ECU tuners, exhaust wrap and in-car video recorders were among the new performance racing products most popular with buyers at the 2008 SEMA Show. SEMA used a new digital tracking method at the 2008 New Products Showcase, allowing buyers to scan product barcodes and receive product details via printout or e-mail.
Who was doing all that scanning? More than 9,400 were retailers, followed by warehouse distributors (3,900), repair/service/installers (3,900) and builders/fabricators (3,500).
There were slightly more than 170 new products entered in the Best New Performance Racing Product category. The following are the top 10 of most interest to buyers.
1: ChaseCam Auto-Record
Using motion-sensing recording, the ChaseCam Auto-Record feature can record an entire weekend of racing or track days without pushing a single button. 
2: ChaseCam HD
A high-definition solid state video recorder with the ChaseCam motion-sensing Auto-Record 
3: Edge Products Evolution CTS
Digital full-color touch-screen programmer/monitor includes video-in jack to support a backup camera. MileageCoach software helps optimize fuel economy. 
4: Heatshield Products [www.heatshieldproducts.com] Lava Wrap
Exhaust wrap with trick carbon-fiber look reportedly offers improved durability, is 25% stronger than fiberglass and withstands 1,200F continuous exposure. 
5: Edge Products Evolution CS
Full-color digital in-cab controller and display. Also offers MileageCoach to improve fuel economy.
6: PPE Xcelerator 2001 to 2009
Xcelerator engine computer programmers for 2001-2009 Dodge, Ford, GM diesel trucks reportedly offer increased fuel economy, horsepower and torque. 
7: Auto Meter Elite Series Instruments
ESI products feature new digital circuitry, pro control outputs, multi-colored LED illumination, full-face red alert warning and data logger outputs.
8: Wilwood Disc Brakes Compact Combination Master Cylinder Kit
Ultra-compact aluminum short-body for remote or direct-mount installations. Available in six bores for competition racing and aftermarket applications. 
9: HP Tuners VCM Suite for Dodge/Ford/GM
Fuel-injection tuning software package with a single piece of hardware that allows for laptop editing of Dodge/Ford/GM PCMs and TCMs. 
10: Samco Xtra-Flex
According to SamcoSport, more than 30 percent more flexible than other brands with a smooth-wipe clean outer.