By Juan Torres

SEMA representatives escalated their advocacy efforts by taking part in nearly 100 meetings with Republican and Democratic lawmakers from Capitol Hill during June and July. As part of the virtual 2021 SEMA Washington Rally, more than 60 SEMA-member companies joined SEMA staff in a record-high number of meetings with officials from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Discussions focused on top industry issues, challenges and concerns, chief among them passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act.

SEMA members also spoke with federal lawmakers in opposition to electric vehicle mandates while voicing support for increased federal investments in roads and bridges, protecting motorized off-road recreational access, tax credits for businesses participating in trade shows and ensuring that aftermarket businesses can market products that are interoperable with vehicles that are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The bipartisan RPM Act is a top priority for SEMA, and will protect the motorsports industry against overreach from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill clarifies the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete and protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars.

“We must continue to communicate with and educate elected officials about the issues that are important to the industry,” said Daniel Ingber, SEMA vice president of government and legal affairs. “We value the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and will continue to push for the rights of the aftermarket industry.”

The RPM Act was first introduced in 2016, after the EPA began interpreting the 50-year-old Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) to include race car conversions. SEMA has led the fight to advocate for passage of the bill, which was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives after enthusiasts sent more than 1.3 million letters to lawmakers urging them to pass the RPM Act. The bill currently has Congressional support from 82 co-sponsors, including a number of lawmakers who signed on after meeting with SEMA-member business representatives and staff. SEMA urges racers and race fans to continue to reach out to lawmakers and demand that the RPM Act be passed into law.

“We cannot let up on our efforts to push for the RPM Act,” said Ingber. “As the EPA attacks the motorsports industry, we must protect our rights to modify vehicles. The RPM Act will clarify that it is legal to modify street vehicles into dedicated race cars and give the industry the assurance it needs to continue to legally compete.”

With strong bipartisan support and engagement from the industry, the RPM Act is well positioned for passage in the current Congressional year. Committees have reviewed the bill in previous years and are prepared to expedite the bill.     

“It was great to meet with lawmakers who seriously considered the RPM Act, which allows street vehicles to be converted into racing vehicles,” said Braden Liberg, director of compliance and calibration engineering of the Edelbrock Group. “Without the RPM Act there is a threat to the motorsports industry. Many lawmakers are unaware of the challenges facing our industry, and it’s imperative that we work with them to ensure that motorsports businesses can continue to operate.”

Racers, race fans, and related businesses are encouraged to continue to contact their legislators to pass the bill and #saveourracecars by visiting www.saveourracecars.com.

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.

Looking for a quiet, no-frills hotel stay? There are a number of non-casino properties that are offering discounted rates for SEMA Show guests. Check these out and book with onPeak today:

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 Ashley Reyes

Conflict in the workplace is a common occurrence. When confronted with a challenge from a direct report, colleague or manager, knowing how to effectively handle the situation can save a team from unnecessary work disruptions, decreased productivity, project failure and even termination.

Employees and managers from all SEMA-member companies are invited to join the webinar, “Effectively Managing Conflict,” July 27, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT) to learn methods for how to confront workplace challenges, whether it be manager to employee, employee to employee, manager to manager or manager to supervisor.

Rebeca Olavarietta from Roco 4x4 serves as moderator, as she is joined by Executive Coach Julie Couret. Known for her unabashedly candid approach that cuts through the noise and clutter, Couret trains company leaders on the behaviors necessary to lead others in coaching, leadership credibility, business communications and conflict resolution.

Register here.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Holley NMRA World Finals Names Whipple Supercharger as Title Sponsor

The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals has announced Whipple Superchargers as the title sponsor of the all-Ford motorsport event—the NMRA World Finals and Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival—which runs September 30–October 3, at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The event will feature a wide range of categories, including championship heads-up and index eliminators, QA1 True Street, Mickey Thompson Street Car Challenge Presented by Whipple Superchargers, TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout and Bracket Showdown Finale. Running concurrently on an oval track will be the Vaughn Gittin Jr. Fun-Haver Pro Drift Exhibition, Pro-Am Drifting, autocross competition and Bigfoot jumping cars. A manufacturers’ midway, used parts swap meet, and the UPR Products Car Show are also planned. For more information, visit www.nmradigital.com/ky.

Turn 14 Distribution-Sponsored Tesla Model 3 Performance Completes 2021 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Turn 14 Distribution sponsored he Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Performance driven by Dai Yoshihara, which completed the 99th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) presented by Gran Turismo. In addition to its sponsorship support, Turn 14 Distribution deployed its 53-ft. motorsports trailer activation to serve as the pit area for the Model 3 Performance and host VIP hospitality. The partnership demonstrated the company's support for electric-powered vehicles as a substantial element to the performance industry’s future. The Tesla Model 3 Performance laid down the fastest practice time in the mountain course’s middle section and qualified second in the Exhibition class, only behind another Tesla. Although an unforeseen issue occurred on race day, Yoshihara still piloted the Model 3 Performance to the top of the mountain to finish out the race. Turn 14 Distribution's motorsports trailer allowed the entire team to have adequate space to prepare the car, capture the experience, and take time to recover throughout the demanding hours the race requires.

Trackhouse Racing to Acquire Chip Ganassi Racing NASCAR Operation

The NASCAR Cup Series operation by Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has been purchased by Nashville-based Trackhouse Entertainment Group founded by Justin Marks and co-owned by Grammy-winning musician Armando Pérez, also known as Pitbull. The transfer of all of CGR’s NASCAR assets to Trackhouse Racing will be completed immediately following the final NASCAR Cup Series race on November 7. As a result, Trackhouse Racing will field two full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries in 2022. Daniel Suárez, the current driver of Trackhouse Racing’s No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro, will continue with the organization. The second driver will be named at a later date. CGR will continue to run its programs in the NTT IndyCar Series, IMSA and Extreme E out of its Indianapolis racing facility.

Permatex Teams with Dylan Hughes to Challenge the Motorcycle 200-MPH Barrier and 2021 Formula DRIFT

Permatex has partnered with their Formula DRIFT team driver Dylan Hughes to take speed to the next level. In an exclusive online video series, Permatex will document Dylan’s journey as he challenges the 200-mph barrier at the 2021 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, set for August 28–September 2, 2021. The series, entitled “Permatex Flat Out 200,” will chronicle the entire effort, from initial bike design and build to the official runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats on the Permatex YouTube channel. Fans can visit the Permatex website to watch Hughes’ entire journey and attempt. Permatex will also sponsor Hughes and the #129 BMW in three events during the 2021 Formula DRIFT season.

GMS Racing to Compete in Cup Series in 2022

GMS Racing has announced the team is preparing its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the upcoming 2022 season. Since its formation in 2014, GMS has won 61 races across the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series. GMS also took home the 2016 and 2020 Camping World Trucks championship, the 2015 ARCA Menards Series championship, and the ARCA East championship in 2019 and 2020.

NASCAR, iRacing.com Announce New Partnership Agreement

NASCAR and iRacing.com have announced a new partnership agreement that will grant the Massachusetts-based developer of PC-based racing simulations as the “official simulation partner of NASCAR.” The deal will serve to elevate a decade-plus licensing relationship to official partner status, as the two organizations work to promote the various eNASCAR series, which live on the iRacing platform. The pair are also collaborating on initiatives designed to have far-reaching implications on the future of NASCAR—including the design of new and proposed NASCAR race tracks, collaboration and technical support on the NASCAR NextGen race car project, the creation of sim racing-oriented content for NASCAR Digital Media channels, and the use of iRacing as a training tool for NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity class. For more information, visit nascar.com, enascar.com and iracing.com.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overstepped its authority by issuing a rulemaking allowing gasoline with up to 15% ethanol to be sold year-round. Previously, there was a summertime restriction on the sale of E-15, due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased smog. The Court stated that it was clear that Congress did not intend for ethanol blends higher than 10% to be allowed to be sold year-round and thus struck down the 2019 EPA rule.

SEMA opposed the EPA rulemaking to expand E-15 availability to year-round. Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E-15, can cause damage to high-performance parts and vehicles manufactured prior to 2001. The EPA requires an E-15 warning label on fuel pumps in recognition that many older vehicles were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and could be subject to metal corrosion or plastic and rubber deterioration. In its comments opposing the rule, SEMA reminded the agency that there are millions of older vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, boats and machines with smaller engines still in the marketplace and that the warning labels should be even larger than currently required to protect against accidental misfueling.   

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Gold Eagle Company Announces Retirement of Bob Hirsch

Gold Eagle Company has announced the retirement of Robert F. (Bob) Hirsch. He joined Gold Eagle in 1957 alongside his father, company founder Armin Hirsch, and has served as chairman and most recently senior vice president and director. For the past 10 years, Hirsch has chaired the Automotive Aftermarket Charity Foundation (AACF), to provide financial support for industry employees and their families and has been active in fundraising for the American Cancer Society. He will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors, and his brother Rich will remain as chairman.

Ernst Prost Announces His Departure From LIQUI MOLY

After 31 years with LIQUI MOLY, Ernst Prost has announced that he will leave the company on February 22, 2022. Under his leadership, LIQUI MOLY grew from a small supplier of additives for cars to a global specialist in automotive chemicals. The CEO announced his departure in a letter to his colleagues.

PLZ Aeroscience Acquires Champion Brands to Expand Full-Service Automotive Capabilities

PLZ Aeroscience Corp. has announced the acquisition of Champion Brands. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. With this acquisition, PLZ expands its full-service automotive and industrial offering, positioning the company to better serve its customers with a comprehensive suite of aerosol and non-aerosol products. Champion is led by Matt Lowe, the third-generation of Lowe leadership at the company. He will remain with Champion following the transaction.

52nd Annual Street Rod Nationals Heads to Louisville

The National Street Rod Association’s (NSRA) annual Street Rod Nationals will be held in Louisville at the Kentucky Exposition Center, marking the 27th time the show, which annually attracts between 10,000 and 15,000 vintage automobiles, will be held in Louisville. Vehicles will be driven from all parts of the United States to make this a gathering of vintage automobiles, featuring nearly every make, model and style. The Street Rod Nationals will include vehicles from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The car show will run from Thursday, August 5–Sunday, August 8.

There will be displays and demonstrations to look at and more than $300 million worth of vintage automobiles to see up close and enjoy from every angle. This year’s event will include a special area called “Builder’s Showcase” in the Grand Lobby and South Wing lobbies A, B and C. See cars built by the top professional rod shops in the country.

Owner of Osprey Custom Cars Buys MegaRexx Trucks

Aaron Richardet, founder and owner of Osprey Custom Cars, has announced the purchase of MegaRexx Trucks, builder of the  MegaRaptor—the custom, go-anywhere truck. A MegaRaptor starts as either a Ford F-250, F-350, or F-450 Super Duty. For more information, visit the MegaRexx website.

CRC Industries and NAPA Auto Parts Partner to Support Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

CRC Industries Inc. is continuing its fundraising partnership with NAPA Auto Parts for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), a not-for-profit organization that supports United States military personnel who are suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS). Throughout the months of July and October 2021, a portion of CRC products sales at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores will be donated to the IFHF. During these months, select CRC products will be eligible for the fundraising effort. To date, CRC has raised nearly $650,000 to help support military members and their families.

AFR Acquired by Private Equity Firm

Air Flow Research (AFR) has been acquired by Taglich Private Equity (TPE) in a partnership with AFR’s founding family and management. The company’s 42 production and office employees based in Valencia, California, will remain with the current executive team and staff. AFR was founded in 1970 by Ken Sperling and has been family-owned until the recent acquisition. Sperling’s son Rick will remain as president and significant owner of the company. For more information, visit www.airflowresearch.com.

Autostop Saver Awarded Patent for World’s First Retrofit Automatic Stop-Start Memory Module

Autostop Saver recently announced that the company has been awarded U.S. Patent No. 11,040,716 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its Autostop Saver invention, described as a “Method And Apparatus To Control Vehicle Automatic Engine Stop-Start System Including Preference Retention.”

“Our now-patent-protected technology was created to address the fundamental limitations of an automatic stop-start enabled vehicle when outfitted with a non-latching push button switch,” said Justin Orantes, Autostop Saver CEO. “However, because we wanted our product to be plug-and-play, the solution became far more complex than just integrating a clever algorithm and a non-volatile memory component. We had to creatively overcome the seemingly impossible technical limitations present on the vast majority of vehicles today.”

Autostop Saver reports that drivers who prefer to manually deactivate the function each time they start their vehicle, in total, expend approximately four hours ‘pressing the button’ across 79.3 months, the average length of vehicle ownership in the United States. The company has developed a comprehensive suite of interface technologies that can be adapted to any auto stop-start enabled vehicle on the road today. U.S. Patent No. 11,040,716 marks the company's first patent issued within its IP portfolio, with additional patents pending.

For complete details on the 716 patent, visit www.uspto.gov.

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

Using 3-D tools for prototyping is a smart way to save time and money while also expanding design possibilities. It also allows companies to physically conceptualize designs and ideas quickly and at a low cost.

During the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Facebook Live Chat on Thursday, July 15, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), founder and president of BuiltRight Industries Matt Beenen will share his expertise on 3-D tools and rapid prototyping in the aftermarket space.

As designers and manufacturers of organization and gear-mounting solutions for trucks and SUVs, Beenen and the BuiltRight Industries team have developed and launched more than 80 unique products since 2017. Tune in to the Live Chat to ask him questions live and learn how small businesses can use rapid prototyping and 3-D tools to compete against larger manufacturers, and how using 3-D scanning, 3-D printing and AR/VR can shorten iterative design cycles and encourage innovation.

Location: ETTN Facebook page.

By Ashley Reyes

Register now for the following upcoming live webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming live and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Wednesday, July 14 – ADAS Technologies: How to Navigate Product Development
Series: ADAS Webinar Series

Hear about real-world situations and case studies from leading aftermarket manufacturers that have successfully developed and launched products for ADAS-equipped vehicles. Participants will learn the steps companies have taken to understand ADAS and how to design compatible parts and validate the functionality of all OEM features. This is a great opportunity to learn from companies that have firsthand ADAS experience.

Register here.

Newly Added: Thursday, July 15 – ETTN Live Chat Featuring Matt Beenen
Track: Industry Talks

Since 2017, Matt Beenen and his BuiltRight Industries team have developed and launched more than 80 unique aftermarket products. During this Facebook Live Chat, attendees will hear how Beenen has firsthand experience using rapid prototyping and 3-D tools to develop products. The affordability of the technology has leveled the playing field for small businesses, and Beenen can share how using 3-D scanning, 3-D printing and AR/VR has shorten the iterative design cycle and encouraged innovation.

Location: ETTN Facebook page

Tuesday, July 20 – 2021 SEMA Market Report Webinar
Series: SEMA Industry Insights Series

During this live webinar, the SEMA Market Research team will present highlights from the recently released “2021 SEMA Market Report.” Filled with updated stats from the 2020 calendar year, the report includes key trends and insights on industry sales, consumer behavior, trends and more. Researchers will explain what the data means and help businesses understand how 2020 affected the industry and where the current opportunities are.

Register here.

Wednesday, July 21 – YEN Live Chat Featuring Jim Liaw
Track: Industry Talks

Here’s your chance to chat with Jim Liaw, co-founder of Formula DRIFT. During this Live Chat presented by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), attendees will be able to ask about how the premier United States drifting series came to be, what other motorsports events he’s helped organize, and what he was thinking when the first Formula DRIFT event debuted to a sell-out crowd of 10,000 in 2003—causing traffic jams on the streets outside the track and culture shock to those in the stands. You’ll also be able to find out what he has planned for 2021 and why he supports the RPM Act.

Location: YEN Facebook page  

Thursday, July 22 – How to Keep Productivity at a Maximum
Series: Team Management Series, Powered by SBN
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Having a long to-do list can feel overwhelming, and oftentimes, it can be a struggle to even know where to start. During this webinar presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), managers and supervisors will learn solid tips and habits for increasing productivity throughout the day, how to identify and avoid challenges that impede productivity and various goal-setting methods for effectively managing time.

Register here.

Tuesday, July 27 – Effectively Managing Conflict
Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills, Powered by SBN
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Knowing how to manage conflict can save a team from unnecessary work disruptions, decreased productivity, project failure and even termination. During this webinar presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), employees and managers will learn common methods for how to manage challenging situations, whether it be manager to employee, employee to employee, manager to manager or manager to supervisor.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

It takes dedication, hard work and drive to build and grow an automotive specialty-equipment business. Even more so to grow an entire industry.  

The SEMA Industry Awards are among the trade association’s highest honors and recognize the recipient’s outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over a year-long period. Nominations are open now in the following categories:  

• Person of the Year
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Warehouse Distributor of the Year
• Gen-III Innovator of the Year

For consideration, an honoree must exhibit professionalism, service, integrity and ethics that help propel the industry forward. To nominate an honoree and learn more about the criteria for each award, visit www.sema.org/awards or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.

Nominations close July 23.

Here’s another look at the all-new ’23 Ford Ranger Raptor, this time though with the addition of a Ranger Wildtrak-esque rollbar.

Overall, the next-gen Ranger Raptor looks more substantial than the current model, with bolder proportions and stance. The front fascia will maintain the bold “FORD” lettering across the grille accompanied by a set of intricate C-shaped headlamps.

The cab and bed appear to be carryovers from the current model, which has been on sale in global markets since 2011. The prototype rides on a set of black wheels that appear to be fairly similar to the current design. A dual-exhaust setup can be seen at the rear, along with a camo’d rear suspension that hides a coil spring setup similar to the F-150 Raptor.

The ’23 Ranger is expected to launch near the end of the ’22 model year and will serve as the basis for an upcoming Volkswagen midsize pickup as a result of a collaboration agreement between Ford and VW announced in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde