By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors with general Show questions, seeking sponsorship opportunities or looking to stretch their Show budgets by taking advantage of existing, value-added programs.

SEMA eNews will highlight sales people each week, continuing this week with Becca Butler and Andrea Brake, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing and Performance section is one of the most expansive specialty markets represented at the SEMA Show, featuring exhibitors in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. Judging by the New Product Showcase, interest in the market is high, with nearly 800 entries—from both first-time and veteran racing and performance exhibitors.

By SEMA Editors

The Travel & Lodging page (www.SEMAShow.com/travel) on SEMAShow.com has a comprehensive listing of nearly 40 hotels offering guaranteed low rates for the 2019 SEMA Show.

With a quick look on the website, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the rate per night, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotel star rating.

• Wynn Las Vegas
• Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
• SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
• Las Vegas Marriott
• Hilton Grand Vacations

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that imply or claim to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts.

Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

By SEMA Editors

The Travel & Lodging page (www.SEMAShow.com/travel) on SEMAShow.com has a comprehensive listing of nearly 40 hotels offering guaranteed low rates for the 2019 SEMA Show.

With a quick look on the website, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the rate per night, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotel star rating.

• Wynn Las Vegas
• Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
• SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
• Las Vegas Marriott
• Hilton Grand Vacations

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that imply or claim to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts.

Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

By SEMA Editors

Yokohama Tire Named Official Tire of Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA

Yokohama is now the Official Tire of Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle.

Yokohama Tire has a new motorsports partnership: The Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA (SLB/GTA). Yokohama is now the Official Tire of SLB/GTA. The first Super Lap Battle race is February 16-17 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. There will also be the “Yokohama Challenge” championship for drivers competing on Yokohama tires at the three Global Time Attack events.

2019 Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA Schedule:

• February 16–17: Super Lap Battle USA Circuit of the Americas
• May 10–11: GTA Road Atlanta
• August 9–10: GTA New Jersey Motorsports Park
• November 16–17: GTA Finals Buttonwillow Raceway

The Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA adds to an already extensive list of 2019 North American-based motorsports activities both on- and off-road for Yokohama. This includes the IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama, the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama, 24 Hours of Lemons, Spec MX-5 Challenge, TrophyLite, One Lap of America, Yokohama NORRA Mexican 1000 and Yokohama Sonora Rally.

Mickey Thompson Sponsors NMRA's Cobra Terminator/GT500 Shootout Class

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has signed on as sponsor of an exclusive Mustang drag race showdown, in addition to its continued support of the National Mustang Racers Association.

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has signed on as sponsor of an exclusive Mustang drag race showdown, in addition to its continued support of the National Mustang Racers Association.

The NMRA Cobra Terminator/GT500 Shootout class runs at two of the largest NMRA events on the schedule: the NMRA Spring Break Shootout season opener February 28-March 3, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida; and the NMRA All-Ford World Finals Sept. 26-29 at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Mickey Thompson is posting valuable racer contingencies on Mickey Thompson tires (all four) in all NMRA championship classes and will also continue to offer onsite trackside support at most events, as well as contingency awards to drivers competing in Pro, Sportsman and various special event classes.

Fans to Decide Brackets for Upcoming NHRA “Unfinished Business” Competition

Earlier this year, the NHRA released the names of the eight NHRA Legends who would be competing in a one-time-only “Unfinished Business” competition as part of the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Now it’s time for the fans to decide who will face off in the first round of eliminations.

The legendary lineup features some of the biggest stars in NHRA Championship Drag Racing including “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, Joe Amato, Kenny Bernstein, Ed “The Ace” McCulloch, Warren Johnson and Terry Vance. To top it all off, Florida native and NHRA fan favorite Darrell Gwynn will serve as the honorary starter for this prestigious group of competitors. Each driver will compete in a custom Toyota Camry distinctly wrapped to emulate looks inspired by some of the drivers’ favorite rides.

The competitive bracket is up to NHRA fans. From now until February 22, fans can visit www.nhra.com/unfinishedbusiness to vote for the first-round matchups they want to see. Follow the hashtag #UnfinishedBusiness on NHRA's social media pages and NHRA.com for updates on NHRA Unfinished Business.

AMSOIL Expands Partnership With Seehorn Rally Team

Jeff Seehorn and Karen Jankowski of Seehorn Rally Team announced that AMSOIL has expanded its partnership with the team for 2019. After a rewarding 2018 season together, AMSOIL will be title sponsor for the team this season.

Seehorn and Jankowski are the first back-to-back national class champions in the American Rally Association championship. In the 2018 season they scored five class wins out of six events, and five top-three overall finishes, which placed them both second in the overall championship. They are also the top-placing privateer team two years running. Having AMSOIL as title sponsor will be essential for the team’s success in the 2019 season.

Read more news from the PRI Newletter.

• Paul Buddin Announced As CFO Of McLaren Group
• Kooks Adds To Leadership Team
• POWRi, BCRA Form Lucas Oil Midget Series
• PDRA Adds Industry Veterans To Leadership Team
• Xtreme Concepts To Launch NASCAR Team
• USSR To Host Sprint Car Driving Seminar
• SAM Tech Announces Series Of High-Performance Marketing Seminars
• Late Model Truck Series Announces 2019 Schedule

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

Editor Dan Schechner shares how the editorial team makes the PRI magazine interesting, helpful and relevant to the motorsports industry.

https://youtu.be/JEFxppSflDI

Editor Dan Schechner shares how the editorial team makes the PRI magazine interesting, helpful and relevant to the motorsports industry.

https://youtu.be/JEFxppSflDI

By SEMA Editors

Long was selected president and CEO by the MEMA board of directors to replace former MEMA President and CEO Steve Handschuh, who retired in December 2018.

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), a leading trade association focused on advancing the fast-changing mobility industry, has named William (Bill) Long as president and CEO, effective immediately.

Long was selected by the MEMA board of directors after a national search conducted by Egon Zehnder to replace former MEMA President and CEO Steve Handschuh, who retired in December 2018.

Long takes the helm of the 115-year-old trade association at a critical time, according to MEMA. The motor vehicle parts supplier industry, which represents the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the United States, is rising to significant challenges and opportunities. In addition to the biggest technological advances in 100 years, the industry is adapting to threats to international free trade, wide-ranging tariffs, significant regulatory shifts, and workforce development initiatives. MEMA has earned a seat at the table in the Trump administration and has emerged as a consistent and trusted voice in the national conversation on the issues that affect MEMA’s division members. Long will be tasked with ensuring MEMA is able to continue to successfully represent its 1,000 company members in Washington and around the world.

“Bill brings to bear decades of level-headed experience participating in all market sectors in this industry, and we are fortunate to have his guidance as we address unprecedented levels of change,” said MEMA Board Chairman Dan Sceli, president and CEO of Peterson American Corp. “Bill is a staunch advocate for our members. With his leadership, we will be able to face these headwinds and advance our industry in the global marketplace. I am excited to have Bill in this key role at this important time.”

Previously, Long was president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), MEMA’s light vehicle aftermarket division, which exclusively serves and represents North American aftermarket product manufacturers. He also served as executive vice president of government affairs for MEMA, representing the business interests of all four MEMA divisions, including AASA, as well as the Original Equipment Manufacturers Association, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association, and MERA, the Association for Sustainable Manufacturing.

“Our industry and our members are both experiencing and driving transformational advances in vehicle technology while at the same time adapting to tectonic shifts in the global marketplace,” Long said in a statement. “Now more than ever, it is important that our collective voice—across all of our divisions—be clear and strong on the issues that affect us all. I am grateful to the board and the MEMA membership for the opportunity to serve them at this level.”

Prior to joining AASA in 2012, Long served as president of Long Strategies LLC and as managing partner of BC Partners LLC, providing strategic planning, brand relevance and leadership services to the automotive industry. He is most recognized for his 25 years at Echlin/DANA, where he led the company’s Engine Management Division and during his time as executive vice president, North American Operations for Proliance International, a leading manufacturer of temperature control and heat exchange products.

Long is also well-known in motorsports circles, having been a corporate officer for NASCAR in Daytona Beach and a top executive for the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Long serves on the board of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) and as member of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Advisory Board and the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Board. He is also a past chairman of the National Car Care Council. Long was awarded the prestigious MEMA Triangle Award and Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award, both recognizing his work in educating federal lawmakers and serving as a technical expert on issues concerning the industry’s access to vehicle on-board diagnostics and repair information. He also was honored with the Jack Arute Sr. Excellence in Motorsports Award for his contribution and dedication to the motorsports industry.

By SEMA Editors

KYB Announces 2 Appointments to Customer Support Department

KYB Americas expanded its customer support department with the addition of Jim Thomas and Jessica Young.

KYB Americas announced that it has expanded its customer support department in Greenwood, Indiana, with the addition of Jim Thomas and Jessica Young. Thomas, who was promoted to customer support manager, was hired as a customer service representative in 2014, and quickly moved to customer support supervisor. He has more than 30 years of customer support experience, and is part of the KYB Community Service Team, where he dedicates time and organizes efforts to improve lives around him.

Jessica Young was recently named customer support representative. Young began at KYB as part of the packaging team and will now be reporting to Thomas in Customer Support. She is a recent graduate of Franklin College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in quantitative analysis with an economics specialization.

Ricky Best Named Western Regional Sales Representative for RideTech

Ricky Best

RideTech has named Ricky Best the company's western regional sales representative. Best will be responsible for assisting RideTech customers across the 12 western states and Western Canada.

Best brings more than 25 years of sales, support and motorsports experience to RideTech. His career includes key sales and marketing roles at Vortech Superchargers and ProMedia/NMCA as well as Holley Performance Products’ group of brands. 

VP Racing Fuels Acquires Tennessee Location

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has acquired a new property and facility in Huntingdon, Tennessee, citing a favorable atmosphere for business growth and development. The local, state and economic development agencies in Tennessee were eager to help VP acquire this property and obtain all necessary permits and approvals to ensure full use of the facility. VP had acquired two additional properties in Bexar County in past years, but as of today, the company has not been able to fully use them for needed expansion. As a result, one of the properties is under contract for sale.

The new Tennessee facility includes nearly 160,000 square feet on 57 acres and will also be used for manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and distribution, expanding as the company grows.

Maxxsonics Honors Ted Henricks

Ted Hendricks

Maxxsonics  recently created a picture gallery in memory of its vice president Ted Henricks, who passed away suddenly on January 23, at his home in McHenry, Illinois.

Henricks was one of the founding members of Maxxsonics in 2001. While Ted held several positions throughout the organization, he never drifted far from his passion of sales and marketing, where he served as the company’s vice president and tremendous comic.

XForce Signs With R&R Marketing Consultants for North America Promotions

XForce Performance Exhaust has engaged R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. to provide sales and marketing representation in the United States and Western Canada.

XForce has quickly become one of Australia’s most recognizable automotive aftermarket brands. The company’s products, researched and custom-developed in Australia and the United States, include performance mufflers, exhausts systems and accessories for domestic and import vehicles. R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. will provide business services that include prospecting, market strategy and planning, sales calls and pipeline inventory management.

Sergio Fierro Joins the IMS Museum Preservation Team

Sergio Fierro, the owner and founder of auto detailing company Advance Detailing Experts, has been invited to become part of the detailing team responsible for caring for vehicles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum, from February 21–23.

As part of this position, Fierro will be working alongside other certified master auto detailers and techs to work on, preserve and restore some of the most important cars to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fierro has more than 15 years of automotive detailing experience, and has undergone multiple job trainings and certifications in his field. As a Skills Validated (SV) and Certified (CD) member of the International Detailing Association (IDA), Fierro has already proven his ability to detail at the highest level in several past projects.

As part of this special SONAX Detailing Team, Fierro hopes to live up to expectations. “It really is such an honor to represent a worldwide premium car care brand,” said Fierro. “And the rest of the guys and I can’t wait to get to work, I’m sure.”

AutoMeter Awarded IATF 16949:2016 Certification

AutoMeter Products Inc. announced that it has successfully completed IATF 16949:2016 Certification, the new automotive quality management standard which supersedes ISO/TS16949. The stringent and prestigious IATF 16949:2016 standard represents the latest initiatives by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) to achieve harmonized assessment and certification in the global automotive supply chain.

AutoMeter Products Inc. has utilized TÜV SÜD Management Service GmbH since 2005 as its registrar for TS/IATF certification audits.

Icahn Automotive Announces Program to Address Service Technician Shortage

Icahn Automotive Group LLC, an Icahn Enterprises L.P. company, which owns and operates Pep Boys, AAMCO and Precision Tune Auto Care, announced a new program designed to support promising future automotive technicians. Through the new program, “Race to 2026,” Icahn Automotive is encouraging more men and women to pursue viable careers in the skilled trades by rolling out partnerships with technical training schools; offering scholarships, tuition reimbursement and apprentice programs; and creating internship programs, job placement and continuing education opportunities.

The program launch and classroom unveiling attracted industry and government leaders, including Pep Boys, AAMCO, Precision Tune and UTI representatives; Pep Boys “Technician of the Year” winners; Garage Gurus; elected officials and Auto Care Association leadership. The event provided a platform to discuss the importance of preparing youth for promising careers in the automotive trade. Icahn Automotive celebrated by awarding a $2,500 scholarship to Jonathan Fanstill, a student enrolled at UTI. The scholarship is the first in a new program that will award $30,000 to 12 students annually and the company also plans to also accept students into an internship program later in the year.