By Ashley Reyes

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host a Roundtable Discussion at the 2024 Grand National Roadster Show, in which top hot-rod builders will share their industry insights and expertise. The Roundtable Discussion will take place on Friday, February 2, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. PST in Building 9.

SEMA members are invited to attend the event to engage with Rick Love (Vintage Air), as he moderates an informative and lively discussion between speakers Jason Slover (Pete & Jakes Hot Rod Parts), Brian Brennan (In the Garage Media), Jimmy Shine (Shine Speed Shop), and Roy Brizio (Roy Brizio Street Rods).

Attendees will hear and learn from the panelists as they swap their favorite builder stories, discuss their starts in the industry and reflect on lessons learned throughout their careers. The first 50 attendees will also receive a gift.

Secure your seat here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN), SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) are hosting a networking mixer at King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California. The event will take place on Thursday, February 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PT inside the VIP tent.

RSVP for SEMA's networking mixer at King of the Hammers to grow your professional network.

Members of each of the four councils and networks are invited to the mixer to grow their professional networks and gain new industry resources that can help their careers and businesses. The event will include networking and comradery, as well as the chance to meet each group's Select Committee members, who will share ways to get involved in the industry through volunteering. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Prospective members are also invited to attend, as it's a great way to introduce yourself and learn what council and network membership has to offer. RSVP for the event here.

By SEMA News Editors

Nominations are now open for the 2024 SEMA Board of Directors. SEMA members are invited to recommend industry leaders to serve the association online by Friday, January 5.  

The following seats are open for the 2024 election:

• Manufacturer (two open seats) 
• Distributor/Retailer (two open seats) 
• Service (one open seat) 

"A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need your help to bring them to the attention of the nominating committee."

Submit your nomination form here. Be sure to include brief information about the nominee's qualifications, including background, experience and achievements.

Note: your SEMA business membership must be active and in good standing to be eligible.

By SEMA News Editors

Priority media registration may have passed, but reporters, journalists and content creators who would like to participate in the 2024 SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference can still register to attend here.

Taking place in person on January 30–February 1, 2024, at the Embassy Suites Anaheim South in Garden Grove, California, the Media Trade Conference is the best way for journalists to take part in more than 40 quality one-on-one meetings, as well as build connections at networking events and social activities. There is no fee for media and the event includes complimentary lunch.

Register to meet one-on-one with racing and performance parts manufacturers.

Media can attend one, two or all three days to meet with company representatives who are prepared to discuss their newest product lines, important updates within their company and the latest industry trends. It is the best and most efficient way for media to obtain editorial content to share with their audience.

For questions or more information, click here or contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Kreider Family Purchases Robison Racing Products

The Kreider family, a New Jersey-based family with ties to the racing industry and current USAC Silver Crown racer Mike Haggenbottom, has purchased Robison Racing Products. The company will begin operating under a new name, Robison Race Products by Kreider Manufacturing, following the acquisition.

The company's former owner, Gerry Robison, passed away in November 2023.

The new company will relocate from its former headquarters in Dublin, Pennsylvania, to the Kreider's 3,300-sq.-ft. machine shop in Whitehouse, New Jersey. Jeff Kreider, a CNC machinist with 35 years of experience serving the aerospace, military and medical industries, and Dawn Kreider, sister of Mike and John Haggenbottom, will helm the operation. The couple's children, Roxanne, Julia and Jared, will also assist in operations.

The company will launch a website at a later date.

Tread Lightly! Announces Ambassador of the Year

Jerry Bain, the 2023 Ambassador of the Year for Tread Lightly!

Tread Lightly! has named Jerry Bain of West Virginia as its 2023 Ambassador of the Year.

The organization recognized Bain for helping organize the first-ever "Tread Lightly! Day West Virginia," an event created to motivate volunteers across the state to clean up trash from recreation sites.

As chairman of the Country Roads Coalition, Bain organized volunteers, brought together crucial stakeholders and coordinated with the Division of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Protection to select sites.

For the full announcement, visit treadlightly.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is accepting registrations for its Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF), taking place March 5-7, 2024, in Austin, Texas. Themed "Evolve: Advancing the Future of Women in Leadership," the forum will empower women employed in the automotive aftermarket to reach new levels of career success by honing their personal development and leadership skills. 

The annual forum will feature programs, workshops and resources designed to help women thrive in the workplace.

"The SBN forum provides a place for women in the industry to come together to learn how to navigate the challenges of leadership and communicate their value in the traditionally male-dominated automotive aftermarket industry," said SEMA Council Director Nicole Bradle, MA, CMP, CAE. "The lessons learned, along with the relationships built, will leave attendees ready and inspired to overcome their unique leadership challenges and build the confidence needed to elevate their impact in their organizations."

Now in its third consecutive year, the SBN Women's Leadership Forum will feature programs, workshops and resources designed to help women thrive in the workplace. Participants will receive career advice from experienced leaders, build a strong professional network of women that understand their market and take part in discussions where they can address their challenges and wins. 

Program highlights include: 

• A keynote session highlighting mindset shifts for an intentional life.
• Breakout sessions focused on defining your roadmap, qualities of women who lead, unleashing your potential and financial planning.
• A human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) panel discussion on increasing representation of women in an organization.
• Action planning session to help attendees define specific actions needed to achieve their goals.
• Networking happy hour to connect with like-minded professionals.
• Morning sunrise activities.
• Complimentary headshots.

"The Women's Leadership Forum impacted me both personally and professionally in so many ways," said previous participant Aliceje Keyburn of Yamaha Motor Corp. "Not only am I a leader in my organization, but I also lead a family and a friend group. The skills that I learned were applicable to many aspects of my life."

For more information on the SBN Women's Leadership Forum and registration details, visit sema.org/sbn-wlf or contact Nicole Bradle at Nicoleb@sema.org.  

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA and PRI Editorial Director Jason Mulroney has bolstered the editorial departments by adding A.J. Hecht, associate editor, and Jack Haworth, coordinating editor.

Hecht joins SEMA and PRI from "THE SHOP," where he managed its daily e-newsletter. In his new role, Hecht oversees the digital SEMA News and PRI News and reports to Digital Content Editor Laura Pitts.

A.J. Hecht (left) and Jack Haworth.

Haworth, whose past experience includes Men's Journal, TEN: The Enthusiast Network and more, is responsible for assisting with the production of PRI Magazine. He reports to Executive Editor Meredith Kaplan Burns.

"These additions come during a time of growth for PRI and SEMA, including the recently relaunched SEMA Magazine," said Mulroney. "In their short time here, both A.J. and Jack have already proven themselves as phenomenal team members. We're thrilled to have them on board."

Sign up for the digital SEMA News at sema.org and PRI News at performanceracing.com.

Got company news? Contact SEMA News at editors@sema.org and PRI News at editors@performanceracing.com.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has officially launched the reimagining of SEMA Magazine, marking a pivotal moment in its communication strategy as part of the recent bolstering of the SEMA editorial department.

The monthly publication, exclusive to SEMA members, transforms industry engagement and departs from tradition with a fresh perspective. Readers will notice bigger, bolder storytelling with compelling narratives and sleek visuals that mirror the vibrancy of the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, capturing and inspiring the movement it represents. 

"The new editorial focus brings together the association's initiatives, programs and awards, and spotlights the individuals and products behind them," said Editorial Director Jason Mulroney. "Beginning with the special January 'Show Issue,' SEMA Magazine will drive momentum, foster interest and increase audience engagement." 

"The Show Issue" includes highlights of the history-making 2023 SEMA Show--such as spotlights on award-winners, new vehicles and career-advancing education. Emerging trends are also showcased, like electric vehicles, alternative fuels and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Coverage also includes a look at SEMA Fest's incredible Vegas debut and how social media is changing customer service.

Spearheaded by Mulroney and Group Art Director Paul Graff, the entire editorial team has worked tirelessly to craft what SEMA contends is the best publication to date. 

Members, look for the newly designed SEMA Magazine in your inbox throughout the year. If you aren't already a member, sign up to receive exclusive benefits at sema.org/individual-membership. 

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

Nissens

Director of Marketing (Remote)

Nissens is seeking a director of marketing to report directly to the president and general manager of Nissens' North America aftermarket business. This position will be responsible for customer communication, pricing, promotion cataloging and data, trade show execution, print and digital content and more.

Canepa

Automotive Technician in Scotts Valley, California

Canepa is looking for an experienced automotive technician to join its team of custom vehicle builders. Strong electrical and diagnostic skills are desired, as is a background in Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and General Motors platforms. 

By SEMA News Editors

2003 Indianapolis 500 Winner Gil de Ferran, 56

Gil de Ferran, winner of the 2003 Indianapolis 500 and two IndyCar Series championships, passed away on December 29 near his home in Florida. He was 56.

Gil de Ferran. Image courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

In addition to his 2003 Indianapolis 500 victory, the Brazilian won consecutive IndyCar Series championships in 2000 and 2001 and earned CART Rookie of the Year honors in 1995.

Ending his IndyCar career with 12 victories and 21 poles, de Ferran also set the closed-course land speed record with a lap of 241.428 mph at California Speedway in 2000. The record still stands today.

For the full announcement, visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

NASCAR Cup Series Champion Cale Yarborough, 84

Cale Yarborough, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has passed away at the age of 84.

Cale Yarborough. Image courtesy of NASCAR. 

Yarborough, a four-time Daytona 500 winner and a five-time victor in the Southern 500, won his three Cup Series titles consecutively from 1976-78 and is tied for sixth on the Cup Series' all-time wins list with 83 victories.

A 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee, Yarborough led more than 31,500 laps in his career and became the first to qualify for a race at an average speed of over 200 mph at Daytona in 1984.

For the full announcement, visit nascar.com.

Legendary NHRA Team Owner Roland Leong, 79

Legendary NHRA Team Owner Roland Leong, known for his Top Fuel and Funny Cars emblazoned with the name "The Hawaiian" in tribute to his birthplace, passed away on December 29. He was 79.

Roland Leong. Image courtesy of the NHRA.

As a team owner and tuner, Leong won the 1965 Winternationals and U.S. Nationals with Don Prudhomme behind the wheel and repeated in both events in 1966 with new driver Mike Snively.

In 1969, Leong switched to Funny Cars, winning the Winternationals in 1970 and 1971 with drivers Larry Reyes and Butch Maas.

For the full announcement, visit nhra.com.

HPD Completes Change to Honda Racing Corporation USA

Honda Performance Development (HPD), Honda's United States-based motorsports arm, has officially changed its name to Honda Racing Corporation U.S.A. (HRC US) to reflect its new role in Honda's global racing efforts.

With the change HRC US will take on an increased role in Honda's global motorsports activities.

With the change, HRC US will take on an increased role in Honda's global motorsports activities, including the company's Formula 1 power unit development program.

For more information, visit the HRC US website.

Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod Adds Pro 10.5 Challenge

The Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod has created the new Pro 10.5 Challenge to run in conjunction with the 2024 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, March 1-3, at Bradenton Motorsports Park.

The Pro 10.5 Challenge will be an invitation-only, $25,000-to-win, 16-car shootout utilizing PDRA Pro Street rules. More than 20 drivers will attempt to qualify.

For more information, visit worldseriesofpromod.com.

Applications Open for PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship

Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) has opened applications for the 2024 PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship.

The scholarship aims to create a more diverse field while empowering drivers from a variety of backgrounds to participate in a PMH-owned race series. Scholarship recipients receive free entries for any PMH-owned race series.

The PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship is open to individuals who demonstrate diversity, equity and inclusion, and have a ride confirmed in a PMH-owned series for 2024. Applicants will be responsible for securing any additional funding needed to compete.

All applications must be submitted by January 15, 2024.

For more information or to apply, visit speedtour.net.

For additional racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website.