As previously reported, SEMA has intervened in an EPA enforcement case to protect the rights of racers.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, while acknowledging the fundamental issue raised by SEMA, declined to make a ruling in the lawsuit between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Gear Box Z. Inc. (GBZ). While pursuing GBZ for tampering allegations, the EPA made statements in its court filings that the Clean Air Act (CAA) does not allow a motor vehicle to be converted into a racing vehicle used solely for competition and that equipment installed to make the conversion is illegal. SEMA challenged this flawed interpretation of the CAA first made by the EPA in 2015 and now repeated in the court filing.
The Court ruled that the EPA produced evidence that the subject products sold by GBZ were being used on highway vehicles, with no evidence of use on motor sports vehicles. Therefore, lacking evidence of the converting of road vehicles to dedicated race cars, which would have necessitated the Court address the issue, the Court declined to rule on whether the CAA disallows conversions of street vehicles to dedicated racing machines.
While not settling the street-to-racecar conversion issue, SEMA’s filing of the amicus brief was impactful for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the need for the U.S. Congress to enact the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act” (RPM Act), bi-partisan legislation to clarify that it is legal to make such conversions and to produce, market and install racing equipment. Second, the Court’s opinion did offer some favorable language with the Court confirming that it is the EPA’s burden to produce evidence that emissions-related equipment is being used illegally on highway vehicles when making such a claim.
SEMA will continue to work tirelessly to settle the EPA’s overreach by passing the RPM Act.
It is said that Mark Twain is responsible for suggesting that one should “never discuss politics or religion in polite company.” If Mr. Twain were alive today, he would know that avoiding politics is next to impossible, especially if you are a SEMA member.
While politics may be a four-letter word in many households, the reality is that our industry’s future is at stake. Think that’s an exaggeration? Think again.
Our country has just been through a tumultuous election and soon, the politicians in Washington will decide the future of our industry.
EPA emissions compliance, zero-emissions vehicle mandates, vehicle data access and off-roading are all on the agenda. It’s essential that SEMA have a voice in each of these fights.
By law, SEMA may not use association funds to contribute to federal candidates. However, SEMA PAC allows the administrative and executive employees of SEMA-member companies to contribute their personal funds to help elect lawmakers who support our industry’s positions and initiatives.
Government rules require SEMA PAC to get each member company’s permission before it can ask their employees for support. That’s where you come in. It’s an easy process known as becoming prior approved, and it only takes seconds. To make things even easier for you, when you login, the form is partially filled out for you. Becoming prior approved never obligates you or your employees to contribute, but gives SEMA PAC permission to provide more information on its activities and to share strategies for strengthening the industry’s voice in Washington. Best of all, when you sign up, you’ll be among the first to receive the all-new SEMA PAC newsletter, which will launch later this spring.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Sandy Crespo-Mossi as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Crespo-Mossi is an operations manager at Oracle Lighting, a manufacturer of designer lighting products and technologies for the automotive powersports, motorcycle and marine markets.
Nominated for #SheIsSEMA by a colleague, Crespo-Mossi is admired as thoughtful, determined and someone who looks to find resolution and motivate company employees. Read about her contributions to the industry, below.
Q: How has Sandy contributed to Oracle Lighting? A: Sandy provides great synergy within our departments. She continues to put processes in place to help our departments function at a higher level.
Q: How has Sandy shown leadership in the industry or business? A: Sandy has grown with the company for nine years and strives to grow the business through organizational practices.
Q: Tell us a success story that you can share about Sandy. A: Sandy implemented a system recently within our company that is a search engine for answering every question you can image. This helps our team stay on top of our customers and provide quick and efficient solutions.
Q: Why do you think Sandy is a role model in this industry? A: She continues to implement processes that allow our business to run smoothly.
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.
The Nordic region hosts the headquarters of the European drag-
racing championship. Photo courtesy: Lena Peres – Speedgroup.
Join SEMA on the first SEMA Nordic trip, August 25–29, 2021, in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants will learn the potential for their products in this performance and classic-car paradise. Meet with top trade buyers enabling the half-century-old craze in Sweden and the surrounding countries of Norway, Finland and Denmark to restore and upgrade American classic cars.
Performance is among the top upgrades sought for a range of vehicles. After all, the region hosts the headquarters of the European drag-racing championship. Rally racing and drifting also have their passionate fans and skilled competitors. A robust sportsman program allows enthusiasts to use their more modestly upgraded rides in numerous competitions. High disposable income, a love of American vehicles and products, coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.
The SEMA Nordic trip is the fifth region for the popular SEMA Business Development Programs. These overseas low-cost, turnkey events bring together SEMA-member manufacturers and buyers from key global markets. The price of the upcoming trip includes hotels, a table- top display, meals and networking events. Prices start at $4,500 per company, not including flights to/from the United States. U.S. government grants (federal and state) are available to help defray the cost for qualified companies.
Register now; slots are limited. More information is available at www.sema.org/nordic or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call.
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.
SEMA Virtual Education remains committed to empowering industry professionals by sharing innovative strategies, information and learnings through new and engaging webinars.
Mark your calendars for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.
Wednesday, March 31 – Wheel Knowledge 201: Wheel Testing Methodology
Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks
Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, powered by WTC
Knowing the variation of tests needed to be conducted on modern aftermarket wheels is vital for wheel and tire aftermarket professionals to assure proper adherence to motor vehicle safety guidelines and the safe application of wheels to their customers’ vehicles. This 30-minute webinar will cover critical information that is not often provided in training or learned.
Thursday, April 8 – Vehicle Landscape: Which Cars and Trucks are Hot?
Track: Trends & Research
Series: SEMA Industry Insight Series
Learn more about the current vehicle landscape and emerging trends and opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry in this upcoming webinar. The SEMA Market Research team will provide an overview of what vehicles are currently on the road, how new vehicle sales and trends are shifting, and identify the hottest car and truck models for customization in the industry—followed by a live Q&A with the webinar speakers.
Wednesday, April 14 - Facebook Live Chat featuring Chris Blair, presented by SEMA YEN
Track: Industry Talks
Tune in to a Facebook Live Chat featuring Chris Blair, executive vice president and general manager of World Wide Technology Raceway. Since joining WWTR in 2012, Blair has overseen the growth and development of the once-shuttered St. Louis track from a 150-acre, racing-only complex to a multi-purpose entertainment venue in excess of 600 acres. As host of the Facebook Live, Blair will discuss steps racetracks have taken to overcome the state lockdowns and their plans moving forward.
Wednesday, April 21 - Tire Knowledge 301: Common Causes of Balancing Process Errors and How to Avoid Them
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks
Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, Powered by WTC
Understanding causes for vehicle vibration and the mechanics of balanced vs. unbalanced tires is critical for helping tire professionals ensure their customers have a smooth ride, even tire wear and proper tire weight distribution around their vehicle. Learn about the common causes of balancing process errors, how to avoid them, and best practices to minimize customer vibration complaints.
Jake Hopkins is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Hopkins is a YEN select committee member and the marketing manager at FASS Diesel Fuel Systems, manufacturers of Fuel Air Separation Systems (FASS)—a diesel fuel lift pump and fuel filtration system designed to improve diesel truck fuel mileage, engine performance and extend the life of diesel injection systems.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Jake Hopkins: Your life isn’t defined by the people in your life, your job or where you live. It’s defined by your attitude about those things.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
JH: How many people get to live their passion? There’s nowhere I’d rather be!
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
JH: Cleaning my truck or shopping for truck parts.
SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
JH: Carrying notes and a cup of seriously strong coffee.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?
JH: Brian Scotto, co-founder and chief creative officer of Hoonigan Industries.
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.
Back for its fourth year, the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour will
continue the Hot Wheels tradition of offering global fans the
opportunity to have their one-of-a-kind life-size car creations
forever immortalized as the next Hot Wheels Garage of
Legends 1:64 die-cast toy.
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour Returns With Global Hunt for Next Fan-Made Custom Hot Wheels Die-Cast Toy
The 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour, presented by Mobil 1, is officially open for fan car submissions. Back for its fourth year, the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour will continue the Hot Wheels tradition of offering global fans the opportunity to have their one-of-a-kind life-size car creations forever immortalized as the next Hot Wheels Garage of Legends 1:64 die-cast toy. With stops spanning 14 countries and five continents, the 2021 showdown will feature both live and virtual events kicking off in April with livestream stops in New Zealand (April 15), Australia (April 22) and the United States and Canada (April 29). Dates for future stops will be announced soon, and fans may register or learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour by visiting www.hotwheels.com/legends. Livestreams will be available to view on the Hot Wheels Facebook page, on Walmart.com and through automotive media partners in specific countries. Live events will return to U.S.-based Walmart stores this summer.
In partnership with Mobil 1, Hot Wheels Legends Tour stops will have regional winners, plus a Mobil 1 Fan Favorite, which will then be entered into the semi-final rounds representing the United States and global regions, yielding 10 finalists. The tour will culminate at a grand finale event in November, where there will be one custom car creation inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and honored as the next Hot Wheels die-cast toy sold around the world. In addition to being immortalized as a 1:64 die-cast toy, previous Legends Tour winners, including the 2018 winning 2JetZ and the 2019 winning classic coupe titled “The Nash,” will soon be available for purchase and play through the Forza Horizon 4 video game through the Hot Wheels Legends Car Pack on Xbox, Windows 10, iOS and Android devices.
New Podcast and YouTube Show Sponsored by ARP
Legendary magazine editor Jeff Smith along with his friends—custom car builder Steve Strope and long-time car editor and musclecar expert Cam Benty—have teamed up to talk cars through “Car Guy Confessions With Jeff Smith”—presented by ARP. From high-speed adventures to challenges that face today's car enthusiasts, nothing is off the table for the bi-weekly podcast and YouTube show.
Injected with their veteran technical perspectives, the hosts—along with some special guests—will cover the key topics of the day, automotive projects they are working on, and what they do to make a living each day in the automotive arena.
LSI Chemical and Hot Shot’s Secret Expand Distribution to India
LSI Chemical has announced a new international distributor for India—Quality Group—which is now authorized to sell LSI Chemical oil and fuel additives and to work with LSI Chemical in the development of performance blends of petrol and diesel based on customer specifications. Additionally, Quality Group is now an official distributor of the full line of Hot Shot’s Secret products available for retail for a growing and very sizable India market.
Dr. Yasuhiro Kojina
OTC DAIHEN Inc. Announces Executive Management Change
OTC DAIHEN Inc., a supplier of advanced manual and robotic welding systems, has announced the promotion and appointment of Dr. Yasuhiro Kojina as president/CEO. Kojina replaces Shinsuke “Luke” Kadota, who is returning to Japan to become the deputy general manager of sales and marketing for the Planning & Administration Department, FA Robot Division, DAIHEN Corp.
Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Announces New Board Structure
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced a new board structure, designed to expand the Foundation’s reach to additional markets and under served aftermarket segments. Effective immediately, the board will consist of 30 members. Additionally, AACF also announced the appointment of two vice presidents to serve on the realigned Executive Committee: Luanne Brown, president and CEO of eTool Developers; and Jon Owens, national sales manager for Epicor Software.
According to Joel Ayres, AACF executive director, “The new Board size and structure will enable the Foundation to reach more donors and recipients. The newly structured Board gives AACF a deep bench of great volunteer leaders and enhances our ability to fill key leadership positions that arise due to retirements or other circumstances.” Essentially, we’ve created a leadership development strategy.”
For more information or to get involved with the AACF, contact Ayres at joel@aacfi.org.
TBC Corporation Celebrates 65 Years
The TBC Corp. announced that March 2021 marks the company's 65th anniversary. The company began in 1956, when a purchasing group of tire retailers was formed and collectively recognized as Cordovan Associates. In 1972, after much success, Cordovan Associates changed its name to Tire & Battery Corp. In nine years, the company went public under the name TBC. In 2005, the company was purchased by Sumitomo Corporation of America. Thirteen years later, in 2018, Michelin North America and SCOA entered into a 50-50 joint venture agreement to own TBC. Today, TBC has nearly 3,200 franchised and company-operated tire and automotive service centers, 22 proprietary tire brands and more than 150 distribution centers.
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.
The Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 will be driven by Turn 14
Distribution-sponsored athlete Dai Yoshihara.
Turn 14 Distribution Goes Electric With Evasive Motorsports for 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Turn 14 Distribution has announced its title sponsorship of the Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Performance for the 99th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) presented by Gran Turismo. The EV-powered platform will be driven by Turn 14 Distribution-sponsored athlete Dai Yoshihara for his third time competing in The Race to the Clouds. Last year, the Evasive Motorsports Team and Yoshihara placed first in the Unlimited Division with their ’13 Toyota 86 and finished with an overall time of 10:05:006. This year, the team plans to conquer new heights by using the fully electric platform of the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Shawn Ayers worked for the win in VP Racing Lubricants Xtreme Pro
Mod with a 3.58 over Todd Tutterow, who was forced to lift to a 4.32.
NMCA Starts Season With Full-Throttle Action in Florida
Drivers came from across the country to put the hammer down at the Whipple Superchargers NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem presented by Holbrook Racing Engines, March 18–21, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida. Awaiting those able to go all the way at the series’ first of six races this season was the celebratory NMCA Winner’s Circle.
VP Racing Lubricants Xtreme Pro Mod: The final round belonged to Shawn Ayers and Todd Tutterow, and Ayers worked for the win with a 3.58 over Tutterow, who was forced to lift to a 4.32.
Mickey Thompson Street Outlaw: Alan Felts met Anthony Manna in the Mustang-vs.-Camaro final round of eliminations, and won with a 4.29 after Manna turned on the red light.
Holley EFI Factory Super Cars: Tripp Carter met Bill Skillman in the final, where Skillman secured the win with a 7.56 to Carter’s 7.59.
ARP Nitrous Pro Street: Jake Naumann met Vince Khoury in the final round of eliminations, where Khoury captured the holeshot win with a 4.47 to Naumann’s quicker 4.34.
Edelbrock Xtreme Street: Kirt Sanders defeated Brian Keep in the final round with a 4.55 to Keep’s 4.61.
Reigning Dart NA 10.5: Leonard Long took a trip to the NMCA Winner’s Circle with a 7.64 run after competitor David Theisen was forced to get out of the throttle in the final round.
Chevrolet Performance Stock presented by Scoggin Dickey Parts Center: Ronnie Hackelton met up with Glenn Pushis in his new COPO Camaro in the final round of eliminations, and while Hackelton was quicker on the tree, Pushis was quicker on the top end and won with a 9.88 to Hackelton’s 9.92.
Coan Stock/Super Stock Combo: The final round featured Mark Nowicki and Larry Hill, where Nowicki nailed the win with a 9.60 on a 9.58 dial over Hill’s 9.93 on a 9.96.
Quick Fuel Technology Nostalgia Super Stock: Mike Davis lmade it to the final to face current category champion Brent Wheeler, who won with a better reaction time and a 9.77 on a 9.75 index over Davis’ 10.00 on a 10.00.
Detroit Truetrac Nostalgia Muscle: Landing in the final round of eliminations were Brenda Blair and Bill Lee Jr. The drivers were close on the tree, and after a double breakout on the top end, Blair won with an 11.71 on an 11.75 index over Lee Jr.’s 11.44 on an 11.50.
MagnaFuel Open Comp: Don Jones Jr. and Scott Williams were featured in the final round of eliminations, where Jones Jr. won with a 9.37 on a 9.36 dial over Williams, who broke out with an 8.59 on 8.68.
TorqStorm Superchargers: Landing the overall win was Larry Albright with a 7.86 average, and rolling to the runner-up finish was Jason Rollins, with an 8.53 average. Also standing out were Scott Oshinski, the 9-second winner, Trevor Ghasgow, the 10-second winner, Alan Hill, the 11-second winner, Ken Barrett, the 12-second winner and Fred Hermans, the 13-second winner. Rounding out the category were Rick Doern, the 14-second winner and Andrew Beeman, the 15-second winner.
LME Street King Presented by Chevrolet Performance: Elizabeth Claydon collected the win with a lifting 10.71 on a 10.25 dial after William Wakefield turned on the red light.
Proform LSX Rumble Presented by Chevrolet Performance: Running to the final round of eliminations were father and son Tim and Cody Poston. Tim took the win in the double-breakout bout with an 11.19 on an 11.25 index over Cody’s 10.40 on a 10.50 index.
Dodge // Mopar HEMI Shootout: Klaus Norrhed arrived at the overall win with a 10.13 average, while Richard Stimson grabbed the runner-up spot with a 10.16 average. Also going all the way were Diana Smith with the 10-second win, Bruce Phillips with the 11-second win, Jeff Smith with the 12-second win, Ken Mason with the 13-second win, David Burnett with the 14-second win and Roger Fournier with the 15-second win.
Arrington Performance HEMI Quick 8 presented by Red Line Oil: Taking the win was Klaus Norrhed with a 10.46 when Richard Stimson wasn’t able to complete his pass.
Bracket Mayhem: Gage Burch won with a 6.44 on a 6.43 dial over Dan Bouldry and his breakout time of 5.36 on a 5.39.
The action is set to amplify as NMCA and NMRA drivers trample the track together at the second event of the year for each series, the Scoggin Dickey Parts Center NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals presented by MAHLE Motorsport, April 8–11, at Atlanta Dragway.
Bondurant High Performance Driving School has been renamed
Radford Racing School.
Bondurant High Performance Driving School Is Now Radford Racing School
Bondurant High Performance Driving School has been renamed Radford Racing School. The company owners—a small group of auto enthusiasts, collectors and driving school graduates that had purchased the business in May 2019—have announced the change, along with the completion of an extensive, multimillion-dollar renovation and curriculum revamp. The renovation included the first resurfacing of the main track in Chandler, Arizona, in 30 years. Enhancements to the property’s facilities were also completed, along with the diversification of the course offering with new open-wheel and drag-racing courses. Formula racing courses will be launched at a later date.
The announcement also marks the company’s new association with Radford—a global luxury automotive brand based in Great Britain. The company is owned by F1 champion Jenson Button, car designer Mark Stubbs, English TV celebrity Ant Anstead and business partner Roger Behle. Radford will now build and test vehicles on the Radford Racing School track based in Chandler. The Radford Racing School will also continue as the Official High Performance Driving School of Dodge//SRT, which provides a fleet of vehicles for driving instruction. For more information, visit www.radfordracingschool.com.
VP Racing Fuels Partners With SRX on CBS This Summer; Extends Partnership With Laguna Seca Raceway
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has signed with Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) as the official fuel supplier for the short-track racing series debuting on Saturday nights this summer on CBS in prime time. VP Racing Fuels will provide fuel to the series’ fleet of purpose-built race cars designed by the NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham. Each is powered by an Ilmor-built 396 V8 engine making 700 hp and 530 lb.-ft. of torque, and will be piloted by a driver lineup from an array of motorsports backgrounds. The SRX drivers include Tony Stewart, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Willy T. Ribbs, Bill Elliott, Ernie Francis Jr., Marco Andretti, Helio Castroneves, and Michael Waltrip. The series debut is set for June 12 at Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut. SRX then visits back-to-back dirt tracks at Knoxville Raceway in Iowa on June 19 and Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, on June 26. SRX returns to pavement July 3 at Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis and then ventures north to Slinger Speedway in Wisconsin on July 10 before its season finale July 17 at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in Tennessee.
In addition, VP Racing Fuels has announced the extension of its official fuel partnership with the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California. The agreement marks the continuation of a successful partnership that began more than a decade ago and will designate VP as the official and exclusive fuel provider for an additional five years.
NHRA Postpones 2021 Winternationals at Pomona
NHRA officials have announced the postponement of the 61st annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California, originally scheduled for April 9-11. NHRA and track officials will continue to look to state and federal health officials for recommendations to host events in the state. A new date for the event is to be determined. The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season kicked off with a successful race at the AmalieMotor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville. The season will continue racing action at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, April 16-18. NHRA officials are confident the season will consist of 22 national events. Auto Club Raceway is currently serving as a COVID-19 vaccination site, allowing locals to drive through the facility and receive their vaccination.
Here’s the upcoming Ford Maverick (Lariat?) AWD running with light camouflage, providing a best look yet at Ford's upcoming unibody pickup.
The model seen here appears to be a high-end trim, complete with LED headlights, stylized wheels, a sliding rear window and an independent rear suspension that will enable AWD capability. Front-wheel-drive models will be equipped with a lower-cost, twist-beam rear suspension.
The Maverick will share a lot with the new Ford Bronco Sport, including its production site in Mexico. The vehicle is expected to launch later this year, given that COVID-19 doesn’t disrupt production or supply lines.
The 
SEMA Virtual Education remains committed to empowering industry professionals by sharing innovative strategies, information and learnings through new and engaging webinars.
Jake Hopkins is the SEMA 
NHRA Postpones 2021 Winternationals at Pomona
