News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Thu, 10/01/2020 - 09:37

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

Movers & Shakers: ’21 1050hp Stage 2 Yenko Camaro Now Available From Chevrolet Dealers

Thu, 10/01/2020 - 09:17

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The all-new ’21 YENKO/SC Stage II Camaro is powered by a custom-built 1050hp 416 cid 6.8L supercharged LT-1-based engine.

’21 1050hp Stage 2 Yenko Camaro Now Available From Chevrolet Dealers

Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc. has announced the availability of the all-new ’21 YENKO/SC Stage II Camaro, powered by a custom-built 1050hp 416 cid 6.8L supercharged LT-1-based engine. Only 50 of these Limited Edition YENKO/SC Stage II cars will be built, and will be based off the Camaro 1SS or 2SS with the 1LE option to include all of the performance features the 1LE offers, to properly balance the power of the 6.8L supercharged engine. Features include magnetic ride control, electronic limited-slip differential, performance-tuned suspension with unique bushings, springs and stabilizer bars, and a heavy-duty cooling system with an engine oil cooler, dual outboard radiators, a transmission cooler and rear differential cooler. The functional 1LE rear spoiler keeps the rear end firmly planted at speed. The 1LE content also features Recaro Performance seats. Each of these 50 vehicles will be numbered, and include a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.

Jim Bull to Lead Big O Tires as Vice President and General Manager

Big O Tires LLC announced this week that Big O veteran Jim Bull will transition from his current role of east divisional vice president to lead the organization as vice president and general manager. The change in leadership comes as John Kairys continues his career with TBC and joins the TBC purchasing team to lead non-tire purchasing initiatives as vice president, TBC Parts & Service Group. For the next few months, Kairys will work alongside Andy Dudash, EVP – Parts & Equipment Buying Group, as Andy plans for his retirement effective March 31, 2021, after a 19-year career at TBC. For the last 15 years, Bull has led his Big O Tires field team as divisional vice president of the East Division overseeing nearly 200 stores throughout 13 states. Prior to joining the Big O Team, Bull held leadership roles with Western Auto Supply, Advance Auto Parts and TBC Retail.

Stefano Domenicali (left) has been announced as the new president and CEO of Formula 1. Chase Carey (right), the current chairman and CEO, will move to the role of non-executive chairman.

Domenicali to Become New CEO Of Formula 1

Stefano Domenicali of Italy has been announced as the new president and CEO of Formula 1, effective January 2021. Chase Carey, the current chairman and CEO, will move to the role of non-executive chairman. Domenicali is known for his time at Ferrari, having joined the team in 1991 until early 2014. Most recently, he has served as the CEO of Lamborghini and joined parent company Audi in 2014. During this time, he also acted as the president of the FIA’s single-seater commission.

General Motors Announces Leadership for Technical Center

General Motors has announced the leadership for its new Concord, North Carolina-based performance and racing technical center. Dr. Eric Warren of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) was named the director of NASCAR operations. In this position, he will be responsible for competition duties in the sport “as well as expanding the involvement of GM’s product development resources in the technical strategy for the Chevrolet race teams,” GM said in a statement. Warren has been part of the RCR team since 2012 and was promoted to chief technology officer in 2017. Mark Stielow was also announced as the new director of motorsports competition engineering, where he will be responsible for the overall engineering and technical director for NASCAR, IMSA, NHRA, and IndyCar operations. The 75,000-sq.-ft. facility is expected to open later this year and will focus on “transferring knowledge and resources from the racing programs to core vehicle engineering.” Aero development, an advanced new driver-in-the-loop simulator, and more are also planned.

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.

Vehicle Builders Invited to Participate in SEMA360 Builder Showcase

Thu, 10/01/2020 - 09:17

By SEMA Editors

Applications for the SEMA360 Builder Showcase are now open. In the absence of the in-person SEMA Show, the new SEMA360 was created as a 100% online trade-only event that focuses on an eCommerce marketplace, new products, vehicle builds and education for the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Unlike the SEMA Show, where vehicle space is limited and vehicle applications must be submitted by a participating manufacturer, the SEMA360 Builder Showcase allows vehicle builders the opportunity to enter vehicles directly into the program.

“We’re excited to open up the SEMA360 Builder Showcase to all the talented builders across our industry,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We wanted to put a spotlight on the trends and innovation that go into these vehicle builds every year while highlighting the people that bring the creations to life.”

The SEMA360 Builder Showcase will enable all builders, including seasoned and new builders, to reach an unlimited audience. “This is truly a worldwide platform to show off the passion and creativity SEMA week has become known for,” continued Gattuso. “The support we have had for SEMA360 has been tremendous, and we can’t wait to see what this new Showcase feature will bring.”

Applications to participate in the Builder Showcase must be submitted online by October 9. Builders must submit a complete application that includes vehicle information, up to 10 photos and an optional 90-second builder highlight video. Builders may also apply through a SEMA360 participating manufacturer.

All entries in the SEMA360 Builder Showcase may also participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders. Now in its seventh year, SEMA Battle of the Builders is the foremost competition that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of SEMA vehicle builders.

Select vehicles from the competition will be featured in the television special and in SEMA publications and websites, and plans are for the top vehicles and builders to be flown to Los Angeles for filming.

Applications and details for SEMA Battle of the Builders can be found at www.semabotb.com.