Introduced at the SEMA Show last year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition began with more than 200 vehicle builders and car customizers entering 260 custom cars competing for the coveted title of Top Builder.

By Chad Simon

A one-hour special focused on the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition will premiere on Velocity February 1, 2016. Filmed throughout the week of the SEMA Show and culminating at SEMA Ignited, SEMA Battle of the Builders® is the ultimate competition for vehicle builders. The television special, hosted by “Overhaulin’s” Chris Jacobs and Adrienne Janic, features behind-the-scenes footage of the competition and never-before-seen coverage of the judges who narrowed the field down from more than 200 entries.

The winner of the competition was announced Friday evening, November 6, 2015, at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—in front of a crowd more than 15,000 strong at the main stage in the Gold Lot across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Introduced at the SEMA Show last year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition began with more than 200 vehicle builders and car customizers entering 260 custom cars competing for the coveted title of Top Builder. Builders who made it to the Top 10 round of competition selected amongst themselves the Top Builder. Production teams were on-site to film various television programs that will air nationwide early next year.

For details on the SEMA Battle of the Builders®, visit www.semaignited.com.

By SEMA Editors

The 2015 PRI Show saw tens of thousands of attendees from across the United States and more than 70 countries flock to the Indiana Convention Center for three days of intense shopping for the latest offerings from more than 1,200 manufacturers of racing and high-performance automotive components.

The “Three Biggest Business Days In Racing” lived up to the billing Saturday as the PRI Trade Show sprinted to the finish line with yet another day of crowded display booths and brisk parts sales.

The 2015 edition of the world's premier event for motorsports professionals saw tens of thousands of attendees from across the United States and more than 70 countries flock to the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis for three days of intense shopping for the latest offerings from more than 1,200 manufacturers of racing and high-performance automotive components, as well as precision machining equipment.

“We’ve grown each of the three years since returning to Indianapolis, and it’s safe to say that 2015 has been one of the most successful PRI Trade Shows ever,” said John Kilroy, PRI Show producer. “We’ve received positive feedback and glowing numbers beginning with the start of Race Industry Week on Monday, through the PRI Grand Opening Breakfast, and then all the way until the Show’s closing today. A large amount of business was done this week, and that bodes well for the industry in 2016.”

A strong Race Industry Week schedule featured more than three-dozen events, including the Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), the Race Track Business Conference, the International Council of Motorsport Sciences (ICMS) Annual Congress, and the Advanced Vehicle Dynamics and Data Acquisition Seminar. NASCAR's 2012 Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski headlined the Grand Opening Breakfast’s popular morning talk show with host Dave Despain of MAVTV.

After two straight days of shoulder-to-shoulder aisle activity and robust sales, there was no let-up on Saturday.

“The Show’s been excellent this year—we had many more people come by this year than we initially anticipated,” said Melissa Moorhead from exhibitor Rottler Manufacturing. “It seems like attendance has been larger than it has been in the past, and we’ve seen a good variety of customers. PRI is our favorite show, and it’s our biggest Show. We have 14 machines on display this year. Every year PRI seems to get bigger and better for us.”

Similar accounts were heard throughout the Convention Center.

“The Show has been excellent,” said Rob Remesi of exhibitor Jesel Valve Train. “Last year was a very busy Show here, but this year is far above it. I don’t think I’ve given away as many cards as I have here, and we’re almost out of catalogs. The crowd here is fantastic. Day three was as busy as days one and two. We’re seeing new buyers, some international sales, dealers from Australia that are interested in becoming retailers for us in Australia, and, of course, U.S. sales as well.”

Attendees continued to express their appreciation throughout one of the Show's busiest-ever final days.

“They have anything you could possibly ever want here,” offered Reece Tracy, a fabricator with Hearn Motorsports from Litchfield, Illinois. “There’s stuff that I’ve never thought about that can make your job 10 times easier. The Trick Tools booth, anything you want to see or anything you could dream of is here. Their header building kit is absolutely outrageous.”

Most importantly, attendees used the opportunity to shop at the world's largest racing marketplace.

“The Show was great,” said John Kolivas of KBX Performance, Ashland Mississippi. “We came down to visit with quite a few of our vendors. We own an engine and tuning shop. So we’ve talked to DART and a lot of the piston companies, and we just bought a honing machine from Rottler. Everybody that’s anybody is here. Anything you want to find is here. We really enjoy it.”

Penske Racing Shocks’ Matt Giles summed up the final day: “This is probably the busiest Saturday I’ve ever seen. We’ve been busy non-stop.

Preparations are already underway for the 2016 PRI Trade Show at the Indiana Convention Center, December 8–10.

By SEMA Editors

The 2015 PRI Show saw tens of thousands of attendees from across the United States and more than 70 countries flock to the Indiana Convention Center for three days of intense shopping for the latest offerings from more than 1,200 manufacturers of racing and high-performance automotive components.

The “Three Biggest Business Days In Racing” lived up to the billing Saturday as the PRI Trade Show sprinted to the finish line with yet another day of crowded display booths and brisk parts sales.

The 2015 edition of the world's premier event for motorsports professionals saw tens of thousands of attendees from across the United States and more than 70 countries flock to the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis for three days of intense shopping for the latest offerings from more than 1,200 manufacturers of racing and high-performance automotive components, as well as precision machining equipment.

“We’ve grown each of the three years since returning to Indianapolis, and it’s safe to say that 2015 has been one of the most successful PRI Trade Shows ever,” said John Kilroy, PRI Show producer. “We’ve received positive feedback and glowing numbers beginning with the start of Race Industry Week on Monday, through the PRI Grand Opening Breakfast, and then all the way until the Show’s closing today. A large amount of business was done this week, and that bodes well for the industry in 2016.”

A strong Race Industry Week schedule featured more than three-dozen events, including the Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), the Race Track Business Conference, the International Council of Motorsport Sciences (ICMS) Annual Congress, and the Advanced Vehicle Dynamics and Data Acquisition Seminar. NASCAR's 2012 Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski headlined the Grand Opening Breakfast’s popular morning talk show with host Dave Despain of MAVTV.

After two straight days of shoulder-to-shoulder aisle activity and robust sales, there was no let-up on Saturday.

“The Show’s been excellent this year—we had many more people come by this year than we initially anticipated,” said Melissa Moorhead from exhibitor Rottler Manufacturing. “It seems like attendance has been larger than it has been in the past, and we’ve seen a good variety of customers. PRI is our favorite show, and it’s our biggest Show. We have 14 machines on display this year. Every year PRI seems to get bigger and better for us.”

Similar accounts were heard throughout the Convention Center.

“The Show has been excellent,” said Rob Remesi of exhibitor Jesel Valve Train. “Last year was a very busy Show here, but this year is far above it. I don’t think I’ve given away as many cards as I have here, and we’re almost out of catalogs. The crowd here is fantastic. Day three was as busy as days one and two. We’re seeing new buyers, some international sales, dealers from Australia that are interested in becoming retailers for us in Australia, and, of course, U.S. sales as well.”

Attendees continued to express their appreciation throughout one of the Show's busiest-ever final days.

“They have anything you could possibly ever want here,” offered Reece Tracy, a fabricator with Hearn Motorsports from Litchfield, Illinois. “There’s stuff that I’ve never thought about that can make your job 10 times easier. The Trick Tools booth, anything you want to see or anything you could dream of is here. Their header building kit is absolutely outrageous.”

Most importantly, attendees used the opportunity to shop at the world's largest racing marketplace.

“The Show was great,” said John Kolivas of KBX Performance, Ashland Mississippi. “We came down to visit with quite a few of our vendors. We own an engine and tuning shop. So we’ve talked to DART and a lot of the piston companies, and we just bought a honing machine from Rottler. Everybody that’s anybody is here. Anything you want to find is here. We really enjoy it.”

Penske Racing Shocks’ Matt Giles summed up the final day: “This is probably the busiest Saturday I’ve ever seen. We’ve been busy non-stop.

Preparations are already underway for the 2016 PRI Trade Show at the Indiana Convention Center, December 8–10.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

(L-R): Chris Bovis, Norm Young, Justin Shearer, Dave Comstock, Erica Enders, Robert Hight, Joe Aquilante, John Andretti, Jarett Andretti, Rob May, Ashley Sanford, Michael Harvey, Jason Raforgiato, Andrew Aquilante, Adam McGill, Clay Millican and John Force.

WELD Announces 2016 Brand Ambassadors at PRI Show

WELD President and CEO Norm Young announced the company’s brand ambassadors for the 2016 race season during a news conference last week at the 2015 PRI Show in Indianapolis. They include:

WELD Racing, Drag Racing

• John Force Racing (John Force, Courtney Force, Brittany Force, Robert Hight)
• Clay Millican, Stringer Performance
• Eric Enders-Stevens, Elite Motorsports
• Ashley Sanford, Sanford Racing
• Discovery Channel’s “Street Outlaws” (Justin “Big Chief” Shearer, Dave “Daddy Dave” Comstock, Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington)

WELD Racing, Oval Track

• Jarett Andretti, Andretti Short Track
• Brian Brown, ASCS, World of Outlaws
• Joe Gaerte Racing
• Damion Gardner
• KKR (Daryn Pittman, Brad Sweet)

WELD CCW, Road Racing

• Phoenix Performance (Andrew Aquilante, Joe Aquilante, Kurt Rezzatano, Preston Calvert)
• Shea Holbrook, Shea Racing
• Fall Line Motorsports (Mark Boden, Andrew Longe, Jack Kachadurian)

WELD Street & Strip

• Justin Pawlak

HiPer Technology by WELD

• Colten Moore, Rotation Motorsports
• Walker Fowler
• Adam McGill
• Megan Manschak
• Nic Granlund

Lucas Oil Launches LucasOilRacing.TV

Lucas Oil has announced the worldwide launch of LucasOilRacing.TV—the first streaming TV network dedicated solely to the world of motorsports, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The new network is set to launch January 1, 2016. Programming will include live racing, expanded pre-and post-race action, behind-the-scenes content, unseen interviews, automobile build shows and an extensive library of motorsports content and racing. LucasOilRacing.TV will deliver unlimited access to all types of motorsports racing, including American sprint cars, pro pulling, GT racing, short-course off-road racing, modifieds, drag boats, late-model dirt, NHRA, stock cars, motorcycle racing and authentic build shows. LucasOilRacing.TV will be available worldwide across multiple digital media players and mobile devices, including products by Android, Amazon, Apple and Roku.

The NMRA Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle is open to any and all Ford EcoBoost-powered vehicles.

NMRA to Host Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle at Three Events in 2016

The NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals will feature one of the most talked about Ford engines during three of their most popular events in 2016. With support from SVTperformance.com, the Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle will be part of the 22nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout in Bradenton, Florida, March 3–6, the 13th Annual NMRA Ford SuperNationals in Hebron, Ohio, June 9–12, and finally in Bowling Green, Kentucky, during the 18th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals, from September 29–October 2. The NMRA Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle is open to any and all Ford EcoBoost-powered vehicles, including Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Taurus, Explorer, F-150 and Mustang. Many aftermarket modifications are permitted and vehicles must meet all NHRA safety regulations. The class will race heads-up on a .400 tree (sportsman ladder).

Compiled by SEMA Editors

(L-R): Chris Bovis, Norm Young, Justin Shearer, Dave Comstock, Erica Enders, Robert Hight, Joe Aquilante, John Andretti, Jarett Andretti, Rob May, Ashley Sanford, Michael Harvey, Jason Raforgiato, Andrew Aquilante, Adam McGill, Clay Millican and John Force.

WELD Announces 2016 Brand Ambassadors at PRI Show

WELD President and CEO Norm Young announced the company’s brand ambassadors for the 2016 race season during a news conference last week at the 2015 PRI Show in Indianapolis. They include:

WELD Racing, Drag Racing

• John Force Racing (John Force, Courtney Force, Brittany Force, Robert Hight)
• Clay Millican, Stringer Performance
• Eric Enders-Stevens, Elite Motorsports
• Ashley Sanford, Sanford Racing
• Discovery Channel’s “Street Outlaws” (Justin “Big Chief” Shearer, Dave “Daddy Dave” Comstock, Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington)

WELD Racing, Oval Track

• Jarett Andretti, Andretti Short Track
• Brian Brown, ASCS, World of Outlaws
• Joe Gaerte Racing
• Damion Gardner
• KKR (Daryn Pittman, Brad Sweet)

WELD CCW, Road Racing

• Phoenix Performance (Andrew Aquilante, Joe Aquilante, Kurt Rezzatano, Preston Calvert)
• Shea Holbrook, Shea Racing
• Fall Line Motorsports (Mark Boden, Andrew Longe, Jack Kachadurian)

WELD Street & Strip

• Justin Pawlak

HiPer Technology by WELD

• Colten Moore, Rotation Motorsports
• Walker Fowler
• Adam McGill
• Megan Manschak
• Nic Granlund

Lucas Oil Launches LucasOilRacing.TV

Lucas Oil has announced the worldwide launch of LucasOilRacing.TV—the first streaming TV network dedicated solely to the world of motorsports, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The new network is set to launch January 1, 2016. Programming will include live racing, expanded pre-and post-race action, behind-the-scenes content, unseen interviews, automobile build shows and an extensive library of motorsports content and racing. LucasOilRacing.TV will deliver unlimited access to all types of motorsports racing, including American sprint cars, pro pulling, GT racing, short-course off-road racing, modifieds, drag boats, late-model dirt, NHRA, stock cars, motorcycle racing and authentic build shows. LucasOilRacing.TV will be available worldwide across multiple digital media players and mobile devices, including products by Android, Amazon, Apple and Roku.

The NMRA Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle is open to any and all Ford EcoBoost-powered vehicles.

NMRA to Host Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle at Three Events in 2016

The NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals will feature one of the most talked about Ford engines during three of their most popular events in 2016. With support from SVTperformance.com, the Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle will be part of the 22nd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout in Bradenton, Florida, March 3–6, the 13th Annual NMRA Ford SuperNationals in Hebron, Ohio, June 9–12, and finally in Bowling Green, Kentucky, during the 18th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals, from September 29–October 2. The NMRA Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle is open to any and all Ford EcoBoost-powered vehicles, including Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Taurus, Explorer, F-150 and Mustang. Many aftermarket modifications are permitted and vehicles must meet all NHRA safety regulations. The class will race heads-up on a .400 tree (sportsman ladder).

By Monika Earle

The Media Trade Conference is designed for journalists to interview manufacturers through 20-minute, one-on-one meetings.

More than 220 journalists, reporters and media representatives are confirmed to participate in the 2016 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 26–28, 2016, in Santa Ana, California. Media who have registered should have received a confirmation email and will receive final schedules in January. Those who have not received a confirmation email and/or those who would like to sign up may do so at www.sema.org/mtcreg.

To view a list of exhibiting manufacturers or more details, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg.

Unlike traditional trade shows, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is designed specifically for journalists to sit down and interview manufacturers in private, 20-minute, one-on-one meetings. Reporters are able to select the companies that are most relevant to their editorial needs, and may choose to attend one, two or all three days of the event.

The event includes lunch and evening events. To view a list of exhibiting manufacturers or more details, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909-978-6690.

By Monika Earle

The Media Trade Conference is designed for journalists to interview manufacturers through 20-minute, one-on-one meetings.

More than 220 journalists, reporters and media representatives are confirmed to participate in the 2016 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 26–28, 2016, in Santa Ana, California. Media who have registered should have received a confirmation email and will receive final schedules in January. Those who have not received a confirmation email and/or those who would like to sign up may do so at www.sema.org/mtcreg.

To view a list of exhibiting manufacturers or more details, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg.

Unlike traditional trade shows, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is designed specifically for journalists to sit down and interview manufacturers in private, 20-minute, one-on-one meetings. Reporters are able to select the companies that are most relevant to their editorial needs, and may choose to attend one, two or all three days of the event.

The event includes lunch and evening events. To view a list of exhibiting manufacturers or more details, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909-978-6690.

By Monika Earle

The Media Trade Conference is designed for journalists to interview manufacturers through 20-minute, one-on-one meetings.

More than 220 journalists, reporters and media representatives are confirmed to participate in the 2016 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 26–28, 2016, in Santa Ana, California. Media who have registered should have received a confirmation email and will receive final schedules in January. Those who have not received a confirmation email and/or those who would like to sign up may do so at www.sema.org/mtcreg.

To view a list of exhibiting manufacturers or more details, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg.

Unlike traditional trade shows, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is designed specifically for journalists to sit down and interview manufacturers in private, 20-minute, one-on-one meetings. Reporters are able to select the companies that are most relevant to their editorial needs, and may choose to attend one, two or all three days of the event.

The event includes lunch and evening events. To view a list of exhibiting manufacturers or more details, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909-978-6690.

By SEMA Editors

Ford project-vehicle requests require two components: an e-mail project summary (due February 19, 2016) and a detailed written proposal (due March 1, 2016).

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2016. 

2016 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2016
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 2, 2016

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 19, 2016. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2016 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2016. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2016 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Ford project-vehicle requests require two components: an e-mail project summary (due February 19, 2016) and a detailed written proposal (due March 1, 2016).

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2016. 

2016 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2016
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 2, 2016

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 19, 2016. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2016 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2016. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2016 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com