By SEMA Editors

The Priority Space Allocation for the November SEMA Show will take place May 4–20. During this allocation process, the 2,000-plus companies that have already registered for this year’s event will use their SEMA Show seniority to systematically choose their display location, which will be the center of their planning process for the November event.

While all current exhibitor milestone dates for applications and deposits remain intact, SEMA Show Management announced last month that they have implemented new policy changes to lower the level of uncertainty, ease concerns and allow exhibitors to invest in the Show with confidence. The changes specify that qualified companies are now able to pick their space in May, but have the option to cancel their space at any time prior to September 1, 2020, for a full refund of exhibit-space payments. Should you have any concerns regarding participating in the 2020 SEMA Show, we encourage you to contact your Industry Account Director or the SEMA Show team at 909-396-0289, or email semashow@sema.org.

Companies that are unable to participate in the May space allocation are welcome to join the Show at a future date. The same refund policy of September 1 will also apply.

The Priority Space Allocation has always been a virtual and transparent process, and this year is no different. Starting with the highest levels of seniority and moving year by year through every application, each section of the Show gets systematically filled. A team of industry account directors is tasked to personally contact each exhibiting company and review their best exhibit location options based on their needs and display goals. You can follow the process live as it unfolds and see exactly how the SEMA Show is formed from the ground up.

The 2020 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas. To participate in the Priority Space Selection Process, reserve a booth space by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By SEMA Editors

The Priority Space Allocation for the November SEMA Show will take place May 4–20. During this allocation process, the 2,000-plus companies that have already registered for this year’s event will use their SEMA Show seniority to systematically choose their display location, which will be the center of their planning process for the November event.

While all current exhibitor milestone dates for applications and deposits remain intact, SEMA Show Management announced last month that they have implemented new policy changes to lower the level of uncertainty, ease concerns and allow exhibitors to invest in the Show with confidence. The changes specify that qualified companies are now able to pick their space in May, but have the option to cancel their space at any time prior to September 1, 2020, for a full refund of exhibit-space payments. Should you have any concerns regarding participating in the 2020 SEMA Show, we encourage you to contact your Industry Account Director or the SEMA Show team at 909-396-0289, or email semashow@sema.org.

Companies that are unable to participate in the May space allocation are welcome to join the Show at a future date. The same refund policy of September 1 will also apply.

The Priority Space Allocation has always been a virtual and transparent process, and this year is no different. Starting with the highest levels of seniority and moving year by year through every application, each section of the Show gets systematically filled. A team of industry account directors is tasked to personally contact each exhibiting company and review their best exhibit location options based on their needs and display goals. You can follow the process live as it unfolds and see exactly how the SEMA Show is formed from the ground up.

The 2020 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas. To participate in the Priority Space Selection Process, reserve a booth space by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Fredy Ramirez

Joel Ayres has a reputation. A shrewd businessman and salesman, he has had a successful aftermarket career for more than 40 years. But his reputation is not hard-as-nails or barbarous. Ayres is known for being one of the nicest guys in the industry.

Those who know Ayres understand why he was perfect for a job offered in 2015: executive director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. The organization provides financial assistance to those in need within the aftermarket industry from problems such as sickness, catastrophe or accident. The foundation is more than 50 years old, yet Ayres became the first to hold that position. And it speaks to the core of who Ayres is: that nice guy.

“My volunteer work started when I was very young,” he explained. “My whole life has been about volunteerism and charity work. It’s been my passion.” He’ll tell you that his father “gave me my business and selling side, and my mother and stepmom gave me my loving, caring and charitable side.” As such, he cofounded the first Big Brothers of Northeastern Indiana and has been a volunteer teacher and had a nearly lifelong involvement with various children’s charities.

His devotion to the industry and community has resulted in many accolades, including the LTAA Hall of Fame, the SBN Athena Award, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award and the SEMA Person of the Year. Still, Ayres feels unworthy of his SEMA Hall of Fame induction.

“I’m still in a cloud,” he confessed. “To think about the legends who are in this—the people I grew up hearing about or people I’ve known—it’s just…wow. I shouldn’t even be here. I’m very honored and very proud. The biggest achievements in my life are my children and grandchildren, but as far as the industry and this association, this is huge!”

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.semahof.com.

By Fredy Ramirez

Joel Ayres has a reputation. A shrewd businessman and salesman, he has had a successful aftermarket career for more than 40 years. But his reputation is not hard-as-nails or barbarous. Ayres is known for being one of the nicest guys in the industry.

Those who know Ayres understand why he was perfect for a job offered in 2015: executive director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. The organization provides financial assistance to those in need within the aftermarket industry from problems such as sickness, catastrophe or accident. The foundation is more than 50 years old, yet Ayres became the first to hold that position. And it speaks to the core of who Ayres is: that nice guy.

“My volunteer work started when I was very young,” he explained. “My whole life has been about volunteerism and charity work. It’s been my passion.” He’ll tell you that his father “gave me my business and selling side, and my mother and stepmom gave me my loving, caring and charitable side.” As such, he cofounded the first Big Brothers of Northeastern Indiana and has been a volunteer teacher and had a nearly lifelong involvement with various children’s charities.

His devotion to the industry and community has resulted in many accolades, including the LTAA Hall of Fame, the SBN Athena Award, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award and the SEMA Person of the Year. Still, Ayres feels unworthy of his SEMA Hall of Fame induction.

“I’m still in a cloud,” he confessed. “To think about the legends who are in this—the people I grew up hearing about or people I’ve known—it’s just…wow. I shouldn’t even be here. I’m very honored and very proud. The biggest achievements in my life are my children and grandchildren, but as far as the industry and this association, this is huge!”

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.semahof.com.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data warehouse, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Holley Concentric Clutch Slave Cylinder Throwout Bearing Assembly for T-56 Holley has released its concentric clutch slave cylinder throwout bearing assembly for the LS1 and LS6 F-body (’98–’02 Camaro/Firebird). The assembly features an aluminum construction and a black powdercoated finish engineered to prevent corrosion. A hydraulic line disconnect tool is included in the package. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 319-100
Holley ’65–’82 Corvette Rotors Holley introduces its REKUDO front and rear disc brake rotors for ’65 — ’82 C2/C3 Chevrolet Corvette. The rotors feature a black E-coat on the fully machined finished hats that passes a 400-hour salt spray test without rusting. The finish is also non-directional constructed to allow for better pad and rotor break-in. REKUDO rotors are also mill balanced, an additional machining operation designed to reduce pedal feedback associated with rotor vibration. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: RK400-06, RK400-07
Hooker Blackheart Long-Tube Headers Hooker Blackheart announces the release of its equal-length long-tube headers designed for the ’15 –’19 Subaru WRX/STI with 2.5L engines. The geometry is designed for simple installation and maximum performance. The headers do not require oxygen sensor (02 Sensor). Note: This product is not street-legal and may only be used on Racing Vehicles. It is illegal to install this product on a registered vehicle and use it on the street. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: BH9306
Hooker Blackheart Cat-Back Exhaust System Hooker Blackheart releases its Cat-Back exhaust system for the ’15–’19 Subaru WRX/STI with a 2.0 or 2.5L engine. The exhaust uses a high-flow straight-through muffler and a resonator to designed to deliver civilized attitude with a deep, sporty tone. The system is constructed from 304SS providing engineered for maximum durability and corrosion resistance. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: BH9303	3
Heatshield Oil Filter Heat Shield Heatshield Products introduces its Lava Oil Filter Shield for applications including Chrysler, Ford and GM engines. The shield is constructed to provide added protection for your engine by reducing oil temperature and helping to keep metal debris trapped in the oil filter. Lava Oil Filter Shields are engineered to withstand up to 1,200° F of constant heat and up to 2,000° F of intermittent heat. 844-723-2665 www.heatshieldproducts.com PN: Varies
Mishimoto BMW F8X M3/M4 Performance Air-to-Water Intercooler, 2015–2020 Mishimoto has released its Performance Air-to-Water Intercooler for the ’15–’20 BMW F8X M3/M4. The intercooler features full, cast aluminum end tanks, TIG-welded to a bar-and-plate core constructed for maximum durability. The end tanks also include internal air diverters on both the inlet and outlet engineered to ensure an even flow of charged air through the core. The intercooler core also features a unique single-pass internal fin layout for the coolant passage manufactured for optimal heat transfer from the charged air to the coolant. The intercooler is designed to record an average increase of 11 hp and 8 lb.-ft. of torque with peak gains of up to 31 hp and 10 lb.-ft. of torque. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMINT-F80-15
Mishimoto BMW F8X M3/M4 Performance Heat Exchanger, ’15–’20 Mishimoto introduces its Performance Heat Exchanger for the ’15 – ‘20 BMW F8X M3/M4. The dual-pass flow through the core is engineered for maximum cooling properties while expanding the core into the available space. The design features a 42mm-thick core while extending the height by 150 mm. The heat exchanger is manufactured to drop 10°F in global intercooling temperatures over the stock unit. The heat exchanger comes equipped with an optional steel mesh stone guard constructed for an added layer of protection for the fins. It also incorporates a variable fin pitch for the lower 12 rows on the core designed to facilitate cooling to DCT-equipped Ms. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMHE-F80-15

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data warehouse, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Holley Concentric Clutch Slave Cylinder Throwout Bearing Assembly for T-56 Holley has released its concentric clutch slave cylinder throwout bearing assembly for the LS1 and LS6 F-body (’98–’02 Camaro/Firebird). The assembly features an aluminum construction and a black powdercoated finish engineered to prevent corrosion. A hydraulic line disconnect tool is included in the package. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 319-100
Holley ’65–’82 Corvette Rotors Holley introduces its REKUDO front and rear disc brake rotors for ’65 — ’82 C2/C3 Chevrolet Corvette. The rotors feature a black E-coat on the fully machined finished hats that passes a 400-hour salt spray test without rusting. The finish is also non-directional constructed to allow for better pad and rotor break-in. REKUDO rotors are also mill balanced, an additional machining operation designed to reduce pedal feedback associated with rotor vibration. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: RK400-06, RK400-07
Hooker Blackheart Long-Tube Headers Hooker Blackheart announces the release of its equal-length long-tube headers designed for the ’15 –’19 Subaru WRX/STI with 2.5L engines. The geometry is designed for simple installation and maximum performance. The headers do not require oxygen sensor (02 Sensor). Note: This product is not street-legal and may only be used on Racing Vehicles. It is illegal to install this product on a registered vehicle and use it on the street. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: BH9306
Hooker Blackheart Cat-Back Exhaust System Hooker Blackheart releases its Cat-Back exhaust system for the ’15–’19 Subaru WRX/STI with a 2.0 or 2.5L engine. The exhaust uses a high-flow straight-through muffler and a resonator to designed to deliver civilized attitude with a deep, sporty tone. The system is constructed from 304SS providing engineered for maximum durability and corrosion resistance. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: BH9303	3
Heatshield Oil Filter Heat Shield Heatshield Products introduces its Lava Oil Filter Shield for applications including Chrysler, Ford and GM engines. The shield is constructed to provide added protection for your engine by reducing oil temperature and helping to keep metal debris trapped in the oil filter. Lava Oil Filter Shields are engineered to withstand up to 1,200° F of constant heat and up to 2,000° F of intermittent heat. 844-723-2665 www.heatshieldproducts.com PN: Varies
Mishimoto BMW F8X M3/M4 Performance Air-to-Water Intercooler, 2015–2020 Mishimoto has released its Performance Air-to-Water Intercooler for the ’15–’20 BMW F8X M3/M4. The intercooler features full, cast aluminum end tanks, TIG-welded to a bar-and-plate core constructed for maximum durability. The end tanks also include internal air diverters on both the inlet and outlet engineered to ensure an even flow of charged air through the core. The intercooler core also features a unique single-pass internal fin layout for the coolant passage manufactured for optimal heat transfer from the charged air to the coolant. The intercooler is designed to record an average increase of 11 hp and 8 lb.-ft. of torque with peak gains of up to 31 hp and 10 lb.-ft. of torque. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMINT-F80-15
Mishimoto BMW F8X M3/M4 Performance Heat Exchanger, ’15–’20 Mishimoto introduces its Performance Heat Exchanger for the ’15 – ‘20 BMW F8X M3/M4. The dual-pass flow through the core is engineered for maximum cooling properties while expanding the core into the available space. The design features a 42mm-thick core while extending the height by 150 mm. The heat exchanger is manufactured to drop 10°F in global intercooling temperatures over the stock unit. The heat exchanger comes equipped with an optional steel mesh stone guard constructed for an added layer of protection for the fins. It also incorporates a variable fin pitch for the lower 12 rows on the core designed to facilitate cooling to DCT-equipped Ms. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMHE-F80-15

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Jay Carpio

The SEMA Family video library is about re-living special moments in our industry’s history. From interviews with industry legends to SEMA Show recaps and more, these videos offer viewers a chance to watch our SEMA Family hard at work, doing what it does best—working hard, pushing the limits and having a little bit of fun, too.

This week’s videos feature and interview with Industry Icon Gale Banks, highlights from the 2015 LA Auto Show and a look at Kyle Tucker and an amazing Chevelle.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week six indicators that will enable him to modify the Golden State’s current stay-at-home order and reopen its economy.

California’s six indicators for modifying the stay-at-home order are:

• The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed.
• The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19.
• The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges.
• The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand.
• The ability for businesses, schools and childcare facilities to support physical distancing.
• The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.

California was the first state to issue a statewide stay-at-home order due to the Coronavirus. SEMA has compiled a state-by-state directory of closures and essential business definitions, which is continuously updated.

While no specific timeline was given for lifting his order, Governor Newsom, along with the Governors of Oregon and Washington, also announced plans to work together on a regional strategy for loosening current restrictions.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week six indicators that will enable him to modify the Golden State’s current stay-at-home order and reopen its economy.

California’s six indicators for modifying the stay-at-home order are:

• The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed.
• The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19.
• The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges.
• The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand.
• The ability for businesses, schools and childcare facilities to support physical distancing.
• The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.

California was the first state to issue a statewide stay-at-home order due to the Coronavirus. SEMA has compiled a state-by-state directory of closures and essential business definitions, which is continuously updated.

While no specific timeline was given for lifting his order, Governor Newsom, along with the Governors of Oregon and Washington, also announced plans to work together on a regional strategy for loosening current restrictions.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Several racing organizers have announced virtual and simulation motorsports events set to take place throughout April and May.

As racing schedules around the world have come to a halt due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several racing organizers have announced virtual and simulation motorsports events set to take place throughout April and May. View the running list, updated regularly, of virtual races, below.

GT Rivals Esports Invitational

The inaugural SRO America GT Rivals Esports Invitational has made its debut in early April. Drivers will go head-to-head in the first round of esports competition in the GT racing simulation game, Assetto Corsa Competizione, at the famed WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. An all-star cast of drivers from SRO America’s series - GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, Pirelli GT4 America, TC America, and GT Sports Club America - will challenge the 2.238-mile, 11-turn circuit set in the hills of Monterey county. They’ll be joined by five Champion Motorsports sim racing league regulars for an epic battle down the Corkscrew. For more information, visit www.gt-world-challenge-america.com.

Jim Beaver eSports eShort Course World Cup

The first-ever Jim Beaver eSports eShort Course World Cup presented by General Tire made its debut on the iRacing platform at the virtual Wild West Motorsports Park and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. The first major short course event on iRacing, the Jim Beaver eSports eShort Course World Cup presented by General Tire, pitted drivers in a two-hour, four-race campaign that saw them alternate between Pro 2 and Pro 4 trucks at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and Wild West Motorsports Park. Plans for future events put on by Jim Beaver eSports will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.jimbeaveresports.com.

Lucas Oil eSports

Lucas Oil Products has announced a new eSports program that will focus on virtual competition surrounding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series on the iRacing platform. In addition, officials announced the opportunity for other racers to compete with its Dirt Late Model stars. Real-life racers with iRacing experience are encouraged to apply for The Open by filling out an entry form. eSports officials will evaluate and determine the drivers who will participate. The complete eSports schedule will be released at a later date. For more information, visit www.lucasoil.com.

Motorsport UK

Motorsport UK has launched the Karting Esports Championship, which will be open to drivers from around the world. The championship is split into three categories, with a class for Motorsport UK license holders aged between 8-11 as well as a 12+ Motorsport UK license holder class. The final category will be for anyone aged 12 and over and open to any driver around the world. For more information and the series schedule, visit www.motorsportuk.org.

NASCAR

Entering its 11th consecutive season, the eNASCAR Forty Coca-Cola iRacing Series features 40 sim racers battling head-to-head across a 20-week schedule. Drivers race virtual replicas of NASCAR Cup Series cars on digital replicas of NASCAR's most iconic tracks, with races taking place Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. (EDT) on www.eNASCAR.com.

eNASCAR Forty Coca-Cola iRacing Series Schedule:

• Round 6: Dover, April 28, Dover International Speedway
• Round 7: Charlotte, May 12, Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Round 8: Atlanta, May 26, Atlanta Motor Speedway
• All-Star Race, June 16, TBD

POWRi

POWRi Lucas Oil West Midget League has announced a schedule for iRacing competition events. The POWRi West League will oversee all race-day duties including entry, timing, and scoring. Drivers from around the globe are eligible to compete as long as they meet specific computer requirements to run the iRacing program. Drivers must also prove their on-track skills in a qualifying race, which limits the top 50 participants for the main feature. POWRi TV will broadcast each iRacing event, which is set for Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. CST, for free. The on-track action resumes Tuesday, April 14, at Fairbury Speedway, and will conclude Tuesday, May 5, at Eldora Speedway. For more information, visit www.powri.com.

Road To Indy Presented by Cooper Tires

The Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires has gone virtual with a new e-series. The e-series allows drivers from Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship to compete against one another using race simulators. Drivers will continue to compete using Cooper Tires in the virtual series, as the tire manufacturer provided iRacing with performance data to allow similar handling and tire performance like on-track competition. Races will be held each Saturday through the end of April. The series is set to visit the IMS road course on April 11. Races can be viewed on several platforms, including facebook.com/coopertire, as well as through the Road to Indy TV website and app. For more information, visit www.roadtoindy.tv.

SCCA

Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has introduced the Hoosier eSports Super Tour, a virtual representation of the analog, real-world Hoosier Super Tour that runs at bucket list tracks across the country. The series features five race groups each weekend on the iRacing platform with the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup as the main event. Seasoned Runoffs announcers Gregg Ginsberg and Larry MacLeod provide color commentary of the live streamed races, which will be broadcasted on the SCCA Facebook page and the SCCA YouTube channel each Saturday. Competition is open to any current SCCA member. The weekly schedule concludes May 16, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. For more information, visit www.scca.com.

Supercars

The Australia-based Supercars series has formed the BP Supercars All Stars Eseries, which will run a nearly 10-week schedule on Wednesdays through mid-May. Supercars drivers will log-in from home using the iRacing platform, and teams will use current Holden ZB Commodore and Ford Mustang Supercars available with liveries of their own choosing. The events will be broadcasted and live streamed across Twitch and Supercars’ digital channels. The All Stars Eseries will run prior to the third installment of the Supercars Eseries using sim-racing experts, which will begin later this year. The complete schedule can be found here. For more information, visit www.supercars.com.

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