By Ashley Reyes

Volunteers are essential to SEMA and the industry throughout the year, even more so during the past year as businesses struggled to keep their doors open and contend with confusing federal and state regulations impacting their day-to-day operations.

It’s during this challenging time, however, that SEMA volunteers stepped outside the box to dedicate their time, knowledge and expertise to helping the industry. Volunteers worked with SEMA staff to develop new business resources and modify existing programs to ensure that they would meet the industry’s needs.

In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 18–24), SEMA is recognizing the contributions of the volunteer groups and individuals who have given so much to the industry.

“Amidst a trying year, hundreds of volunteers continued to donate their time and efforts to helping the industry,” said SEMA Vice President of Councils and Membership Nathan Ridnouer. “By providing creative solutions to solve unprecedented situations, the industry continued to flourish and succeed.”

Many of the new ideas that resulted during the pandemic were developed from volunteers. For example:

After a full year of being unable to gather in-person, volunteers from the Truck and Off-Road Industry Alliance (TORA) partnered with volunteers from the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) to host an in-person networking event at the Keystone Big Show in Grapevine, Texas. The event was followed by a trail-run and networking event at Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, allowing truck and off-road professionals to connect for the first time in months.

SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) volunteers are working to provide aspiring young professionals with high-quality leadership training. The select committee recently hosted a focus group, where the accredited training association Dale Carnegie shared “Five Drivers of Success” with YEN members and  SEMA Board members.

Earlier this year, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) volunteers held the first ever Virtual Media Trade Conference. The event connected motorsports journalists with leading motorsports manufacturers and offered them the opportunity to gather content and conduct interviews to use in stories and posts that will reach consumers from all over the world.

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) volunteers fully embraced virtual education and community building by hosting 10 virtual education sessions and three virtual networking/community building events within four months, and more scheduled throughout the year. Through four different virtual education series, the SBN continues to be a resource for women in the industry to advance their careers while also creating community through interactive breakout groups.

Both the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) have been hosting virtual general membership meetings since mid-2020, making it easier than ever for members across the country to participate. The volunteers have found such value in holding meetings in this new format that they will continue to do so even as in-person events return.

Additional programs that also resulted from volunteers include the launch of the seven-part “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights” webinar series, powered by the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC); the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology (ETTN) Member Insight program, which provided an outlet for ETTN members to share technology tips for overcoming the pandemic; the SEMA Cares #MotorsoundChallenge on social media; and the “Industry Talks: Back to Business—Rebuilding Partnerships and Operations, Powered by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)” virtual panel discussion.

“During the pandemic, SEMA volunteers showed passion and commitment to build a stronger community for our members,” said SEMA Council and Network Director Nicole Bradle. “Through their leadership, SEMA councils and networks created and implemented resources over the past year to provide professional education and create networking outlets and opportunities for members to engage with their peers.”

Shining Star Volunteers:

• Jonathan Barber, Bob Cook Sales
• Tyson Boyer, Dill Air Controls
• Tiffany Dorin, Battery Biz Inc.
• Mike Hallmark, Hellwig Products
• Allision Harding, Vintage Air
• Mike Lusso, Hennessy Industries
• Colby McLaughlin, Trim Illusion, Inc.
• Jerid Suchy, SCT Performance​

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Holley Acquires AEM Performance Electronics

Holley has announced the acquisition of AEM Performance Electronics. AEM joins the Holley portfolio of brands, including Holley EFI, APR, Earl’s Performance Plumbing, Flowmaster, GearFX Driveline, HANS, Hooker, Hilborn Fuel Injection, MSD, Nitrous Oxide Systems, Racepak, Simpson, Stilo, STS Turbo, Tremec and more. The move aligns with AEM’s recent launch of EV conversion products, or electronic control systems that support the conversion of vehicles originally equipped with internal combustion engines to electric power. There will be no changes in leadership or the operation of AEM, as everything is “business as usual” for the company.

Caliber Announces the Addition of Roland Smith to Its Board of Directors

Caliber, parent company to Caliber Collision, Caliber Auto Glass and Caliber Auto Care, has announced that Roland Smith has joined its board of directors, effective April 19. Smith brings more than 30 years of experience in consumer brands and multi-unit operations spanning the hospitality, entertainment, supermarket and office product industries. Smith currently serves as the chairman of the board of directors of Jack’s Family Restaurants and previously served as chairman of the board of 24-Hour Fitness, Office Depot and Carmike Cinemas and a member of the Board of Directors of Dunkin’ Brands and The Wendy’s Company. As a member of Caliber’s Board, Smith will provide strategic guidance to support Caliber’s operations, teammates, partners and customers.

Chris Dilbeck Promoted to PFC Director of Motorsports

PFC promoted Chris Dilbeck to director of motorsports, where his new responsibilities will include managing the PFC Brakes race department, as well as strategically growing the PFC brand and market share across new SportsCar, open wheel and other professional motorsports series. In addition to the new segments of racing under the PFC banner, Dilbeck will still be responsible for the management of our current NASCAR and vastly increasing Circle Track client base.

Dilbeck's’ tenure at PFC Brakes began in 2012 when he was hired on as the short-track technical sales representative. He was promoted to the NASCAR and short-track sales manager in 2015 to better chart the path for those market segments.

Vintage Air Names Rick Love President, Promotes Three Key Team Members

Vintage Air has announced promotion of multiple members of its senior management team. Effective immediately, founder Jack Chisenhall will take on the role of CEO, Executive Vice President Rick Love will become president, Allison Chisenhall-Harding will take on the new role of COO, and Ryan Zwicker will become the chief innovation officer.

The new senior management roles will place founder and former president Chisenhall as the CEO, where he will continue to oversee the organization. Long-time company leader Love will become the president, overseeing day-to-day operations at the facility and continue working closely with all teams. Chisenhall-Harding formerly held the position of special projects manager. In her new role as COO, Chisenhall-Harding will oversee the manufacturing and production side of the business. Additionally, she will work closely with the engineers and production supervisors to enhance production flow and managerial techniques.

Zwicker has been with the company for more than two decades and was formerly vice president of engineering and technology. In his new role, he will continue to oversee product and manufacturing engineering as part of the product development process.

ZEV Adds Rick Kreifeldt to Advisory Board

ZEV announced the addition of Rick Kreifeldt to its Advisory Board. Kreifeldt has more than 30 years of technology experience. He serves as the head of American R&D for LG electronics, where his team specializes in AI, IoT, UX and next-gen automotive platforms. His responsibilities include advanced technology development, new business incubation, and open innovation. Previously, Kreifeldt was president of Motoforza Inc., a strategy and technology consultancy, where his work included connected car strategy and RFQs for an OEM, M&A strategy for a large $1B+ Tier1, and product development for a medical startup.

Old World Industries Names New CEO

Old World Industries has announced the appointment of automotive industry veteran Greg Noethlich as its new CEO. He will be responsible for accelerating the growth of Old World Industries with its PEAK, BlueDEF and Final Charge brands. Noethlich joins Old World Industries after leading several major automotive aftermarket businesses, including FRAM Oil Filters, Prestone Products and, most recently, Champion Laboratories.

Boninfante Group, ProTorque Add Tom Kundrik

The Boninfante Group has hired Tom Kundrik as ProTorque’s director of motorsports and sales. In addition to fielding customer service calls and offering technical support over the phone for ProTorque, Kundrik will also travel the country to attend drag-racing events and provide on-site service and support for customers. He will also facilitate the launch of several new product lines, including supercharger-specific torque converters for ProTorque. Kundrik comes from Mickey Thompson Performance Wheels & Tires as the motorsports manager. Joining the company in 2006, Kundrik was part of a team that spearheaded the development and advancement of radial tire performance. His duties included product development and deployment. In February 2020, Rivera and ProTorque had announced an agreement with the Boninfante Group and moved to its state-of-the-art facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

ATI Announces First Chief Transmission Technology Officer

ATI Performance Products has announced the appointment of Vince Fourcade as chief transmission technology Officer (CTTO). Fourcade brings three decades of performance racing and automatic transmission building expertise to this new position. Fourcade has raced in the Pro Stock, Pro Rear Wheel Drive, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster categories in the ’80s. Later in that decade, Fourcade joined Montgomery Transmissions, where he worked with Bobby Edwards and Jim Beattie. Later, he went on to win the Bracket Finals at Maple Grove while using an ATI transmission and converter. Fourcade opened his own transmission shop in 1998 and continued racing. He later joined ATI in a part-time capacity, working with the team to advance the science of high-performance automatic transmissions. Five years later, he joined ATI in a full-time capacity.

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 SEMA Editors

Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show and shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the automotive specialty-equipment market has to offer.

In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social-media influencers ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.

Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.

Reserve your spot for 2021 at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Below are key dates that SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to mark on their calendars.

• The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
• The Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit are due May 7.
• Dates for the SEMA Show Space Selection: June 7-23

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Enders, S. Torrence, Tasca III and Oehler Pick Up Wins at DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas

Back-to-back world champ Erica Enders went from nearly not qualifying to collecting her first victory of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, grabbing the Pro Stock win on Sunday at the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car) and Ryan Oehler (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the second race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.

In her 300th career start, Enders, a four-time world champ, picked up her 30th career win by going 6.656 seconds at 205.88 mph in the final round in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro to beat teammate Aaron Stanfield, Deric Kramer and Mason McGaha.

In Top Fuel, Torrence capped off a memorable stretch with his fifth four-wide victory, going 3.823 at 321.73 in his 11,000-hp Capco Contractors dragster in the final round to beat Doug Kalitta, Clay Millican and Antron Brown. It gives Torrence his first victory of 2021 and 41st in his career.

Tasca III picked up his first Funny Car victory in nearly two years and his seventh overall thanks to a run of 3.938 at 328.46 in his 11,000 hp Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang in the finals. In a loaded Funny Car final, Tasca outlasted defending world champ Matt Hagan, Tim Wilkerson and Ron Capps, narrowly slipping past Hagan at the finish line.

Oehler earned his second career Pro Stock Motorcycle victory on his Flyin’ Ryan Racing EBR, going 6.911 at 194.83 in the final round to beat Cory Reed, Steve Johnson and a red-lighting Scotty Pollacheck.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action April 30-May 2, with the Lucas Oil NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, marking the final event at the facility.

Permatex Kicks off 2021 NASCAR Season with StarCom Racing Sponsorship

Permatex has announced that the company will continue its sponsorship of the StarCom Racing Team for two key races during the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series. This marks the third consecutive season that Permatex will be a primary sponsor for the Permatex StarCom 00 Camaro, helmed for the second straight year by driver Quin Houff. Permatex will sponsor the StarCom Racing team for the first race of the year during the Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25. The second fight for the checkered flag will be during the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 18. The race at New Hampshire represents a special milestone in the track’s history, serving as the 50th visit by NASCAR’s premier series to “The Magic Mile.”

F1 Announces 2022 Miami Grand Prix

Formula 1 has announced that the brand-new Miami Grand Prix will join the F1 calendar in 2022. The race—set to be the first one hosted in Florida since 1959 —will be held on a new layout at the Hard Rock Stadium complex in Miami Gardens, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins franchise. The 2022 event date, the first race in a 10-year deal, will be announced later. Miami will be the 11th location Formula 1 has raced at in the United States since the Championship began in 1950, following Indianapolis, Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix and Circuit of The Americas in Austin.

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

By SEMA Editors

The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Chairman-elect (one open seat)

• Kyle Fickler – (Incumbent) Director, Driven Racing Oil
• Les Rudd – (Incumbent) President, Bob Cook Sales

Distributors/Retailers (two open seats):

• Larry Montante – Vice President, Keystone Automotive Operations
• Brian Rowland – GM, Parts & Accessories, Walmart
• Steve Whipple – (Incumbent) Director, Jegs High Performance

Manufacturers (two open seats):

• Ian Lehn – Founder, BOOSTane
• Kim Pendergast – (Incumbent) CEO/Owner, Magnuson Superchargers
• Brian Reese – President/CEO, The Retrofit Source

Service (one open seat):

• Lindsay Hubley – Managing Partner, Lodestone Events
• Jim Liaw – President/Co-Founder, Formula Drift Holdings

Voting will take place online between May 11–25, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning April 30. Winners will be announced by May 28.

By Ashley Reyes

While Jeeps continue to dominate the off-road market, the growing popularity of overlanding and related outdoor activities represents a huge opportunity for companies to expand their selection and grow their businesses.

SEMA members are invited to a webinar on May 20, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT) to learn about the evolving landscape of the off-road market, different ways people are going off-road, and what related products businesses may want to consider to increase sales. Participants will hear:

• How to capitalize on the growing interest in the outdoor and backcountry lifestyle.
• What related products businesses may want to consider to increase sales, from rooftop tents to camping accessories.
• The benefits of expanding beyond hardcore "wheelers.”
• Expert insight to gain a better understanding of the off-road market.

Register here for “More Than Just Jeeping: Other Ways People Go Off-Road.”

By Ashley Reyes

Applications for the SEMA Launch Pad—a program designed to help emerging entrepreneurs and inventors launch new automotive products into the marketplace—are now available at www.sema.org/launchpad.

Originally created to support young entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. This year’s Launch Pad also includes expanded prize packages, with the grand-prize package valued up to $92,000. Fifteen semifinalists will be selected to participate in and promote their products at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and receive additional awards that may include cash prizes, complimentary SEMA membership and promotional video features that will air on SEMA’s social media networks.

Five finalists will take part in a product-pitching competition and vie for a grand prize that includes $75,000 in cash, booth space at the 2022 SEMA Show, complimentary ad space in SEMA News and more.

To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale.

Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by May 30, 2021.

By Ashley Reyes

Autumn Schwalbe, Global Ford Performance marketing specialist at Ford Motor Co., has been named the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Read her Q&A with SEMA to learn more about her career and passion for the industry.

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

Autumn Schwalbe: Instead of waiting for opportunities to present themselves, create them.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

AS: Everything! I grew up around motorsports and fell in love with cars and trucks at a young age. I started drag racing when I was 15 and knew I wanted to turn my passion into my career, so I attended Northwood University and studied automotive aftermarket management. My passion and hobbies are in automotive, so I never see myself leaving this amazing industry. I love my job. Everyday I’m working on different fun projects and have made some of my best friends in the industry from traveling to marketing events and expos.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

AS: You can find me at the drag way! I have an ’89 Foxbody Mustang that I did a Gen 2 Coyote swap with my dad. I’m always at the track practicing or training for races. I race the mod muscle class in the NMRA series, and I also do local bracket racing for fun.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

AS: I prepare by arriving early, dressed to impress and very prepared on the topic.

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

AS: I would go to lunch with Carroll Shelby.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA and other organizations representing the off-highway vehicle (OHV) industry and enthusiast community are seeking to overturn a March 18, 2021, decision by the California Coastal Commission (Commission) to terminate OHV access at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). SEMA joined with Ecologic Partners Inc., comprised of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association District 37 (AMA District 37) in filing a lawsuit in California State Superior Court for San Luis Obispo County.

Since 1974, Oceano Dunes SVRA has been a state-designated OHV park managed and operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (“State Parks”). The SVRA comprises 3,500 acres, of which less than 1,350 acres of dunes and 3.5 miles of beach provides open riding access for OHVs. In March, the Commission voted to eliminate OHV access within three years.

The lawsuit states that the Commission does not have substantive evidence to support the closure and has failed to conduct an environmental impact review required under the California Environmental Quality Act or consider alternatives.

“The Commission’s decision was unjustified since State Parks has undertaken a three-year public process to develop a long-range management plan,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “It renders meaningless the State Parks’ ongoing effort to adopt a plan consistent with the Coastal Act that will include OHV access to this unique resource.”

“It is important that government agencies follow their own rules,” said Fred Wiley, ORBA’s president and CEO. “The Commission is acting in a unilateral fashion that exceeds its own authority under the California Coastal Act. It is imperative that the courts step in to protect OHV access.”

Oceano Dunes SVRA provides the only opportunity for motorized recreation at a state park along California’s Pacific coast. OHV recreation is an important contributor to the local economy. While bringing pleasure to thousands of enthusiasts, the monies spent at area stores, motels, restaurants and gas stations support jobs and generate tax revenues.

For decades, SEMA has supported reasonable land-use policies that include motorized recreation. SEMA remains committed to this mission on behalf of the off-road industry and the enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor recreation. This includes protecting Oceano Dunes SVRA.

The lawsuit asks the court to issue an injunction and vacate the Commission’s March 18 decision to eliminate OHV access to Oceano Dunes.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Lana Chrisman as the latest #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Chrisman is the current SBN chair and executive director of the Lions Automobilia Foundation.

A 36-year industry veteran, Chrisman but grew up in the family business working for Chrisman Driveline Components before obtaining a position at John Force Racing as director of retail sales. Having been introduced to the SBN by Rose Kawasaki in 2015, Chrisman is now providing leadership guidance to help the network’s top goals.

SEMA: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?

Lana Chrisman: I have been with the Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum for one year. What I enjoy most about working at Lions Automobilia are the opportunities to serve and preserve our industry’s history. The museum provides various platforms to share Southern California’s automotive history and the bonds between the drivers, builders and racers to the manufacturers.

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?

LC: Be visible, strong and true to self. Be visible by simply introducing yourself to others; do not be shy. Networking is a vital key to success and has opened many opportunities for me, including meeting some incredible people. Be strong and resilient when your job is most challenging. My Christian faith provides me power to endure situations that would otherwise slow me down. Do not compromise what makes you, you. I have my own set of beliefs and standards and I stand by them. I have 36 years in this industry with a respectable reputation and I attribute that to being consistently true to myself.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?

LC: My biggest challenge as a woman in the automotive aftermarket industry, especially when I was much younger, was being recognized as a knowledgeable source regarding automotive parts. Granted, I started my career at age 17 with a quiet voice, selling driveline components (aka rear-end parts). Eventually, customers realized that I was a capable saleswoman who provided the correct information, parts and service, and customer confidence improved.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

LC: Rose Kawasaki introduced me to the SBN in 2015 and encouraged me to join and volunteer on the select committee. This was my first time volunteering at this level and the experience has been incredible, both personally and professionally. I am grateful for Rose’s support throughout my SBN journey and providing leadership guidance to help top the goals of the SBN.

SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?

LC: The best career advice that I have ever received was from my Dad. He said to be patient and be a good listener. That simple advice has helped me in both my professional and personal life.

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.