By SEMA Editors

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang was inspired by iconic P-51D Mustang aircraft, and will be auctioned at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Gathering of Eagles gala to benefit youth education programs.

Inspired by iconic P-51D Mustang aircraft, Ford Motor Company has created the most track-ready and road-legal Ford Mustang to benefit Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) youth education programs, including the Young Eagles.

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang features a custom yellow exterior finish with “Ole Yeller” accents and badging, carbon-fiber components and mirrors projecting images of the aircraft. The interior incorporates specially designed Recaro seats, sill plates, floor mats with logos and aviation-inspired gauges.

Bred from the ultra-high-performance and limited-production Shelby GT350 Mustang, it features a 5.2L Ti-VCT V8 engine with flat plane crank. Boasting the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever produced, the Shelby GT350 generates 526 hp and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission and features a specially tuned sport suspension.

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang will be donated and sold via auction at the Gathering of Eagles charity event on July 28 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016. To participate in the auction, interested parties must prequalify by contacting the EAA development office at 800-236-1025 or donor@eaa.org.

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang exterior and interior were designed by Ford Design Manager Melvin Betancourt. Interior enhancements were supported by Ford Designer Nicole Rush and the Ford design fabrication team. The custom modifications were performed by MAD Industries, led by Chris Mangum. Additional contributers include Ford Performance, Brembo, Carbon 2 Carbon, BASF Refinish, Pirelli Tires, Diode Dynamics, Rigid Industries LED Lighting, sPOD Power Distribution & Switching Components, 3M Window Films, PIAA, APR Performance, Rosen Electronics, FOCAL/The Source AV, Odyssey Battery, Recaro, Northern Engraving, Miko, American & Efird, Takata Holdings, Inc., Forgiato Wheels, Coverkings, L&G Enterprises and Signature Performance Tire & Wheel.

By SEMA Editors

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang was inspired by iconic P-51D Mustang aircraft, and will be auctioned at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Gathering of Eagles gala to benefit youth education programs.

Inspired by iconic P-51D Mustang aircraft, Ford Motor Company has created the most track-ready and road-legal Ford Mustang to benefit Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) youth education programs, including the Young Eagles.

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang features a custom yellow exterior finish with “Ole Yeller” accents and badging, carbon-fiber components and mirrors projecting images of the aircraft. The interior incorporates specially designed Recaro seats, sill plates, floor mats with logos and aviation-inspired gauges.

Bred from the ultra-high-performance and limited-production Shelby GT350 Mustang, it features a 5.2L Ti-VCT V8 engine with flat plane crank. Boasting the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever produced, the Shelby GT350 generates 526 hp and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission and features a specially tuned sport suspension.

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang will be donated and sold via auction at the Gathering of Eagles charity event on July 28 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016. To participate in the auction, interested parties must prequalify by contacting the EAA development office at 800-236-1025 or donor@eaa.org.

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang exterior and interior were designed by Ford Design Manager Melvin Betancourt. Interior enhancements were supported by Ford Designer Nicole Rush and the Ford design fabrication team. The custom modifications were performed by MAD Industries, led by Chris Mangum. Additional contributers include Ford Performance, Brembo, Carbon 2 Carbon, BASF Refinish, Pirelli Tires, Diode Dynamics, Rigid Industries LED Lighting, sPOD Power Distribution & Switching Components, 3M Window Films, PIAA, APR Performance, Rosen Electronics, FOCAL/The Source AV, Odyssey Battery, Recaro, Northern Engraving, Miko, American & Efird, Takata Holdings, Inc., Forgiato Wheels, Coverkings, L&G Enterprises and Signature Performance Tire & Wheel.

By SEMA Editors

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang was inspired by iconic P-51D Mustang aircraft, and will be auctioned at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Gathering of Eagles gala to benefit youth education programs.

Inspired by iconic P-51D Mustang aircraft, Ford Motor Company has created the most track-ready and road-legal Ford Mustang to benefit Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) youth education programs, including the Young Eagles.

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang features a custom yellow exterior finish with “Ole Yeller” accents and badging, carbon-fiber components and mirrors projecting images of the aircraft. The interior incorporates specially designed Recaro seats, sill plates, floor mats with logos and aviation-inspired gauges.

Bred from the ultra-high-performance and limited-production Shelby GT350 Mustang, it features a 5.2L Ti-VCT V8 engine with flat plane crank. Boasting the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever produced, the Shelby GT350 generates 526 hp and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission and features a specially tuned sport suspension.

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang will be donated and sold via auction at the Gathering of Eagles charity event on July 28 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016. To participate in the auction, interested parties must prequalify by contacting the EAA development office at 800-236-1025 or donor@eaa.org.

The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang exterior and interior were designed by Ford Design Manager Melvin Betancourt. Interior enhancements were supported by Ford Designer Nicole Rush and the Ford design fabrication team. The custom modifications were performed by MAD Industries, led by Chris Mangum. Additional contributers include Ford Performance, Brembo, Carbon 2 Carbon, BASF Refinish, Pirelli Tires, Diode Dynamics, Rigid Industries LED Lighting, sPOD Power Distribution & Switching Components, 3M Window Films, PIAA, APR Performance, Rosen Electronics, FOCAL/The Source AV, Odyssey Battery, Recaro, Northern Engraving, Miko, American & Efird, Takata Holdings, Inc., Forgiato Wheels, Coverkings, L&G Enterprises and Signature Performance Tire & Wheel.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA Export Fair participants will have the opportunity to network with key international performance and off-road distributors without leaving the United States.

A panel of top international buyers from Australia, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia will headline the SEMA Export Fair, co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, July 27, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA members are encouraged to participate in roundtables and seminars featuring seasoned exporters, top overseas buyers and other key stakeholders. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Network with key international performance and off-road distributors without leaving the United States.
• Learn best practices and discuss strategies for overcoming challenges that cost time and money. This includes identifying the right mix of products based on the targeted market’s vehicles on the road; the most cost-effective and expedient way for getting your products to overseas customers; getting paid; and protecting your trademarks, patents and copyrights.
• Find out what grants are available to help defray the costs associated with growing your overseas customer base.
• Learn about SEMA and U.S. government initiatives to meet with pre-vetted international buyers.
• Participate in a 30-minute confidential meeting with an IPR attorney to learn about taking the appropriate steps to protect your patents and trademarks. 
• Network with fellow SEMA members from around the country interested in growing their export sales.

A limited number of slots are still available for the SEMA Export Fair.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA Export Fair participants will have the opportunity to network with key international performance and off-road distributors without leaving the United States.

A panel of top international buyers from Australia, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia will headline the SEMA Export Fair, co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, July 27, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA members are encouraged to participate in roundtables and seminars featuring seasoned exporters, top overseas buyers and other key stakeholders. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Network with key international performance and off-road distributors without leaving the United States.
• Learn best practices and discuss strategies for overcoming challenges that cost time and money. This includes identifying the right mix of products based on the targeted market’s vehicles on the road; the most cost-effective and expedient way for getting your products to overseas customers; getting paid; and protecting your trademarks, patents and copyrights.
• Find out what grants are available to help defray the costs associated with growing your overseas customer base.
• Learn about SEMA and U.S. government initiatives to meet with pre-vetted international buyers.
• Participate in a 30-minute confidential meeting with an IPR attorney to learn about taking the appropriate steps to protect your patents and trademarks. 
• Network with fellow SEMA members from around the country interested in growing their export sales.

A limited number of slots are still available for the SEMA Export Fair.

By Amanda Gubbins

The deadline to apply for a feature vehicle at the 2016 SEMA Show is August 1. This year’s deadline is several weeks earlier than in the past, so be sure to mark your calendar if you are planning a feature vehicle as part of your Show exhibit experience.

All feature vehicles must be approved and paid for by qualified exhibiting companies. Criteria for placement is based on how the exhibiting company’s products are showcased on the vehicle, whether the vehicle has been featured in the SEMA Show previously, how complete the vehicle build is, and to what degree the vehicle captures all elements of the specialty-equipment market.

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth. With eye-popping colors, unique style and unmatched innovations, feature vehicles are a visual marketing tool to help generate an organic appeal for an exhibitor’s products.

Complete details about feature vehicle registration are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual.

Questions about the process can be directed to Brendan Gillespie; brendang@sema.org, 909-978-6661.

By Amanda Gubbins

The deadline to apply for a feature vehicle at the 2016 SEMA Show is August 1. This year’s deadline is several weeks earlier than in the past, so be sure to mark your calendar if you are planning a feature vehicle as part of your Show exhibit experience.

All feature vehicles must be approved and paid for by qualified exhibiting companies. Criteria for placement is based on how the exhibiting company’s products are showcased on the vehicle, whether the vehicle has been featured in the SEMA Show previously, how complete the vehicle build is, and to what degree the vehicle captures all elements of the specialty-equipment market.

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth. With eye-popping colors, unique style and unmatched innovations, feature vehicles are a visual marketing tool to help generate an organic appeal for an exhibitor’s products.

Complete details about feature vehicle registration are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual.

Questions about the process can be directed to Brendan Gillespie; brendang@sema.org, 909-978-6661.

By Amanda Gubbins

The deadline to apply for a feature vehicle at the 2016 SEMA Show is August 1. This year’s deadline is several weeks earlier than in the past, so be sure to mark your calendar if you are planning a feature vehicle as part of your Show exhibit experience.

All feature vehicles must be approved and paid for by qualified exhibiting companies. Criteria for placement is based on how the exhibiting company’s products are showcased on the vehicle, whether the vehicle has been featured in the SEMA Show previously, how complete the vehicle build is, and to what degree the vehicle captures all elements of the specialty-equipment market.

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth. With eye-popping colors, unique style and unmatched innovations, feature vehicles are a visual marketing tool to help generate an organic appeal for an exhibitor’s products.

Complete details about feature vehicle registration are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual.

Questions about the process can be directed to Brendan Gillespie; brendang@sema.org, 909-978-6661.

By Katie Carson

Nick Gramelspacher (center) accepted last year’s WD of the Year award on behalf of Meyer Distributing.

Nominations are continuing to be accepted for SEMA’s Warehouse Distributor of the Year (WD) and other annual industry awards. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market. The award winners will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2016 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 3, during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“The SEMA industry award winners represent a highly distinguished group of people and companies,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The awards are presented to those who have demonstrated proven contributions, leadership and integrity. They help to inspire and motivate the entire industry to greatness.”

The new SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders to win awards in multiple categories, including:

• Warehouse Distributor of the Year
• GEN-III Innovator of the Year
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Person of the Year
• Rep Agency of the Year

Nominate Now!

By Katie Carson

Nick Gramelspacher (center) accepted last year’s WD of the Year award on behalf of Meyer Distributing.

Nominations are continuing to be accepted for SEMA’s Warehouse Distributor of the Year (WD) and other annual industry awards. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market. The award winners will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2016 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 3, during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“The SEMA industry award winners represent a highly distinguished group of people and companies,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The awards are presented to those who have demonstrated proven contributions, leadership and integrity. They help to inspire and motivate the entire industry to greatness.”

The new SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders to win awards in multiple categories, including:

• Warehouse Distributor of the Year
• GEN-III Innovator of the Year
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Person of the Year
• Rep Agency of the Year

Nominate Now!