By Juan Torres

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is now available for exhibiting companies to submit Show-related press releases to be included on the SEMA Show website.

Companies exhibiting at the 2023 SEMA Show can submit press releases to generate excitement for products and Show-related announcements, such as guest and celebrity appearances, descriptions of new products planned for display, special booth vehicles, product giveaways and more.  

This free benefit for exhibitors provides an added exposure opportunity. With thousands of media attending the SEMA Show, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths. Press releases submitted may also be used in association publications, social-media platforms and promotions to media attendees. The Online SEMA Show Media Center was designed specifically for journalists to find Show-related news and announcements. 

Here are a few tips to get a press release noticed: 

• Use a strong, short headline to catch readers' attention. 
• Keep the press release brief. Introduce the product or news without added commentary.  
• Include a photo. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format. 
• Always include your booth number and contact information.

An easy-to-read press release with relevant content can create a lasting impression, generate media coverage and ultimately drive traffic to an exhibitor's booth. Exhibitors can upload their press releases to SEMAShow.com/press-release.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date. 

SEMA members have elected Melanie White, president of Hellwig Products, and Ted Wentz III, CEO of Quadratec, to lead the association over the next several years as key members of the 2023-2024 SEMA Board of Directors.

Melanie White and Ted Wentz III

White was voted incoming chair and fills the position held for the past two years by Kyle Fickler (ProCharger), who will begin his term as chairman in July when James Lawrence (Power Automedia) concludes his term in that position. White's current seat on the Board will be filled by Marcus Umlauff (Toyota North America) for the balance of the two-year seat. Current SEMA Board member, Wentz, was re-elected to serve another term of three years. 

SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association. They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, distributors/retailers, manufacturers' rep and services. 

The SEMA Board of Directors for 2023-2024 will be as follows: 

Board Officers

• Chairman - Kyle Fickler, Director of Business Development, ProCharger
• Incoming Chair - Melanie White, President, Hellwig Products
• Immediate Past-Chair/Secretary - James Lawrence, Senior Consultant, Power Automedia
• Treasurer - To Be Announced

Board Members

• Rich Butler - CEO, R&R Marketing Consultants
• Lindsay Hubley - Managing Partner, Lodestone Events LLC
• Norris Marshall - CEO, BluePrint Engines
• Larry Montante - VP, Category Management & Marketing, Keystone Automotive Operations
• Kim Pendergast - CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
• Brian Reese - President and CEO, T-Sportline
• Kathryn Reinhardt - Senior Vice President of Marketing and Events, Hemmings
• Marcus Umlauff - General Manager - Truck, Toyota North America
• Ted Wentz III, CEO - Quadratec Inc.
• Steve Whipple - President, PRW Industries Inc.

Outgoing Board Members

• Tim Martin, CEO - Aftermarket Advisors 
• Les Rudd, President/CSO - Bob Cook Sales

The entire 2023-2024 SEMA Board of Directors and outgoing Board members will be honored and recognized during the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly the SEMA Awards Gala) in Anaheim, California, on Friday, July 21. All SEMA members and industry professionals are invited to join the celebration by purchasing tickets at sema.org/gala.

In partnership with General Motors, SEMA Garage Detroit is excited to announce an all-new measuring session, June 13-15, for the newly designed '23 and '24 Chevrolet and GMC trucks.

The event will allow companies to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with their trucks.

The session will feature a combination of '23 and '24 Chevrolet and GMC midsize, light-duty and heavy-duty truck platforms with the most popular options, including different bed, cab, and powertrain configurations.

Chevrolet: 

• Colorado Trail Boss 
• Silverado 1500 
• Silverado 2500HD 

GMC: 

• Canyon AT4X Edition 1 
• Sierra 1500 AT4 
• Sierra 3500HD Denali Ultimate Dually

Event Dates: June 13 - June 15, 2023 

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage Detroit, 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170. Sessions will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. Please only register two attendees per company, and keep an eye out for a follow-up email to confirm your time slot.

Visit the link below for event registration details.

Click here to register.

By Ashley Reyes

The recent SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program provided valuable knowledge and insights to FLN members for becoming more impactful, empathetic and effective leaders in their organizations. Facilitated by trainers from the world-renown Dale Carnegie Institute, the training prepared participants to communicate more confidently in business situations and gave them the tools to communicate more effectively, build rapport and gain willing cooperation by influencing others. 

All SEMA members can now share the program's exclusive insights by tuning into the FLN Facebook and Instagram live chat on Wednesday, June 14, at 12:00 p.m. PDT. Viewers will learn how to boost their professional development and apply the program's to their own careers and personal lives. 

This will be a fun and candid conversation with a chance to connect with the speakers live. Go here to sign up for Facebook event reminders.

By Ashley Reyes

Virtually every new OEM vehicle now features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard equipment, so it's crucial for SEMA member companies to understand the types of tests that OEMs utilize to validate and develop their respective systems. Knowing how these vehicles are evaluated can help engineers and product developers plan their new product development processes, as well as better understand the vehicle's performance. 

During the webinar "Testing of ADAS Technologies" on Wednesday, June 14, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT), SEMA members will learn about the types of tests performed and the ways data is recorded, in a very controlled manner, to assess the performance of ADAS systems accurately. 

Taylor Manahan, director of advanced mobility at Transportation Research Center, will share the types of sensors being used for these technologies, as well as the facilities, equipment and methods utilized for testing these technologies. Attendees will also gain an understanding of how track testing is conducted. 

Register for the webinar presented by the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) here. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to submit their nominations for the prestigious SEMA Industry Awards, which recognize outstanding businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.

By recognizing the companies and individuals who have developed innovative solutions that meet the needs of passionate automotive enthusiasts everywhere, SEMA promotes the vitality of the specialty-equipment market and the achievements of its members.

Nominations are open now for:  

• Person of the Year: Established to honor a person for their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment market.  
• Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding contributions and innovations.  
• Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail and/or ecommerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed. 
• Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Honors a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology and/or trends. 
• Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts. 

SEMA Industry Awards are the best way to recognize the hard work and dedication of the people and businesses who make a difference in our industry. Please take a few minutes to submit your nomination and help SEMA recognize the very best in our industry. Nominate now.  

You can also submit a recommendation form if you don’t have all the requested information to complete the nomination form. When you submit a recommendation form, the awards committee sends a nomination form to the person or business you recommend so they can complete their nomination.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) invites its members to a virtual  general membership meeting on Thursday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.  

Taking place online, the meeting is the ideal time to get the latest updates on events and resources available to help young aftermarket leaders succeed in their careers. Participants will learn about new volunteer opportunities, discover ways to get more involved in the industry through networking and meet FLN select committee members who can help them discover the member benefits that FLN has to offer. 

Aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under who are not current FLN members are encouraged to attend, as it's a great way to learn about the FLN and the many available resources.  

Register for the meeting here.

By SEMA Editors

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

• WTC Coffee and Conversation, June 1
• SEMA California Rally, June 8, Sacramento, California
• WTC Coffee and Conversation, August 3
• ETTN N.E.R.D. Symposium, August 16-18, SEMA Garage Detroit
• WTC Coffee and Conversation, September 7
• 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• 2023 PRI Trade Show, December 7-9, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By SEMA Editors

The Unser Racing Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska, have announced plans for a merger. As a result, the Unser Racing Museum will be relocated to Lincoln. 

"The Unser family is one of the most storied families in automotive and racing history," said Carson Smith, director of Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. "We've had racing partnerships with members of the Unser family for over 38 years and are honored to welcome the Unser collection to our museum."

Displaying over 40 race, pace and Pikes Peak cars, original racing art, trophies and memorabilia, the Unser Museum was created to honor the history of one of the most legendary families in American motorsports. The Unser Racing Museum was founded in 2003 by Al and Susan Unser and has operated as a public, non-profit 501(c)3. 

The Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed will honor existing Unser Racing Museum memberships and continue to showcase engraved brick sponsors in the new location. In addition, new Unser and Pikes Peak displays are also slated to be available for viewing in 2024.  

Formula E Announces Leadership Transition

The Board of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship have announced that Jamie Reigle will step down as CEO and be replaced by Jeff Dodds on June 5.

Reigle has led Formula E over the last four years in partnership with founder and chairman Alejandro Agag. Reigle--who oversaw the introduction of a new sporting format, the launch of the GEN3 car and more--will move to an advisory role for the remainder of the season.

Dodds, meantime, joins the series from Virgin Media O2 and will lead the next phase of Formula E's growth as the first electric motorsport world championship and driving force behind sustainability in elite sport.

By Douglas McColloch

Starting at her father’s shop as a child, Taylor learned the craft of building race cars at a young age. While still in high school, she began building her first car, a ’68 Camaro that she raced the following year at Hot Rod Drag Week; at 16 years of age, she was the event’s youngest competitor. In the 10 years since then, she’s managed to earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing, run a 6-sec. quarter in her ’55 Chevy 210, won back-to-back Roadkill Nights Hellcat Grudge Matches, and launched another career as the co-host of “Hot Rod Garage.” Her business has recently expanded to an 8,000-sq.-ft. facility in Booneville, Arkansas.

We chatted with Taylor recently to learn more about this multitalented individual. What follows has been edited for clarity and length.

SEMA News: What’s your latest project? What’s in your driveway/garage/studio?

Alex Taylor: My latest project isn’t a car—it’s the shop I just purchased! I am currently in the process of remodeling it and setting up a space that will allow for race car storage, an area for content creation, and room for the ATR brand to grow.

SN: Describe your first race. What do you remember most about it?

AT: I was 16. My dad, mom and I had built my first car that I was originally just going to drive to high school—a ’68 Camaro. I had wanted to do Hot Rod Drag Week since 2007, and as we were building it, Dad said we could build it for me to take on Drag Week if I wanted to.

I raced it in the Daily Driver class. I started the week running high 12s and ended up running 11.70s by the end of the week. When it was all said and done, Dad came and picked us back up, and I drove the car back to high school the following Monday.

SN: You started working in your dad’s shop at a very young age. What’s the very first job you remember doing?

AT: My parents owned a business building production fiberglass Fords and Willys. When I was probably seven or eight, I started helping lay up fiberglass after school for fun. They would hand me a roller, and while they would work, I would help roll the bubbles out.

SN: How steep was the learning curve to become a co-host for Hot Rod Garage? How is it different from, say, producing a YouTube video?

AT: It wasn’t that bad. The biggest adjustment was getting used to working in someone else’s garage at first—learning what tools we had and where they were. I’m thankful to work with an incredible crew that made me feel welcome from day one. YouTube, for me, is a lot more drawn out. I like to show details and tell stories and explain things, whereas on Hot Rod Garage, everything is a lot more summarized and fast-paced.

SN: You’ve also been a judge for SEMA’s Battle of the Builders competition. How did you approach the assignment, and what did you learn from it?

AT: It was a really cool experience. I was nervous going into it because out of the other influencer judges, I had the smallest following, I was the youngest, I had the least equipment, and I had never done anything like it. I learned there that confidence is key, and the thing that matters most is how you present yourself.

SN: You’re the two-time defending champion at Roadkill Nights’ Hellcat Grudge Match. Are you planning for a three-peat in 2023?

AT: I think the Dodge/Motor Trend crew may be going a different route this year on the grudge match, so I don’t know if I will be competing in that part. I will be at RKN, though, with the ’55.

SN: Between wrenching, racing, hosting a TV show, staying active on social media and running your own business, how and where do you find time to unwind?

AT: I don’t really. I get to work with my family and friends for almost everything I do, though, so even when we’re gone on “work trips,” we still find ways to squeeze in a nice dinner or some fun here and there. I feel like now is the time to work hard and grow and I can unwind more later. But don’t get me wrong—I still stop and enjoy the moments I’m living.

SN: What advice can you give to young women who might want to get involved in racing but who don’t have any family connections to the sport?

AT: Enjoy the process. Find something in the industry that interests you (racing, building, welding, painting, photography, business, etc.) and start researching it online. Knowledge is your best friend. Find people you look up to or trust and ask questions. Learn and absorb, and you will naturally grow and evolve.

SN: Describe a perfect day in the life of Alex Taylor.

AT: It depends on the day! Some days I’m behind the laptop, some days are on the road, some days are out in the shop, and some days are just spent on a random adventure. I like having that mix, and if I had any kind of redundancy, it would drive me nuts. Routine can be good—but too much routine kills my creativity.

SN: What’s your next goal as a racer/builder?

AT: I really want to grow the ATR brand. I want to get my shop finished so I can get more into the business side of selling stuff like private-label parts and filling areas that I see gaps.

“You can never go fast enough.” That’s the motto of Alex Taylor—racer, builder, influencer, TV personality and successful business owner.