Compiled by SEMA Editors

Power Automedia’s new show, “Horsepower Wars,’ will debut in 2018.

Power Automedia to Launch “Horsepower Wars” Automotive Show

Power Automedia’s all-new original show “Horsepower Wars” is set to debut in 2018, and will showcase automotive shops, engine builders, racers and tuners. Each story will consist of a shootout, and viewers will witness the entire build process all the way to the end, when there will be a showdown on either a chassis dyno, engine dyno, road course or drag strip. “Horsepower Wars” content will include part 2 of the Coyote vs. LS Shootout, this time with a competition called the “$10K Drag Race Shootout,” where three build teams will be handed $3,000 in cash and $7,000 in Summit Racing gift cards to buy and build their cars in 10 days and then drag race it. The winner takes the car home, and viewers can enter a contest to take home the other two cars. Drag-racing teams that want to compete can apply to “Horsepower Wars” starting in January 2018. The official launch will take place in March 2018.

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels Expands Footprint with Larger Facility

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has a new facility in the company’s hometown of Stow, Ohio. The company’s new state-of-the-art headquarters and warehouse, which opened in September, covers 200,000 sq. ft., including 20,000 sq. ft. of office space. The facility serves as the eastern distribution center and corporate headquarters for Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, which includes both the Mickey Thompson and Dick Cepek brands. Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels’ new headquarters can be found at 4651 Prosper Dr., Stow, Ohio 44224.

AmericanTrucks.com and its sister store, AmericanMuscle.com, have joined to host a truck-parts giveaway valued at $17,760.

AmericanTrucks.com Continues Entry Period for $17,760 Truck Parts Giveaway

AmericanTrucks.com and its sister store, AmericanMuscle.com, have joined to host a truck-parts giveaway valued at $17,760—an amount selected in a patriotic theme for the year America was founded (1776). The American Build Giveaway will choose one finalist to receive the grand-prize package. A total of 76 runners-up are eligible to enter to win a limited-edition American Build Prize Pack. AmericanTrucks.com’s grand-prize winner will receive an additional $5,000 to cover the cost of installing the selected products. One entry per person per week during the entry period is allowed until the promotion ends, March 20, 2018. The grand-prize winner will be selected the final week of March, and the winner will be notified using the information they provided when entering the giveaway.

FCA US Officially Opens New MOPAR Parts Distribution Center in Metro Detroit

FCA US LLC officially opened a new 500,000-sq.-ft. MOPAR Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Metro Detroit, marking the second new MOPAR PDC to open in the United States this year. The Romulus, Michigan, facility employs more than 100 workers and represents an investment of $10.4 million by FCA US. With an additional PDC opened earlier this year in Winchester, Virginia, FCA US has invested $22.6 million in 2017 to strengthen its parts distribution network in the United States, with 23 PDCs in North America. Combined, the two facilities represent more than 170 jobs. In addition to U.S. growth, MOPAR has also recently expanded its international parts distribution network. In less than five years, MOPAR has added four new parts distribution centers, including joint ventures in Asia, Europe and South America. MOPAR has a footprint of more than 50 PDCs worldwide, including North America.

Renegade III, a ’74 Jeep CJ-5 reconstructed and enhanced for the 2017 SEMA Show by Greg Griffith, Mancave Designs and The AAM Group, was named to three post-Show top-builds lists.

Renegade III Project Jeep Lands on Three “Best of SEMA” Lists

Renegade III, a ’74 Jeep CJ-5 reconstructed and enhanced for the 2017 SEMA Show by Greg Griffith, Mancave Designs and The AAM Group, was named to three post-Show top-builds lists: two by the Four Wheeler Network (Top 10 Vintage Jeeps and Top 10 Jeeps) and Top 10 Jeeps by JPFreek Adventure magazine.

AirPro Diagnostics Names McCahill HR Director

AirPro Diagnostics has appointed Mark McCahill to director of human resources. With more than 20 years of experience, McCahill has balanced experience between start-ups and established Fortune 500 companies, and a background in staff and leadership development.

Jim Amerio

Prestone Appoints Jim Amerio Vice President of North American Sales

Prestone Products Corp. has announced it has hired Jim Amerio as its vice president of North American sales. Amerio joins Prestone with more than 25 years of sales experience and will drive the brand’s profitable volume and share growth. Amerio will take on the role of motivating and leading sales teams and capabilities, while building and expanding wiring with key customer leaders. He has broad experience across a variety of sales channels and a history of negotiating strategic relationships, resulting in increased focus on brands he has represented.

Sara Slaughter to Manage PR and Publicity for John Force Racing

John Force Racing (JFR) has announced that Sara Slaughter, most recently media relations manager for the NHRA, has joined the team as its new public relations director. Slaughter will manage all aspects of JFR’s public relations and publicity and will work closely with Vice President of Sales Steve Cole in the California office, and Director of Marketing Kelly Antonelli at JFR’s race headquarters in Brownsburg, Indiana.

Turn 14 Distribution Names MagnaFlow Supplier of the Year

Turn 14 Distribution announced that it has selected MagnaFlow as the winner of its Supplier of the Year award. Turn 14 Distribution honors one company each year with the award, highlighting a vendor that excels in not only the product it creates, but how it supports distributors. Considerations for the award include ease of warehouse receiving, accurate product data and co-op/marketing programs that help both companies mutually.

Dave Brzozowski

Dave Brzozowski Named Motorsports Manager at Wilwood

Dave Brzozowski has been named motorsports manager, overseeing all motorsports-related projects and opportunities for Wilwood Disc Brakes. Before joining Wilwood in 2012, Brzozowski spent more than three decades in various roles within pavement and dirt series, including USAC, World of Outlaws, CART, Champ Car and IRL. In his new role, Brzozowski will work with race teams and internal staff to gather important feedback from each racing market. He will also provide on-site support at races throughout the season.

Two Continental Technologies Earn CES 2018 Innovation Awards

Continental has announced that two of its technologies have earned CES 2018 Innovation Awards. The Ac2ated Sound speakerless audio system was named an honoree in the In-Vehicle Audio/Video product category, and the Continental Air Supply (CAirS) in the Eco-Design and Sustainable Technologies category. Products entered in this program are judged by a panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the trade media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 28 product categories.

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 Kyle Cheng

SEMA’s monthly “Industry Indicators Report” provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

In an effort to keep SEMA members informed about the current market and economic environment, SEMA Market Research has developed the monthly “Industry Indicators Report.” This report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

In addition to these economic indicators, the report will also showcase newly released data gathered from current SEMA Market Research reports and other topics of interest to the automotive aftermarket industry. This month, the report includes insights from the recent “SEMA Jeep Wrangler Report.”

Because this is a brand-new benefit for members, the SEMA Market Research department welcomes your feedback and suggestions.

To view the current “Industry Indicators Report,” visit www.sema.org/market-research.

By Kyle Cheng

SEMA’s monthly “Industry Indicators Report” provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

In an effort to keep SEMA members informed about the current market and economic environment, SEMA Market Research has developed the monthly “Industry Indicators Report.” This report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

In addition to these economic indicators, the report will also showcase newly released data gathered from current SEMA Market Research reports and other topics of interest to the automotive aftermarket industry. This month, the report includes insights from the recent “SEMA Jeep Wrangler Report.”

Because this is a brand-new benefit for members, the SEMA Market Research department welcomes your feedback and suggestions.

To view the current “Industry Indicators Report,” visit www.sema.org/market-research.

By Jenny Galvan

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs are being held this week at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

As the 2017 PRI Trade Show is in full swing, there are several events that SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturer’s Council (MPMC) is hosting today and tomorrow. If you are at the trade show, be sure to make time to attend these informative seminars. Also, stop by the MPMC reception on Friday, December 8, and join in on the networking fun.

Thursday, December 7

• Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers. NHRA and Fox Sports announcing celebrity Alan Reinhart will moderate this insightful discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

Friday, December 8

• How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals Seminar. When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I attend? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? Keynote speaker Alex Striler of Lucas Oil Motorsports will moderate the discussion with the following brand marketing managers: Regis Finn of Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Tony Yorkman of K&N Engineering, Amy Weyenberg of Miller Welders and Erica Turner of Two Rivers Marketing. Panelists will share insights about what they look for in a sponsorship proposal. Register now.

• Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4 Discussion. Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the countless regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity about common misconceptions or issues. Register now.

• MPMC Industry Reception. The reception serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with friends. Enjoy hot appetizers and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and members. A highlight of the event is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. The event is open to all manufacturers and media. Register now.

By Jenny Galvan

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs are being held this week at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

As the 2017 PRI Trade Show is in full swing, there are several events that SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturer’s Council (MPMC) is hosting today and tomorrow. If you are at the trade show, be sure to make time to attend these informative seminars. Also, stop by the MPMC reception on Friday, December 8, and join in on the networking fun.

Thursday, December 7

• Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers. NHRA and Fox Sports announcing celebrity Alan Reinhart will moderate this insightful discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

Friday, December 8

• How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals Seminar. When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I attend? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? Keynote speaker Alex Striler of Lucas Oil Motorsports will moderate the discussion with the following brand marketing managers: Regis Finn of Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Tony Yorkman of K&N Engineering, Amy Weyenberg of Miller Welders and Erica Turner of Two Rivers Marketing. Panelists will share insights about what they look for in a sponsorship proposal. Register now.

• Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4 Discussion. Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the countless regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity about common misconceptions or issues. Register now.

• MPMC Industry Reception. The reception serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with friends. Enjoy hot appetizers and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and members. A highlight of the event is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. The event is open to all manufacturers and media. Register now.

By Jenny Galvan

Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs are being held this week at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

As the 2017 PRI Trade Show is in full swing, there are several events that SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturer’s Council (MPMC) is hosting today and tomorrow. If you are at the trade show, be sure to make time to attend these informative seminars. Also, stop by the MPMC reception on Friday, December 8, and join in on the networking fun.

Thursday, December 7

• Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers. NHRA and Fox Sports announcing celebrity Alan Reinhart will moderate this insightful discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

Friday, December 8

• How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals Seminar. When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I attend? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? Keynote speaker Alex Striler of Lucas Oil Motorsports will moderate the discussion with the following brand marketing managers: Regis Finn of Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Tony Yorkman of K&N Engineering, Amy Weyenberg of Miller Welders and Erica Turner of Two Rivers Marketing. Panelists will share insights about what they look for in a sponsorship proposal. Register now.

• Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4 Discussion. Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the countless regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity about common misconceptions or issues. Register now.

• MPMC Industry Reception. The reception serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with friends. Enjoy hot appetizers and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and members. A highlight of the event is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. The event is open to all manufacturers and media. Register now.

By Gavin Knapp

Select attendees have received an email invitation to participate in a survey about their 2017 SEMA Show experiences.

Last year, more than 90% of respondents said they had a good or outstanding experience at the SEMA Show. How was your experience this year?

SEMA's database of 2017 Show attendees was sent an email invitation to participate in a survey about Show experiences. If you receive this email from SEMA’s research partner Directions Research, please help by providing your feedback.

After taking the survey, as a token of SEMA’s appreciation for your time, you will be entered into a sweepstakes to win one of five $200 cash prizes and one $1,000 grand prize.  

SEMA uses the data from this survey to help improve the Show each year. With your help, next year’s Show will be even better.

As with all SEMA research, SEMA won’t share or publish your personal information or reveal your individual responses. SEMA takes its members’ privacy and security seriously, and wants to hear from you regardless of whether your experience at the Show was positive or negative.

By Gavin Knapp

Select attendees have received an email invitation to participate in a survey about their 2017 SEMA Show experiences.

Last year, more than 90% of respondents said they had a good or outstanding experience at the SEMA Show. How was your experience this year?

SEMA's database of 2017 Show attendees was sent an email invitation to participate in a survey about Show experiences. If you receive this email from SEMA’s research partner Directions Research, please help by providing your feedback.

After taking the survey, as a token of SEMA’s appreciation for your time, you will be entered into a sweepstakes to win one of five $200 cash prizes and one $1,000 grand prize.  

SEMA uses the data from this survey to help improve the Show each year. With your help, next year’s Show will be even better.

As with all SEMA research, SEMA won’t share or publish your personal information or reveal your individual responses. SEMA takes its members’ privacy and security seriously, and wants to hear from you regardless of whether your experience at the Show was positive or negative.

By Jenny Galvan

The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is scheduled to host its Motorsports & Performance Tech Roundtables, Friday, December 8, at the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis, where subject-matter experts will host discussions on their areas of expertise. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the experts, ask questions and participate in discussions, which will focus on the following topics:

• How to gain performance and drivability with electronically spooled/assisted turbocharging technology.
• How to run higher compression ratios using direct-injection technology.
• Trends in rapid prototyping and R&D tools to enhance engine/vehicle development and performance.
• How advanced simulation tools, such as GT Power and 3D CFD, can accelerate the engine-development process.
• How advancements in coatings reduce wear and friction and lead to increased performance.

For those planning to attend day two of the PRI Trade Show, register for this free event today.

By Jenny Galvan

The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is scheduled to host its Motorsports & Performance Tech Roundtables, Friday, December 8, at the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis, where subject-matter experts will host discussions on their areas of expertise. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the experts, ask questions and participate in discussions, which will focus on the following topics:

• How to gain performance and drivability with electronically spooled/assisted turbocharging technology.
• How to run higher compression ratios using direct-injection technology.
• Trends in rapid prototyping and R&D tools to enhance engine/vehicle development and performance.
• How advanced simulation tools, such as GT Power and 3D CFD, can accelerate the engine-development process.
• How advancements in coatings reduce wear and friction and lead to increased performance.

For those planning to attend day two of the PRI Trade Show, register for this free event today.