By Zane Clark

Ray Evernham

Ray Evernham, NASCAR Hall of Fame 2018 inductee, will be the featured speaker at the 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), December 5–6 at the Indiana Convention Center, two days prior to the start of the PRI Trade Show. The AETC was established as a forum for performance engine builders and engineers to exchange information, review tech trends and share best practices with their colleagues. The knowledge gained and networking opportunities available during the show can help attendees grow their businesses far into the future.

Evernham has more than four decades of experience in the automotive and racing industries. He has worked with the biggest names in motorsports history, including Jeff Gordon, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt and Dale Earnhardt. Evernham was a vital force in resurrecting the International Race of Champions (IROC) series, won three NASCAR Sprint Cup championships as a crew chief for Gordon and partnered with Dodge to build Evernham Motorsports into one of the most successful teams in NASCAR.

Register now for AETC.

In addition to Evernham, the following experts are participating in the AETC:

Jon Kaase started competing in drag racing while still in high school. Kaase has created race engines that won a dozen Pro Stock championships, succeeded in winning the Engine Masters Challenge five times and has presided over the company that bears his name for almost 36 years.

Keith Dorton struck out on his own as an engine builder when he opened the doors to Automotive Specialists Inc. Since 2010, Automotive Specialists-powered cars have broken more than 20 Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) records at the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats.

Greg Dahl has four Outlaw Street National Championships, 30 national records and several other marks held by customers and teammates, including Stacey Bortz, who pilots the world’s quickest Harley Street Bike (as of this writing).

Billy Godbold oversees a team of 20 talented engineers. In addition to serving as an extremely valuable member of the COMP Cams staff, his many years of experience and natural talent for understanding complex valvetrain scenarios have made him a trusted source of information for race teams, manufacturers and engine builders.

Learn about all the speakers.

By Zane Clark

Ray Evernham

Ray Evernham, NASCAR Hall of Fame 2018 inductee, will be the featured speaker at the 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), December 5–6 at the Indiana Convention Center, two days prior to the start of the PRI Trade Show. The AETC was established as a forum for performance engine builders and engineers to exchange information, review tech trends and share best practices with their colleagues. The knowledge gained and networking opportunities available during the show can help attendees grow their businesses far into the future.

Evernham has more than four decades of experience in the automotive and racing industries. He has worked with the biggest names in motorsports history, including Jeff Gordon, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt and Dale Earnhardt. Evernham was a vital force in resurrecting the International Race of Champions (IROC) series, won three NASCAR Sprint Cup championships as a crew chief for Gordon and partnered with Dodge to build Evernham Motorsports into one of the most successful teams in NASCAR.

Register now for AETC.

In addition to Evernham, the following experts are participating in the AETC:

Jon Kaase started competing in drag racing while still in high school. Kaase has created race engines that won a dozen Pro Stock championships, succeeded in winning the Engine Masters Challenge five times and has presided over the company that bears his name for almost 36 years.

Keith Dorton struck out on his own as an engine builder when he opened the doors to Automotive Specialists Inc. Since 2010, Automotive Specialists-powered cars have broken more than 20 Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) records at the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats.

Greg Dahl has four Outlaw Street National Championships, 30 national records and several other marks held by customers and teammates, including Stacey Bortz, who pilots the world’s quickest Harley Street Bike (as of this writing).

Billy Godbold oversees a team of 20 talented engineers. In addition to serving as an extremely valuable member of the COMP Cams staff, his many years of experience and natural talent for understanding complex valvetrain scenarios have made him a trusted source of information for race teams, manufacturers and engine builders.

Learn about all the speakers.

By Katie Carson

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs will be held at the upcoming 2017 PRI Trade Show.

Just weeks after the 2017 SEMA Show, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week full of exhibiting, meeting with clients, networking and attending MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members who plan to attend PRI are encouraged to join the following MPMC events during the week:

General Membership Meeting

A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., to update members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. This meeting serves as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The select committee is particularly interested in sharing its strategic plan with the membership. Register now.

Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion

This session, to be held Thursday, December 7, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., will feature a moderated discussion between motorsports manufacturers and a panel of official representatives from major sanctioning bodies. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers.

Alan Reinhart, NHRA and Fox Sports announcer, will once again moderate the discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals

When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I be a part of? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? The event will take place Friday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Register now.

Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4

Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity to common misconceptions or issues you may currently be facing, and will answer any questions you may have. This popular session will take place Friday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Register now.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception, to be held Friday, December 8, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center, serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of the event—open to all manufacturers and media—is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their lives’ work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. Register now.

By Katie Carson

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs will be held at the upcoming 2017 PRI Trade Show.

Just weeks after the 2017 SEMA Show, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week full of exhibiting, meeting with clients, networking and attending MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members who plan to attend PRI are encouraged to join the following MPMC events during the week:

General Membership Meeting

A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., to update members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. This meeting serves as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The select committee is particularly interested in sharing its strategic plan with the membership. Register now.

Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion

This session, to be held Thursday, December 7, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., will feature a moderated discussion between motorsports manufacturers and a panel of official representatives from major sanctioning bodies. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers.

Alan Reinhart, NHRA and Fox Sports announcer, will once again moderate the discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals

When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I be a part of? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? The event will take place Friday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Register now.

Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4

Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity to common misconceptions or issues you may currently be facing, and will answer any questions you may have. This popular session will take place Friday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Register now.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception, to be held Friday, December 8, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center, serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of the event—open to all manufacturers and media—is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their lives’ work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. Register now.

By Katie Carson

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs will be held at the upcoming 2017 PRI Trade Show.

Just weeks after the 2017 SEMA Show, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week full of exhibiting, meeting with clients, networking and attending MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members who plan to attend PRI are encouraged to join the following MPMC events during the week:

General Membership Meeting

A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., to update members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. This meeting serves as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The select committee is particularly interested in sharing its strategic plan with the membership. Register now.

Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion

This session, to be held Thursday, December 7, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., will feature a moderated discussion between motorsports manufacturers and a panel of official representatives from major sanctioning bodies. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers.

Alan Reinhart, NHRA and Fox Sports announcer, will once again moderate the discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals

When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I be a part of? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? The event will take place Friday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Register now.

Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4

Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity to common misconceptions or issues you may currently be facing, and will answer any questions you may have. This popular session will take place Friday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Register now.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception, to be held Friday, December 8, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center, serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of the event—open to all manufacturers and media—is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their lives’ work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. Register now.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries at www.sema.org/scholarships.  

New this year, high-school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship Committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. The deadline for the program is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan-forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off a loan for a completed program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org. 

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries at www.sema.org/scholarships.  

New this year, high-school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship Committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. The deadline for the program is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan-forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off a loan for a completed program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org. 

This is the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited free of all camo.

FCA started showing official pictures of the Wrangler ahead of its premiere at the L.A. Auto Show in late November, but there are numerous details that haven't been confirmed yet.

A large UConnect touchscreen will be offered on at least upper models, with the base model using a smaller version of the system. Also on tap is a configurable display between the physical gauges. A six-speed manual is definitely part of the model offering.

Most versions are set to be powered by the 3.6L V6, and an eight-speed automatic will be offered, improving fuel economy. Later, a 2.0L turbo, 3.0L turbodiesel V6 and a mild hybrid will be offered.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpideBilde

This is the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited free of all camo.

FCA started showing official pictures of the Wrangler ahead of its premiere at the L.A. Auto Show in late November, but there are numerous details that haven't been confirmed yet.

A large UConnect touchscreen will be offered on at least upper models, with the base model using a smaller version of the system. Also on tap is a configurable display between the physical gauges. A six-speed manual is definitely part of the model offering.

Most versions are set to be powered by the 3.6L V6, and an eight-speed automatic will be offered, improving fuel economy. Later, a 2.0L turbo, 3.0L turbodiesel V6 and a mild hybrid will be offered.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpideBilde

This is the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited free of all camo.

FCA started showing official pictures of the Wrangler ahead of its premiere at the L.A. Auto Show in late November, but there are numerous details that haven't been confirmed yet.

A large UConnect touchscreen will be offered on at least upper models, with the base model using a smaller version of the system. Also on tap is a configurable display between the physical gauges. A six-speed manual is definitely part of the model offering.

Most versions are set to be powered by the 3.6L V6, and an eight-speed automatic will be offered, improving fuel economy. Later, a 2.0L turbo, 3.0L turbodiesel V6 and a mild hybrid will be offered.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpideBilde