Industry

SEMA Launch Pad Announces Top Five Finalists

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.28.22) – Five standout innovators have been selected from nearly 100 competitors to advance in the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad Competition.

Dustin Golat, co-owner of GolaTTaylor Tools; Jacob Hawksworth, CEO of Hypercraft; Susan Pieper, founder and CEO of DMOS Collective Inc.; Kevin Robinson, president of TRAC LLC; and Frank Terlep, co-founder and CEO of Auto Techcelerators LLC are headed to the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., this November, where they will pitch their ideas for a chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000.

Since 2013, SEMA Launch Pad has served as the ultimate product-pitching competition for the automotive aftermarket. In addition to vying for a prize package that includes space at the world-renowned SEMA Show and promotion on national television, competitors build connections and receive support from established experts who serve as judges and mentors in the program.

From left, Frank Terlep (Auto Techcelerators), Kevin Robinson (TRAC), Jacob Hawksworth (Hypercraft), Dustin Golat (GolaTTaylor Tools), and Susan Pieper (DMOS Collective) are the Top 5 finalists in the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad Competition. They are headed to the 2022 SEMA Show, where they will pitch their ideas for a chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000.

The four returning judges are Chip Foose, award-winning vehicle builder and artist best known from the TV hit series Overhaulin’; Jared Hare, an innovator and entrepreneur who founded Addictive Desert Designs in 2007 and has grown the company into one of the leading off-road brands; Myles Kovacs, a trendsetter who founded DUB Magazine and launched TIS Wheels; and Alex Parker, industry advocate and CMO of the 2020 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Winner Redline Detection.

“This year’s SEMA Launch Pad competitors were amongst the best that we’ve ever seen,” said Kovacs, who is acting as a Launch Pad judge for the third time this year. “I’m constantly amazed at the ingenuity, passion, and drive we see from competitors. It’s going to be difficult to select just one winner from the group.”

The Top 15 semifinalists will have their products displayed in a special Launch Pad Corral at the 2022 SEMA Show (in Central Hall, booth 22970). A must-see feature, the Launch Pad Corral gives competitors an exclusive opportunity to educate Showgoers on their cutting-edge inventions through up-close interactive demonstrations or product displays. Competitors also get an opportunity to increase brand awareness by reaching thousands of potential buyers and business partners from all over the world while attendees learn of new innovations that could benefit their business and customers.

The Top 5 finalists, who will get put in the hot seat by the judges and go before a live audience at the SEMA Show as they dive deeper into their business and marketing activities, are:

Dustin Golat, GolaTTaylor Tools
Thread Wizard: Tool engineered to remove all grime, dirt, surface rust, and fouling from a bolt in a fraction of the time when compared to traditional methods.

Jacob Hawksworth, Hypercraft
Hyper-Pack: Modular EV battery pack system that allows builders to easily configure a custom high-voltage battery system for their electric vehicle project.

Susan Pieper, DMOS Collective Inc.
Stealth and Delta Car Shovels: Premium indestructible advanced designed shovels that are easy to stow and mount on various vehicle racks and platforms.

Kevin Robinson, TRAC LLC
TRAC Tire Jack: Tool designed to make removing or installing a wheel/tire from a vehicle safer, simpler, and easier.

Frank Terlep, Auto Techcelerators LLC
Drive CoPilot Technology Platform: Technology platform designed to help properly perform, document, and invoice for ADAS safety system verification testing, dynamic calibrations, seat belt function tests, and more.

Two finalists will be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 2, and go on to pitch their products on stage at the newly revamped SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 3.

“Winning SEMA Launch Pad is truly an opportunity of a lifetime,” added Kovacs. “Not only does each competitor benefit from the experience, but we are able to shed light on the products and services that fill a gap in the industry and can inspire future inventors to do the same.”

To learn more about SEMA Launch Pad, visit www.sema.org/launchpad .

To attend the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet and see the Top 2 contenders battle it out to be crowned the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad champion, visit www.semashow.com/banquet.

Global Audio Marketing Welcomes Joseph Norton as Director of Technical Support

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MURRIETA, CA (09.27.22) – Joseph Norton is a veteran of the industry with 18 years in the field primarily as an installer. With a passion for audio that has only intensified over the years, he has dedicated the last few years to learning all things SQ and DSP related. Striving to find a good balance between high end SQ and the closet SPL junkie that lives in us all. He is extremely excited to now join the Musway family and call Global Audio Marketing home.

Global Audio Marketing President Andrew Bishara commented “We are thrilled to welcome Joseph to the growing Musway family. With his extensive background in DSP tuning, installation and troubleshooting, Joseph will be of great technical and training assistance for our Musway retailers, rep Firms and consumers.”

October 3rd is Josephs starting date with Global Audio Marketing.

Welcome to the Musway family Joseph!

Visit www.muswayusa.com for more.

PowerBass Shipping New 2 OHM NISSAN Direct Fit Component & Coaxial

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ONTARIO, CA (09.27.22) – Making any stock factory sound system sound fantastic is now a simple task with our OEM drop in replacement speakers for many Nissan and Infinity cars, trucks and SUV’s.

PowerBass OEM coaxials feature an Injection molded PP cone with a 1” silk dome tweeter, to deliver the music experience you have always wanted from your factory sound system.

The PowerBass OE-NS series 6.5″ components features multiple year tweeter adaptor harnesses as well as a tweeter adaptor plate allowing for multiple year fitment with only one kit!

With the PowerBass OE Series there is no need to drill holes, or cut wires thanks to our simple plug and play design that matches the factory bolt locations and plug styles for one of the fastest upgrades ever.

2 OHM IMPEDANCE
Upgraded PREMIUM OEM Replacement Speakers
OE65C-NS2 – 2Ω 60 Watts RMS/120 Watts Max
OE652-NS2 – 2Ω 60 Watts RMS/120 Watts Max
Injection Molded PP Cone
Nylon OEM Speaker Adapter
1” Silk Dome Tweeter
Factory Plug and Play Wiring Harnesses
Tweeter Adaptor Plates

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

Shiflet & Dickson and Dealers Connect with Maximum Power Amp Kits

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GASTONIA, NC (09.26.22) – Shiflet & Dickson is connecting with 12volt retailers with the new line of Maximum Power amp kits.

The Maximum Power Amp Kit line consists of 3 models.
On the backside of each product box there is a list of all the necessary installation parts supplied.

David Holland, GM/VP related, “Dealers are seeing the value with our new line of Maximum Power amp kits. Each of the kits uses OFC/TINNED copper to enable these kits to used in automotive, Power Sports, marine and motorcycle applications. For 12volt systems to perform to their MAX using top quality wiring kits is critical. OFC Copper ensures maximum amplifier power is delivered for top system performance. The Maximum Power kits were designed and manufactured to perform in all environments.”

David Holland, with the 0 AWG Kit, offered from the Shiflet HQ “Our Maximum Power amp kits are priced right and we have inventory.”

Each of the Maximum Power amp kits include 3 feet of ground wire and 17 feet of power wire with all the accessories needed by installation techs to get the job done.

Holland concluded, “The Maximum Power Amp Kits are priced right. Shiflet & Dickson developed the Maximum Power amp kits line and dealers that received early orders have been very pleased with the price and quality of this new line. Dealers also like we have the Maximum Power amp kits in stock.”

For more, contact your Shiflet & Dickson sales person at 800-222-9411.

Automotive Celebrities to Join Apollo Sprayers SEMA Show Booth

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.26.22) – Apollo Sprayers recently announced it will host two celebrities in the company’s SEMA Show booth (#33209 South Hall): John Burgess of reality TV show “Texas Metal,” and Brandon “Gooch” McCoy of Gooch Customs.

John Burgess

“Our entire team at Apollo is beyond excited to have a celebrities of John and Gooch’s caliber in our booth to talk shop and sign autographs for those in attendance,” stated John Darroch, president and CEO.

Brandon “Gooch” McCoy

Burgess was born and raised on the north side of Houston, and has built a reputation as a leader within the custom upholstery industry. John has more than 30 years of experience in the custom automotive industry and now highlights his talent as the main custom interior personality on “Texas Metal.”

McCoy of Gooch Customs has been one of the leading freehand pinstripers and custom painters in the game since 2005. With numerous wins from the custom car and motorcycle show circuits, along with publications such as Street Trucks, Trucking and All Time Low, McCoy relies on his experience and steady hand to help create one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Visit semashow.com for more.

MTX Audio at the 2022 Sand Sport Super Show

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COSTA MESA, CA (09.23.22) – MTX Audio offers a wide selection for products for the Powersports market. The West Coast’s annual Sand Sports Super Show, at the Orange Country Fair and Event Center, was an excellent venue for MTX Audio to connect with thousands of sand and Powersports enthusiasts.

The MTX Audio area included several SXS demos, products stacked under a large canopy and large trailer. The setup adjacent to Polaris brought much event traffic to the MTX area.

The MTX Audio Team members on site included Jason Fickas, Jason Planck, Steve Abdelahad and Ceasar Olaes. The MTX area was massive with multiple vehicles on site and all outfitted with the latest audio gear MTX offers. Attendees had a chance to experience live demos on the hottest vehicle specific audio kits plus get sales and technical info from team members. MTX was located adjacent to the Polaris setup which was a great traffic draw.

The MTX Audio crew pictured in the center of the booth area included Jason Planck, Steven Abdelahad, Ceasar Olaes and Jason Fickas (L to R).

Jason Fickas related “In terms of the Sand Show it’s one of the few events we attended this year that had significant growth in both consumer and vendor participation. I’m not able to make it to most events but this one is a priority for me because of the opportunity to learn first-hand what various consumers want and expect. It’s also a venue to observe where the industry is headed and of course what other manufacturers are focused on product wise.”

This loaded SXS was one of several demos set for attendees to experience and crank it up.

Concluding Fickas offered “Along with a substantial increase in show sales over last year’s show, it’s always nice to catch up with industry friends and perhaps find some new ventures as well.”

MTX 12volt Regional Sales Manager Ceasar Olaes supplied great images for this article.

Visit mtxaudio.com for more.

TMI Products to Award One-of-a-Kind Builds

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.23.22) – At the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, TMI Products will recognize the builders who have created one-of-a-kind vehicles with the TRIM Awards, which were created to recognize the forethought it takes to not only create a finely crafted custom vehicle, but also incorporate the interior into that design. Since the TRIM Awards will be presented live at the SEMA Show, only the most detailed and creative interior installs will be considered.

Each individual category winner will receive a $500 voucher and the Best of Show Champion will receive a certificate for a complete interior for their next build ($8,000 value) that can be used to purchase TMI interior products.

A panel of insiders from the aftermarket industry, including the TRIM Awards host, will present the awards. They include Kevin Oeste of V8 Speed & Resto Shop and voice of the 2022 SEMA Show; Sean Holman, content director of the Truck and Off-Road Group at Motor Trend and co-host of “The Truck Show” podcast; Sara Morosan, 2021 SEMA Person of the Year, multi Ford Design award winner and co owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports; Theresa Contreras, PPG brand ambassador, multi Ford Design award winner and co-owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports; and Marcel Venable and Jason Mulligan, co-owners of Auto Revolution on Amazon Prime.

TRIM Awards categories include:

Best Car
Best Truck
Best SUV or Wagon
Best Full Interior
Most Creative
Best Color-Matching
Best Custom Car Interior
Best Custom Truck Interior
Fan Favorite (chosen on social media)
Best of Show Champion
All contestants must have a vehicle on display at the 2022 SEMA Show. The awards will be presented on stage in the TMI booth #24477, located in the Central Hall, Wednesday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. Contestants must be present during the awards ceremony.

Visit tmiproducts.com and semashow.com for more.

SEMA Show Education Enthusiast Track Kicks Off with NFL Legend Emmitt Smith

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.22.22) – Emmitt Smith, the NFL legendary running back who became a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner last summer, will headline the 2022 SEMA Show Educational Program’s Friday Enthusiast Track. The new seven-session series will feature celebrities and iconic personalities as they share personal stories that will inspire and entertain Showgoers.

Smith, who will be joined on the Paradise Event Center stage by television personality Chris Jacobs from the hit show Overhaulin’ on Friday, November 4, at 8:00 am, will discuss career opportunities in motorsports and the importance of paying it forward. His race team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and seeks to break down barriers in motorsports.

NFL Legend Emmitt Smith will headline the new 2022 SEMA Show Educational Program Friday Enthusiast Track. He will discuss career opportunities in motorsports and his race team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports.

“Through Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, we want to bring awareness to the many opportunities available in motorsports,” said Smith. “We want to inspire and educate people of all walks of life to work hard and pursue their dreams.”

SEMA Showgoers will hear from Smith about what motivated him to partner with Iwuji as a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner and how they are supporting minorities, youth, and the service member community.

The SEMA Education Enthusiast Track will continue with sessions throughout the day on how to secure sponsors for project vehicles, protecting the right to modify, land-use sustainability, and more. The Enthusiast Track is open at no cost to all credentialed SEMA Showgoers, including top enthusiasts who are SEMA Individual Members attending through the SEMA Ignited Friday Experience.

“We’re excited about the Friday Enthusiast Track; it is the first time the SEMA Show Education Program has dedicated a series of seminars to appeal specifically to enthusiasts,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA Education Director. “Given that this is such a passion-driven industry filled with professionals who love their jobs, the Enthusiast Track will be especially entertaining and engaging. Attendees will leave with practical information that speaks to this passion.”

For details about the SEMA Show Education Program and a complete schedule of seminars available, visit www.semashow.com.

Nakamichi Readies for SEMA Show

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MIAMI, FL (09.22.22) – Nakamichi Car Audio has announced plans to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show November 1-4 in Las Vegas, NV. This will be the companies third SEMA Show appearance since re-entering the market in 2019.

Nakamichi will use the international backdrop of the SEMA Show to unveil its new Susumu menu featuring a redesigned layout that is more intuitive and more responsive than previous models—further demonstrating Nakamichi’s commitment to Japanese innovation.

The highlight of the new 20’ x 20’ booth will be its release of the NA3625 platform touting Nakamichi’s “wireless evolution”, the companies next step in CarPlay / Android Auto technology. “We are very excited about SEMA and the release of our new wireless CarPlay products”, exclaimed Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi.

Nakamichi encourages all current and prospective dealers to contact their local sales rep to make an appointment or email Robin McNealrobin@usa-nakamichi.com

Nakamichi Car Audio can be found at booth 11517 North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center duing the SEMA Show.

Visit nakamichi-usa.com and semashow.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Adds to Top Performing Category at 2022 SEMA Show

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METAIRIE, LA (09.21.22) – Oracle Lighting has launched three new tail light modes in their popular “Flush” style design. The new LED tail light models include the Ford Super Duty Trucks (model years 2017-2022), the new Ford Bronco (model years 2021+), and for the Jeep Wrangler JK (model years 2007-2018). These new models with make their debut at the 2022 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. from Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The debut will take place in the SEMA new product showcase and at Oracle’s booth # 20137 in the Central Hall.

“Oracle’s flush taillights have become very popular in the Jeep market and have become a top performing category for us,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting’s director of development. “We are looking forward to introducing these new and innovative models of LED tail light designs and expand our offerings for the Wrangler and introduce these designs to the Ford Super Duty and Bronco markets.”

Protruding out significantly less than the factory tail lights, Oracle Lighting’s low-profile designs have a more streamlined appearance while also reducing risk of tail light damage when off-roading. These flush tail lights also feature a unique design and functional LED lighting elements including high-powered reverse lights, Oracle’s unique signature perimeter lighting, and an animated turn signal sequence.

Utilizing the same features as Oracle’s very popular JL flush tail lights, the new design for Jeep Wrangler JK (Part# 5891-504) is compatible with all JK model years 2007-2018 has an MSRP of $369.95

The new Ford Bronco is one of the most popular vehicles on the road and Oracle’s Flush Tail Lights (Part# 5892-504) are a big improvement. These are compatible with both the with factory halogen tail lights and with LED tail lights (will require ForScan flash) for all Broncos model years 2021-2023 (except Raptor) and have a MSRP of $449.95

The innovative modular design of Oracle’s LED tail lights for the Ford Super Duty (Part# 5896-504) features a unique animated turn signal sequence and adapters to fit both Halogen and LED model tail lights. Compatible with F250, F350, and F450 model years 2017-2022 and have an anticipated MSRP of $495.95.

Designed and engineered in the USA, all three models of these patent-pending LED tail lights feature easy plug-and-play wiring and user-friendly installation.

“The new modular design for Ford Super Duty Trucks allows the light to be quickly disassembled for custom painting,” Hartenstein continued. “The reverse light module and stop/tail/turn module can be easily removed from the black housing which can then be painted to match the body color of the vehicle to provide a more customized appearance which more seamlessly blends with the truck. No more problems backing up at night and no longer do you need to install additional reversing lamps onto the back of your truck to get the brightness that you desire. That’s because these LED reverse lights are basically a pair of LED light bars mounted into the tail light which will provide over 4,400 Lumens of rear-facing illumination.”

Damaging factory tail lights on trails is not an uncommon issue for owners who often off-road their Broncos and Wranglers. The factory design protrudes out several inches past the body which creates unnecessary exposure to trees, boulders, and other obstacles on tight trails.

“Even if you don’t off-road your Bronco or Wrangler JK often, these lights provide plenty of innovative features and unique styling, which make them an awesome mod for any Bronco or Jeep owner,” said Hartenstein. “Gain sleek styling that compliments the original body lines and tons of innovative features. With the superior quality and durability that Oracle Lighting is known for, these tail lights are the perfect upgrade for your Bronco and Wrangler JK.”

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.