Compiled by SEMA Editors

Top 10 Teams Qualified for 2015 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Playoffs

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:

	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.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Lee McGuire

Superlift Hires Lee McGuire as Director of Marketing

Superlift has announced the hiring of Lee McGuire as the director of marketing, reporting to President Tim Watts. McGuire has been in the automotive aftermarket for more than 11 years, serving most recently as the sales and industry relations director for Fab Fours Inc. She has served on a number of SEMA select committees and task forces and is currently the incoming chairperson for the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA). She is also the immediate past chair for the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN). McGuire has been recognized in SEMA's “35 Under 35” in 2013 and was the SEMA Young Executive of the Year in 2009.

HELLA Launches New Website

HELLA Inc. has just launched a brand-new website at myhellalights.com. The new site delivers an online guide to HELLA’s full line of auxiliary lamps, daytime running lights, accessories, bulbs, wiper blades, horns and Optilux products. The site is designed to meet the needs of enthusiasts and consumers in the the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America, featuring French Canadian, Spanish, Portuguese and English languages.

Ray Gorman Named Key Accounts Manager for The Right Stuff

Ray Gorman

Restoration Parts Unlimited Inc. has hired Ray Gorman as key accounts manager for The Right Stuff Detailing. Gorman brings more than 36 years of automotive expertise to The Right Stuff. He has been involved in every aspect of the automotive industry, from working with OEMs to the automotive aftermarket. Gorman is also deeply involved with several aftermarket associations, including SEMA, the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), where he serves on the group’s select committee.  

Tint World Named Finalist for Retailer of the Year Award

Tint World has been named a Top 25 finalist for Retailer of the Year – Store Chain for Mobile Electronics magazine’s 2015 Industry Awards. As a finalist, the international franchise is eligible for the Retailer of the Year – Store Chain award, which Tint World earned in 2013–2014.

Highlighting outstanding retailers, installers, vendors and technicians in the mobile electronics industry, Mobile Electronics magazine’s annual Industry Awards recognize companies and individuals that exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, business ethics, service and expertise. The process to determine this year’s winners began in May with nominations for the Top 50, followed by the Top 12 semifinalist voting process, which is currently underway. Winners for 2015 will be announced in August at KnowledgeFest, held in Dallas.

	L–R: Director of Marketing David Brashears, Joy King and President Tim Odom.

Joy King Named AAM Group Employee of the Year

At the AAM Group’s recent annual membership meeting held in St. Louis, Joy King, office manager, received the W.O.W. Award for being chosen the organization’s 2015 Employee of the Year. Given annually to the AAM Group employee who best exemplifies the qualities of commitment, creativity, initiative and resourcefulness, the W.O.W. Award is named after Wilbur and Orville Wright, who embodied many of those same traits in their pursuit to realize the world’s first successful controlled airplane flight.

Design Engineering Inc. Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Formed in 1995 by Dale and Nancy Markley, the company is currently headquartered in Avon Lake, Ohio, under the leadership of their son David. In 2003, Design Engineering was honored with SEMA's Best New Performance-Racing Product award for the introduction of its CryO2 cryogenic intake systems.

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 Linda Spencer

	China Auto Salon exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.

As part of the 2015 SEMA China Business Development Tour, to be held September 16–20, in Shanghai, exhibitors at the sold-out China Auto Salon (CAS) will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.

For one low cost, participants will:

• Exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS) in Shanghai where they will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.
• Begin promoting their brand to Chinese buyers now through SEMA pre-event buyer outreach.
• Have access to U.S. government support for qualified companies.
• Participate in a measuring session in Shanghai featuring vehicles popular globally but not sold in the United States.

The trip includes a four-night hotel stay, meals, interpreters, a turn-key booth, networking events and the chance to measure hard-to-obtain vehicles popularly accessorized in the region.

Find program details at SEMA.org/China, or contact Linda Spencer to arrange a one-on-one briefing about the trip's features.

By Linda Spencer

	China Auto Salon exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.

As part of the 2015 SEMA China Business Development Tour, to be held September 16–20, in Shanghai, exhibitors at the sold-out China Auto Salon (CAS) will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.

For one low cost, participants will:

• Exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS) in Shanghai where they will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.
• Begin promoting their brand to Chinese buyers now through SEMA pre-event buyer outreach.
• Have access to U.S. government support for qualified companies.
• Participate in a measuring session in Shanghai featuring vehicles popular globally but not sold in the United States.

The trip includes a four-night hotel stay, meals, interpreters, a turn-key booth, networking events and the chance to measure hard-to-obtain vehicles popularly accessorized in the region.

Find program details at SEMA.org/China, or contact Linda Spencer to arrange a one-on-one briefing about the trip's features.

By Jason Catullo

Ian Lehn and his BOOSTane product were chosen as the winners of the 2014 SEMA Launch Pad competition held at last year's SEMA Show. The competition offers innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business plan for marketing a new automotive product or service. Finalists pitched their businesses to five industry leaders who selected the winner at the 2014 SEMA Show.

The Launch Pad is returning to the SEMA Show for 2015, and entries are due soon. To sign up for the 2015 competition, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad.

SEMA Member News recently interviewed Lehn to learn about the entire experience and the benefits of program. 
 
Product Overview

BOOSTane is a premium octane concentrate that transforms regular pump fuel to anywhere from 94 octane all the way to 110 octane race-fuel equivalent.

SEMA Member News (SMN): What exposure has your company gained since competing in 2014’s SEMA Launch Pad?
 
Lehn: Our big focus since SEMA and the competition has been on marketing, which has been sort of a the missing link. Since the competition, one of the first items that went live was an article in Hot Rod magazine, which was incredible. We tracked it from day one and as far as website traffic and analytics, it’s been crazy. It’s definitely been a whirlwind.

SMN: Where did the BOOSTane concept come from?

Lehn: My concept came from a personal demand. We were doing a lot of racing, whether it was SPCA racing or powerboat racing. The difficulty we were having was obtaining and transporting race fuel. It came in bulky containers. Especially with powerboat racing, we needed hundreds of gallons of it, which we were transporting around in drums and drums. The transportation of the fuel was very dangerous, very expensive. So we started exploring some octane-boosting alternatives. Many of them didn’t work, and the ones that did had fatal defects. The engineers—a total of three of us at the time—put our heads together and solved some of these problems. It took us about four years before we had something that we could take to the marine market as a proof of concept and it just naturally progressed.

SMN: Did you make any notable relationships during the competition?

It’s hard not to find common ground with people who are young entrepreneurs and executives in the automotive aftermarket industry. For example, Sarah from Hybrid Haven on the stage said, “We’re having trouble stabilizing the fuel in our hybrid vehicles because they’re not burning through it fast enough. Would your product work?” And then Roger [Peterson, of MG Research] came up and said, “BOOSTane would slide right into this app. I’d be honored to have it.” It’s become this network for all of us.

SMN: How did SEMA Launch Pad impact the business?

Last year was our first year in the automotive aftermarket; we’re still in the first quarter and we’re already surpassing all of our sales from last year. I attribute that directly to all of my exposure from Launch Pad. We did a lot of marketing, but if I were to put a graph on it, the spikes came from the Launch Pad exposure.

For more information about YEN or the SEMA Launch Pad Competition for 2015, contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.

By Jason Catullo

Ian Lehn and his BOOSTane product were chosen as the winners of the 2014 SEMA Launch Pad competition held at last year's SEMA Show. The competition offers innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business plan for marketing a new automotive product or service. Finalists pitched their businesses to five industry leaders who selected the winner at the 2014 SEMA Show.

The Launch Pad is returning to the SEMA Show for 2015, and entries are due soon. To sign up for the 2015 competition, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad.

SEMA Member News recently interviewed Lehn to learn about the entire experience and the benefits of program. 
 
Product Overview

BOOSTane is a premium octane concentrate that transforms regular pump fuel to anywhere from 94 octane all the way to 110 octane race-fuel equivalent.

SEMA Member News (SMN): What exposure has your company gained since competing in 2014’s SEMA Launch Pad?
 
Lehn: Our big focus since SEMA and the competition has been on marketing, which has been sort of a the missing link. Since the competition, one of the first items that went live was an article in Hot Rod magazine, which was incredible. We tracked it from day one and as far as website traffic and analytics, it’s been crazy. It’s definitely been a whirlwind.

SMN: Where did the BOOSTane concept come from?

Lehn: My concept came from a personal demand. We were doing a lot of racing, whether it was SPCA racing or powerboat racing. The difficulty we were having was obtaining and transporting race fuel. It came in bulky containers. Especially with powerboat racing, we needed hundreds of gallons of it, which we were transporting around in drums and drums. The transportation of the fuel was very dangerous, very expensive. So we started exploring some octane-boosting alternatives. Many of them didn’t work, and the ones that did had fatal defects. The engineers—a total of three of us at the time—put our heads together and solved some of these problems. It took us about four years before we had something that we could take to the marine market as a proof of concept and it just naturally progressed.

SMN: Did you make any notable relationships during the competition?

It’s hard not to find common ground with people who are young entrepreneurs and executives in the automotive aftermarket industry. For example, Sarah from Hybrid Haven on the stage said, “We’re having trouble stabilizing the fuel in our hybrid vehicles because they’re not burning through it fast enough. Would your product work?” And then Roger [Peterson, of MG Research] came up and said, “BOOSTane would slide right into this app. I’d be honored to have it.” It’s become this network for all of us.

SMN: How did SEMA Launch Pad impact the business?

Last year was our first year in the automotive aftermarket; we’re still in the first quarter and we’re already surpassing all of our sales from last year. I attribute that directly to all of my exposure from Launch Pad. We did a lot of marketing, but if I were to put a graph on it, the spikes came from the Launch Pad exposure.

For more information about YEN or the SEMA Launch Pad Competition for 2015, contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.

By Jason Catullo

Ian Lehn and his BOOSTane product were chosen as the winners of the 2014 SEMA Launch Pad competition held at last year's SEMA Show. The competition offers innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business plan for marketing a new automotive product or service. Finalists pitched their businesses to five industry leaders who selected the winner at the 2014 SEMA Show.

The Launch Pad is returning to the SEMA Show for 2015, and entries are due soon. To sign up for the 2015 competition, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad.

SEMA Member News recently interviewed Lehn to learn about the entire experience and the benefits of program. 
 
Product Overview

BOOSTane is a premium octane concentrate that transforms regular pump fuel to anywhere from 94 octane all the way to 110 octane race-fuel equivalent.

SEMA Member News (SMN): What exposure has your company gained since competing in 2014’s SEMA Launch Pad?
 
Lehn: Our big focus since SEMA and the competition has been on marketing, which has been sort of a the missing link. Since the competition, one of the first items that went live was an article in Hot Rod magazine, which was incredible. We tracked it from day one and as far as website traffic and analytics, it’s been crazy. It’s definitely been a whirlwind.

SMN: Where did the BOOSTane concept come from?

Lehn: My concept came from a personal demand. We were doing a lot of racing, whether it was SPCA racing or powerboat racing. The difficulty we were having was obtaining and transporting race fuel. It came in bulky containers. Especially with powerboat racing, we needed hundreds of gallons of it, which we were transporting around in drums and drums. The transportation of the fuel was very dangerous, very expensive. So we started exploring some octane-boosting alternatives. Many of them didn’t work, and the ones that did had fatal defects. The engineers—a total of three of us at the time—put our heads together and solved some of these problems. It took us about four years before we had something that we could take to the marine market as a proof of concept and it just naturally progressed.

SMN: Did you make any notable relationships during the competition?

It’s hard not to find common ground with people who are young entrepreneurs and executives in the automotive aftermarket industry. For example, Sarah from Hybrid Haven on the stage said, “We’re having trouble stabilizing the fuel in our hybrid vehicles because they’re not burning through it fast enough. Would your product work?” And then Roger [Peterson, of MG Research] came up and said, “BOOSTane would slide right into this app. I’d be honored to have it.” It’s become this network for all of us.

SMN: How did SEMA Launch Pad impact the business?

Last year was our first year in the automotive aftermarket; we’re still in the first quarter and we’re already surpassing all of our sales from last year. I attribute that directly to all of my exposure from Launch Pad. We did a lot of marketing, but if I were to put a graph on it, the spikes came from the Launch Pad exposure.

For more information about YEN or the SEMA Launch Pad Competition for 2015, contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Main topics covered during the panel discussion included:

• What is the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC)?
• Consumer Awareness
• E.O. Certification

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Main topics covered during the panel discussion included:

• What is the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC)?
• Consumer Awareness
• E.O. Certification

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Main topics covered during the panel discussion included:

• What is the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC)?
• Consumer Awareness
• E.O. Certification

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.