By SEMA News Editors

Tickets to the second annual SEMA Fest--Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Show campus in Las Vegas--are available at SEMAFest.com. If you've been waiting to purchase your tickets to the amazing event, now is the time to act. You won't want to miss Cage the Elephant, SUBLIME, Fitz And The Tantrums, and Petey all performing live on the SEMA Show campus.

Whether going for the live music, custom rides, thrilling motorsports action or an unforgettable atmosphere, SEMA Fest is the event of the year for automotive enthusiasts and music fans. Buy your tickets now and save at SEMAFest.com.

Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not get you into the SEMA Fest concerts; a SEMA Fest concert ticket must be purchased.

Guests are encouraged to secure their hotel stay for SEMA Fest as soon as possible through OnPeak, SEMA Fest's only official housing provider. View available hotels here and select your preferred stay dates! 

Keep an eye on SEMA News for headliner spotlights and more details--including motorsports activations!--on this one-of-a-kind event. For more details and tickets, visit SEMAFest.com.

 

 

 

 

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By SEMA News Editors

During the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas Convention Center, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will welcome the Rivian Research, Engineering, Service and Collision teams to the SEMA Collision Repair Stage to present on the process an automaker undertakes to research, develop, validate and publish new repair procedures. (Still need to register for SEMA? Visit semashow.com/register.)

The OEM Summit Session I: Value of OEM repair information will be the first of three OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit sessions starting at 12:30 p.m. PST on Thursday, November 7, in the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of SEMA. SCRS' OEM Summit sessions offer attendees the opportunity to learn how vehicles, materials, technologies, and trends are evolving in ways that will impact repair processes and repair businesses.

Explore all available courses in the SCRS Repairer Driven Education (RDE) track.

The case study featured in this presentation will focus on the developmental life cycle of the front frame rail section concept. Through field data, it was determined that the front frame rail could incur damage even in low-speed impact and that the market would benefit from a safe and cost-effective alternative to a complete "skateboard" replacement.

Rivian embarked on an intensive validation process to develop and test solutions that would ensure the vehicle owner would receive a repair that met specific safety and performance aspects.

The session will be presented by David Sosa, manager of Collision Research & Development Workshop for Rivian; Dan Black, senior manager of Service Engineering - Collision for Rivian; and Kelly Logan, director of 3P Service and Collision Repair Programs for Rivian.

Audience members will gain a better understanding of how automakers prioritize procedure development and timing and how rigorous testing protocol can create greater efficiency in similar future procedure developments throughout the vehicle. The panel will give a unique overview of testing methodology, which, in many cases, mirrors the protocol used in the manufacturing process. It will depict the approval timeline with unique visual examples.

Participants will leave with a greater understanding of the consequences of improper repairs and the process to validate the outcome of misplaced welds, incorrect cut or section locations, and the effect on non-visible structural aspects of the vehicle.

"This session is really the epitome of what the OEM Summit was designed to accomplish for the industry," shared SCRS Chairman Amber Alley. "We've always worked hard to bring presenters and content that provides the repair industry with insight into leading-edge developments in repair. This team and the case study they have to share with the industry are testaments to the dedication and responsiveness OEMs have to real world demands, and the complexity that goes into developing the available information used to result in safe and proper repairs. I'm personally very excited to learn from this session and bring it home to my team."

The 2024 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit is currently made possible with additional support from AirPro Diagnostics, Car-O-Liner, CCC Intelligent Solutions, Enterprise Mobility, Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc., REVV ADAS, Toyota Motor North America and SEMA.

Visit scrs.com/rde to register for Repairer Driven Education sessions, or use the SEMA Map Your Show site to explore all available courses in the SCRS Repairer Driven Education (RDE) track.

Still need a 2024 SEMA Show badge? Attendee, buyer, and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open at semashow.com/register. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

For more information about SCRS or to join as a member, visit scrs.com, call 1-877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas Convention Center, are offering products, parts and services for builders working on vehicles set for display at the SEMA Show this year.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is updated frequently, and features product offers and contact information from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors looking to collaborate with builders. Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should connect with exhibitors directly using the provided contact information.

Note: All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder. Each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show must be supported by a current 2024 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show only. Exhibitors: to be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

Qualified builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2024 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. The Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used by exhibitors to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2024 SEMA Show. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to confirm the builder is affiliated with and working on a vehicle that will be on display at the SEMA Show. For more information about the list, contact Laura Pitts at projectvehicles@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Speedway Motors Continues Title Sponsorship of IMCA Super Nationals

Speedway Motors--the manufacturer, retailer and distributor of high-quality automotive parts and racing products--continues as title sponsor of the IMCA Super Nationals for the 44th consecutive year, which returns to Boone, Iowa, September 2-7.  

As one of the largest racing events on the series calendar, IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals attracts drivers and fans from across the country. The week-long racing extravaganza features a variety of divisions, including Modifieds, stock cars, hobby stocks, sport mods, sport compacts and Late Models. 

"Our roots are in racing. We are proud to continue to support IMCA and help customers in all nine IMCA divisions build their dreams while keeping racing safe, fun and affordable for many years to come," said Speedway Motors President and Owner Clay Smith said.

During the event, Speedway Motors plans to introduce its latest product, a metric frame explicitly built for IMCA racing. The new frames are IMCA-approved for stock car and Hobby Stock and come as front, rear or as the complete kit: 

• '78-'88 GM Metric Chassis Stock Car Frame 
• '78-88 GM Metric Chassis Hobby Stock Car Frame  

Visit the booth on the manufacturers' row at the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals for a sneak peek!

For more information, visit SpeedwayMotors.com.  

Parella Motorsports Holdings Acquires MotorsportReg, Motorsports Events Calendar

Parella Motorsports Holdings has announced the acquisition of MotorsportReg, the world's most extensive motorsports events calendar, according to published reports. Formally owned by Hagerty, MotorsportReg is now considered a wholly owned subsidiary of PMH, the owner and operator of seven major road racing series and events under the SpeedTour banner. 

"Parella Motorsports Holdings and MotorsportReg have a shared goal of bringing motorsports to more people--regardless of whether they are driving or spectating," said PMH CEO Tony Parella in a release. "Working together will accelerate the ability of MotorsportReg to develop and implement tools that make it easier for enthusiasts to enter and attend events."

MotorsportReg manages more than 500,000 registrations at 10,500 events organized by more than 1,700 automobile clubs, race tracks and sanctioning bodies. MotorsportReg users can expect "business as usual," said Parella.

For more information, visit motorsportreg.com.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com. 

By Ashley Reyes

This Monday, September 9, 2024, is the deadline for motorsports parts manufacturers to secure their participation in the 2025 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, the premier motorsports business event where companies can establish quality relationships with members of the media.

Taking place January 21-23, 2025, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive in Orlando, Florida, the Media Trade Conference provides manufacturers the opportunity to take part in more than 40 private, 30-minute meetings in which they can showcase their products and share their latest news with journalists, editors, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers. Relationships that are forged at the event result in content that is shared by media to their mass audiences year-round.

Participation is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) manufacturing companies whose membership is active at the time of the conference.

Sign up now to secure your spot for this influential event!

Questions can be directed to MPMC Director Marcy Yanus at marcy@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Tire Group International--one of the leaders in the distribution of premium-quality tires and tubes--has announced the acquisition of Avaun Tire Supply, a wholesale distributor based in Portland, Oregon. Avaun and TGI have been partners since Avaun was founded in 2016 by Sherko Rasouli and Freddie Capshaw, and this strategic move is part of TGI's ongoing expansion plans in key markets across the United States, according to the company.

In addition to overseeing TGI Portland, Rasouli will take on the added responsibility of driving sales of TGI's house brands, Cosmo Tires, Astro Tires and Duramas in the Western USA.

"We are thrilled to welcome Avaun to the TGI family," said Joaquin Gonzalez Jr., president of TGI. "This acquisition not only expands our footprint in the Pacific Northwest but also allows us to strengthen our house brands, Cosmo Tires, Astro Tyres and Duramas, under the capable leadership of Sherko Rasouli and Freddie Capshaw."

For more information, visit tiregroup.com.

Meyer Distributing Announces Plattsburgh, New York, Location

Meyer Distributing, Inc., the Indiana-based parts distributor, is opening a new crossdock in Plattsburgh, New York. The crossdock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Pennsylvania distribution hub, which houses an inventory of automotive accessories, crash and collision, 4x4 and off-road, and RV and trailer parts.

"Meyer is your source for automotive accessories in the Northeast," said Jeremy Schnaus, Meyer's automotive accessories sales manager. "Our experienced, customer-centric sales staff is ready to help take your business to the next level by increasing your profitability allow you to service your customers quicker."

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

New Hunter University Offers Comprehensive Online and In-Person Training

Hunter Engineering is introducing Hunter University, its new global learning platform designed for easily accessible training for customers, technicians, technical school instructors, students and any other interested parties.

The platform collects all of Hunter's extensive learning content in a single place, offering dozens of free online courses worldwide, as well as streamlined registration for hands-on, in-person classes at training centers around the United States.

"Given the industry's critical need, we recognize our responsibility to help train current and future technicians," said Hunter Field Development Director Tom Settle. "Hunter University makes it easy to select training in the way that suits each person best."

All existing content was updated and refreshed as part of the nine-month effort, often converting from PowerPoint presentations to shorter, easy-to-understand dynamic modules with narration and video. The online courses are generally presented in five-minute segments, so even a 10-module course could be completed in approximately one hour.

Additionally, the online courses are accessible internationally and available in 21 languages.

The new state-of-the-art platform provides a more individualized experience with personal profiles, unique learning paths, task tracking, and training history. Equipment certifications can be earned on a self-guided basis, while technical school instructors can download materials for use in their classes.

For more information, visit hunter.com/training.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Last month, SEMA and industry leaders testified at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearing in opposition to the agency granting the state of California a waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which seeks to ban the sale of medium- and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Watch highlights of testimony from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Rick Albertini, CEO of Phenix Enterprises, Inc.; and Ben Winter, vice chair of Transfer Flow, below:

If the EPA grants this waiver, California will be able to mandate the types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that companies must purchase, in addition to requiring many businesses to retire trucks that have only been in service for 13 years. The ACF would devalue companies' property, and businesses would pay higher prices to have their products delivered, with the costs of the new zero-emission trucks that the ACF regulation mandates being passed on to consumers and other businesses. 

Learn how SEMA is fighting for a technology-neutral automotive future by visiting sema.org/advocacy.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Last month, SEMA and industry leaders testified at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearing in opposition to the agency granting the state of California a waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which seeks to ban the sale of medium- and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Watch highlights of testimony from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Rick Albertini, CEO of Phenix Enterprises, Inc.; and Ben Winter, vice chair of Transfer Flow, below:

If the EPA grants this waiver, California will be able to mandate the types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that companies must purchase, in addition to requiring many businesses to retire trucks that have only been in service for 13 years. The ACF would devalue companies' property, and businesses would pay higher prices to have their products delivered, with the costs of the new zero-emission trucks that the ACF regulation mandates being passed on to consumers and other businesses. 

Learn how SEMA is fighting for a technology-neutral automotive future by visiting sema.org/advocacy.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Last month, SEMA and industry leaders testified at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearing in opposition to the agency granting the state of California a waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which seeks to ban the sale of medium- and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Watch highlights of testimony from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Rick Albertini, CEO of Phenix Enterprises, Inc.; and Ben Winter, vice chair of Transfer Flow, below:

If the EPA grants this waiver, California will be able to mandate the types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that companies must purchase, in addition to requiring many businesses to retire trucks that have only been in service for 13 years. The ACF would devalue companies' property, and businesses would pay higher prices to have their products delivered, with the costs of the new zero-emission trucks that the ACF regulation mandates being passed on to consumers and other businesses. 

Learn how SEMA is fighting for a technology-neutral automotive future by visiting sema.org/advocacy.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The California legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation (AB 52), introduced by Assembly Member Tim Grayson (D-Concord), which would provide businesses with a state tax credit equal to what they pay in local sales tax for qualified manufacturing equipment. The bill now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom for approval or veto.

SEMA members are encouraged to register for support for the bill here.

Manufacturing is a vital industry in California, accounting for more than 10% of the state’s GDP and employing nearly 8% of the state’s workforce. The automotive aftermarket alone employs nearly 150,000 people and contributes more than $40 billion to the state’s economy. Thirty-eight states already offer sales-tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment and R&D. By failing to do the same, California risks losing businesses to these states, which can provide a more attractive business environment. In addition, providing incentives for manufacturing and R&D can help the state attract new businesses and create jobs.

The bill’s progress to date shows the importance of SEMA’s champions in statehouses nationwide. Assembly Member Grayson is a SEMA State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member and was the 2019 winner of SEMA’s Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award. In addition to being a lawmaker, Assembly Member Grayson, along with his wife Tammy, is also an enthusiast, with two classic Ford Mustangs in their collection.

For more information, please get in touch with Christian Robinson, SEMA’s senior director for state government affairs and grassroots, at christianr@sema.org.