By Ashley Reyes

Rory Connell of Advanced Accessory Concepts is featured as the first-ever TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member.

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has featured Rory Connell of Advanced Accessory Concepts as the first-ever TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member. As an active volunteer and industry advocate, Connell has been at the forefront of key SEMA initiatives, focusing many of his contributions on youth engagement and member connectivity.

Connell’s professional experience includes receiving his degree from Wyotech Automotive Technical School, which led to a career working on cars for West Coast Customs, Barry’s Speed Shop and Callaway Cars. Connell now works for a startup company and sees it as an opportunity to lead young people down a similar path to becoming connected to the industry.

Get to know Connell in his Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Rory Connell: My first experience in the off-road world was on an ATC70 at around the age of 5. I fell in love with all things that have Knobby tires! Geographically I’ve also been very blessed to be raised and continue to live in Corona, California, which is well known as a hub for the automotive aftermarket and has an abundance of off-road product manufacturers.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

RC: I am very fortunate to have been volunteering within SEMA for several years. When TORA was formed, I naturally gravitated toward this group, not only because of my business interest in the off-road segment, but also because of my personal passion for it. Having the opportunity to help shape and grow something you truly care about is the most rewarding part of any volunteer opportunity.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

RC: With any job, it’s always easier to really love what you're doing. The automotive aftermarket is a prime example of an industry where someone who is passionate can thrive no matter what the circumstances. People desire most of the products we sell, but they don’t necessarily need it, which means we see a lot of feast or famine. Loving what you do makes the feast even greater and the famine bearable.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on the weekend?

RC: If I won the lottery tomorrow I'd probably have a ridiculous ULTRA4 4400 car built to race Hammers. For a purely recreational vehicle, it would probably have to be a 4WD Luxury Pre-Runner of some sort to go blast the two track and still have climate control. On most weekends, I’m mainly in the Mojave Desert somewhere hiding from society, living my best life.

TORA members: Fill out this form to nominate yourself as a TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member for a chance to be featured in TORA’s social media and SEMA eNews.

Not a TORA member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Ashley Reyes

Rory Connell of Advanced Accessory Concepts is featured as the first-ever TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member.

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has featured Rory Connell of Advanced Accessory Concepts as the first-ever TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member. As an active volunteer and industry advocate, Connell has been at the forefront of key SEMA initiatives, focusing many of his contributions on youth engagement and member connectivity.

Connell’s professional experience includes receiving his degree from Wyotech Automotive Technical School, which led to a career working on cars for West Coast Customs, Barry’s Speed Shop and Callaway Cars. Connell now works for a startup company and sees it as an opportunity to lead young people down a similar path to becoming connected to the industry.

Get to know Connell in his Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Rory Connell: My first experience in the off-road world was on an ATC70 at around the age of 5. I fell in love with all things that have Knobby tires! Geographically I’ve also been very blessed to be raised and continue to live in Corona, California, which is well known as a hub for the automotive aftermarket and has an abundance of off-road product manufacturers.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

RC: I am very fortunate to have been volunteering within SEMA for several years. When TORA was formed, I naturally gravitated toward this group, not only because of my business interest in the off-road segment, but also because of my personal passion for it. Having the opportunity to help shape and grow something you truly care about is the most rewarding part of any volunteer opportunity.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

RC: With any job, it’s always easier to really love what you're doing. The automotive aftermarket is a prime example of an industry where someone who is passionate can thrive no matter what the circumstances. People desire most of the products we sell, but they don’t necessarily need it, which means we see a lot of feast or famine. Loving what you do makes the feast even greater and the famine bearable.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on the weekend?

RC: If I won the lottery tomorrow I'd probably have a ridiculous ULTRA4 4400 car built to race Hammers. For a purely recreational vehicle, it would probably have to be a 4WD Luxury Pre-Runner of some sort to go blast the two track and still have climate control. On most weekends, I’m mainly in the Mojave Desert somewhere hiding from society, living my best life.

TORA members: Fill out this form to nominate yourself as a TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member for a chance to be featured in TORA’s social media and SEMA eNews.

Not a TORA member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Lindsay Bianco

PSKB, a manufacturer’s rep, was crowned in 2019 as the overall champion in the Industry Cup Challenge during the SEMA Installation & Gala. With the rep agency taking home the hardware, the Industry Cup now rests in their hands until another SEMA member donates to SEMA Cares and enters this year’s Industry Cup Challenge. Here’s SEMA Cares Chair Melanie White and Rich Barsamian presenting PSKB with the Industry Cup:

During the Industry Cup Challenge, sponsoring companies are divided into five divisions, where they race high-quality, child-built pinewood cars. Each division crowns a winning company, which then goes on to represent that division in an all-out industry race to No. 1. Here are the official standings from last year.

2019 INDUSTRY CUP CHALLENGE WINNERS (Member Category Represented)

• Rep Agency Class – PSKB, 1st Place Champion
• Manufacturer’s Class – Hellwig Products, 2nd Place
• Warehouse Distributor Class – All Pro Distributing, 3rd Place
• Media Class – Motor Trend
• Service Providers Class – eTool Developers

Make no mistake. This is a challenge from PSKB. This is the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. The SEMA Cares committee will engrave one company’s name on a special Stanley-Cup-inspired trophy. Will it be yours?

The donation cost is $1,000 per sponsoring company. The standard pinewood build rules apply to all competing vehicles. Vehicles are randomly assigned and the race is officiated by SEMA Cares volunteers.

Even if you get your doors blown-off by a competitor, this race has one of the best consolation prizes ever—your sponsorship money will become a donation to SEMA Cares. For the children who labored over these race cars, your contribution is a signal to our industry and to children dealing with life’s harshest challenges.

For more information, contact the SEMA Cares staff liaison Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Lindsay Bianco

PSKB, a manufacturer’s rep, was crowned in 2019 as the overall champion in the Industry Cup Challenge during the SEMA Installation & Gala. With the rep agency taking home the hardware, the Industry Cup now rests in their hands until another SEMA member donates to SEMA Cares and enters this year’s Industry Cup Challenge. Here’s SEMA Cares Chair Melanie White and Rich Barsamian presenting PSKB with the Industry Cup:

During the Industry Cup Challenge, sponsoring companies are divided into five divisions, where they race high-quality, child-built pinewood cars. Each division crowns a winning company, which then goes on to represent that division in an all-out industry race to No. 1. Here are the official standings from last year.

2019 INDUSTRY CUP CHALLENGE WINNERS (Member Category Represented)

• Rep Agency Class – PSKB, 1st Place Champion
• Manufacturer’s Class – Hellwig Products, 2nd Place
• Warehouse Distributor Class – All Pro Distributing, 3rd Place
• Media Class – Motor Trend
• Service Providers Class – eTool Developers

Make no mistake. This is a challenge from PSKB. This is the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. The SEMA Cares committee will engrave one company’s name on a special Stanley-Cup-inspired trophy. Will it be yours?

The donation cost is $1,000 per sponsoring company. The standard pinewood build rules apply to all competing vehicles. Vehicles are randomly assigned and the race is officiated by SEMA Cares volunteers.

Even if you get your doors blown-off by a competitor, this race has one of the best consolation prizes ever—your sponsorship money will become a donation to SEMA Cares. For the children who labored over these race cars, your contribution is a signal to our industry and to children dealing with life’s harshest challenges.

For more information, contact the SEMA Cares staff liaison Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Lindsay Bianco

PSKB, a manufacturer’s rep, was crowned in 2019 as the overall champion in the Industry Cup Challenge during the SEMA Installation & Gala. With the rep agency taking home the hardware, the Industry Cup now rests in their hands until another SEMA member donates to SEMA Cares and enters this year’s Industry Cup Challenge. Here’s SEMA Cares Chair Melanie White and Rich Barsamian presenting PSKB with the Industry Cup:

During the Industry Cup Challenge, sponsoring companies are divided into five divisions, where they race high-quality, child-built pinewood cars. Each division crowns a winning company, which then goes on to represent that division in an all-out industry race to No. 1. Here are the official standings from last year.

2019 INDUSTRY CUP CHALLENGE WINNERS (Member Category Represented)

• Rep Agency Class – PSKB, 1st Place Champion
• Manufacturer’s Class – Hellwig Products, 2nd Place
• Warehouse Distributor Class – All Pro Distributing, 3rd Place
• Media Class – Motor Trend
• Service Providers Class – eTool Developers

Make no mistake. This is a challenge from PSKB. This is the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. The SEMA Cares committee will engrave one company’s name on a special Stanley-Cup-inspired trophy. Will it be yours?

The donation cost is $1,000 per sponsoring company. The standard pinewood build rules apply to all competing vehicles. Vehicles are randomly assigned and the race is officiated by SEMA Cares volunteers.

Even if you get your doors blown-off by a competitor, this race has one of the best consolation prizes ever—your sponsorship money will become a donation to SEMA Cares. For the children who labored over these race cars, your contribution is a signal to our industry and to children dealing with life’s harshest challenges.

For more information, contact the SEMA Cares staff liaison Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Byron Bergmann

Mark Moneypenny

Join the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) as they present a live chat with industrial design consultant Mark Moneypenny, who will discuss the product-development landscape and diverse array of disciplines, resources and processes needed to create successful products that function exceptionally well and inspire their users.

To help navigate this landscape while staying focused on the destination, Moneypenny will define the Northstar. At every stage of a project, from an incremental decision point to a significant pivot, Northstar is the fixed point to guide and inspire every project.

Moneypenny is an industrial designer, creative director and brand strategist with more than 30 years of experience crafting products that deliver engaging sensory experiences to their users. He has won numerous design awards and patents and has spoken about innovation, design thinking, and Experiential Brand Language (XBL) at multiple universities, professional associations and startup events. He most recently presented on “Building a Connected Experience” at last year’s Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) East in New York City.

His accomplishments also include facilitating innovation sessions for a wide range of clients, including Whirlpool, Energizer, CR Bard, GE Appliances and Georgia Pacific. Moneypenny holds a bachelor of science in industrial design from the University of Cincinnati.

Communicate directly with Moneypenny on ETTN’s Facebook page, March 31, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT) and come ready with questions to tap into his expertise.

By Byron Bergmann

Mark Moneypenny

Join the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) as they present a live chat with industrial design consultant Mark Moneypenny, who will discuss the product-development landscape and diverse array of disciplines, resources and processes needed to create successful products that function exceptionally well and inspire their users.

To help navigate this landscape while staying focused on the destination, Moneypenny will define the Northstar. At every stage of a project, from an incremental decision point to a significant pivot, Northstar is the fixed point to guide and inspire every project.

Moneypenny is an industrial designer, creative director and brand strategist with more than 30 years of experience crafting products that deliver engaging sensory experiences to their users. He has won numerous design awards and patents and has spoken about innovation, design thinking, and Experiential Brand Language (XBL) at multiple universities, professional associations and startup events. He most recently presented on “Building a Connected Experience” at last year’s Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) East in New York City.

His accomplishments also include facilitating innovation sessions for a wide range of clients, including Whirlpool, Energizer, CR Bard, GE Appliances and Georgia Pacific. Moneypenny holds a bachelor of science in industrial design from the University of Cincinnati.

Communicate directly with Moneypenny on ETTN’s Facebook page, March 31, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT) and come ready with questions to tap into his expertise.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

For more racing news and features, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website.

24 Hours of Le Mans Rescheduled

The organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, together with the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), have decided to postpone the 88th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, originally scheduled for June 13–14, 2020. The new date will be September 19–20, 2020. For the latest information, visit www.fiawec.com.

Crate Racin’ USA Reschedules First Three Races of Season

The Newsome Raceway Parts Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series has announced the first three races of the 2020 national touring season have been rescheduled for the month of April. The two-race Rumble on the Grumbo at Greenville Speedway (Greenville, Mississippi) is now scheduled for April 17–18. The 50-lap Shoals Showdown at North Alabama Speedway (Tuscumbia, Alabama) has been rescheduled for April 25. Additionally, the two races set for NASCAR Weekend at Talladega Short Track (Eastaboga, Alabama), will be rescheduled. A later date will be announced. For the latest information, visit www.crateracinusa.com.

Formula DRIFT Coronavirus Update

Formula DRIFT has announced the opening round of the 2020 Formula DRIFT season on the Streets of Long Beach has been cancelled. The team at Formula DRIFT is remaining positive about the remainder of the season and is working determinedly to find an alternative venue to replace Long Beach and to ensure the teams can compete in an eight-round championship. More announcements will be made in the near future about a new location for the cancelled round. Ticket holders for the Streets of Long Beach event will be fully refunded by Ticketmaster and that the process has already begun. For more information, visit www.formulad.com.

Mazda MX-5 Cup Postpones First Two Rounds

Following the recent cancelation of the IndyCar events at Barber Motorsports Park and Circuit of The Americas, Mazda Motorsports, Andersen Promotions and IndyCar have decided to postpone the first two rounds of the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich. For the latest information, visit www.mazdamotorsports.com.

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Postponed Until August

In a press release distributed last week, organizers said, “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect everyone throughout the world, the board of directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has made the decision to postpone the 98th running of the race. The race will not be conducted on June 28, 2020, but instead will be slated to take place on Sunday, August 30.” For more information, visit http://ppihc.org.

Sparta Evolution and Gear Racing Form Multi-Year Partnership

Sparta Evolution has announced a multi-season partnership with Girl Empowerment Around Racing (GEAR), beginning in 2020. Sparta Evolution is will partner with GEAR’s all-female driven No. 19 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO in the GTD class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship and the Michelin Endurance Cup. Together, GEAR Racing and Sparta Evolution plan to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold in racing and in life.

Sonoma Speed Festival Rescheduled

Organizers of the second annual Sonoma Speed Festival have elected to reschedule the event at Sonoma Raceway to Labor Day weekend, September 4–6, 2020. Over the coming weeks, organizers will revisit the lineup of cars for this year’s event. Updates will be shared regularly via social media, newsletter and blog as drivers and their cars are confirmed. Current ticket purchases will be valid for the September event date. However, if any guest is unable to attend the rescheduled date, a full refund (including any transaction fees) will be granted. All ticket holders will receive an email with further directions to select the option that best works for them and steps to roll-over tickets or to receive a refund. For more information, visit www.sonomaspeedfestival.com.

Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) Cancels Trans-Am SpeedFest

Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) officials have shared that the 2020 Trans-Am SpeedFest at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, set for May 1-3, will not take place as planned. Officials are in active discussions to find an alternative date for later this year. A full entry fee credit, with no expiration, will also be issued. For more information, visit www.svra.com.

For more racing news and features, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

For more racing news and features, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website.

24 Hours of Le Mans Rescheduled

The organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, together with the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), have decided to postpone the 88th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, originally scheduled for June 13–14, 2020. The new date will be September 19–20, 2020. For the latest information, visit www.fiawec.com.

Crate Racin’ USA Reschedules First Three Races of Season

The Newsome Raceway Parts Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series has announced the first three races of the 2020 national touring season have been rescheduled for the month of April. The two-race Rumble on the Grumbo at Greenville Speedway (Greenville, Mississippi) is now scheduled for April 17–18. The 50-lap Shoals Showdown at North Alabama Speedway (Tuscumbia, Alabama) has been rescheduled for April 25. Additionally, the two races set for NASCAR Weekend at Talladega Short Track (Eastaboga, Alabama), will be rescheduled. A later date will be announced. For the latest information, visit www.crateracinusa.com.

Formula DRIFT Coronavirus Update

Formula DRIFT has announced the opening round of the 2020 Formula DRIFT season on the Streets of Long Beach has been cancelled. The team at Formula DRIFT is remaining positive about the remainder of the season and is working determinedly to find an alternative venue to replace Long Beach and to ensure the teams can compete in an eight-round championship. More announcements will be made in the near future about a new location for the cancelled round. Ticket holders for the Streets of Long Beach event will be fully refunded by Ticketmaster and that the process has already begun. For more information, visit www.formulad.com.

Mazda MX-5 Cup Postpones First Two Rounds

Following the recent cancelation of the IndyCar events at Barber Motorsports Park and Circuit of The Americas, Mazda Motorsports, Andersen Promotions and IndyCar have decided to postpone the first two rounds of the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich. For the latest information, visit www.mazdamotorsports.com.

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Postponed Until August

In a press release distributed last week, organizers said, “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect everyone throughout the world, the board of directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has made the decision to postpone the 98th running of the race. The race will not be conducted on June 28, 2020, but instead will be slated to take place on Sunday, August 30.” For more information, visit http://ppihc.org.

Sparta Evolution and Gear Racing Form Multi-Year Partnership

Sparta Evolution has announced a multi-season partnership with Girl Empowerment Around Racing (GEAR), beginning in 2020. Sparta Evolution is will partner with GEAR’s all-female driven No. 19 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO in the GTD class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship and the Michelin Endurance Cup. Together, GEAR Racing and Sparta Evolution plan to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold in racing and in life.

Sonoma Speed Festival Rescheduled

Organizers of the second annual Sonoma Speed Festival have elected to reschedule the event at Sonoma Raceway to Labor Day weekend, September 4–6, 2020. Over the coming weeks, organizers will revisit the lineup of cars for this year’s event. Updates will be shared regularly via social media, newsletter and blog as drivers and their cars are confirmed. Current ticket purchases will be valid for the September event date. However, if any guest is unable to attend the rescheduled date, a full refund (including any transaction fees) will be granted. All ticket holders will receive an email with further directions to select the option that best works for them and steps to roll-over tickets or to receive a refund. For more information, visit www.sonomaspeedfestival.com.

Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) Cancels Trans-Am SpeedFest

Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) officials have shared that the 2020 Trans-Am SpeedFest at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, set for May 1-3, will not take place as planned. Officials are in active discussions to find an alternative date for later this year. A full entry fee credit, with no expiration, will also be issued. For more information, visit www.svra.com.

For more racing news and features, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website.

By SEMA Editors

Among the speakers providing insight will be Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, who will explain the ways to avoid the most common pitfalls that exhibitors experience.

The eleventh annual SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is regarded as the most effective way to prepare for the SEMA Show, and offers an insider's perspective on how to make the most of the of your Show exhibit. Trade show experts, including SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso, will provide tips and highlight strategies ranging from saving on booth services to pre-Show planning that generates more awareness for your company and its participation in the SEMA Show.

At the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, exhibitors will learn how to:

• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth.
• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI.
• Learn to properly plan and budget to add value to your Show experience.
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships.

Regardless of what market you serve, if you are new exhibitors, or want tips and insight on creating an efficient Show budget, the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will answer your questions and add more value to your Show experience.

Register for the 2020 SEMA Show Summit to be held Monday–Tuesday, June 24–26, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Summit will also provide examples of how exhibitors benefit from early-bird deadlines, and help familiarize companies with the layouts of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Las Vegas Convention Center.

There is no cost to participate in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit. Complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and staff; however, participants are responsible for travel to and from Las Vegas. Space for the event is limited, so guarantee your spot today.

To secure booth space for the 2020 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.