SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.

Making hotel reservations in the Block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

Several Las Vegas hotels are offering free parking to those who book in the SEMA Show block.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Driving to the Show? See the list below for hotels offering free parking and book through the SEMA Show Block to secure your stay.

• Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – $269 per night
• Downtown Grand Las Vegas – $125.50 per night
• Encore – $265 per night
• Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino – $138  per night
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club Flamingo – $282 per night
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club Paradise – $281 per night
• OYO Hotel and Casino Las Vegas – $130 per night
• Palace Station – $115 per night
• SAHARA – $225 per night
• The Strat – $139 per night
• Tropicana – $105 per night
• Westin – $223 per night
• Wynn – $265 per night

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

  By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

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.

Sales Representative
Downforce Motorsports is hiring a sales representative to guarantee customer satisfaction, determine each customer’s vehicle needs by asking questions and listening, demonstrate vehicle capabilities (including test drives) and report to management regarding objectives and reviews. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience as a salesperson.

Marketing Coordinator
Injen Technology is hiring a marketing coordinator responsible for managing the creation and implementation of product promotions and branding campaigns to engage and influence current and prospective customers and digital photography and editing for website, social and new-product releases. Digital photography and editing experience is required. Candidates must be fully capable of graphic design utilizing the entire Adobe Suite.

Suspension and Steering Mechanic
JBM Offroad is hiring a suspension and steering mechanic to inspect vehicles for worn components; install parts, accessories, tires and wheels; and recommend improvements to streamline shop processes. Candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs. or more, have working knowledge of truck and Jeep suspensions and the ability to identify worn suspension and steering components.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2022

The West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2022, which includes industry pioneers representing the west’s short tracks, Indianapolis 500, NASCAR’s national competitions and international tracks of Europe.

Elected for induction in the Class of 2022 are Greg Biffle, NASCAR Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series champion; Garrett Evans, inaugural and four-time NASCAR Northwest Series champion; Brendan Gaughan, two-time ARCA Menards Series champion; David Gilliland, two-time ARCA Menards Series West championship crew chief; John Moore, 2021 NASCAR State of California champion and Spears Racing League championship owner; and Jimmy Sills, three-time United States Auto Club Silver Crown champion.

2022 Heritage inductees are Art and Michael Atkinson, father and son officials and track operators; Phil Casey, nine-time United States Auto Club national championship chief mechanic winner; Ron Esau, 1996 NASCAR Southwest Series champion; Phil Hill, first American-born Formula 1 champion; Ken Sapper, three-time Saugus (CA) Speedway modified stock car champion; and Jim Walker, Riverside (CA) Raceway Permatex 300 winner and multiple Redwood Acres (CA) Raceway champion.

The second annual Knockin Doorz Down Philanthropist of the Year award, presented by 51FIFTY, was announced for Speedway Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of Speedway Motorsports LLC. For more information, visit westcoaststockcarhalloffame.com. 

BMW Unveils LMDh Prototype Race Car

Highlights of the design for the BMW M Hybrid V8 include the “wide kidney,” the 50th-anniversary logo on the hood, twin NMW icon lights, dynamic body sides, Hofmeister kink window graphic, plus “hook” mirrors and taillights.

Ahead of the testing phase for the LMDh prototype for the 2023 season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, BMW M Motorsport has announced the name, the design, and livery its new prototype car.

The BMW M Hybrid V8 will sport a look designed by BMW Group Designworks and celebrates the history of BMW M Motorsport in North America while “defining a dynamic hybrid electric future.” Highlights of the design for the BMW M Hybrid V8 include the “wide kidney,” the 50th-anniversary logo on the hood, twin NMW icon lights, dynamic body sides, Hofmeister kink window graphic, plus “hook” mirrors and taillights.

In addition, the livery includes many elements from BMW’s five decades of motor racing history, including images of iconic race cars, including the ’76 BMW 3.0 CSL, the ’81 BMW M1/C, the ’78 BMW 320i Turbo, the ’86 BMW GTP, the BMW M3 E36 GTS-2, the BMW Z4 GTLM and the BMW M8 GTE. For more information, visit bmwgroup.com.

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.8 Million for Victory Junction

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has announced it raised more than $1.8 million after completing its 26th Anniversary Ride. The amount marks the most funds raised during a single ride since 2006. The funds will directly benefit Victory Junction, a camp in Randleman, North Carolina, servicing children with chronic and serious medical illnesses. Donations will support summer camperships, building projects and maintenance programs, including upkeep with the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Water Park.

The 26th installment of the event followed two postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 30, Petty and the riders left Phoenix, Arizona, riding more than 1,500 miles through Arizona and Utah over seven days before returning to Phoenix on May 6. For more information about the 26th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America or to donate, please visit kylepettycharityride.com.

Lori Collier Waran Named Richmond Raceway Track President

Richmond Raceway—the 0.75 miles, D-shaped asphalt race track in Richmond, Virginia—has announced Lori Collier Waran as track president. She will assume her new role on July 11. Waran is a longtime Virginia media executive and serves as the fourth track president and the first female president in the 76-year history of “America’s Premier Short Track.”

Prior, Waran served as the chief revenue officer and associate publisher at Virginia Business Magazine + Media. Before this, Waran spent more than a decade as the general manager and publisher for Tribune Publishing and Landmark Media Enterprises’ Richmond-based Style Weekly.

NASCAR returns to Richmond Raceway for its first-ever summer race weekend on August 13–14, featuring the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs on Saturday, August 13, and the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, August 14.

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

Capps, Ashley, Stanfield and Savoie All Win on Father's Day at NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

Ron Capps powered to the quickest run during every round of eliminations on Sunday in Bristol, including a pass of 3.984 seconds at 324.36 seconds in the final round in his 11,000-hp NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra to defeat Tim Wilkerson.

Ron Capps tied Tony Schumacher for the most NHRA wins in Bristol Dragway history, picking up his sixth Funny Car win at the track on Sunday with his Father’s Day triumph at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won at the ninth of 22 races during the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.

Capps powered to the quickest run during every round of eliminations on Sunday in Bristol, including a pass of 3.984 seconds at 324.36 seconds in the final round in his 11,000-hp NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra to defeat Tim Wilkerson. In the final, he made the only three-second run in eliminations on Sunday to earn his second this season and a remarkable 70th in the defending world champ’s outstanding career.

In Top Fuel, Ashley rolled to his second straight final round and finished the job on Sunday in Thunder Valley, going 3.813 at 325.30 in his 11,000-hp Phillips Connect powered by Vita C Shot dragster to defeat Shawn Langdon.

In one of the wildest Pro Stock final rounds in recent memory, Stanfield outlasted Elite Motorsports teammate Erica Enders in the championship round, going 8.801 at 103.98 in his Janac Brothers Chevrolet Camaro. Stanfield got loose early in the run, but then Enders ran into trouble, suffering an engine explosion, and the young standout was able to chase her down to pick up the win on Father’s Day.

After a mad dash to the starting line after an engine swap before the Pro Stock Motorcycle final round, Savoie won for the first time in 2022 on his White Alligator Racing Suzuki when Angelle Sampey went red. Savoie also left too soon by .010, but Sampey’s .052 red light handed the victory to Savoie.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action June 23–26 with the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

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

By Ashley Reyes

Updates to the SEMA Industry Awards reflect changes in the automotive specialty-equipment industry and give winners greater recognition for their contributions.

As ecommerce expands and data-driven transactions become more routine, the SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year award has evolved and been rebranded as the new Channel Partner of the Year award. This award honors the contributions of sales, distributors, retailers and ecommerce channel(s) in the industry, while still continuing to recognize beneficial efforts by distribution companies as they support retailers.

As ecommerce expands and data-driven transactions become more routine, the SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year award has evolved and been rebranded as the new Channel Partner of the Year award.

The Channel Partner of the Year award, along with the Manufacturer of the Year award, will be presented for the first time at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday morning, November 1, before the SEMA Show officially opens. Previously known as the New Products Awards Breakfast, the morning event on the first day of the Show makes it possible for winners to promote the honor while the industry is gathered in Las Vegas, and makes it easy for the industry to connect and honor the winners all week long.

Other industry awards, including the SEMA Person of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year, will be presented at the Thursday evening SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet. Nominations for all four awards are now being accepted at www.sema.org/awards.

“The SEMA Industry Awards represent the industry, and as the industry evolves, we’re pleased to be able to evolve the awards as well,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA project manager of recognition programs. “We’re also excited to recognize the valuable contributions of leading companies at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast for the first time this year. As businesses connect throughout the week of the Show, it will be great for winning companies to be able to be recognized in Las Vegas.”

Nominating an individual or business for a SEMA Industry Award is the best way to show appreciation for one’s significant and positive impact on the specialty-equipment market. Submit a nomination by July 15 at www.sema.org/awards.

By Ashley Reyes

OEMs are transitioning their conventional ICE powertrains to electric. As a result, companies with performance products for ICE vehicles may need to pivot and adjust to electric vehicles.

Discover how one company has taken the traditional performance recipe and applied it to the cars of the future. During SEMA’s webinar “EV Tuning: A Reality Today” on June 23, Marie Pier Forget of Ingenext will share exciting developments that her company developed in EV powertrain tuning.

SEMA members are invited to join the session, where they will hear about the company’s performance gains for EVs, methods used and application range of their cutting-edge product line.

Attendees will learn how:

• Performance increases on EVs are possible and obtain examples of opportunities for performance modifications of electric vehicles.
• The traditional hot rod recipe of applying ingenuity to make products better and unique still holds true on EVs.
• Enthusiasts come in all types, and a car doesn’t need to be gasoline powered to be fast and fun.

Registration is free. Sign up here.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Biden has signed into law SEMA-supported legislation to improve ongoing supply-chain issues and backlogs at ports. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act was passed unanimously by the Senate and overwhelming by the House of Representatives. The bill strengthens the authority of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which oversees international ocean shipping, to enforce against exploitative business practices and investigate fees charged by shipping companies.

Shipping company invoices will need to include accurate information on a container’s availability date, port of discharge, free time, rates and contact information. The FMC will also establish a webpage for complaint submissions and maintain an office for dispute resolution services. U.S. Department of Transportation staff will work with representatives of major ports, ocean carriers, railroads, trucking companies, and workers to help address port congestion.

“This bill helps aftermarket businesses around the country that rely on a worldwide supply chain to produce and assemble products in America that improve the style and performance of motor vehicles. At a time when our members struggle to keep their shelves stocked and rising costs are adversely impacting automotive enthusiasts, passage of this legislation will help on both fronts by addressing port disruption issues and unreasonable demurrage charges” said Daniel Ingber, SEMA’s vice president of government and legal affairs.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.