Automotion Customs Inc., an automotive restyling shop in Warner Robins, Georgia, is the winner of the third SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Cup Challenge. Automotion Customs won the award for creating an accessory package for the 2022 Toyota Rav4 XLE that is easy to replicate and ideal for new-car dealers to add mass consumer appeal to their inventory.
Automotion Customs won this year’s SEMA PRO Cup Challenge for with its ’22 Toyota Rav4 XLE. The company's accessory package is easy to replicate and ideal for new-car dealers to add mass consumer appeal to their inventory.
The competition, which took place at the SEMA Show, pit restyler against restyler to create a package for a new-model car or truck that would take less than 40 hours to execute and costs no more than $12,500 to the dealer. Packages were judged on their mass appeal, ease to replicate and potential profitability.
Through the competition, accessory manufacturers see how their products can be packaged with other products, restylers get ideas to take back to their local markets, and SEMA Showgoers witness how new vehicles can be transformed.
The ’22 Toyota Rav4 XLE features:
“Automotion Customs created a unique accessory package that is not only stylish and affordable for dealerships but showcases the many possibilities that consumers have when choosing to accessorize their new-model cars and trucks,” said PRO Chair Josh Poulson. “We are proud of Automotion Customs for their win and are confident that this package will create profitable business relationships among restylers and new-car dealerships nationwide.”
Other companies that competed in the PRO Cup Challenge included Auto Image, ’22 Ford Mustang Mach E; Auto Trim Restyling, ’22 Cadillac Escalade Sport; Automotive Concepts, ’22 Ford Lightning; DPS Automotive, ’22 Jeep Grand Cherokee L; and Pickup Outfitters of Waco, ’23 GMC Sierra 2500 SLE. Top Coverage LTD’s ’22 Ford F-150 Lightning won the Fan Favorite Award, which was voted on by SEMA Showgoers.
The PRO Cup Challenge encourages customization of new-model vehicles and raises the awareness of vehicle accessorizing to the general public. It also encourages dealers to work with restylers as a means to generate showroom excitement and tap into hot, new markets though offering accessory packages.
To learn more about the PRO Cup Challenge, visit www.sema.org/pro-cup-challenge. For information on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), visit www.sema.org/PRO.
From the latest new products to custom trucks, cutting-edge car-culture trends and promoting diversity in motorsports, the SEMA Show continuously paves the way for automotive innovation.
Watch the recap of day 3’s events:
Kevin Robinson, president of TRAC LLC, was named winner of the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition for his product, TRAC Tire Jack, a tool designed to make removing or installing a wheel/tire from a vehicle safer, simpler and easier. Robinson walked away with a grand-prize package valued at nearly $100,000.
Kevin Robinson, president of TRAC LLC, was named winner of the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition for his product, TRAC Tire Jack.
“Winning SEMA Launch Pad is truly an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Myles Kovacs, one of the competition's judges. “Not only does each competitor benefit from the experience, but we are also able to shed light on the products and services that fill a gap in the industry and can inspire future inventors to do the same.”
Since 2013, the SEMA Launch Pad has served as the ultimate product-pitching competition for the automotive aftermarket. In addition to competing for a prize package that includes space at the world-renown SEMA Show and promotion on national television, contestants build connections and receive support from established experts who serve as judges and mentors in the program.
The four judges were Chip Foose, award-winning vehicle builder and artist best known from the TV hit series “Overhaulin’”; Jared Hare, an innovator and entrepreneur who founded Addictive Desert Designs in 2007 and has grown the company into one of the leading offroad brands; Kovacs, a trend setter who founded DUB magazine and launched TIS Wheels; and Alex Parker, industry advocate and CMO of the 2020 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Winner Redline Detection.
“This year’s SEMA Launch Pad competitors were among the best that we’ve ever seen,” Kovacs said. “I’m constantly amazed at the ingenuity, passion and drive we see from competitors. It’s going to be difficult to select just one winner from the group.”
Learn more about SEMA Launch Pad at www.sema.org/launchpad.
Content creator and world-renowned automotive photographer Larry Chen was named winner of the first annual SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award. The award was created to honor a content creator or influencer who has built an engaged audience and used his or her platform to positively impact car enthusiasts of all ages.
Content creator Larry Chen was named winner of the first annual SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award for his positive impact on the automotive industry.
The award is a result of the rise of content creators’ and social-media influencers’ impact on the industry. Finalists for the award were selected based on their presence and influence across social-media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and more. This year’s finalists, which included Larry Chen, ChrisFix, TJ Hunt, Adam LZ and Alex Taylor, were recognized at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet for their impact on growing the $50.9 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.
“It is a huge honor to be nominated for this award, especially being alongside my peers. I am a content creator through and through, and I love telling the stories of backyard and garage builds along with the grandest collections,” said Larry Chen. “I enjoy that my audience follows along and appreciates the content I create. For me, this is about doing my best and playing my part in saving the culture that we love so much.”
Chen’s work has graced the covers of numerous magazines, and he is well known for his work with Hoonigan, Hagerty and other top automotive media companies. He also shoots for major OEMs, top builders, multiple race and event series and top automotive brands around the world. Chen is also a Canon Explorer of Light, teaches photography classes and shares his knowledge and passion with aspiring content creators. As an enthusiast himself, Chen hosts car meets, has collaborated on vehicle builds and has shown his own creations at the SEMA Show.
“Larry embodies what it means to be an ambassador for the automotive industry and car culture. He is a true enthusiast, and his contagious passion for the subject matter has not only been embraced by the car community but also continues to bring new people into our hobby,” said SEMA Chairman James Lawrence. “On behalf of SEMA and the aftermarket industry, I want to thank Larry for his ongoing contribution and can think of no better person to recognize as our first winner.”
Chen’s work can be seen on his website, Instagram page, Facebook and other social-media channels.
Power Automedia Acquires Mustang Week; 1,000hp 7.3L Godzilla Engine Giveaway Presented by Summit Racing Equipment Goes LivePower Automedia has announced the acquisition of Mustang Week, one of the largest all-Mustang events in the world. The annual, week-long event has been held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for 21 years, growing each year. After suffering through Hurricane Dorian and the pandemic, it was announced that 2022 would be the final year. Ford Muscle will be the presenting magazine for the event, which is booked for September 4-10, 2023.
In other news, with presenting sponsor Summit Racing Equipment, Power Automedia has launched the EngineLabs Engine Giveaway. The Ford 7.3L V8 “Godzilla” engine is the largest displacement gasoline engine offered by Ford Motor Company. Late Model Engines (LME) will take a Ford Performance Parts crate engine and build it into a 1,000hp-capable twin-turbo engine live on the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show floor in Indianapolis, December 8–10. Enthusiasts will have a chance to see a powerful example of this new platform come together before their eyes, and maybe even take it home!
The 1,000hp twin-turbo 7.3L Ford engine will get some upgrades thanks to this year’s participating sponsors: ATI Performance, BOOSTane, Brian Tooley Racing, Callies, Cometic, Deatschwerks, Design Engineering Inc, E3 Spark Plugs, Ford Performance Parts, Indy Power Products, Johnson Lifters, K1 Technologies, Klotz Synthetics, Kooks Headers, LTA Manufacturing, Manton Pushrods, Operational Speed Supply, Precision Turbo, Ryno Classifieds, SCT Performance, Summit Racing Equipment, Wiseco and Wrenchers.
For a chance to enter the contest, visit EngineLabsGiveaway.com. For additional build details and giveaway updates, follow EngineLabs.com.
The Wheel Group (TWG), a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital, has announced that current board member Wade Kawasaki has agreed to expand his role to executive chairman. Prior to joining TWG, Kawasaki served as the president and CEO of Legendary Companies, which grew under his leadership from Coker Tire into one of the largest collector car wheel/tire and restoration parts providers in the industry. Kawasaki, who is also currently the executive director of SEMA and PRI Political Action Committees, has also served as SEMA’s chairman of the Board, was selected as SEMA’s Person of the Year and in 2014 was inducted into SEMA’s Hall of Fame.
Earlier this year McKinney Corp. based in Lafayette, Indiana, acquired Florida-based Tommy Waters Race Car Products and added the entire suite of their products to the list of offerings.
RaceTec Pistons has been acquired by Taglich Private Equity. RaceTec joins the AFR, Scat Crankshafts, and Procar By Scat family of companies. The Huntington Beach, California-based piston manufacturing company was founded in 2007 by Wayne Brooks, a former owner of JE Pistons. Jeremy Gillum will retain his position as vice president of RaceTec Pistons. At the same time, its management team will also remain in place, along with its production facility and employees in Huntington Beach.
Officials with the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models have announced that current Series Competition Director Steve Francis will take over as the new series director starting at the Sunshine Nationals, January 19–21. Casey Shuman will finish off his tenure as series director this weekend at the World of Outlaws World Finals, before taking on a new role as the general manager of I-70 Speedway in Odessa, Missouri. Francis, the 2007 World of Outlaws Late Model Champion, was brought on as the competition director in August. Also a National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer, Francis is 10th all-time on the World of Outlaws wins list with 28 victories.
Scott Sulprizio, the longtime owner of United Engine & Machine (UEM), has announced Christopher Sulprizio has been named company president. Christopher had previously rejoined the family-owned and operated business in 2014 after an engineering career with Raytheon Missile Systems. Scott will retain his position as UEM owner and will continue to stay engaged in the operational facets of the piston manufacturing business. Christopher will be based out of the UEM headquarters in Carson City, Nevada.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Brendan Bohac is this week’s SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) spotlight member. Bohac is marketing manager at Oracle Lighting, which manufactures designer lighting products and technologies for the automotive powersports, motorcycle and marine markets.
Get to know Bohac in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Brendan Bohac: Some of the best advice I have ever received is the importance of respect. This has led me to always being honest in both personal and professional endeavors. Respecting the truth, people’s time and respecting myself and others permeates in all that I do.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
BB: A deeply rooted passion for cars and their ability to bring people together.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
BB: Spending time with friends and family, and out either on a drive or hike exploring the beauty and history of my home in South Louisiana.
SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
BB: By gathering as much context and background information I can on the meeting subject, and then preparing at least one or two relevant questions about what we are going to discuss.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?
BB: I would have lunch with Carroll Shelby. Not only do I have a large passion for the cars he produced and modified, but it would be a great opportunity to learn more from such a passionate, brilliant and visionary individual.
Fill out an FLN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.
SEMA has announced a five-year vision to expand the SEMA Show into an “all-city” experience. Officially called SEMA Week, the expansion’s goal is to create the most passionate and exciting automotive event in the world. SEMA Week will kick off in 2023 with new concepts, activities and events introduced over the five-year roll-out period.
SEMA Week will be headlined by the SEMA Show, which will remain a trade-only event Tuesday through Friday. On Friday, the final day of the SEMA Show, a limited number of enthusiasts will be able to attend the SEMA Show through the Friday Experience program, which launched at the 2021 SEMA Show. Beginning on Friday evening of SEMA Week, SEMA will take over the Las Vegas Festival Grounds through Saturday night with an all-new SEMAFEST.
“We have been watching the connection between enthusiasts and our industry grow for more than a decade and, as the industry’s trade association, have a responsibility to help facilitate that connection in new and meaningful ways,” said James Lawrence, SEMA Chairman of the Board. “By creating SEMA Week and SEMAFEST, we will be able to maintain the integrity of the trade show that makes it a must-attend event for automotive professionals while introducing a new platform for enthusiasts and the industry to engage with one another.”
For 2023, SEMAFEST will take place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds and be open to everyone, bringing together automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry in a high-octane and immersive festival-like celebration of car culture. SEMAFEST will feature top music and entertainment, a car show and cruise, VIP experiences, craft food, automotive celebrities and motorsports. It will run alongside the popular SEMA Ignited Cruise and SEMA Show after-party, which draw thousands of enthusiasts on Friday night.
SEMA Week is also scheduled to include a SEMA Auction, featuring some of the best builds from SEMA and many more amazing vehicles to headline the festivities. SEMA will continue to expand and refine SEMA Week over the next five years, rolling out new events and activities throughout the city of Las Vegas. The evolution of SEMA Week preserves the trade aspects of the industry and business components of the SEMA Show, while enabling enthusiasts from all over to join in the festivities and enjoy car culture-focused events throughout the SEMA Week experience.
Additional details for the 2023 SEMA Show, SEMA Week, and SEMAFEST will be announced in the coming months.
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
Freelance Writers
CarTech Books Inc.
CarTech Books Inc. is hiring freelance writers to author books on a wide range of topics aimed at the automotive enthusiast. Compensation is a percentage of sales in the marketplace, with up-front royalty advances available. CarTech has an evolving “hit list” of over 50 titles/subjects, for which it is seeking writers/photographers. Topics range from engine swaps to rebuilding diesel engines to various Ford/Chevy/Dodge restoration projects to paintless dent repair. Automotive writing and photography skills are a plus.
Salesperson
ProCharger
ProCharger is hiring an automotive performance sales executive with a comprehensive understanding and passion for the high-performance motorsports industry and a strong mechanical aptitude. This position will be involved in the daily sales process and building relationships with consumers, dealers and racers. Other duties include the ability to travel to events, trade shows, and meet with dealers. This position will be onsite full-time in Lenexa, Kansas.
Senior Vice President of Marketing
Hemmings
Hemmings is hiring a senior vice president of marketing responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of Hemmings marketing, events, branding, paid advertising and public-relations initiatives. The ideal candidate will work proactively to secure appropriate opportunities among industry and consumer media to generate print, online, social media and broadcast opportunities to generate maximum, positive publicity for the company’s branding, marketing, special projects and community outreach. This position plays a vital role in Hemmings’ growth across marketplace, media, events and all other business lines. Reporting directly to the president, the senior vice president of marketing’s primary responsibility is to increase audience patronage and sales through successful marketing for the entire organization, using market research, pricing, product marketing, marketing communications, advertising, public relations and off-platform extensions.
By SEMA Editors
Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.
For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.
By Ashley Reyes
New benefits are now available to businesses that are SEMA Business Members, including discounts on apparel, parts and services and more. For years, thousands of businesses have received benefits that include discounts on booth space at the SEMA Show, as well as free market research, group buying discounts, invitations to networking events and more.
Now, members can easily log into the newly designed SEMA members portal and quickly and easily see a comprehensive list of benefits available to them. The portal and benefits are personalized to the company based on the membership category. Some of the new benefits added to the portal are:
SEMA business members can also access all member benefits, including those from SEMA Garage, SEMA Data, Market Research, SEMA Education, and have the ability to join a SEMA council and network within the portal listing as well.
Once logged in at www.sema.org/login, members can access the member portal by clicking My Benefits, under menu links on their profile page. Access your profile page by clicking My Profile once you login.