Thu, 10/16/2014 - 09:59
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

spagnola
Mike Spagnola
mcfarland
Jim McFarland

It can take a lot of time and investment to create the kinds of innovative new performance products consumers crave today. Manufacturers must then ensure that they have met emissions requirements to allow them to legally take them to market.

Presented by SEMA experts from the legal, technical and service ends of the equation, this Thursday afternoon Super Session, entitled “EPA/CARB Compliance Made Easy,” provides an overview of how you can minimize both cost and time in reaching compliance status.

Any emissions-related part—which is almost any part associated with the powertrain—must adhere to standards enforced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While the process is not always easy to understand, this Super Session presents a well-defined path to achieve compliance.

“This session will bring everybody absolutely up-to-date as to what the compliance landscape looks like, what the challenges may be and what the requirements are,” said Jim McFarland, SEMA technical consultant. Who should attend this session? According to McFarland, “Anyone who manufactures or sells an emissions-related part.”

The session, though, doesn’t end once the regulations are explained. Mike Spagnola of SEMA will be there to talk about how the newly organized SEMA Garage will be able to assist member companies. The Garage will not only test parts in accordance with state and federal law, the staff will also be able to help review test data, prepare certification applications and offer guidance if there are problems.

Don’t miss this Super Session!

SEMA Show Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. To see the complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and pre-register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

Thu, 10/16/2014 - 09:31

By SEMA Editors

rbgrc
The Red Bull Global Rallycross season finale will be held at The LINQ Promenade during the 2014 SEMA Show.

The Red Bull Global Rallycross will return to Las Vegas for its season finale for the third consecutive year, November 4–5. Tickets are now on sale, and 30% savings on all tickets are available by using the SEMA discount code “SEMAVEGAS.”

Held in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, which is the host venue, presenting sponsor and event partner, the action will take place at The LINQ Hotel & Casino during the 2014 SEMA Show.

For the first time in series history, four drivers enter the finale with a chance at the championship: Ken Block, winner of the 2013 Las Vegas race; former Formula 1 stars Scott Speed and Nelson Piquet Jr.; and defending GRC Lites champion Joni Wiman. The four championship-eligible drivers have combined for four victories, 16 podiums and eight poles so far in 2014. All four drivers are within 30 points of one another entering the final race, meaning that the best finisher among them in Las Vegas will likely take home the season-long championship.

Other drivers planning to compete include 2012 Las Vegas winner Tanner Foust; multiple X Games gold medalists Brian Deegan and Bucky Lasek; current GRC Lites champion Mitchell DeJong; and Sverre Isachsen, winner of the series’ most recent race at DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington.

The parking lot adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and at the base of the High Roller—the world’s tallest observation wheel—will be transformed into a high-octane motorsports playground, featuring dirt, asphalt and tabletop jumps signature to the series. Specific track layout information will be released in the coming weeks.

Purchase tickets to Red Bull Global Rallycross Las Vegas at The LINQ. The race will be broadcast on NBC, Sunday, November 16, at 1:30 p.m. (EST).

Thu, 10/16/2014 - 09:31

By SEMA Editors

rbgrc
The Red Bull Global Rallycross season finale will be held at The LINQ Promenade during the 2014 SEMA Show.

The Red Bull Global Rallycross will return to Las Vegas for its season finale for the third consecutive year, November 4–5. Tickets are now on sale, and 30% savings on all tickets are available by using the SEMA discount code “SEMAVEGAS.”

Held in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, which is the host venue, presenting sponsor and event partner, the action will take place at The LINQ Hotel & Casino during the 2014 SEMA Show.

For the first time in series history, four drivers enter the finale with a chance at the championship: Ken Block, winner of the 2013 Las Vegas race; former Formula 1 stars Scott Speed and Nelson Piquet Jr.; and defending GRC Lites champion Joni Wiman. The four championship-eligible drivers have combined for four victories, 16 podiums and eight poles so far in 2014. All four drivers are within 30 points of one another entering the final race, meaning that the best finisher among them in Las Vegas will likely take home the season-long championship.

Other drivers planning to compete include 2012 Las Vegas winner Tanner Foust; multiple X Games gold medalists Brian Deegan and Bucky Lasek; current GRC Lites champion Mitchell DeJong; and Sverre Isachsen, winner of the series’ most recent race at DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington.

The parking lot adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and at the base of the High Roller—the world’s tallest observation wheel—will be transformed into a high-octane motorsports playground, featuring dirt, asphalt and tabletop jumps signature to the series. Specific track layout information will be released in the coming weeks.

Purchase tickets to Red Bull Global Rallycross Las Vegas at The LINQ. The race will be broadcast on NBC, Sunday, November 16, at 1:30 p.m. (EST).

Thu, 10/16/2014 - 09:31

By SEMA Editors

rbgrc
The Red Bull Global Rallycross season finale will be held at The LINQ Promenade during the 2014 SEMA Show.

The Red Bull Global Rallycross will return to Las Vegas for its season finale for the third consecutive year, November 4–5. Tickets are now on sale, and 30% savings on all tickets are available by using the SEMA discount code “SEMAVEGAS.”

Held in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, which is the host venue, presenting sponsor and event partner, the action will take place at The LINQ Hotel & Casino during the 2014 SEMA Show.

For the first time in series history, four drivers enter the finale with a chance at the championship: Ken Block, winner of the 2013 Las Vegas race; former Formula 1 stars Scott Speed and Nelson Piquet Jr.; and defending GRC Lites champion Joni Wiman. The four championship-eligible drivers have combined for four victories, 16 podiums and eight poles so far in 2014. All four drivers are within 30 points of one another entering the final race, meaning that the best finisher among them in Las Vegas will likely take home the season-long championship.

Other drivers planning to compete include 2012 Las Vegas winner Tanner Foust; multiple X Games gold medalists Brian Deegan and Bucky Lasek; current GRC Lites champion Mitchell DeJong; and Sverre Isachsen, winner of the series’ most recent race at DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington.

The parking lot adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and at the base of the High Roller—the world’s tallest observation wheel—will be transformed into a high-octane motorsports playground, featuring dirt, asphalt and tabletop jumps signature to the series. Specific track layout information will be released in the coming weeks.

Purchase tickets to Red Bull Global Rallycross Las Vegas at The LINQ. The race will be broadcast on NBC, Sunday, November 16, at 1:30 p.m. (EST).

Thu, 10/16/2014 - 08:58

By SEMA Editors

  gen3
The 2013 SEMA Gen-III Innovator winner, Todd Petersen, with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) and 2012 winner Brian Reese (right).
  

SEMA created the Gen-III Innovator Award to recognize the top young individual from the specialty-equipment industry who is making breakthroughs in the areas of new products, new approaches to business or setting new trends. Two years ago, Brian Reese of COMP Performance Group was the first to receive inaugural award. Last year's award winner was Todd Petersen with MSD Performance. This year's finalists are Jared Cox with Aeromotive Inc., Blake Fuller with Braille Battery and AJ Grasso with Transamerican Wholesale.

The winner of the SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award will be announced at the 2014 SEMA Show Banquet, Thursday, November 6, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

The SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award winner is chosen based on the following criteria:

  • A “Gen-III Innovator” is a young individual from the industry who is making breakthroughs in the areas of new products, new approaches to business or setting new trends.
  • The candidate must work in the automotive aftermarket industry.
  • The candidate must be less than 40 years of age as of December 31 of the current calendar year.
  • An individual can win the award more than one time provided that person qualifies for a second nomination.
For more information on the Gen-III Innovator Award, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.
Thu, 10/16/2014 - 08:58

By SEMA Editors

  gen3
The 2013 SEMA Gen-III Innovator winner, Todd Petersen, with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) and 2012 winner Brian Reese (right).
  

SEMA created the Gen-III Innovator Award to recognize the top young individual from the specialty-equipment industry who is making breakthroughs in the areas of new products, new approaches to business or setting new trends. Two years ago, Brian Reese of COMP Performance Group was the first to receive inaugural award. Last year's award winner was Todd Petersen with MSD Performance. This year's finalists are Jared Cox with Aeromotive Inc., Blake Fuller with Braille Battery and AJ Grasso with Transamerican Wholesale.

The winner of the SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award will be announced at the 2014 SEMA Show Banquet, Thursday, November 6, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

The SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award winner is chosen based on the following criteria:

  • A “Gen-III Innovator” is a young individual from the industry who is making breakthroughs in the areas of new products, new approaches to business or setting new trends.
  • The candidate must work in the automotive aftermarket industry.
  • The candidate must be less than 40 years of age as of December 31 of the current calendar year.
  • An individual can win the award more than one time provided that person qualifies for a second nomination.
For more information on the Gen-III Innovator Award, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.
Thu, 10/16/2014 - 08:58

By SEMA Editors

  gen3
The 2013 SEMA Gen-III Innovator winner, Todd Petersen, with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) and 2012 winner Brian Reese (right).
  

SEMA created the Gen-III Innovator Award to recognize the top young individual from the specialty-equipment industry who is making breakthroughs in the areas of new products, new approaches to business or setting new trends. Two years ago, Brian Reese of COMP Performance Group was the first to receive inaugural award. Last year's award winner was Todd Petersen with MSD Performance. This year's finalists are Jared Cox with Aeromotive Inc., Blake Fuller with Braille Battery and AJ Grasso with Transamerican Wholesale.

The winner of the SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award will be announced at the 2014 SEMA Show Banquet, Thursday, November 6, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

The SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award winner is chosen based on the following criteria:

  • A “Gen-III Innovator” is a young individual from the industry who is making breakthroughs in the areas of new products, new approaches to business or setting new trends.
  • The candidate must work in the automotive aftermarket industry.
  • The candidate must be less than 40 years of age as of December 31 of the current calendar year.
  • An individual can win the award more than one time provided that person qualifies for a second nomination.
For more information on the Gen-III Innovator Award, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.
Thu, 10/16/2014 - 08:58

By SEMA Editors

  gen3
The 2013 SEMA Gen-III Innovator winner, Todd Petersen, with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) and 2012 winner Brian Reese (right).
  

SEMA created the Gen-III Innovator Award to recognize the top young individual from the specialty-equipment industry who is making breakthroughs in the areas of new products, new approaches to business or setting new trends. Two years ago, Brian Reese of COMP Performance Group was the first to receive inaugural award. Last year's award winner was Todd Petersen with MSD Performance. This year's finalists are Jared Cox with Aeromotive Inc., Blake Fuller with Braille Battery and AJ Grasso with Transamerican Wholesale.

The winner of the SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award will be announced at the 2014 SEMA Show Banquet, Thursday, November 6, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

The SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award winner is chosen based on the following criteria:

  • A “Gen-III Innovator” is a young individual from the industry who is making breakthroughs in the areas of new products, new approaches to business or setting new trends.
  • The candidate must work in the automotive aftermarket industry.
  • The candidate must be less than 40 years of age as of December 31 of the current calendar year.
  • An individual can win the award more than one time provided that person qualifies for a second nomination.
For more information on the Gen-III Innovator Award, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.
Thu, 10/09/2014 - 15:16

Compiled by SEMA Editors

nmra
In ATF Speed Street Outlaw, John Urist advanced into the final to take his ninth championship.

16th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA World Finals Race Wrap

By the end of last Sunday's NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals series, the NMRA had crowned 10 new world champions and 12 class winners.

In ATF Speed Street Outlaw, John Urist advanced into the final to take his ninth championship. In Edelbrock Renegade, Bart Tobener got the win last Saturday with an 8.10 at 168 mph. Frank Varela-Reeves took the first Coyote Modified championship to meet Joe Cram in the final round. There, Cram went up on the bumper hard allowing Varela to streak down Broadway and take the event win.

In ACT Pure Street, Teddy Weaver beat Jimmy Wilson, 9.65 to 9.73. In Strange Engineering Coyote Stock, Steve Gifford beat Drew Lyons in the final round.

James Meredith won the Nitto Tire Factory Stock, carding a 10.75 at only 120 miles per hour. In the VMP Superchargers Terminator/GT500 Shootout, Frank Yee streaked down the track to the shootout win.

In the Henchman Racing Turbo Coyote Shootout, Justin Burcham took the win. In Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle, Susan Roush-McClenaghan defeated Jerry Fisher in the final.

In the Flex-A-Lite Open Comp competition, Gordon Harlow defeated Wes Dalrymple. In Detroit Locker Truck and Lightning, Nina Gusler secured her first-ever championship in the class with a semifinal appearance. In the final round, Johnny Lightning got the automatic win when opponent Fred Wade lit the red bulb with a -.037 light.

In Roush Performance Super Stang, Lloyd Mikeska took the number-one spot after a .007 reaction time in the first round of eliminations. In Race Pages Bracket Showdown action, Mes McPeake defeated Eddie Colwell for the Bracket 1 win. Jason Gregory defeated Greg Hines in Bracket 2 action, and Don Fotti defeated Bill Feckly in the Bracket 3 competition.

TREMEC True Street, presented by Muscle Mustang & Fast Fords magazine, saw two records fall in Bowling Green. The first was the huge turnout, which exceeded 130 cars—the most ever at an NMRA event. The second was Cal Hayward obliterating the three-lap average when he posted runs of 7.63, 7.89 and 7.67. When calculated, the Michigan racer averaged 7.73, becoming the first NMRA driver to average in the seven-second range.

Thu, 10/09/2014 - 15:16

Compiled by SEMA Editors

nmra
In ATF Speed Street Outlaw, John Urist advanced into the final to take his ninth championship.

16th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA World Finals Race Wrap

By the end of last Sunday's NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals series, the NMRA had crowned 10 new world champions and 12 class winners.

In ATF Speed Street Outlaw, John Urist advanced into the final to take his ninth championship. In Edelbrock Renegade, Bart Tobener got the win last Saturday with an 8.10 at 168 mph. Frank Varela-Reeves took the first Coyote Modified championship to meet Joe Cram in the final round. There, Cram went up on the bumper hard allowing Varela to streak down Broadway and take the event win.

In ACT Pure Street, Teddy Weaver beat Jimmy Wilson, 9.65 to 9.73. In Strange Engineering Coyote Stock, Steve Gifford beat Drew Lyons in the final round.

James Meredith won the Nitto Tire Factory Stock, carding a 10.75 at only 120 miles per hour. In the VMP Superchargers Terminator/GT500 Shootout, Frank Yee streaked down the track to the shootout win.

In the Henchman Racing Turbo Coyote Shootout, Justin Burcham took the win. In Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle, Susan Roush-McClenaghan defeated Jerry Fisher in the final.

In the Flex-A-Lite Open Comp competition, Gordon Harlow defeated Wes Dalrymple. In Detroit Locker Truck and Lightning, Nina Gusler secured her first-ever championship in the class with a semifinal appearance. In the final round, Johnny Lightning got the automatic win when opponent Fred Wade lit the red bulb with a -.037 light.

In Roush Performance Super Stang, Lloyd Mikeska took the number-one spot after a .007 reaction time in the first round of eliminations. In Race Pages Bracket Showdown action, Mes McPeake defeated Eddie Colwell for the Bracket 1 win. Jason Gregory defeated Greg Hines in Bracket 2 action, and Don Fotti defeated Bill Feckly in the Bracket 3 competition.

TREMEC True Street, presented by Muscle Mustang & Fast Fords magazine, saw two records fall in Bowling Green. The first was the huge turnout, which exceeded 130 cars—the most ever at an NMRA event. The second was Cal Hayward obliterating the three-lap average when he posted runs of 7.63, 7.89 and 7.67. When calculated, the Michigan racer averaged 7.73, becoming the first NMRA driver to average in the seven-second range.