Performance Racing Industry (PRI) is strengthening its commitment to the motorsports industry and cementing its presence in the racing capital of the world by purchasing a 42,500-sq.-ft. building in Speedway, Indiana, just outside of Indianapolis. Located within walking distance of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the building will serve as PRI Membership Headquarters and offer a broad range of programs and services to assist the motorsports community.

PRI purchased a 42,500-sq.-ft. building in Speedway, Indiana, that will serve as PRI Membership Headquarters and offer a broad range of programs and services to assist the motorsports community.

“Indianapolis is the epicenter of motorsports in America and the world, and we are excited to work alongside our Indianapolis neighbors and racing industry icons, and be at the forefront of the racing community,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “PRI Membership is a groundbreaking program that unites the industry and creates a collective voice for the motorsports community to address any challenges and needs."

By establishing its PRI Membership Headquarters on Main Street in Speedway, Indiana, PRI has solidified its commitment to Indianapolis—site of the organization’s annual PRI Trade Show. The building, which will be a key tool in helping expand PRI Membership, will include office space for dedicated staff, have a Content Factory where garage space will be transformed into a content-generation machine, offer live and virtual educational opportunities, host motorsports gatherings and membership meetings and more.

The new PRI Membership Headquarters will also support other PRI initiatives. PRI launched an aggressive PRI Road Tour in 2020 where staff embarked on a nationwide trek visiting motorsports companies and tracks, sharing their stories and increasing awareness to billions of enthusiasts. PRI Membership followed in early 2021, giving businesses and individuals the opportunity to unite and advocate for the protection and growth of the racing industry. The recent PRI Trade Show in December 2021 included 50,000 attendees and marked the motorsports industry’s largest trade gathering since the pandemic began in March 2020.

“PRI is at the forefront of building, promoting and protecting the racing community,” said Meyer. “The new PRI Membership Headquarters in Indianapolis will allow us to expand on the PRI Membership promise to unite the industry and remain a strong voice for the racing community.”

PRI Membership Headquarters is scheduled to open in May 2022, just in time for the running of the Indianapolis 500.

The PRI Trade Show was created in 1988 and found its home in Indianapolis, where 16 of the 33 shows have been held. The Show encompasses all forms of racing and attracts attendees from all 50 states and across the globe, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media. The annual Show features the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies and trailers for the racing industry.

To learn more about PRI, visit PerformanceRacing.com. To learn more about PRI Membership or to join, visit PerformanceRacing.com/Membership.

By Ashley Reyes

“Effective leaders embrace change as an opportunity for individual and organization growth and development,” Brett Campbell, a certified trainer from Dale Carnegie, shared with attendees at the 2021 SEMA Show. Dale Carnegie was the sponsor of the “Aspiring Leadership” track and presented four seminars, all of which will be made available for on-demand viewing.

Viewers of SEMA’s “Aspiring Leadership” track will learn how to avoid common leadership mistakes, identify ways to lead others, self-manage during organizational change and how to recognize the elements and apply a model for change engagement.

Learn more about what Campbell has to say about leading change and what the critical actions of a change leader are by watching a recording of the seminar at www.semashow.com/education.

Viewers will learn how to avoid common leadership mistakes, identify ways to lead others, self-manage during organizational change and how to recognize the elements and apply a model for change engagement.

“The changes that you have experienced over the last year, they’re not fake, you didn’t imagine them. You’re not a poor leader if you lost sleep the last year over this stuff. You’re an alive person, you’re a real person,” said Campbell. “And so we feel those things too, but leaders do something different. Leaders overcome those fears. Leaders execute with confidence and a positive mindset.”

New seminars are added weekly at www.semashow.com/education. Other recently added seminars include:

• How To Get the Most from Social-Media Influencers
• Best Practices for Thriving in a Family Business
• Safely Modifying Vehicles with ADAS, Powered by WTC
• Top Aftermarket Journalists Predict the Future

Users of the SEMA Education website will need to create a personal profile upon their first visit, which will then provide access to all recordings in the library.

By Ashley Reyes

Zachary Zajdel is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN)—formerly Young Executives Network (YEN)—newest spotlight member. Zajdel is the technical sales and support manager at Brandmotion, an aftermarket company that integrates new technology into vehicles to make them safer.

Get to know Zajdel in his interview with SEMA below.

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

Zachary Zajdel: Always go above and beyond for your customers. You will always make a good impression that will reward you for years to come. This advice has propelled me forward within my career by helping to create valuable relationships within the industry.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

ZZ: The unmatched passion within the industry is second to none. In this industry, exciting news comes each and every single day.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

ZZ: I can be found wrenching in my garage on either my LS Squarebody pickup or my wife’s Squarebody pickup.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

ZZ: I review notes and recent emails. If there is any bad news, I try to address it first, so that the meeting can improve from there and so that the last note of the meeting is not a bad one. After reviewing, set up an itinerary with a couple of notes or action items. You can easily cross these off during the meeting, avoiding missing anything important. These also give a great start to follow up emails or action items that need to be completed.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

ZZ: If I could go to lunch with one industry leader, it would be David Freiburger. I follow him religiously in MotorTrend as well as Roadkill and he seems to be a seemingly limitless fountain of knowledge of cars, parts and people.

If you are a current FLN member, fill out an FLN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on FLN’s social media, SEMA eNews and FLN member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Mercedes Lilienthal, a freelance journalist and PR/marketing consultant at Crankshaft Consulting, as the newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.

Lilienthal started her career in the automotive aftermarket three-and-a half years ago after spending 15 years as a commercial interior designer and project manager. Her first job in the automotive industry was writing articles for a variety of automotive publications.

Learn about Lilienthal’s career in her interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

ML: As a full-time freelancer, the most challenging part of my job is continually keeping all the balls in the air and making sure nothing drops out of my sight.

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?

ML: 1. Perseverance: not letting “no” or no answer from people get the best of me. 2. Striving for top quality: creating the best content or partnerships I’m capable of (my name is associated with everything I do). 3. Willingness to try something new and not being afraid to fail.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?

ML: Challenges: Men account for the majority of automotive journalists. When at automotive shows, trail runs, or even off-roading/overlanding events, I sometimes get the “invisible” attitude that I’m a woman who doesn’t know anything auto-related, especially when it comes to the off-roading or supporting aftermarket segments (my specialty). I need to prove myself before being taken seriously.

Accomplishments: Being extremely proud to be one of a few women that regularly writes for notable publications, like The New York Times’ “Wheels” column, Car and Driver, Forbes Wheels, Autoblog and so on. The majority of content comes from men and to break down those barriers and be recognized is humbling.

I’ve also received journalism and photography awards from the Texas Auto Writer's Association and Motor Press Guild, among so many extremely talented peers.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

ML: Jessi Combs: Her dedication to her craft, willingness to help others, fierce drive and humble personality are traits I strive for. Sue Mead: her talent as a journalist and automotive racer is what I aspire to, her dear friendship and mentorship mean the world to me and have helped me grow exponentially.

For his support and guidance, my husband, Andy Lilienthal, as I switched careers and gave freelancing a go. His dedication to help me succeed, love to keep me going and mad editing skills to help hone my articles are some of the many reasons I love him so. He supports me in ways I didn't even know I needed.

SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?

ML: If you believe in yourself and want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen.

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?

ML: Yes. The people, vehicles and evolution of everything keep me here.

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.

By Della Domingo

Featuring 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders Champion Robert Matranga with his ’55 Chevrolet Bel Air, the History Channel will premiere the Battle of the Builders special on Sunday, January 23, at 9:00 a.m. (EST). The one-hour special has aired on television since 2015, giving viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show, up-close footage of the vehicles and exclusive interviews with builders as they share their personal stories and journey to the SEMA Show. For many of the builders, SEMA Battle of the Builders is their chance to prove that they are among the elite.

“As a trade-only event, the SEMA Show is where every car enthusiast dreams of attending,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party, has made it possible for consumers to participate in the excitement. The Battle of the Builders TV special also gives viewers, who have never experienced the SEMA Show, an opportunity to see what happens behind closed doors, while those who attended the Show get to relive the experience.”

Along with Matranga, the TV special will feature dozens of builders in the automotive industry, as well as hosts Adrienne Janic and Tanner Foust, and judges Cam Miller, Jeremiah Proffitt, Kyle Kuhnhausen and R.J. de Vera.

For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the TV special, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

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

Continental
Power Sports Cooling Fans for ATVs, UTVs

Continental introduced a new line of Power Sport Fan assemblies for direct replacement on popular ATVs and UTVs. The new fan assembly range includes four models offering specific applications on the Polaris RZR and Sportsman Scrambler, and Can-Am Outlander Renegade and Maverick.

Continental ATV cooling fans are engineered and built for dependable performance in rugged off-road conditions and a wide range of weather elements.

www.continentalaftermarket.com

KBS Coatings
Cavity Coater

KBS Coatings Cavity Coater is the perfect solution for providing rust protection in hard-to-reach areas. Cavity Coater is a single-step, super-penetrating corrosion inhibiting coating (CIC) designed for long-term protection of all metal surfaces. It provides a self-healing film tested to render more than four thousand hours of salt-spray protection; more than four times the protection of conventional cavity waxes.

Cavity Coater can be used to protect the inside of framerails, rocker panels, fenders, quarter-panels, doors, tailgates, windshield cowls, posts and more. Cavity Coater wicks into welds and seams that primers and topcoats can’t reach. Cavity Coater resists road salt, alkaline solutions and chemicals. For especially hard to-reach areas the Cavity Wand is offered to extend the reach of aerosol Cavity Coater with a reusable 48-in. hose that features a 360-degree spray tip. The Cavity Wand requires only a 1/8-in. hole to insert and is easily cleaned. Cavity Coater is available in quart, gallon and aerosol versions.

www.kbs-coatings.com/cavity-coater.html

Hospeco Brands
Shopserve Microfiber Towels

Hospeco Brands Group’s Shopserve microfiber towels, now available in a convenient dispensing box, are thin but durable 12x12-in. towels that are perfect for quickly removing dirt, dust, and bacteria from surfaces with little to no chemicals. With the convenient dispensing box, microfiber cleaning towels can be kept in areas where cleaning up or wiping down surfaces is a more constant undertaking. The microfiber towels are economical enough to be use as a disposable towel or can be laundered for limited reuse.

Shopserve microfiber cloths are made of polyester and polyamide. The fibers are more than 100 times smaller than a human hair, creating a larger volume of fibers touching a surface compared to traditional cotton cloths. The increased surface area makes Shopserve microfiber significantly more absorbent, seemingly lifting and trapping dust and dirt into their fiber web.

These general-purpose cleaning and detailing towels are suitable for applications as diverse as building services and maintenance, industrial, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, agriculture and more.

www.hospeco.com/product/8410

Aeromotive
Direct Drop-In Fuel Fystem for Hellcat-swapped ’20–’21 Jeep Gladiators

Aeromotive has released its new Direct Drop-In fuel system for Hellcat-swapped ’20–’21 Jeep Gladiators. Designed to perform at optimal efficiency in even the harshest conditions on- and off-road, this direct drop-in module utilizes the award-winning Phantom in-tank pump and Aeromotive’s patented foam and bladder technology with check valves to control fuel slosh.

The Phantom Drop-In Fuel Pump Module works in conjunction with the factory fuel tank and requires no drilling or fabrication. It utilizes the OEM fuel tank, lock ring, gasket, fuel level sender and vent paired with the patented Aeromotive Jet Siphon with OEM siphon pickup. The module also includes a single -10 ORB port for those that want to use a return-style regulator and return line.

The Aeromotive Phantom Fuel Pump Module for the ’20–’21 Jeep Gladiator (Part# 18078) includes a single 525 liter-per-hour fuel pump which can support forced induction gasoline applications up to 900 hp and forced induction E-85 ethanol applications up to 600 hp. All horsepower numbers are based on drivetrains using electronic fuel injection with pulse-width modulation.

PN 18078
www.aeromotiveinc.com

MAHLE Motorsport
Ford EcoBoost 2.3L PowerPak Plus Piston Kit

MAHLE Motorsport’s 4032 alloy Ford EcoBoost 2.3L PowerPak Plus Piston kit is designed for heavy-duty applications where the OE cast piston has been known to fail. MAHLE Motorsport has introduced a 4032 alloy option that not only adds much needed strength, but allows for a tighter piston to wall clearance for quieter cold startup.

MAHLE Motorsport’s 2.3L PowerPak kit is loaded with value-added features for reliable power production for any 2.3L EcoBoost engine. MAHLE Motorsport manufactured this kit with a thick slipper-skirt-style forging and an enhanced OE crown design with increased radius for improved strength. Other special features include a heavy-duty 0.200-in. wall thickness, H13 tool steel wrist pins, and a hard anodized top ring groove that is ideal for extreme duty applications. The pistons are engineered with thick 0.235-in. top and 0.200-in. second ring lands. These pistons are designed for OE 149.3 mm length connecting rods and OE 22.5mm, wrist pins and an OE 32.8mm compression height. Valve pockets and depth accommodates both the 2.0L and 2.3L OE EcoBoost heads with a 9.5:1 compression ratio.

This new PowerPak Plus kit is available in 87.51mm (PN: 197937145) and 88.00mm (PN: 197937165) bore sizes and includes a Nitrided steel 1.2mm top, 1.2mm second, 2.8mm oil ring set. The pistons are coated with MAHLE’s unique GRAFAL anti-friction skirt coating and phosphate to prevent microwelding and pin galling.

www.mahle-aftermarket.com/na/en/motorsports

Lucas Oil
Sure Start Premium Starting Fluid

Lucas Oil's Sure Start premium starting fluid is designed for gasoline or diesel engines, and offers a 50% ether blend, which Lucas Oil says is more than the leading national brand.

Key benefits include:

• Helps start stubborn engines fast in cold weather.
• Saves batteries.
• Contains upper cylinder lubricant.
• Performs to -65° F.
• For use in passenger cars, diesel engines, lawn mowers, chainsaws, outboard motors and fractional horsepower engines.
• Complies with federal low sulfur content requirements for use in diesel motor vehicles and non-road engines.

www.lucasoil.com/products/problem-solvers-utility/item/465-sure-start-premium-starting-fluid

This is the upcoming Corvette E-Ray testing in Metro Detroit without a single ounce of camo.

The prototype seen here wears an identical body to that of the ’23 Corvette Z06 with the optional Z07 package, but with one exception: the exhaust. While the Z06 has a center exit exhaust setup, this prototype has the same outboard exhaust configuration as the C8 Stingray. In addition, this vehicle sounded very different from the raspy and high-revving Z06.

The Corvette E-Ray is expected to mate the 6.2L V8 from the Stingray with a hybrid configuration, adding a new model to the Corvette family. Expect a launch toward the end of the 2022 calendar year as a ’23 model.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the upcoming Corvette E-Ray testing in Metro Detroit without a single ounce of camo.

The prototype seen here wears an identical body to that of the ’23 Corvette Z06 with the optional Z07 package, but with one exception: the exhaust. While the Z06 has a center exit exhaust setup, this prototype has the same outboard exhaust configuration as the C8 Stingray. In addition, this vehicle sounded very different from the raspy and high-revving Z06.

The Corvette E-Ray is expected to mate the 6.2L V8 from the Stingray with a hybrid configuration, adding a new model to the Corvette family. Expect a launch toward the end of the 2022 calendar year as a ’23 model.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

 The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

RIGID Adapt LED Light Bar With Eight Beam Patterns, GPS And RGB-W Backlight, 30-in.

The RIGID Adapt LED light bar has a signature look that is unlike any other light bar on the market. Feature packed with the most advanced patented technology, this light bar has 8 selectable beam patterns and accent lighting that can be programmed to display any color in the light spectrum. The Adapt features integrated optics design with Spot, Flood and Driving zones. Horizontal beam patterns range from 90-degree slow or moderate speed broad beam to a highly focused 15-degree high-speed spot beam in a single fixture. It also includes RIGIDs new Active View Technology, which allows the beam pattern to automatically adjust based on the vehicles speed when set to adaptive mode.

Features:  

• Active view technology (includes GPS module)
• Use in adapt mode or all on
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Alloy housing and heatsink
• Unbreakable polycarbonate lens
• Pressure equalizing vent
• 50,000 HR+ LED lifespan
• Limited lifetime warranty
• IP68 compliant—dust/water ingress
• Off-road use only
• Eight selectable beam patterns
• Integrated optics—spot, flood and driving zones
• Selectable RGB-W accent lighting
• Includes backlit molded dash controller
• Multiple mounting locations
• Unique look And experience
• Patented technology

PN: 230413
www.rigidindustries.com 

JMS FuelMAX EZ Fuel Pump Voltage Booster

FuelMAX EZ monitors the signal that controls your fuel pump to automatically increase the voltage supplied to your fuel pump as needed in real-time upt to 22V. Fits all Ford ’05–’21 Mustangs and F-150s. A durable OEM-quality device that is completely plug ’n’ play, easy to install with no adjustments needed. Improve your factory fuel pump’s delivery capabilities by up to 85% instead of replacing your factory fuel system with the FuelMAX EZ. All of this translates to max gains in power and torque, giving you a competitive edge on the street, track and trail. Backed by a lifetime warranty and designed and assembled in the U.S.A.

PN: P200EZFxxx Series
www.jmschip.com

 Kleinn Universal Spare Tire Location Kit

Kleinn’s Universal Spare Tire Location Kit is custom designed with bolt-on mounting brackets that will fit directly where the spare tire used to fit underneath vehicles. There are four configurations of the USTL and will hold Kleinn's train horns, a compressor, and an air tank—all where the OEM spare was located. Features include a 200-PSI high output or 150-PSI high output with model 6350RC 100%-duty-cycle waterproof air compressor, a three-gallon air tank, remote-mount quick connect tire inflator with an air hose and a storage bag and all necessary components needed for installation.

www.kleinn.com

PN: USTL
 

 Aero Exhaust AERO Direct-Fit Muffler for ’09–’19 RAM 1500

The highly anticipated AERO Direct-Fit Performance Muffler for the ’09–’19* (classic body) RAM 1500 is finally here! This all-new AERO turbine-equipped exhaust system features our patented airfoil technology. Specifically tuned and designed to bring your 5.7L Hemi-equipped truck to life while delivering the performance gains you desire! Fully constructed from premium-grade 304 stainless-steel mandrel-bent tubing for maximum longevity and durability. This system also comes equipped with all of the hardware and DIY instructions for a simple installation experience. Now you can complement the factory dual look of your RAM truck with an aggressive rumble!  

Features:  

• Direct replacement for factory muffler
• Aggressive sound level
• Straight-through perforated core
• 100% 304 stainless steel
• All mandrel-bent tubing
• Increased power and torque

www.aeroexhaust.com
PN: 30101

Whiteline Grip Series Kit

The ultimate entry-level suspension upgrade! Performance, handling and comfort make up the Grip Series Stage 1 kit featuring Whiteline signature front and rear adjustable (where applicable) swaybars, drop links and performance lowering springs.  

Features:

• Whiteline sway bars are principally designed to reduce body roll or sway while cornering.
• Cold rolled in Europe from the highest quality material.
• These progressive rate springs are designed to provide improved performance without compromising ride quality characteristics.
• Engineered for superior fit/performance with OEM shocks while produced to the finest tolerances ensuring exact fitment.
• Protective powdercoating acts as a hard skin that is much tougher than conventional paint allowing this product to withstand the toughest conditions and resist corrosion for years to come.
• Featuring premium anodized alloy materials, Whiteline alloy products are anodized providing a long-lasting protective barrier to corrosion and wear but they look great too.
• Protective plating on all metal components acts as a hard skin that is much tougher than conventional paint allowing this product to withstand the toughest conditions and resist corrosion for years to come.

www.whitelineperformance.com
PN: GS1-FRD006

By Richard Hail

Randy Weaver of Weaver Customs showed up ready to battle at the 2021 SEMA Show with a ’65 GMC short-bed pickup. The Arizona barn find began its life as a long-bed truck. Aside from shortening the overall length of the bed, Weaver hand-fabricated the front end and hood out of 18-gauge sheet metal. The 650 hp is provided via the 6.2L supercharged LT4 from GM Performance.

Randy Weaver of Weaver Customs showed up ready to battle with a ’65 GMC short-bed pickup.

The cab features a reshaped and leather-wrapped dash, Dakota Digital gauges, and Procar seats that were re-covered. The exterior Axalta paint color was carried through into the modernized cab’s interior. Check out the complete video on the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for all the details and more amazing builds.

Mark your calendars for January 23, 2022, to see more outstanding builds fight for the top spot in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition only on HISTORY Channel at 9:00 am (EST). Details are also available at www.semabotb.com or at SEMA’s YouTube channel.