By Ashley Reyes

As the vehicle landscape continues to evolve, it’s important for industry members to stay up-to-date on how electric vehicles and alternative power will impact the future. While the new “SEMA Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology” report includes detailed information about aftermarket EV performance, members will be able to better understand the findings and get their questions answered during a live Facebook and Instagram chat on February 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PST).  

Participants will engage live with Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research, as he answers questions from the audience on aftermarket EV performance and what part it might play in advancing EVs into the marketplace. He’ll also share SEMA’s prediction for how the industry will adapt to EV, and what industry members can learn by downloading the report.  

Live Chat location: ETTN Facebook page and ETTN Instagram page.

AWE Hires New Human Resources Director

AWE has placed Belinda Tschorn as its new head of human resources to support the growth of the organization. As human resources director, Tschorn will oversee all areas of organizational development, training, employee relations, benefits, recruiting and HRIS, as well as building out the HR department at AWE to support future growth. Prior to joining AWE, Tschorn has held executive and management positions at Piramal Pharma Solutions, Omni Cable and Scala. She graduated from Villanova University with a B.A. in economics and a certificate in human resources management and services and also participated in strategic human resources leadership at Cornell University. She is also credentialed in SHRM-CP and PHR.

California Luncheon Features SEMA WTC, TIA, Hall of Fame

The ninth annual CTDA/1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon on January 20 featured the establishment of the California Tire Dealers Association Hall of Fame and speeches by representatives from SEMA and The Tire Industry Association. (TIA). Two of the inductees were former directors of CTDA-N (North) and CTDA-S (South), with the combined associations becoming the California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA) in 2010.

• The late Eddie Cohn was a CTDA-S director and had previously operated Cohn Tire Sales in Los Angeles.
• Jay Goldberg has been a board member of the CTDA since the ’60s. He operated Anderson Tire, Semperit Pacific and later became a principal at Globe Tire. Goldberg was also heavily involved with the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association (NTDRA).
• The late Tom Hanlon, a past CTDA-N president, also ran Hanlon’s Tire Service in San Bruno, California.
• The late Ed King, who helped establish CTDA-N’s insurance services, was a past executive director of CTDA and prior to that was a CTDA-N board member.
• Don Zavattero, former secretary, treasurer, and board member of the CTDA-N and CTDA, is the founder of Tech Supply in Hayward California.

The Hall of Fame inductees were announced by CTDA Executive Director Marc Connerly and CTDA board member Chris Barry of the Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) served as the luncheon’s emcee. Speakers touched on topics important to the industry:

• SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) select committee member and former SEMA board member Steve Swanson of The Carlstar Group engaged attendees regarding the benefits of WTC membership.
• Retired TIA CEO Roy Littlefield, and now a part time lobbyist for the association, reviewed legislative issues including the infrastructure bill and funding.
• TIA President Mason Hess, of Purcell Tire, stressed the continuing impact of the labor shortage and talked about TIA’s role in employee training and the importance of manager engagement with new hires.

LEED Brakes Adds Pat Infantino as Wholesale Sales Manager

LEED Brakes is growing its sales team by adding 30+ year industry veteran and Buffalo native Pat Infantino to the position of wholesale sales manager. Infantino’s longtime industry experience includes 15 years as a manufacturer’s rep, 3½ years as national sales manager at Castle Chemical, followed by 8½ years as sales manager at Stainless Steel Brakes. Most recently, he spent 6½ years with Covercraft Industries as eastern director of sales. Infantino brings with him to LEED Brakes a plethora of experience in dealing with a wide variety of types of customers, including wholesale distribution, jobbers, automotive chains, online and big-box retailers and experience with the RV aftermarket

The Media Movers, Shakers and Story Breakers Behind Power Automedia’s Digital Magazines

In celebrating 15 years of digital media, Power Automedia launched its “Media Movers, Shakers, and Story Breakers” campaign. The “Media Movers” campaign features an interview with each member of the editorial division, highlighting the uniquely passionate people which have been the driving force behind Power Automedia’s successful magazines. The Media Movers and Shakers are a dedicated group of unique personalities banded together to bring readers everything from how-to articles, automotive news and event coverage. It is through the words of the magazines’ editors that enthusiasts can find community, achieve their dreams and share in the passions of the automotive hobby.

Power Automedia’s group of Story Breakers encompasses more than just an expert team of writers. Helping to shape both the future of the industry, and the digital content of the company is Chief Operating Officer Scott Parker, Creative Operations Director Andrew Almazan and Managing Editor Amanda Bourne. Each member of editorial leadership contributes to fine-tuning the department’s mission of crafting the most innovative automotive content possible. Watch each Media Movers campaign spotlight here.

SRO Motorsports America Announces Staff Promotions, Additions

SRO Motorsports America has announced staff promotions and additions to strengthen its growth in North America. Effective immediately, Brian Hughes was promoted to vice president, operations. He is recognized as a leading logistics and operations professional within both motorsports and corporate settings. Prior to joining SRO America, Hughes had extensive experience with ChampCar, IMSA, and NZR Consulting. Staci Langham was promoted to general manager, and will oversee Team Relations, GT World Challenge America and GT America. Langham has been a member of the World Challenge organization for over a decade.  

Robbie Montinola was promoted to vice president, marketing communications and business development, and will oversee several new hires in his department. Montinola enters his fifth season with SRO after many years in the tech media and entertainment space. Susan Dunklau was promoted to CFO. Dunklau has been with the series since 2011, most recently serving as the senior series administrator. Dean Case, meanwhile, joins as press officer. Case has previously worked for Ford Racing, NISMO, and Mazdaspeed and will lead efforts to tell the multitude of stories from within the SRO paddock.  

Natasha Masterson will join as the manager for marketing and business development. Masterson has worked extensively in IndyCar, Formula One, WEC, IMSA and with brands such as McLaren and Lamborghini. Kenzie Manning and Raymond Fong join team relations. Manning has a diverse motorsports background ranging from pit crew work to hospitality. Fong is an experienced sports marketing and events professional having most recently worked for the Golden State Warriors. Mitchell Mefford will join the SRO engineering team. Mefford is well known in the paddock, having served as a part of the weekend SRO technical staff since 2019.

CRP Automotive Names Brian Banks 2021 Canadian Sales Representative of the Year

CRP Automotive has named Brian Banks as its 2021 Canadian Sales Representative of the Year. Banks is the President of BRB Sales and Marketing Inc., and represents CRP Automotive’s AAE, Ajusa, Pentosin and Rein brands in the Ontario province. 2021 marked Banks’ first full year as a sales representative for CRP Automotive. The award was presented by CRP Automotive Canadian National Sales Manager Patrick Hébert. Banks founded BRB Sales and Marketing Inc. in 2019, as an independent manufacturer’s representative providing sales, marketing and service for the automotive aftermarket, heavy-duty, and industrial channels in Ontario, Canada. Originally the company was a partner agent with Kanmar Inc. until March 2020. Prior to founding BRB, Banks served as a manufacturer’s representative in the Ontario automotive aftermarket for 28 years.

Continental Names Peter Dobrowolski as Product Manager for Diagnostics and Services

Continental has named Peter Dobrowolski as the new product manager for diagnostics and services - North America. In his new role, Dobrowolski will be responsible for managing the portfolio of diagnostics products that include the Autodiagnos Pro Automotive Diagnostic System, Autodiagnos TPMS Tools and the Autodiagnos Drive Connected Vehicle Data Solution.

Dobrowolski is a long-time employee of Continental, serving in several capacities during the past 10 years. He was a senior product manager for the Tachographs, Telematics and Services group, where he managed a start-up compliance product for the heavy-duty trucking industry and oversaw the entire product lifecycle from concept through to market deployment in both the United States and Canada. Dobrowolski was also the health, safety and facilities manager for Continental’s Allentown, Pennsylvania, facility. Prior to joining Continental, Dobrowolski was employed by Saab Automotive AB as assistant manager – parts technical services and worked on the operations support staff for Logistics Services at Caterpillar Inc.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Juan Torres

SEMA has introduced a new program to make it possible for automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers to meet the legal requirement for emissions compliance under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tampering Policy. The program, called SEMA Certified-Emissions (SC-E), gives manufacturers the ability to verify that a product meets the EPA’s “reasonable basis” criteria and is therefore legal for sale in 49 states.

The new SEMA Certified-Emissions program gives manufacturers the ability to verify that a product meets the EPA’s “reasonable basis” criteria for sale in 49 states.

For the first time ever, manufacturers have a clear, accelerated path to compliance and can begin selling products legally in 49 states prior to receiving a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO), which is still a requirement for selling products in all 50 states.

“It’s now easier than ever for manufacturers to demonstrate emissions compliance,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “SEMA Certified-Emissions is a major accomplishment in accelerating a manufacturer’s ability to get products to market, and it paves the path to obtaining emissions compliance in all 50 states.”

Since 2014, the SEMA Garage has been instrumental in helping automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers obtain CARB EOs. With state-of-the-art CARB-recognized testing equipment and dedicated expert staff conducting tests and assisting with the process, the SEMA Garage has helped secure more than 500 CARB EOs—more than half of all performance parts EOs issued by CARB.

The new SC-E program is comparable to CARB EO requirements and was developed in response to the EPA’s Tampering Policy. SEMA staff will assess manufacturers’ needs and advise as to the most appropriate path forward, whether that includes applying for a CARB EO or SEMA emissions certification. SC-E may help manufacturers get to market about three months before obtaining a CARB EO. SC-E is also ideal for products that may not have a clear path in the CARB EO process (such as Flex-Fuel modifications, HCT equipped intakes and engine packages).

“SC-E gives manufacturers much greater options and opportunities,” said Peter Treydte, SEMA director of emissions compliance. “This is a significant milestone in the industry’s ability to provide products to consumers. We look forward to working with members and helping them go to market with SEMA Certified-Emissions products.”

The SEMA Garage is available to auto parts manufacturers with all their product development needs. For more information, visit the SEMA Garage – Automotive Industry Innovations Center website.

By Ashley Reyes

A new SEMA Show Education seminar recording featuring leaders at the helm of front-running companies in the automotive aftermarket is now available at www.semashow.com/education.

From managing the challenges of the pandemic to the outlook for the road ahead, viewers will get to hear their lessons learned and how they pivoted, their experiences in dealing with supply-chain issues and current trends they are seeing.

Moderated by recently retired SEMA CEO Chris Kersting, the aftermarket power panel includes Amy Faulk, CEO, Hypertech Inc.; Alex Parker, CMO, Redline Detection LLC; Brian Reese, CEO, T Sportline; Bill Rodgers, president, Keystone Automotive Operations Inc.; and Les Rudd, president, Bob Cook Sales, sharing their thoughts on guiding their companies in times of change.

From managing the challenges of the pandemic to the outlook for the road ahead, viewers will get to hear their lessons learned and how they pivoted, their experiences in dealing with supply-chain issues and current trends they are seeing.

What they are most excited for in the future and the adoption of electric vehicles and EV technology was also discussed.

“When you look at the actual rate of adoption, we have a long runway ahead of us for the internal-combustion engine, boosted vehicles and hydrogens on the horizon,” says Parker. “There is a lot out there; it’s exciting. We’re living in a moment of change; we’re living in a moment of innovation, and it really circles back to what we started this conversation talking about—agility—being willing to adopt new, being willing to innovate.”

New recordings of seminars from the SEMA Show are added weekly at www.semashow.com/education. Other recently added seminars include:

• Car Building—More Than Just the Vehicle
• Coaching for Improved Performance, Presented by Dale Carnegie
• Digital Marketing 101: How to Get Started
• Small Businesses Don’t Die, They Just Make Too Many Mistakes

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

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named Borgeson Universal Co. Inc. as the council’s latest member spotlight company. In this week’s feature, company vice president Alan Zordan shares the company’s breakthrough moment and current projects.  

SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop. How did you start?

Alan Zordan: Borgeson started making ujoints in 1914. The current purchase of the business was in 1982, and soon after we started designing ujoints specifically for the street-rod market. We continued to grow and expand offerings from ujoints to vibration reducers and other linkage components. Over the years, we expanded through acquisition of Mullins Steering Gears, Vintage Chassis Works and the remainder of Saginaw Manual Steering Gear division.   

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

AZ: We decided to start producing complete power-steering conversions for many applications. This led to more conversions for more applications. We now sell a large range of power conversions, which goes right along with the continuing growth of ujoints and components.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2022. What projects are you working on?

AZ: The outlook for 2022 looks very promising; the industry has been going strong. The hardest part is supply chain—everything from raw material to hardware is taking longer to get and requires constant planning. New products in the works will continue to expand our direct-fit steering shaft line.   

SEMA: Tell us about a build you are proud of.

AZ: My best build is not about the car itself, but the time spent doing it. I built a ‘32 Roadster and my two children worked by me the whole project—from painting the chassis to installing the drivetrain. My teenage son pretty much wired the car himself. The car is not completely finished, but it is on the road. I let my kids take it whenever they ask. Seeing their smiles driving it—definitely the best build I’ve ever had.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

AZ: Go for it! I grew up in this industry. I feel this is one of the greatest industries out there. The automotive aftermarket is a passion-driven industry; people do not have to modify their cars, they want to.

Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA’s and media, SEMA eNews and future HRIA-member updates.

As the Jeep brand's all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer offerings are making their way into driveways across the United States and Canada, Jeep engineers are hard at work at an even longer version of their ultra-premium SUVs. This Wagoneer LWB model was caught on Michigan public roads testing in recent days, showing us that Jeep is serious about its Wagoneer offering competing with the likes of Cadillac’s Escalade, Lincoln's Navigator and GMC’s Yukon Denali.

This is the first time we have seen the Wagoneer LWB in public. The LWB model should be very close to the current SWB models in its trim and equipment structure. Design elements will be almost identical between the LWB and SWB models. The LWB models feature a longer rear window and a rear door that does not cut into the wheel opening, unlike the SWB model.

This Wagoneer appears to be a Series III model with the available Advanced All-Terrain Group, judging by the wheel and tire package. The Advanced All-Terrain Group features 20-in. aluminum wheels, Falken Wildpeak A/T tires, 3.92 rear axle, chrome tow hooks, electronic rear limited-slip differential, front-axle skid-plate, fuel-tank skid-plate shield, removable rear tow-hook and transfer-case skid-plate shield.

Like the Wagoneer SWB, the LWB base will feature the 5.7L V-8 with 392 hp and 404 lb.-ft. The eTorque hybrid system replaces the traditional engine-mounted alternator with a belt-driven motor generator unit. The motor generator unit works with a 48-volt battery pack to provide quick and seamless engine start/stop, torque addition to the engine crankshaft in certain driving situations and brake energy regeneration, which improves responsiveness and efficiency. The system enables up to 130 lb.-ft. of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in

The eTorque motor generator feeds energy to a 390 watt-hour lithium-ion 12-cell Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)-Graphite battery. The small suitcase-size, air-cooled battery pack mounts to the floor inside the Wagoneer’s cabin.

We can expect the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer LWB models to join the SWB models sometime in Q3 2022. It will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

The year 2022 marks the 53rd year that automotive aftermarket pioneers will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame.

Industry members can nominate persons whom they feel deserve the prestigious honor and share how the individual has played a crucial role in the success of the automotive aftermarket by submitting a SEMA Hall of Fame nomination by the March 18 deadline at www.sema.org/hof.  

The award is the most prestigious award given by the association and honors outstanding persons in the industry who have enhanced the stature of or significantly contributed to the industry and/or association’s growth.

Industry members can nominate persons whom they feel deserve the prestigious honor and share how the individual has played a crucial role in the success of the automotive aftermarket by submitting a SEMA Hall of Fame nomination by the March 18 deadline at www.sema.org/hof.  

Here are five quick facts about the SEMA Hall of Fame as the nomination deadline quickly approaches:

1. The first inductee was Paul Schiefer.   

Paul Schiefer returned from serving in the Navy during World War II, resumed his hobby of working on cars and began experimenting on his flathead Ford V8-powered “T.” He eventually produced the first ribbed-type, lightweight, cast-aluminum flywheel that would not wrap or distort under severe load.

2. The award was once called the “Old Timer’s Memorial Award.”

In honor of being named the association’s first inductee in 1969, subsequent inductees received the Paul Schiefer “Old Timer’s Memorial Award.” In 1986, the award came to be known simply as the Hall of Fame. Though the name changed, the original intent did not. To this day, the award continues to honor and pay tribute to the leaders and legends that help make the automotive specialty-equipment market a thriving $47.89 billion industry.

3. The year with most inductees was 1981.

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn SEMA Hall of Fame induction. The record for most inductions into the SEMA Hall of Fame in any given year was 1981, when eight great icons were recognized:

• John Bartlett, Grant Piston Rings
• Sandy Belond, Belond Mufflers
• Harvey J. Crane, Crane Cams
• Jack Harris, Rush Sales
• C.J. Hart, Lion's Drag Strip
• Robert E. Petersen, Petersen Publishing
• Bob Spar, B&M Automotive
• Jim Vaughn, Mr. Phone

4. Donna Imrie Foulger was the first woman to earn Hall of Fame induction.

Donna Imrie Foulger, who began working at SEMA as a young college student and spent countless hours creating a solidly recognized organization alongside then CEO Eric Grant, was the first woman inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1982. She is now joined on the list by Linda Vaughn, Hurst Performance Products; Joan Weiand, Weiand Industries; Amy Faulk, Hypertech Inc.; Charlie Van Cleve, Hedman/TD Performance; GiGi Carleton, Robert E. Petersen Foundation; Marla Moore, Coker Tire; and Jessi Combs, Jessi Combs Foundation.

5. The total number of inductees is 165.

To date, 165 individuals have earned SEMA Hall of Fame induction, representing the industry’s top contributors, leaders and influencers.

For the members who are inducted each year, the SEMA Hall of Fame is a meaningful accolade to recognize their significant contributions. Nominations are currently being accepted at www.sema.org/hof.

The following important exhibitor milestones have been set in preparation for the in-person 2022 SEMA Show.

• Exhibit Space Reservation Application Deadline: Monday, April 4
• Early Space Selection: Monday, May 2–Wednesday, May 18
• Show Dates: Tuesday, November 1–Friday, November 4

The SEMA Show is the only place in the world that brings together every segment of the automotive industry to connect the people, products, vehicles and ideas that drive the passion for automobiles. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet in person with customers, new buyers, media and colleagues.

More than 100,000 industry exhibitors, buyers and media reconnected to do business for the first time in two years at the 2021 SEMA Show.

Reserve your booth today!

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

AVD Motorsports Presents “Save Our Racecars Night” At Wenatchee Valley Super Oval

AVD Motorsports has announced that the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval will present a night of racing on April 16, to bring attention to the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) and its “Save Our Racecars” initiative. The Save Our Racecars Night at Wenatchee will feature three classes of racing and highlight PRI’s Save Our Racecars campaign—a crucial initiative to preserve motorsports in North America.

Save Our Racecars Night seeks to grow interest and membership in PRI and to build grassroots support for the vital Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act 2021 (H.R.3281/S.2736). The RPM Act is a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Congress that protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars by clarifying in federal statute that it is legal to make emissions-related changes to a street vehicle for the purpose of converting it into a dedicated track vehicle used in motorsports competition. The bill also enshrines in law the racing industry’s ability to produce, market and install parts and equipment that enable racers to compete.

“The RPM Act is essential to racing and we are determined to pass it in this Congress,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, president of PRI. “We are thrilled to sponsor Save Our Racecars Night to highlight this important issue that affects all racers and racing enthusiasts. I ask racers and race fans to head to saveourracecars.com and urge your lawmakers to take action.”

PRI is leading the effort to pass the RPM Act, which is crucial to the future of motorsports. Competition and performance rights are under threat from those who want to attack those freedoms through government overreach and interference. PRI will be on site at Wenatchee promoting its individual memberships, and individuals can sign up or learn more about them at performanceracing.com.

Ford Performance Announces Mustang GT3 Racecar

The new Mustang GT3 racer will be powered by a Ford 5.0L Coyote-based V8 engine developed by Ford Performance and built by long-time racing collaborator and world championship winning team M-Sport of Cumbria, England.

Ford Performance has revealed plans for its all-new Mustang GT3 raceccar that will compete in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) 2024 race season, including the 24 Hours of Daytona. The new Mustang GT3 racer will be powered by a Ford 5.0L Coyote-based V8 engine developed by Ford Performance and built by long-time racing collaborator and world championship winning team M-Sport of Cumbria, England.

The effort will be a joint program between Ford Performance and long-time racing collaborator Multimatic Motorsports. It will feature both a two-car factory-backed IMSA GTD Pro works team managed by Multimatic and customer Mustang race cars for the GTD class starting at Daytona in 2024. The two organizations have a rich history in the FIA World Rally Championship and recently collaborated on developing and preparing the Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1. For more information, visit performance.ford.com.

BFGoodrich Tires, Torruco, Blurton, MacCachren Motorsports McNeil, Hagle, Salvatierra All Winners at 2021 SCORE Awards

BFGoodrich Tires, Mexico Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco Marques, Phil Blurton, MacCachren Motorsports, Jason McNeil, Ethan Hagle and Juan Carlos Salvatierra were all major winners last Sunday night, January 30, as SCORE International officially concluded the 2021 SCORE World Desert Championship with its second pre-recorded virtual SCORE Awards Night showing airing on the SCORE website and through the SCORE social media platforms. The 2021 SCORE Awards show remains available on the SCORE website at www.SCORE-International.com, the SCORE You Tube channel and the SCORE facebook page.

The 49-page digital event commemorative program previews the show and salutes the 2021 SCORE point champions in text, images and embedded videos. It is available on the SCORE website and at 2021SCOREAwardsdigitalprogram.

SCORE Off-Roadsman of the Year awards were officially presented in 14 categories, along with the 55 winners of the Rod Hall SCORE Milestone Awards, presented by VP Racing Fuels, as well as the overall and class point champions of the pandemic-abbreviate two-race 2021 SCORE World Desert Championship. The streamed event, with Rat Sult as the host once again, was also a celebration of 48 years of SCORE championship desert racing.

Track Enterprises Purchases Champion Racing Association

Macon, Illinois-based Track Enterprises has purchased the Champion Racing Association (CRA).

Macon, Illinois-based Track Enterprises has purchased the Champion Racing Association (CRA), as announced by both organizations. CRA—the Salem, Indiana-based sanctioning body—operates four touring divisions, including the ARCA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS, the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour presented by Chevrolet Performance, Van Hoy Oil CRA Street Stocks Powered by JEGS and the Vore’s CRA Late Model Sportsman Powered by JEGS.

Several key staffers will remain with CRA, including former co-owner and Series Director Glenn Luckett, Chief Technical Director Eddie Chew and Director of Operations/Chief Scorer Greg Wood. For more information, visit cra-racing.com and trackenterprises.com.

IMSA Acquires Historic Sportscar Racing

The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) has acquired the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) series. HSR is known for its vintage and historic sports-car racing, including its trio of HSR Classics events at Daytona International Speedway and Sebring International Raceway, plus its HSR Mitty event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The 2022 HSR season opens with the annual Spring Fling at Sebring on April 6–8. HSR becomes the eighth racing series to be sanctioned by IMSA, joining the WeatherTech Championship, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, IMSA Prototype Challenge, and its four single-make series: Ferrari Challenge North America, Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America and Porsche Carrera Cup North America. For more information, visit imsa.com and hsrrace.com. 

Sick The Magazine Presents First-Ever Sick Week Drag Event

A week-long drag racing event billed as the “hardest vacation you’ll ever take” is coming to Florida and Georgia for the first-ever Sick Week presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive on February 7–11 (with testing on February 6). The event will see 350 competitors race at four different NHRA-sanctioned venues over five days, driving between each track on public roads for the ultimate test of a street car. Entrants cannot use transporters or support crews; they must race with what they can tow in a small trailer.

The event begins and ends at Bradenton Motorsports Park (Bradenton, Florida), and also makes stops at Orlando Speed World Dragway (Orlando, Florida), South Georgia Motorsports Park (Adel, Georgia) and Gainesville Raceway (Gainesville, Florida), home of the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Special stops include Orlando theme parks, the “Big Daddy” Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and more.

Both the race entries and the Sick Week have already sold out. The event has attracted entries from all over North America, including influencers Cleetus McFarland, PFI Speed, Derek Bieri from Vice Grip Garage, Alex Taylor, Kevin Smith of KSR Performance & Fabrication, Cooper Bogetti and Steve Morris. For more information, visit sickthemagazine.com/sick-week or nhra.com.

Hagar Hired as New Tulsa Speedway Operations Manager

Nathan Hagar, photo courtesy: The New Tulsa Speedway, Tyler Rinken Photography

The New Tulsa Speedway co-owners Keith Haney and Todd Martin have announced longtime racer Nathan Hagar as track operations manager of the dirt track in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The co-owners have also announced facility enhancements, including new surface clay, configuration changes to turn two and additional bleachers and updates to the concession stand and bathrooms. The New Tulsa Speedway schedule opens with the Classic Chevy Opening Night on March 25.

Martelli Brothers Announce California 300 Off-Road Race Set for October

Matt and Josh Martelli, promoters of the Mint 400 off-road race, have announced a new off-road desert race named The California 300. The California 300—set for October 12–16—will feature 40+ classes and will take place on a newly mapped 75-mile race course for a four-lap race in Barstow, California. The event will include an off-road festival, pre-running and a public poker run, followed by Limited class and UTV World Championship racing before wrapping with Class 1, Unlimited Truck SPECs, Unlimited Trucks and more.

The Martelli-owned Mad Media will provide media coverage of the event. The announcement comes from the Martelli Brothers after more than a decade of promoting and producing two popular off-road desert races, The Mint 400 and The UTV World Championship. Racer registration and more details will be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit off-roadracer.com.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Auto Care Association, CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition and SEMA applaud United States Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) for introducing the ‘Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act’ H.R. 6570. The legislation will ensure the preservation of consumer choice, a fair marketplace and the continued safe operation of the nation’s 288 million registered passenger and commercial motor vehicles, 70% of which are maintained by independent repair facilities.

The REPAIR Act will accomplish this by:

• Preserving consumer access to high-quality and affordable vehicle repair by ensuring that vehicle owners and their repairers of choice have access to necessary repair and maintenance tools and data as vehicles continue to become more advanced.
• Ensuring access to critical repair tools and information. All tools and equipment; wireless transmission of repair and diagnostic data; and access to on-board diagnostic and telematic systems needed to repair a vehicle must be made available to the independent repair industry.
• Ensuring cybersecurity by allowing vehicle manufacturers to secure vehicle-generated data and requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop standards for how vehicle generated data necessary for repair can be accessed securely.
• Providing transparency for consumers by requiring vehicle owners be informed that they can choose where and how to get their vehicle repaired.
• Creating a stakeholder advisory committee and providing them with the statutory authority to provide recommendations to the FTC on how to address emerging barriers to vehicle repair and maintenance.
• Providing ongoing enforcement by establishing a process for consumers and independent repair facilities to file complaints with the FTC regarding alleged violations of the requirements in the bill and a requirement that the FTC act within five months of a claim.

As vehicle technology continues to advance, new barriers to a competitive auto repair market are emerging. These barriers limit consumer choice in where to repair their motor vehicles and increase the cost to repair and maintain vehicles. The REPAIR Act will reduce these barriers, putting consumers’ interests first.

“Today is one of the most memorable and important days in the history of the aftermarket. The REPAIR Act will help guarantee consumers’ rights and the ability of the industry to ensure their vehicles operate safely,” commented Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of AASA. “From the repair shop to the board room, this effort has been fueled by the people of the aftermarket, and we couldn’t be prouder of that alignment behind this important legislation. This effort supports principles of competition, consumer choice and safety that we believe will benefit the whole automotive industry in the long run. We look forward to working with Representative Rush and our industry colleagues towards passage of this critical legislation.”

“Ensuring consumer choice while retaining a free and competitive market across the vehicle lifecycle is at the heart of this legislation,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “As personal transportation has become more essential than ever, we need to make sure that 288 million American motorists have access to affordable, safe and secure repairs for their vehicles. The tenets of this bill are principles-based, balanced and address concerns shared across the automotive industry. Passage of this bill will keep consumers at the wheel while preserving an industry that contributes 4.4 million U.S. jobs and 2% GDP.”

“The CAR Coalition is proud to support the REPAIR Act,” Executive Director Justin Rzepka said. “According to a recent YouGov poll, 93% of respondents agreed that they should have the right to choose where and by whom their vehicle is repaired. The REPAIR Act will ensure consumers will have more, not fewer choices, when they need a repair shop. They will also have access to the data they need to make sure the repair is done safely. This is important, consumer-first legislation and we look forward to working with lawmakers and industry partners to pass it.”

“Free and fair competition is a core value in the United States,” said Daniel Ingber, vice president of government and legal affairs, SEMA. “Protecting a consumer’s personal choice when purchasing, servicing, repairing or modifying a motor vehicle is what the REPAIR Act will deliver. As technology continues to reshape the automotive landscape for vehicle safety, convenience and comfort, Congress needs to enact this important legislation. The REPAIR Act is essential to protecting access to vehicle systems, tools and information necessary for independent repair and modification services for millions of consumers.”

“Americans should not be forced to bring their cars to more costly and inconvenient dealerships for repairs when independent auto-repair shops are often cheaper and far more accessible,” said Rep. Rush. “But as cars become more advanced, manufacturers are getting sole access to important vehicle data while independent repair shops are increasingly locked out. The status quo for auto repair is not tenable, and it is getting worse. If the monopoly on vehicle repair data continues, it would affect nearly 860,000 blue-collar workers and 274,000 service facilities.”

The bill is introduced on the heels of three pivotal moments for consumer choice in repair. In November 2020, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly voiced their support for Ballot Question 1 (also known as Right to Repair) with 75% of the vote, which preserves their right as vehicle owners to have access to and control of their vehicle’s mechanical data necessary for service and repair at the shops of their choice. In May 2021, the FTC released their “Nixing the Fix” report, which highlighted barriers that vehicle manufacturers have instituted to squash a consumer’s right to repair. The FTC strongly supports expanding consumer repair options and found “scant evidence” for repair restrictions imposed by original equipment manufacturers. And in July 2021, President Biden issued the “Promoting Competition in the American Economy” executive order, which encouraged the FTC to address anti-competitive repair restrictions.

For more information, contact:

AASA
Megan Gardner
919-406-8852
mgardner@mema.org

Auto Care Association
Stacey Miller
240-333-1017  
stacey.miller@autocare.org

CAR COALITION
Jo Maney
202-738-7922
jmaney@bgrpr.com

SEMA
Eric Snyder
202-792-7793
erics@sema.org

About AASA

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment and related products—an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry, which supports 871,000 American jobs. AASA is a recognized industry change agent—promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is the light-vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, Connecting Members to What Matters.” To learn more about other ways AASA connects members to what matters, visit www.aftermarketsuppliers.org.

About the Auto Care Association

The Auto Care Association is the voice of the auto care industry, a $380-billion-plus industry comprised of more than 4.4 million American workers. Providing advocacy, educational, networking, technology, market intelligence and data resources to serve the collective interests of members, the Auto Care Association serves the entire supply chain of the automotive aftermarket: businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies, and perform vehicle service, maintenance and repair. To learn more, visit www.autocare.org.

About the CAR Coalition

The CAR Coalition is committed to preserving and protecting consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair by ensuring competition in the automotive collision parts industry. Members include: Allstate, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA), Automotive Manufacturers Equipment Compliance Agency Inc. (AMECA), AutoZone, Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), Diamond Standard, Geotab, KSI Auto Parts and LKQ Corporation. Learn more at carcoalition.com.

About SEMA

SEMA represents the $48 billion a year specialty-equipment automotive aftermarket industry. The trade association includes more than 7,500 businesses nationwide that manufacture, distribute, market and retail specialty parts and accessories for vehicles. The industry employs over one million Americans and produces appearance accessories, racing and performance parts, restoration equipment and high-technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Learn more at sema.org.