Compiled by SEMA Editors

Race Wrap—23rd Annual Whipple Superchargers NMRA All-Ford World Finals Presented by Competition Clutch, Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival

The 23nd Annual Whipple Superchargers NMRA All-Ford World Finals presented by Competition Clutch and Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, wrapped up the 2021 racing season with a weather-shortened event. Event winners drove to the NMRA Winner’s Circle and NMRA Champions collected their hard-earned Edelbrock Victor awards and Nitto Tire Diamond Tree rings.

VP Racing Madditives Street Outlaw: John Urist dispatched Alan Felts in the third round en route to the final, where he ultimately lost to Earl Stanley, 4.46 to 4.48.

Edelbrock Renegade: In the final round, Chris Holbrook took the win over Eric Bardekoff in an all-Whipple-supercharged final battle.

JDM Engineering Limited Street: Samantha Moore met points leader and defending champion Bill Putnam in the final round, where Putnam took the starting line advantage, which earned him the win at the stripe after both drivers recorded identical 8.332 runs.

G-Force Transmissions Coyote Stock: Shane Stymiest charged through the field until he met Charlie Booze Jr. in the final round. Both reactions times were close, but Stymiest raced ahead to the win with a 9.83 over Booze’s 11.84 run.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Mike Bowen met Mark Anderson in the final round of competition. There, Anderson got a slight jump at the start, but slowed, allowing Bowen to take the victory with a 10.21 pass.

ARP Open Comp: The final round came down to Brayden Creamer and Woody Pack. Both drivers did their jobs well off the line, but it was Creamer who was victorious, pushing Pack to break out at the finish.

Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle: James Meredith in the Coyote-powered ’73 Ford Capri logged a .002-second reaction time in the final round, sending him to the winner’s circle, going 9.675 on a 9.61 to Adam Cox’s 10.176 on a 10.11 (.042 RT).

HP Tuners Super Stang: The final round of competition featured frequent True Street winner Rodney Ward, who was victorious over Mike Moistner.

Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Robert Chuhran drove to the final round, where he fouled at the start against Amanda Saad, who went .002 on the tree and 10.209 on a 10.14 dial-in.

Fastest Street Car Magazine Ford Muscle: Mark Schiffner in his ’70 Ford Torino fought hard to get there, but took the easy win when Matthew Keiser in his ’68 Mustang went -.102 red at the start.

Mickey Thompson Street Car Challenge: Donato Sierchio faced Dave Liechty in the final round of competition, where Sierchio drove to the NMRA Winner’s Circle with a 7.637 run.

QA1 True Street: Scott Barker took the overall win in his ’66 Mustang with an 8.78 average, followed by True Street veteran Troy Eaton in the runner up spot with an 8.801. Matthew Ballard grabbed the 9-second award with a perfect 9.000 average, Jason Wolf collected the 10-second prize at 10.029 and Kevin McCotter was the 11-second winner with an 11.118 average. The 12-second win had to be decided by MPH, as Both Wade Whicker and John Cole averaged 12.004. Whicker had the speed to secure the win. Rodney Ward averaged 13.007 for the 13-second award, Darleen Simmons was the 14-second winner with a 14.042 average, and Belinda Moore took home the 15-second plaque with a 15.095 average.

TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout: In the final round, Bob Myers in his turbocharged, four-cylinder Mercury Capri was victorious over Andrew Lukanov in his ’03 Mustang Cobra.

The Capri Club of North America returned to the NMRA All-Ford World Finals. In the final round of competition, Chris Rolls grabbed the win after James Meredith broke out with a 9.609 on a 9.60 dial in at the top end.

The NMRA Finals played host to the RacePagesDigital.com Bracket Open. As the day came to a close, the final three racers, Bill Feckley, Stephen O’Neal, and Danny Scheele all opted to split the payout.

Check out the full eliminations results here.

Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Announces Recipients of 2021 Impact Awards

The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame has announced the recipients of the 2021 Impact Awards in seven categories: Desert Racing, Short Course, Rock Sports, Industry, Advocate, MX|ATV and UTV. The 2021 Hall of Fame Impact Awards are presented by 4 Wheel Parts.

The honorees were selected from an extensive list of candidates who were considered for the Impact they made on the sport of off-road during 2020-2021. Candidates in competition categories must have won at least one race during the 2020-2021 seasons to be considered. The ORMHOF board of directors refined the list through a blind voting process, with the five candidates in each category receiving the most votes becoming this year's honorees.

Ballots were sent out by email on the morning of October 1 to 2020-2021 Hall of Fame members, as well as attendees who have purchased tickets online to this year's Induction & Awards Gala.

To become a voting member of the Hall of Fame and receive an Impact Award ballot to vote for this year's Voters Choice, join for $25 or more using the Join, Partner, or Donate tab at the top of the homepage at ormhof.org. Gala guests who purchase tickets online will also receive ballots. Ballots will be sent by email within 48 hours. Voting is limited to once per registered email address. Voting ends on Friday, October 29, at 5 p.m. (PDT).

FIA World Rally Championship/WRC Secto Automotive Rally Finland/Evans Claims Victory to Remain in Title Contention

Elfyn Evans stormed to victory at Secto Automotive Rally Finland last Sunday afternoon to keep alive his hopes of a maiden FIA World Rally Championship title. A series of five back-to-back speed test wins on Friday night and Saturday morning propelled the Welshman from fifth to first. He survived pressure from Ott Tänak and Craig Breen across the rest of the rally to win by 14.1 seconds in a Toyota Yaris. With maximum points for winning the closing Wolf Power Stage, the Welshman slashed championship leader Sébastien Ogier’s advantage from 44 points to 24 with two rounds remaining. The WRC returns to asphalt for the penultimate round at RallyRACC Rally de España, October 14–17.

Final positions:

1. E Evans/S Martin, GBR, Toyota Yaris, 2 hr. 19 min. 13.7 sec.
2. O Tänak/M Järveoja, EST, Hyundai i20, +14.1 sec.
3. C Breen/P Nagle, IRL, Hyundai i20, +42.2 sec.
4. E Lappi/J Ferm, FIN, Toyota Yaris, +58.8 sec.
5. S Ogier/J Ingrassia, FRA, Toyota Yaris, +2 min. 54.4 sec.
6. G Greensmith/C Patterson, GBR, Ford Fiesta, +5 min. 02.3 sec.

FIA World Rally Championship (after round 10 of 12)

1. S Ogier, 190 pts.
2. E Evans, 166 pts.
3. T Neuville, 130 pts.

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Release Schedules

NASCAR has announced the 2022 schedules for both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Both series will open the season on consecutive days at the “World Center of Racing,” Daytona International Speedway. The Camping World Truck Series gets underway on February 18, with the Xfinity Series kicking off its season on February 19. As announced earlier in the year, all three NASCAR national series seasons will culminate with NASCAR Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway, November 4–6. For the complete 2022 schedule for the NASCAR Xfinity Series, visit nascar.com/nascar-xfinity-series/2022/schedule. For the 2022 schedule for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, visit nascar.com/nascar-camping-world-truck-series/2021/schedule/.

Increased Point Fund, Multi-Day Events Highlight 2022 WoOLM Schedule

Officials from the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series have announced the 2022 schedule. New multi-day events and an increased year-end point fund highlight next season’s campaign, as next season’s champion will take home an additional $25,000. The winner of the 2022 World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model championship will earn a Series-high $125,000. The top-12 drivers in 2022 will see more than half a million dollars spread among them—each driver getting at least a $5,000 increase. The Series will visit The Rev in Monroe, Louisiana, for the first time next year, where a $20,000-to-win Feature caps off the two-night weekend, March 11–12. In 2022, the World of Outlaws Late Models will make its first appearance at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 since 2018. The Series will be joined by the DIRTcar Summer Nationals, June 24–25. A total of $20,000 will be on the line to finish the weekend, along with special bonuses expected through the field. For tickets and the schedule, visit worldofoutlaws.com/tix.

New Open Wheel Development Series to Launch in 2022

Andersen Promotions has announced a new series designed to help drivers prepare for the Road to Indy presented by Cooper Tires driver development platform—a path to the NTT IndyCar Series. USF Juniors presented by Cooper Tires will launch in 2022 and offer a prize package exceeding $325,000, including a scholarship valued at more than $200,000 to advance to the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship.

USAC will sanction the new series with a schedule comprising six road-course race weekends, most with tripleheader rounds, for a total of 16 to 18 races. Budgets are expected to be in the $120,000 to $150,000 range, and the series will be open to drivers as young as 14 years of age. For 2022, the Ligier JS chassis and HPD powerplant will be utilized with long-time series engine builder Elite Engines performing all new builds and rebuilds. Cooper Tires will develop a series-specific tire for the tripleheader events with two sets of tires allocated for each event weekend.

The former Indy Lights race winner and sports car talent Gustavo Yacaman will fill the role of series manager. Current Indy Pro 2000 and USF2000 Race Directors Johnny Unser and Joel Miller will oversee race control and will work directly with USF Juniors official driver coach Gabby Chaves, the 2014 Indy Lights champion, in preparing drivers to take the next step on the ladder. Registration for USF Juniors presented by Cooper Tires will open in November. For more information, visit usfjuniors.com.

Engine Performance Expo Announces October, January Dates

Officials with the Engine Performance Expo have announced the event will take place in two parts and feature an expanded number of segments. The first round will take place online from October 13–14, 2021. The second is set for January 13–14, 2022, and will offer the opportunity for 200 people to attend in person at Straub Technologies in Piney Flats, Tennessee.

More than 30 sessions across three days will cover the latest engine-building technologies, tools and techniques. In addition, there will be hands-on sessions focused on earning a living in the industry, including career paths and training, and best practices in building, growing and managing an engine-building business. The AERA Engine Builders Association, EFI University, and the School of Automotive Machinists and Technology are among those who will be holding educational sessions and demonstrations. Already confirmed are appearances by Joe Patelle, George Bryce, Mark Cronquist, Scooter Brothers, Keith & Jeff Dorton, Jon Kaase, Larry Clark, Joe Stef, and Warren and Kurt Johnson. For more information, visit engineperformanceexpo.com.

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

By Juan Torres

SEMA has debuted the first episode in its new five-episode streaming series chronicling the ninth year of its Launch Pad competition. The series showcases the ingenuity of rising entrepreneurs in the automotive industry as they pitch their new product or service to a panel of industry experts.

Fifteen individuals have been selected out of a record number of applicants last spring to advance to the semi-final round. From there, five of them will be chosen to compete for cash and prizes at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where the series finale will be filmed before it airs on the History Channel on a future date.

One winner will be selected to win the grand-prize package valued at $92,000, which includes $75,000 to help launch their innovative new product. The remaining 14 semi-finalists will also receive prizes that will help them in their entrepreneurial journey.

The semi-finalists are:

• Cameron Crummie – Owner, MDV
• Adam Gruener – CEO, Off Road In Mind
• Jonathan Hurley – Owner, ToolBox Widget
• Monika Kalenski – President and CEO, MEK Magnet
• Brendan McGrath – CEO, Dyme Performance Systems Inc.
• Robert McKeirnan – President and Managing Partner, Stratos Meccanica LLC
• D.J. Potter – CEO, Sawtooth
• Alan Reyes – Co-founder and President, Xtrusion Designs LLC
• Kevin Robinson – President, TRAC LLC
• Paul Rooprai – CEO, AutoBio LLC
• Michael Ruhs – Co-founder and CEO, TailHand
• Tom Sawarynski – Owner, Off-Road Research
• Michael Sullivan – Owner, Fox Products LLC
• Edward Tansingco – President, Thinskinz
• Dustin Woolf – Owner, Woolfpack Racing

“It’s a highlight every year to give up-and-coming entrepreneurs the chance of a lifetime,” says Nathan Ridnouer, vice president of councils and membership. “This year, we’re even more excited to bring audiences a more comprehensive and personal look at our annual competition; it’s like ‘Shark Tank’ for the automotive aftermarket industry.”

Past winners of SEMA Launch Pad include Roland Hence of FrontLane Inc. (2020); Reid Lunde of Kaizen Speed (2019); and Matt Beenen of Builtright Industries (2018).

The first episode of “2021 SEMA Launch Pad” is available for viewing now on the SEMA Show YouTube channel, with the remaining episodes debuting on each Tuesday from October 5–26. For more information about the 9th annual SEMA Launch Pad Competition, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Wade Kawasaki Announces Departure From Legendary Companies, Doug Evans to Become Interim CEO

Legendary Companies—which includes Coker Tire, Wheel Vintiques, Universal Vintage Tire, Phoenix Race Tires, Specialty Wheel, MOR, Vintage Wheel Works, PS Engineering, Roadster Wire Wheel and Paragon Corvette Reproductions—has announced that Wade Kawasaki will transition from his role of CEO while remaining a partner in the business—a decision by Kawasaki who took on the CEO role with Legendary Companies three years ago. Industry veteran Doug Evans will join the Legendary Companies team as interim CEO as the company searches for a new leader. 

“After guiding Coker Tire through the acquisition process, I agreed to stay on as CEO for a three-year term to build the management team and add more companies to the portfolio,” said Legendary Companies President and CEO Wade Kawasaki. “As that term draws to a close, I am excited to take some personal time and pursue new interests. It’s been a tremendous honor serving as CEO and I know the company has a bright future. I’m also pleased to announce that we have asked my close friend and colleague Doug Evans to join the team as an Interim CEO while we begin a search process for a new leader.”

After the sale in 2018 of Coker Tire and Wheel Vintiques to Irving Place Capital (IPC), Kawasaki led Legendary Companies and helped the organization identify acquisitions and significantly expand the company’s management team. Kawasaki will retain an ownership stake in the company and work closely with IPC to execute a transition plan. The senior management team will continue to help guide the company along with IPC leadership and the new CEO.

Kawasaki has spent more than 40 years in the automotive aftermarket, 25 of which were spent in various leadership positions within SEMA, finishing his multi-term stint as chairman of the Board. During his time at Coker Tire, Kawasaki helped transform the family business into a lean, profitable and scalable operation before guiding the brand through its sale to IPC.

Truck Hero Inc. Hires Former Carhartt Marketing Executive as New Chief Growth Officer

Truck Hero Inc. has announced the appointment of Tony Ambroza as chief growth officer. Ambroza will join the company's senior leadership team and report to CEO Bill Reminder. Ambroza will help guide the company's accelerated growth by leading the brand marketing team and Truck Hero's direct-to-consumer business powered by RealTruck.com. An accomplished senior marketing executive with industry experience across footwear, apparel and entertainment, Ambroza has achieved more than two decades of success in developing high-performance consumer brands. He joins Truck Hero from the Dearborn, Michigan-based workwear company Carhartt, where he served most recently as chief brand officer. In his role, Ambroza led the brand marketing and direct-to-consumer teams who scaled the Carhartt brand to historic levels across all segments and markets. Ambroza's experience also includes leadership roles at Nike and Under Armour.

Cloyes Gear and Products Promotes Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith has been promoted to director of category management for Cloyes Gear and Products. In his new role, Smith will continue to develop and grow the department with additional resources, enhance the customer line review process and expand the company’s category management footprint to more customers. Smith joined Cloyes in December 2013 as sales and marketing coordinator where he played a key role in the management of several regional export accounts, PER customer base and customer pricing. Smith also served as project manager lead on the production of Cloyes aftermarket tech videos. He was promoted in May 2019 to manager of special markets and category management.

Permatex Teams with ASE to Help Train Technicians on Latest Innovations and Applications

Permatex has partnered with the ASE Education Foundation to provide product application training and education on the latest formulation advances for automotive students, instructors, parts professionals and professional automotive technicians. The partnership was announced by Permatex Product Manager Eric Seibold.

The inaugural program in the ASE Education Foundation collaboration is a Permatex-led online training webinar entitled, “How to Select and Apply the Right Gasket Maker.” This training segment provided technicians with important information on the different types of gasket makers, how they have evolved over the years, how to choose the correct gasket maker and proper application techniques. Permatex will conduct future training sessions, both online and in-person, on a variety of chemical technology topics for automotive maintenance and repair.

Brembo to Become Official Partner in Braking Systems of Gran Turismo 7 for Playstation Consoles

Polyphony Digital Inc., developer of the Gran Turismo series for Playstation consoles since 1997, has chosen Brembo as the official technical partner in braking systems for Gran Turismo 7. The new video game will be available for PS4 and PS5 consoles March 4, 2022. Brembo will make its UPGRADE products available to players in the Tuning Shop of Gran Turismo 7—the virtual shop where they can upgrade the performance of their cars.

In this environment, gamers will be able to replace their original brake discs with those from the Sport range and, as they progress through the game, to upgrade their car with different Brembo braking systems. The choice will range up to the highest performing and most distinctive products for road cars, including Carbon Ceramic brake discs and GT|BM calipers, available in eight different colors.

Matthias Arleth to Be New CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of MAHLE Group

Matthias Arleth will be the new CEO and chairman of the management board of the MAHLE Group. The 53-year-old automotive engineer is joining the company from automotive component supplier Webasto SE, where he was most recently vice chairman of the board of management. Arleth will take up his position at the helm of MAHLE on January 1, 2022. He succeeds Dr. Jörg Stratmann, who left the group on March 31, 2021. Arleth has many years of experience in the automotive industry, both with manufacturers and with component suppliers. Arleth previously held positions with various companies, including the Volkswagen Group, where he was a development engineer and project manager with SEAT. In 1997, Arleth moved to a subsidiary of MAGNA, becoming head of sales and development and managing director. Subsequently, he assumed various management positions within Magna International, the last one being executive vice president of Magna E-Car Systems. In 2011, Arleth joined automotive component supplier Webasto SE as executive vice president of the roof systems business unit in Europe. In 2013, he was vice chairman of the Webasto sunroofs & components management board. In 2015, Arleth was appointed to the management board of Webasto SE, advancing to the position of vice chairman of the management board in 2017. As COO and CTO, he was in charge of all technical departments from product development through to responsibility for all production plants.

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.

SEMA News—November 2021

EVENTS

Food Options at the SEMA Show

The Las Vegas Convention Center Offers a Variety of Dining Choices

By Chad Simon

You definitely won’t go hungry at the SEMA Show. Each part of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) has its own concessions, and with the food court in the new West Hall expansion, Showgoers have even more options. Please note, due to COVID-19, all LVCC concessions will be cashless, so be sure to bring your credit cards.

Outlined in the next couple of pages are your dining choices and locations.

Member Lounges

The SEMA Members Lounge has three locations—one in the Upper North Hall room N251, South Hall booth #49031, and another one in the new West Hall, booth #58065. All three are exclusively for SEMA, SEMA Hall of Fame, Tire Industry Association and Society of Collision Repair Specialists members only. Members can sit down and enjoy a hot meal at the Members Lounge–North, while Grab ’n’ Go lunches are available during Show hours Tuesday–Friday in all three lounges. All locations offer a place for a quick break, charging stations for phones and laptops and opportunities to network with fellow Showgoers. Private rooms are available for meetings. Reserve yours in advance by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/mlmeetings.

Exhibitor Lunch and Appreciation Reception Monday

During Show setup days, SEMA staff will be handing out vouchers to exhibitors for sandwich lunches. Present your exhibitor badge and redeem your voucher at the nearest meal station to receive a sandwich and a bottle of water. The lunches are available Sunday, October 31, and Monday, November 1, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Don’t miss the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception on Monday night, November 1, at 5:00 p.m. Located just outside of Central Hall on Silver Drive, it’s a great time to get to know other exhibitors, enjoy live music and good food, and preview some of the most exciting vehicles you’ll see at this year’s Show.

For the following food options, reference the below map.

Blue Lot

Big Daddy’s BBQ Food Truck

American BBQ, Mexican food, hot dogs, etc.

Big Daddy’s Taco Food Truck

Tacos, chips, parfaits

50 Shades Food Truck

Organic, burgers, salads, vegetarian

The Healthy Grill Kosher

Sin City Pizza Food Truck

Pizza, etc.

Bronze Lot

Five Spot Coffee Cart (two locations)

Coffee, espresso, tea, quick bites

Central Hall

Brookwood Farms BBQ

American BBQ, sandwiches

Buy the Slice Pizza & Sandwiches

Pizza, hot dogs, deli sandwiches, etc.

Capriotti’s Cart

Six-inch submarine sandwiches, snacks

Market Fresh Express

Grab ’n’ go sandwiches, salads, assorted snacks

Quizno’s

Sandwiches, etc.

Sabrett’s Hot Dogs

All-beef hot-dogs, chili cheese dogs, etc.

7th Heaven Kosher Cart

Kosher food, hot dogs, salmon, salads, etc.

Wetzel’s Pretzels

Pretzels by Wetzel’s

Concourse

3150 Snacks To-Go

Honey Salt

Farm-to-table gourmet breakfast and lunch

Lucky’s Restaurant

Burgers, sandwiches, salads, etc.

Prima Stampa

Fast-pressed paninis, etc.

Starbucks North

Coffee and espresso drinks

Walla Pao Express

Asian-American fusion meals to go

Grand Plaza and Central Plaza

Big Daddy’s BBQ 1

American BBQ, Mexican food, hot dogs, etc.

Five Spot Coffee Cart

Coffee, espresso, tea, quick bites

Sabrett’s Hot Dog Cart (two locations)

All-beef hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, etc.

North Hall

East Ocean Stand

Chinese food

Five Spot Coffee Cart

Coffee, espresso, tea, quick bites

Fremont Grill Stand

American food, burgers, etc.

Mobile Vendor

Vegas Street Eats North

Fast food

North Road

5 Spot Coffee Cart

Coffee, espresso, tea, quick bites

Truk-n-Yaki Food Truck

Japanese BBQ plates

Orange Lot

Big Daddy’s BBQ 4

American BBQ, Mexican food, hot dogs, etc.

Silver Lot 1–3

Addonis Cart

Gyros, falafel, baklava, etc.

Big Daddy’s BBQ 3

American BBQ, Mexican food, hot dogs, etc.

Quizno’s Cart

Sandwiches, etc.

Skybridge

Five Spot Coffee Cart

Coffee, espresso, tea, quick bites

Mobile Vendor

South Hall

Aces Restaurant

High-end food court

Butcher’s Block Stand

American BBQ, sandwiches, salads

Capriotti’s

Six-inch submarine sandwiches, snacks

Five Spot Coffee Cart

Coffee, espresso, tea, quick bites

Gourmet Grill Stand

Burgers and beyond

Mobile Vendor

Jose’s Taco Tijuana

Mexican food, combos, chips and salsa

Namaste Indian Stand

Chicken tikka, gulab jamun, tandoori

Sabroso Stand

Pizza, BBQ sandwiches, parfaits

SEMA Members Lounge–South, Booth #49031

Grab ’n’ go meals, charging stations (members only)

Vegas Street Eats South

Fast food

South Plaza

Curbside Café Food Truck

BBQ bacon burgers, Hawaiian burgers, etc.

Freshfest Food Truck

Lobster rolls, salads, shrimp po’boys, etc.

Sabrett’s Hot Dog Cart

All-beef hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, etc.

Sausagefest Food Truck

Breakfast burritos, variety sausage, chorizo fries, etc.

West Hall

Brand Burgers & Fries

Hamburgers, french fries, etc.

Dunkin’ Express

Donuts, muffins, Munchkins, eclairs, hot coffee, iced coffee, iced tea, etc.

The Fancy Wok

Asian food

Go Natural

Healthy fast food

Metro Pizza

Pizza, pasta, salads, calzones, etc.

The Roost

Farm-fresh fried chicken

Banquets and Receptions

Special events are a great way to combine a meal or a cocktail with productive networking and learning. All of the events below will have something edible available and offer a host of different learning and networking opportunities.

New Products Breakfast

Tuesday, November 2

7:30 a.m.

Westgate Paradise Event Center

TORA Happy Hour

Tuesday, November 2

4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

TORA Booth #56155

WTC Industry Reception

Tuesday, November 2

5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Members Lounge, South Hall
Booth #49031

PRO Industry Awards Reception

Tuesday, November 2

5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

LVCC West Hall Third Floor Terrace

YEN Awards Reception

Tuesday, November 2

5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Renaissance Hotel Garage Rooftop

ARMO Awards Reception

Tuesday, November 2

5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Westgate Ballroom B

Breakfast With ARMO

Wednesday, November 3

7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

Westgate Conference Rooms 7–9

NHRA Breakfast

Wednesday, November 3

7:30 a.m.–9:00

Westgate Paradise Event Center

PRO Happy Hour

Wednesday, November 3

4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

PRO Booth #50185

Banquets and Receptions

International Happy Hour

Wednesday, November 3

5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

LVCC West Hall, W228

TORA Awards Reception

Wednesday, November 3

5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

West Hall Third Floor Terrace

WTC Happy Hour

Wednesday, November 3
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

Members Lounge, South Hall Booth #49031

HRIA Awards Reception

Wednesday, November 3

5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Westgate Paradise Event Center

SBN Reception

Wednesday, November 3

5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Renaissance Hotel Pool Deck

WTC Coffee and Conversation

Thursday, November 4

8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

Entrance to Global Tire Expo, Lower South Hall

Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast

Thursday, November 4

8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

LVCC West Hall W322

ETTN Tech ’N’ Toast

Thursday, November 4

8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

LVCC North Hall N235

Lunch With the PROs

Thursday, November 4

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

LVCC West Hall W219

ETTN Lunch ’N’ Learn

Thursday, November 4

12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

LVCC North Hall N235–N239

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet

Thursday, November 4

6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

Westgate Paradise Event Center

By Della Domingo

While many exhibitors, builders and partners are keeping the specifics of their plans confidential so that they can make formal announcements during the event, some exhibitors have begun to tease their news. Here are some the stories making headlines:

“Two Guys Garage” Podcast: Road to SEMA: Ringbrothers

• “Everyone in the automotive industry is amped up.”

Diesel Army: SEMA’s First Tractor? Twin Turbo, 7.3L Swapped Ford 8N Tractor Build

• “This has to be one of the coolest tractors every. I don’t know about you, but the first thing I would do is hook it to a sled and hear that 7.3 scream!”

Modern Tire Dealer: Hunter to Showcase Mobile Equipment at SEMA Show

• “Hunter Engineering Co. is partnering with Bush Specialty Vehicles to showcase a mobile tire service van outfitted with Hunter equipment at the 2021 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.”

CarScoops: Chevy Bringing More Than A Dozen Models to SEMA Including Concepts

• “The SEMA Show has always been an important event for the Chevrolet team to show off our vehicles with our latest accessories and performance parts — including compelling concepts that are sure to spark enthusiasts’ imaginations.”

The SEMA Show is the only place to meet with thousands of businesses in the automotive specialty equipment industry in person, and see custom vehicle builds up close. Learn more about the 2021 SEMA Show, taking place November 2-5, in Las Vegas, visiting www.semashow.com.

  

  

By John Santos

Exhibitors are excited to make their announcements at the 2021 SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, in Las Vegas. Below is the official press conference schedule as of September 15:

Monday, November 1

• 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m: SEMA Vehicle Reveal featuring the SEMA Award Presentation (outside the Grand Central Lobby entrance)

Tuesday, November 2

• 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m: New Products Breakfast; breakfast will be served (Paradise Event Center, located in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino)
• 10:00 a.m.–10:20 a.m: Toyota Motor North America Press Conference (Booth #24800)
• 10:30 a.m.–10:50 a.m: Ford Motor Company – Reveal (Booth #22200)
• 11:00 a.m.–11:20 a.m: 4WP Factory, Unveiling ’21 Ford Bronco (Booth #58141)
• 11:30 a.m.–11:50 a.m: Red Line Oil, Advance Technology Vehicle Reveal (Booth #22419)
• 1:00 p.m.–1:20 p.m: Lexus Press Conference (Booth #21803)
• 1:30 p.m.–1:50 p.m: SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Top 40 Finalists (SEMA Central)
• 2:30 p.m.–2:50 p.m: OPTIMA Batteries, Q&A with Mike Rowe (Booth #20323)
• 3:30 p.m.–3:50 p.m: Redline Detection, OEM Chooses Redline for Essential Tool Program (Media Center, South Hall Skybridge Room S219)
• 4:00 p.m.–4:20 p.m: Formula DRIFT Holdings LLC, 2022 Schedule and Announcements (Media Center, South Hall Skybridge Room S219)

Wednesday, November 3

• 9:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m: Eaton Corp., New Builds with Eaton (Booth #23063)
• 9:30 a.m.–9:50 a.m: CTEK Power Inc., Changing Battery Care Forever (Booth #24213)
• 10:00 a.m.–10:20 a.m: Quadratec Inc., YJL Jeep Debut, Wholesale Program & New Products (Booth #55167)
• 10:30 a.m.–10:50 a.m: Classic Recreations, World’s First Carbon Fiber Bodied Shelby Cobra (Booth #23793)
• 11:30 a.m.–11:50 a.m: HEXIS Group: Who We Are and What We Do (Media Center, South Hall Skybridge Room S219)
• 1:00 p.m.–1:20 p.m: CTEK Power Inc., Changing Battery Care Forever (Media Center, South Hall Skybridge Room S219)
• 1:30 p.m.–1:50 p.m: SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Top 12 Finalists (SEMA Central)
• 2:00 p.m.–2:20 p.m: Truck Hero Partnerships and Announcements (Booth #70120)

Thursday, November 4

• 9:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m: JM3 Oil Filter Wrench – Reinvented (Media Center, South Hall Skybridge Room S219)

Friday, November 5

• 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m: SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Top 12 Judging (North Hall, BOTB Stage)
• 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m: SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Top 4 Finalists Announced (North Hall, BOTB Stage)
• 4:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m: SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Winner Announced (North Hall, BOTB Stage)

By Della Domingo

Find out what to expect from SEMA Show exhibitors by visiting the SEMA Show Online Media Center, where exhibitors have posted press releases announcing their Show-related news. The site is filled with releases highlighting the new products that will debut, vehicle that will be unveiled and more.

Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• Spark Lines Inc. Will Showcase New Products at SEMA 2021
• REDARC’s Ultimate Off-Grid Tacoma Build
• Maxxsonics USA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
• Hunter Engineering Previews Wheel and Tire Service of the Future at SEMA in Las Vegas

All exhibitor Press releases can be found at www.semashow.com/press.

Exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.

 

 

 

By SEMA Editors

Showgoers booking through onPeak—the SEMA Show housing partner—receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

Booking through the SEMA Show block not only offers discounted nightly rates for SEMA Show participants, but also offers reduced resort fees so you can save even more on your stay.

See below for the list of hotels offering discounted nightly resort fees.

Hotel Name	onPeak Resort Fee	Hotel Resort Fee	Savings Difference
Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas	$35	$45	$10
Ballys Las Vegas	$35	$37	$2
Bellagio	$35	$45	$10
Caesars Palace	$45	$45	$0
Circus Circus Hotel	$20	$36.28	$16.28
Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World	$39	$45	$6
Courtyard by Marriott—Convention Center	N/A	N/A	N/A
Downtown Grand	$23	$29.95	$6.95
Elara, Hilton Grand Vacations	$25	$25	$0
Embassy Suites Convention Center	N/A	N/A	N/A
Encore at Wynn Las Vegas	$25	$45	$20
Excalibur	$30	$35	$5
Flamingo Las Vegas	$35	$37	$2
Golden Nugget	$25	$34	$9
Harrah's Las Vegas	$35	$37	$2
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Flamingo	$25	$25	$0
Hilton Grand Vacations  – Las Vegas CC	$25	$25	$0
Hilton Grand Vacations on the Strip	$25	$25	$0
Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World	$39	$45	$6
Las Vegas Marriott	N/A	N/A	N/A
Luxor Hotel and Casino	$30	$35	$5
MGM Grand Hotel Casino	$35	$39	$4
New York New York Hotel and Casino	$35	$37	$2
OYO Hotel and Casino	$20	$37	$17
Palace Station	$22	$39.67	$17.67
Paris Las Vegas	$37	$39	$2
Park MGM	$35	$39	$4
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino	$37	$39	$2
Renaissance Las Vegas	$20	$30	$10
Residence Inn Convention Center Las Vegas	N/A	N/A	N/A
SAHARA Las Vegas	$29	$39.95	$10.95
SpringHill Suites Convention Center	N/A	N/A	N/A
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas	$39	$51.02	$12.02
The Cromwell	$37	$45	$8
The LINQ Hotel & Casino	$35	$37	$2
The Mirage Hotel and Casino	$30	$39	$9
The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino	$27	$45	$18
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino	$27	$45	$18
The Signature at MGM Grand	$35	$39	$4
The STRAT Hotel	$15	$37	$22
The Westin Las Vegas	$24	$32	$8
Treasure Island	$29	$39	$10
Tropicana LV—A Doubletree by Hilton	$25	$37	$12
Trump Hotel Las Vegas	$10	$39.68	$29.68
Tuscany Suites and Casino	N/A	N/A	N/A
Vdara Hotel and Spa	$35	$45	$10
Westgate Las Vegas Resort (fmr. LVH)	$35	$36.99	$1.99
Wynn Las Vegas	$25	$45	$20

Note: Rates listed on the onPeak website do not include the resort fee.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak—the only official hotel provider for the 2021 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive restylers are increasing their sales profits and building successful dealer-direct strategies through the help of the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Sales Training Manual and SEMA Accessory Sales Professional (SASP) Exam.

Developed by PRO to help restylers, trimmers and accessory retailers expand their businesses, the program outlines proven tactics that can help restylers get their foot in the door of any dealership. The manual covers how to structure a sale, the rules of sales success, tips for refining negotiation skills, and the importance of product knowledge—all of which are essential traits that can help restylers build a client base and develop strong partnerships with their customers.  

“I made it mandatory for all of our current and future employees to take the course and become certified,” said Rod Bennett, general manager at Chrome Enhancements. “This has resulted in a nationwide salesforce that have become more confident and better prepared to understand the inner workings of car dealerships. It has improved their ability to identify the key decision maker, and has helped them develop better sales strategies, which has resulted in a significant increase of our customer base.”

His thoughts were echoed by Evan Cook, COO at Trim Illusion Inc. “Understanding the inner workings of a dealership and the interactions our customers have daily can be crucial. This is not always easy when you are involved in the operations and supply-chain side of the business. The SEMA Accessory Sales Professional program has greatly improved my ability to relate to our customers and given me insight on the obstacles they face. The SASP has been vital in improving our customer relations and learning how we can help our customer close the deal.”

To date, 190 PRO-member company employees have passed the course, qualifying their expertise and setting their businesses apart from competitors. An accessory sales professional certificate and badge is awarded to restylers who pass the exam, earning them recognition for their achievement and providing business owners with a valuable marketing edge. Bill North, account executive at Reputation.com, also notes that SEMA members who have attained this accreditation take pride in showing what they have learned about selling into the automotive dealership environment.

“Selling vehicle accessories is one thing; selling vehicle accessories to car dealers is a whole different level,” added Josh Poulson of Auto Additions Inc. “Passing the PRO SASP Exam proves a person‘s true understanding of the current market and trends, and the how to successfully navigate the car dealer arena.”

PRO members can order a free electronic copy of the manual by contacting Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org.

Learn more about the PRO Sales Training Manual and SEMA Accessory Professional Exam.

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) are invited to a cross-council mixer, Saturday, October 16 at the Holcomb Valley Ranch Archery Range in Big Bear, California.

This event is the ideal opportunity for members to meet new contacts and strengthen existing connections while winding down from a busy day at the OLAF Octoberfestivus event. Attendees will learn about resources available in the industry, openly network with other professionals, and connect directly with select committee members who can help them get more involved in the industry.

OLAF Octoberfestivus attendees who are not current YEN or TORA members but are interested in getting more involved are invited to attend, as it is a great way to introduce yourself and learn about what SEMA councils and networks have to offer.

Registration, although not required, is encouraged so that the councils can plan accordingly. Drinks and barbecue will be available. Learn more and RSVP here.