By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) named The Stop Shop as the council’s latest member spotlight company. In this week’s feature, company owner Todd McClure shares the story of his company and what projects The Stop Shop is working on in 2021.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start?

Todd McClure: The Stop Shop was founded in 2015 as a wholesaler and retailer of classic car parts and automotive hardware. The company has evolved from a single person packing and shipping orders from a basement to a five-employee manufacturing facility just a few years later. We provide fluid transfer solutions for brake, fuel and transmission components. These products include both the materials shops and DIY customers need to make their own fluid transfer lines. We also manufacture fully prebent and assembled tubes for both new model and classic vehicles.

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

TM: We decided to start manufacturing in 2018. We take a lot of pride in being a true USA manufacturer of many of the products we now sell. It was a big leap for a small company to invest in the equipment and people needed for this step, but it has opened a lot of doors for our company and we couldn't be happier that we went for it when we did.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2021 and what projects are you working on?

TM: We have worked hard to keep our projects diversified through wholesale, jobber and retail customers. We find ourselves currently working on new parts for anything from musclecars to Jeeps to import vehicles. We also manufacture some products that aren't used in the automotive industry at all.

SEMA: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of.

TM: Last year we completed our first complete restoration (but is a restoration ever really complete?!) Many of us have worked for decades in the restoration market, but none of us had ever actually done serious work to a car. We completed work on a ’67 Firebird convertible and we learned so much throughout the process. While we consider ourselves experts in classic car brakes, we certainly had a lot to learn everywhere else on the car. That car is now my daily driver whenever the weather is permitting.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket, particularly in the restoration segment?

TM: Pick a specialty or a product and become an authority on it. Be an expert on something, no matter how small, rather than trying to know it all. This will let you stay focused and become the woman or man that people in the industry look to for your specialty. Focus on products that people need, not only the fun and flashy products that they want and you will do well. There is an incredible amount of opportunity in our industry and we have a lot of fun.

Fill out an ARMO member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on ARMO’s and media, SEMA eNews and future ARMO member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Stewart Webb is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Webb is a social media strategist at Drake Automotive Group, manufacturer of reproduction parts for classic Ford Mustangs. Get to know what keeps him in the industry and how he prepares for important meetings in his Q&A with SEMA.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Stewart Webb: A CEO once told me, “Everyday is a job interview at work. Act and dress everyday as if it’s your first days on the job. The day you become complacent is the day you lose the job.”

This has motivated me to work hard every day and to always look for new opportunities to help my employer and myself grow.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

SW: The people behind the builds keep me in the industry. I enjoy seeing the passion and dedication people have in their field and what they can accomplish with their skills.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

SW: You can find me wrenching or at shows and events getting content for work.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

SW: I dress sharp and appropriately. I’m prepared mentally by having a game plan and bring value to everyone in the meeting to help impact the team.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

SW: I would go to lunch with Scott Drake. Scott was a visionary in the industry when he started his company more than 30 years ago. I’m honored to help carry his legacy and build from the foundation he created. I’m grateful to have him in my life and to learn from his experience and wisdom.

If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN-member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Despite the ongoing pandemic, members of the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) built new connections and developed valuable business relationships through YEN’s Virtual Happy Hours held earlier this year. Following the success, YEN is planning to continue to provide members with future Virtual Happy Hours, the next taking place on June 7 at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

With YEN members connecting in small breakout groups, the Virtual Happy Hour allowed participants to meet new colleagues and get to know each other quickly and easily. The low-cost format also makes it easy for YEN members to stay up-to-date on YEN programs and resources.

The June 7 Happy Hour agenda includes updates on the YEN professional development program, upcoming industry events, SEMA Launch Pad, and the YEN reception at The SEMA Show. There are no specific topics for the breakouts, so attendees should be prepared to introduce themselves, learn about each other’s jobs, what their personal hobbies are or why they joined YEN.

Register here.

By Maurice O’Connell

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.

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.

Yet another prototype of the 992 GT3 RS has been spotted at the German Nürburgring race circuit. There are multiple clues showing this to the Rennsport model.

For starters, the early development stage seems to fall in line with the life cycle of the 992, and the air extractors on the front wings have 3RS written all over them. Quite impressive is the super-sized rear wing, which seems more suitable for a race car than a street car. However, considering that the “standard” GT3 has been spotted testing with a wing that can easily rival that of the ex-generation GT3 RS, it would only be normal for the future 992 GT3 RS to pack this sort of downforce hardware.

The central exhaust tips are traditional for such a machine and these should be linked to a naturally aspirated engine—as the soundtrack of multiple “standard” GT3 testers has already confirmed, this will maintain an atmospheric engine, with a 4.0L flat-six delivering 500+ hp. As such, the RS model should deliver an output premium of at least 20 hp.

And while the GT3 will once again offer a manual transmission alongside its PDK (prototypes have shown that, this time around, the Touring will also offer both transmissions), the lap time dedication of the RS means there will be no manual for this model.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Yet another prototype of the 992 GT3 RS has been spotted at the German Nürburgring race circuit. There are multiple clues showing this to the Rennsport model.

For starters, the early development stage seems to fall in line with the life cycle of the 992, and the air extractors on the front wings have 3RS written all over them. Quite impressive is the super-sized rear wing, which seems more suitable for a race car than a street car. However, considering that the “standard” GT3 has been spotted testing with a wing that can easily rival that of the ex-generation GT3 RS, it would only be normal for the future 992 GT3 RS to pack this sort of downforce hardware.

The central exhaust tips are traditional for such a machine and these should be linked to a naturally aspirated engine—as the soundtrack of multiple “standard” GT3 testers has already confirmed, this will maintain an atmospheric engine, with a 4.0L flat-six delivering 500+ hp. As such, the RS model should deliver an output premium of at least 20 hp.

And while the GT3 will once again offer a manual transmission alongside its PDK (prototypes have shown that, this time around, the Touring will also offer both transmissions), the lap time dedication of the RS means there will be no manual for this model.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

Eric Morley, president of Blue C Advertising, is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company has pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep his business moving forward.

In his Q&A with SEMA, Holmes shares his key to success and what new marketing trends he has noticed throughout the past year.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?  

Eric Morley: For more than 20 years, we have built brands and provided marketing communications and proving grounds for brands in the OEM, automotive aftermarket, powersports and motorsports industry. Through the pandemic, we have included a strong focus on electric transportation, the components, and the engineering and proving grounds that support these vehicles.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?   

EM: Our tools consist of the BrandPWR platform, which has six systems including 1) BrandPWR Clarify (brand strategy), 2) BrandPWR Amplify Marketing Road map for success, 3) BrandPWR Infuse (creative campaign development), 4) BrandPWR Integrate (digital marketing), 5) BrandPWR Engage—social media and content marketing, and 6) BrandPwr Proof—proving that the brand/product and service exceeds expectations and communicating this to the world through strategic content and partnerships.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?

EM: Trend 1: Brands need to pivot, focus on who their customer is and know that customer better than their competition. Trend 2: Brands need to be relevant for the “next new normal” that we are in now. Trend 3: Brands need a marketing road map to achieve their goals.

Every year, Blue C creates a free document that provides insights to the marketing outlook for the year. Here is our 2021 marketing outlook.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?

EM: It’s okay to refresh your brand and make it relative to the market of today. Understand it is the story that your brand has that connects with current buyers and future prospective buyers. Planning and creating a road map is the key to success.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You may also be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.

By Ashley Reyes

Truck and off-road vehicle builders are invited to apply to showcase their vehicles in a premium spot at the 2021 SEMA Show through the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Feature Vehicle program.

Designed to generate awareness and give exposure to builders and the manufacturers whose parts are installed on each vehicle, the program is now accepting applications from builds in the areas of Jeep/Bronco, side-by-side, lifted truck, lowered truck, overland and off-road.

Six vehicles will be selected to participate this year, with one vehicle featured in the TORA booth, and the other five displayed in premier locations outside of the new West Hall.

Learn more and submit an application today.

By Ashley Reyes

Survivors and current pediatric cancer patients are helping to customize a special vehicle build heading to the 2021 SEMA Show.

As part of The Austin Hatcher Foundation (a SEMA Cares charity) STEM-based Industrial Arts Education/Therapy program, the “Keiki Cobra” Factory Five MK4 Roadster was funded in part by a grant from the Kawasaki Family Foundation and will be on display at the SEMA Show in the Wheel Vintiques Booth.  

“Learning your child has cancer is devastating to a family in so many ways,” says Rose Kawasaki, Austin Hatcher board member. “The effect of chemotherapy on the child causes degeneration of cognitive and dexterity abilities, and the Industrial Arts Program is designed to help rebuild those abilities while also engaging the whole family in a fun and educational project. That is why the Kawasaki Family Foundation feels so blessed to be a part of this build.”

The vehicle name “Keiki Cobra” highlights the mission behind the build, as “Keiki” is the Hawaiian word for “child” and exemplifies the patients that will primarily be building it. Once the vehicle is completely assembled and ready for sale, it will be taken to auction in Spring 2022 to raise much-needed funds that allow the foundation to continue offering services at no cost to families.

Through supporting the work done by charities, such as The Austin Hatcher Foundation, SEMA Cares is able to improve the quality of life and make a positive impact beyond the automotive community. To learn more about the SEMA Cares mission or to make a donation, visit www.sema.org/sema-cares.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Iconic Images From Last Weekend’s Unforgettable Indy 500

More than 135,000 fans were safely in attendance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Helio Castroneves secured his fourth 500 win. View images from the event.

NASCAR Shifts Second Race in Camping World Truck Series Playoffs

Due to logistical challenges resulting from the ongoing pandemic, NASCAR has shifted the second race in the Camping World Truck Series playoffs. Originally scheduled to take place in Ontario, Canada, at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, the Truck Series will now visit Darlington Raceway. The race will be the first of a Sunday playoffs doubleheader at Darlington and will begin at its originally scheduled time (Sunday, September 5, at 1:30 p.m. (EDT), live on FS1). The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will kick off its 10-week playoff run later that evening (6 p.m. ET, live on NBCSN).

Lyn St. James Honored With Spirit of Ford Award

Lyn St. James, a pioneer in sports car and Indy car racing who has since become a tireless promoter for opportunities for women and minorities in the sport, was presented the Spirit of Ford Award as part of the 26th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The award is Ford Motor Company’s highest honor in auto racing, recognizing lifetime achievement and contribution to the industry on and off the race track. St. James becomes the 27th recipient, joining an international list of honorees from all forms of racing and racing media. For more information, visit performance.ford.com.

2021 Holley MoParty Registration Opens

Holley has announced participant pre-registration is now open for the second annual MoParty. The all Mopar-powered event is scheduled for September 17–19 at Beech Bend Raceway. The event is dedicated to anything Mopar powered, including both classics and late models, as well as non-Mopar vehicles with Mopar powerplants. Popular event segments include numerous drag-racing classes, autocross, a Grand Champion event, the burnout challenge, car show classes, a vendor midway and swap meet and more. Holley’s MoParty will also feature the rare opportunity to see some of NASCAR’s legendary wing cars, including those driven by Richard Petty, Bobby Allison and more in honorary parade laps. For more information, visit moparty.com.

Road America to Open Paddock For IndyCar, IMSA Events

Road America has announced attendees can now access the paddock for the NTT IndyCar REV Group Grand Prix presented by American Medical Response set for June 17–20. Additionally, fans are welcome in the paddock for the IMSA SportsCar Weekend on August 5–8. All ticketholders can access the area free of charge. The June Grand Prix event will also feature Vintage Indy and the Radical Cup series, along with Pro 2000 and USF2000, both development series of the Road to Indy presented by Cooper Tires. Additionally, all first responders, including police, fire and EMS will receive free tickets for the event by showing proof of active status at the gate in the form of a department-issued ID or badge. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit roadamerica.com.

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