By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA worked in close coordination with U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) as they introduced H.R. 3281, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act), along with 46 other original sponsors. The SEMA-supported bill protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete. 

The RPM Act reverses the EPA’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act prohibits a motor vehicle designed for street use—including a car, truck, or motorcycle—to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned from 1970 until 2015 when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even though they are no longer driven on public streets or highways.  

“SEMA looks forward to working with Congress to enact the RPM Act and make permanent the Clean Air Act’s original intention that race vehicle conversions are legal,” said Kersting. “We thank Representatives McHenry and Ruiz for standing up for racing and the motorsports parts industry by introducing a bipartisan bill to protect racing and the businesses that produce, install, and sell the parts that enable racers to compete.”

There has already been an unprecedented outpouring of support for the RPM Act this year, with Americans sending over 1.1 million letters asking Congress to pass the legislation. It is imperative that enthusiasts and motorsports businesses keep up this momentum by reminding their lawmakers in Washington, D.C., that they must act now to protect the right to convert a motor vehicle into a racecar.

“I am proud to support automobile racing and will work to ensure motorsports enthusiasts here in North Carolina and across the country can continue the time-honored tradition of modifying stock vehicles for competitive racing,” said Rep. Patrick McHenry. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to help ensure the RPM Act becomes law.”

“Growing up, I spent countless hours at the racetrack with my father," said Rep. Raul Ruiz. "Racing has always been close to my heart. I am delighted to introduce the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, which will keep our American tradition of vehicle racing alive and give enthusiasts and their children the same opportunity that I had to create memories at the racetrack.”

Motorsports competition involves tens of thousands of participants and vehicle owners each year, both amateur and professional. Retail sales of racing products make up a nearly $2 billion market annually. Most of the vehicles raced on the estimated 1,300 racetracks operating across the U.S. are converted vehicles that the EPA considers to be illegal.

It is important that members of Congress hear from the racing and automotive enthusiast communities about the importance of passing the RPM Act into law in 2021. To write a letter to your members of Congress, visit www.sema.org/rpm.

SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies each week. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

New Products From Raybestos Powertrain, BDS Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee
One-Piece Carbide Hole Cutters

Milwaukee Tool added to its lineup of metal cutting solutions with the new Milwaukee One-Piece Carbide Hole Cutters. Featuring a one-piece solid design, these Carbide Cutters promote stable and accurate drilling and provide added durability and dependability cut after cut.

The One-Piece Carbide Hole Cutters are designed with carbide for longer life and smooth cuts in stainless steel and other hard metals. The carbide teeth provide increased life and heat resistance keeping bits cool throughout operation. These new cutters have a 3-flat shank, optimizing each cutter for use in drill/drivers and making them perfect for fast, mobile cutting applications. The new cutters will be available in sizes ranging from 3/4-in. to 4-1/2-in. and will be sold individually and in 4-piece or 8-piece kits.

www.milwaukeetool.com

MSD
Atomic 2 Master Kits

The new redesigned Atomic 2 EFI system now features an 865 CFM throttle body with integrated ECU, full-color touch screen, 4-wire hookup, and several easy-to-use new features.

The new Master Kits include a complete fuel system: an external fuel pressure regulator pre-set to 58.5 PSI, 20 feet of 3/8-in. EFI-rated fuel hose, fuel pump, filters, all necessary hardware and a bulkhead fitting to return fuel into the fuel tank.

www.holley.com/brands/msd

Go Rhino
Trailline Tube Doors for Wrangler JK, JL and Gladiator JT

Go Rhino’s Trailline Tube Doors for the Jeep Wrangler JK, Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT removes that final barrier to the total, immersive outdoor experience while offering a stylish alternative to factory doors at an affordable price point.

Manufactured from 2-in.-diameter steel tubes fully welded onto 16-gage steel plates, these doors are designed for both utility and ease of installation. The easy-grip ball latch handle double-clicks (easy close vs hard close). Adjustable rubber plungers balance the door to the frame to eliminate vibration and rattling when closed, and adjustable limit straps allow the doors to be opened safely.

The cast-steel hinges are application-specific to the JK or JL/JT and utilize each model’s unique factory hinge pin and the factory nuts. The steel hinges are bolted all the way through (no weld nuts) which allows for precise alignment during installation and ensures the doors closely follow the vehicle’s body lines and frame.  

Classic Go Rhino hex-pattern cut outs raise the style level up several notches and the front doors feature a striking 6-in. adjustable mirror. All tube door frames are available in textured black powder coat with matching black hardware. 

www.gorhino.com

Champion Oil
API CK-4 Premium Heavy-Duty SAE 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil

Champion Brands recently launched API CK-4 Premium Heavy-Duty 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil (Part# 4154N), which is designed to provide robust performance for the next generation of heavy-duty engines. The American Petroleum Institute (API) a few years ago launched new diesel specifications.

API CK-4 effectively replaces API CJ-4 and is backward compatible with most diesel applications where currently an API CJ-4 oil may have been recommended. It requires more from the oils in terms of shear stability, oxidation resistance and aeration control than its predecessor.

Champion API CK-4 Premium Heavy-Duty SAE 10W30 Diesel Engine Oil controls oxidation, aeration, corrosive acids, sludge and varnish precursors which allow for extended drains and minimized wear even under the most extreme conditions.

www.championbrands.com

Raybestos Powertrain
GPZ Friction Clutch Pack Modules

Performance proven Raybestos Powertrain GPZ friction clutches are now available for pre-order for Chargers, Range Rovers, and other vehicles equipped with the 8HP45 transmission. GPZ friction clutch plates are also available for pre-order on the 8HP51 transmission in the new A9X series Toyota Supra.

RGPZ-278 2011-ON—8HP45 Charger, Ranger Rover and more: www.raybestospowertrain.com/transmission/8hp45

RGPZ-280 2020-ON—8HP51 Supra A90: www.raybestospowertrain.com/transmission/8hp51

Engine Pro
Parts Catalog

Engine Pro’s latest catalog provides engine professionals with new products and updated applications. Among the 300 new products included in the 68-page catalog are a line of multi-layered steel gaskets for LS and diesel engines, performance pro-adjust timing sets and a premium line of mechanical roller lifters. A new addition under Engine Pro’s super-premium Nitro Black brand is coated performance engine bearings.

Engine Pro’s Performance Engine Parts catalog also features more technical charts and a unique interactive system allowing readers to instantly link their phones to a relevant technical video or resource on the Engine Pro website.

The catalog may be downloaded free at www.enginepro.com. A printed version is available from any Engine Pro warehouse distributor.

www.enginepro.com

BDS
440 Chrysler Blower Kits

Sought after by street and show builders, the Chrysler 440 engine provides a perfect platform for power enhancing modifications and custom accessories. The BDS Supercharger kit is an easily installed kit.

The (BK-4071K) kit is designed specifically for this popular application and features a fully polished Stage 1 871 BDS blower. Additionally, the kits include a polished intake, billet snout, 3-in. billet idler, 4140 crank hub, billet V-groove pulley, ½-in. pitch belt and pulleys, drive spacers, all grade 8 hardware and complete drive kit.

Most importantly, the Blower is constructed using 100% new parts: NEW BILLET case, with billet rotors  and end plates, new gears, bearings and hardware. Available options include: Serpentine drive, 8mm drive and 2-3 groove pulleys. Additionally with the kit blower can be upgraded to Stage 2 specs.  

www.blowerdriveservice.com

Diamond Pistons
Chevrolet 2K Piston Series

Diamond's highly regarded “2K” series of shelf-stock forged aluminum pistons for robust 2,000-hp power-adder builds has been expanded to include the LT2K model to compliment Chevrolet Gen V LT1/LT4 cylinder heads.

Forged from 2618 aluminum alloy, the LT2K pistons incorporate special inboard webbing to provide additional structural support for turbocharged supercharged or nitro applications. The crowns are 3D milled for a perfect finish and the underside machined to remove any unnecessary weight. The pistons feature lateral gas ports to enhance ring sealing and come with a 1.5 x 1.5 x 3.0 mm Total Seal piston ring package.

Other important attributes include a moly skirt coating to reduce friction, extra-strong Trend H13 tool steel wrist pins and enhanced pin oiling. Diamond LT2K pistons are offered in a variety of bore sizes, compression heights and piston crown configurations.

www.diamondracing.net

Manley Performance
Turbo Tuff Tai-Beam Rod For Highly-Boosted/Nitrous Oxide Sport Compacts

Manley Performance has expanded the availability of its highly-acclaimed Turbo Tuff Tri-Beam forged steel connecting rods for highly-boosted or nitrous oxide-fed Sport Compact applications. The exclusive “Tri-Beam” configuration is a hybrid incorporating both I-beam and H-beam features.

Based on forgings of 4340 aircraft quality vacuum degassed steel or 300M alloy, the I-beam is undercut so it has ribs that resemble a shallow “H.” The ribs continue around the pin end to reinforce it and maintain pin bore roundness. Similarly, the caps are ribbed to reinforce the big end and ensure housing roundness.

Other attributes include large radius cap corners with a shallow bolt spot-face to improve fatigue strength and pin holes at the 10:00 and 2:00 position on the small end to improve wrist pin lubrication. They are shot-peened to MIL spec and magnafluxed, then equipped with special high strength ARP rod bolts; either the 220,000 psi rated ARP2000 models or 260,000 psi Custom Age 625+ bolts.

Tri-Beam rods are conservatively rated at 1,000 flywheel HP (4340) or 1,400 HP (300M) for 4-cylinder engines and increase for additional cylinders. They are now available for more than 30 engine types, including Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Subaru and Toyota applications.

732-905-3366
www.ManleyPerformance.com

By SEMA Editors

Hear what Matt Beenen, president of BuiltRight Industries and 2018 SEMA Launch Pad winner, had to say about his company’s growth and success.

The deadline to participate in the 2021 SEMA Launch Pad is May 30. Apply today.

By SEMA Editors

Even though the deadline to participate in the 2021 SEMA Show Space Selection process has passed, it’s never too late to register to exhibit.

Exhibiting at the 2021 SEMA Show puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry, including buyers looking for your products. The 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November.

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.

Reserve your booth now!

By SEMA Editors

Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show's Feature Vehicle Program.

All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.

Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app displaying; vehicle image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder’s name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibiting company.  

When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. “SEMA Battle of the Builders” is judged by industry experts and presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

Submit your Feature Vehicle Application.  

For any additional questions on submitting your Feature Vehicle application contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Classic Instruments’ Owner John McLeod Inducted to the Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame

Classic Instruments owner John McLeod attended the 57th Annual Darryl Starbird National Rod and Custom Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was inducted into the Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. McLeod received the award for the impact that Classic Instruments has had on the hot-rod industry, continuously being the go-to company for top builders seeking one-off custom dashes.

LSI Chemical Signs New UK Distributor—GreenGlove Ltd.

LSI Chemical has announced a new European distributor—GreenGlove Ltd. GreenGlove is now the official United Kingdom and Ireland distributor for LSI Chemical, offering solutions to customers in the lubrication and fuel industries to help companies bring an improved, market-ready product to end-users. Additionally, GreenGlove is now an official distributor of the full line of Hot Shot’s Secret products available for retail throughout western Europe.

The Wheel Group Hires Gerry Geronimo as Marketing Manager

The Wheel Group (TWG) has announced Gerry Geronimo as its new marketing manager. Geronimo brings with him a great deal of experience in the field of marketing, brand management, sports marketing and more. His past positions were most recently leading the marketing efforts at Vision Wheel, and prior to that, he spent nearly a decade in multiple marketing functions at Wheel Pros as well as other companies outside of the industry. Geronimo will lead the marketing efforts for all 17 proprietary brands in The Wheel Group’s portfolio. As a key member of the management team, he’ll drive and expand on the current brands strategy and deliver on all growth initiatives for the company.

Matthew Gamble to Lead Banks Power Engine Program

Banks Power has announced Matthew Gamble as its design, assembly and testing manager for its DMAX engine programs. Gamble will help design, develop and launch the high-performance, turnkey variants of the Banks D866T engine in his new position. Engineered and developed in-house at the company’s Azusa, California, campus, the engines will feature Banks components, many integrated during an initial assembly at GM’s DMAX Ltd. plant in Moraine, Ohio. Gamble will also lead performance and durability demonstration events both in-house and remote, among other duties. He arrives at Banks from Edelbrock, where he managed the company’s cylinder head and water pump lines. Previously, the mechanical engineer managed 15 successful launch campaigns of Delta IV rockets at Rocketdyne and oversaw the health monitoring systems at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.

NHRA Appoints Lonnie Grim National Tech Director

The NHRA Technical Department has announced the addition of Lonnie Grim as the new national tech director. He began his role on April 12, and will help continue toward the department’s goal of innovation and safety. Grim comes to the NHRA with more than 15 years of experience within the sport of drag racing. He most recently served as the competition/series tech director at the Professional Drag Racing Association. Grim joins the technical department led by NHRA Vice President of Competition Ned Walliser.

Daryn And Mandy Pittman Purchase Ultra Shield Race Products

Robert and Donna Bass have announced that Daryn and Mandy Pittman have purchased Ultra Shield Race Products, the manufacturer of race seats, harnesses, arm restraints, window nets, and more racing safety products in Flint, Texas. Robert and Donna Bass had founded Ultra Shield Race Products in 1987 by manufacturing tear-offs before the business progressed to include seats, belts, nets and more safety equipment. 

Peter MacGillivray Joins MotorTrend Group Sales Team

MotorTrend Group has hired automotive aftermarket industry veteran Peter MacGillivray as a senior member to its sales team. MacGillivray’s focus will be representing the combined portfolio of brands such as MotorTrend, HOT ROD, and Four Wheeler, and original content across multiple media and events channels. MacGillivary returns to his roots at MotorTrend Group after 20 years to help expand and grow aftermarket partnerships.

Prior to joining MotorTrend Group, MacGillivray worked as vice president of events and business development for SEMA, and an executive with the Performance Racing Industry Show and Performance Racing Industry magazine. MacGillivray will maintain his current role as the marketing committee chairman and on the Revenue Growth Committee for the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Celebrates Donald Schlenger

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation honored one of its original founders, Donald Schlenger, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

On May 3, Schlenger was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for serving and supporting the AACF for more than 40 years. Board member Andy Dudash was there to deliver the award and join Schlenger for lunch. Today, as an accomplished Bridge player, he enjoys reminiscing with his legion of friends and family and continues to play competitive bridge, often beating players half his age. Read more at about Schlenger www.facebook.com/AftermarketCharity.

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 Della Domingo

As the premier automotive trade event in the world, the SEMA Show attracts thousands of media to the annual event each year. Journalists at the SEMA Show are looking for news and information that they can share with their readers, viewers and listeners. The following programs are available to help exhibitors get their news in front of SEMA Show media.

• Online Media Center: Editors from nationwide media outlets, as well as SEMA publications and social-media outlets, use the releases from the SEMA Show Online Media Center to fill their publications with Show-related news. Exhibitors are invited to post releases in the Online Media Center by using the online form here.
• Enter the New Products Showcase: In addition to showcasing products in a high-traffic area of the SEMA Show, participating in the New Products Showcase is a great way to generate media coverage for new and featured products. All exhibitors can enter a qualified product for free and have the product professionally photographed. The photos are used in SEMA publications and sent to media, who use the images in their coverage promoting the best new products from the SEMA Show. Enter the New Products Showcase.
• Press Conferences: While private media briefings and individual meetings are ideal for connecting journalists, press conferences may be idea for announcements that appeal to a large number of media. Exhibitors should be aware that press conferences do require a considerable amount of planning and effort, and media are not obligated to attend the press conferences. However, newsworthy announcements with strong interview opportunities and visuals will increase the likelihood of media attending. Exhibitors are invited to submit applications for press conferences here.

Exhibitors can learn more about public relations resources available at the SEMA Show by visiting the Exhibitor Services Manual, and contacting pr@sema.org to receive ongoing PR tips and updates for SEMA Show exhibitors.

While GMC has already introduced the Hummer EV pickup, we have yet to see the 4 Wheel Steer in action on public roads, and also have had a limited look at accessories.

These shots show the Hummer EV pickup making a left-hand turn into GM’s Milford proving grounds while utilizing the 4 Wheel Steer system, which was only teased in a dimly lit video. We also get our first look at the Hummer EV pickup wearing a roof rack along with a bed rack, which both appear to be beefier than the Rivian R1T.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

While GMC has already introduced the Hummer EV pickup, we have yet to see the 4 Wheel Steer in action on public roads, and also have had a limited look at accessories.

These shots show the Hummer EV pickup making a left-hand turn into GM’s Milford proving grounds while utilizing the 4 Wheel Steer system, which was only teased in a dimly lit video. We also get our first look at the Hummer EV pickup wearing a roof rack along with a bed rack, which both appear to be beefier than the Rivian R1T.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

Truck and off-road vehicle builders are invited to apply to showcase their vehicle 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 a premier locations outside of the new Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall.

Learn more and submit an application today.