Compiled by SEMA Staff

	The International Motorsports Industry Show will be consolidated with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show for 2013 and beyond. The 2013 PRI Trade Show will occupy the entire Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. It will be held December 12–14, 2013.

To help answer any remaining questions racing professionals may have, Performance Racing Industry (PRI) has compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions it has encountered regarding SEMA’s purchase of the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS).

PRI—producers of the motorsports business magazine and trade show—is working to communicate to the racing industry what it can expect from SEMA’s purchase of the IMIS Show and its consolidation into the 2013 PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis.

“It’s important to have a frank and open discussion regarding any concerns that racing professionals may have,” said John Kilroy, producer of the PRI Trade Show. “We get asked a lot of similar questions, and Chris Paulsen, one of the owners of the IMIS, said he’s getting asked many of the same questions. So, we’re publicizing an FAQ that we put together to keep the record straight.”

Some of the questions concern the identity of the Show, events and attendance policies, while others are about the relationship to SEMA and what that might mean.

“PRI will remain PRI and provide an outstanding trade show experience for the racing industry once again in 2013,” said Kilroy, noting that the PRI team continues to operate out of its longtime headquarters in Laguna Beach, California. “We are working with the considerable resources of SEMA to explore ways to improve the Show, and I believe racing professionals will enjoy some of the new things we’re planning when it comes to our seminars and events.”

The PRI Trade Show will remain a hardcore racing trade show. There will be no difference in the way PRI provides customer service to its exhibiting companies based on whether a company may have exhibited only at IMIS. Neither attendees nor exhibitors will be required to join SEMA to participate in the PRI Trade Show. The safety and technical educational programming of IMIS will continue at the 2013 PRI Trade Show, mostly at the new Race Safety & Technology Center. The PRI Trade Show will be racer-friendly, as it expands its attendance development beyond racing businesses to include race teams.

The 2013 Performance Racing Industry Trade Show takes place December 12–14, in the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. It will feature exhibits by 1,100 racing companies. Approximately 40,000 racing professionals are expected to attend from across the United States and 72 countries.

For the entire FAQ, visit www.prishow.org/indyfaq. For more information, visit www.performanceracing.com or www.sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Staff

	The International Motorsports Industry Show will be consolidated with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show for 2013 and beyond. The 2013 PRI Trade Show will occupy the entire Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. It will be held December 12–14, 2013.

To help answer any remaining questions racing professionals may have, Performance Racing Industry (PRI) has compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions it has encountered regarding SEMA’s purchase of the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS).

PRI—producers of the motorsports business magazine and trade show—is working to communicate to the racing industry what it can expect from SEMA’s purchase of the IMIS Show and its consolidation into the 2013 PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis.

“It’s important to have a frank and open discussion regarding any concerns that racing professionals may have,” said John Kilroy, producer of the PRI Trade Show. “We get asked a lot of similar questions, and Chris Paulsen, one of the owners of the IMIS, said he’s getting asked many of the same questions. So, we’re publicizing an FAQ that we put together to keep the record straight.”

Some of the questions concern the identity of the Show, events and attendance policies, while others are about the relationship to SEMA and what that might mean.

“PRI will remain PRI and provide an outstanding trade show experience for the racing industry once again in 2013,” said Kilroy, noting that the PRI team continues to operate out of its longtime headquarters in Laguna Beach, California. “We are working with the considerable resources of SEMA to explore ways to improve the Show, and I believe racing professionals will enjoy some of the new things we’re planning when it comes to our seminars and events.”

The PRI Trade Show will remain a hardcore racing trade show. There will be no difference in the way PRI provides customer service to its exhibiting companies based on whether a company may have exhibited only at IMIS. Neither attendees nor exhibitors will be required to join SEMA to participate in the PRI Trade Show. The safety and technical educational programming of IMIS will continue at the 2013 PRI Trade Show, mostly at the new Race Safety & Technology Center. The PRI Trade Show will be racer-friendly, as it expands its attendance development beyond racing businesses to include race teams.

The 2013 Performance Racing Industry Trade Show takes place December 12–14, in the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. It will feature exhibits by 1,100 racing companies. Approximately 40,000 racing professionals are expected to attend from across the United States and 72 countries.

For the entire FAQ, visit www.prishow.org/indyfaq. For more information, visit www.performanceracing.com or www.sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NMCA Announces 2013 Chevrolet Performance LSX Challenge Series Schedule
ProMedia Events has announced that the Chevrolet Performance LSX Challenge Series is back for 2013. The racing series is for street-based vehicles powered by Chevrolet’s LS and LSX engines and it takes place at four select events around the United States.

The four-race LSX Challenge Series for 2013 includes stops in Bradenton, Florida, Commerce, Georgia and Bowling Green, Kentucky, with the championship again to be decided at the 7th Annual LSX Shootout, held in conjunction with the NMCA World Street Finals, in Indianapolis. The race dates and locations include:

• 11th Annual Ross Racing Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Nationals Season Opener—Bradenton Motorsports Park, Bradenton, Florida, March 21–24, 2013
• 2nd Annual Chevy High Performance Nationals Presented by Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center Atlanta Dragway—Atlanta, May 31–June 2, 2013
• 4th Annual Holley LS-Fest—Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 6–8, 2013
• 12th Annual Flowmaster NMCA World Street Finals – Featuring the 7th Annual Chevrolet Performance LSX Shootout, Lucas Oil Raceway, Indianapolis, October 10–13, 2013

The third event will be the Holley LS Fest, September 6–8, 2013, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, at Beech Bend Raceway. As in the past, LS Fest organizers will allow racers to follow the rules and classes of the LSX Challenge Series, with points and contingency awarded applying to the championship. Racers competing for the championship must participate in three of the four races, including the LSX Shootout. The results of each race will be tracked throughout the season in NMCA’s Fastest Street Car.

The LSX Challenge Series features six racing classes each season:

• JE Pistons Drag Radial
• ERL Performance All Motor
• Holley EFI Real Street
• Proform LSX Rumble
• DiabloSport 5th Gen Camaro Presented by Camaro Performers
• TREMEC True Street

	Honda Performance Development will award cash contingency prizes for the USTCC competitors racing the ’06 or newer Honda Civic Si.

Honda Performance Development Supports Honda Teams in USTCC
Honda Performance Development (HPD)—the racing arm of American Honda Motor Co. Inc.—has announced the details of its 2013 contingency program for participants in the Nitto Tires United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC). HPD will award cash contingency prizes for the USTCC competitors racing the ’06 or newer Honda Civic Si. Teams racing these models can win $1,000 at each race with a $2,000 bonus for winning the championship. The 2013 program also provides support for teams racing older Honda and Acura products that are eligible to win Honda parts credit vouchers that can be used for OE parts, HPD performance parts and select Honda generators.

To be eligible for the HPD Contingency Program, competitors must be registered members of the Honda Racing Line program. Contingency forms and information will be available on the web site.

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Announces Alliance With DeltaWing Racing Cars for 2013 Season
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has announced its 2013 alliance with DeltaWing Racing Cars as a one-car entry in the 2013 American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Bridgestone will supply Potenza tires for the select races in which DeltaWing chooses to compete during the 2013 ALMS season.

Originally created as a potential new IndyCar of the future, the DeltaWing first was funded by longtime IndyCar team owner Chip Ganassi. Although IndyCar ultimately decided to stay with a traditional Dallara design, the DeltaWing race car continues to thrive in sports car racing, running last year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Car Guy Nation Launches Aston Martin/Gentleman Racer Campaign
Car Guy Nation kicks off its first interactive social promotion in the motorsport arena this week with the Aston Martin/Gentleman Racer Campaign. The series follows a Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) major racer through his 2013 racing season, providing an up-close-and-personal account of the day-to-day realities he faces on the track and behind the scenes. It's presented as a sequence of personal video narratives, reflecting multiple perspectives through the eyes of the driver himself, as well as the team manager, mechanic and others sharing and supporting the driver's racing aspirations. It will feature the first "privateer racer" in North America competing with the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 car sponsored by Car Guy Nation.

The story line will depict the key characters in their everyday surroundings, monitoring all of the triumphs and joys, trials and tribulations that come with competition racing and the lifestyle that underlies this particular gentleman racer's drive and passion to compete. With a nod to Aston Martin's British heritage, the story will carry the thematic tag line "Gentleman Racer: The Chronicles of a Distinguished Aston Man."

The campaign starts this week with the installation of the custom Car Guy Nation livery wrap and ends with the last race in late August. The action will be filmed in the shop, around the paddock and pits and on the track.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NMCA Announces 2013 Chevrolet Performance LSX Challenge Series Schedule
ProMedia Events has announced that the Chevrolet Performance LSX Challenge Series is back for 2013. The racing series is for street-based vehicles powered by Chevrolet’s LS and LSX engines and it takes place at four select events around the United States.

The four-race LSX Challenge Series for 2013 includes stops in Bradenton, Florida, Commerce, Georgia and Bowling Green, Kentucky, with the championship again to be decided at the 7th Annual LSX Shootout, held in conjunction with the NMCA World Street Finals, in Indianapolis. The race dates and locations include:

• 11th Annual Ross Racing Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Nationals Season Opener—Bradenton Motorsports Park, Bradenton, Florida, March 21–24, 2013
• 2nd Annual Chevy High Performance Nationals Presented by Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center Atlanta Dragway—Atlanta, May 31–June 2, 2013
• 4th Annual Holley LS-Fest—Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 6–8, 2013
• 12th Annual Flowmaster NMCA World Street Finals – Featuring the 7th Annual Chevrolet Performance LSX Shootout, Lucas Oil Raceway, Indianapolis, October 10–13, 2013

The third event will be the Holley LS Fest, September 6–8, 2013, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, at Beech Bend Raceway. As in the past, LS Fest organizers will allow racers to follow the rules and classes of the LSX Challenge Series, with points and contingency awarded applying to the championship. Racers competing for the championship must participate in three of the four races, including the LSX Shootout. The results of each race will be tracked throughout the season in NMCA’s Fastest Street Car.

The LSX Challenge Series features six racing classes each season:

• JE Pistons Drag Radial
• ERL Performance All Motor
• Holley EFI Real Street
• Proform LSX Rumble
• DiabloSport 5th Gen Camaro Presented by Camaro Performers
• TREMEC True Street

	Honda Performance Development will award cash contingency prizes for the USTCC competitors racing the ’06 or newer Honda Civic Si.

Honda Performance Development Supports Honda Teams in USTCC
Honda Performance Development (HPD)—the racing arm of American Honda Motor Co. Inc.—has announced the details of its 2013 contingency program for participants in the Nitto Tires United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC). HPD will award cash contingency prizes for the USTCC competitors racing the ’06 or newer Honda Civic Si. Teams racing these models can win $1,000 at each race with a $2,000 bonus for winning the championship. The 2013 program also provides support for teams racing older Honda and Acura products that are eligible to win Honda parts credit vouchers that can be used for OE parts, HPD performance parts and select Honda generators.

To be eligible for the HPD Contingency Program, competitors must be registered members of the Honda Racing Line program. Contingency forms and information will be available on the web site.

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Announces Alliance With DeltaWing Racing Cars for 2013 Season
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has announced its 2013 alliance with DeltaWing Racing Cars as a one-car entry in the 2013 American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Bridgestone will supply Potenza tires for the select races in which DeltaWing chooses to compete during the 2013 ALMS season.

Originally created as a potential new IndyCar of the future, the DeltaWing first was funded by longtime IndyCar team owner Chip Ganassi. Although IndyCar ultimately decided to stay with a traditional Dallara design, the DeltaWing race car continues to thrive in sports car racing, running last year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Car Guy Nation Launches Aston Martin/Gentleman Racer Campaign
Car Guy Nation kicks off its first interactive social promotion in the motorsport arena this week with the Aston Martin/Gentleman Racer Campaign. The series follows a Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) major racer through his 2013 racing season, providing an up-close-and-personal account of the day-to-day realities he faces on the track and behind the scenes. It's presented as a sequence of personal video narratives, reflecting multiple perspectives through the eyes of the driver himself, as well as the team manager, mechanic and others sharing and supporting the driver's racing aspirations. It will feature the first "privateer racer" in North America competing with the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 car sponsored by Car Guy Nation.

The story line will depict the key characters in their everyday surroundings, monitoring all of the triumphs and joys, trials and tribulations that come with competition racing and the lifestyle that underlies this particular gentleman racer's drive and passion to compete. With a nod to Aston Martin's British heritage, the story will carry the thematic tag line "Gentleman Racer: The Chronicles of a Distinguished Aston Man."

The campaign starts this week with the installation of the custom Car Guy Nation livery wrap and ends with the last race in late August. The action will be filmed in the shop, around the paddock and pits and on the track.

For one week each year, the SEMA Show gathers the largest collection of outfitted, upgraded dirt shredders, people haulers and street machines that exist with the specialty-equipment industry. With the intent of turning heads, sparking ideas and igniting the imagination, these vehicles serve as mobile canvases for technicians and product engineers to realize their creative visions and provide a visual representation of what the industry and its companies are all about.

A new photo collection of the vehicles that helped make the 2012 SEMA Show a visual extravaganza are included each week in SEMA eNews. This week's collection features a collection of vehicles from Dodge.

For one week each year, the SEMA Show gathers the largest collection of outfitted, upgraded dirt shredders, people haulers and street machines that exist with the specialty-equipment industry. With the intent of turning heads, sparking ideas and igniting the imagination, these vehicles serve as mobile canvases for technicians and product engineers to realize their creative visions and provide a visual representation of what the industry and its companies are all about.

A new photo collection of the vehicles that helped make the 2012 SEMA Show a visual extravaganza are included each week in SEMA eNews. This week's collection features a collection of vehicles from Dodge.

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for the next GMC Sierra Denali in the middle of a test convoy full of the next-generation trucks. Amid all of the test trucks, two of the prototypes were still wearing some front-end camouflage, and behind it was a new grille treatment that looks completely consistent with the Sierra's top-end Denali trim. These shots prove that the Denali trim level will continue into the next-generation Sierras, offering a level of luxury perhaps even more important to some GM truck buyers with the pending cancellation of the Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup variants. Until GM confirms a future pickup for the Cadillac model range, this Denali will likely be the most luxurious truck offered throughout the GM brands.

The front grille shows an opening devoid of horizontal slats and made up entirely of a perforated, billet-style design. The grille looks like it's done in a matte finish on this prototype, but something fully chromed in its final showroom trim is expected.

The Denali's interior will likely improve on the materials used in standard GMC Sierras. Besides different badging, all of the exterior visual changes are expected to be found on the front fascia. The Denali prototype in these photos was clearly rocking Rancho shocks, adding something a bit more than showy chrome and leather to the Denali's option sheet.

While there are no specifics on the official debut of the ’14 GMC Sierra Denali, last year's New York Auto Show (NYAS) hosted the debut of the GMC Terrain Denali. So it wouldn't be surprising to see this Sierra Denali hit the 2013 NYAS in a couple weeks.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for the next GMC Sierra Denali in the middle of a test convoy full of the next-generation trucks. Amid all of the test trucks, two of the prototypes were still wearing some front-end camouflage, and behind it was a new grille treatment that looks completely consistent with the Sierra's top-end Denali trim. These shots prove that the Denali trim level will continue into the next-generation Sierras, offering a level of luxury perhaps even more important to some GM truck buyers with the pending cancellation of the Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup variants. Until GM confirms a future pickup for the Cadillac model range, this Denali will likely be the most luxurious truck offered throughout the GM brands.

The front grille shows an opening devoid of horizontal slats and made up entirely of a perforated, billet-style design. The grille looks like it's done in a matte finish on this prototype, but something fully chromed in its final showroom trim is expected.

The Denali's interior will likely improve on the materials used in standard GMC Sierras. Besides different badging, all of the exterior visual changes are expected to be found on the front fascia. The Denali prototype in these photos was clearly rocking Rancho shocks, adding something a bit more than showy chrome and leather to the Denali's option sheet.

While there are no specifics on the official debut of the ’14 GMC Sierra Denali, last year's New York Auto Show (NYAS) hosted the debut of the GMC Terrain Denali. So it wouldn't be surprising to see this Sierra Denali hit the 2013 NYAS in a couple weeks.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for the next GMC Sierra Denali in the middle of a test convoy full of the next-generation trucks. Amid all of the test trucks, two of the prototypes were still wearing some front-end camouflage, and behind it was a new grille treatment that looks completely consistent with the Sierra's top-end Denali trim. These shots prove that the Denali trim level will continue into the next-generation Sierras, offering a level of luxury perhaps even more important to some GM truck buyers with the pending cancellation of the Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup variants. Until GM confirms a future pickup for the Cadillac model range, this Denali will likely be the most luxurious truck offered throughout the GM brands.

The front grille shows an opening devoid of horizontal slats and made up entirely of a perforated, billet-style design. The grille looks like it's done in a matte finish on this prototype, but something fully chromed in its final showroom trim is expected.

The Denali's interior will likely improve on the materials used in standard GMC Sierras. Besides different badging, all of the exterior visual changes are expected to be found on the front fascia. The Denali prototype in these photos was clearly rocking Rancho shocks, adding something a bit more than showy chrome and leather to the Denali's option sheet.

While there are no specifics on the official debut of the ’14 GMC Sierra Denali, last year's New York Auto Show (NYAS) hosted the debut of the GMC Terrain Denali. So it wouldn't be surprising to see this Sierra Denali hit the 2013 NYAS in a couple weeks.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

	Shelly Urwiler has been named the national sales manager for wheel manufacturer American Force Wheels Inc.

Shelly Urwiler to Lead American Force Sales Team
Shelly Urwiler has been named the national sales manager for wheel manufacturer American Force Wheels Inc. Urwiler is tasked with new business development, which includes securing new markets for American Force specialty wheels and accessories, while serving existing customers. Prior to joining American Force, Urwiler had served since 2008 as sales executive for the West Coast Division of Vision Wheel Inc. From 2005 to 2008 he was outside sales manager for Ultra Wheel Co. in Fullerton, California.

"We're excited to welcome Shelly to our team to help American Force realize its true potential," said American Force President Ray Shadravan. "He has in-depth knowledge and many years of experience in the wheel industry as well as solid relationships with the industry's major distributors. We expect great things and are very much looking forward to having him on our team."

Urwiler has also served four terms as a select committee member of SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). His contributions to the aftermarket wheel industry have earned him two nominations for the WTC's Lifetime Achievement Award.  

ReadyLIFT Hires Steve Swanson as Vice President of Sales
ReadyLIFT Suspension Inc. hired Steve Swanson as vice president of sales to head up all of the company's domestic and international corporate sales efforts. Swanson's tenure in the automotive aftermarket industry spans more than 40 years, and he has experience with multiple market channels, including retail, e-tail, wholesale distribution, chassis builders and more. He has served on the SEMA Board of Directors and as a member of several SEMA councils and committees.

"With the rapid growth we have been enjoying here at ReadyLIFT," said Scott Poncher, ReadyLIFT founder and chief executive officer, "it was time to enhance our sales and operations management with an eye towards our future. We believe Steve brings the skill set necessary to capitalize on our core capabilities and help us bring about the continued growth we all expect." With the Swanson hiring, Steve Robinson assumes the position of national sales manager, while Ryan Pelkey will continue to serve as western regional sales manager.

Jim Leddy, a 25-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, was named national sales manager for Revolution Supply/Oro-Tek.

Jim Leddy Named National Sales Manager Revolution Supply/Oro-Tek
Revolution Supply/Oro-Tek named Jim Leddy national sales manager. According to the company, Leddy has more than 25 years of automotive aftermarket experience, including senior national sales manager for Magnaflow Performance Products, as well as 20 years with Midas as national sales manager. Most recently, Leddy was with Mickey Thompson as sales manager covering the West Coast. He will be involved with taking Revolution Supply/Oro-Tek products into the automotive aftermarket.

Lund Acquires Prestige Fender Flare Assets
Lund International Holding Co. announced the acquisition of Prestige Fender Flare assets of Empower Group Inc. Prestige Fender Flares is a designer and producer of premium-quality fender flares sold throughout the United States. According to a release, Prestige Fender Flare co-founders Anthony Liu and Robert Chen will join Lund in a management capacity focusing on new product development. Lund President Mitch Fogle said, "The addition of Prestige's fender flares to the Lund family of products solidifies our leadership in the automotive aftermarket accessories industry. We look forward to working with Anthony and Robert to maximize the potential of the excellent product offering they have developed and exploit their combined new product ideas."

Lund International Holding Co. is a portfolio company of Highlander Partners L.P. Prestige is the first add-on acquisition completed by Lund under Highlander's ownership. 

M7 Tuning Now a Subsidiary of MyteeBrite Group Inc.
MyteeBrite Group Inc. has acquired M7 Tuning as a new subsidiary. M7 is a manufacturer of late-model, MINI-specific performance products, including engine enhancers, suspension components, body upgrades and accessories. M7 is the newest member of the MyteeBrite family, which includes Autopart-Performance.com, Streetcarmuscle.com, EVOperformancemods.com, Shocks-coilovers.com and Gobigdiesel.com. “Quality, innovation, technical support and customer service will continue to be the driving force behind M7 Tuning,” said Mark Catania, CEO and founder of the MyteeBrite Group. "Expect to see continued and expanded involvement in the MINI lifestyle, including attendance at more shows and racing events, along with an expanded line of new products."

	Jim Browning, founder and former president of Corsa Performance Exhaust, has formed a new brand—Ultimate Headers—through his company, Jim Browning & Co. Designers LLC.

Jim Browning Announces the Launch of Ultimate Headers
Jim Browning, president of Jim Browning & Co. Designers LLC, has formed a new brand—Ultimate Headers. Browning, who is the founder and former president of Corsa Performance Exhaust, explained that Ultimate Headers will manufacture and market premium-level headers through the company's headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Berea, Ohio. "The company's mission is to provide a product to the automotive market which combines the finest quality materials and workmanship, and delivering utility and aesthetic appearance to the user," stated Browning. The company announced plans to begin shipping product in early April. The initial product offering is designed for installing late-model GM LS-series engines in older cars and trucks.  

Del City Announces New West Coast Warehouse
Del City has announced the opening of a new West Coast distribution center located in Reno, Nevada. The new facility enables Del City to deliver products to customers in the Western United States within one to two days. Del City's service offering also includes free shipping on orders more than $99, $0 order minimums and thousands of products in stock.

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.