J.D. Eatherly, 92, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his favorite chair with his wife by his side on Saturday January 22. Born and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Jesse William and Douglas Serenia Chester Eatherly. He was preceded in death by his son Steve Eatherly and step-daughter Pam White.

When Eatherly left the Marine Corps in the ’40s, he went to Detroit and started working for a Rayco Auto Service franchise installing seat covers and vinyl tops. Shortly after, a Rayco franchise store opened in East Nashville in the early ’50s and he transferred from Detroit to Nashville to be closer to home. In the late ’50s, a second Rayco franchise opened in downtown Nashville.

In the early ’60s, Eatherly saw the need for a speed shop in Nashville, so he started his own business known as Rayco Racing Division. As the company started to grow, in 1962, it became Tennessee Speed Sport. The business continued to grow, and in 1967, he incorporated P&E Distributors, dba Tennessee Speed Sport. Throughout the ’70s and into the ’80s, the company’s wholesale division flourished and still continues today.

Eatherly was an avid NASCAR fan and loved to listen to the current and old races on the radio. He was also a very successful real estate developer in his retirement.

Survivors include his wife, Daisy Duke Eatherly of Nashville; children, Sandy Cantrell (Gary) of Bell Buckle, Tennessee; Donnie Eatherly (Donna) of Hendersonville, Tennessee; Sue Ann Jennings (Al) of Lebanon, Tennessee; stepchildren, Barry Burnette, Vickie Corbitt, Rhonda Burnette (LeAnne Searcy) and Martene Beasley, all of Nashville; daughter-in-law, Darcy Eatherly; step son-in-law, Barry White; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Thursday January 27, at 3:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Baggett officiating. Place of rest will be in Dickson County Memorial Gardens. Services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Dickson, Tennessee, 615-446-2808.

Memorials can be made to Glaucoma.org, Autismspeaks.org, NationalMSsociety.org or Fightingblindness.org.

Marlan Davis, longtime tech editor for Hot Rod and Car Craft magazines, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on January 15. He joined Hot Rod in the late ’70s and spent the next four decades helping automotive enthusiasts understand engine and vehicle performance.

Said David Freiburger, “Roadkill” host, on his Facebook page:

“Marlan was a car-loving teen who was a bag boy at a grocery store, but living next to Hot Rod publisher Dick Day led to him getting a job at the magazine as an assistant when he was 18 in 1977. He eventually became senior technical editor at Hot Rod and Car Craft and was renowned as the most detailed tech writer in the industry. When his job was downsized out of existence a couple years ago, he was happy for the early retirement funds, and walked away as the longest-standing editorial staffer in the lineage of companies that have owned what started as Petersen Publishing. He helped and entertained droves of gearheads for nearly 45 years. Godspeed, Marlan.”

By Ashley Reyes

Jody Perewitz, the first woman to ever jockey an American V-Twin powered motorcycle into the record books at more than 200 mph, will join SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) members for a Facebook and Instagram live chat on February 2, at 12:00 p.m. (PST).  

Perewitz has become one of the most recognizable women in the motorcycle industry today and holds 16 land-speed records, one of which is a world record. During this chat, SBN members will have the exclusive opportunity to ask about her career accomplishments, her viewpoint on being a successful woman in a male-dominated industry and challenges she’s overcome.  

Perewitz’s additional career achievements include being one of only three women to complete all the miles in the Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Race, completing all the miles from the upper peninsula of Michigan to Key West, Florida, in the 2019 Motorcycle Chase, taking home a win at New Smyrna Speedway in 2018 and being the youngest member to be inducted into the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame.  

Live Chat Location: SBN Facebook page and SBN Instagram page.

By Ashley Reyes

Daniel Ciganovich is the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) newest spotlight volunteer.

Ciganovich is the president of Innovative Dealer Alliance. In his Q&A with SEMA, Ciganovich shares how he was introduced to the restyling industry, and what led him to starting his own company in the same market segment.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?

Daniel Ciganovich: I have always been interested in automotive from an early age, from the time I built my first custom Cal-Bug in High School. I eventually started working for a regional tire and wheel retailer when an opportunity presented itself to work for a well-known restyler who operated in 11 western states. The position I took was to sell and install aftermarket accessories as a dealership in-house accessory manager. I never felt so motivated and happy selling cool accessory upgrades in the dealership environment, for me it was the perfect match!

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?

DC: After 13 years managing one of the largest restyling businesses that spanned both the United States and Canada, I felt it was time for a change. I started my own company to help other restylers grow their businesses, and joined PRO to share my experience with other like-minded business owners, as well expand my knowledge from others.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

DC: Work is work, and you are going to have to work hard to be successful. There will be great days and bad days no matter what industry you are in, so you might as well be a part of something you are passionate about.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

DC: A Porsche 911 carving the canyons here in Southern California. For now, I am happy cruising PCH in my ’67 Bug, or heading out to the desert to watch King of the Hammers or The Baja 1000 in my lifted F-150.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

DC: Don’t confuse effort with results.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

DC: I love all aspects of the automotive industry, and for now, my company keeps me well connected to the restyling business. At this stage of my life, I just can’t ever see a time when I will not be a part of this exciting and dynamic industry.

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s social media, SEMA eNews and future PRO-member updates.

This is the upcoming ’24 Ford Mustang GT undergoing testing, providing some key details about the S650-generation pony.

The prototype is draped in heavy camo, and even wears some fake padding above the rear window. Even so, we can still make out a few key items about this model, including the fact that the pony will keep the same general dimensions, long hood, short trunk and stout nose aesthetic of the current model.

The black wheels are very similar to a set of units offered by the current Mustang GT, and the rear end features a set of quad exhaust tips. However, since this model is wearing EPA exhaust tips, the quad exhaust tips are collected into a dual-exhaust setup for the sake of testing.

The interior is draped in camo, but we can clearly see the steering wheel from the current S550 model with the Bullitt logo. Like the exterior wheels, this steering wheel is likely a parts bin item that is used for testing purposes until the production-intent wheel is ready.

The S650 Mustang is set for a ’24 model-year launch, one model year later than originally anticipated, and is expected to be an evolution of the current S550 model.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the upcoming ’24 Ford Mustang GT undergoing testing, providing some key details about the S650-generation pony.

The prototype is draped in heavy camo, and even wears some fake padding above the rear window. Even so, we can still make out a few key items about this model, including the fact that the pony will keep the same general dimensions, long hood, short trunk and stout nose aesthetic of the current model.

The black wheels are very similar to a set of units offered by the current Mustang GT, and the rear end features a set of quad exhaust tips. However, since this model is wearing EPA exhaust tips, the quad exhaust tips are collected into a dual-exhaust setup for the sake of testing.

The interior is draped in camo, but we can clearly see the steering wheel from the current S550 model with the Bullitt logo. Like the exterior wheels, this steering wheel is likely a parts bin item that is used for testing purposes until the production-intent wheel is ready.

The S650 Mustang is set for a ’24 model-year launch, one model year later than originally anticipated, and is expected to be an evolution of the current S550 model.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

As industry requirements for emissions compliance evolve, manufacturers will need to prepare and adapt to new testing procedures. Stephen Ruiz, ACS, Automotive Consulting Services, will share firsthand experience on emissions calibration and compliance during a webinar on Tuesday, February 15, at 1:00 p.m. (PST).

Participants will learn practical experience about how to go through the process of emissions calibration and compliance as they learn from Ruiz’s extensive experience with powertrain calibration for internal combustion engines and transmissions to meet specific engineering requirements.

Register here to join the webinar, “A Practical Approach to Emissions Calibration and Compliance.”

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) and SEMA Businesswoman’s Network (SBN) are invited to a cross-council mixer on Thursday, February 3, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. at King of the Hammers.

Participants will get updated on resources and volunteer opportunities available in the industry, watch the short-course race and learn about land use and stewardship from the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA).

The event is located inside the VIP tent and will provide the ideal opportunity for attendees to meet new contacts and strengthen existing connections. Participants will get updated on resources and volunteer opportunities available in the industry, watch the short-course race and learn about land use and stewardship from the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA).

King of the Hammers attendees who are not current TORA, ETTN or SBN members but are interested in getting more involved are invited to attend, as it is a great way to introduce yourself and learn about what SEMA Councils and Networks have to offer.

Registration is required if not already attending King of the Hammers and are attending the mixer only. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

Learn more and RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

The 2022 SEMA Scholarship application period for students preparing for careers in the automotive or performance parts industries is now open and will run through March 1, 2022.

What does winning a SEMA Scholarship mean? Watch the video below to hear firsthand from recent recipients Jennifer Allen, Almon Evans, Zach Griggs and Stephen Redlack.

The SEMA Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness program represents more than just financial aid; it is amongst the best opportunities for students who have a passion for automobiles and are pursuing careers in the automotive industry.

Scholarship winners have access to resources through SEMA Education and the SEMA Career Center, and in-person networking opportunities at the SEMA Show. Industry professionals who have children, friends or know someone who may qualify are encouraged to share this opportunity with them.

Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships.

By Fredy Ramirez, Jay Carpio, and Carr Winn

Influencer Sana Dadabhoy (@Ladyzla_) was invited to join Toyota at the SEMA Garage for a ’22 GR86 measuring session. With complete access to the new GR86 in both standard and premium trim levels, Dadabhoy joined members as they explored this exciting new platform. SEMA Mechanical Engineer Luis Morales also provided a hands-on demonstration of how SEMA members can utilize Garage services to get a jumpstart on R&D.  

According to the OEM, “With two grades and a choice of manual or automatic transmission, the ’22 GR86 is ready to thrill at every turn.” In support of that claim, Toyota boasts that the powerplant on the GR86 boasts 228hp, up from 205 and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, up from 156 and peak torque arrives far earlier in the powerband at 3,700 RPM, versus 6,600 RPM.

To learn more about the Toyota GR86, visit www.toyota.com/gr86. If you have questions about the recent measuring session, or want to join fellow SEMA members for the next event visit www.semagarage.com.