By SEMA News Editors

BluePrint Engines

GM Small-Block Compatible 327ci Performance Crate Engines

BluePrint Engines has launched a new range of GM small-block compatible 327ci performance crate engines. Features include 350 hp, polished aluminum ribbed valve covers and air cleaner, steel crank and rods, hydraulic roller cam and more.

blueprintengines.com.

American Powertrain

ProFit HD 4WD Kits for Dodge Ram 1500 5-Speed

The TREMEC transmission distributor has introduced a new ProFit HD 4WD Kit for '93-'01 Dodge Ram 1500 five-speed trucks featuring a 600 lb/ft of torque capacity TR-4050 TREMEC transmission. The kit is a direct-replacement transmission for the factory Dodge five-speed NV3500. Equipped with a 6.16-in. first gear and .76-in. fifth gear, the kit allows for low-RPM cruising, higher torque capacity and improved and fuel-efficient highway driving.

americanpowertrain.com.
 

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Fuel injection characteristics strongly impact emissions, efficiency and power for all types of engines. This is most pronounced in diesel engines since combustion is coupled with the spray, but is also significant in spark-ignited engines using both liquid or gaseous fuels. In all cases, the most significant pathway to this impact is through fuel-air mixture effects.

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. EDT, the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a new webinar "Visualizing Fuel Injection Spray Characteristics that Impact Engine Efficiency, Emissions and Performance," that will be led by Dr. Paul Puzinauskas and Dr. Joshua Brittle, both associate professors at the University of Alabama. This live session will help attendees gain an understanding of state-of-the-art experimental injection characterization techniques and how their output can be used to optimize injection design and operational properties.

As emissions restrictions tighten and the need to validate changes to aftermarket products prior to sale increases, the methods highlighted in this session can be useful for providing guidance without the need for full prototyping of an engine with new injection hardware for both diesel and gasoline applications. The presentation will cover multiple optical techniques used at the University of Alabama to document and quantify liquid spray penetration, liquid-to-vapor evaporation, and fuel vapor-air mixing, as well as ignition and sooting behavior of diesel sprays. By understanding these characteristics, attendees can gain insight into optimization efforts of injector design and placement, as well as injection operational parameters such as injection pressure and timing.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Katlin Weber, purchasing manager and site leader at T Sportline, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Weber was nominated for a spotlight feature by her colleague, Brian Reese. Get to know Weber through Reese's interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How has Weber contributed to the company? 

BR: Katlin is our senior leader at the Downey, California, location. She makes the business run and has a very strong sense of the business, what needs to happen, how to make good decisions and how to coach the team.  

SN: How has Weber shown leadership in the industry or business? 

BR: Katlin leads the team in Downey. She was elevated to site manager when one of our partners moved to Texas, and the team welcomed Katlin as the leader. 

SN: Tell us a success story that you can share about Weber. 

BR: Katlin has proven to be a jack of all trades. While she manages purchasing, she's an executive thinker who is comfortable figuring out any challenge. 

SN: How many years has Weber been in the industry? 

BR: Three to five years.  

SN: What quality do you admire most about Weber and why? 

BR: Katlin tackles all challenges with a smile. Our company is growing fast and faces chaos and change daily. Katlin is smart enough to figure out how to make things work, and smile while doing it. 

SN: Why do you think Weber is a role model in the industry? 

BR: Katlin is a strong and talented woman. She is capable of thinking and making decisions in the best interest of the company, which is why she has our trust. 

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 News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish, the industry's premier vehicle competition, will feature an expanded Young Guns program this year that will provide the Top 10 finalists in the class the opportunity to experience showcasing their builds on-stage. (Want to enter your build? Visit semabattleofthebuilders.com).

Prior to this year, industry experts serving as judges would determine the Top 10 and Top 3 finalists in each class, including Young Guns. Now, after the Top 10 Young Guns finalists are named, each will showcase their vehicle on-stage, and the finalists will vote to select the Top 3 builds that will advance to the final round of judging with finalists from the other Battle of the Builder categories.

"We're continually looking for ways to support young talent and foster the future growth of the automotive aftermarket industry," SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera. "By expanding the Battle of the Builders competition format to provide Young Guns competitors their own on-stage judging round, we will shine a light on more of these young customizers."

The Young Guns category, open to builders 29 years and younger at the time of the SEMA Show, was introduced in 2016 to bring national exposure to up-and-coming builders in the industry. Additionally, beginning September 7-8 and continuing throughout the month, Young Guns competitors can be selected by the judges to participate in one or more virtual Golden Ticket events for the chance to win a prize package that includes transportation of their build to the SEMA Show along with travel and hotel accommodations.

Now in its 11th year, SEMA Battle of the Builders provides an international platform for SEMA Show builders to showcase their ingenuity. The competition recognizes class champions in four categories--Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns--and one of these four is crowned the overall Battle of the Builders champion.

Judges review all qualifying applications, including vehicle descriptions and photos, before walking the SEMA Show floor to review builds in person and selecting the Top 10 finalists in each category. The finalists are then narrowed down to the Top 3 in each category, including the Top 3 Young Guns selected via the new competition format, and these 12 finalists become the judges and choose the winner from each category and the overall champion.

"The automotive aftermarket will unite at the SEMA Show to showcase the hottest parts and latest technology, making it the perfect venue to highlight these amazing builds and emerging talent within the industry," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "The Battle of the Builders program is another example of how the SEMA Show enables attendees to stay at the forefront of recent trends shaping the aftermarket and create industry connections that will set them up for future success."

The 2024 SEMA Show, taking place November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business connections, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers and their businesses to the next level. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering now and taking advantage of housing and travel discounts. Registration is $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. To learn more or to register to attend the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders and the Young Guns program, visit semabattleofthebuilders.com.

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.