Compiled by SEMA Editors

The Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame class of 2017.

Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Inducted

Three members of one of the ARCA stock-car racing series’ most prolific winning families, one of the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ most successful car owners and a drag-racing world champion headline the 2017 class of the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame. The 10th class was enshrined during a ceremony at the Speedzeum, inside the Owensboro Science and History Museum, Saturday, November 4. This year’s honorees include the Kimmel family of Portland and Louisville, Clarence Brewer of Central City, Noel Davis of Burnside, Dave Huber of Shively, Calhoun native Bob Kamp and Spivey Williams of Bowling Green. The Visionary Award was presented to Bob Davis and P.O. Brown of Harned, who founded the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame to recognize the contributions of Kentuckians in all forms of motorsports. The Pioneer Award was presented to Don Roberts of Owensboro, a noted racer in his era and the founder and builder of Kentucky Motor Speedway.

Lucas Oil Products has signed a multi-year agreement to become the title sponsor of the NHRA Winternationals.

Lucas Oil Named Title Sponsor for NHRA Winternationals

Lucas Oil Products has signed a multi-year agreement to become the title sponsor of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series national event held in Pomona, California, each February. Lucas Oil is a longstanding partner of NHRA, supporting several ongoing drag-racing series and events. The 58th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com will be held February 8–11, 2018, and will kick off the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season.

Ernie Francis Jr. left Daytona last weekend with his 10th victory and, at 19 years old, became the youngest Trans Am driver to win four consecutive championships.

Ernie Francis Jr. Takes 10th Season Trans AM TA Win in Daytona

Ernie Francis Jr. had already secured the TA championship by the time he arrived in Daytona last weekend for the 13th and final race of the 2017 Trans Am racing season. He left the track last Saturday with his 10th victory and, at 19 years old, became the youngest Trans Am driver to win four consecutive championships. Francis Jr. drove the Katech-powered, FramelessShowerDoors.com-sponsored Breathless Racing Team Ford TA in Daytona. The 29-lap, 103.2-mile chase around the Daytona International Speedway road course was the site of the final race of the season.

NASCAR Results at Irwindale Speedway, November 11

Sharky's Spec Late Models - 25 Laps
1. #43 Robby Hornsby, Yuciapa, 2017 Champion
2. #2 Kenny Smith, Oak Hills
3. #41 John Watkinson, Glendale

Jan’s Towing Inex Legends - 35 Laps
1. #24 Ricky Schlick, Oak Hills
2. #29 Chad Schug, Oak Hills
3. #33 Darren Amidon, Lakeside, 2017 Champion

Irwindale Fall Classic $5,000 to win

LKQ Pick-Your-Part Late Models - 100 Laps
1. #23 Ryan Vargas, La Mirada
2. #09 Kayla Eshleman R, Fontana
3. #77 Nick Joanides, Woodland Hills

The Thermal Club was honored with the 2017 Motorsport Facility of the Year award.

The Thermal Club Earns 2017 Motorsport Facility of the Year Award

The Thermal Club was honored with the 2017 Motorsport Facility of the Year award in a special presentation by members of the international motorsport community at the Professional Motorsport World Expo in Cologne, Germany. Announced at the PMW Expo Awards Dinner, the award was accepted by designer Alan Wilson, who created the club’s four racing circuits. The Thermal Club was selected by a judging panel comprising motorsport journalists, motorsport publication editors, race-track architects and professional racers. Additional circuits competing in the category included SpeedPark Ningbo (China), Martinsville (Virginia), Marina Bay GP Circuit (Singapore) and Circuito Internacional de Vila Real (Portugal).

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame class of 2017.

Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Inducted

Three members of one of the ARCA stock-car racing series’ most prolific winning families, one of the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ most successful car owners and a drag-racing world champion headline the 2017 class of the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame. The 10th class was enshrined during a ceremony at the Speedzeum, inside the Owensboro Science and History Museum, Saturday, November 4. This year’s honorees include the Kimmel family of Portland and Louisville, Clarence Brewer of Central City, Noel Davis of Burnside, Dave Huber of Shively, Calhoun native Bob Kamp and Spivey Williams of Bowling Green. The Visionary Award was presented to Bob Davis and P.O. Brown of Harned, who founded the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame to recognize the contributions of Kentuckians in all forms of motorsports. The Pioneer Award was presented to Don Roberts of Owensboro, a noted racer in his era and the founder and builder of Kentucky Motor Speedway.

Lucas Oil Products has signed a multi-year agreement to become the title sponsor of the NHRA Winternationals.

Lucas Oil Named Title Sponsor for NHRA Winternationals

Lucas Oil Products has signed a multi-year agreement to become the title sponsor of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series national event held in Pomona, California, each February. Lucas Oil is a longstanding partner of NHRA, supporting several ongoing drag-racing series and events. The 58th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com will be held February 8–11, 2018, and will kick off the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season.

Ernie Francis Jr. left Daytona last weekend with his 10th victory and, at 19 years old, became the youngest Trans Am driver to win four consecutive championships.

Ernie Francis Jr. Takes 10th Season Trans AM TA Win in Daytona

Ernie Francis Jr. had already secured the TA championship by the time he arrived in Daytona last weekend for the 13th and final race of the 2017 Trans Am racing season. He left the track last Saturday with his 10th victory and, at 19 years old, became the youngest Trans Am driver to win four consecutive championships. Francis Jr. drove the Katech-powered, FramelessShowerDoors.com-sponsored Breathless Racing Team Ford TA in Daytona. The 29-lap, 103.2-mile chase around the Daytona International Speedway road course was the site of the final race of the season.

NASCAR Results at Irwindale Speedway, November 11

Sharky's Spec Late Models - 25 Laps
1. #43 Robby Hornsby, Yuciapa, 2017 Champion
2. #2 Kenny Smith, Oak Hills
3. #41 John Watkinson, Glendale

Jan’s Towing Inex Legends - 35 Laps
1. #24 Ricky Schlick, Oak Hills
2. #29 Chad Schug, Oak Hills
3. #33 Darren Amidon, Lakeside, 2017 Champion

Irwindale Fall Classic $5,000 to win

LKQ Pick-Your-Part Late Models - 100 Laps
1. #23 Ryan Vargas, La Mirada
2. #09 Kayla Eshleman R, Fontana
3. #77 Nick Joanides, Woodland Hills

The Thermal Club was honored with the 2017 Motorsport Facility of the Year award.

The Thermal Club Earns 2017 Motorsport Facility of the Year Award

The Thermal Club was honored with the 2017 Motorsport Facility of the Year award in a special presentation by members of the international motorsport community at the Professional Motorsport World Expo in Cologne, Germany. Announced at the PMW Expo Awards Dinner, the award was accepted by designer Alan Wilson, who created the club’s four racing circuits. The Thermal Club was selected by a judging panel comprising motorsport journalists, motorsport publication editors, race-track architects and professional racers. Additional circuits competing in the category included SpeedPark Ningbo (China), Martinsville (Virginia), Marina Bay GP Circuit (Singapore) and Circuito Internacional de Vila Real (Portugal).

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Tim Chaney

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. Hires Automotive Veteran Tim Chaney as Vice President of Marketing

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has announced that Tim Chaney has joined the company as vice president of marketing. Chaney is responsible for leading all Toyo Tires marketing efforts in the United States, including go-to-market strategy, brand management and brand development. Areas under his guidance include advertising, creative, content development, sponsorships, events, public relations, direct marketing, dealer support, including dealer training, and consumer and dealer websites. He reports to Roy Bromfield, president and chief executive officer of Toyo Tires. Chaney brings more than 30 years of marketing and automotive experience to Toyo Tires, including 15 years at Kia Motors America, where he most recently served as vice president of marketing communications. Prior to that, Chaney spent nearly 16 years at Nissan North America. He succeeds Senior Director of Marketing Amy Coleman, who retired in September of this year.

Kelly Hogan

Martin & Company Expands Social Media Department, Hires Digital Marketing Manager

Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising, has announced the addition of Kelly Hogan, who recently had served as an intern with Delk Industries in Nashville, Tennessee. For three years, Hogan also served as the ecommerce manager, product researcher and supply-chain relations manager for MB3 LLC. She reports directly to Martin & Company Vice President of Digital Marketing Jeff Lee.

Bob Roese

Bob Roese Returns to Wilwood in Business Development Role

Wilwood Disc Brakes has welcomed Bob Roese back to the Wilwood business development team. Roese spent three years with Wilwood in multiple capacities within the sales and tech department before semi-retiring in 2015 as manager of the sales department. In his new role, Roese will not only focus on generating new business and strengthening Wilwood’s relationships with its current customer-base, but also on dealer education and training.

Visteon and American Center for Mobility Partner to Develop Advanced Driving Technologies

Electronics supplier Visteon Corp. has announced that it has joined forces with the American Center for Mobility (ACM) to support the development and testing of connected and automated transportation technologies. With a $5 million strategic investment, Visteon is the first Tier-1 automotive supplier to join ACM as a founder-level sponsor. The American Center for Mobility is a non-profit testing and product-development facility at the historic Willow Run site in Ypsilanti, Michigan, dedicated to leading the safe development of automated technologies and vehicles onto America’s roads. Visteon intends to use the center to test and validate technology related to its DriveCore artificial intelligence-based autonomous driving platform.

Marx Group Receives Two 2017 Automotive Communications Awards

Marx Group was awarded two Automotive Communications Awards at the 2017 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas. The first award, in the business-to-business category, was for Best Website - Analytics showing success of new website, for its own website, www.marxgrp.com. The second award, in the business-to-consumer category, was for Best Print or Digital Display Ad Campaign, for the Philips Automotive Lighting “Turn On, Turn Heads” campaign for its client, Lumileds. The agency was acknowledged at the Automotive Communications Awards ceremony during the Women in Auto Care (formerly Car Care Council Women’s Board) news conference at AAPEX, November 1. The awards recognize companies that provide automotive information through outstanding advertising, marketing and public relations efforts.

Brake Parts Inc. was recently honored as a 2017 McHenry County Business Champion in the category of companies with 300 employees or more.

Brake Parts Inc. Named McHenry County Business Champion

Brake Parts Inc. was recently honored as a 2017 McHenry County Business Champion in the category of companies with 300 employees or more. In attendance to accept the award—presented by the McHenry County Economic Development Corp.—was Brake Parts’ President and CEO David Overbeeke. More than 400 business leaders from all over the county gathered to celebrate businesses nominated for their drive to bolster both the local economy and community.

Lubrication Specialties Launches 20th Anniversary Online Promotion

In celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary, Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) announced its Hot Shot’s Secret online promotion. With any online purchase made at www.hotshotsecret.com, LSI will give away a free 16-oz. bottle of original HSS Stiction Eliminator. The company developed the original Hot Shot’s Secret Stiction Eliminator in 2004 to resolve issues related to malfunctioning HEUI injectors for the 6.0L Ford Power Stroke. Visitors making a purchase at the site can enter the code LSI20, and the product, valued at $17.95, will be automatically added during checkout at no charge. The 20th anniversary online promotion is in effect for a limited time and is in addition to current Hot Shot Secret product specials.

Jerry DeMarino

Sparta Evolution Hires Jerry DeMarino as Vice President of Sales

Sparta Evolution has appointed performance aftermarket industry veteran Jerry DeMarino as its vice president of sales, reporting directly to CEO Jun Chun. DeMarino’s responsibilities will include customer strategy and development, product strategy, directing special projects and continuing to grow the Sparta Evolution brand. Before joining Sparta Evolution, DeMarino was the director of business development for Performance Friction for one year. Prior to that, DeMarino worked in a variety of positions at Hawk Performance for 18 years, ending as the global director of sales and marketing. DeMarino was responsible for pioneering the growth of the Hawk Performance brand from a small business in 1997 to a globally recognized brand in the motorsports, street performance and powersports markets.

Combs (left) with Mike and Jim Ring of the Ringbrothers during the SEMA Show unveiling of Prestone's 90th anniversary '72 AMC Javelin AMX project car.

Prestone Partners With Jessi Combs

Prestone Products Corp. partnered with Jessi Combs prior to her upcoming race in Mexico’s Baja, California, Peninsula. The partnership comes after Combs hosted the unveiling of Prestone’s 90th Anniversary project car—a ’72 AMC Javelin AMX built by Ringbrothers—at the 2017 SEMA Show. TV personality, metal fabricator and “Queen of the Hammers,” Combs will drive a truck powered by Prestone products as she undertakes the longest non-stop, point-to-point race in the world. The race will take place November 16–17.

Continental Conducts Successful TPMS Training Program for Automotive Parts Headquarters

Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket conducted a successful TPMS training program for a group of store owners and managers from Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH), a Continental and TPMS program retail partner. The training event was held at Continental’s Technical Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and conducted by Continental Sales Technical Training Specialist Sean Lannoo. During the event, representatives from various APH stores across the country learned about critical TMPS service requirements, proper parts, troubleshooting and installations procedures, and sales techniques.

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.

By Zane Clark

Ray Evernham

Ray Evernham, NASCAR Hall of Fame 2018 inductee, will be the featured speaker at the 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), December 5–6 at the Indiana Convention Center, two days prior to the start of the PRI Trade Show. The AETC was established as a forum for performance engine builders and engineers to exchange information, review tech trends and share best practices with their colleagues. The knowledge gained and networking opportunities available during the show can help attendees grow their businesses far into the future.

Evernham has more than four decades of experience in the automotive and racing industries. He has worked with the biggest names in motorsports history, including Jeff Gordon, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt and Dale Earnhardt. Evernham was a vital force in resurrecting the International Race of Champions (IROC) series, won three NASCAR Sprint Cup championships as a crew chief for Gordon and partnered with Dodge to build Evernham Motorsports into one of the most successful teams in NASCAR.

Register now for AETC.

In addition to Evernham, the following experts are participating in the AETC:

Jon Kaase started competing in drag racing while still in high school. Kaase has created race engines that won a dozen Pro Stock championships, succeeded in winning the Engine Masters Challenge five times and has presided over the company that bears his name for almost 36 years.

Keith Dorton struck out on his own as an engine builder when he opened the doors to Automotive Specialists Inc. Since 2010, Automotive Specialists-powered cars have broken more than 20 Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) records at the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats.

Greg Dahl has four Outlaw Street National Championships, 30 national records and several other marks held by customers and teammates, including Stacey Bortz, who pilots the world’s quickest Harley Street Bike (as of this writing).

Billy Godbold oversees a team of 20 talented engineers. In addition to serving as an extremely valuable member of the COMP Cams staff, his many years of experience and natural talent for understanding complex valvetrain scenarios have made him a trusted source of information for race teams, manufacturers and engine builders.

Learn about all the speakers.

By Zane Clark

Ray Evernham

Ray Evernham, NASCAR Hall of Fame 2018 inductee, will be the featured speaker at the 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), December 5–6 at the Indiana Convention Center, two days prior to the start of the PRI Trade Show. The AETC was established as a forum for performance engine builders and engineers to exchange information, review tech trends and share best practices with their colleagues. The knowledge gained and networking opportunities available during the show can help attendees grow their businesses far into the future.

Evernham has more than four decades of experience in the automotive and racing industries. He has worked with the biggest names in motorsports history, including Jeff Gordon, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt and Dale Earnhardt. Evernham was a vital force in resurrecting the International Race of Champions (IROC) series, won three NASCAR Sprint Cup championships as a crew chief for Gordon and partnered with Dodge to build Evernham Motorsports into one of the most successful teams in NASCAR.

Register now for AETC.

In addition to Evernham, the following experts are participating in the AETC:

Jon Kaase started competing in drag racing while still in high school. Kaase has created race engines that won a dozen Pro Stock championships, succeeded in winning the Engine Masters Challenge five times and has presided over the company that bears his name for almost 36 years.

Keith Dorton struck out on his own as an engine builder when he opened the doors to Automotive Specialists Inc. Since 2010, Automotive Specialists-powered cars have broken more than 20 Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) records at the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats.

Greg Dahl has four Outlaw Street National Championships, 30 national records and several other marks held by customers and teammates, including Stacey Bortz, who pilots the world’s quickest Harley Street Bike (as of this writing).

Billy Godbold oversees a team of 20 talented engineers. In addition to serving as an extremely valuable member of the COMP Cams staff, his many years of experience and natural talent for understanding complex valvetrain scenarios have made him a trusted source of information for race teams, manufacturers and engine builders.

Learn about all the speakers.

By Zane Clark

Ray Evernham

Ray Evernham, NASCAR Hall of Fame 2018 inductee, will be the featured speaker at the 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), December 5–6 at the Indiana Convention Center, two days prior to the start of the PRI Trade Show. The AETC was established as a forum for performance engine builders and engineers to exchange information, review tech trends and share best practices with their colleagues. The knowledge gained and networking opportunities available during the show can help attendees grow their businesses far into the future.

Evernham has more than four decades of experience in the automotive and racing industries. He has worked with the biggest names in motorsports history, including Jeff Gordon, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt and Dale Earnhardt. Evernham was a vital force in resurrecting the International Race of Champions (IROC) series, won three NASCAR Sprint Cup championships as a crew chief for Gordon and partnered with Dodge to build Evernham Motorsports into one of the most successful teams in NASCAR.

Register now for AETC.

In addition to Evernham, the following experts are participating in the AETC:

Jon Kaase started competing in drag racing while still in high school. Kaase has created race engines that won a dozen Pro Stock championships, succeeded in winning the Engine Masters Challenge five times and has presided over the company that bears his name for almost 36 years.

Keith Dorton struck out on his own as an engine builder when he opened the doors to Automotive Specialists Inc. Since 2010, Automotive Specialists-powered cars have broken more than 20 Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) records at the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats.

Greg Dahl has four Outlaw Street National Championships, 30 national records and several other marks held by customers and teammates, including Stacey Bortz, who pilots the world’s quickest Harley Street Bike (as of this writing).

Billy Godbold oversees a team of 20 talented engineers. In addition to serving as an extremely valuable member of the COMP Cams staff, his many years of experience and natural talent for understanding complex valvetrain scenarios have made him a trusted source of information for race teams, manufacturers and engine builders.

Learn about all the speakers.

By Katie Carson

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs will be held at the upcoming 2017 PRI Trade Show.

Just weeks after the 2017 SEMA Show, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week full of exhibiting, meeting with clients, networking and attending MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members who plan to attend PRI are encouraged to join the following MPMC events during the week:

General Membership Meeting

A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., to update members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. This meeting serves as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The select committee is particularly interested in sharing its strategic plan with the membership. Register now.

Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion

This session, to be held Thursday, December 7, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., will feature a moderated discussion between motorsports manufacturers and a panel of official representatives from major sanctioning bodies. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers.

Alan Reinhart, NHRA and Fox Sports announcer, will once again moderate the discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals

When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I be a part of? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? The event will take place Friday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Register now.

Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4

Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity to common misconceptions or issues you may currently be facing, and will answer any questions you may have. This popular session will take place Friday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Register now.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception, to be held Friday, December 8, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center, serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of the event—open to all manufacturers and media—is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their lives’ work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. Register now.

By Katie Carson

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs will be held at the upcoming 2017 PRI Trade Show.

Just weeks after the 2017 SEMA Show, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week full of exhibiting, meeting with clients, networking and attending MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members who plan to attend PRI are encouraged to join the following MPMC events during the week:

General Membership Meeting

A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., to update members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. This meeting serves as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The select committee is particularly interested in sharing its strategic plan with the membership. Register now.

Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion

This session, to be held Thursday, December 7, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., will feature a moderated discussion between motorsports manufacturers and a panel of official representatives from major sanctioning bodies. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers.

Alan Reinhart, NHRA and Fox Sports announcer, will once again moderate the discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals

When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I be a part of? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? The event will take place Friday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Register now.

Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4

Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity to common misconceptions or issues you may currently be facing, and will answer any questions you may have. This popular session will take place Friday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Register now.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception, to be held Friday, December 8, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center, serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of the event—open to all manufacturers and media—is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their lives’ work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. Register now.

By Katie Carson

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs will be held at the upcoming 2017 PRI Trade Show.

Just weeks after the 2017 SEMA Show, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week full of exhibiting, meeting with clients, networking and attending MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members who plan to attend PRI are encouraged to join the following MPMC events during the week:

General Membership Meeting

A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., to update members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. This meeting serves as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The select committee is particularly interested in sharing its strategic plan with the membership. Register now.

Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion

This session, to be held Thursday, December 7, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., will feature a moderated discussion between motorsports manufacturers and a panel of official representatives from major sanctioning bodies. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers.

Alan Reinhart, NHRA and Fox Sports announcer, will once again moderate the discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals

When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I be a part of? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? The event will take place Friday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Register now.

Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4

Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity to common misconceptions or issues you may currently be facing, and will answer any questions you may have. This popular session will take place Friday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Register now.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception, to be held Friday, December 8, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center, serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of the event—open to all manufacturers and media—is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their lives’ work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. Register now.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries at www.sema.org/scholarships.  

New this year, high-school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship Committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. The deadline for the program is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan-forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off a loan for a completed program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.