Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

John Kilroy, with 21 years’ experience at PRI as editor, associate publisher and vice president, continues to lead PRI.

SEMA plans to maintain hardcore racing identity and heritage of PRI Trade Show and PRI Magazine.

PRI founder Steve Lewis to focus on son’s racing career.

Performance Racing Industry (PRI), producers of the motorsports business magazine and trade show, finalized plans to be purchased by SEMA. The transaction is set to close in late March 2012.

With 20-plus years of publishing and management experience at PRI, John Kilroy will serve as vice president/general manager of PRI and assume day-to-day operations for the group. All the operations, employees and offices will remain intact at PRI’s current location in Laguna Beach, California. 

"Steve Lewis launched the PRI concept a quarter-of-a-century ago, as an organization totally dedicated solely to the racing industry," said Kilroy. "It was Steve’s dream that PRI continue to serve the racing community and to ‘nest’ PRI with an organization that clearly understands PRI’s heritage and the role we play in how the racing industry conducts business. We are pleased to have found that strategic partner in SEMA." Lewis, founder and current CEO of PRI, will now be able to dedicate his time and energy to pursue his lifelong passion for motorsports, which includes management of his Nine Racing midget team and supporting the racing career of his son Michael—2011 Formula 3 Italia Rookie of the Year.

“We carefully considered all our options, and SEMA was the obvious choice to carry on the legacy of the PRI brand," said Lewis. "SEMA is financially sound and has an experienced management team. They bring a long-term outlook to the table, as well as exceptional insight into the trade show business overall. I have no doubt that the PRI brand will continue to deliver value to the racing community, and I know John Kilroy and the current management group will keep the basic business themes that have been established as they continue to work out of the current location here in Laguna Beach that has housed the PRI family for all these years,” he said.

Many current and past SEMA Board of Directors have been involved with PRI through the years as exhibitors and advertisers and bring a keen understanding of how the two organizations complement each other.

“We’re very excited about the continuation of the great business offerings for the performance and racing community from this acquisition,” said Scooter Brothers, SEMA Chairman of the Board. “Having worked with the folks from PRI for many years, I know the show and magazine are appreciated and used by the racing industry to further their marketing efforts, and that racing entrepreneurs look upon the PRI Trade Show as a unique event and a valuable voice. The transition will preserve and protect that voice, and the show’s unique character and authenticity. We look forward to the PRI team carrying on the legacy and traditions of Steve Lewis.

"We also want to thank Steve Lewis for all he's done for the racing industry and for creating PRI," added Brothers. "PRI Magazine and the PRI Trade Show have played a key role in the growth of the racing industry over the past 25 years, and we look forward to its continued success."

SEMA President Chris Kersting said, “The Performance Racing Industry Trade Show and magazine are great complements to the SEMA mission: they help their customers' businesses to succeed. SEMA looks forward to providing the PRI team the resources and support to continue delivering great value to the racing and performance segment.”

Founded in 1963, the SEMA trade association provides services and resources to businesses in the automotive specialty equipment industry. Members include manufacturers, distributors, retailers and marketers of products that enhance the styling and functionality of cars, trucks and SUVs. In addition to producing the premier automotive accessories trade show, where more than 100,000 individuals come to do business, SEMA offers education, research and several publications specifically targeted to the industry. The association also represents its members with a legislative advocacy group.

The 25th Annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show takes place November 29–December 1, 2012, in the North/South Building of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. It features exhibits by 1,100 racing companies in 3,100 booths, requiring 700,000 sq. ft. to house the event. 38,000 buyers will attend from across the U.S. and 72 countries.

For more information, visit www.performanceracing.com or www.sema.org.

	All SEMA members are eligible and encouraged to attend SEMA's general membership meeting Tuesday, April 3, from noon–1:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room S232.

SEMA conducts a "general meeting of the membership" each year highlighting the events, benefits and programs that the association provides.

All SEMA members are eligible and encouraged to attend.

This year's meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 3, from noon–1:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room S232. The Las Vegas Convention Center is located at 3150 Paradise Rd., 
Las Vegas, NV 89109.

The meeting is being held in conjunction with the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, which provides tips to exhibitors on how to maximize their Show investment.

For more information about the general membership meeting or have questions about the event, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org.

	Distinctive Industries hired David Alkire as eastern North American regional sales manager. He will focus on customer outreach and relationship- and business development opportunities.

David Alkire Named Regional Sales Manager for Distinctive Industries
David Alkire was appointed eastern North American regional sales manager for Distinctive Industries. According to the company, Alkire will focus on relationship- and business-development opportunities and customer outreach. Most recently, Alkire held key positions at Georgia Marketing and Promotions, and Trim Parts. “We are proud to welcome David to Distinctive Industries,” said Dave Edmondson, V.P. of sales and marketing. “His knowledge of the restoration market, including his background in sales, marketing and management, is significant and a valuable asset to our company.”

Goodridge Expands U.S. Motorsports Operations
Goodridge reports that it has quadrupled the size of its Mooresville, North Carolina, facility by acquiring a 17,000 sq.-ft. factory. Goodridge will use the facility—with the address 174 Gasoline Alley—to supply all motor racing parts for the North American market and as a service center for the East Coast, complementing its West Coast U.S. operation in Torrance, California. Goodridge works closely with the NASCAR teams to develop bespoke fluid-transfer products to suit the requirements of high performance race cars.

Falken Tire Announces Largest-Ever Social Media Campaign, 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Giveaway
Falken Tire reports that it has launched its largest social media campaign on the eve of the start of the 2012 season of the American Le Mans Series. The campaign focuses on the Azenis product line and will culminate in an aggressive giveaway contest featuring a brand new 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera as the Grand Prize. 

Awareness for the contest was boosted with the release of a new Falken television commercial on Sunday, March 18, which promotes the Azenis tire line, its motorsports lineage, and a social media tie-in with Facebook and the popular CityVille simulation and social network game. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/falkentire.

	Mike Sodomora, owner-operator of Mikes Prestige Detailing, credits quality customer service as one of the reasons that his company has been in business for 28 years.

Mike’s Prestige Detailing Celebrates 28th Anniversary
Mike’s Prestige Detailing, a full-service detailing company in Youngstown, Ohio, recently celebrated its 28th year in business. The company caters to custom car owners, collectors and motorcycle owners, and offers an on-site detailing service to exhibitors who bring cars to events such as the Barrett-Jackson auction and the Carlisle Corvette Show.  

“I think customer service is the reason we’ve been around all these years,” says Mike Sodomora, owner-operator. “I treat every car like it’s my own personal car.” Sodomora adds that another reason for the company’s longevity is that Prestige also handles jobs beyond simple wash and wax treatments, including overspray removal, smoke odor removal, upholstery cleaning and dry steam sanitizing, and offers related services like nitrogen gas tire inflation. Mike's Prestige Detailing can be reached at 330-793-8589. 

Yokohama Signs Three-Year Sponsorship Renewal With International Motor Sports Association
Yokohama Tire Corp. International announced a three-year sponsorship renewal with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). The agreement retains Yokohama’s eco-friendly, orange oil-infused ADVAN® ENV-R2 race slicks as the official tire of the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama through the 2015 season. The announcement was made in Sebring, Florida, at the season opener for the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama series. All Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in the popular 15-race series compete on the racing slick that combines orange oil and natural rubber to improve performance characteristics in the tire while using renewable materials.

	Scion considers its upcoming FR-S a sport coupe for driving enthusiasts. Several specialty-equipment manufacturers got hands-on with the new vehicle during last week's SEMA Scion FR-S Measuring Session.
	Representatives from Airaid used different tools and scanners to gather engine data.
	Yehoram Hofman of Hofman Design uses his time with the car to measure hood clearance and to see what Scion is using to drive the FR-S.

Dozens of manufacturers got their hands on Scion's new FR-S during last week's SEMA Scion FR-S Measuring Session at Toyota's headquarters in Torrance, California. With two FR-S models on racks, and additional models available for interior and underhood measurements, manufacturers broke out tapes and scanners to grab the data and specs needed to get parts ready for a vehicle that is sure to be custom-friendly to aftermarket enthusiasts.

"As a brand, Scion has been a valuable partner to SEMA and its Tech Transfer Program, and has released several models that have sparked the imagination of enthusiasts and customizers across the country," said Bill Wolf, SEMA senior director of OEM relations. "With the release of the FR-S, Scion's appeal to the aftermarket remains, and I'm positive that the specialty-equipment community will provide additional flavor to the new car."

The SEMA Tech Transfer program grants SEMA manufacturing members access to vehicle CAD files provided directly from participating OEMs. The intent of the program is to help streamline production by minimizing or completely eliminating the necessity for reverse engineering. Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Scion are currently participating in the program. SEMA Measuring Sessions and Tech Transfer Program are functions of SEMA's OEM department.

In addition to access to upcoming vehicles, SEMA Measuring Session participants can also ask questions of the participating OEM staff to learn more about the vehicles, the automaker's marketing plans, the intended audience and more. For the FR-S session, Scion Accessory Operations Manager
 Korey Tsuno was on hand.

"FR-S is a vehicle that brings the sport back to the car and is the perfect fit for driving enthusiasts," said Tsuno.

With a release date of late spring, Tsuno expects to see an array of aftermarket products available, some of which were hinted at during the measuring session.

"It never ceases to amaze me how quickly aftermarket manufacturers can identify new-product opportunities," continued Tsuno. "For the FR-S, companies were pretty specific—cold air intake, chassis and suspension products and, of course, wheels and tires."

However, Tsuno feels the sessions themselves are also valuable just for getting a feel of the aftermarket's initial impression of a car.

"I keep my ears open to hear what companies think of the styling, what's under the hood and other aspects of a vehicle's design," he shared. "In fact, I had a great conversation about the FR-S and its potential with one of the clutch manufacturers who attended the session simply to view the car."

Read more about the Scion FR-S through Motor Trend's coverage of the session.

The next SEMA Measuring Session features the 2013 Mazda CX-5, the 155hp, five-passenger SUV. The event takes place March 28, at Mazda's North American Operations in Irvine, California.

For additional information on Measuring Sessions, Tech Transfer and additional programs available through SEMA's OEM Relations department, visit www.sema.org/oem.

Scion FR-S Measuring Session Participants

The companies below signed up for the Scion FR-S Measuring Session

• Advanced Clutch Technology
• AIRAID Filter Company
• American International
• American Tire Distributors
• Amtex Inc.
• Anzo USA
• Audiobahn
• Auto-Tech Interiors Inc.
• Carlisle Tire
• Charge Speed U.S.A.
• DC Sports-Pilot Automotive Group
• Discount Tire 
• Fat Cat Motorsports Inc.
• Golden Eagle Mfg.
• Hansen VTF
• Hofman Design
• Hotchkis Performance
• Impulse Marketing & Media
• Konig Wheels
• Koyo Cooling Systems Inc.
• M7 USA LLC
• McGard Inc.
• MGP Caliper Covers
• Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.
• OEM Audio Plus
• Okada Projects
• Prestige Autotech Corp.
• Scosche Industries
• Seibon Carbon
• Steelmate USA
• The Chop Shop
• TSW Alloy Wheels
• Velox
• Voxx Products
• Weapon*R
• Wheel Consultants Inc.
• Wheel Pros
• Whiteline USA

	The Abarth is a sport version of the recently introduced Fiat 500 and has 59% more horsepower and 70% more torque than the standard model.

Taking dead aim at the driving enthusiast community, Fiat trotted out a sport version of the recently introduced Fiat 500. Legitimately tuned for the track, the Abarth (pronounced “ah-bart”) edition has 59% more horsepower and 70% more torque than the standard model.

“With the addition of a turbocharger to the 1.4-liter engine, advanced intake technology including FIAT’s exclusive MultiAir system, a heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission and other internal refinements to the powertrain, the ’12 Fiat 500 Abarth transforms the Fiat 500 into a high-performance precision driving machine that every enthusiast will appreciate,” said Mike Vincent, platform manager for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine.

The engine also benefits from twin intercoolers and upgraded thermal capacities, forged rods and forged crank. The Honeywell turbo operates at 18 psi; premium fuel is recommended, but not required.

The 500 Abarth also boasts driveline and suspension upgrades, including bigger brakes with 11.1-in. rotors, stiffer springs and bars and P-zero tires on 17-in. forged wheels. Three-mode stability control can be switched off for track use and 10% faster steering and a 15mm lower stance are part of the package.

According to Fiat spokesman Tim Kuniskis, the Abarth was designed to be fun on the track, but not punishing on the street.

The Fiat 500 was the recipient of the SEMA Award at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, making it the “Hottest Sport Compact of the Year.” The award is based on a count of vehicles in exhibitor booths—a measure of how the aftermarket performance industry embraces a new model.

	The Abarth is a sport version of the recently introduced Fiat 500 and has 59% more horsepower and 70% more torque than the standard model.

Taking dead aim at the driving enthusiast community, Fiat trotted out a sport version of the recently introduced Fiat 500. Legitimately tuned for the track, the Abarth (pronounced “ah-bart”) edition has 59% more horsepower and 70% more torque than the standard model.

“With the addition of a turbocharger to the 1.4-liter engine, advanced intake technology including FIAT’s exclusive MultiAir system, a heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission and other internal refinements to the powertrain, the ’12 Fiat 500 Abarth transforms the Fiat 500 into a high-performance precision driving machine that every enthusiast will appreciate,” said Mike Vincent, platform manager for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine.

The engine also benefits from twin intercoolers and upgraded thermal capacities, forged rods and forged crank. The Honeywell turbo operates at 18 psi; premium fuel is recommended, but not required.

The 500 Abarth also boasts driveline and suspension upgrades, including bigger brakes with 11.1-in. rotors, stiffer springs and bars and P-zero tires on 17-in. forged wheels. Three-mode stability control can be switched off for track use and 10% faster steering and a 15mm lower stance are part of the package.

According to Fiat spokesman Tim Kuniskis, the Abarth was designed to be fun on the track, but not punishing on the street.

The Fiat 500 was the recipient of the SEMA Award at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, making it the “Hottest Sport Compact of the Year.” The award is based on a count of vehicles in exhibitor booths—a measure of how the aftermarket performance industry embraces a new model.

	The Abarth is a sport version of the recently introduced Fiat 500 and has 59% more horsepower and 70% more torque than the standard model.

Taking dead aim at the driving enthusiast community, Fiat trotted out a sport version of the recently introduced Fiat 500. Legitimately tuned for the track, the Abarth (pronounced “ah-bart”) edition has 59% more horsepower and 70% more torque than the standard model.

“With the addition of a turbocharger to the 1.4-liter engine, advanced intake technology including FIAT’s exclusive MultiAir system, a heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission and other internal refinements to the powertrain, the ’12 Fiat 500 Abarth transforms the Fiat 500 into a high-performance precision driving machine that every enthusiast will appreciate,” said Mike Vincent, platform manager for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine.

The engine also benefits from twin intercoolers and upgraded thermal capacities, forged rods and forged crank. The Honeywell turbo operates at 18 psi; premium fuel is recommended, but not required.

The 500 Abarth also boasts driveline and suspension upgrades, including bigger brakes with 11.1-in. rotors, stiffer springs and bars and P-zero tires on 17-in. forged wheels. Three-mode stability control can be switched off for track use and 10% faster steering and a 15mm lower stance are part of the package.

According to Fiat spokesman Tim Kuniskis, the Abarth was designed to be fun on the track, but not punishing on the street.

The Fiat 500 was the recipient of the SEMA Award at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, making it the “Hottest Sport Compact of the Year.” The award is based on a count of vehicles in exhibitor booths—a measure of how the aftermarket performance industry embraces a new model.

The U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued final duty rates for certain steel wheels from China that are being sold at less than fair value in the United States. The subject wheels range from 18 to 24.5 in. in diameter and include rims and discs whether imported as an assembly or sold separately. The wheels are typically used in commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers, etc.), but passenger car wheels within that size range fall within the scope of the investigation. 

Last year, two U.S. auto wheel manufacturers submitted petitions claiming that at least two dozen Chinese producers and exporters were “dumping” the wheels in the U.S. market. Calculations for the final dumping margins range from 44.96% to 193.54% ad valorem and countervailing duties range from 25.66% to 38.32% ad valorem. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.