When it comes to the racing and performance category, there’s perhaps no better glimpse into the market’s top trends than the annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis. Billed as the three biggest business days in motorsports, the 2022 Show roared back to the Indiana Convention Center this past December 8–10, its aisles bustling with exhibitors and attendees eager to gain a competitive edge in 2023. For readers who may have missed the event, the following are some key PRI Trade Show takeaways.
Three-time Super Bowl champion and serial record-breaker Emmitt Smith recently reentered the competitive world, albeit in a different category and capacity. He partnered with an old college friend who manages an up-and-coming driver in the NASCAR circuit. Jesse Iwuji Motorsports—the organization’s most recently formed team—runs the number 34 Chevrolet Camaro in the Xfinity series.
Motorsports Manufacturers and Journalists Meet Face to Face
chads
Mon, 05/01/2023 - 22:17
The 2023 SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) wrapped up another successful Media Trade Conference (MTC) earlier this year at Anaheim’s Embassy Suites hotel in Southern California. Running January 23–26, the event marked the first in-person MTC gathering since the pandemic. And thanks to positive surveys showing the success of its revamped format, plans are already underway for an even more robust event in 2024.
Battle of the Builders 2022
chads
Wed, 03/01/2023 - 17:02
Custom car builders hailing from all parts of North America entered SEMA’s Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polishes competition for 2022. Legendary industry veterans competed with ambitious first-timers looking to establish themselves in the marketplace. For 2022, the event was modified with the unveiling of new, revised categories to reflect changes in the customization space, and to provide additional opportunities to different vehicle classes. The newly revised categories are: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck; Four-Wheel Drive/Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury and Exotic; and Young Guns, which is now open to builders up to 29 years of age. (Previously, the age limit was 27.)
Although vehicle electrification grabs major headlines these days, SEMA has kept an eye on the emerging phenomenon for some time now. After all, the specialty-equipment industry thrives on innovation and new platforms for performance and appearance modifications—and electric vehicles (EVs) are no exception.
Since its inauguration in 2013, SEMA Launch Pad has been the specialty-equipment industry's ultimate competition for aspiring and established entrepreneurs to introduce their products to a worldwide audience.
One of the annual SEMA Show’s many distinctions is its weeklong display of greatness. From new products and innovations to the groundbreaking people driving the specialty aftermarket to new heights, the SEMA Show reflects the industry’s reach for excellence. Perhaps that’s the reason the Show’s award ceremonies resonate so deeply with thousands of Show participants.
Mike and Jim Ring of Spring Green, Wisconsin, garnered top honors at the ninth annual SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polishes competition at the 2022 SEMA Show, held November 1–4 in Las Vegas. The announcement was made at the start of SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the builders and showcase products from the trade-only Show.
It was the culmination of a hectic 90-day build schedule that engaged more than 100 volunteer wrenches ranging in experience from novice to expert. It took the combined efforts of dozens of aftermarket companies and installation facilities, and it took place across two time zones. In the end, however, the build was a smashing success. The SEMA Businesswomens’ Network (SBN) All-Female Build project, a Ford Bronco four-door Wildtrak, made its debut at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas last November before a crowd of hundreds of industry and media professionals.
Among the highlights of the 2022 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet was the announcement of a bold five-year vision to expand the SEMA Show into an “all-city” Las Vegas experience. Officially called SEMA Week, the plan seeks to develop the world’s most passionate and exciting automotive event for both industry businesses and vehicle enthusiasts. SEMA Week will kick off this November 2023 with multiple new concepts, activities and events continuing to be phased in over the five-year roll-out period.