By SEMA Editors

Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.

The first half of the 2015 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Dual Championship is complete. Twenty-two teams competed in the Engine Challenge, held at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. These teams—comprised solely of high-school students—faced off against each other and the clock to complete performance engine rebuilds and, for the first time, also took a 50-question written exam to further test their knowledge. Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to set the bar and take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.

In order to determine an overall Engine Challenge champion, the top four teams from the SEMA Show will compete against the top four teams from the second half of the Dual Championship, forming an “elite eight” showdown to be held at the PRI Show, December 10–12 in Indianapolis.

Three other teams completed rebuilds in less than 25 minutes and also qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals. Coming in second at the SEMA Dual Championship was Team Taylor from Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, Illinois. They completed their rebuilds in an average time of 22:37. Close behind them was Team K&N Engineering from Loara High School in Anaheim, California, posting an average time of 23:52. The final team to qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals was Team B&M from Franklin County Career and Technology Center in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with an average time of 24:09.

Besides ranking first at the SEMA Show, Team ARP also set a new national record. They completed one of their rebuilds in just 16:11, beating the previous record of 16:22 held by Team Nitrous Express.

These teams are competing for more than just the title of 2015 Engine Challenge Champion. There are $3.8 million in scholarships on the line for these high-school students from a variety of career, technology and automotive colleges. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge fuels a lifelong automotive passion in high-school students, preparing them for careers in the field.

For the second year in a row, an all-female team made an appearance in the Dual Championship. It was the first time, however, an all-female team also had a female instructor. Team Edelbrock, also from Belvidere High School, coached by female instructor Jill Arata, made history as they finished 11th overall with an average time of 28:31.

“As always, we were very impressed with the teams’ performances at the SEMA Show,” stated Hot Rodders of Tomorrow President Jim Bingham. “They continue to amaze us with their dedication and hard work. We are honored to be a part of their journey in the automotive field. We can’t wait to see the final outcome of the 2015 Engine Challenge Championship.”

The second half of the Dual Championship will be held Thursday and Friday of the PRI Show, December 10–11. The elite-eight showdown will take place Saturday, December 12, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

For complete event coverage, visit the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow website.

By SEMA Editors

Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.

The first half of the 2015 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Dual Championship is complete. Twenty-two teams competed in the Engine Challenge, held at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. These teams—comprised solely of high-school students—faced off against each other and the clock to complete performance engine rebuilds and, for the first time, also took a 50-question written exam to further test their knowledge. Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to set the bar and take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.

In order to determine an overall Engine Challenge champion, the top four teams from the SEMA Show will compete against the top four teams from the second half of the Dual Championship, forming an “elite eight” showdown to be held at the PRI Show, December 10–12 in Indianapolis.

Three other teams completed rebuilds in less than 25 minutes and also qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals. Coming in second at the SEMA Dual Championship was Team Taylor from Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, Illinois. They completed their rebuilds in an average time of 22:37. Close behind them was Team K&N Engineering from Loara High School in Anaheim, California, posting an average time of 23:52. The final team to qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals was Team B&M from Franklin County Career and Technology Center in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with an average time of 24:09.

Besides ranking first at the SEMA Show, Team ARP also set a new national record. They completed one of their rebuilds in just 16:11, beating the previous record of 16:22 held by Team Nitrous Express.

These teams are competing for more than just the title of 2015 Engine Challenge Champion. There are $3.8 million in scholarships on the line for these high-school students from a variety of career, technology and automotive colleges. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge fuels a lifelong automotive passion in high-school students, preparing them for careers in the field.

For the second year in a row, an all-female team made an appearance in the Dual Championship. It was the first time, however, an all-female team also had a female instructor. Team Edelbrock, also from Belvidere High School, coached by female instructor Jill Arata, made history as they finished 11th overall with an average time of 28:31.

“As always, we were very impressed with the teams’ performances at the SEMA Show,” stated Hot Rodders of Tomorrow President Jim Bingham. “They continue to amaze us with their dedication and hard work. We are honored to be a part of their journey in the automotive field. We can’t wait to see the final outcome of the 2015 Engine Challenge Championship.”

The second half of the Dual Championship will be held Thursday and Friday of the PRI Show, December 10–11. The elite-eight showdown will take place Saturday, December 12, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

For complete event coverage, visit the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow website.

The annual Media Trade Conference gives editors and reporters a unique opportunity to connect with key executives from performance parts manufacturers.

To view the entire list of 100 exhibitors and to register for the for the 2016 Media Trade Conference, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg

By Monika Earle

Media participating in the 2016 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will be able to sit down and interview 100 manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories, including nearly 30 companies that did not exhibit at the previous conference, by registering at www.sema.org/mtcreg.

The annual event gives editors and reporters a unique opportunity to connect with key executives from manufacturing companies. Unlike traditional trade shows where manufacturers are focused on connecting with buyers, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is the ideal place for journalists to sit down, ask questions, and develop relationships with manufacturers that often lead to quality content for magazines, newspapers, blogs, and even radio, television and podcasts.

While many reporters attend the annual event to connect with companies that they have built strong, lasting relationships with, this year’s conference taking place January 26–28, 2016, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, provides media participants with a chance to connect with companies that are new to the MPMC event, including:

• ACCEL Performance Group
• AIR FLOW RESEARCH
• Axalta
• Baer Brakes
• BluePrint Engines
• BMR Suspension
• BOOSTane
• Chris Alston's Chassisworks
• Classic Industries
• Currie Enterprises
• DeatschWerks
• Derale Performance
• Enerpulse
• Garrett by Honeywell
• Gear Vendors Overdrives
• Gibson Performance Exhaust
• JMS
• Kenny Brown Performance
• Livernois Motorsports & Engineering
• MAHLE Aftermarket Inc.
• Meguiar's
• Nitrous Supply
• OPTIMA Batteries
• Racepak, Lakewook, Quick Time, Hays
• SPAL Automotive USA
• Tenneco (Rancho Performance Suspension & Shocks; DynoMax Performance Exhaust; Thrush Exhaust)
• TREMEC
• Trick Flow Specialties

To view the entire list of 100 exhibitors and to register for the event, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg or contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723. Manufacturers interested in learning about exhibiting at the event or about the MPMC council can contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

The annual Media Trade Conference gives editors and reporters a unique opportunity to connect with key executives from performance parts manufacturers.

To view the entire list of 100 exhibitors and to register for the for the 2016 Media Trade Conference, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg

By Monika Earle

Media participating in the 2016 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will be able to sit down and interview 100 manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories, including nearly 30 companies that did not exhibit at the previous conference, by registering at www.sema.org/mtcreg.

The annual event gives editors and reporters a unique opportunity to connect with key executives from manufacturing companies. Unlike traditional trade shows where manufacturers are focused on connecting with buyers, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is the ideal place for journalists to sit down, ask questions, and develop relationships with manufacturers that often lead to quality content for magazines, newspapers, blogs, and even radio, television and podcasts.

While many reporters attend the annual event to connect with companies that they have built strong, lasting relationships with, this year’s conference taking place January 26–28, 2016, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, provides media participants with a chance to connect with companies that are new to the MPMC event, including:

• ACCEL Performance Group
• AIR FLOW RESEARCH
• Axalta
• Baer Brakes
• BluePrint Engines
• BMR Suspension
• BOOSTane
• Chris Alston's Chassisworks
• Classic Industries
• Currie Enterprises
• DeatschWerks
• Derale Performance
• Enerpulse
• Garrett by Honeywell
• Gear Vendors Overdrives
• Gibson Performance Exhaust
• JMS
• Kenny Brown Performance
• Livernois Motorsports & Engineering
• MAHLE Aftermarket Inc.
• Meguiar's
• Nitrous Supply
• OPTIMA Batteries
• Racepak, Lakewook, Quick Time, Hays
• SPAL Automotive USA
• Tenneco (Rancho Performance Suspension & Shocks; DynoMax Performance Exhaust; Thrush Exhaust)
• TREMEC
• Trick Flow Specialties

To view the entire list of 100 exhibitors and to register for the event, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg or contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723. Manufacturers interested in learning about exhibiting at the event or about the MPMC council can contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

The annual Media Trade Conference gives editors and reporters a unique opportunity to connect with key executives from performance parts manufacturers.

To view the entire list of 100 exhibitors and to register for the for the 2016 Media Trade Conference, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg

By Monika Earle

Media participating in the 2016 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will be able to sit down and interview 100 manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories, including nearly 30 companies that did not exhibit at the previous conference, by registering at www.sema.org/mtcreg.

The annual event gives editors and reporters a unique opportunity to connect with key executives from manufacturing companies. Unlike traditional trade shows where manufacturers are focused on connecting with buyers, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is the ideal place for journalists to sit down, ask questions, and develop relationships with manufacturers that often lead to quality content for magazines, newspapers, blogs, and even radio, television and podcasts.

While many reporters attend the annual event to connect with companies that they have built strong, lasting relationships with, this year’s conference taking place January 26–28, 2016, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, provides media participants with a chance to connect with companies that are new to the MPMC event, including:

• ACCEL Performance Group
• AIR FLOW RESEARCH
• Axalta
• Baer Brakes
• BluePrint Engines
• BMR Suspension
• BOOSTane
• Chris Alston's Chassisworks
• Classic Industries
• Currie Enterprises
• DeatschWerks
• Derale Performance
• Enerpulse
• Garrett by Honeywell
• Gear Vendors Overdrives
• Gibson Performance Exhaust
• JMS
• Kenny Brown Performance
• Livernois Motorsports & Engineering
• MAHLE Aftermarket Inc.
• Meguiar's
• Nitrous Supply
• OPTIMA Batteries
• Racepak, Lakewook, Quick Time, Hays
• SPAL Automotive USA
• Tenneco (Rancho Performance Suspension & Shocks; DynoMax Performance Exhaust; Thrush Exhaust)
• TREMEC
• Trick Flow Specialties

To view the entire list of 100 exhibitors and to register for the event, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg or contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723. Manufacturers interested in learning about exhibiting at the event or about the MPMC council can contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux.

All SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux. There are no fees to participate. This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eight reiteration.

The available truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

Participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on two additional global vehicles—a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. Register now! 

By Linda Spencer

SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux.

All SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux. There are no fees to participate. This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eight reiteration.

The available truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

Participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on two additional global vehicles—a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. Register now! 

By Linda Spencer

SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux.

All SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux. There are no fees to participate. This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eight reiteration.

The available truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

Participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on two additional global vehicles—a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. Register now! 

By Linda Spencer

SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux.

All SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux. There are no fees to participate. This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eight reiteration.

The available truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

Participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on two additional global vehicles—a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. Register now! 

By Linda Spencer

“The 2015 SEMA Middle East Business Conference was a perfect opportunity for us as a new entrant to the Middle Eastern market,” said Michael Sampson (left), director of operations and foreign sales for Rock-Slide Engineering at last year’s event. “Attending the SEMA Middle East Business Conference allowed us to find our first customers and begin what should be a long and profitable relationship in the Middle East for Rock-Slide Engineering.”

SEMA and the U.S. Department of Commerce are once again partnering to bring U.S. companies to the Middle East for the fifth annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 29–April 2, 2016.

Enthusiasts in this region are well known for their appreciation of fast cars, off-roading and customization. Come and show off your cool U.S. specialty products on this four-day trip, which includes a turnkey booth and the opportunity to visit local specialty shops and examine and measure vehicles popularly customized in the region but not sold in the United States. The one low rate is subsidized for qualified companies and includes four nights’ hotel accomodations, all meals and networking events.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report to find out who exhibited. Program details are available online.

Register now or contact Linda Spencer for more information.