Hyundai’s Prophecy concept car will morph into the Ioniq 6 when it finally hits dealers in production form in 2023. As expected, spy shots now prove that the radical design of the Prophecy has been toned down considerably for the Ioniq 6. The interior will still be a stunning place to sit, but the exterior has undergone work and now becomes much more conservative.

The images clearly show that the suicide doors of the concept are certainly not making their way to production and that both the front and rear overhangs have increased in size, presumably because a production car needs more space for things like battery packs and trunk space. These changes likely mean it won’t have the same svelte curves as the concept.

Other details we’ve gleaned from previous spy shots include the fact that the Ioniq 6 will feature flush door handles and possibly the retention of the concept’s rear wing, which may or may not house a third brake light. As for performance, there will be two powerplants with both single- and dual-motor variants to be offered, the latter of which is likely to produce more than 300 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Hyundai’s Prophecy concept car will morph into the Ioniq 6 when it finally hits dealers in production form in 2023. As expected, spy shots now prove that the radical design of the Prophecy has been toned down considerably for the Ioniq 6. The interior will still be a stunning place to sit, but the exterior has undergone work and now becomes much more conservative.

The images clearly show that the suicide doors of the concept are certainly not making their way to production and that both the front and rear overhangs have increased in size, presumably because a production car needs more space for things like battery packs and trunk space. These changes likely mean it won’t have the same svelte curves as the concept.

Other details we’ve gleaned from previous spy shots include the fact that the Ioniq 6 will feature flush door handles and possibly the retention of the concept’s rear wing, which may or may not house a third brake light. As for performance, there will be two powerplants with both single- and dual-motor variants to be offered, the latter of which is likely to produce more than 300 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Each year, SEMA helps employees of member businesses pay off student loans as part of the SEMA Loan Forgiveness program. The 2022 application period is now open and will run through March 1, 2022.

What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program?

The Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds to help selected current employees of SEMA-member businesses pay off education loans from a college, university or career technical/trade school. Unlike the SEMA Scholarship Program, which assists current students, the Loan Forgiveness Program focuses on recent graduates who are actively working for SEMA-member companies to help lessen the burden of education loans post-graduation.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Currently employed by a SEMA-member business.
• Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
• Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States.
• Have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.

What are the benefits of being selected?

Beyond the impact the monetary awards provide, the SEMA Loan Forgiveness program is a passion-driven program aimed to help SEMA members further their career in the automotive and performance parts industries. SEMA members and program recipients also have access to resources through SEMA Education and the SEMA Career Center, and in-person networking opportunities at the SEMA Show.

What is the application process?

Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships before the March 1, 2022, deadline. If you have children, friends or know someone who may qualify, we invite you to share this opportunity with them.

By Ashley Reyes

All participants of the 2022 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference are invited to a free webinar on January 20, where organizers will give a sneak peek at the virtual event space and provide tips for navigating the site.

Taking place 100% online from January 25–27, the conference provides manufacturers and media with an opportunity to connect with one another for quality meetings. Personalized schedules are created based on individual needs.

While last year’s conference was also held virtually, this year’s online event space has a brand-new look.

Register now for the webinar. 

Turn 14 Distribution Awards KW Automotive Supplier of the Year, MBRP Collaborative Supplier

KW Automotive received Turn 14 Distribution’s Supplier of the Year Award for 2021.

Turn 14 Distribution has awarded KW Automotive its Supplier of the Year Award for 2021. Turn 14 Distribution presents the Supplier of the Year Award annually to its leading supplier to recognize its value in the industry and role in the supply chain. All aspects of the supplier-distributor relationship are taken into consideration, including supply-chain support, product innovation and collaboration.

KW Automotive has been at the forefront of premium automotive tuning and refinement products for more than 25 years. The company’s product selection contains a wide range of suspension components and coilover kits with an assortment of damping variants. KW Automotive’s brand portfolio includes ST Suspensions and Belltech, both offered by Turn 14 Distribution.

MBRP was honored with Turn 14 Distribution’s Collaborative Supplier Award for 2021.

In addition, Turn 14 Distribution has awarded MBRP with its Collaborative Supplier Award for 2021, which is presented to Turn 14 Distribution’s most collaborative supplier over the past 12 months and is influenced by growth, depth of partnership, support and relationship strength.

Holley Acquires Four Enthusiast Brands

Holley has acquired substantially all of the assets of Arizona Desert Shocks (ADS), Baer Brakes, Brothers Trucks and Rocket Racing Wheels. Holley completed the acquisitions for approximately $56 million during the fourth quarter of 2021. For 2022, Holley expects these acquisitions to contribute net sales of approximately $30 million, the company stated. For more information, visit holley.com.

Covercraft Acquires Lloyd Mats

Covercraft has announced the acquisition of Lloyd Mats—a manufacturer of custom-fit carpeted floor and cargo mats for cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and RVs. Since 1978, Lloyd Mats has developed a comprehensive library of vehicle application-specific patterns in the custom floor mat category. The company offers multiple branded, licensed and personalized versions of its floor mats across dozens of colors and carpet styles. 

Premium Guard Inc. Successfully Completes Acquisition of IPC Global Solutions

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) has completed the acquisition of IPC Global Solutions (IPC), a major private-label filter supplier and the creator of the ECOGARD brand of filtration products. As part of the transaction, PGI also partnered with Trive Capital, the Dallas-based private equity firm. The deal was finalized on December 30. The new combined company will employ more than 600 people and operate approximately 1,000,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space throughout North America. This merger, along with the acquisition of Interfil in Mexico in November 2020, will expand PGI’s global sourcing platform to deliver a full suite of automotive filtration products and aftermarket solutions.

Speedway Motorsports Announces Promotions

Two industry veterans recently received promotions at Speedway Motorsports, as Mike Burch has been named the company’s chief operating officer, while Jerry Caldwell was promoted to president of Bristol Motor Speedway. The promotions were announced by Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. Burch, who joined Speedway Motorsports in 2003, most recently served as chief strategy officer, and previously held positions of senior vice president of national sales and marketing and manager of business development. Caldwell, who began working full-time at Bristol Motor Speedway in its sales and marketing department in 1997, has been the executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway since 2010.

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 Ashley Reyes

How are regulated emissions formed within a gasoline engine? What should be considered when failing an emissions test?

Automotive engineers, programmers, and product developers will be introduced to the formation and aftertreatment for gasoline engines during a webinar on January 18, at 1:00 p.m. (PST).

Featuring Robert Prucka, associate and Kulwicki professor of motorsports engineering at Clemson University, the webinar will discuss common issues associated with the test cycle and provide insight based on Prucka’s technical expertise and real-world experiences. To-date, Prucka’s research and teaching interests span from design, control, calibration and performance, to emissions of advanced powertrain systems. He is also a select committee member for the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Combustion Committee and an associate editor for the International Journal of Powertrains.

A Q&A with the audience will follow Prucka’s webinar presentation. Register here.

 It’s never too early to start planning for the annual SEMA Show. 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. With 2021 in the books, it’s now time to start planning for the 2022 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

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 a booth now!

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

IndyCar Announces 14-Race Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Schedule

With a new era of operational control of Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, IndyCar has announced a 14-race schedule for 2022. The schedule features events in 11 key markets and three doubleheader weekends, including a return to Iowa Speedway and the series’ debut on the Streets of Nashville. In November, IndyCar had added the role of promoter to its position of sanctioning body of Indy Lights.

All 14 races, qualifying sessions and practices will happen within 2022 NTT IndyCar Series weekends, providing an inclusive atmosphere for the developmental series that serves as the final step toward competing in North America’s premier open-wheel series. Additionally, where available, Indy Lights will benefit from a more integrated paddock area as its team garages will be inside the NTT IndyCar Series paddock footprint. For the complete schedule, visit indylights.com.

Maserati to Compete in ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

Maserati will debut in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in 2023. The automaker is the first Italian automaker to compete in Formula E, the world’s first all-electric road racing motorsports series. Maserati will debut on the grid from Season 9 with the new Gen3—the fastest, lightest, most powerful Formula E racing car to date. Since its inception, Formula E has raced on the streets of iconic cities, including New York, Monaco, Berlin, Mexico City, London and Rome. The series focuses on energy efficiency, enhancements in battery range and advances in powertrain development. For more information, visit fiaformulae.com. 

Trans Am Announces New Name, Start Date for West Coast Championship

Trans Am Race Company officials have announced that its West Coast-based championship will be renamed the “Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Western Championship.” A new date and venue will also be added to the 2022 calendar. Thunderhill Raceway will now stage the Western Championship’s season opener as part of the Northern California Shelby Club Spring Sprint on April 9–10. The addition of the two-day event will expand the Western Championship schedule to eight rounds held at seven venues. For more information, visit gotransam.com.

SCCA to Honor 2022 Hall of Fame Class

The 2022 class of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Hall of Fame has been announced. A group of five longtime SCCA members will be recognized for each of their contributions to the Club’s history and the world of motorsports. The class includes a sports car racing champion across multiple decades, an all-around Champion driver and promoter and a group of members who have contributed to the promotion and growth of the SCCA. Charlie Clark, Howard Duncan, Paul Pfanner, Greg Pickett and Mark Weber will officially join the SCCA Hall of Fame during a virtual induction on January 21—the opening day of the 2022 SCCA Convention. For more information on the inductees, visit the announcement here or visit scca.com.

NASCAR Announces Two Key Competition Personnel Promotions

NASCAR has announced that Brad Moran has been promoted to NASCAR Cup Series managing director, and Seth Kramlich will transition to NASCAR Camping World Truck Series managing director. Most recently, Moran held the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series managing director position. Kramlich moves to his new role after three years as NASCAR Xfinity Series assistant director. Moran, Kramlich and NASCAR Xfinity Series Managing Director Wayne Auton will continue to be headquartered at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina, and report to Scott Miller, senior vice president of competition. For more information, visit nascar.com.

Tulsa Speedway Announces Operational Changes, Track Upgrades

Tulsa Speedway, the quarter-mile dirt oval dirt track based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has announced co-owner Keith Haney has taken over daily operations of the facility as they seek a new general manager. Haney and co-owner Todd Martin have announced several improvements to the track, including plans to construct a new building with an office complex, ticketing/will call, merchandise, full concessions and new restrooms. The pair have also announced plans to purchase a new electrical grid and and track equipment. A new clay surface and additional lighting will also be implemented. Racing is expected to begin on March 25 for the Classic Chevrolet Friday Night Lights Opening Night followed by the ASCS Sooner Region sprint season opener on April 1. For more information, visit tulsaspeedway.com.

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

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.