SEMA News—November 2016

EVENTS

By John Stewart

50 Years Later: The Pioneers

A major factor in the vitality and growth of the association was the advent of the annual SEMA Show. In 1965 and 1966, Noel Carpenter, publisher of Speed Equipment Directory, produced an industry-wide exposition that was initially promoted as a chance for the speed-equipment manufacturers to showcase new products. While the shows were not sponsored by SEMA, the association did receive a share of the profits from the 1966 gathering.

Meanwhile, rival publisher Robert E. Petersen of Petersen Publishing Company had started his own equipment expo, promoting the event in his Hot Rod Industry News, as well as in Hot Rod and Car Craft. Petersen ultimately won SEMA’s backing and produced what historically has been considered the first SEMA Show in 1967 under the banner of Hot Rod Industry News (edited by Alex Xydias), with Dick Wells producing the Show as an employee of Petersen’s Special Events Division. That first SEMA Show was held under the cold and damp grandstands of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles while the organizers awaited the completion of the Anaheim Convention Center, where the exposition was moved in 1968. The exhibitors who participated in the 1967 event, known as the “High Performance & Custom Trade Show,” are listed here, as documented in the pages of Hot Rod Industry News. Fifty years later, some are still with us, some are gone, but these pioneers were among the early companies that built the industry we know today.

By AJ Carney

SEMA members attending the Show as buyers this year will have access to the Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) program perks. Those who wear their MBR cards and lanyards during the 2016 SEMA Show will be recognized as MBR members.

Buyers at the Show are encouraged to stop by SEMA Central, join the association and be part of the Member Buyer Rewards program. Once a member, buyers will receive exclusive access to the following:

• The MBR Lounge (located in the SEMA Members Lounge in the Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Room N251): Complimentary coffee and a place to rest your feet Tuesday–Friday during Show hours.
• Dedicated MBR Taxi Lines: Located at both taxi areas, Tuesday–Thursday, from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and Friday, from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• SEMA Banquet Tickets: Access to the best seats at the SEMA Industry Banquet, held Thursday night of the Show. Spend the night with industry friends, SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and top entertainer, Larry the Cable Guy. Tickets are required for this event, and seating is limited. So, bring your MBR card with you to pick up your tickets by close of Show, Wednesday, November 2, in SEMA Central, located in the Grand Lobby.

MBR cards will be mailed in late October.

SEMA membership has its rewards! To learn more, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@SEMA.org.

In addition to the perks provided by the MBR program, SEMA members have access to an array of business tools and resources. Learn more about SEMA member benefits.

By AJ Carney

SEMA members attending the Show as buyers this year will have access to the Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) program perks. Those who wear their MBR cards and lanyards during the 2016 SEMA Show will be recognized as MBR members.

Buyers at the Show are encouraged to stop by SEMA Central, join the association and be part of the Member Buyer Rewards program. Once a member, buyers will receive exclusive access to the following:

• The MBR Lounge (located in the SEMA Members Lounge in the Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Room N251): Complimentary coffee and a place to rest your feet Tuesday–Friday during Show hours.
• Dedicated MBR Taxi Lines: Located at both taxi areas, Tuesday–Thursday, from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and Friday, from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• SEMA Banquet Tickets: Access to the best seats at the SEMA Industry Banquet, held Thursday night of the Show. Spend the night with industry friends, SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and top entertainer, Larry the Cable Guy. Tickets are required for this event, and seating is limited. So, bring your MBR card with you to pick up your tickets by close of Show, Wednesday, November 2, in SEMA Central, located in the Grand Lobby.

MBR cards will be mailed in late October.

SEMA membership has its rewards! To learn more, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@SEMA.org.

In addition to the perks provided by the MBR program, SEMA members have access to an array of business tools and resources. Learn more about SEMA member benefits.

By AJ Carney

SEMA members attending the Show as buyers this year will have access to the Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) program perks. Those who wear their MBR cards and lanyards during the 2016 SEMA Show will be recognized as MBR members.

Buyers at the Show are encouraged to stop by SEMA Central, join the association and be part of the Member Buyer Rewards program. Once a member, buyers will receive exclusive access to the following:

• The MBR Lounge (located in the SEMA Members Lounge in the Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Room N251): Complimentary coffee and a place to rest your feet Tuesday–Friday during Show hours.
• Dedicated MBR Taxi Lines: Located at both taxi areas, Tuesday–Thursday, from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and Friday, from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• SEMA Banquet Tickets: Access to the best seats at the SEMA Industry Banquet, held Thursday night of the Show. Spend the night with industry friends, SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and top entertainer, Larry the Cable Guy. Tickets are required for this event, and seating is limited. So, bring your MBR card with you to pick up your tickets by close of Show, Wednesday, November 2, in SEMA Central, located in the Grand Lobby.

MBR cards will be mailed in late October.

SEMA membership has its rewards! To learn more, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@SEMA.org.

In addition to the perks provided by the MBR program, SEMA members have access to an array of business tools and resources. Learn more about SEMA member benefits.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Throughout the week, you can visit SEMA Central and check out Jhonnattan Castro’s formula drift car—an example of a vehicle and equipment that would be protected by the RPM Act.

Don’t forget to make time in your SEMA Show schedule to take advantage of opportunities to support the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act—better known as the RPM Act, which makes it clear that modifying a street vehicle used solely for competition is legal and beyond the reach of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

• All week: Visit Michele Abbate’s SCCA Championship-winning Scion FR-S at the SEMA Action Network (SAN) booth #60003 (outside Central Hall). Abbate’s car  represents an example of a vehicle and equipment that would directly benefit from enactment of the RPM Act into law.
• All week: Visit SEMA Central and check out Jhonnattan Castro’s formula drift car—another example of a vehicle and equipment that would be protected by the RPM Act.
• All week: Stop by the SEMA PAC lounge (N243) or the SAN booth to contact your members of Congress and learn more about efforts to fight unfair automotive laws and regulations.

• Thursday, November 3 (12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.): Meet automotive media personality and racing fan Courtney Hansen at the SAN booth.

For more about the SEMA Show, visit the official website. Contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org for additional information.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Throughout the week, you can visit SEMA Central and check out Jhonnattan Castro’s formula drift car—an example of a vehicle and equipment that would be protected by the RPM Act.

Don’t forget to make time in your SEMA Show schedule to take advantage of opportunities to support the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act—better known as the RPM Act, which makes it clear that modifying a street vehicle used solely for competition is legal and beyond the reach of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

• All week: Visit Michele Abbate’s SCCA Championship-winning Scion FR-S at the SEMA Action Network (SAN) booth #60003 (outside Central Hall). Abbate’s car  represents an example of a vehicle and equipment that would directly benefit from enactment of the RPM Act into law.
• All week: Visit SEMA Central and check out Jhonnattan Castro’s formula drift car—another example of a vehicle and equipment that would be protected by the RPM Act.
• All week: Stop by the SEMA PAC lounge (N243) or the SAN booth to contact your members of Congress and learn more about efforts to fight unfair automotive laws and regulations.

• Thursday, November 3 (12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.): Meet automotive media personality and racing fan Courtney Hansen at the SAN booth.

For more about the SEMA Show, visit the official website. Contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org for additional information.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Throughout the week, you can visit SEMA Central and check out Jhonnattan Castro’s formula drift car—an example of a vehicle and equipment that would be protected by the RPM Act.

Don’t forget to make time in your SEMA Show schedule to take advantage of opportunities to support the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act—better known as the RPM Act, which makes it clear that modifying a street vehicle used solely for competition is legal and beyond the reach of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

• All week: Visit Michele Abbate’s SCCA Championship-winning Scion FR-S at the SEMA Action Network (SAN) booth #60003 (outside Central Hall). Abbate’s car  represents an example of a vehicle and equipment that would directly benefit from enactment of the RPM Act into law.
• All week: Visit SEMA Central and check out Jhonnattan Castro’s formula drift car—another example of a vehicle and equipment that would be protected by the RPM Act.
• All week: Stop by the SEMA PAC lounge (N243) or the SAN booth to contact your members of Congress and learn more about efforts to fight unfair automotive laws and regulations.

• Thursday, November 3 (12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.): Meet automotive media personality and racing fan Courtney Hansen at the SAN booth.

For more about the SEMA Show, visit the official website. Contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org for additional information.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Throughout the week, you can visit SEMA Central and check out Jhonnattan Castro’s formula drift car—an example of a vehicle and equipment that would be protected by the RPM Act.

Don’t forget to make time in your SEMA Show schedule to take advantage of opportunities to support the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act—better known as the RPM Act, which makes it clear that modifying a street vehicle used solely for competition is legal and beyond the reach of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

• All week: Visit Michele Abbate’s SCCA Championship-winning Scion FR-S at the SEMA Action Network (SAN) booth #60003 (outside Central Hall). Abbate’s car  represents an example of a vehicle and equipment that would directly benefit from enactment of the RPM Act into law.
• All week: Visit SEMA Central and check out Jhonnattan Castro’s formula drift car—another example of a vehicle and equipment that would be protected by the RPM Act.
• All week: Stop by the SEMA PAC lounge (N243) or the SAN booth to contact your members of Congress and learn more about efforts to fight unfair automotive laws and regulations.

• Thursday, November 3 (12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.): Meet automotive media personality and racing fan Courtney Hansen at the SAN booth.

For more about the SEMA Show, visit the official website. Contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org for additional information.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Throughout the week, you can visit SEMA Central and check out Jhonnattan Castro’s formula drift car—an example of a vehicle and equipment that would be protected by the RPM Act.

Don’t forget to make time in your SEMA Show schedule to take advantage of opportunities to support the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act—better known as the RPM Act, which makes it clear that modifying a street vehicle used solely for competition is legal and beyond the reach of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

• All week: Visit Michele Abbate’s SCCA Championship-winning Scion FR-S at the SEMA Action Network (SAN) booth #60003 (outside Central Hall). Abbate’s car  represents an example of a vehicle and equipment that would directly benefit from enactment of the RPM Act into law.
• All week: Visit SEMA Central and check out Jhonnattan Castro’s formula drift car—another example of a vehicle and equipment that would be protected by the RPM Act.
• All week: Stop by the SEMA PAC lounge (N243) or the SAN booth to contact your members of Congress and learn more about efforts to fight unfair automotive laws and regulations.

• Thursday, November 3 (12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.): Meet automotive media personality and racing fan Courtney Hansen at the SAN booth.

For more about the SEMA Show, visit the official website. Contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org for additional information.

By SEMA Editors

The 2016 PRI Show is scheduled to include more than 1,100 exhibiting companies, and attract tens of thousands of motorsports professionals.

Featuring new products and innovation from 1,100 exhibitors, along with expertise on the latest technology from industry leaders, the 2016 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show is the premier venue for race teams to discover how to go faster, run safer and operate more efficiently.

“PRI is where the business of racing starts,” said Bill Miller, PRI Trade Show general manager. “Whether you’re in NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA or running at the local track, there’s something here to improve your program.”

Drag-racing power Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) fields eight cars and has won six world championships in the past five years with a turnkey operation that builds its own chassis and engines, yet the company relies on PRI as a key piece of its operation.

“We do a lot of work with PRI. We’ll probably have 20 to 30 people walking the halls of PRI each day making contacts with suppliers, talking engineering, talking safety needs and from a machine and tooling standpoint,” said Mike Lewis, DSR senior vice president. “We do over 1,000 parts in-house, including all of the key parts that determine performance and safety, but we have partners in everything we make. We have technology partnerships with a lot of different vendors. PRI anchors all of that. Shortly after PRI, we’re ordering pallet-loads of parts that will be coming before Christmas, and those are the parts that we’ll run the first half of the subsequent season. PRI is so critical from a timing standpoint, from a gathering of vendors, from a technology and engineering standpoint. People that we rely on to help DSR are in Indy in December.”

It’s not just the turnkey operations that thrive at PRI. Michael Shank Racing is a midsize team that has been a proven contender in the sports-car ranks for more than a decade, and regularly has taken advantage of what PRI has to offer.

“I’ve been going to PRI for years now; it’s really a target-rich environment for guys like me just because everyone is there,” said team owner Michael Shank. “We’ve had press conferences there, we’ve done deals there and I’ve had a ton of meetings there because all the key players are there. They can be long days, but it’s always super productive. I bring my guys along as well and they usually are working on finding new equipment for the shop and for us to use on the road, so it’s one-stop shopping for our whole Acura Motorsports program.”

PRI also has proven to be just as important to the grassroots racers trying to make a name for themselves in the industry.

“I actually came in with another racing family on a 32-hour drive to get to PRI [in 2015] to network and meet people,” relayed 21-year-old Ariel Biggs, who races POWRi and Western Midgets. “This is the biggest racing industry Trade Show in the world, and I want to see what’s new in racing. I love it. I’m like a kid in a candy store there, just stopping booth-to-booth, talking to people and looking at the latest products.”

While the 29th annual PRI Trade Show takes place December 8-10, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, related activity begins December 5, with the start of Race Industry Week. More than 45 conferences, seminars and other special events are set for Race Industry Week. For additional information on the 2016 PRI Trade Show, or hotel and travel information, visit www.pri2016.com.