Compiled by SEMA Editors

In 2019, the NMRA Ford Nationals will feature a lineup of all-Ford championship and shootout drag-racing classes, car shows and special events.

2019 NMRA Ford Nationals Event Schedule

The NMRA Ford Nationals has announced the 2019 national event schedule:

February 28–March 3, 2019
25th Annual NMRA Spring Break Shootout
Bradenton Motorsports Park
Bradenton, Florida

April 4–7, 2019
11th Annual NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals
Atlanta Dragway
Commerce, Georgia

May 16–19, 2019
Inaugural NMRA Gateway Rumble
Gateway Motorsports Park
Madison, Illinois

June 27–30, 2019
19th Annual NMRA Ford Motorsport Nationals
Maple Grove Raceway
Mohnton, Pennsylvania

July 25–28, 2019
14th Annual NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing
Route 66 Raceway
Joliet, Illinois

September 26–29, 2019
21st Annual NMRA All-Ford World Finals
Beech Bend Raceway
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Top Fuel points leader Torrence has swept the first three races during Countdown to the Championship after his pass of 3.786-seconds at 325.92 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster defeated Terry McMillen’s 3.826 at 321.04 in the final round.

Torrence, Hight, Gray and Tonglet Victorious at AAA Texas NHRA Fallnationals

Steve Torrence piloted his dragster to the Top Fuel winners circle last Sunday afternoon to secure his first career victory at his hometown race, the AAA Texas NHRA Nationals at Texas Motorplex. Robert Hight (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the third of six playoff events during the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. Top Fuel points leader Torrence has swept the first three races during Countdown to the Championship after his pass of 3.786 seconds at 325.92 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster defeated Terry McMillen’s 3.826 at 321.04 in the final round. With the win, Torrence now has a 103-point lead over the category. Defending event and world champion Hight powered his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS to his second consecutive win with his pass of 3.955 at 325.69 to defeat J.R. Todd’s 3.984 at 319.52 in his DHL Toyota Camry. Hight has a 50-point lead over Todd after the win. Pro Stock’s Gray grabbed his second consecutive victory during the Countdown to the Championship with his pass of 6.622 at 207.62 in his Valvoline/Gray Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro to take down No. 1 qualifier Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the final round. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Tonglet earned his fourth victory of 2018 and 20th of his career with his run of 6.892 at 194.80 to team owner Jerry Savoie’s 6.907 at 193.88. The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues October 12–14 with the fourth race in the Countdown to the Championship, the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Formula DRIFT driver Chris Forsberg was inducted into the LA Sportswalk of Fame Monday, October 8.

Chris Forsberg Becomes First Formula DRIFT Driver Inducted Into LA Sportswalk of Fame

In a ceremony that took place Monday, October 8, in front of the Battleship Iowa in the Port of Los Angeles, Chris Forsberg was singled out for his success in the Formula DRIFT (FD) series over the past 15 years. The LA Sportswalk of Fame began in 1978 to honor the men and women who reach the top of their sports. For 2018, Forsberg was among 11 athletes selected for the award. He stood alongside NASCAR, IndyCar and off-road legend Robby Gordon, as well as 11-time Baja champion Johnny Campbell. Forseberg earned his place by virtue of being the most successful Formula DRIFT driver, with three championship titles earned in 2009, 2014 and 2016. He’s currently the second most successful in terms of round wins, with nine to his name, and has 36 podium places, which is more than any FD driver. He currently sits fourth in the 2018 FD Pro standings going into the final round this weekend.

At the wheel of his Holley EFI-powered Blackbird ’15 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, Geoff Turk knocked off defending series champion Scott Libersher in the final round.

Turk Clinches NMCA Holley EFI Factory Super Cars Championship With Another 7-Second Blast

Geoff Turk, who became the first member of the Holley EFI 7 Second Club with a historic 7.99 at the NMCA season opener, Muscle Car Mayhem, in Bradenton, Florida, ended 2018 with another seven-second charge at the World Street Finals in Indianapolis. He paced the field with a 7.98 and wrapped up the NMCA Holley EFI Factory Super Cars Championship with another victory. At the wheel of his Holley EFI-powered Blackbird ’15 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, Turk led all qualifiers with the only seven-second pass of the weekend, then plowed through eliminations with times of 8.03, 8.10, 8.13, and 8.06, all at between 169 and 171 mph, to win going away. In the final round, Turk knocked off defending series champion Scott Libersher. 

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Steve Turner

Steve Turner Announced as New Editor of Fastest Street Car Magazine, Steve Baur Promoted to Digital Content Manager

ProMedia Events and Publishing has announced veteran journalist, book writer and photographer Steve Turner is joining the staff as editor of Fastest Street Car magazine, in addition to the promotion of Steve Baur to digital content editor. Turner becomes the fourth editor in Fastest Street Car’s 18-year history. Baur’s position is a new title to enhance the digital division that ProMedia formed last year. Turner is a veteran in the automotive enthusiast editorial segment for more than 25 years, rising to be the editor of 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords magazine, a title he presided over from 1999–2014. Following that position, Turner helped launch digital content products at two prominent web-based magazines. His first exposure to street-legal drag racing was in 1994 when he was on assignment to cover a Hot Rod magazine event in Memphis. Turner is also the recipient of the NMRA Decade Award in 2008 for outstanding contributions and commitment to the all-Ford motorsport event series. Baur most recently served as the editor of Fastest Street Car magazine, a position he held for four years. He’s celebrating 20 years in the editorial business as a journalist and photographer. Prior to joining the ProMedia team he was the editor of Modified Mustangs & Fords and held senior editorial positions at Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, GM High-Tech Performance and High Performance Pontiac.

SEMA Data Co-op to Host Live Webinar for Brands and Manufacturers at the SEMA Show

Join the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC), eBay and SEMA members SureDone and E-Motiven, October 16, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT), for a live webinar designed for specialty-equipment brands and manufacturers focusing on e-commerce marketplaces. Topics will include “How to Overcome Channel Conflict When Selling Direct to Consumer,” “Preparing Your Data for Use on e-commerce Marketplaces,” “Knowledge Gained by Brands and Manufacturers When Using SEMA Data Co-op for e-commerce Data,” “The eBay Motors Opportunity for Brands and Manufacturers,” and “What Brands and Manufacturers Should Think About When Going Direct to Consumers.” At the completion of the webinar there will be a live Q&A with all of the presenters. For more information and to sign up for the webinar visit https://try.suredone.com/sdc-webinar. 

Directed Introduces Directed Rewards

Directed has announced the launch of Directed Rewards—a new dealer incentive program—in advance of the upcoming remote start season. The Directed Rewards program was designed to motivate and reward Directed’s dealers and installers. At launch, the Directed Rewards program will be available for all Viper SmartStart, Directed SmartStart and Viper Powersports GPS products. From now until December 31, salespeople and installers can earn up to $20 for each eligible unit sold. Participants can log in to Directed Rewards, claim the reward by entering the eligible Air ID and then he or she will receive a cash gift card at the end of the month. The program is open to all Directed dealers in the United States and Canada. To register their sales and install personnel, retail storeowners or managers can opt-in to Directed Rewards by filling out a brief authorization form to receive a unique dealer registration code. Visit www.directedrewards.com to learn more. Directed will exhibit at the 2018 SEMA Show in the South Hall Upper, booth #37007.

Hypertherm’s Barbara Couch (right) with New Hampshire Governor John Sununu, and representatives from Lebanon High School and Hypertherm.

New Hampshire Honors Hypertherm for Excellence in Work-Based Learning

Hypertherm received an award for excellence in work-based learning in the Overall Champion category. New Hampshire Governor John Sununu presented Hypertherm, and specifically Barbara Couch, president of the Hypertherm Owners’ Philanthropic Endeavors (HOPE) Foundation, the award during a ceremony in Concord, New Hampshire. The company was selected during an evaluation process that followed its nomination by Lebanon High School. Judges recognized Couch for her leadership in promoting work-based learning across New Hampshire, encouraging Hypertherm associates to volunteer, participating on numerous boards and sponsoring events through the HOPE foundation. Judges also called out Hypertherm’s STEM internship program for high school seniors and its SHAPE for STEM initiative, which includes the sponsorship of STEM camps for middle school students, and the sponsorship of STEM clubs for students beginning in elementary school.

imre Agency Acquires JMPR

imre, an independently owned, integrated marketing agency, has acquired JMPR, a Los Angeles-based public-relations agency specializing in the luxury, lifestyle and transportation industries. With this acquisition, imre adds JMPR’s full staff of public-relations professionals to its West Coast operation, doubling the size of imre’s Los Angeles office. Beyond this addition to its Los Angeles location, imre maintains offices in Baltimore and New York City and has also formally established the imre Health brand alongside its long-standing consumer practice.

VP Racing Fuels Launches New Mobile App

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the launch of its new, fast-paced “FIND VP” mobile app, allowing consumers to find VP products available nearby. Consumers will now be able to locate and select from the products that VP offers, including race and performance fuels, lubricants, Madditives and branded gas stations. The new FIND VP app includes push notifications to stay up on the latest that VP offers, as well as brand and product updates. If the app user has a technical question or a special request, they can locate the local VP regional contact as well for help. VP will add more features and benefits to the new release over the year, including social login and sharing, user profiles and consumer feedback.

Lumileds’ new warehouse and distribution center in Tepotzotlán, Mexico.

Lumileds Opens New Distribution Center in Tepotzotlán, Mexico; Names Chris McPhedran National Sales Manager for Canada

Lumileds has announced the opening of a new warehouse and distribution center in Tepotzotlán, Mexico. The new facility is designed to better accommodate Lumileds’ growing customer base in Mexico and meet the demand for Philips Automotive Lighting products. The new Tepotzotlán warehouse is located at Calle Libramiento Norte De Tepotzotlán  S/N Edificio 1, Colonia Barrio Tlacateco Tepotzotlán, Edo. De Mexico. C.P 54605. The facility currently inventories a portfolio of popular SKUs focused on the Mexican market.

In addition, Lumileds has appointed Chris McPhedran its national sales manager for Canada responsible for overseeing all aspects of sales for the Lumileds automotive aftermarket channel in Canada. McPhedran came to Lumileds with a decade of sales management experience in the Canadian market. He spent the last seven years with Horizon Global. From 2017–2018, he served as the director of sales and marketing for the North American RV and Marine channel. From 2011–2017, McPhedran was Horizon Global’s director of sales for Canada and the Northeastern United States.

TMG Performance Unveils a New Volant Performance

Volant Performance—a TMG Performance Products brand—has unveiled a new look, new marketing campaign and stronger brand promises. The company has invested in air-intake design language, improved lid designs, better packaging, improved instruction sheets, lifetime warranty protection, enhanced minimum advertised pricing (MAP) program and the “Volant for Life” air filtration program. Volant Performance’s new program and air-intake designs will be on display at the 2018 SEMA Show in booth #24929 and available November 1 in the marketplace.

National Auto Parts Warehouse Makes Seventh Acquisition for 2018

National Performance Warehouse Companies (NPW), has announced that it will acquire Performance Warehouse in the Pacific Northwest, again expanding the company’s presence on the West Coast. The transaction is expected to close October 15. NPW will add two warehouses to make the company’s warehouse total now 19 across the United States and Canada. The package includes the Hillsboro, Oregon, and Tacoma Washington, warehouses and four stores—three in California and one in Idaho. Performance Warehouse will continue to operate with JR Moore at the helm, and industry veteran Mark Noble will oversee the two warehouse operations and the four stores, while Bonnie Delaney will join the NPW marketing team. The Baxter Stores will continue to operate with Ken Moore, Jim Moore and Kim Cham.

AutoMeter Chrono Instruments Awarded Best New Performance Product at Custom Automotive Network Connect Conferences

AutoMeter Products Inc. has announced that its Chrono series gauges were recognized by industry peers as winner of the 2018 Best New Performance Product Award at the Custom Automotive Network (CAN) Connect Conferences held in Frisco, Texas. Judging and final selection for the award were conducted by conference attendees from amidst a hotly contested field of entries in the CAN Connect New Product Showcase.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Buyers from the United States who register online on or before Friday, October 12, save more than $50 and have their badges mailed to them in advance of the Show.

The early registration deadline for the 2018 SEMA Show is tomorrow, giving qualified attendees a chance to save time and money. Buyers from the United States who register online on or before Friday, October 12, save more than $50 and have their badges mailed to them in advance of the Show, which takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas.

“Our No. 1 advice to SEMA Show attendees is to plan ahead, and that begins with securing credentials well in advance,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and business development. “By registering early, buyers can arrive at the Show with their credentials in hand and hit the Show floor without delays—and they save money!”

To qualify for the early discounted fee of just $40 per person, qualified attendees must register online. Badges will be mailed in advance to domestic buyers. The international attendee deadline for having badges mailed was September 14, but those who register before the Show will receive a confirmation email with a barcode that will make obtaining their badge onsite seamless and easy. Badges for other categories (including media and non-exhibiting manufacturers) are not mailed.

To qualify for buyer badges, applicants may be required to submit proof of employment in the industry. Prior year’s approval does not automatically guarantee approval and qualifying materials may still be required.

Once approved, the badge provides access to the SEMA Show all four days of the event, as well as to the educational seminars and to SEMA Ignited—the official after-party—where the general public is allowed to attend on Friday after the Show closes.

To learn more or to apply, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

By SEMA Editors

Buyers from the United States who register online on or before Friday, October 12, save more than $50 and have their badges mailed to them in advance of the Show.

The early registration deadline for the 2018 SEMA Show is tomorrow, giving qualified attendees a chance to save time and money. Buyers from the United States who register online on or before Friday, October 12, save more than $50 and have their badges mailed to them in advance of the Show, which takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas.

“Our No. 1 advice to SEMA Show attendees is to plan ahead, and that begins with securing credentials well in advance,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and business development. “By registering early, buyers can arrive at the Show with their credentials in hand and hit the Show floor without delays—and they save money!”

To qualify for the early discounted fee of just $40 per person, qualified attendees must register online. Badges will be mailed in advance to domestic buyers. The international attendee deadline for having badges mailed was September 14, but those who register before the Show will receive a confirmation email with a barcode that will make obtaining their badge onsite seamless and easy. Badges for other categories (including media and non-exhibiting manufacturers) are not mailed.

To qualify for buyer badges, applicants may be required to submit proof of employment in the industry. Prior year’s approval does not automatically guarantee approval and qualifying materials may still be required.

Once approved, the badge provides access to the SEMA Show all four days of the event, as well as to the educational seminars and to SEMA Ignited—the official after-party—where the general public is allowed to attend on Friday after the Show closes.

To learn more or to apply, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SEMA research indicates that the U.S. aftermarket for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connected vehicle technologies (CVT), though still in its infancy, can be expected to grow into a $1.5 billion industry within the next five years. With so much at stake in these rapidly emerging technologies, SEMA has made identifying ADAS/CVT opportunities for association members a key priority.

SEMA research indicates that the U.S. aftermarket for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connected vehicle technologies (CVT), though still in its infancy, can be expected to grow into a $1.5 billion industry within the next five years. With so much at stake in these rapidly emerging technologies, SEMA has made identifying ADAS/CVT opportunities for association members a key priority.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Administrative Assistant: Kooks Headers is hiring an administrative assistant responsible for answering phone calls, greeting visitors and vendors, performing administrative tasks, ordering office supplies, restocking and maintaining common areas as needed and running errands. Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, working knowledge of office equipment, excellent written and verbal skills and strong knowledge of the MS Office Suite

Junior Sales Rep: STR Racing is hiring a junior sales rep to oversee and coordinate sales team activities; establish sales territories, quotas and goals for the sales team; analyze sales statistics to identify areas of improvement; and track results and trends regularly for business forecasting. The successful candidate must have previous experience (3+ years) in sales, customer service, or a related field in the wheel and tire industry; experience as a supervisor or manager and familiarity with CRM platforms.

OE Account/Development Manager: CTEK Inc. is hiring an OE account/development manager responsible for developing and managing sales with automotive, powersport and agricultural OEs. This position will focus on new business development with both existing and new customers. Responsibilities include face-to-face meetings with customers and prospects nationally, producing and delivering business proposals and performing market research. Candidates must be fluent in English, have relevant contacts within the industry and a technical automotive background.

Master Mechanic/Engine Builder: Apex Customs is hiring a master mechanic/engine builder for performance builds and repairs, including everything from supercharger installs to cams and heads to full motor builds. Successful applicants will have engine-building and modification experience. Transmission and suspension experience are pluses. ASE certification and engine management ECU, ECM, BCM re-mapping knowledge and experience are helpful.

Manufacturing Engineer: Revology Cars LLC is hiring a manufacturing engineer responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining a robust manufacturing process that will allow the company to meet consistent quality, cost and productivity targets. This position will improve the quality and efficiency of manufacturing processes and identify technical solutions, including components and processes, such as statistical process control, assembly jigs and fixtures and quality cycle testing that improve quality, reduce cost and/or improve cycle time. Candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience, and 5–10 years’ experience in an automotive manufacturing engineering capacity with an OEM, Tier 1 or automotive aftermarket component manufacturer. Experience in complex assembly manufacturing is a plus.  

By Kyle Cheng

SEMA’s new “Young Accessorizers Report” is now available through SEMA Market Research.

Did you know that young adults age 16–24 drove more than 155 billion miles in 2017?

Despite media reports to the contrary, young people do care about cars and are engaged with the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Of the 38.4 million people in the United States ages 16–24, 24 million have access to a vehicle and drive. Of these, 7.9 million accessorize, accounting for roughly $7.2 billion in spending in our industry. By age 23, more than 30% modify their vehicle(s) in some way.

Cars are also an important part of their lives: 79% of young accessorizers think that their vehicles help them stay closer to their friends, and one in four belong to a group related to cars on social media.

Want to learn more about young drivers and how you can reach them more effectively? Curious about how they shop? Check out the new “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report” available now at www.sema.org/research.

Attending the 2018 SEMA Show? Want to learn more about young accessorizers? Check out the Young Enthusiasts education session, Thursday, November 1, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., in LVCC Upper North Hall, N252. Register for the session today.

By Kyle Cheng

SEMA’s new “Young Accessorizers Report” is now available through SEMA Market Research.

Did you know that young adults age 16–24 drove more than 155 billion miles in 2017?

Despite media reports to the contrary, young people do care about cars and are engaged with the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Of the 38.4 million people in the United States ages 16–24, 24 million have access to a vehicle and drive. Of these, 7.9 million accessorize, accounting for roughly $7.2 billion in spending in our industry. By age 23, more than 30% modify their vehicle(s) in some way.

Cars are also an important part of their lives: 79% of young accessorizers think that their vehicles help them stay closer to their friends, and one in four belong to a group related to cars on social media.

Want to learn more about young drivers and how you can reach them more effectively? Curious about how they shop? Check out the new “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report” available now at www.sema.org/research.

Attending the 2018 SEMA Show? Want to learn more about young accessorizers? Check out the Young Enthusiasts education session, Thursday, November 1, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., in LVCC Upper North Hall, N252. Register for the session today.

By Jim Graven

The SEMA Data Co-op is offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679 during Show week.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force during Show week, offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679 and demonstrating its services to buyers in a second location—the Grand Lobby in SEMA Central.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development. “With two specialized SDC booth locations, we will be able to talk to more manufacturers and buyers at the Show.  

“In addition, we are spotlighting manufacturers who have achieved Platinum status in the SDC. Platinum status means that buyers can expect the best and most complete data in the marketplace from that manufacturer to populate their website, computer or anywhere else they need catalog and point-of-sale data. Make sure you stop by these manufacturers’ booths and ask them if you can receive their data through the SDC.”

To learn more about how to receive data from the SDC or to become an SDC member, stop by the SDC booth in SEMA Central for a free five-minute demo or to sign up and start using the industry’s most complete product data.

Additionally, the SDC is scheduling meetings in booth #20679 every hour from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during the Show (until Friday at 4:00 p.m.). The SDC booth is located behind the Ford display in Central Hall, one level above the Show floor in the raised meeting room.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SEMA Data Co-op is the only industry-owned and -operated product-data repository with all the tools and expert assistance to get your data in order,” said Jim Graven, senior director of membership. “Data receivers love our program, which provides unlimited data exports at no charge to SEMA members.”

For more information, contact Sophia Sifuentes at sophias@semadatacoop.org or call 909-978-6654.