By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

If you’re attending the 2019 SEMA Show, then be sure to book your tickets now for the exclusive SEMA PAC reception! Initially limited to 100 guests, an additional 25 tickets have been made available due to demand.

On Tuesday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m., SEMA PAC will host a reception at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (Suite 2915). The event is open to SEMA members who contribute at least $50 to SEMA PAC. Open-bar cocktails and premium catering will be served.

By law, SEMA is not allowed to use association funds to impact the electoral process. That’s where the individually funded SEMA PAC comes in. It allows SEMA members to pool their personal resources to make campaign contributions to candidates and lawmakers who support our industry.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

If you’re attending the 2019 SEMA Show, then be sure to book your tickets now for the exclusive SEMA PAC reception! Initially limited to 100 guests, an additional 25 tickets have been made available due to demand.

On Tuesday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m., SEMA PAC will host a reception at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (Suite 2915). The event is open to SEMA members who contribute at least $50 to SEMA PAC. Open-bar cocktails and premium catering will be served.

By law, SEMA is not allowed to use association funds to impact the electoral process. That’s where the individually funded SEMA PAC comes in. It allows SEMA members to pool their personal resources to make campaign contributions to candidates and lawmakers who support our industry.

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

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

K&N Cat-Back Exhaust Kit K&N introduces its cat-back exhaust kit for ’14–’19 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado 1500/Sierra 1500 4.3L/5.3L models. This kit is engineered to increase performance, deliver robust sound, and install quickly and easily. The system is designed to pair with most aftermarket modifications, including intake systems, throttle control modules and more. No calibration tuning is required, and complete instructions are included. 800-858-3333 www.knfilters.com PN: 67-3026
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 1 Suspension System Icon Vehicle Dynamics introduces Stage 1 suspension system for the ’20 Jeep Gladiator. Providing a 2.5-in. lift and clearance for up to 37-in. tires, this entry-level suspension system is engineered to improve the Gladiator’s abilities off-road. The Stage 1 Suspension System is a bolt-on system that includes dual-rate front coil springs, adjustable billet front sway bar end links, billet rear coil spacers, ICON 2.0 Aluminum Series shocks with vehicle-specific valving, and all hardware necessary for installation. 951-689-4266 www.iconvehicledynamics.com PN: K22011
Single-Quad Manifold and Carb Kit The Edelbrock single-quad manifold and carb kit is designed for ’65–’79 Pontiac 389-455 applications. These kits include: an Edelbrock manifold, Performer or Thunder Series AVS carb, chrome fuel inlet, intake gasket set, intake bolt set and carb stud kit. The manifold and carbs are available with a standard satin finish or with a bright EnduraShine chrome-like finish. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2056
Rugged Ridge New Venator Front Bumper Rugged Ridge announces the release of the Venator front bumper for the popular ’18–Present Wrangler JL/JLU and Gladiator JT models. The Venator is a full-width front bumper that surrounds an integrated winch plate designed to be capable of supporting most aftermarket winches up to 12,500 lbs. The winch is cradled low in the bumper for better balance and a clean look. 770-614-6101 www.ruggedridge.com PN: 11549.42
Holley Mid-Mount Accessory Drives Holley releases mid-mount accessory drives for small- and big-block Chevys. The system’s “bracketless” design allows the accessories to bolt directly to the water pump for a clean, integrated form. This alternator is engineered to utilizes square-wave, six-phase technology as found on the C7 Corvette. All accessories are included: the water pump, A/C compressor, Alternator and P/S pump with reservoir. All pulleys and the belt are supplied. An even A/C line adapter, heater hose adapters, power steering to -6 AN hardline and the alternator plug/harness are included. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 20-240BK

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

K&N Cat-Back Exhaust Kit K&N introduces its cat-back exhaust kit for ’14–’19 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado 1500/Sierra 1500 4.3L/5.3L models. This kit is engineered to increase performance, deliver robust sound, and install quickly and easily. The system is designed to pair with most aftermarket modifications, including intake systems, throttle control modules and more. No calibration tuning is required, and complete instructions are included. 800-858-3333 www.knfilters.com PN: 67-3026
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 1 Suspension System Icon Vehicle Dynamics introduces Stage 1 suspension system for the ’20 Jeep Gladiator. Providing a 2.5-in. lift and clearance for up to 37-in. tires, this entry-level suspension system is engineered to improve the Gladiator’s abilities off-road. The Stage 1 Suspension System is a bolt-on system that includes dual-rate front coil springs, adjustable billet front sway bar end links, billet rear coil spacers, ICON 2.0 Aluminum Series shocks with vehicle-specific valving, and all hardware necessary for installation. 951-689-4266 www.iconvehicledynamics.com PN: K22011
Single-Quad Manifold and Carb Kit The Edelbrock single-quad manifold and carb kit is designed for ’65–’79 Pontiac 389-455 applications. These kits include: an Edelbrock manifold, Performer or Thunder Series AVS carb, chrome fuel inlet, intake gasket set, intake bolt set and carb stud kit. The manifold and carbs are available with a standard satin finish or with a bright EnduraShine chrome-like finish. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2056
Rugged Ridge New Venator Front Bumper Rugged Ridge announces the release of the Venator front bumper for the popular ’18–Present Wrangler JL/JLU and Gladiator JT models. The Venator is a full-width front bumper that surrounds an integrated winch plate designed to be capable of supporting most aftermarket winches up to 12,500 lbs. The winch is cradled low in the bumper for better balance and a clean look. 770-614-6101 www.ruggedridge.com PN: 11549.42
Holley Mid-Mount Accessory Drives Holley releases mid-mount accessory drives for small- and big-block Chevys. The system’s “bracketless” design allows the accessories to bolt directly to the water pump for a clean, integrated form. This alternator is engineered to utilizes square-wave, six-phase technology as found on the C7 Corvette. All accessories are included: the water pump, A/C compressor, Alternator and P/S pump with reservoir. All pulleys and the belt are supplied. An even A/C line adapter, heater hose adapters, power steering to -6 AN hardline and the alternator plug/harness are included. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 20-240BK

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Corteco Partners With Stunt Driver Mike Ryan to Present Record-Setting Semi Truck at SEMA Ignited

Corteco—a supplier of components for the independent automotive aftermarket and aftermarket division of the global Freudenberg Group—has partnered with world-renowned professional stunt driver Mike Ryan, and will present his record-setting semi truck at SEMA Ignited, November 8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The “Hillclimb Beast” features a triple-compound turbocharging system that puts out about 2,400 hp and 4,000 lb.-ft. of torque while taking in 4,000 cu. ft. of air per second. Ryan is a professional racing and stunt driver with more than 30 years of experience and also one of the first people in the United States to drift a semi truck. His background in racing includes desert and vintage dirt-track motorcycles, offshore race boats, local short-track stock cars, SCCA events and racing hill climbs. He has set speed records at Pikes Peak; Mt. Washington; Queenstown, New Zealand; and at the Bonneville Salt Flats, running 225.675 mph in a 23,000-lb. Freightliner semi truck.

Andy Cohen passed away at his home October 19.

Andy Cohen, Co-Founder of Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories, Passes Away

Andy Cohen, noted car collector and co-founder of luxury and sports car accessories catalog company and retail store Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories (BHMA), passed away October 19 at his home in Malibu, California, due to heart attack complications. Cohen, 73, was well known in collector car circles for more than 50 years. In 1975, he and friend Jim DeFrank founded BHMA, converting an old auto parts store on Robertson Blvd. in Beverly Hills, which led to the launch of what would become a celebrated worldwide mail-order automotive catalog. The business ultimately grew to print one million catalogues annually, earning acclaim as the automotive equivalent to luxury fashion retailer Neiman Marcus. From its core product offerings of premium-quality custom car covers, BHMA’s product line expanded to include an extensive selection of accessories, wearables and car care products for owners of the world’s most exclusive automobiles.

Cohen ran the retail and mail-order business until 1998, when he sold it to a Canadian investment firm. In addition to his flourishing retail and mail-order business, Cohen, along with fellow Southern California collectors, established the Beverly Hills Car Show, a charity event held annually at Beverly Hills High School. Cohen also owned a Beverly Hills-based auto business that sold and brokered the world’s most sought-after exotics and hyper cars. When a client wanted to purchase a luxury sedan or sports car, Cohen knew where to find it. It wasn’t uncommon to see several of these rarities with prices above $10 million in his showroom inventory at the same time. Each August, Cohen would also lease one of the most prominent estates in Pebble Beach, California, directly across from the entrance to the Pebble Beach Concours D ’Elegance. In 2017, Cohen resurrected the Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories brand with his son Kevin as president. At the time of his passing, Andy Cohen was preparing to unveil a new offering that would be another BHMA exclusive: carbon-fiber car mats. The business will continue to be operated by son Kevin.

Michael Ray

Country Star Michael Ray to Appear in Bestop Booth at SEMA Show

Country singer Michael Ray will take a brief break from headlining CMT on Tour to attend the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The “One That Got Away” singer will appear in the Bestop display (booth #30017 in Upper South Hall) at the Las Vegas Convention Center alongside his fully customized daily-driver Bestop Jeep Wrangler, Wednesday, November 6. During the top-swap, Brian Creten and his crew at Music City 4x4 in suburban Nashville updated Ray’s Wrangler with additional off-road accessories. For starters, Tuffy Security Products boxes add secure storage for open-air driving: underseat drawers, a deck enclosure and a center console lock box. A Tuffy hood lock further improves security. Safety through better visibility is provided by Baja Designs LED auxiliary lights. On the A-pillars, compact Baja Designs S1 cubes serve as spotlights. Ray’s JK rides on 37-in. Nitto Ridge Grapplers, mounted on 22x12 V-Rock Off-Road brushed-aluminum Anvil wheels. A Rock Krawler Flex suspension system adds 3.5 extra in. of clearance for the larger tires and wheels. Music City 4x4 installed a Superchips backup camera and TrailDash2 to recalibrate the signals to the Jeep’s powertrain computer for the taller tires. It also modifies fueling, offering three power levels: 14, 20 and 30 additional hp.

Distinctive Industries is celebrating 50 years of manufacturing automotive upholstery.

Distinctive Industries Celebrates 50 Years

Distinctive Industries is celebrating 50 years of manufacturing automotive upholstery. Founded in 1969 by John Forrister and his son, Dwight, Distinctive Industries began producing and selling custom-crafted restoration interiors for Volkswagens and Ford Mustangs of the era. Having begun his automotive career providing drivetrain services and restoration interiors for local customers, John Forrister drew on his lifetime of experience to jump-start the world’s first mass-manufactured restoration interiors. In 1986, Dwight Forrister founded Classic Soft Trim, establishing a nationwide network of company-owned restyling centers. Following in his family’s footsteps, third-generation Aaron Forrister founded Roadwire LLC to supply precision-crafted leather interiors and accessories to Classic Soft Trim and other restyling professionals, establishing a nationwide network of authorized installers. In 2008 Aaron Forrister acquired Signature Sunroofs (formerly Inalfa Sunroofs). And in 2013, Distinctive Industries, Roadwire Leather, Classic Soft Trim and Signature Sunroofs were consolidated under Roadwire Inc., now headed by Aaron Forrister who serves as president and CEO. Dwight Forrister now serves as chairman of the board for Roadwire Inc.

Aaron Clark Joins AirPro Diagnostics

Aaron Clark

AirPro Diagnostics LLC announced that Aaron Clark has accepted the company's vice president strategic initiatives position. 

“Everyone here at AirPro is excited to have Aaron join our team. Aaron is well known and highly respected in the industry. We know that his expertise and knowledge of collision repair and vehicle technologies will be a great asset to AirPro and deepen our bench of talented industry professionals,” stated Michael Quinn, AirPro’s senior vice president of business development.

Randy Pugh

Thermo-Tec Welcomes New Marketing Coordinator

Thermo-Tec has named Randy Pugh new marketing coordinator. He will handle all of Thermo-Tec’s marketing, graphics and photography. He most recently served as the creative director at JEGS and has 25 years of graphics experience and 35 years of photography experience, including national automotive magazines and several JEGS catalog covers and product photos. Pugh started in the automotive industry in 2005 as a graphic designer.

Rutledge Wood and Continental Tire to Unveil RWB Porsche 911 at 2019 SEMA Show

Rutledge Wood and Continental Tire will present a custom-built ’86 Rauh Welt Begriff Porsche 911, Monday, November 4, at the 2019 SEMA Show. The RWB is one of just a dozen select vehicles featured in the SEMA Vehicle Reveal, which is now in its third year. Each featured build is showcased on stage in front of thousands of media outlets from around the world. The RWB build, which is supported by Continental Tire, began early this year when Wood teamed with Randy Allgood, the Kenwood Rod Shop and Japanese artist Nakai-San to bring his childhood dream to life. Nakai transformed an ’86 Carrera into a backdated widebody, rendered by Jon Sibal. Allgood and the team at Kenwood Rod Shop in Peachtree City, Georgia, transformed the aircooled 911 into a hot rod, complete with a GM Performance LS-3 from Summit Racing with 525hp, backed by a G50 transaxle built by Rader Motorsports. The RWB is fitted with Continental Tire’s ExtremeContact Sport and packed with performance from Odyssey Battery, KW Suspension, Brembo Brakes, 9 Eleven LED headlights, a custom MagnaFlow exhaust and custom-built Forgeline Wheels.

Fans both in person and on social media will have the opportunity to ask questions of Continental Tire ambassadors Rutledge Wood, Ryan Eversley, Emily Reeves and Ryan Friedlinghaus.

Continental Tire to Host Live Q&A at 2019 SEMA Show

Continental Tire will host a Live Q&A, Wednesday, November 6, at 11:00 a.m., at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Located on the south side of South Hall in the Bronze Lot at the Continental Tire Experience, fans both in person and on social media will have the opportunity to ask questions of Continental Tire ambassadors Rutledge Wood, Ryan Eversley, Emily Reeves and Ryan Friedlinghaus. The event will be hosted by Kenny Sargent and Crash Gladys, the popular radio personalities of the SpeedFreaks. Visit the Continental Tire booth at SEMA or tune in via Facebook Live to have your questions answered by this roster of automotive enthusiasts.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Young builders all over the country are competing in the SEMA Young Guns Regional competition for a chance to win a trip to the 2019 trade-only SEMA Show and have their vehicle displayed at the Show. A.J. Ross joined SEMA at the Street Machine Nationals in Du Quoin, Illinois—one of the Regional Qualifier stops for the competition.

Ross’ ’94 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 boasts a 5.7L V8 paired to a six-speed manual transmission. Under the hood, a strut tower bar adds some additional stiffness in and out of the corners while a multi-point G-Force racing harness keeps Ross securely pinned to his seat.

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old who have performed the majority of the work on their vehicle.

The Regional Competitions open the program up to 10 more “Young Guns” who may not already be showcasing a vehicle at the SEMA Show, by partnering with event organizers throughout the country. Grand Prize is an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2019 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot, and entry into the Battle of the Builders competition.

By SEMA Editors

Young builders all over the country are competing in the SEMA Young Guns Regional competition for a chance to win a trip to the 2019 trade-only SEMA Show and have their vehicle displayed at the Show. A.J. Ross joined SEMA at the Street Machine Nationals in Du Quoin, Illinois—one of the Regional Qualifier stops for the competition.

Ross’ ’94 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 boasts a 5.7L V8 paired to a six-speed manual transmission. Under the hood, a strut tower bar adds some additional stiffness in and out of the corners while a multi-point G-Force racing harness keeps Ross securely pinned to his seat.

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old who have performed the majority of the work on their vehicle.

The Regional Competitions open the program up to 10 more “Young Guns” who may not already be showcasing a vehicle at the SEMA Show, by partnering with event organizers throughout the country. Grand Prize is an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2019 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot, and entry into the Battle of the Builders competition.

By SEMA Editors

Young builders all over the country are competing in the SEMA Young Guns Regional competition for a chance to win a trip to the 2019 trade-only SEMA Show and have their vehicle displayed at the Show. A.J. Ross joined SEMA at the Street Machine Nationals in Du Quoin, Illinois—one of the Regional Qualifier stops for the competition.

Ross’ ’94 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 boasts a 5.7L V8 paired to a six-speed manual transmission. Under the hood, a strut tower bar adds some additional stiffness in and out of the corners while a multi-point G-Force racing harness keeps Ross securely pinned to his seat.

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old who have performed the majority of the work on their vehicle.

The Regional Competitions open the program up to 10 more “Young Guns” who may not already be showcasing a vehicle at the SEMA Show, by partnering with event organizers throughout the country. Grand Prize is an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2019 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot, and entry into the Battle of the Builders competition.

By Kristopher Porter

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is launching a new program at the 2019 SEMA Show, where four restylers will compete in the “SEMA PRO Cup Challenge.” Each restyler will present a vehicle that features a package of accessories designed to be attractive to a range of vehicle buyers, and also easily repeatable or modified. The goal of the challenge is to show restylers, dealers and accessory manufacturers the value of designing a package versus a “one-time” vehicle build. The four vehicles will be on display at the SEMA Show: two in the PRO booth #13113 in North Hall, and two in the North Hall Lobby.

A panel of judges will determine the winner of the PRO Cup Challenge based on the following package criteria:

• Installed retail price less than $12,500
• Build time less than 20 hours
• Can be easily reproduced by professional restylers
• Profitable for both the dealership and restyler

The winner of the PRO Cup Challenge will be announced Tuesday evening, November 5, at the PRO pool party reception at the Westgate Pool Deck from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Restyling attendees at the SEMA Show will also vote for their “Fan Favorite” award. Ballots can be dropped at the PRO booth from Show opening until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, November 7. The winner of the PRO Cup Fan Favorite award will be announced during the PRO Happy Hour in the PRO booth on Thursday afternoon, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

By Kristopher Porter

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is launching a new program at the 2019 SEMA Show, where four restylers will compete in the “SEMA PRO Cup Challenge.” Each restyler will present a vehicle that features a package of accessories designed to be attractive to a range of vehicle buyers, and also easily repeatable or modified. The goal of the challenge is to show restylers, dealers and accessory manufacturers the value of designing a package versus a “one-time” vehicle build. The four vehicles will be on display at the SEMA Show: two in the PRO booth #13113 in North Hall, and two in the North Hall Lobby.

A panel of judges will determine the winner of the PRO Cup Challenge based on the following package criteria:

• Installed retail price less than $12,500
• Build time less than 20 hours
• Can be easily reproduced by professional restylers
• Profitable for both the dealership and restyler

The winner of the PRO Cup Challenge will be announced Tuesday evening, November 5, at the PRO pool party reception at the Westgate Pool Deck from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Restyling attendees at the SEMA Show will also vote for their “Fan Favorite” award. Ballots can be dropped at the PRO booth from Show opening until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, November 7. The winner of the PRO Cup Fan Favorite award will be announced during the PRO Happy Hour in the PRO booth on Thursday afternoon, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.