By SEMA Editors

MGM Grand is one of the hotels that is part of the 2020 SEMA Show block.

With the SEMA Show Space Selection process wrapping up early next week, companies are beginning to make Show plans, including booking rooms through the Show's official Travel and Lodging page, www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Through the Show’s Travel and Lodging page, companies can select a range of room options, from budget-friendly to Five-Star accommodations, and 15 locations two miles or less from the Las Vegas Convention Center. All reservations made through the official block receive a low-price guarantee. With prices on par or lower than most popular travel-booking websites, SEMA Showgoers get the rooms they need at their desired hotel for the lowest price, guaranteed.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to see a list of hotels available along with the star rating, rate per night and distance from the Show.

Reservations made in the official hotel block can be canceled 24–71 hours before the arrival date for a full refund.

More information about the 2020 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

MGM Grand is one of the hotels that is part of the 2020 SEMA Show block.

With the SEMA Show Space Selection process wrapping up early next week, companies are beginning to make Show plans, including booking rooms through the Show's official Travel and Lodging page, www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Through the Show’s Travel and Lodging page, companies can select a range of room options, from budget-friendly to Five-Star accommodations, and 15 locations two miles or less from the Las Vegas Convention Center. All reservations made through the official block receive a low-price guarantee. With prices on par or lower than most popular travel-booking websites, SEMA Showgoers get the rooms they need at their desired hotel for the lowest price, guaranteed.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to see a list of hotels available along with the star rating, rate per night and distance from the Show.

Reservations made in the official hotel block can be canceled 24–71 hours before the arrival date for a full refund.

More information about the 2020 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NMRA/NMCA Power Festival at World Wide Technology Raceway Postponed

ProMedia Events & Publishing is postponing the Scoggin Dickey Parts Center NMRA/NMCA Power Festival presented by HPJ Performance at World Wide Technology Raceway, May 28–31, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current regulations. The next event for the Holley NMRA Ford Nationals and NMCA Muscle Car Nationals takes place at Atlanta Dragway (Commerce, Georgia), June 25–28.

Pennsylvania Introduces Legislation to Allow Motorsports to Resume

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives introduced PRI-supported legislation (H.B. 2489) that would allow outdoor recreational activities, including motorsports, to resume immediately under certain conditions. Currently, Pennsylvania’s emergency Business Closure Order does not allow any recreational activity businesses, such as spectator sports, to operate. The bill requires such activities to adhere to the social distancing practices and other mitigation measures defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the House Committee on State Government. For more information or contact lawmakers in support of this legislation, click here. For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

DUCK X Productions and SpeedVideo to Broadcast COVID-8 Pro 275 and Radial vs. World Shootout, May 22–23

SpeedVideo will work with DUCK X Productions and Donald “Duck” Long who has gathered some of the biggest names in Radial versus The World as well as the Pro 275 classes for “COVID-8”—an event named in acknowledgment of the Coronavirus pandemic that has postponed numerous racing events—and will take place, May 22–23, at the Orlando Speed World Dragway. Speedvideo.com will broadcast the action from COVID-8 to annual or monthly subscribers. In addition, there will be free bonus content made available to non-subscribers.

NASCAR Realigns 2020 Schedule

NASCAR officials announced three tracks will have races reassigned to Darlington Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway later this month as the sport attempts to hold its first events since the COVID-19 outbreak. The realignment shifts events away from Chicagoland Speedway, Richmond Raceway (spring), and Sonoma Raceway on the 2020 calendar. According to officials from the sanctioning body, future adjustments to this season’s schedule “will be released in the near future.” NASCAR initially announced portions of a revised May schedule on April 30, adding national series events at Darlington and Charlotte. Those tracks were chosen for NASCAR’s return to competition in part because of their proximity to the industry’s Charlotte-area hub, as officials try to minimize travel demands and limit the amount of at-track personnel with one-day events, according to a NASCAR press release. For more information, visit www.nascar.com.

World of Speed Museum to Close Permanently Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

The World of Speed Motorsport Museum in Wilsonville, Oregon, is permanently closing because of the coronavirus pandemic. The board announced this week that directors had voted to close the museum after it became clear it would not reopen for months under Gov. Kate Brown’s phased plan to restart the state economy. The museum had been shut down since March 16. According to the museum, many of its guests, volunteers, students and docents fall into the category of most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, which means efforts to keep everyone safe could push reopening further, even after OHA restrictions are lifted. After much deliberation, the board determined it would be unable to maintain the facility during such an extended closure. World of Speed’s assets and funds will be distributed to 501(c)(3) museums and schools throughout the next three to eight months, as required by Oregon law. This will allow the museum’s collection of historic race cars, boats and motorcycles to live on for future generations to enjoy. For the last five years, World of Speed Motorsport Museum served as a place for enthusiasts from all ages and all walks of life to come together and share their mutual love of all things motorsport. Opened by Dave and Sally Bany in 2015, World of Speed featured world-class exhibits that told the story of America’s motorsports culture. Over the years, the museum hosted several motorsport legends, including Mario Andretti, Janet Guthrie and Herm Petersen.

Kern County public safety officials have allowed Willow Springs International Raceway in California to host OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car presented by Advance Auto Parts, May 29–30.

OPTIMA Search for The Ultimate Street Car Set For May 29–30

Kern County public safety officials have allowed Willow Springs International Raceway in California to host OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car presented by Advance Auto Parts on May 29–30, according to the Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA). Spectators will not be allowed and strict social-distancing practices will be put in place. Registration remains open online. For more information, visit www.driveoptima.com.

NTT INDYCAR Series Season Kicks Off June 6 At Texas Motor Speedway

The 2020 NTT INDYCAR Series season will begin Saturday, June 6, with the Genesys 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. INDYCAR's stars will take the green flag at 8:45 p.m. (EDT), with broadcast coverage provided by NBC Sports via NBCSN. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, INDYCAR will run a condensed schedule with practice, qualifying and the race taking place on the same day. The event also will be conducted without fans in attendance. This will be the 24th consecutive year in which INDYCAR has raced at the 1.5-mile oval in Fort Worth, Texas. To accommodate the one-day schedule, the length for the race at Texas Motor Speedway has been adjusted to 200 laps rather than the previously announced 248 laps. The remainder of the updated, 15-race INDYCAR calendar for 2020, announced early April, remains on schedule for competition. For more information, visit www.indycar.com.

Holley’s MoParty Takes Over Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 18–20

The inaugural Holley MoParty will take place September 18–20, at Beech Bend Raceway. Holley will incorporate a number of segments into the event, including its Grand Champion and autocross competitions, drag classes, a dyno challenge, an Australian-style burnout contest, show-n-shine and more. Holley’s MoParty is open to any vehicle with a Mopar engine. For more information, visit www.moparty.com.

Goodguys 15th Nashville Nationals Rescheduled

The Goodguys 15th Nashville Nationals, originally scheduled for June 12–14, at Nissan Stadium, thas been rescheduled to August 28–30, at the same venue. This decision is due to the ongoing COVID-19 health and safety concerns and mandates currently in place for the Nashville area. This collaboration with the city of Nashville will allow members, partners and event attendees to safely enjoy the event later this summer. As a result, all vehicle registrations, spectator tickets and vendor and swap meet spaces purchased for the original event date will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled date. For more information or to request a full refund, call 925-838-9876 or email info2@good-guys.com.

The Keurig Dr. Pepper Lone Star Nationals, presented by Driven Automotive Protection, a primarily participant-only event, will be held May 21–23, at the Texas Motorplex.

Texas Motorplex Set to Start Racing With Lone Star Nationals

The Texas Motorplex will be one of the first sporting venues in the state to host events following Governor Abbott’s new directives on public gatherings and sporting events. The Keurig Dr. Pepper Lone Star Nationals, presented by Driven Automotive Protection, a primarily participant-only event, will be held May 21–23. The event will be an opportunity for race teams to test and race for one of the largest cash purses ever offered to Alcohol Funny Cars and Dragsters. The Mid-West Pro Mods will also be competing showing off their 200-mph door-slammer speed. Fans will be able to enjoy the three days of racing action for $15 by purchasing the event Pay Per View livestream on TheFoat.com Ticketing with BangShift. The entire event will be broadcast with Al Tucci calling the action. For schedule, PPV info and social distancing policies, visit the Texas Motorplex website.

MAHLE Motorsport Announces Return to Racing Rebate

MAHLE Motorsport is ready to help racers make the most of their downtime to build their best possible engine with the MAHLE Motorsport Return to Racing rebate. Effective May 15–July 15, 2020, MAHLE Motorsport is providing a consumer rebate of $10 off for every $100 spent on MAHLE PowerPak Piston Kits and MAHLE Motorsport ring sets with a maximum savings not to exceed $250 and limited to to two qualifying purchases per household. This rebate is for all retail consumer purchases made in the United States and Canada (except where prohibited by state or territory law) on qualifying MAHLE PowerPak piston kits and high performance ring sets sold exclusively through authorized MAHLE dealers. To reference the full qualifying rebate part list, and download the rebate form visit fueledparts.com/rebate/mahle.

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

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Accessory Sales Professional (SASP) exam is based on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Sales Training Manual and includes 50 multiple-choice questions focused on customer relations and sales strategy, salesperson knowledge and practices, business structure and sales processes, marketing and promotions, and SEMA PRO-recommended business practices and preparations.

For a limited time, SEMA members can take the SEMA Accessory Sales Professional (SASP) exam at no cost. The exam, which helps restylers update their business practices and gain a head start on boosting sales, is available free-of-charge until June 12.

The fee is waived to assist restylers and resellers who have been affected by the Coronavirus situation. With many SEMA members having experienced a disruption in their businesses and employees sheltering at home, now is an ideal time to obtain SASP certification. The designation validates expertise in   customer relations and sales strategies and positions professionals as leaders in the automotive restyling field. Nearly 150 restylers across the country have obtained SASP certification since the program was introduced about a year ago, and they are already reporting an increase in sales.

The five-section exam is based on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Sales Training Manual and includes 50 multiple-choice questions focused on customer relations and sales strategy, salesperson knowledge and practices, business structure and sales processes, marketing and promotions, and SEMA PRO-recommended business practices and preparations.

“We’re hoping to assist members rise above challenges during this time of need,” said SEMA Director of Councils Denise Waddingham. “By participating in this program, employees can get updated tips and strategies to improve their business practices, better preparing them to return to work.”

Participants who pass the exam will also receive a sales professional certificate and badge to recognize them for their achievement while providing business owners with a valuable marketing edge.

Originally valued at $19.99, SEMA-member company employees can now take the exam for free and obtain the manual free of charge.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Accessory Sales Professional (SASP) exam is based on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Sales Training Manual and includes 50 multiple-choice questions focused on customer relations and sales strategy, salesperson knowledge and practices, business structure and sales processes, marketing and promotions, and SEMA PRO-recommended business practices and preparations.

For a limited time, SEMA members can take the SEMA Accessory Sales Professional (SASP) exam at no cost. The exam, which helps restylers update their business practices and gain a head start on boosting sales, is available free-of-charge until June 12.

The fee is waived to assist restylers and resellers who have been affected by the Coronavirus situation. With many SEMA members having experienced a disruption in their businesses and employees sheltering at home, now is an ideal time to obtain SASP certification. The designation validates expertise in   customer relations and sales strategies and positions professionals as leaders in the automotive restyling field. Nearly 150 restylers across the country have obtained SASP certification since the program was introduced about a year ago, and they are already reporting an increase in sales.

The five-section exam is based on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Sales Training Manual and includes 50 multiple-choice questions focused on customer relations and sales strategy, salesperson knowledge and practices, business structure and sales processes, marketing and promotions, and SEMA PRO-recommended business practices and preparations.

“We’re hoping to assist members rise above challenges during this time of need,” said SEMA Director of Councils Denise Waddingham. “By participating in this program, employees can get updated tips and strategies to improve their business practices, better preparing them to return to work.”

Participants who pass the exam will also receive a sales professional certificate and badge to recognize them for their achievement while providing business owners with a valuable marketing edge.

Originally valued at $19.99, SEMA-member company employees can now take the exam for free and obtain the manual free of charge.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org.

By Rachel Tatum

The SEMA Show Online Media Center, available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost.

Press releases can be an easy and effective way to generate buzz about your 2020 SEMA Show news. In addition to sending it out to targeted journalists, exhibitors are encouraged to post their Show-related news and announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center—a destination where media go to obtain exhibitor-related news and information regarding the latest products, hottest vehicles and activities at the upcoming Show.

Exhibitors can attach photos and select the market segments that are relevant to their news. Whether exhibitors are announcing new products, a booth demonstration, vehicle unveiling or celebrity appearance, there are best practices when drafting a release and posting in the SEMA Online Media Center to get maximum exposure. Here are some tips for exhibitors to keep in mind:

• Have a strong headline: Make it concise and compelling to grab the attention of your reader.
• Stick to the facts: Avoid embellishing or opinions. Reporters are looking for news and will not report on the “best” or “greatest” products. They will, however, report on products that result in specific outcomes.
• Tag your Show category: The Online Media Center allows exhibitors the ability to select which show categories their news falls under. Journalists can then filter press releases by their market segment.
• Include a photo: Editors like to run photos with their news stories. Many editors will only use releases that have photos. JPEGs are preferred, and print publications will insist on high-resolution 300dpi images.
• Write like an editor: Most publications follow the Associated Press (AP) format. Become familiar with this style of writing to help you craft your message in a way that makes it easy to read and easy to use.
• Include your contact info: Whether you’re inviting your reader to an event or introducing your new product, make sure you include your SEMA Show booth number and media contact information should a journalist have any questions or want to drop by your booth.

Exhibitors can receive additional tips and assistance with media outreach during the SEMA Show by contacting Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

The SEMA Show Online Media Center, available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost.

Press releases can be an easy and effective way to generate buzz about your 2020 SEMA Show news. In addition to sending it out to targeted journalists, exhibitors are encouraged to post their Show-related news and announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center—a destination where media go to obtain exhibitor-related news and information regarding the latest products, hottest vehicles and activities at the upcoming Show.

Exhibitors can attach photos and select the market segments that are relevant to their news. Whether exhibitors are announcing new products, a booth demonstration, vehicle unveiling or celebrity appearance, there are best practices when drafting a release and posting in the SEMA Online Media Center to get maximum exposure. Here are some tips for exhibitors to keep in mind:

• Have a strong headline: Make it concise and compelling to grab the attention of your reader.
• Stick to the facts: Avoid embellishing or opinions. Reporters are looking for news and will not report on the “best” or “greatest” products. They will, however, report on products that result in specific outcomes.
• Tag your Show category: The Online Media Center allows exhibitors the ability to select which show categories their news falls under. Journalists can then filter press releases by their market segment.
• Include a photo: Editors like to run photos with their news stories. Many editors will only use releases that have photos. JPEGs are preferred, and print publications will insist on high-resolution 300dpi images.
• Write like an editor: Most publications follow the Associated Press (AP) format. Become familiar with this style of writing to help you craft your message in a way that makes it easy to read and easy to use.
• Include your contact info: Whether you’re inviting your reader to an event or introducing your new product, make sure you include your SEMA Show booth number and media contact information should a journalist have any questions or want to drop by your booth.

Exhibitors can receive additional tips and assistance with media outreach during the SEMA Show by contacting Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

While there are more than a few automotive enthusiasts in Congress, U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa’s (R-CA) enthusiasm for the hobby and collection of classic vehicles puts him in a class by himself. LaMalfa started wrenching on cars during his formative years and his passion for buying and personalizing vehicles continued to grow during the ensuing decades. His fleet includes Ford trucks from '34 and ’50, Mustangs (’65, ’68, ’03 and ’13), a ’69 Torino Talladega, a ’72 Pantera and ’55 and ’56 Thunderbirds that he maintains for his parents. Find out more information on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

Watch the video below to learn more about Rep. LaMalfa, an advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. Send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act and protect the future of motorsports.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

While there are more than a few automotive enthusiasts in Congress, U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa’s (R-CA) enthusiasm for the hobby and collection of classic vehicles puts him in a class by himself. LaMalfa started wrenching on cars during his formative years and his passion for buying and personalizing vehicles continued to grow during the ensuing decades. His fleet includes Ford trucks from '34 and ’50, Mustangs (’65, ’68, ’03 and ’13), a ’69 Torino Talladega, a ’72 Pantera and ’55 and ’56 Thunderbirds that he maintains for his parents. Find out more information on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

Watch the video below to learn more about Rep. LaMalfa, an advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. Send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act and protect the future of motorsports.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

While there are more than a few automotive enthusiasts in Congress, U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa’s (R-CA) enthusiasm for the hobby and collection of classic vehicles puts him in a class by himself. LaMalfa started wrenching on cars during his formative years and his passion for buying and personalizing vehicles continued to grow during the ensuing decades. His fleet includes Ford trucks from '34 and ’50, Mustangs (’65, ’68, ’03 and ’13), a ’69 Torino Talladega, a ’72 Pantera and ’55 and ’56 Thunderbirds that he maintains for his parents. Find out more information on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

Watch the video below to learn more about Rep. LaMalfa, an advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. Send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act and protect the future of motorsports.