By SEMA Editors
SEMA Hires Karen Bailey-Chapman to Lead Public and Government Affairs
SEMA has hired Karen Bailey-Chapman to lead its Washington, D.C., office as senior vice president, public and government affairs. SEMA represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry and created the position to strengthen and grow the industry’s legislative and advocacy program.
“As the automotive aftermarket is increasingly impacted and threatened by government actions, it is critical that SEMA continues to represent and protect the industry in Washington, D.C.,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. “Karen will be instrumental in raising visibility of the specialty-equipment market. She is a highly experienced legislative strategist who will elevate SEMA’s advocacy efforts.”
Bailey-Chapman has a proven track record of success in local, state, federal and global government affairs and advocacy campaigns. Most recently, Bailey-Chapman served as senior vice president of external affairs for American Beverage Association. Previous experience includes senior roles with casino company Penn National Gaming and the D.C.-based public affairs firm DCI Group.
Bailey-Chapman will oversee all government affairs efforts for SEMA and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI), a subsidiary of SEMA dedicated to the motorsports market. She will lead programs related to legislation, regulations and government policies on issues affecting climate change, consumer choice, business opportunities and more.
The new senior-level role is the most recent expansion of SEMA’s legislative program. SEMA recently introduced an individual membership program designed to strengthen its PAC, and last month the association hosted the SEMA D.C. Rally—a two-day fly-in event consisting of about 100 in-person meetings on the Hill.
Formula DRIFT Drivers to Be Featured at Pennzoil “Dare to Perform” Experience
and AdamLZ.
Renowned Formula DRIFT drivers and their vehicles will be at Pennzoil’s “Dare to Perform” experience located at booth #81059 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Plaza.
The full RTR Motorsports team, including Vaughn Gittin Jr., Chelsea DeNofa and AdamLZ, will be on-site and in the Pennzoil booth for meet and greets, autograph sessions and media interviews throughout the week. DeNofa’s #88 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD will be on display for show attendees to view the vehicle’s 1,200 hp, protected by Pennzoil. Also in the Pennzoil booth, viewers can catch the Formula DRIFT vehicle “Fiorella,” a Ferrari, built by FFF Drifting Department driven by legendary Italian driver, Federico Sceriffo. Interviews with the drivers are available upon request.
Shell to Showcase Latest Technology in Pennzoil SEMA Show Booth
With more than 14,000 of its scientists and engineers around the world focused on pioneering the latest technology, Shell invites Showgoers to take an extended look into its newest innovations in technology and fuels/lubricants portfolio offerings at the SEMA Show in the Pennzoil Booth #81059 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Plaza.
Get up close and personal with projects, including:
- Dual Fuel Vehicles
The Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Raptor is the fourth generation of Dual Fuel Vehicles. The Shell technical team spent hundreds of hours modifying the engine and fuel system to run on two different fuels simultaneously.
- INDYCAR Going Carbon Neutral:
The “Yellow Submarine” will be in the Pennzoil booth for visitors to see the INDYCAR in person. For decades, Pennzoil and Shell have powered and protected the Yellow Submarine with Team Penske drivers leading to historic victories at the Indianapolis 500.
The “Yellow Submarine” will be in the Pennzoil booth for visitors to see the INDYCAR in person. For decades, Pennzoil and Shell have powered and protected the Yellow Submarine with Team Penske drivers leading to historic victories at the Indianapolis 500.
Beyond the “Yellow Submarine”, Pennzoil and Shell have deep roots with the INDYCAR Series with Pennzoil becoming the official motor oil in 2021, and beginning in 2023, Shell will produce a new race fuel for the NTT INDYCAR Series as the series’ official fuel. The 100% renewable race fuel consists of a blend of second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels, to create a fuel that is 100% “renewable” under the applicable regulatory frameworks. The fuel developed by Shell is set to make the NTT INDYCAR Series the first United States-based motorsports series to power racing with 100% renewable race fuel.
- Shell Hydrogen:
The Shell scientists will be able to speak to the growing partnership between Toyota and Shell Hydrogen with the Toyota Hydrogen Hyperion at the booth. Hyperion is a technology company focused on hydrogen-based power and delivery. Based in Orange, California, Hyperion delivers cutting edge space technology, pioneered by NASA, to the world.
- Work with the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition:
Pennzoil is working with the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC) to tackle the recycling of plastic containers. The goal of this coalition is to establish a market-sustaining program in the United States. Pennzoil is taking a leadership role in the effort through product design, sourcing and delivery as part of a circular economy. They are currently piloting a program together in Atlanta. The recycling pilot is a one-year project involving over 40 locations in Atlanta and aims to assess and measure the economic and market drivers for post-consumer recovery and recycling and more.
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