By SEMA Editors

The news and excitement generated by the SEMA Show will be amplified through SEMA’s Social Media Correspondents program, which engages social-media influencers embedded in the automotive enthusiast lifestyle. The following are just a few of the program’s content creators who inform and connect with a broad range of aftermarket consumers through a variety of platforms.

Emelia Hartford

www.instagram.com/ms.emelia

Emelia Hartford is a leading female automotive content creator, YouTuber, builder and racer, more recently known for building and driving the world’s fastest C8 Corvette and currently holding an unbroken time of 9.36 sec. in a quarter-mile. As a well-known personality, Hartford independently hosts her own YouTube channel, where she builds and races a broad genre of cars. She has amassed more than 750,000 subscribers on YouTube with an average of more than 4.5 million views monthly, has 573,000 followers on Instagram, and more than 4 million accounts reached on her Facebook page in the last 30 days! Her audience totals well into the millions with strong social impact. In addition to her social presence, you might recognize her from her on-screen appearance hosting Velocity’s “SEMA: Battle of The Builders” or her latest show “Sorted” co-hosting with Tanner Foust, Matt Farah and Rob Ferretti.

Rob Dahm

www.instagram.com/robdahm

Rob Dahm is well known in the automotive community for building the world’s first AWD4 Rotor RX-7. This insane build is always being transformed, making for some interesting auto adventures which are heavily documented on his social platforms and with other digital collaborations. With more than 272,000 followers on Instagram and 900,000 subscribers on YouTube with almost 170 million views, Dahm has created a loyal and engaged army of automotive enthusiasts. Having a wealth of knowledge of cars, his social channels are a one-stop-shop for
any gearhead.

JW Montoya

www.instagram.com/jw_montoya

JW Montoya is an automotive enthusiast, specifically of trucks and the off-road industry. He is currently working on a ’20 AT4 HD and an ’05 GMC Sierra 2500, and documenting his builds on his YouTube channel, which has more than 11 million views. Montoya stays busy with build collaborations with other truck enthusiasts, frequently visits his sponsors for the newest truck and off-road products, and is a frequent attendee of truck events throughout the southern United States.

Chelsie Lesnoski

www.instagram.com/chelc.ttg

Chelsie Lesnoski is a young builder from British Columbia, Canada. Her customized ’13 Scion FR-S with a Nissan Skyline engine swap earned her a place in the Top 40 in the 2019 Battle of the Builders contest and has been featured in several Canadian and American shows.

As the co-owner of Throttle Thrashers Garage, her custom imports are highly sought after and documented on her social platforms. Keep an eye out for her 2021 Battle of the Builders build, debuting at the 2021 SEMA Show.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Papadakis Racing Toyotas Score 1-2 Finish in St. Louis

Rockstar Energy Toyota driver Fredric Aasbo scored victory in St. Louis after an all-Toyota, all-Nitto Tire Final battle with teammate Ryan Tuerck. The one-two finish narrows the points standings as the Formula DRIFT series returns to California for the final two rounds of the season. Aasbo and Tuerck were the drivers to beat in St. Louis and they delivered a show of skill in the opening corners of their Final battle. But a misstep from Tuerck saw him tap the wall with his Gumout/Nitto Tire/Mobil 1 Toyota Corolla hatchback and the battle win went to Aasbo. The St. Louis win narrows the points gap at the top of the championship and both drivers are in the hunt for the title with just two rounds to go. Aasbo currently sits third—just 19 points off the lead. Tuerck is a close fourth. The victory brings Aasbo’s record-setting career wins tally to 16. Next up for the Papadakis Racing Toyota team is a return home to Los Angeles for an exciting Round 6 on the Streets of Long Beach, September 17–18. The season finale takes place at Irwindale Speedway October 22–23.

Driver Jesse Iwuji, NFL Hall Of Famer Emmitt Smith Form Xfinity Team

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Jesse Iwuji has partnered with NFL Hall of Fame recipient Emmitt Smith to form Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, a race team set to debut in the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. The team will utilize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives and esports simulator racing to “connect with lower-income communities” and “serve as a pipeline for people to get in the sport. Whether they want to drive… crew chief, engineer, whatever it is,” Iwuji said to NASCAR.com.

Iwuji will serve as a driver-owner for the team. Now in the US Navy Reserves, he served in active duty from 2010–2017. Since 2015, he has competed in five Xfinity Series races and has started in 14 Camping World Truck Series races. Smith, a longtime running back primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, has known Iwuji for around 20 years. Last October, Smith’s company Notable Live sponsored Iwuji’s No. 99 car in the Xfinity Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. For more information, visit jesseiwuji.com.

NHRA Set for Return to Maple Grove

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs are back with a visit to Maple Grove Raceway for the 36th annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil set for September 10–12. The event serves as the first of seven playoff races during the 2021 season and marks the series’ return to the 1/5-mile dragstrip in Berks County, Pennsylvania, for the first time since 2019.

Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes will be highlighted during the weekend, which will also be televised on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including final eliminations on Sunday, September 12 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT). The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will also compete along with the Top Fuel Harley Drag Racing Series. To purchase tickets, visit maplegroveraceway.com. For more information, visit nhra.com.

SVRA Releases 17-Race Schedule for 2022

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) has announced a 17-race schedule for 2022, which also marks the tenth anniversary of SVRA’s acquisition by Parella Motorsports Holdings. The SpeedTour weekends include vintage racing, contemporary sports cars and other features.

2022 SVRA/SpeedTour Schedule

• Auto Club Speedway—February 4–6
• Sebring International Raceway—February 24–27
• Charlotte Motor Speedway—March 17–20
• Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta—March 24–27
• NOLA Motorsports Park—April 8–10
• WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca—April 21–24
• Sonoma Raceway—April 28–May 1
• Road America—May 19–22
• Lime Rock Park—May 27–30
• The Ridge Motorsports Park—June 10–12
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway—June 16–19
• Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course—June 23–26
• Portland International Raceway—July 21–24
• Watkins Glen International—September 7–11
• Virginia International Raceway—October 6–9
• Utah Motorsport Campus—October 14–16
• Circuit of The Americas—November 3–6

For more information, visit svra.com.

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

By Ashley Reyes

Like most enthusiasts, many of FantomWorks’ customers have elaborate dreams of what they are looking for, but a budget that does not support the job. After years of experience, FantomWorks owner Dan Short has learned how to deliver a vehicle that customers will love and be able to enjoy, while staying within budget.

Tune in to the new SEMA Virtual Education video in which Short shares his company’s build philosophy for auto restoration and takes viewers behind the scenes into his shop. During the candid interview, you’ll learn the one word Short promotes as his guiding star, hear what he has planned for the 2021 SEMA Show and discover what he looks for when hiring new employees. As a special bonus, you’ll see photos and hear about the wedding he officiated at FantomWorks’ facilities!

The video is the fourth episode of the ARMO Builder Series in which host Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars brings viewers stories from some of the industry’s most passionate and creative builders.

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews and ARMO social media for registration on the fifth installment of the ARMO Builder Series. Taking place as a live webinar, the session will feature Jim and Mike Ring, co-founders of Ringbrothers. The ARMO Builder Series videos support and will culminate with the ARMO Builders Panel at the 2021 SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Tom Waitzman, president of DPS Automotive, as the council’s newest volunteer spotlight member. Check out Waitzman’s video to learn about his career and what inspires him about the automotive restyling industry.  

Waitzman answers questions about what motivated him to join PRO, how he got started in the industry, and what vehicle he and his son aspire to own.  

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.

Here’s an interesting prototype of the Ford Bronco that foreshadows an upcoming overlanding model.

Caught on the streets of metro Detroit, this Bronco prototype is wearing a lot of heavy vinyl camouflage, suggesting that it’s more than a simple special edition.

Up front, the prototype features a reworded front fascia along with a noticeable Warn winch. There’s also a snorkel mounted on the passenger-side A-pillar, which should prove helpful in water fording. A raised roof suggests extra lighting, a cargo basket or maybe even a tent.

What’s more, this particular Bronco prototype is riding on a unique set of wheels that we haven’t seen before. The tires are Goodyear territory MT 315 70R17, which is used on the Sasquatch package.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBIlde

Here’s an interesting prototype of the Ford Bronco that foreshadows an upcoming overlanding model.

Caught on the streets of metro Detroit, this Bronco prototype is wearing a lot of heavy vinyl camouflage, suggesting that it’s more than a simple special edition.

Up front, the prototype features a reworded front fascia along with a noticeable Warn winch. There’s also a snorkel mounted on the passenger-side A-pillar, which should prove helpful in water fording. A raised roof suggests extra lighting, a cargo basket or maybe even a tent.

What’s more, this particular Bronco prototype is riding on a unique set of wheels that we haven’t seen before. The tires are Goodyear territory MT 315 70R17, which is used on the Sasquatch package.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBIlde

By SEMA Editors

Showgoers booking through onPeak—the SEMA Show housing partner—receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

onPeak not only offers discounted nightly rates for SEMA Show participants, but also offers reduced resort fees so you can save even more on your stay.

Driving to the Show? See the list below for hotels offering free parking during the Show and book through onPeak to secure your stay.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak—the only official hotel provider for the 2021 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2021 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2021 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2021 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2021 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

 By SEMA Editors

New for this year, the New Products Showcase will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Upper South Hall in booth #31255. In addition, buyers and media can now use the Show app on their mobile device to scan and save products and provide step-by-step directions to the exhibitors that submitted each product.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show and entering at least one product in the New Products Showcase puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. The best part: the first product you enter is free! After that, each additional product you enter per category is $75 until October 8, after which, the fee increases to $150 per entry.

Entry Fees:

• The first product entered in one category in the New Products Showcase is FREE!
• Additional $75 per product category before October 8.
• After October 8, the cost is $150 per entry.
• No refunds provided after October 8.
• Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space availability basis.

Enter your new products now!

For more information on New Products Showcase display guidelines, visit www.semashow.com/esm.

By Ashley Reyes

Sales of alternative powered vehicles, while currently representing just 5% of all U.S. light-vehicle sales today, are expected to reach 45% by 2035, according to new SEMA Market Research.

Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, which together represent around 90% of new car registrations worldwide in 2020, plan to widen their portfolio of alternative-power models and scale up their production of electric vehicles. However, three quarters of Americans still prefer gas or diesel and have concerns about charging infrastructure, driving range and price. Also, alternative-power vehicles remain a niche market for the specialty-equipment industry, accounting for just 1% of specialty-equipment retail sales in 2020.

Filled with an in-depth outlook on the landscape of alternative power and electrification in the United States, the “Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology” report helps companies understand potential implications for the specialty-equipment industry and how advanced technologies are becoming part of the new vehicle ecosystem. Key findings from the report include:

• There are currently 4.1 million alternative-power vehicles on U.S. roads today. This represents 1% of light vehicles in operation.
• While sales are starting to grow, significant hurdles remain, around range, changing, and electrical power generation, in the shift towards more electrified vehicles.
• As sales of electric and other alternative energy vehicles increase in coming years, it will take a while for current vehicles to cycle out of operation. The average age of a vehicle today is just over 12 years.
• Alternative power currently represents a very small share of the specialty-aftermarket sales but will be more important as their presence grows. In 2020, alternative power accounted for only 1% of specialty-equipment retail sales at $0.42 billion.
• Automakers continue to integrate vehicles with advanced technology to increase safety and comfort on the road. This opens potential growth opportunities for the aftermarket industry in older vehicles.
• While 58% of drivers want more safety features, 86% say they are afraid of fully autonomous vehicles. They cite safety and liability as their biggest concerns.

To learn more about SEMA’s outlook on electric vehicles and emerging trends and technology, download the new SEMA “Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology” report today at www.sema.org/research.