9:00 a.m. (EST). Now in its seventh year, more than 1,000 builders have competed in the annual event.

The one-hour program highlights skilled builders who are vying for the industry’s ultimate accolade—the Battle of the Builders Top Builder Trophy. Beginning with more than 300 entries, the Top 40 vehicles are chosen from four distinct categories—Hot Rod, Import/Sport Compact, Truck/Off-Road, and Young Guns—and go head-to-head in a battle for top build.

But before that, there are still three more past episodes that you can catch this week during the SEMA: Battle of the Builders Marathon. Point your browser to the SEMA Show YouTube channel where you can set a reminder to watch the next SEMA Battle of the Builders competition each night at 6:00 p.m. (PST). Join Adrienne “AJ” Janic as she gives an exclusive look at past competitions. Other special guests will also make an appearance throughout the night. Join in the conversation, learn some interesting facts and maybe you’ll get the opportunity to chat with a SEMA builder.

Be sure to subscribe and click that “set reminder” button on the SEMA Show YouTube channel. And follow along with all the #SEMABOTB action on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders program, visit www.semabotb.com

By Ashley Reyes

As the aftermarket industry began to grow, so did the need to recognize the pioneers who contributed to it and to the formation of the association.

Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame began and was referred to as the “Old Timer’s Memorial Award” at the time. Few people realize that it was not until 1986 that the program came to be known as the SEMA Hall of Fame.

Here’s more about the program that few people may know:

The First Inductee

When Paul Schiefer returned from serving in the Navy during World War II, he resumed his hobby of working on cars and began experimenting on his flathead Ford V8-powered “T,” and eventually produced the first ribbed-type, lightweight, cast aluminum flywheel that would not wrap or distort under serve load.

As horsepower increased, so did the danger of flywheels exploding into dangerous shrapnel. Schiefer developed a process that provided the ultimate in coefficient of friction and wear of resistance and went on to develop the first bonded bronze clutch facing a new aluminum flywheel called the “Albro.”

During the ’60s, Schiefer guided his company to become the largest specialty drivetrain manufacturing company in the world.

In honor of being named the association’s first inductee in 1969, subsequent inductees received the Paul Schiefer “Old Timer’s Memorial Award.” In 1986, the award came to be known simply as the Hall of Fame. Though the name changed, the original intent did not. To this day, the award continues to honor and pay tribute to the leaders and legends that help make the automotive specialty equipment market a thriving $44.6 billion industry.

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn SEMA Hall of Fame induction. If you know an outstanding person in the industry who has enhanced or significantly contributed to the industry and associations growth, nominate them to be inducted into the 2021 SEMA Hall of Fame class.

Nominations are being accepted until March 19.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.semahof.com or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Ashley Reyes

Best-selling author Corey Perlman of Social Media Impact Inc. and Brand Experience Expert Katie Mares shared proven strategies and tips for turning a digital onlooker into a lifelong customer during a recent education webinar from SEMA360. The full session will be released on February 24 as special simu-live event, where Perlman and Mares will engage and answer questions through a live chat on what brands can do to obtain testimonials and referrals that will bring in more business, maintain positive customer relationships and offer experiences that are authentic, personalized and tailored.

Industry professionals are invited to watch the highly rated SEMA360 education session that participants described as an “excellent session” with “fantastic content”, while connecting with Perlman and Mares in a live chat and discussion.  

Register here for “The Customer Journey: From Digital Onlooker to Repeat Buyer.”

By Ashley Reyes

Every employee is different, and knowing how to motivate and empower them can be challenging. Discover proven strategies and techniques for boosting morale and creating a winning team by attending the new SEMA Virtual Education Team Management Series, powered by SBN, February 11, at 11:00 a.m. (PST).

The first session in the series will focus on how to empower and boost morale with limited resources. Presented by Caliber Collision’s Vice President of Marketing Melissa Brown and Vice President – Human Resources business partner Jen Schmit, the session will help managers avoid the biggest mistakes in coaching, and how to tailor a motivation strategy to individual employees. Participants will also be able to connect with others, build a network and develop an action plan that will work for them.

View the full session agenda and register for “Empower and Boost Morale With Limited Resources.”

  By Ashley Reyes

Submissions are being accepted for SEMA-member companies to participate in the 2021 Ford Project Vehicle Program.

Open to SEMA member company manufacturers, designers and/or retailers dedicated to supporting new product development, companies must be willing to actively promote the vehicle with their products through an established marketing plan and be financially capable of spending promotional dollars.

The Ford booth at the 2021 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to its existing lineup. The provided links below will allow you to research these products as well as find high-resolution images for your proposal rendering.

• ’21 Ford Bronco (2-Door/4-Door)
• ’21 Ford Bronco Sport
• ’21 Ford Transit
• ’21 Ford Super Duty
• ’21 F-150 (with Pro Power Onboard)
• ’21 Ford Ranger
• ’21 Mach E
• ’21 Ford Expedition
• ’21 Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT)

Information for the above models can be found at Ford’s media website.

2021 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 8, 2021
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 7, 2021

All project vehicle requests must meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria shown below.

Please submit your project request in two parts:

1.  E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 15, 2021.

Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme.
• Vehicle modifications.
• New product development.
• Promotional plan.
• Vehicle display location at the 2021 SEMA Show.

2. E-mail, mail or send a link to where the files can be download of a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 8, 2021.

Include detail supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering, and past project vehicles examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A Manufacturer or Designer/Restyler dedicated to supporting new product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2021 Las Vegas SEMA Show.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability Insurance, $3 million in automotive liability insurance, $1 million employer liability and demonstrate workers compensation coverage; an umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its Dealers for display, at the owner’s discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development.
2. Modifications to the vehicle.
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event).
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies).
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle.
6. Social Media exposure with statistics.
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration.

Please submit Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Company
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579        
Dearborn, MI 48124    
Attn: Nick Terzes and Kyle Ebner                      
semainfo@ford.com

Compiled by SEMA Editors

eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series to Return in 2021

After a historic debut season that set the high watermark in viewership for televised esports programming, the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series is set to return in 2021. NASCAR and iRacing jointly have announced a new-look Pro Invitational that will see NASCAR Cup Series stars compete virtually in a 10-race schedule. The virtual series will complement NASCAR’s real-life racing schedule, offering fans a new mid-week competition featuring NASCAR’s top drivers. FOX Sports will broadcast the first five races of the series live in primetime on FS1. NBC Sports will air the final five races of the series, with its schedule and details announced later. The series begins on Wednesday, March 24, and will visit a mix of virtual venues, including Bristol Motor Speedway’s new dirt configuration, fan-favorites such as Talladega Superspeedway and Darlington Raceway, and Austin, Texas’ famed Circuit of The Americas.

Rachel Meyer Joins Randy Meyer Racing Team

Rachel Meyer has been named her sister Megan’s replacement on the Randy Meyer Racing team. She will drive the newly rebranded NTK Sensors A/Fuel dragster tuned and owned by her father Randy Meyer. Racing on a part-time basis, Rachel won the 2020 NHRA Central Region championship on the strength of two wins and a runner-up finish. She also reached the semifinals in her second JEGS Allstars appearance. Meyer’s 2021 schedule will be her most ambitious season yet, with 10 national events and six regional races on the itinerary. Meyer, who services the clutch in addition to a number of other driver duties between rounds, will work alongside her dad and the team he’s assembled to work on Randy Meyer Racing’s A/Fuel cars. Megan will also join the team at a few races to handle media duties, while the sisters’ mom Mary helps out as well. Rachel will begin her 2021 season in the NTK Sensors dragster at the NHRA South Central division’s season opener, February 26-27, at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, Louisiana.

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