Tue, 02/20/2024 - 11:17

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 a few of the latest postings. 

Sanders Streetrods 

Auto Body and Paint Technician in Enumclaw, Washington

Sanders Streetrods is searching for an individual with experience in the auto body industry. The selected applicant's role would include body panel straightening and dent repair, body panel filler work and block sanding, body panel alignment, painting and more. A minimum of two years of experience is required.

Canepa

Auto Body Prepper in Scotts Valley, California

Canepa is searching for an experienced auto body prepper with a knowledge of restoration style bodywork, anti-corrosion treatments, surface preparation and other relevant areas, in addition to four years of auto body experience.

RANDYS Worldwide

Brand Manager in Everett, Washington

The selected candidate will spearhead the planning and execution of initiatives, including product launches, branding strategies, promotional endeavors and event support. In collaboration with the sales team and channel partners, this role will be responsible for the brand's representation across diverse channels and ensuring the success of promotional efforts and advertising strategies.

 

Tue, 02/20/2024 - 07:43

By SEMA News Editors

McCoy Receives Promoter of the Year Award at RPM@Daytona

John McCoy, promoter at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa, received the Auto-Racing Promoter of the Year Award at the 51st annual RPM@Daytona Workshops in Daytona, Beach, Florida.

Additionally, Susan Deery, manager of Rockford Speedway in Rockford, Illinois, was presented with the Jody Deery Award--named after her late mother--for leading the track during its final season.

RPM Award Winners

John McCoy and wife (left); Susan Deery and family (right).

Other awards presented during the workshop include the RPM Outstanding Event of the Year, which was awarded to the Gerald Haers Memorial at Land of Legends Raceway in Canandaigua, New York, and the organization's Regional Promoter of the Year awards.

See the full list of regional winners below:

  • Region One: Brett Deyo from Utica-Rome, Fonda in New York, and Georgetown Speedway in Georgetown, Delaware.
  • Region Two: Wendall Durrance from All-Tech Speedway in Lake City, Florida.
  • Region Three: Kevin Gundaker from Tri-City Speedway in Granite City, Illinois.
  • Region Four: Doug Johnson, Huset's Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota.
  • Region Five: John McCoy, Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa.
  • Region Six: Michelle Lackey-Maynor, Alaska Raceway Park in Palmer, Alaska.

For more information, visit promotersnewsletter.com.

Extreme E Selects Symbio as Hydrogen Fuel Cell Supplier

Extreme E has announced Symbio as its official hydrogen fuel cell provider ahead of the championship’s transition to Extreme H in 2025. Symbio is co-owned by Forvia, Michelin and Stellantis.

Symbio

Symbio will supply the series with a 75kW hydrogen fuel cell, replacing the battery as the principal energy source. Green hydrogen sources will be used to power the Extreme H fuel cells, created using a combination of solar and water.

For more information, visit extreme-e.com.

Featherlite Trailers Announces Newest Authorized Transporter Service Center

Featherlite Trailers, based in Cresco, Iowa, has announced Superior Trailer Solutions as its newest authorized transporter service center.

As part of the partnership, Superior Trailer Solutions will be stationed alongside Featherlite's NASCAR service transporter at the Daytona 500 and will support Featherlite's trackside service for specialty transporters.

For more information, visit fthr.com.


Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

Tue, 02/20/2024 - 07:31

By SEMA News Editors

Porsche is working on updating the current 911 lineup and SEMA News sources recently captured images of a Targa model prototype on the roads in northern Sweden.

The recent sighting was the first of the uncovered 911 Targa, revealing its updated design without camouflage, except for the decal covers on the headlights and the Porsche and Targa logos on the rear and B-pillar.

Porsche 911 Targa

The refresh introduces a new front bumper design featuring vertical slats in its air intakes. This alteration was necessary to accommodate the integration of vertical and active slats, differing from the design of the current model, sources said. The rear bumper will also undergo some modifications, particularly in its lower section, as will the rear air outlets of the engine cover.

According to anonymous company insiders, the base variant of the 911 (which isn't the model seen here) is rumored to revert to naturally aspirated engines. Speculation suggests that the base model might adopt an engine derived from the 4.0L unit but with a smaller displacement.

Tue, 02/20/2024 - 07:28

By SEMA News Editors

Hellwig Suspension Products
Tesla Model 3 Sway Bars
Hellwig Sway Bar Tesla Model 3

Hellwig Suspension Products has expanded its offerings for electric vehicles with two new sway bars for '17-and-newer Tesla Model 3 vehicles. Forged from 4140 chromoly steel, the sway bars are designed to alleviate unwanted body roll, pitching and discomfort in corners and turns. Both sway bars reuse factory end links and come with polyurethane bushings.

hellwigproducts.com.


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

Tue, 02/20/2024 - 07:22

By SEMA News Editors

Wharton Automotive Group Acquires Competition Clutch

Wharton, Competition ClutchWharton Automotive Group (WAG), the Anaheim, California-based parent company of McLeod Racing, FTI Converters and Transmissions, Silver Sport Transmissions and other driveline brands, has acquired Competition Clutch.

Acquired from previous owner Chris Jewell, Competition Clutch is a provider of clutch kits, flywheel products and accessories for the sport-compact market. Effective immediately, the company will be based out of McLeod Racing's Anaheim manufacturing plant.

"I'm extremely excited to announce this important acquisition to the WAG family of high-performance driveline companies," said Paul Lee, owner of Wharton Automotive Group. "The Competition Clutch name and high-quality products have been number one in the sport compact world for years. We will continue to grow this brand and build on what Chris Jewell has built. The sport-compact market is large with a loyal following and dedicated participants. I'm excited to service their driveline needs." 

For more information, visit mcleodracing.com or competitionclutch.com.

Lucas Oil Promotes Morgan Lucas to CEO, Katie Lucas to President

Lucas Oil Products, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, has Morgan and Katie Lucas promoted Morgan Lucas to CEO and Katie Lucas to president of the company.

Morgan has served as the company’s president since May 2020 and was previously senior vice president of sales. Katie served as vice president of strategy and philanthropy before stepping into the chief administrative officer role in 2022. 

As CEO, Morgan is responsible for the strategic direction and vision of Lucas Oil, as well as providing financial and operational leadership for the company.

In Katie’s role as president of Lucas Oil, she will manage the day-to-day operations and ensure all functional departments are working closely to support the strategic goals of the company. Katie will also continue to lead all of Lucas Oil’s philanthropic and community engagement endeavors.

For more information, visit lucasoil.com.

LEED Brakes Adds George Eckford, Wholesale Sales ManagerGeorge Eckford LEED Brakes Wholesale Manager

LEED Brakes, a provider of brake products for the muscle-car, classic-truck and street-rod markets, has appointed George Eckford as its wholesale sales manager.

Eckford previously served as the regional industrial sales manager at Superior Lubricants and spent 12 years as national sales manager for GUNK and Liquid Wrench.

Additionally, Pat Infantino, sales leader at LEED Brakes, will be retiring from the company after 36 years in the industry.

For more information, visit leedbrakes.com.

Garrett Motion Appoints Paul A. Camuti to Board of Directors

Garrett Motion has appointed Paul A. Camuti, the executive vice president and chief technology and sustainability officer of Trane Technologies, to its board of directors.

Camuti replaces John Petry, founder and managing principal of Sessa Capital, on the board.John Stone

For more information, visit garrettmotion.com.

Cummins Elects John H. Stone to Board of Directors

John H. Stone, the president and CEO of Allegion, a security company, has been elected to the Cummins board of directors.

Stone is responsible for the strategic direction of Allegion and its global businesses.

For more information, visit cummins.com.


Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

 

Thu, 02/15/2024 - 11:25

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is hosting a webinar titled "Electric Vehicles: Policies and Obstacles," on Tuesday, February 20, at 9:30 a.m. (EST). The event will feature remarks from former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler along with a panel discussion with distinguished speakers (agenda below). Click here to register for the webinar. 

EV charging

The two-part discussion will highlight the issues, obstacles and other central parameters of federal and state EV policies.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have received substantial subsidies and policy favoritism from federal and state governments in recent years, even as the market for EVs has nonetheless fallen short of the predictions from its most confident proponents. Join AEI and its guests for a two-part discussion of the issues, obstacles and other central parameters of federal and state EV policies.

Agenda (All times EST)

9:30 a.m. - Welcome and Introduction from Benjamin Zycher, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

9:35 a.m. - Remarks from Andrew Wheeler, Former Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

9:55 a.m. - Q&A

10:10 a.m. - Panel Discussion

11:10 a.m. - Q&A

11:30 a.m. - Adjournment

You can submit questions to AEI in writing by emailing Price.StClair@aei.org.

About AEI

The AEI is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential and building a freer and safer world, according to the organization. The work of its scholars and staff advances ideas are rooted in the belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.

Thu, 02/15/2024 - 11:04

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, 02/15/2024 - 10:58

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Garage Detroit has received confirmation from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that the new location is properly equipped for automotive exhaust emissions testing. CARB has issued a letter naming the SEMA Detroit Garage a Recognized Independent Emissions Lab, officially recognizing it as a qualified location for emissions compliance testing.

"We're excited to receive this recognition from CARB," said Mike Mohacsi, vice president, SEMA Product Development and OEM Relations. "Now both of our Garages in Detroit and Diamond Bar [California] are fully recognized by CARB, enabling us to serve more of our member companies throughout the country."

SEMA Garage Detroit

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has named SEMA Garage Detroit a Recognized Independent Emissions Lab, officially recognizing it as a qualified location for emissions compliance testing.

The recognition from CARB will enable SEMA to better serve its membership by offering certification-level automotive exhaust emissions testing to help members develop products that can be sold in all 50 states. Testing plays a vital role in the CARB Executive Order (EO) process, particularly for products that may impact vehicle emissions. Understanding the regulatory process and keeping up-to-date on regulations such as the federal Clean Air Act and the California Vehicle Code, SEMA offers unrivaled knowledge to assist companies with compliance by offering crucial emissions testing services and aiding in navigating regulatory standards. This support enables manufacturers to efficiently test, develop, certify and bring their products to market quickly.

As of February 2024, there are only 14 Independent Vehicle Emissions Testing Labs in the United States, including the two SEMA Garages, that are recognized by CARB to perform light-duty tailpipe emissions testing.

SEMA Garage Detroit interior

The recognition from CARB enables SEMA to offer certification-level automotive exhaust emissions testing to help members develop products that can be sold in all 50 states.

"The emissions testing labs at the SEMA Garage in Detroit and Diamond Bar focus on developing and certifying aftermarket components," said Ben Kaminsky, general manager, SEMA Garage Detroit. "We are two of the only recognized labs in the country with this specific focus."

Opened in 2022, the SEMA Garage Detroit emissions lab offers comprehensive services, including access to a multi-million-dollar facility, cutting-edge emissions tools, competitive rates, assistance with vehicle procurement, and real-time observation of testing by manufacturers. Along with its emissions testing lab, the SEMA Garage Compliance Center can assist manufacturers throughout the entire CARB application process, further streamlining the path to regulatory approval. The facility also features an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Center and offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) measuring sessions, scanning services, and advanced tools and equipment.

The SEMA emissions and compliance teams are dedicated full-time staff who guide members through the CARB EO application and testing requirements, offering support in communication with CARB every step of the way. The CARB recognition comes as the SEMA Garage program achieves a landmark. SEMA has secured more than 700 CARB EOs for its members, underscoring its pivotal role for members in facilitating emissions compliance and regulatory approval for aftermarket products. SEMA also offers its SEMA Certified-Emissions program that meets the requirements of the EPA's Tampering policy, helping manufacturers sell confidently in 49 states.

Located in Plymouth, Michigan, and Diamond Bar, SEMA Garage services are available to all SEMA members. For more information, visit www.semagarage.com.

Thu, 02/15/2024 - 10:06

Loan ForgivenessBy Ashley Reyes 

SEMA-member company employees have only two weeks left to apply to reduce their student debt through the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Applications are open now and close March 1 at sema.org/loan-forgiveness

What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program?

The Loan Forgiveness Program is a benefit of SEMA membership that issues financial awards up to $2,000 to help employees of SEMA-member businesses pay off their education loans from a college, university or career technical/trade school.

What are the eligibility requirements?

  • Currently employed by a SEMA-member business.
  • Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
  • Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States or Canada.
  • Have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.

What are the benefits of being selected?

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program presents individuals with the opportunity to focus more on excelling in their careers, rather than be burdened by financial strain. It also empowers them to pursue their passions more freely, while saving money out-of-pocket in the long run.

What is the application process?

Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness before the March 1 deadline. If you know someone who may qualify, SEMA encourages you to share this opportunity with them.

Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:07

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Overland Vehicle Systems
Expedition Truck Cap
Expedition Truck Cap

Designed for off-road enthusiasts and adventurers, the Expedition Truck Cap is built to withstand the toughest terrains and weather conditions, according to Overland Vehicle Systems. Constructed from marine-grade stainless steel, the Expedition is finished with a built-in air vent, waterproof seals, heavy-duty latches and more.

overlandvehiclesystems.com.

Aeromotive
High-Performance Water Pumps
Aeromotive Water Pumps

Aeromotive is now offering lightweight billet aluminum brushless water pumps with electric motors and aluminum impellers intended for racing use. The new line of pumps is optimized for use in a variety of on-track and off-road motorsports classes.

aeromotiveinc.com.


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