By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Thomas Nguyen’s ’10 Nissan 370Z, Steven Nadaskai’s ’11 Volkswagen GTI, Curtis Larsen’s ’70 Plymouth Barracuda and Keenen LaCour’s ’03 Mitsubishi Evo.

Thomas Nguyen, ’10 Nissan 370Z

Inspired by the villains’ ’02 350Z from Tokyo Drift, Nguyen started modifying his own ’10 370Z little by little. Soon, those small projects turned into big projects until this once-stock Nissan became the show-stopper we see today. His Z is set apart from the pack with the uniquely styled wide-body kit that he’s added to it, which also happens to be his favorite modification. Pushing out 666 whp, the once saintly coupe has been dubbed the “Demon Z.” The performance mods on Nguyen’s Z include twin BorgWarner turbos, plus upgraded injectors, a clutch, an intake and an exhaust system, among many others. The judges didn’t miss anything at this stop as they awarded Nguyen a golden ticket to the SEMA Show this year to display his car alongside some of the most amazing builds out there.

Steven Nadaskai’s ’11 Volkswagen GTI

Curtis Larsen’s ’70 Plymouth Barracuda

Keenen LaCour’s ’03 Mitsubishi Evo

Steven Nadaskai, ’11 Volkswagen GTI
Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot

Steven Nadaskai stamped his “golden ticket” to the SEMA Show in Long Beach, California, as the winner of the Young Regional competition. He enters with an ’11 Volkswagen GTI. The build’s profile features Ingo Noak Widebody flares, Rotiform 3pc YVR wheels, a custom one-off front bumper and a custom notch shaved carbon hood. The exterior also includes a Enforced Aero one-off Chassis mount front splitter, Enforced Aero one-off side skirt extensions, Enforced Aero one-off Rear diffuser and RG style side skirts. The interior features Corbeau RRB seats and a custom-made full wood trunk setup with false floor.

Curtis Larsen, ’70 Plymouth Barracuda
Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot

Curtis Larsen turned heads in Philadelphia with his ’70 Plymouth Barracuda. The build is powered by a Viper V10 engine and a Tremec T56. The project vehicle also features a Magnum Force Transformer K-Member conversion. The profile includes a custom fabricated hood, decklid, front valance and rear diffuser. The build lays upon a RideTech 4-link rear suspension and Wilwood Brakes. The Interior is custom and features ’14 SRT Challenger Seats.

Keenen LaCour, ’03 Mitsubishi Evo
Scheduled to Appear: Young Guns Regional Winner, Blue Lot

At 26 years old, Keenen LaCour’s Evo is modified from head to toe. The build features a concrete-filled block, Clevite Race main and rod bearings, R&R 156mm solid-beam aluminum rods, L19 bolts and 87mm Diamond Racing gas ported 10.5:1, to name a few of the components that help the engine push out more than 1,100hp. The exterior consists of Seibon and Rexpeed carbon-fiber parts, which include the hood, trunk, front lip, side skirts, spats and rear bumper. The interior includes a Blacksmith Fab Chromoly 10-point roll cage, G-force six-point racing harnesses, Pro EFI CAN display and other components.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Deatschwerks Fittings Deatschwerks announces the release of new lines and fittings. The category will expand with 60 new part numbers. The adapters, fittings and tools are engineered to make integrating DW fueling components into OE fuel systems easier. All DW plumbing components are manufactured to every applicable JIC and SAE standard and are constructed of heat-treated 6061 T-6 aluminum. DW fittings are engineered to be strong, light, and anti-corrosive for use in the most demanding fuel systems. 800-419-6023 www.deatschwerks.com Part Numbers Vary
Performer RPM Top End Kit for 1997-04 Chevy LS1 Engines Edelbrock releases the Performer RPM Top End Kit for ’97–’04 Chevy LS1 engines. The kit is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm. This kit includes Performer RPM intake manifold, E-CNC cylinder heads, pushrods and Rollin’ Thunder Hydraulic Roller camshaft, complete bolt kits and an Edelbrock gasket set. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2080
Mishimoto T-Bolt Clamps Mishimoto expands its T-bolt clamp product line to include new styles of clamps, colors, and sizes. The company has added V-Band Flange Kits in aluminum and stainless steel, ear clamps, high-torque and constant-tension worm gear clamps and spring clamps. The basic worm gear and high-torque worm gear clamps have options of natural finish or black. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com Part Numbers Vary
Kleinn Can-Am Maverick X3 Onboard Air System Kleinn Introduces its Can-Am Maverick X3 Onboard Air System. The kit is engineered to be a direct-fit, bolt-on installation. The kit includes a 1-gal. all-steel air tank designed to be a submersible and a waterproof air compressor capable of inflating 37-in. tires, powering small air tools and seating the bead on a UTV tire. Included with the kit is a quick-connect tire inflator with storage bag. 520-579-1531 www.kleinn.com PN: CANX3-OBA
Kleinn Polaris Rzr Xp1000 Onboard Air System Kleinn Introduces its Polaris Rzr Xp1000 Onboard Air System. The kit includes the Kleinn 6350RC, which is designed to be a submersible, waterproof air compressor capable of inflating 37-in. truck and UTV tires, powering small air tools and inflating air bags. Included with the kit is a quick-connect digital tire inflator with storage bag. 520-579-1531 www.kleinn.com PN: RZR1000-OBA

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Deatschwerks Fittings Deatschwerks announces the release of new lines and fittings. The category will expand with 60 new part numbers. The adapters, fittings and tools are engineered to make integrating DW fueling components into OE fuel systems easier. All DW plumbing components are manufactured to every applicable JIC and SAE standard and are constructed of heat-treated 6061 T-6 aluminum. DW fittings are engineered to be strong, light, and anti-corrosive for use in the most demanding fuel systems. 800-419-6023 www.deatschwerks.com Part Numbers Vary
Performer RPM Top End Kit for 1997-04 Chevy LS1 Engines Edelbrock releases the Performer RPM Top End Kit for ’97–’04 Chevy LS1 engines. The kit is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm. This kit includes Performer RPM intake manifold, E-CNC cylinder heads, pushrods and Rollin’ Thunder Hydraulic Roller camshaft, complete bolt kits and an Edelbrock gasket set. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2080
Mishimoto T-Bolt Clamps Mishimoto expands its T-bolt clamp product line to include new styles of clamps, colors, and sizes. The company has added V-Band Flange Kits in aluminum and stainless steel, ear clamps, high-torque and constant-tension worm gear clamps and spring clamps. The basic worm gear and high-torque worm gear clamps have options of natural finish or black. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com Part Numbers Vary
Kleinn Can-Am Maverick X3 Onboard Air System Kleinn Introduces its Can-Am Maverick X3 Onboard Air System. The kit is engineered to be a direct-fit, bolt-on installation. The kit includes a 1-gal. all-steel air tank designed to be a submersible and a waterproof air compressor capable of inflating 37-in. tires, powering small air tools and seating the bead on a UTV tire. Included with the kit is a quick-connect tire inflator with storage bag. 520-579-1531 www.kleinn.com PN: CANX3-OBA
Kleinn Polaris Rzr Xp1000 Onboard Air System Kleinn Introduces its Polaris Rzr Xp1000 Onboard Air System. The kit includes the Kleinn 6350RC, which is designed to be a submersible, waterproof air compressor capable of inflating 37-in. truck and UTV tires, powering small air tools and inflating air bags. Included with the kit is a quick-connect digital tire inflator with storage bag. 520-579-1531 www.kleinn.com PN: RZR1000-OBA

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has processed some requests for exclusions from the 25% tariffs imposed on List 1, List 2 and List 3 imports from China. The 437 products exempted range from aluminum radiators for motor vehicles to heat exchanger units, circuit boards, winches and dog harnesses. For products not exempted, the 25% tariffs are scheduled to increase to 30% on October 15, 2019.

Lists 1 and 2 goods are valued at $50 billion and include some miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools and measurement devices. List 3 covers about $200 billion worth of products including many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, transmission belts, brake pads and suspension springs.

To be eligible for an exclusion, companies must demonstrate that the product is available only from China, that the duties will cause severe economic harm, and that the good is strategically important. The exclusions cover all imports under the HTS listing number, not just the request filed by an individual importer. The deadline for submitting exclusion requests has passed for Lists 1 and 2 but is open until September 30, 2019, for List 3.

Click here to view products granted exemptions:

• List 1: Implemented July 6, 2018: exclusion lasts under September 20, 2020.
• List 2: Implemented August 23, 2018: exclusion lasts under September 20, 2020.
• List 3: Implemented September 24, 2018: exclusion lasts until August 7, 2020.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has processed some requests for exclusions from the 25% tariffs imposed on List 1, List 2 and List 3 imports from China. The 437 products exempted range from aluminum radiators for motor vehicles to heat exchanger units, circuit boards, winches and dog harnesses. For products not exempted, the 25% tariffs are scheduled to increase to 30% on October 15, 2019.

Lists 1 and 2 goods are valued at $50 billion and include some miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools and measurement devices. List 3 covers about $200 billion worth of products including many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, transmission belts, brake pads and suspension springs.

To be eligible for an exclusion, companies must demonstrate that the product is available only from China, that the duties will cause severe economic harm, and that the good is strategically important. The exclusions cover all imports under the HTS listing number, not just the request filed by an individual importer. The deadline for submitting exclusion requests has passed for Lists 1 and 2 but is open until September 30, 2019, for List 3.

Click here to view products granted exemptions:

• List 1: Implemented July 6, 2018: exclusion lasts under September 20, 2020.
• List 2: Implemented August 23, 2018: exclusion lasts under September 20, 2020.
• List 3: Implemented September 24, 2018: exclusion lasts until August 7, 2020.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has processed some requests for exclusions from the 25% tariffs imposed on List 1, List 2 and List 3 imports from China. The 437 products exempted range from aluminum radiators for motor vehicles to heat exchanger units, circuit boards, winches and dog harnesses. For products not exempted, the 25% tariffs are scheduled to increase to 30% on October 15, 2019.

Lists 1 and 2 goods are valued at $50 billion and include some miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools and measurement devices. List 3 covers about $200 billion worth of products including many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, transmission belts, brake pads and suspension springs.

To be eligible for an exclusion, companies must demonstrate that the product is available only from China, that the duties will cause severe economic harm, and that the good is strategically important. The exclusions cover all imports under the HTS listing number, not just the request filed by an individual importer. The deadline for submitting exclusion requests has passed for Lists 1 and 2 but is open until September 30, 2019, for List 3.

Click here to view products granted exemptions:

• List 1: Implemented July 6, 2018: exclusion lasts under September 20, 2020.
• List 2: Implemented August 23, 2018: exclusion lasts under September 20, 2020.
• List 3: Implemented September 24, 2018: exclusion lasts until August 7, 2020.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

For the second consecutive year, federal government statistics demonstrated that outdoor recreation is a key driver of the national economy and communities around the country. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) report found that outdoor recreation in 2017 supported 5.2 million jobs and accounted for $778 billion in annual economic impact. Some of the largest outdoor recreation activities include motorized recreation, boating and fishing, RV’ing, biking, hunting, camping and skiing.

The BEA’s report notes outdoor recreation makes up 2.2% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). This share of GDP is larger than many other industries, such as mining, utilities, farming and ranching, and chemical products manufacturing.

For the first time, the report also compiles economic data for the 50 states and District of Columbia. California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas were the top five states for outdoor recreation as a percentage of total federal GDP. In terms of percentage of state GDP, outdoor recreation was largest in Hawaii, Montana, Maine, Vermont and Wyoming.

The report was welcomed by the “Outdoor Recreation Roundtable” (ORR), America’s leading coalition of U.S. outdoor recreation trade associations. ORR is comprised of 28 members, including SEMA, and represents more than 50,000 businesses that produce vehicles, apparel, equipment and services enjoyed in our nation’s parks, waterways, trails and outdoor spaces. SEMA’s focus within ORR is on motorized recreation (four-wheel, ATVs, UTVs, etc.) along with all the equipment that makes it possible to tow RVs, trailers, boats and off-road vehicles (suspension, wheels, tires, increased horsepower, etc.).

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

For the second consecutive year, federal government statistics demonstrated that outdoor recreation is a key driver of the national economy and communities around the country. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) report found that outdoor recreation in 2017 supported 5.2 million jobs and accounted for $778 billion in annual economic impact. Some of the largest outdoor recreation activities include motorized recreation, boating and fishing, RV’ing, biking, hunting, camping and skiing.

The BEA’s report notes outdoor recreation makes up 2.2% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). This share of GDP is larger than many other industries, such as mining, utilities, farming and ranching, and chemical products manufacturing.

For the first time, the report also compiles economic data for the 50 states and District of Columbia. California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas were the top five states for outdoor recreation as a percentage of total federal GDP. In terms of percentage of state GDP, outdoor recreation was largest in Hawaii, Montana, Maine, Vermont and Wyoming.

The report was welcomed by the “Outdoor Recreation Roundtable” (ORR), America’s leading coalition of U.S. outdoor recreation trade associations. ORR is comprised of 28 members, including SEMA, and represents more than 50,000 businesses that produce vehicles, apparel, equipment and services enjoyed in our nation’s parks, waterways, trails and outdoor spaces. SEMA’s focus within ORR is on motorized recreation (four-wheel, ATVs, UTVs, etc.) along with all the equipment that makes it possible to tow RVs, trailers, boats and off-road vehicles (suspension, wheels, tires, increased horsepower, etc.).

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

For the second consecutive year, federal government statistics demonstrated that outdoor recreation is a key driver of the national economy and communities around the country. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) report found that outdoor recreation in 2017 supported 5.2 million jobs and accounted for $778 billion in annual economic impact. Some of the largest outdoor recreation activities include motorized recreation, boating and fishing, RV’ing, biking, hunting, camping and skiing.

The BEA’s report notes outdoor recreation makes up 2.2% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). This share of GDP is larger than many other industries, such as mining, utilities, farming and ranching, and chemical products manufacturing.

For the first time, the report also compiles economic data for the 50 states and District of Columbia. California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas were the top five states for outdoor recreation as a percentage of total federal GDP. In terms of percentage of state GDP, outdoor recreation was largest in Hawaii, Montana, Maine, Vermont and Wyoming.

The report was welcomed by the “Outdoor Recreation Roundtable” (ORR), America’s leading coalition of U.S. outdoor recreation trade associations. ORR is comprised of 28 members, including SEMA, and represents more than 50,000 businesses that produce vehicles, apparel, equipment and services enjoyed in our nation’s parks, waterways, trails and outdoor spaces. SEMA’s focus within ORR is on motorized recreation (four-wheel, ATVs, UTVs, etc.) along with all the equipment that makes it possible to tow RVs, trailers, boats and off-road vehicles (suspension, wheels, tires, increased horsepower, etc.).

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

By Rachel Tatum

Members of the media can find exhibitor press releases in the SEMA Show Online Media Center.

With less than six weeks until the SEMA Show, exhibitors share their latest plans for the upcoming event taking place November 5–8, in Las Vegas, with new product debuts and innovations.

Below are some of the latest announcements that can be found in the SEMA Show Online Media Center:

• REDARC to Feature New 50amp Dual In-Vehicle DC Battery Charger at the 2019 SEMA Show
• Toyo Tires Introduces Open Country SxS for Outdoor Enthusiasts
• Griot's Garage Foaming Metal Detailer
• Air Design Releases Full Body Kit for Toyota Hilux, Global Ranger and Nissan NP300
• Dickies Celebrity Appearances
• Segway to Showcase E-All Mountain Dirt Bike and Provide Ninebot Gokarting Experience
• New Products: Giant Loop’s 3- and 5-Gallon Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladders
• Real Deal Steel to Unveil First-to-Market ’70–’73 Steel Reproduction Body
• New Black Ceramic Coating Option for PPE Manifolds
• High-Quality Powdercoating with the New OptiFlex Pro From Gema
• Carstar to Exhibit at 2019 SEMA Show
• AlloyGator North America Launches Ecommerce Stores
• Go-Fast Green Live Wires
• Pentastar S.O.S. Coils

To view more press releases from SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Find all SEMA Show news on the SEMA Show website.

Exhibitors can upload releases to be included in the Online Media Center. For information about PR opportunities for SEMA Show exhibitors, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.