Compiled by SEMA Editors

4 Wheel Parts President and CEO Greg Adler raced to the 4400 Class win in last weekend’s Mint 400 off-road race just outside of Las Vegas.

Greg Adler, Rob MacCachren Seize Class Victory in Mint 400

4 Wheel Parts President and CEO Greg Adler raced to the 4400 Class win in last weekend’s Mint 400 off-road race just outside of Las Vegas. Teaming up with off-road racing icon Rob MacCachren, the duo completed the 348-mile race nearly one hour ahead of their nearest competitor. The victory came just three weeks after they battled to the finish line in the King of the Hammers event in Johnson Valley, California. Taking the start, MacCachren set a pace that saw the #4444 quickly put a 20-minute gap on the field before turning the car over to Adler for the second and third laps. As the course deteriorated and became littered with vehicles that had succumbed to the desert attrition, Adler increased the lead with each subsequent lap in bringing home the Team 4 Wheel Parts Ultra4 to the checkered flag and a class win.

In addition, MacCachren took the overall win, crossing the finish line with an unofficial time of 5:37:35. A 2011 inductee to the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, his accolades include Dirt Sports Magazine Driver of the Year (2007), BFGoodrich’s Motorsports Person of the Year (2007) and being named SCORE Person of the Year twice (1987, 2008). This Mint win comes after three consecutive wins at the Baja 1000. MacCachren takes home $10,000 from BFGoodrich Tires, $10,000 from Fox and a brand new Polaris RZR (adding to the one he already owns). Jason Voss was awarded second place on unofficial time, coming in with at 5:38:39, and Andy McMillin unofficially took third place with a time of 5:41:36.

Holley EFI-Equipped Drivers Star at Lights Out 8 Event at Valdosta

Holley-equipped racers dominated Lights Out 8—the unofficial World Series of heads-up/small-tire racing—at South Georgia Motorsports Park. Lyle Barnett toyed with the Leaf Spring field, wheeling Jason Digby’s Pete Harrell-tuned ’69 Dart to a runaway win. Tony Alm ruled the Ultimate Street category with his Fox body Mustang, qualifying No. 2 and winning the final round on a holeshot over Rodney Ragen. And “Super Dave” Adkins’ twin-turbo ’63 Impala, competing in the showcase Radial vs. the World division, became the quickest LSx car in the world with an historic 3.97. After qualifying No. 1 by a mile with a 4.24 at 181 mph, Barnett topped John McDonough in a lopsided final, 4.41 to 9.15.

Lyle Barnett toyed with the Leaf Spring field, wheeling Jason Digby’s Pete Harrell-tuned ’69 Dart to a runaway win.

VP Racing Fuels Continues Fuel Program for PDRA Racers in 2017

The Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) welcomes back VP Racing Fuels as the Official Fuel of the PDRA for the fourth consecutive year. VP will continue to provide trackside fuel service and post-season awards up to $1,000 in each class for the series championship. The pre-order process VP implemented last season will continue this year. This program ensures fuel is delivered right to the track in the quantity needed. Racers are encouraged to access the fuel pre-order forms online.

Dodge Extends Sponsorship of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Event at Maple Grove Raceway; Expands Involvement in Sportsman Ranks

NHRA has announced that Dodge has extended its agreement as the title rights sponsor of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway for the 2017 season. The 33rd annual Dodge NHRA Nationals will be held September 21–24 and serve as the second race in the six-race NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. The event will be a key stop for racers who are battling for a world championship at the conclusion of the season. Those who compete with Dodge vehicles in the Super Stock and Stock classes in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will be eligible for additional bonus money during the course of the year. Newly introduced for 2017, the Dodge Top Finisher honor awards $500 each to the Stock and Super Stock drivers in a Dodge or Plymouth vehicle who advance the farthest during eliminations at each of the 24 NHRA National events. A new Dodge exhibit will also be displayed on Manufacturers Midway at 15 events this year. In addition, the second annual Mopar Mega Block Party free fan-admission event will take place Thursday, September 21, in conjunction with the Dodge NHRA Nationals.

Wilwood Announces Award Programs for 2017 North American F1000 Championship; Returns as USMTS Lucky 7 Award Sponsor; Renews WISSOTA/PolyDome Dirt Track Series Sponsorship; Renews Redline Time Attack Title Sponsorship

Wilwood Disc Brakes has announced new racer reward programs for the 2017 North American Formula 1000 Championship season. Eligible drivers have three chances to receive contingency. First, the Tough Brake Award will go to the fourth-place finisher at each event. Second, those fourth-place finishers could receive additional contingency if they run eligible Wilwood products through the Double Dip Program. Lastly, the Tenth Man Up Award will go to the driver who finishes 10th overall in the championship standings.

Wilwood has also been named the Lucky 7 Award sponsor with the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) for the 2017 season. As part of the sponsorship, Wilwood will provide a $50 product certificate to the seventh-place finisher at each USMTS event. Additionally, one winner will be randomly drawn from all of the drivers that finished seventh throughout the year to receive a complete Wilwood brake kit.

In addition, Wilwood returns in 2017 as a sponsor for the WISSOTA/PolyDome Dirt Track Series. As part of the sponsorship, Wilwood will provide product and product certificates for each division, which will be distributed at the national awards banquet at the end of the year.

Wilwood has also extended its title sponsorship of the Redline Time Attack Series through the 2017 season. As part of the sponsorship, Wilwood will be named title sponsor of the Redline Time Attack Series and various series-owned festivals, including Subiefest, Nissfest, Hondafest and Mazfest. In addition, Wilwood will have exhibit space and provide product certificates to be raffled off at each festival.

By SEMA Editors

Submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

SEMA Hall of Fame nominations are due March 10. 

The SEMA Hall of Fame Award was established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

For more information, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

Submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

SEMA Hall of Fame nominations are due March 10. 

The SEMA Hall of Fame Award was established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

For more information, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 28, 2017–April 1, 2017, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, April 13, 2017, Omix-ADA, Suwanee, Georgia

• ARMO Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle, April 20–22, 2017, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, May 9, 2017, Heidts, Lake Zurich, Illinois

• SEMA Washington Rally, May 17, 2017, Washington, D.C.

• 2017 SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference, May 23–27, 2017, Melbourne, Australia

• SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 19–20, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, July 11, 2017, Competition Specialties, Auburn, Washington

• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 14, 2017

• SEMA Installation Gala, July 28, 2017, Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center, Pomona, California

• 2017 SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, Shanghai, China

• 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• 2017 PRI Trade Show, December 7–9, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

The deadline to submit your company’s Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit is March 31, 2017, to participate in the 2017 SEMA Show Priority Space Selection, which will take place May 1–19, 2017.

The deadline to submit your company’s Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit is March 31, 2017, to participate in the 2017 SEMA Show Priority Space Selection, which will take place May 1–19, 2017.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

SEMA Hall of Famer Chip Foose and 3M have formed an expanded multi-year partnership.

3M Expands Partnership With Automotive Designer Chip Foose

3M has announced an expanded multi-year partnership with Chip Foose to not only include 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division Collision and Repair branches, but also expanding to include products from 3M’s Commercial Solutions Division and Auto Care Business Unit. Through this partnership, Foose will represent and promote a variety of 3M’s automotive repair and maintenance products along with 3M Window Film solutions. The expanded agreement, which began in January 2017, includes joint programs and initiatives with all three divisions including promotions, media outreach and appearances by Foose with 3M customers worldwide. Foose will also continue to support 3M’s joint community and philanthropic events through United Way, Hire Our Heroes Program and others.

Wes-Coast Marketing Inc. to Represent Truck Covers USA Inc., Weigh-Safe

Wes-Coast Marketing Inc. has announced that it has been selected to represent Truck Covers USA Inc. in 13 Western states. Based in San Diego, Truck Covers USA Inc. has manufactured retractable hard tonneau covers and truck bed racks for the past 10 years. In addition, Weigh-Safe—winner of a SEMA Show New Products Award in the Best New Tools and Equipment category—has announced that Wes-Coast Marketing Inc. will represent its line of towing safety products in 13 Western states. Weigh-Safe is a designer and manufacturer of towing hitches, which incorporate a built-in scale that measures tongue weight—a safety feature unique to the hitch market—and a full line of drop hitch receivers.    

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) strives to introduce kids to an opportunity to showcase workmanship and the awareness of complex mechanisms in a contest that will be featured and hosted as a part of the HROT JR Dragster Series and the Midwest Junior Super Series at nine events all across the central United States in 2017.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge a Hit

In order to help fuel the passion for racing and performance, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) strives to introduce kids to an opportunity to showcase workmanship and the awareness of complex mechanisms in a contest that will be featured and hosted as a part of the HROT JR Dragster Series and the Midwest Junior Super Series at nine events all across the central United States in 2017. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge presented by Racequip kicked-off February 25–26 at the Race and Performance (RP) Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois. In this contest, a team comprised of two individuals, in which one team member must be between 5–18 years of age, must completely disassemble/reassemble a complete single cylinder OHV engine utilizing only basic hand tools. Contest goals include helping individuals develop communication skills and increasing self-esteem. The contest is designed to help youngsters develop problem-solving skills and an understanding of an internal combustion engine. The next event will be featured as part of the Piston Power show in Cleveland, March 18–19. Students will demo and be trained on the single-cylinder engine. The official kick-off for the 2017 season will be at Gateway Motorsport Park April 7–9, in Madison, Illinois. For more information, view the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Drag Racing schedule.

Chris Baer

VIPAR Heavy Duty Completes Succession Plan; Baer Named CEO

VIPAR Heavy Duty chairman Bill Nolan has announced that the organization has completed its leadership succession plan with the board of directors naming Chris Baer as its new CEO, effective immediately. Baer adds the CEO duties to his responsibilities as president of VIPAR Heavy Duty, a position he assumed in late October 2016. Baer succeeds Steve Crowley, who retained his role as CEO during a transition period. After serving more than 16 years as the organization’s president and CEO, Crowley has now officially retired. In January, Baer introduced a new management structure and new leadership roles to help the company achieve its aggressive growth goals. Before joining VIPAR Heavy Duty in 2002, Baer was with Chicago Rawhide/SKF for 17 years in a variety of sales management roles, including his last role as director of automotive sales. Baer has served as a member of the AWDA Young Executive Society (YES) committee and earned the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) designation from the University of the Aftermarket. He is a 2014 recipient of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education award, and currently serves on the board for NEXUS North America LLC as vice president.

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 Amelia Zwecher

Connecting the automotive specialty-equipment industry with top talent is the Career Center’s primary focus.

The SEMA Career Center’s primary focus is to help automotive specialty-equipment business owners build relationships with higher-education institutions to help funnel top talent into the industry. Automotive aftermarket employers are encouraged to connect with academic institutions to obtain fresh new talent. This week’s spotlight is on Rio Hondo College, located in Whittier, California.

Rio Hondo College recently launched a Bachelor’s of Science degree program in automotive technology. The program was designed to prepare an individual for a wide variety of technology-based careers within the transportation industry sector. This innovative career designation means that the overall knowledge and skills attained by students within the program center on persistent enhancement in post-production support within today’s high-tech automotive technology environment (after-sales automotive technical service and business management and support).

There are two tracks under this program: “Technical Studies” and “Business & Marketing.”

Courses include:

• The Global Development and Advancement of the Automobile
• Principles of Automotive Service Management
• Digital Marketing for the Automotive Industry
• Analyzing Vehicle Fuels, Lubricants and Combustion

Evening courses are available. To learn more about the program, call 562-908-3460, or email CTEDivision@riohondo.edu. For more information, view the college’s flyer.

For assistance with scheduling recruitment and outreach events at higher education institutions nationally, contact Amelia F. Zwecher, PhD, PHR, SEMA manager of career services, at ameliaz@sema.org.