Paul Vehovens Clemson University sheds light on the school’s projects and programs that cater to the art of automotive engineering, from tires to engine tuning.
The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6.
Thu, 06/18/2015 - 17:34
Thu, 06/18/2015 - 17:34
Paul Vehovens Clemson University sheds light on the school’s projects and programs that cater to the art of automotive engineering, from tires to engine tuning.
The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6.
Thu, 06/18/2015 - 15:48
 The annual SEMA Installation Gala is where guests can connect with friends and colleagues to honor and celebrate members of the SEMA Board and the newest inductees of the SEMA Hall of Fame. | |
By Jason Catullo
Featuring a cocktail reception, the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races and dinner, SEMA’s annual Installation Gala provides guests the chance to connect with friends and colleagues, as well as SEMA Board members and the SEMA Hall of Fame’s newest inductees.
The gala sets the stage to pay tribute to the outgoing and incoming Board members and serves as the venue to honor and formally introduce the latest Hall of Fame inductees.
Susan Carpenter of JR Products, Laurel Dasher of Powerteq and Dan Kahn of Kahn Media Inc. are the newest members elected to the SEMA Board. In addition to the new volunteers, Jim Bingham of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. and Nick Gramelspacher of Meyer Distributing were re-elected, and Wade Kawasaki of the Coker Group was elected SEMA’s chairman-elect.
Joel Ayres, Jim Bingham and Dennis Gage will receive the industry's highest honor and be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. They join a prestigious group of industry icons whose contributions and innovations have shaped and inspired the $33-billion automotive specialty-equipment market.
The Pinewood Drag Races, hosted by SEMA Cares, feature carefully crafted pinewood race cars competing in several classes while onlookers cheer on their favorites. Proceeds benefit SEMA Cares charities. The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 24, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The finals will be held during the cocktail reception shortly before the banquet begins.
Learn more about the SEMA Installation Banquet at www.sema.org/gala. To sponsor a Pinewood race car or to get started building one, sign up at www.sema.org/pinewoood.
Thu, 06/18/2015 - 15:48
The annual SEMA Installation Gala is where guests can connect with friends and colleagues to honor and celebrate members of the SEMA Board and the newest inductees of the SEMA Hall of Fame. | |
By Jason Catullo
Featuring a cocktail reception, the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races and dinner, SEMA’s annual Installation Gala provides guests the chance to connect with friends and colleagues, as well as SEMA Board members and the SEMA Hall of Fame’s newest inductees.
The gala sets the stage to pay tribute to the outgoing and incoming Board members and serves as the venue to honor and formally introduce the latest Hall of Fame inductees.
Susan Carpenter of JR Products, Laurel Dasher of Powerteq and Dan Kahn of Kahn Media Inc. are the newest members elected to the SEMA Board. In addition to the new volunteers, Jim Bingham of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. and Nick Gramelspacher of Meyer Distributing were re-elected, and Wade Kawasaki of the Coker Group was elected SEMA’s chairman-elect.
Joel Ayres, Jim Bingham and Dennis Gage will receive the industry's highest honor and be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. They join a prestigious group of industry icons whose contributions and innovations have shaped and inspired the $33-billion automotive specialty-equipment market.
The Pinewood Drag Races, hosted by SEMA Cares, feature carefully crafted pinewood race cars competing in several classes while onlookers cheer on their favorites. Proceeds benefit SEMA Cares charities. The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 24, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The finals will be held during the cocktail reception shortly before the banquet begins.
Learn more about the SEMA Installation Banquet at www.sema.org/gala. To sponsor a Pinewood race car or to get started building one, sign up at www.sema.org/pinewoood.
Thu, 06/18/2015 - 14:55
By Becca Butler
Press conferences are just one of many ways for exhibitors to connect with media at the SEMA Show. Posting a press release in the Online Media Center, distributing press kits on-site and participating in social media are simple actions that can yield great results.
Those who have significant news that appeals to a large variety of media outlets may want to consider hosting a press conference. Press conferences require a great deal of time and effort to plan, and there is a risk that media attendance or interest may be low. Exhibitors who are interested should review this video on How to Host a Successful Press Conference.
To apply for an official SEMA Show Press Conference slot, fill out the online application. Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm it was received. Please know that submitting an application does not guarantee placement and press conferences will be scheduled at the sole discretion of SEMA Show management.
The deadline to apply is July 31, and exhibitors will be notified of their application status by mid-August. Those who do not receive the automatic email or who have questions can contact Becca Butler or call 909-978-6669 for details.
 Exhibitors who have significant news that appeals to a large variety of media outlets may want to consider hosting a press conference. | |
Those who have significant news that appeals to a large variety of media outlets may want to consider hosting a press conference. Press conferences require a great deal of time and effort to plan, and there is a risk that media attendance or interest may be low. Exhibitors who are interested should review this video on How to Host a Successful Press Conference.
To apply for an official SEMA Show Press Conference slot, fill out the online application. Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm it was received. Please know that submitting an application does not guarantee placement and press conferences will be scheduled at the sole discretion of SEMA Show management.
The deadline to apply is July 31, and exhibitors will be notified of their application status by mid-August. Those who do not receive the automatic email or who have questions can contact Becca Butler or call 909-978-6669 for details.
Thu, 06/18/2015 - 14:55
By Becca Butler
Press conferences are just one of many ways for exhibitors to connect with media at the SEMA Show. Posting a press release in the Online Media Center, distributing press kits on-site and participating in social media are simple actions that can yield great results.
Those who have significant news that appeals to a large variety of media outlets may want to consider hosting a press conference. Press conferences require a great deal of time and effort to plan, and there is a risk that media attendance or interest may be low. Exhibitors who are interested should review this video on How to Host a Successful Press Conference.
To apply for an official SEMA Show Press Conference slot, fill out the online application. Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm it was received. Please know that submitting an application does not guarantee placement and press conferences will be scheduled at the sole discretion of SEMA Show management.
The deadline to apply is July 31, and exhibitors will be notified of their application status by mid-August. Those who do not receive the automatic email or who have questions can contact Becca Butler or call 909-978-6669 for details.
| Exhibitors who have significant news that appeals to a large variety of media outlets may want to consider hosting a press conference. | |
Those who have significant news that appeals to a large variety of media outlets may want to consider hosting a press conference. Press conferences require a great deal of time and effort to plan, and there is a risk that media attendance or interest may be low. Exhibitors who are interested should review this video on How to Host a Successful Press Conference.
To apply for an official SEMA Show Press Conference slot, fill out the online application. Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm it was received. Please know that submitting an application does not guarantee placement and press conferences will be scheduled at the sole discretion of SEMA Show management.
The deadline to apply is July 31, and exhibitors will be notified of their application status by mid-August. Those who do not receive the automatic email or who have questions can contact Becca Butler or call 909-978-6669 for details.
Thu, 06/18/2015 - 14:55
By Becca Butler
Press conferences are just one of many ways for exhibitors to connect with media at the SEMA Show. Posting a press release in the Online Media Center, distributing press kits on-site and participating in social media are simple actions that can yield great results.
Those who have significant news that appeals to a large variety of media outlets may want to consider hosting a press conference. Press conferences require a great deal of time and effort to plan, and there is a risk that media attendance or interest may be low. Exhibitors who are interested should review this video on How to Host a Successful Press Conference.
To apply for an official SEMA Show Press Conference slot, fill out the online application. Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm it was received. Please know that submitting an application does not guarantee placement and press conferences will be scheduled at the sole discretion of SEMA Show management.
The deadline to apply is July 31, and exhibitors will be notified of their application status by mid-August. Those who do not receive the automatic email or who have questions can contact Becca Butler or call 909-978-6669 for details.
| Exhibitors who have significant news that appeals to a large variety of media outlets may want to consider hosting a press conference. | |
Those who have significant news that appeals to a large variety of media outlets may want to consider hosting a press conference. Press conferences require a great deal of time and effort to plan, and there is a risk that media attendance or interest may be low. Exhibitors who are interested should review this video on How to Host a Successful Press Conference.
To apply for an official SEMA Show Press Conference slot, fill out the online application. Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm it was received. Please know that submitting an application does not guarantee placement and press conferences will be scheduled at the sole discretion of SEMA Show management.
The deadline to apply is July 31, and exhibitors will be notified of their application status by mid-August. Those who do not receive the automatic email or who have questions can contact Becca Butler or call 909-978-6669 for details.
Thu, 06/18/2015 - 14:20
By Becca Butler
 The early-bird deadline for Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and Paris Las Vegas is July 6. | |
The 2015 SEMA Show is just five months away and hotel rooms are filling up quickly. To help ensure that you get a room that best meets your needs, below are top questions to ask before reserving one:
- Am I getting the lowest rate possible?
- Are there any added resort fees?
- How far is the hotel from the Las Vegas Convention Center?
- Am I near a monorail stop?
- What amenities are included with my room?
- Can I book for my colleagues?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
- What restaurants are in your hotel?
- Will I get a confirmation number upon reserving my room?
The following are the remaining SEMA Show hotel early-bird deadlines:
| Hotel | Early-Bird Deadline | |
| Ballys Las Vegas | July 6 | |
| Caesars Palace | July 6 | |
| Flamingo Las Vegas | July 6 | |
| Harrah's Las Vegas | July 6 | |
| LINQ Hotel & Casino (formerly The Quad) | July 6 | |
| Paris Las Vegas | July 6 | |
| Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino | July 6 | |
| Riviera Hotel and Casino | July 14 | |
| Trump Hotel Las Vegas | July 14 | |
| Westin Las Vegas (formerly Casuarina) | July 14 | |
| SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino | July 15 | |
| Westgate Las Vegas Resort (formerly LVH) | August 28 |
Keep in mind that price is only one factor to consider when booking your hotel room. Also, beware of discounted, third-party booking services that are not endorsed by SEMA. The only official SEMA Show housing provider is Travel Planners, which helps SEMA Showgoers secure hotel rooms safely and efficiently. Travel Planners provides top-rated customer service and offers consistent and negotiated rates at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.
Thu, 06/18/2015 - 14:20
By Becca Butler
The early-bird deadline for Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and Paris Las Vegas is July 6. | |
The 2015 SEMA Show is just five months away and hotel rooms are filling up quickly. To help ensure that you get a room that best meets your needs, below are top questions to ask before reserving one:
- Am I getting the lowest rate possible?
- Are there any added resort fees?
- How far is the hotel from the Las Vegas Convention Center?
- Am I near a monorail stop?
- What amenities are included with my room?
- Can I book for my colleagues?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
- What restaurants are in your hotel?
- Will I get a confirmation number upon reserving my room?
The following are the remaining SEMA Show hotel early-bird deadlines:
| Hotel | Early-Bird Deadline | |
| Ballys Las Vegas | July 6 | |
| Caesars Palace | July 6 | |
| Flamingo Las Vegas | July 6 | |
| Harrah's Las Vegas | July 6 | |
| LINQ Hotel & Casino (formerly The Quad) | July 6 | |
| Paris Las Vegas | July 6 | |
| Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino | July 6 | |
| Riviera Hotel and Casino | July 14 | |
| Trump Hotel Las Vegas | July 14 | |
| Westin Las Vegas (formerly Casuarina) | July 14 | |
| SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino | July 15 | |
| Westgate Las Vegas Resort (formerly LVH) | August 28 |
Keep in mind that price is only one factor to consider when booking your hotel room. Also, beware of discounted, third-party booking services that are not endorsed by SEMA. The only official SEMA Show housing provider is Travel Planners, which helps SEMA Showgoers secure hotel rooms safely and efficiently. Travel Planners provides top-rated customer service and offers consistent and negotiated rates at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.
Thu, 06/18/2015 - 13:10
Compiled by SEMA Editors
Top 10 Teams Qualified for 2015 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Playoffs
Thirty-nine teams have qualified for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge playoffs at the 2015 SEMA Show, November 3–6, in Las Vegas, and 2015 PRI Show, December 10–12, in Indianapolis. The top two teams from SEMA will travel to PRI to take on the top two teams from PRI for the championship.In 2014, there were 110 teams with 770 students competing in 10 qualifying events. Team Nitrous Express (Burton Center for Arts and Technology) from Salem, Virginia, ran a record-setting time of 16:22 and secured the 2014 national championship title.
The following are the top 10 teams that have qualified for this year's playoffs:
Sponsor | Team | Time | Event | |||
| ARP | Peach County High School, Fort Valley, Georgia | 17:35 | Zephyrhills Winter Autofest | |||
| Hypertech | Forsyth Central High School, Cumming, Georgia | 20:06 | Atlanta NASCAR Event | |||
| Mahle Motorsports | Burton Center Arts & Tech | 21:00 | Spring Carlisle | |||
| Weld Racing | Eastern Oklahoma County Tech, Choctaw, Oklahoma | 22:00 | Goodguys | |||
| Holley | Lakeshore High School, Stevensville, Michigan | 22:12 | Lane Automotive Car Show | |||
| MagnaFlow | Thomas County Central High School, Thomasville, Georgia | 23:23 | Zephyrhills Winter Autofest | |||
| Fragola Performance Systems | Bolton High School, Arlington, Tennessee | 23:50 | Car & Truck Accessories Expo | |||
| Moroso | Elkhart Area Career Center, Elkhart, Indiana | 24:03 | Lane Automotive Car Show | |||
| Aeroquip Performance Products | Rancho Alamitos High School, Garden Grove, California | 25:27 | Goodguys | |||
| COMP Cams |
 Phil Sampson beat out Top Dragster driver Tony Positano in the final round for the event win. | |
Phil Sampson Returns to Winner’s Circle in Grand Bend Drag-Racing Weekend
Former Quick 32 Sportsman Series champion Phil Sampson returned to the winner's circle last weekend, as did Pro Bike & Sled Series champion Dan Cryderman in the latest round of drag-racing at the Grand Bend Motorplex. Driving his Chevy Cavalier, Sampson beat out Top Dragster driver Tony Positano in the final round for the event win. Two-time and reigning PBSS champ Cryderman qualified No. 2 on his Pro Bike Suzuki to meet up and eliminate Ted Glinny in the final.
Two complete races were scheduled for last weekend, but Sunday's racing was cancelled due to poor weather. It has been rescheduled for August 21–23. Kevin Wicke leads in Quick 32 Sportsman Series Championship Point Award Series. Cryderman leads the PBSS Championship Point Award Series with 432 points. Racing for both series resumes July 31–August 1 at Empire Dragway in Leicester, New York.