By Della Domingo

Kim Pendergast, owner and CEO of Magnuson Products, has been selected to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

Kim Pendergast, owner and CEO of Magnuson Products, has been selected to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors, as Dr. Jamie Meyer, who was recently named President of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), steps down from the SEMA Board.

Pendergast is an active SEMA member and industry volunteer, including serving as chair of the SEMA Scholarship Committee, participating as a member of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) and being named 2019 SEMA SBN Athena Woman of the Year. Pendergast is an advocate for protecting the performance industry’s rights, preparing members for a future, engaging youth and building partnerships with government and OEMs.

“Kim has a great deal of practical industry experience and brings valuable knowledge and energy to the SEMA Board of Directors,” said Tim Martin, SEMA Chairman of the Board. “Her understanding of the industry’s needs will prove beneficial to the Board and the industry.”

As a 2018 SEMA Board candidate, Pendergast received the next highest number of votes in the manufacturer category, qualifying her to be named onto the Board as Meyer steps down to join the SEMA staff as president of the Performance Racing Industry. Pendergast began her new role on May 13 and will continue to serve until July 2021.

By Della Domingo

Dr. Jamie Meyer has taken the role as President of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show and media company, effective this week.

Dr. Jamie Meyer, who served on the SEMA Board of Directors since 2018, has taken the role as President of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show and media company, effective this week. Meyer, who has a long and storied history in motorsports and racing, will lead the PRI team in increasing engagement and support for the industry through enhanced programs and services for the motorsports community.

“Dr. Jamie Meyer has great knowledge and understanding of racing businesses, teams and drivers, and he will be instrumental in leading the PRI team,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

Meyer leaves a very successful 15-year career at General Motors, where he served as the Advanced Performance Parts program manager, the performance marketing manager, as well as several marketing and advertising roles.

“I have always enjoyed sportsman motorsports,” said Meyer. “I was influenced early on by local circle-track racers and that lead to a fascination of fast street cars and drag racing. I am looking forward to bringing that passion and energy to the PRI community and working with an already established team of industry leaders.” 

Meyer will be based in Indianapolis, where he will lead efforts to establish a new office and permanent presence to serve and engage the racing community, develop programs and services for the motorsports industry, and continue to lead the PRI trade show, one of the top 40 trade events in the United States. As part of the transition, Kim Pendergast of Magnuson Products will serve on the SEMA Board of Directors in Meyer’s place.

By Della Domingo

Dr. Jamie Meyer has taken the role as President of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show and media company, effective this week.

Dr. Jamie Meyer, who served on the SEMA Board of Directors since 2018, has taken the role as President of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show and media company, effective this week. Meyer, who has a long and storied history in motorsports and racing, will lead the PRI team in increasing engagement and support for the industry through enhanced programs and services for the motorsports community.

“Dr. Jamie Meyer has great knowledge and understanding of racing businesses, teams and drivers, and he will be instrumental in leading the PRI team,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

Meyer leaves a very successful 15-year career at General Motors, where he served as the Advanced Performance Parts program manager, the performance marketing manager, as well as several marketing and advertising roles.

“I have always enjoyed sportsman motorsports,” said Meyer. “I was influenced early on by local circle-track racers and that lead to a fascination of fast street cars and drag racing. I am looking forward to bringing that passion and energy to the PRI community and working with an already established team of industry leaders.” 

Meyer will be based in Indianapolis, where he will lead efforts to establish a new office and permanent presence to serve and engage the racing community, develop programs and services for the motorsports industry, and continue to lead the PRI trade show, one of the top 40 trade events in the United States. As part of the transition, Kim Pendergast of Magnuson Products will serve on the SEMA Board of Directors in Meyer’s place.

Here are some up-close and personal shots of the new Bronco Sport.

Last month, it was reported that the Bronco and Bronco Sport would offer three grille options tentatively called Modern, Classic and Custom. These photos show two of those options on display.

Though it's unclear which prototype, specifically, is wearing which grille, one can tell by the camo patterns that there are three separate grille patterns at play. However, the shiny grille—believed to be called Custom—appears to be present on the prototype with the steel wheels. It looks as if engineers have spray painted it in a dark color to cover the chrome treatment.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here are some up-close and personal shots of the new Bronco Sport.

Last month, it was reported that the Bronco and Bronco Sport would offer three grille options tentatively called Modern, Classic and Custom. These photos show two of those options on display.

Though it's unclear which prototype, specifically, is wearing which grille, one can tell by the camo patterns that there are three separate grille patterns at play. However, the shiny grille—believed to be called Custom—appears to be present on the prototype with the steel wheels. It looks as if engineers have spray painted it in a dark color to cover the chrome treatment.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here are some up-close and personal shots of the new Bronco Sport.

Last month, it was reported that the Bronco and Bronco Sport would offer three grille options tentatively called Modern, Classic and Custom. These photos show two of those options on display.

Though it's unclear which prototype, specifically, is wearing which grille, one can tell by the camo patterns that there are three separate grille patterns at play. However, the shiny grille—believed to be called Custom—appears to be present on the prototype with the steel wheels. It looks as if engineers have spray painted it in a dark color to cover the chrome treatment.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here are some up-close and personal shots of the new Bronco Sport.

Last month, it was reported that the Bronco and Bronco Sport would offer three grille options tentatively called Modern, Classic and Custom. These photos show two of those options on display.

Though it's unclear which prototype, specifically, is wearing which grille, one can tell by the camo patterns that there are three separate grille patterns at play. However, the shiny grille—believed to be called Custom—appears to be present on the prototype with the steel wheels. It looks as if engineers have spray painted it in a dark color to cover the chrome treatment.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here are some up-close and personal shots of the new Bronco Sport.

Last month, it was reported that the Bronco and Bronco Sport would offer three grille options tentatively called Modern, Classic and Custom. These photos show two of those options on display.

Though it's unclear which prototype, specifically, is wearing which grille, one can tell by the camo patterns that there are three separate grille patterns at play. However, the shiny grille—believed to be called Custom—appears to be present on the prototype with the steel wheels. It looks as if engineers have spray painted it in a dark color to cover the chrome treatment.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

New video featuring SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Leaders Tyson Boyer of Dill Air Controls and Todd Steen from Jackson Marketing Group at the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE is now available. Hosted by Myles Kovacs, the interview features Boyer and Steen as they share insight on the council’s latest initiatives, what is being done to advance the wheel and tire segment, and opportunities available to all WTC members.

“We offer a networking opportunity so that you can build a community and connect with a tribe of the wheel and tire industry, [so you can know how to] pass a business card, have a contact, and actually lean on each other,” said Steen. “The other opportunity is that we decided collectively as a group this year to actually stand on the foundation of education.”

Whether it’s educating people in the manufacturing business, retail space or educating consumers, providing essential information to help companies address industry-related issues is a top WTC priority. Learn what message Boyer and Steen have for dealers on fleet ownership, handling radars and sensors when conducting alignments, and the importance of reviewing partnerships.

In addition to offering educational solutions, Steen offered his advice for the younger generation wanting to get involved in the industry. 

“I would tell somebody that’s new to the industry, don’t wait to volunteer and be involved. You’re going to grow professionally, you can grow probably financially, but you’re going to grow to a level of industry knowledge where you’re being called upon.”

When talking about his first experience being involved in the SEMA Show, Boyer added, “There are so many different events, networking opportunities [and] engagements. Plan to come to SEMA, but at the same time, it is a kid-in-a-candy-store concept.”

Check out the full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional interviews from the STAGE powered by SEMA Education and the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council. For the latest news and updates, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

The upgraded Honda Talon 1000R that made headlines after debuting at the 2019 SEMA Show will be on the auction block online through Bring a Trailer, May 18–25.

The upgraded Honda Talon 1000R that made headlines after debuting at the 2019 SEMA Show is now available on the auction block online through Bring a Trailer. Modified by high school students who were mentored by members of the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), the UTV was part of a pilot program and resulted in a custom-built vehicle that includes a custom paint job, upgraded wheels, a black ceramic dual exhaust, XL-1000 power sports sound bar, a modified winch and mount, a 30-in white light bar and more.

The following companies contributed parts/services to the completed build:

• Advanced Accessories Concept
• AO Coolers
• Diode Dynamics
• Eibach
• Gibson Performance Exhaust
• Greenball Corp
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics
• Klockwerks
• LGE-CTS Motorsports
• PowerBass USA
• PRP Seats
• Radian
• RK Sport
• S&B Filters
• VIAIR Corp.
• Warn Industries

The UTV build proceeds will go directly toward the SEMA Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, and the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), the program’s participating school.

“With the proceeds being invested into two great programs, SEMA can continue to forge a path for automotive students interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry and help SEMA members pay off their student loans,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “We are grateful for the opportunity to auction off such a unique build that was inspired by instruction and mentorship from our very own YEN members.”

Bidding for the UTV will be open from May 18–25 on the Bring a Trailer website. You can also support the SEMA Scholarship Foundation simply by making a donation or visiting www.sema.org/utv-build to learn more.