By SEMA News Editors
Vic Edelbrock Sr. and Jr. Among Automotive Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Inductees
Officials have announced the Automotive Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees will be honored during the induction and awards ceremony on Thursday, September 19, in Detroit. Induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame is reserved for noteworthy individuals whose efforts helped shape the automotive and mobility marketplace.
The Automotive Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees are Bill Ford, Dr. Betsy Ancker-Johnson, John James Sr., Wendell Scott, Vivek Sehgal and Vic Edelbrock Sr. and Vic Edelbrock Jr. of Edelbrock Performance.
"Once again, this year's class of inductees highlights the breadth of contributions individuals have had on this industry and all that it influences," said Sarah Cook, president of the Automotive Hall of Fame. "This diverse group of trailblazing innovators and leaders have played a critical role in shaping our industry, and we couldn't be more pleased to recognize their achievements and welcome them into the Hall of Fame."
For inductee biographies, see below. For more information, visit automotivehalloffame.org.
- Bill Ford: Bill Ford has played a pivotal role in advancing the industry while positioning an iconic, global, 120-year-old family company for the future. Since becoming executive chair 25 years ago, he has led Ford Motor Company through periods of change and uncertainty with a values-driven approach that demonstrates corporate responsibility and success can go hand in hand. He was an early and influential advocate for sustainability and environmental responsibility, a driving force behind mobility innovation, and continues to be a champion for the revitalization of the Motor City.
- Dr. Betsy Ancker-Johnson: Johnson broke barriers as the first woman VP in the automotive industry, hired in 1979 at General Motors. She oversaw two of the industry's most controversial areas at the time--environmental compliance and vehicle safety. Johnson was an acclaimed plasma physicist known for her research, numerous patents and impact on automotive environmental and safety issues.
- Vic Edelbrock Sr. and Vic Edelbrock Jr.: Vic Edelbrock Sr.'s pioneering spirit and innovative engineering defined the aftermarket sector, introducing high-performance components that revolutionized vehicle performance. Vic Edelbrock Jr.'s seamless continuation of this legacy, coupled with his commitment to quality, innovation and global expansion, solidified the Edelbrock name as an enduring symbol of excellence, earning them both a place among the industry's most esteemed leaders.
- John A. James: James opened the commercial trucking industry to minorities who had previously been excluded. After court battles and relentless advocacy, James was the first African American given the ability to transport goods within Michigan and across state lines. Today, The James Group is an award-winning logistics and automotive services leader.
- Wendell Scott: As the first African American team owner and driver to win in the Grand National Series of NASCAR (now Cup Series) race, Scott's triumph shattered racial barriers and opened doors for greater diversity in racing. His legacy of perseverance, innovative mechanical skills and pioneering spirit serves as an inspiration to future generations and underscores his significant role in shaping the narrative of inclusion and progress within the automotive world.
- Vivek Sehgal: Vivek Chaand Sehgal and his mother founded Motherson company in 1975; first in trading and graduating into manufacturing. Motherson focused on earning the trust of all stakeholders, learning operational excellence and sustainable practices, and creating value for all. By earning trust with its customers as a committed solutions provider, Motherson evolved from one country, one facility, one product to a global, diversified Tier 1 supplier. Today, with over 200,000 people, it supports the world's major OEMs via 350 facilities across 42 countries with thousands of parts across business verticals, while maintaining its core principles
Quad Lock Unites F1 Star Oscar Piastri and MotoGP Rookie Pedro Acosta in Karting Showdown
Quad Lock, a smartphone and action camera mounting solutions provider, recently hosted a karting showdown between Formula 1 star Oscar Piastri and MotoGP rookie Pedro Acosta.
Held at the Brignoles Karting circuit in France, the event saw Piastri mentor Acosta, who had never driven a kart before, as he tried to set a competitive lap time in a six-speed 125cc KZ2 shifter kart. The company used a variety of Quad Lock mounting solutions to document on-track action.
Click here to watch the full video on YouTube.
SKF Group Appoints Olaf Henning as General Manager, Head of Global Automotive Aftermarket
SKF Group, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, has appointed Olaf Henning as general manager and head of global automotive aftermarket, effective mid-November. Henning succeeds Philipp Herlein, who has been named managing director of the global SKF lubrication and MPT division.
Henning previously served as the executive vice president of MAHLE Group, where he was responsible for the strategic and operational management of the company's aftermarket business unit and global logistics. He also previously held positions at Michelin and Bosch.
For more information, visit skf.com.
ORACLE Lighting Acquires Trigger Control Systems
ORACLE Lighting, the New Orleans-based provider of automotive lighting solutions, has acquired Trigger Control Systems, a manufacturer of wireless control systems for vehicle lighting and accessories and 12V-power distribution systems.
The acquisition empowers ORACLE Lighting to explore new product combinations and enhancements by integrating Trigger Controllers technology and expertise, and expand its market presence, the company said in a statement announcing the acquisition.
Trigger’s product range of auxiliary controllers, along with vehicle-specific mounting brackets and adapters, is compatible with a variety of popular vehicles, including Jeeps, trucks and SUVs, as well as marine and RV applications.
For more information, visit oraclelights.com.