Tue, 02/27/2024 - 07:46

By SEMA News Editors

Parella Motorsports Holdings Acquires International GT

Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH), owner of the SpeedTour brand of racing events, has acquired International GT.

International GT

The North American racing series includes three different championships for late-model Ferrari and Porsche GT3-spec sports cars--the Stuttgart Cup, Maranello Cup and the Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy--and joins the PMH portfolio alongside the Trans Am Series, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, Formula Regional Americas, Formula 4 United States Championship and more.

For more information, visit internationalgt.net or speedtour.net.

IMSA Diverse Driver DevelopmentIMSA Opens Diverse Driver Development Scholarship Application Window

IMSA is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship.

With a potential worth of more than $300,000, scholarship benefits include a full-season premium prepaid entry fee for the first year to drive in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, or IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, and 50% of the prepaid entry fee for the second season in one of those series.

Additionally, a series of learning modules will again be made available to candidates selected from the application pool to bolster off-track skills. Subjects include IMSA marketing and sponsorship resources, business development, social-media best practices, networking and enhancing interviewing skills.

A new element, supported by Skip Barber Racing School, will provide a scholarship recipient who enters into an agreement to drive for the Skip Barber Racing team with a $50,000 seat credit for the first year of the scholarship.

IMSA is accepting applications until March 22.

For more information or to submit an application, visit imsa.com/diversity.

 

 

Tue, 02/27/2024 - 07:19

By SEMA News Editors

BMR Suspension
Lower Control Arm Spherical Bearings for S650 Mustangs
BMR Control Arm Bearings

The spherical bearings in BMR's Lower Control Arm Spherical Bearing Kit eliminate bushing deflection, which reduces lower control arm deflection, rear-wheel alignment changes, rear spindle rotation and wheel hop, according to the manufacturer. The kit uses heavy-duty 1-in. spherical bearings in CNC-machined bearing cups that replace the factory rubber bushings. CNC-machined billet aluminum spacers complete the assembly.

bmrsuspension.com.

LEED Brakes
MaxGrip Lite 4 Piston Aluminum Caliper Brake Kits
LEED Brakes MaxGrip Ford

LEED Brakes is now offering its MaxGrip Lite 4 Piston Aluminum Caliper Brake Kits for Galaxie, Fairlane and other fullsize Fords. The kits are direct bolt-on and specifically engineered to mount to stock drum brake spindles, the manufacturer says, and are designed to clear both FE and Y block engines.

leedbrakes.com.


Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

Thu, 02/22/2024 - 14:42

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Kansas has introduced SEMA-supported legislation to ensure consumers' choice of vehicle powerplants and fuel by preventing a state agency, county or city from limiting access to internal combustion engines. Kansas lawmakers passed a resolution last year, but this year's bill will codify this into law.  

The House Federal & State Affairs Committee recently held a hearing for the House's version of the bill (H.B. 2783). SEMA was among several groups that testified in support of the proposal (watch below), and the bill now awaits a committee vote. 

SEMA believes that Kansans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. This effort promotes consumer choice, fosters innovation and protects jobs. The Senate's version of the bill (SB 471) awaits consideration by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs. 

Use this link to send a letter to lawmakers supporting this pro-industry legislation. 

For more information, contact Colby Martin at SAN@sema.org

Thu, 02/22/2024 - 12:28

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Georgia House Motor Vehicles Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation (SB 352) to modernize and improve the state's laws on vehicle suspension modifications, offering a clearer path for safe enjoyment, economic opportunity and responsible innovation. SEMA testified (watch below) in support of the bill in Atlanta on February 16, 2024. The bill now awaits consideration on the House floor. 

With its ambiguous 2-inch suspension height limit based on an unavailable "factory recommendation," the current law throws up roadblocks for all businesses involved. Uncertainty plagues vehicle owners, law enforcement and businesses in the aftermarket industry, creating fertile ground for legal challenges and stifling the sector's growth potential. 

SB 352 charts a clear course forward. It replaces the subjective 2-inch limit with an objective standard: measuring the vehicle's height from the ground to the frame. This simple change brings much-needed transparency and consistency to enforcement. 

With SEMA's continued support and advocacy, SB 352 has the potential to become a reality. Its passage would solidify Georgia's position as a welcoming destination for off-road enthusiasts and a leader in fostering a responsible and innovative automotive specialty equipment industry. SEMA members can join the advocacy efforts and participate in this positive change. Click here to send a letter to lawmakers in support of SB 352. 

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

Thu, 02/22/2024 - 12:01

FLN LogoBy Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 7, at 10:00 a.m. PST/1:00 p.m. EST.

Open to aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under, the meeting will be the ideal time to hear about FLN's current priorities for members, which include upcoming networking events, member resources and their 2024 Professional Development Program. Attendees will connect with the select committee, discover volunteer opportunities, and walk away with new ways to grow their network.

FLN membership is open to all SEMA business member employees aged 39 and under at no cost. All current and prospective members are encouraged to attend, as it's a great way to tap into resources to enhance one's career and business.

Register here.

Thu, 02/22/2024 - 11:52

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

West Virginia Adventure Travel Day JEEP

Motorized recreation vehicles were on display at the West Virginia state capitol as part of the Adventure Travel Day, which SEMA participated in earlier this month. WV Legislative Photography, photo by Will Price.

The motorized outdoor recreation community descended on Charleston, West Virginia, to participate in Adventure Travel Day hosted in the state capitol on Friday, February 16. West Virginia State Senator Mark Maynard and the West Virginia Country Roads Coalition gathered more than 40 national, state and local organizations, businesses and state agencies to discuss the importance of motorized recreation to the state's economy. 

SEMA spent the day engaging on the importance of preserving and expanding access to motorized recreation in West Virginia and its economic impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry around the state, which was backed by "SEMA's 2023 Economic Impact Report," which found our industry adds $1.3 billion and more than 5,000 jobs in the mountain state.

West Virginia Adventure Travel Day WV Senator Mark Maynard

West Virginia State Senator Mark Maynard spoke during the Adventure Travel Day at the state capitol earlier this month. WV Legislative Photography, photo by Perry Bennett.

The event began by covering the capitol grounds with a slice of the motorized community with displays of overland rigs, Jeeps, trucks, UTVs and motorcycles. Participants set up in the capitol's rotunda to discuss their organization or business interest in the adventure economy of the state with lawmakers, and the event wrapped up with a discussion among the participants and representatives from the WV Economic Development Authority, WV Tourism Office, Department of Highways, Division of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and State Parks. 

In addition to the economic benefit from our industry, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that outdoor recreation generated $1.6 billion and employed over 20,000 people in West Virginia in 2022, with off-roading and motorcycling being in the top three industries in the state. Over the last few years, the state has invested resources into boosting adventure tourism to help lift rural gateway communities across the state that attract people from around the country to enjoy the delights of Appalachia. The event comes after the West Virginia Department of Tourism traveled thousands of miles to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show to help attract the motorized recreation community to the benefits of access to motorized recreation across many miles of country and mountain roads. 

"SEMA thanks Senator Maynard for including us in the Adventure Travel Day and the state legislators for supporting the lifestyle and hobby of the automotive industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. Senator Maynard is a SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member and won the 2018 Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year Award.

SEMA and PRI are next heading to the West Virginia Motorsports Day at the Capitol on Friday, February 23, to raise awareness about the importance of racing to the state.

Thu, 02/22/2024 - 11:52

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

West Virginia Adventure Travel Day JEEP

Motorized recreation vehicles were on display at the West Virginia state capitol as part of the Adventure Travel Day, which SEMA participated in earlier this month. WV Legislative Photography, photo by Will Price.

The motorized outdoor recreation community descended on Charleston, West Virginia, to participate in Adventure Travel Day hosted in the state capitol on Friday, February 16. West Virginia State Senator Mark Maynard and the West Virginia Country Roads Coalition gathered more than 40 national, state and local organizations, businesses and state agencies to discuss the importance of motorized recreation to the state's economy. 

SEMA spent the day engaging on the importance of preserving and expanding access to motorized recreation in West Virginia and its economic impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry around the state, which was backed by "SEMA's 2023 Economic Impact Report," which found our industry adds $1.3 billion and more than 5,000 jobs in the mountain state.

West Virginia Adventure Travel Day WV Senator Mark Maynard

West Virginia State Senator Mark Maynard spoke during the Adventure Travel Day at the state capitol earlier this month. WV Legislative Photography, photo by Perry Bennett.

The event began by covering the capitol grounds with a slice of the motorized community with displays of overland rigs, Jeeps, trucks, UTVs and motorcycles. Participants set up in the capitol's rotunda to discuss their organization or business interest in the adventure economy of the state with lawmakers, and the event wrapped up with a discussion among the participants and representatives from the WV Economic Development Authority, WV Tourism Office, Department of Highways, Division of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and State Parks. 

In addition to the economic benefit from our industry, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that outdoor recreation generated $1.6 billion and employed over 20,000 people in West Virginia in 2022, with off-roading and motorcycling being in the top three industries in the state. Over the last few years, the state has invested resources into boosting adventure tourism to help lift rural gateway communities across the state that attract people from around the country to enjoy the delights of Appalachia. The event comes after the West Virginia Department of Tourism traveled thousands of miles to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show to help attract the motorized recreation community to the benefits of access to motorized recreation across many miles of country and mountain roads. 

"SEMA thanks Senator Maynard for including us in the Adventure Travel Day and the state legislators for supporting the lifestyle and hobby of the automotive industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. Senator Maynard is a SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member and won the 2018 Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year Award.

SEMA and PRI are next heading to the West Virginia Motorsports Day at the Capitol on Friday, February 23, to raise awareness about the importance of racing to the state.

Thu, 02/22/2024 - 11:46

By Ashley Reyes

Women employed in the automotive aftermarket industry have only one week left to purchase their tickets for the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum, taking place in person, March 5-7, in Austin, Texas. 

SBN Women's Leadership Forum

Themed "EVOLVE: Advancing the Future of Women in Leadership," the three-day program will offer a variety of seminars that will help attendees grow in their personal and career journeys. Formats will include interactive workshops, panel discussions and keynotes, led by top female executives and experts in the automotive aftermarket field.   

Below is a breakdown of the education format. View the full event schedule at this link. 

  • Keynotes: Attendees will hear from expert thought leaders and innovators as they bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to help elevate and strengthen leadership skills.
  • Executive Leadership Exchange - Fireside Chat: Attendees will be inspired as industry executives share their career journeys, obstacles, roadblocks and successes through storytelling, best practices and insights.
  • HR/DEI Panel Discussion: Attendees will learn specific strategies to increase the representation and support of women in their organization. 
  • Interactive Workshops: These workshops will enable attendees to discuss critical issues in a smaller, more intimate gathering and to dive deeper into more complex topics.
  • Application and Action Planning: Attendees will define specific actions needed to achieve their goals and track their progress. 

In addition to gaining knowledge to advance in their careers, participants will foster invaluable connections with women who understand their industry inside and out. The focused setting will encourage new friendships and the opportunity for attendees to give each other support and advice. 

Watch the video below from Jackie Martin, chief purpose and inclusion officer at Fox Factory, and hear more from her at the Forum! 

The deadline to purchase tickets is February 29, 2024. Register before time runs out at www.sema.org/sbn-wlf

Thu, 02/22/2024 - 11:41

SuspensionBy Ashley Reyes

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful tool for product development, enabling engineers and designers to optimize their design components, speed up product development time and save money on expenses.

Automotive aftermarket engineers and designers are invited to attend the webinar "Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of a Suspension System" on March 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. PST, to learn about new advanced tools available to shorten the product development timeline.

Attendees will learn:

  • How to simulate a suspension system.
  • How to test and optimize a suspension virtually.
  • What can be done on the computer before making prototypes.
  • How mechanical simulation can shorten development timelines.

The webinar will include a Q&A with the speaker, MingYao Ding, principal and vice president of engineering at Ozen Engineering. Don't miss your chance to tap into his expertise.

Register for the webinar here.

Thu, 02/22/2024 - 11:33

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage has announced a measuring session for the newly designed '24 Ford F-150. RSVP here.

Ford F-150 truck SEMA Garage Detroit measuring session

SEMA members will have the opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the Ford truck; take advantage of this exclusive event, Tuesday, February 27, in person at the SEMA Garage Detroit in Plymouth, Michigan.

This event will feature two '24 Ford F-150 truck models:  

F-150 4x2 SuperCrew:

• 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop technology.
• STX Black appearance package.
• Extended range 36-gallon fuel tank.
• Spray-in bedliner.
• Cloth seats.
• 12-in. productivity screen.
• 5.5 ft. pick-up box. 

F-150 4x4 SuperCrew:  

• 5.0L V8 engine with auto start-stop technology.
• XLT with FX package.
• Mobile office and bed utility package.
• BlueCruise package.
• Cloth seats.
• 12-in. productivity screen.
• 5.5 ft. pick-up box. 

Spots are limited for this exclusive event; sign up today. For more information, visit the RSVP link or contact measuringsessions@sema.org. Don't delay; spots are filling up fast. RSVP now.

'24 Ford F-150 Measuring Session

Tuesday, February 27, 2024
SEMA Garage Detroit
14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170
View on Google Maps.
Click here to RSVP.