By Ashley Reyes

Boneyard Builds has been named as this week’s SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) council spotlight member. In HRIA’s Q&A with company owner Chad Whitlock, Whitlock answers questions about the company’s current and upcoming vehicle projects, their 2019 SEMA Show build (’70 Chevrolet C-10) and shares advice for aspiring professionals in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop. How did you start?

Chad Whitlock: We started in 2016. It was our passion, our hobby. The first year, we started out doing quick flips and quickly learned we needed to do more to generate income. We started with two frame-off restorations and made a name for ourselves in the Birmingham area. SEMA was a huge help with incredible national exposure.  

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

CW: SEMA and the contacts we made helped us tremendously.   

SEMA: Tell us about your feature build Chevy C-10.

Boneyard Builds shop interior.

CW: Brody Stone came into the shop and said he wanted his C-10 to have diesel power and be a track truck. We worked with him all through the process and the project grew under the “might as well” principle.   

SEMA: What’s in your shop this year?

CW: A ’33 Roadster, ’70 Mustang (traditional), ’74 F100 (Coyote swap), ’67 Nova rotisserie restoration, ’68 big block C-10 and a ’72 protouring cutlass. We are busy!

SEMA: What new and exciting projects do you foresee in the future?  

CW: A ’69 Mach. It will be done in 2021.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young folks contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

CW: Know your worth and don’t discount it. Throw a broad net and spend the money to go to the big shows. Never sell yourself short. Use quality parts because inferior parts will always reflect you and your work, and always do the right thing. If the customer isn’t willing to pay for it, you need different customers.

The “Industry Talks: Back to Business Webinar Series” helps business move forward.

The “Industry Talks: Back to Business Webinar Series” helps business move forward.

By Ashley Reyes

Jonathan Mill

It’s been seven years since Jonathan Mill won the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad, and a lot has changed since then. Mill, who is currently executive producer of Alloy Studios, has worked with some of the biggest names in the automotive space, and continues to push the boundaries of innovation, both in media and business practices. He contributes to many of the commercials seen within our industry, is an avid volunteer for the association and was awarded the SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year award in 2016.

Get to know Mill and tap into his knowledge and expertise during the ETTN Live Chat, September 1, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). Mill will share his experience with launching new products as he walks attendees through aligning their product for market entry with a strong marketing strategy and channel partnerships. 

Get your questions ready to tap into Mill’s expertise by tuning into the ETTN Facebook page, September 1 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

By Ashley Reyes

Jonathan Mill

It’s been seven years since Jonathan Mill won the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad, and a lot has changed since then. Mill, who is currently executive producer of Alloy Studios, has worked with some of the biggest names in the automotive space, and continues to push the boundaries of innovation, both in media and business practices. He contributes to many of the commercials seen within our industry, is an avid volunteer for the association and was awarded the SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year award in 2016.

Get to know Mill and tap into his knowledge and expertise during the ETTN Live Chat, September 1, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). Mill will share his experience with launching new products as he walks attendees through aligning their product for market entry with a strong marketing strategy and channel partnerships. 

Get your questions ready to tap into Mill’s expertise by tuning into the ETTN Facebook page, September 1 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

By Ashley Reyes

Rose Kawasaki

As an active SEMA member volunteer and vice president of Exports International, Rose Kawasaki is a name in which many in the industry are familiar. However, few may realize the powerhouse and the journey that led her to a 30-plus-year thriving career in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Join the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) in a Facebook Live Chat featuring Kawasaki, September 2, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).  

A former SBN chair, Kawasaki has advocated for the industry and volunteered endless hours to help promote programs that benefit and mentor young women entering the industry. Her dedication to the success and growth of SBN—including her leadership as Vehicle Build Task Force Chair in the groundbreaking “SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women” in 2012—earned her recognition as SBN’s Athena Woman of the Year in 2015.

During this live chat, Kawasaki will share personal stories and discuss ways SBN members can activate their membership benefits and get involved, even through this time of social distancing.  

Get your questions ready and tune into the SBN Facebook Page on September 2.

By Ashley Reyes

Rose Kawasaki

As an active SEMA member volunteer and vice president of Exports International, Rose Kawasaki is a name in which many in the industry are familiar. However, few may realize the powerhouse and the journey that led her to a 30-plus-year thriving career in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Join the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) in a Facebook Live Chat featuring Kawasaki, September 2, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).  

A former SBN chair, Kawasaki has advocated for the industry and volunteered endless hours to help promote programs that benefit and mentor young women entering the industry. Her dedication to the success and growth of SBN—including her leadership as Vehicle Build Task Force Chair in the groundbreaking “SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women” in 2012—earned her recognition as SBN’s Athena Woman of the Year in 2015.

During this live chat, Kawasaki will share personal stories and discuss ways SBN members can activate their membership benefits and get involved, even through this time of social distancing.  

Get your questions ready and tune into the SBN Facebook Page on September 2.

By Ashley Reyes

Laurel Dasher

Laurel Dasher of PDM Automotive recently shared how her company is pivoting during the pandemic and utilizing technology to keep business moving forward during a recent interview with the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN).

To help inspire and motivate others to learn new tips and ideas, Dasher’s insight provides a unique perspective on how her company has overcome recent challenges, and what trends she is seeing in sales and marketing as a result of COVID-19.   

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?    

Laurel Dasher: PDM Automotive is a cloud-based technology company, so we specialize in working remotely. We provide a platform that gives customers access to their product data 24/7/365 remotely and they can send product data to all sales channels instantly. Our customers have definitely benefited from managing their own product data remotely. They have not missed a beat. Growing a relatively new company during a pandemic has been a rollercoaster for sure. We run lean, so we are “all hands-on deck.” Staying focused has been the key and knowing that the automotive industry has a strong core, and it’s helped us keep a positive attitude.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?    

LD: We were looking forward to attending shows/conferences/events to network in person and build the brand; however, we have participated in multiple virtual events and conferences that have been very effective. Participating in virtual events has given us the ability to network in a whole new way. It has essentially been more targeted and focused. In-person shows that pivoted to a free or low-cost virtual event have been a great benefit to PDM.

The new technology that PDM offers has been an asset for companies needing/wanting to manage their data remotely. Whether they want to sell online, release new products or export data to their customers, they can do it from home like never before. Utilizing platforms to have face-to-face meetings and calls has been wonderful. I love seeing people during our calls. It's like we are in the same room. It has improved communication exponentially.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?    

LD: Virtual events! Podcasts. Social media is on fire. YouTube videos and electronic cataloging as well.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?    

LD: Access to cloud-based product data. Manufacturers selling direct to consumer. Brick-and-mortar companies selling online. We are a strong industry; The SEMA Show will prevail! I hope that video calls are here to stay. I love seeing the person that I am talking too. It helps to maintain all of the wonderful relationships we have built and show that we are in this together.

Register for ETTN’s “Industry Talks: Back to Business” virtual panel discussion on “Pivoting in a Pandemic: Technologies to Move us Forward” on September 4. Additional updates and resources to assist ETTN members get back to business are available at www.sema.org/reopen.  

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN Member Insight.

By Ashley Reyes

Laurel Dasher

Laurel Dasher of PDM Automotive recently shared how her company is pivoting during the pandemic and utilizing technology to keep business moving forward during a recent interview with the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN).

To help inspire and motivate others to learn new tips and ideas, Dasher’s insight provides a unique perspective on how her company has overcome recent challenges, and what trends she is seeing in sales and marketing as a result of COVID-19.   

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?    

Laurel Dasher: PDM Automotive is a cloud-based technology company, so we specialize in working remotely. We provide a platform that gives customers access to their product data 24/7/365 remotely and they can send product data to all sales channels instantly. Our customers have definitely benefited from managing their own product data remotely. They have not missed a beat. Growing a relatively new company during a pandemic has been a rollercoaster for sure. We run lean, so we are “all hands-on deck.” Staying focused has been the key and knowing that the automotive industry has a strong core, and it’s helped us keep a positive attitude.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?    

LD: We were looking forward to attending shows/conferences/events to network in person and build the brand; however, we have participated in multiple virtual events and conferences that have been very effective. Participating in virtual events has given us the ability to network in a whole new way. It has essentially been more targeted and focused. In-person shows that pivoted to a free or low-cost virtual event have been a great benefit to PDM.

The new technology that PDM offers has been an asset for companies needing/wanting to manage their data remotely. Whether they want to sell online, release new products or export data to their customers, they can do it from home like never before. Utilizing platforms to have face-to-face meetings and calls has been wonderful. I love seeing people during our calls. It's like we are in the same room. It has improved communication exponentially.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?    

LD: Virtual events! Podcasts. Social media is on fire. YouTube videos and electronic cataloging as well.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?    

LD: Access to cloud-based product data. Manufacturers selling direct to consumer. Brick-and-mortar companies selling online. We are a strong industry; The SEMA Show will prevail! I hope that video calls are here to stay. I love seeing the person that I am talking too. It helps to maintain all of the wonderful relationships we have built and show that we are in this together.

Register for ETTN’s “Industry Talks: Back to Business” virtual panel discussion on “Pivoting in a Pandemic: Technologies to Move us Forward” on September 4. Additional updates and resources to assist ETTN members get back to business are available at www.sema.org/reopen.  

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN Member Insight.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Oklahoma is one of a handful of states that has fully reopened race tracks to the public.

Oklahoma Among States Allowing 100% Fan Capacity

Although some race tracks have axed their 2020 plans due to coronavirus—noting that events without fans are not financially feasible—several facilities report healthy car counts and scores of spectators, thanks in part to state guidelines that support socially distanced activities. One of those is Oklahoma, which fully reopened race tracks, alongside movie theaters, bowling alleys, outdoor concerts, sporting events and rodeos, as part of its latest mandates issued on May 30. Social distance guidelines are at the discretion of the business owner or local officials, along with sanitation and disinfection, although considerations are mentioned. No fan capacity limits are enforced.  

Of nearly 20 currently active Oklahoma-based facilities, all but one are hosting events in August, with most websites mentioning social distancing, face coverings and handwashing precautions. One of those tracks is Port City Raceway in Tulsa, which hosted its “Quarantine Make Up” points race, Saturday, August 15, a replacement for one of six events lost when gates were shuttered mid-March through mid-May. The remainder of its calendar includes six events, highlighted by the 21st Annual Pete Frazier Memorial, September 4-5, and the RUJO Rumble, October 2-3.  

Oklahoma’s guidelines are similar to three other states’ in that they do not cap spectator attendance, according to language from the latest executive orders that affect racing found on PRI’s state-by-state race track reopening directory. Georgia, North Dakota and South Dakota also allow motorsports facilities to operate at 100% capacity.

The Speed Demon 715 has made history by clocking 470.016 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats.

Speed Demon Streamliner Breaks Land-Speed Record

The Speed Demon 715—the piston-powered land-speed streamliner—has made history by clocking 470.016 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats. The effort marks a record as the top piston-powered land-speed run to date. The streamliner, powered by a twin-turbocharged 555-cubic-inch Chevy, was piloted by George Poteet. The recent effort surpassed the previous record of 448.75 mph, secured in 2018 by Danny Thompson, the son of off-road racing and land-speed racing legend Mickey Thompson. Poteet and his crew previously clocked a five-mile speed of 469.298 mph last week, setting the stage for the record run. Figures are taken from two-run averages.

MOPAR Express Lane NHRA Nationals Canceled Due to Pandemic 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NHRA and Maple Grove Raceway have made the decision to cancel the 2020 Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil. NHRA is optimistic that the remainder of the 2020 schedule will proceed as planned. The next event is the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals, September 3–6, at historic Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis. NHRA and Maple Grove Raceway have asked all ticket holders for the 2020 Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals, September 11–13, to reach out to the Maple Grove Raceway office by email at bwitmer@maplegroveraceway.com or by phone at 610-856-9200. For more information about the NHRA schedule and the COVID-19 protocols, visit www.NHRA.com.

The Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Tour has added four additional Championship Tour events to the 2020 calendar.

SCCA Solo National Tour Schedules New Events

The Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Tour has added four additional Championship Tour events to the 2020 calendar in an attempt to bring some autocross competition back to the world, despite the challenges offered during this calendar year.

The events currently planned for the remainder of 2020 are:

• September 4-6: Champ Tour in Bristol, Tennessee at Bristol Motor Speedway (registration opens August 19)   
• September 18-20: Champ Tour in Maumee, Ohio at Toledo Express Airport (registration opens August 26)    
• October 16-18: Champ Tour in Hitchcock, Texas at Grandsport Speedway (registration opens September 9)
• December 4-6: Champ Tour in Cecil, Georgia at South Georgia Motorsports Park (SGMP) (registration opens October 30)

These events have an entry cap of 200 participants. Each of these events have been scheduled with the understanding and expectation that National, state and local COVID-19 restrictions will not change. Entrants should keep an eye on SCCA.com for any changes to schedules or entry caps as events near. More information will be announced soon.

The Sand Sports Super Show is rescheduled for October 17-18, at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Arizona.

Sand Sports Super Show Relocated to Scottsdale

The Sand Sports Super Show presented by Nitto will have a new date and location this year for the annual show. Originally scheduled for September 18-20, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, the Sand Sports Super Show will be moved to October 17-18, 2020, at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Arizona. The show will be run concurrently and share the venue with the Off-Road Expo. Individual Spectator tickets to the originally scheduled Sand Sports Super Show that were purchased online will be refunded automatically within 30 days. For more information and to purchase tickets online for the reimagined event in Scottsdale, visit offroadexpo.com.

Formula DRIFT To Resume Schedule, September 4–6

Formula DRIFT has revised its 2020 PRO and PRO2 Championship schedule, which features several rounds at four tracks, and resumes September 4–6, at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis, Illinois. The series will then visit Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, September 25-27, followed by a visit to Texas Motor Speedway, October 16–18. Formula DRIFT will conclude its PRO and PRO 2 Championships at Irwindale Speedway, November 20–22.

The Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo at the Fairplex in Pomona has been postponed until 2021.

Off-Road Expo in Pomona Postponed to 2021

As a result of continued concerns over COVID-19, along with county and state restrictions in place in the state of California, Bonnier Events has made the difficult decision to postpone the Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire, scheduled for October 3-4 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, to 2021. Exhibitors that have already booked a booth for the Off-Road Expo in Pomona can transfer booth space to Off-Road Expo Arizona, at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, October 17–18. Individual spectator tickets to the Off-Road Expo in Pomona that were purchased online will be refunded automatically within 30 days.

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