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:
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:
The new Mustang is a big hit in China, and Ford just announced plans to export the new Raptor to that market. Jeeps and large pickups are already popular with off-roaders, and excitement is building among enthusiasts for the new Raptor that will hit the showrooms in China shortly after it makes its U.S. debut. Federal and State awards are available to defray the costs for participating in this four-day trip to Shanghai, China, with SEMA.
The California State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) has announced new $1,500 grants to California-based SEMA members who are interested in exploring the Chinese market, September 7–11, at the SEMA China Business Development Conference in Shanghai. A total of $2,400 in grants—$900 from the U.S. International Trade Administration coupled with this new award—will greatly defray travel costs.
SEMA China Business Development Conference participants will have the opportunity to:
Meet with hundreds of pre-vetted buyers from throughout China at the SEMA section in the sold-out China Auto Salon.
Be assigned an interpreter to work exclusively with each company.
Visit new performance and off-road shops.
Hotels, meals and all exhibition fees are included. Register now!
For more information, or to learn about possible grants covering firms outside of California, contact Linda Spencer lindas@sema.org.
The new Mustang is a big hit in China, and Ford just announced plans to export the new Raptor to that market. Jeeps and large pickups are already popular with off-roaders, and excitement is building among enthusiasts for the new Raptor that will hit the showrooms in China shortly after it makes its U.S. debut. Federal and State awards are available to defray the costs for participating in this four-day trip to Shanghai, China, with SEMA.
The California State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) has announced new $1,500 grants to California-based SEMA members who are interested in exploring the Chinese market, September 7–11, at the SEMA China Business Development Conference in Shanghai. A total of $2,400 in grants—$900 from the U.S. International Trade Administration coupled with this new award—will greatly defray travel costs.
SEMA China Business Development Conference participants will have the opportunity to:
Meet with hundreds of pre-vetted buyers from throughout China at the SEMA section in the sold-out China Auto Salon.
Be assigned an interpreter to work exclusively with each company.
Visit new performance and off-road shops.
Hotels, meals and all exhibition fees are included. Register now!
For more information, or to learn about possible grants covering firms outside of California, contact Linda Spencer lindas@sema.org.
Baer Brake Systems has announced the addition of Chris Thomson, who will be handling sales/business development. Thomson has more than 40 years of experience in the performance aftermarket, and has been involved with companies, such as K&N, Airaid, Flowtech, Mr. Gasket and Holley Performance.
Brian VanCamp
BettsHD Welcomes Brian VanCamp in New Strategic Account Manager Position
BettsHD has announced the hiring of Brian VanCamp as its new strategic account manager. VanCamp will be responsible for managing customer relationships and promoting growth for BettsHD products in the original equipment and aftermarket business segments. VanCamp was most recently aftermarket segment manager for Hendrickson, where he worked extensively with OEMs and independent aftermarket customers. VanCamp oversaw product management, pricing and marketing, while establishing and growing Hendrickson’s Pro-Genuine Program and the company’s service training program. Before Hendrickson, he was the marketing manager for ITW Shakeproof.
Capturing Goodguys 2016 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year was Billy and Debby Thomas’ Ridler-winning ’39 Oldsmobile convertible.
Driving off with Goodguys 2016 PPG Street Machine of the Year was Tim and CiCi Spencer in their ’69 Ford Mustang by Goolsby Customs.
Goodguys Street Machine and Street Rod of the Year Winners Crowned at the 19th PPG Nationals
The 19th PPG Nationals just wrapped up in Columbus, Ohio, where the signature Goodguys event of the year awarded two of the season’s top cars. Capturing Goodguys 2016 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year was Billy and Debby Thomas’ Ridler-winning ’39 Oldsmobile convertible. Built at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice (CHRA), the landmark rod named “Olds Cool” rides on a custom modified Morrison chassis and is powered by a 455-cid Olds V8 that was one of the last engines ever built by the late Joe Mondello. The leather interior was house-stitched at CHRA and the Kona Brown PPG paint was laid down by Charley Hutton.
Driving off with Goodguys 2016 PPG Street Machine of the Year was Tim and CiCi Spencer in their ’69 Ford Mustang by Goolsby Customs. The Glasurit “Goolsby Grey” Mustang won the prestigious Mother’s Shine award at last year’s SEMA Show. The low-slung stance of the Mustang is courtesy of Detroit Speed Aluma-Frame front and QUADRA Link rear suspension sprung with JRi shocks. Nutek wheels and Michelin rubber add modern performance while the classic body lines were subtly refined with shaved drip rails, extended rear quarters, one-off side vents and 3D printed taillights. M&M Hot Rod Interiors stitched the Relicate leather upholstery.
Motovicity Adds Dinan to Line Card
Motovicity Distribution has announced the addition of Dinan to its line card. Founded in 1979, Dinan is a premiere BMW tuner, and also develops, manufactures and markets a comprehensive line of high-performance products and systems. Dinan products are now available for wholesale purchase through Motovicity Distribution.
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.
Fredric Aasbo drove to victory in Canada last weekend. Photo credit: SR by Toyota
Victory for Fredric Aasbo in Canada
Fredric Aasbo topped the podium in Canada last weekend and, with three rounds remaining in the 2016 Formula Drift season, the defending champion is in a close fight for the points lead. Aasbo defeated two-time champion Chris Forsberg for the event win. As the season heads into the home stretch, a battle of champions has emerged at the top of the standings. Defending champ Aasbo is three points behind 2010 title winner Vaughn Gittin Jr. and 27 points ahead of Forsberg. Next, teams travel to Monroe, Washington, August 5–6, for Throwdown at Evergreen Speedway. The championship then travels to Fort Worth, Texas, September 9–10, before wrapping up the year with the California season ender at Irwindale Speedway October 7–8.
VP Racing Fuels Inks Multi-Year Title Partnership With Gateway Dirt Nationals
As part of a multi-year agreement, VP Racing Fuels has acquired title partnership for the largest indoor stock car race in 34 years—the VP Racing Fuels Gateway Dirt Nationals. VP Racing Fuels will also be the official fuel of the Gateway Dirt Nationals and the exclusive trackside fuel service provider. In addition to naming rights and exclusive trackside fuel sales, VP will engage in on-site activation promoting its product lines for general consumers.
CJ Greaves leads his father Johnny Greaves in PRO 4WD. Photo credit: TORC Series
A Perfect Weekend for CJ Greaves at ERX Motor Park
CJ Greaves dominated last weekend’s short-course truck racing at ERX Motor Park as TORC: The Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL made its first-ever stop at a new Minneapolis track. Greaves won both PRO 4WD and PRO 2WD last Sunday to make it a weekend sweep in both classes, while the Atturo Tire PRO Light win went to Shawn Morris. And in a first for the TORC Series, Corry Weller and Scott Decker came out on top in the brand-new PRO UTV competition.
Bruce Block received the Carrillo Rod Championship Award.
Bruce Block Wins the Unlimited Heads-Up Class at East Coast Diesel Nationals
Bruce Block took the championship in the Unlimited Heads-Up diesel drag racing class at Numidia Dragway last Saturday. With more than 10 other trucks in the class, these trucks all run 9–10 seconds in the quarter mile. Block in his ’04 Dodge Ram ran three times to get to the top with a final run against Chris Nolt in his ’06 Dodge. During the final run and halfway down the track, Nolt blew his turbo giving the edge and win to Block.
BJ Baldwin takes the highly modified Ferret through forests, deserts and water as well as across seemingly impossible obstacles.
Toyo Tires Unleashes “The Ferret” With Off-Road Champion BJ Baldwin Behind the Wheel
Toyo Tires has unleashed “The Ferret” with off-road champion BJ Baldwin behind the wheel. This video features Baldwin taking the highly modified Ferret through forests, deserts and water as well as across seemingly impossible obstacles. The Ferret was constructed using a ’59 British Ferret 4x4 military scout vehicle as a platform. Heavily modified from its original design by Action Vehicle Engineering, it has six Toyo Open Country tires mounted on custom wheels, two of which are powered by hydraulic motors operated from inside. Its modified suspension with King Shocks allows The Ferret to travel rough terrain. To give it a boost in horsepower, American muscle was added by installing a Chevrolet LS engine in the rear. Atop The Ferret is a custom-built launcher with a grappling hook that is attached to a winch cable.
Champion Oil to Sponsor New York to Paris Racing Team
Champion Brands LLC has announced the sponsorship of the ’29 Model A Speedster, owned by Jack Crabtree of Gosse Creek, South Carolina, in the 110th Anniversary running of the 1908 Great Auto Race from New York to Paris. Crabtree will begin an 85-day journey starting in June 2018 from Times Square heading west to San Francisco. The vehicles will board a ship bound for Yokohama, Japan, then enter the continent of Asia at the port of Vladivostok, Russia. Paralleling the Trans-Siberian Railroad, the Champion’s Model A Speedster will head for Moscow, on to Berlin and finish at the Eiffel Tower in October 2018.
Fredric Aasbo drove to victory in Canada last weekend. Photo credit: SR by Toyota
Victory for Fredric Aasbo in Canada
Fredric Aasbo topped the podium in Canada last weekend and, with three rounds remaining in the 2016 Formula Drift season, the defending champion is in a close fight for the points lead. Aasbo defeated two-time champion Chris Forsberg for the event win. As the season heads into the home stretch, a battle of champions has emerged at the top of the standings. Defending champ Aasbo is three points behind 2010 title winner Vaughn Gittin Jr. and 27 points ahead of Forsberg. Next, teams travel to Monroe, Washington, August 5–6, for Throwdown at Evergreen Speedway. The championship then travels to Fort Worth, Texas, September 9–10, before wrapping up the year with the California season ender at Irwindale Speedway October 7–8.
VP Racing Fuels Inks Multi-Year Title Partnership With Gateway Dirt Nationals
As part of a multi-year agreement, VP Racing Fuels has acquired title partnership for the largest indoor stock car race in 34 years—the VP Racing Fuels Gateway Dirt Nationals. VP Racing Fuels will also be the official fuel of the Gateway Dirt Nationals and the exclusive trackside fuel service provider. In addition to naming rights and exclusive trackside fuel sales, VP will engage in on-site activation promoting its product lines for general consumers.
CJ Greaves leads his father Johnny Greaves in PRO 4WD. Photo credit: TORC Series
A Perfect Weekend for CJ Greaves at ERX Motor Park
CJ Greaves dominated last weekend’s short-course truck racing at ERX Motor Park as TORC: The Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL made its first-ever stop at a new Minneapolis track. Greaves won both PRO 4WD and PRO 2WD last Sunday to make it a weekend sweep in both classes, while the Atturo Tire PRO Light win went to Shawn Morris. And in a first for the TORC Series, Corry Weller and Scott Decker came out on top in the brand-new PRO UTV competition.
Bruce Block received the Carrillo Rod Championship Award.
Bruce Block Wins the Unlimited Heads-Up Class at East Coast Diesel Nationals
Bruce Block took the championship in the Unlimited Heads-Up diesel drag racing class at Numidia Dragway last Saturday. With more than 10 other trucks in the class, these trucks all run 9–10 seconds in the quarter mile. Block in his ’04 Dodge Ram ran three times to get to the top with a final run against Chris Nolt in his ’06 Dodge. During the final run and halfway down the track, Nolt blew his turbo giving the edge and win to Block.
BJ Baldwin takes the highly modified Ferret through forests, deserts and water as well as across seemingly impossible obstacles.
Toyo Tires Unleashes “The Ferret” With Off-Road Champion BJ Baldwin Behind the Wheel
Toyo Tires has unleashed “The Ferret” with off-road champion BJ Baldwin behind the wheel. This video features Baldwin taking the highly modified Ferret through forests, deserts and water as well as across seemingly impossible obstacles. The Ferret was constructed using a ’59 British Ferret 4x4 military scout vehicle as a platform. Heavily modified from its original design by Action Vehicle Engineering, it has six Toyo Open Country tires mounted on custom wheels, two of which are powered by hydraulic motors operated from inside. Its modified suspension with King Shocks allows The Ferret to travel rough terrain. To give it a boost in horsepower, American muscle was added by installing a Chevrolet LS engine in the rear. Atop The Ferret is a custom-built launcher with a grappling hook that is attached to a winch cable.
Champion Oil to Sponsor New York to Paris Racing Team
Champion Brands LLC has announced the sponsorship of the ’29 Model A Speedster, owned by Jack Crabtree of Gosse Creek, South Carolina, in the 110th Anniversary running of the 1908 Great Auto Race from New York to Paris. Crabtree will begin an 85-day journey starting in June 2018 from Times Square heading west to San Francisco. The vehicles will board a ship bound for Yokohama, Japan, then enter the continent of Asia at the port of Vladivostok, Russia. Paralleling the Trans-Siberian Railroad, the Champion’s Model A Speedster will head for Moscow, on to Berlin and finish at the Eiffel Tower in October 2018.
Is this another final special-edition Dodge Viper?
This particular prototype was caught running outside of a Roush test facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and didn't want to hold still for the camera. In fact, there was no catching this V10 monster after the camera was spotted.
Dodge has released a number of Viper ACR special editors to commemorate the Viper’s last year of production, and this appears to feature a matte black and stripes color scheme, different than other editions currently planned. Performance upgrades aren’t expected, however.
Dodge is piling on the special Viper editions this year and will likely continue to do so as production comes to a close.
Is this another final special-edition Dodge Viper?
This particular prototype was caught running outside of a Roush test facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and didn't want to hold still for the camera. In fact, there was no catching this V10 monster after the camera was spotted.
Dodge has released a number of Viper ACR special editors to commemorate the Viper’s last year of production, and this appears to feature a matte black and stripes color scheme, different than other editions currently planned. Performance upgrades aren’t expected, however.
Dodge is piling on the special Viper editions this year and will likely continue to do so as production comes to a close.
Is this another final special-edition Dodge Viper?
This particular prototype was caught running outside of a Roush test facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and didn't want to hold still for the camera. In fact, there was no catching this V10 monster after the camera was spotted.
Dodge has released a number of Viper ACR special editors to commemorate the Viper’s last year of production, and this appears to feature a matte black and stripes color scheme, different than other editions currently planned. Performance upgrades aren’t expected, however.
Dodge is piling on the special Viper editions this year and will likely continue to do so as production comes to a close.
