SEMA News—October 2015

CHRIS KERSTING

Friday at the SEMA Show: A Huge Opportunity

Each year, the team at SEMA aims to deliver a SEMA Show that grows in opportunities and value for our exhibitors and attendees. With just 31 days until we open the 2015 edition, plans have crystalized, registration numbers are up over last year, and it’s clear that the trend will continue. And yet our data indicates a change in the pattern, suggesting new opportunities late in the week.

Specifically, Friday is taking on a role of added importance. Hotel bookings indicate thousands more rooms have been booked for Friday night this year, pointing to a very big close to the 2015 SEMA Show. We believe that there are several factors leading to this change, and they all mean a more productive and valuable final day at
the Show.

First, there are more exhibiting manufacturers with more new products for the buyers to see. Last year’s Show had the greatest number of exhibiting companies in Show history. And this year, the Show is on track to deliver more than 2,500 exhibiting companies—setting yet another new exhibitor record. So it makes sense that buyers are staying on Friday in order see more.

And that’s not just a guess. In 2014, we tracked the number of buyers who reported spending time on the Show floor on Friday. More than half of the 60,000 buyers who attended the Show indicated that they were present that day. With our 2015 buyer registration up 11% over last year, and with Friday hotel bookings up 37%, we expect a banner day.

The second factor is that participation in SEMA Show Education Days has been increasing over the past several years. In order to make the most of a strong educational lineup and still have time to connect with exhibitors, buyers appear to be staying for the full Show week. On the Show floor Friday, booths stay open until 4:00 p.m., and all Show features are operational, including the New Products Showcase, the SCORE Baja 1000 experience, the Toyo Treadpass and the Omix-ADA Off-Road Success Center.

A third factor that has folks staying for Friday is SEMA Ignited, which begins with the rolling display of Show cars and trucks—the SEMA Cruise—as they depart the Convention Center at 4:00 p.m. The Cruise this year heads just across the street to the Gold Lot, the site of this year’s SEMA Ignited.

In its second year, Ignited is the official SEMA after-party that doubles as an outstanding media and consumer event, shining a spotlight on the cool cars, trucks and equipment the industry brings to Las Vegas. This year, Ignited will feature drifting and other vehicle demo activities, food, music and, of course, hundreds of unique custom cars.

Because the SEMA Show is closed to consumers, SEMA Ignited gives the enthusiast public a firsthand chance to check out hundreds of SEMA custom cars and trucks. And it’s a unique opportunity for SEMA Show exhibitors to generate broader awareness for their brands and take advantage of the retail atmosphere.

One signature element, the Battle of the Builders, will allow the public to see and celebrate the custom vehicle builders who are competing for top honors. The competition is captured for a prime-time television special that will air on the Velocity Network. And it’s all right next door.

Last year, we estimated that about 10,000 people came to Ignited. This year, we’re seeing people sign up earlier and expect an even bigger turnout. Tickets are available for purchase through a variety of sources, but if you’re a SEMA Show attendee, your badge will get you in at no charge.

All in all, we’re looking at a jam-packed week, with Friday offering the best the SEMA Show has to offer. If you haven’t made plans to join us for Friday, it’s not too late to visit www.SEMAShow.com, take a look at the calendar of events and make your plan!

SEMA News—October 2015

CHRIS KERSTING

Friday at the SEMA Show: A Huge Opportunity

Each year, the team at SEMA aims to deliver a SEMA Show that grows in opportunities and value for our exhibitors and attendees. With just 31 days until we open the 2015 edition, plans have crystalized, registration numbers are up over last year, and it’s clear that the trend will continue. And yet our data indicates a change in the pattern, suggesting new opportunities late in the week.

Specifically, Friday is taking on a role of added importance. Hotel bookings indicate thousands more rooms have been booked for Friday night this year, pointing to a very big close to the 2015 SEMA Show. We believe that there are several factors leading to this change, and they all mean a more productive and valuable final day at
the Show.

First, there are more exhibiting manufacturers with more new products for the buyers to see. Last year’s Show had the greatest number of exhibiting companies in Show history. And this year, the Show is on track to deliver more than 2,500 exhibiting companies—setting yet another new exhibitor record. So it makes sense that buyers are staying on Friday in order see more.

And that’s not just a guess. In 2014, we tracked the number of buyers who reported spending time on the Show floor on Friday. More than half of the 60,000 buyers who attended the Show indicated that they were present that day. With our 2015 buyer registration up 11% over last year, and with Friday hotel bookings up 37%, we expect a banner day.

The second factor is that participation in SEMA Show Education Days has been increasing over the past several years. In order to make the most of a strong educational lineup and still have time to connect with exhibitors, buyers appear to be staying for the full Show week. On the Show floor Friday, booths stay open until 4:00 p.m., and all Show features are operational, including the New Products Showcase, the SCORE Baja 1000 experience, the Toyo Treadpass and the Omix-ADA Off-Road Success Center.

A third factor that has folks staying for Friday is SEMA Ignited, which begins with the rolling display of Show cars and trucks—the SEMA Cruise—as they depart the Convention Center at 4:00 p.m. The Cruise this year heads just across the street to the Gold Lot, the site of this year’s SEMA Ignited.

In its second year, Ignited is the official SEMA after-party that doubles as an outstanding media and consumer event, shining a spotlight on the cool cars, trucks and equipment the industry brings to Las Vegas. This year, Ignited will feature drifting and other vehicle demo activities, food, music and, of course, hundreds of unique custom cars.

Because the SEMA Show is closed to consumers, SEMA Ignited gives the enthusiast public a firsthand chance to check out hundreds of SEMA custom cars and trucks. And it’s a unique opportunity for SEMA Show exhibitors to generate broader awareness for their brands and take advantage of the retail atmosphere.

One signature element, the Battle of the Builders, will allow the public to see and celebrate the custom vehicle builders who are competing for top honors. The competition is captured for a prime-time television special that will air on the Velocity Network. And it’s all right next door.

Last year, we estimated that about 10,000 people came to Ignited. This year, we’re seeing people sign up earlier and expect an even bigger turnout. Tickets are available for purchase through a variety of sources, but if you’re a SEMA Show attendee, your badge will get you in at no charge.

All in all, we’re looking at a jam-packed week, with Friday offering the best the SEMA Show has to offer. If you haven’t made plans to join us for Friday, it’s not too late to visit www.SEMAShow.com, take a look at the calendar of events and make your plan!

SEMA News—October 2015

CHRIS KERSTING

Friday at the SEMA Show: A Huge Opportunity

Each year, the team at SEMA aims to deliver a SEMA Show that grows in opportunities and value for our exhibitors and attendees. With just 31 days until we open the 2015 edition, plans have crystalized, registration numbers are up over last year, and it’s clear that the trend will continue. And yet our data indicates a change in the pattern, suggesting new opportunities late in the week.

Specifically, Friday is taking on a role of added importance. Hotel bookings indicate thousands more rooms have been booked for Friday night this year, pointing to a very big close to the 2015 SEMA Show. We believe that there are several factors leading to this change, and they all mean a more productive and valuable final day at
the Show.

First, there are more exhibiting manufacturers with more new products for the buyers to see. Last year’s Show had the greatest number of exhibiting companies in Show history. And this year, the Show is on track to deliver more than 2,500 exhibiting companies—setting yet another new exhibitor record. So it makes sense that buyers are staying on Friday in order see more.

And that’s not just a guess. In 2014, we tracked the number of buyers who reported spending time on the Show floor on Friday. More than half of the 60,000 buyers who attended the Show indicated that they were present that day. With our 2015 buyer registration up 11% over last year, and with Friday hotel bookings up 37%, we expect a banner day.

The second factor is that participation in SEMA Show Education Days has been increasing over the past several years. In order to make the most of a strong educational lineup and still have time to connect with exhibitors, buyers appear to be staying for the full Show week. On the Show floor Friday, booths stay open until 4:00 p.m., and all Show features are operational, including the New Products Showcase, the SCORE Baja 1000 experience, the Toyo Treadpass and the Omix-ADA Off-Road Success Center.

A third factor that has folks staying for Friday is SEMA Ignited, which begins with the rolling display of Show cars and trucks—the SEMA Cruise—as they depart the Convention Center at 4:00 p.m. The Cruise this year heads just across the street to the Gold Lot, the site of this year’s SEMA Ignited.

In its second year, Ignited is the official SEMA after-party that doubles as an outstanding media and consumer event, shining a spotlight on the cool cars, trucks and equipment the industry brings to Las Vegas. This year, Ignited will feature drifting and other vehicle demo activities, food, music and, of course, hundreds of unique custom cars.

Because the SEMA Show is closed to consumers, SEMA Ignited gives the enthusiast public a firsthand chance to check out hundreds of SEMA custom cars and trucks. And it’s a unique opportunity for SEMA Show exhibitors to generate broader awareness for their brands and take advantage of the retail atmosphere.

One signature element, the Battle of the Builders, will allow the public to see and celebrate the custom vehicle builders who are competing for top honors. The competition is captured for a prime-time television special that will air on the Velocity Network. And it’s all right next door.

Last year, we estimated that about 10,000 people came to Ignited. This year, we’re seeing people sign up earlier and expect an even bigger turnout. Tickets are available for purchase through a variety of sources, but if you’re a SEMA Show attendee, your badge will get you in at no charge.

All in all, we’re looking at a jam-packed week, with Friday offering the best the SEMA Show has to offer. If you haven’t made plans to join us for Friday, it’s not too late to visit www.SEMAShow.com, take a look at the calendar of events and make your plan!

SEMA News—October 2015

CHRIS KERSTING

Friday at the SEMA Show: A Huge Opportunity

Each year, the team at SEMA aims to deliver a SEMA Show that grows in opportunities and value for our exhibitors and attendees. With just 31 days until we open the 2015 edition, plans have crystalized, registration numbers are up over last year, and it’s clear that the trend will continue. And yet our data indicates a change in the pattern, suggesting new opportunities late in the week.

Specifically, Friday is taking on a role of added importance. Hotel bookings indicate thousands more rooms have been booked for Friday night this year, pointing to a very big close to the 2015 SEMA Show. We believe that there are several factors leading to this change, and they all mean a more productive and valuable final day at
the Show.

First, there are more exhibiting manufacturers with more new products for the buyers to see. Last year’s Show had the greatest number of exhibiting companies in Show history. And this year, the Show is on track to deliver more than 2,500 exhibiting companies—setting yet another new exhibitor record. So it makes sense that buyers are staying on Friday in order see more.

And that’s not just a guess. In 2014, we tracked the number of buyers who reported spending time on the Show floor on Friday. More than half of the 60,000 buyers who attended the Show indicated that they were present that day. With our 2015 buyer registration up 11% over last year, and with Friday hotel bookings up 37%, we expect a banner day.

The second factor is that participation in SEMA Show Education Days has been increasing over the past several years. In order to make the most of a strong educational lineup and still have time to connect with exhibitors, buyers appear to be staying for the full Show week. On the Show floor Friday, booths stay open until 4:00 p.m., and all Show features are operational, including the New Products Showcase, the SCORE Baja 1000 experience, the Toyo Treadpass and the Omix-ADA Off-Road Success Center.

A third factor that has folks staying for Friday is SEMA Ignited, which begins with the rolling display of Show cars and trucks—the SEMA Cruise—as they depart the Convention Center at 4:00 p.m. The Cruise this year heads just across the street to the Gold Lot, the site of this year’s SEMA Ignited.

In its second year, Ignited is the official SEMA after-party that doubles as an outstanding media and consumer event, shining a spotlight on the cool cars, trucks and equipment the industry brings to Las Vegas. This year, Ignited will feature drifting and other vehicle demo activities, food, music and, of course, hundreds of unique custom cars.

Because the SEMA Show is closed to consumers, SEMA Ignited gives the enthusiast public a firsthand chance to check out hundreds of SEMA custom cars and trucks. And it’s a unique opportunity for SEMA Show exhibitors to generate broader awareness for their brands and take advantage of the retail atmosphere.

One signature element, the Battle of the Builders, will allow the public to see and celebrate the custom vehicle builders who are competing for top honors. The competition is captured for a prime-time television special that will air on the Velocity Network. And it’s all right next door.

Last year, we estimated that about 10,000 people came to Ignited. This year, we’re seeing people sign up earlier and expect an even bigger turnout. Tickets are available for purchase through a variety of sources, but if you’re a SEMA Show attendee, your badge will get you in at no charge.

All in all, we’re looking at a jam-packed week, with Friday offering the best the SEMA Show has to offer. If you haven’t made plans to join us for Friday, it’s not too late to visit www.SEMAShow.com, take a look at the calendar of events and make your plan!

By SEMA Editors

IndyCar team owner Sam Schmidt and Conquer Paralysis Now, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, invite SEMA Show attendees to join them for a special-event fundraiser in Las Vegas, November 1–2. On November 1, drive laps in the exotic car of your choice at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, enjoy some great food, cocktails and the opportunity to bid on auction items. On November 2, play a round of golf at the Southshore Golf Club. The day-long program will include breakfast, lunch, a round of golf and an awards banquet ceremony at the end of the day. The golf and the pre-golf party are $500 per person. For those attending the November 1 party only, the cost is $275.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies that would like to get widespread marketing exposure and visibility during the same week as the SEMA Show. For more information, visit visit www.conquerparalysisnowgolf.org or call Nick Bella or Craig Williams at 609-737-1919.

By SEMA Editors

IndyCar team owner Sam Schmidt and Conquer Paralysis Now, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, invite SEMA Show attendees to join them for a special-event fundraiser in Las Vegas, November 1–2. On November 1, drive laps in the exotic car of your choice at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, enjoy some great food, cocktails and the opportunity to bid on auction items. On November 2, play a round of golf at the Southshore Golf Club. The day-long program will include breakfast, lunch, a round of golf and an awards banquet ceremony at the end of the day. The golf and the pre-golf party are $500 per person. For those attending the November 1 party only, the cost is $275.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies that would like to get widespread marketing exposure and visibility during the same week as the SEMA Show. For more information, visit visit www.conquerparalysisnowgolf.org or call Nick Bella or Craig Williams at 609-737-1919.

	By attending the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, you can be a part of a national TV taping that will air in the spring of 2016.

1. The SEMA Show gives you exclusive access to more than 2,000 new products, keeping you at the forefront of the industry and ahead of the trends.
2. The SEMA Show is an exclusive trade-only event, and your gearhead friends will be envious of you.
3. The early discounted fee of just $25 will increase after October 16.
4. Top experts, including Ryan Friedlinghaus and the West Coast Customs team, will conduct hands-on training and demonstrations throughout the week.
5. You will be able to meet, get autographs and take pictures with celebrities, such as the stars of CBS Sports’ “Mobsteel,” Chip Foose and more.
6. Your SEMA Show credential gives you free access into SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—where you’ll be able to see live drifting demos by top Formula Drift drivers.
7. Buyers from the United States who register before October 16 will have their badges mailed to them in advance of the SEMA Show.
8. You can be a part of a national TV taping for the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition that will air in the spring of 2016.
9. You will be able to learn from top industry experts, including Scott Ginsberg—the famed author who wore a name tag 24/7, even to bed, for 15 years.
10. One trip to the SEMA Show allows you to meet with executives from more than 2,400 manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories.
11. Many exhibitors are offering SEMA Show specials that will save your business money.
12. It’s the only trade show that represents the entire automotive specialty-equipment market, making it easy to discover cross-marketing opportunities and expand your business.
13. You will see the most talented vehicle builders in the country compete in the second annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
14. Las Vegas is a great place for a business trip, with airports that are easy to navigate, lots of hotel and restaurant options and great entertainment.
15. This year’s Show includes new features, including the Racing Annex, Performance Pavilion and 500+ manufacturers that are exhibiting for the first time.
16. After the October 16 deadline, the price increases to $75, and you won’t have your badge mailed prior to the Show.

Register today! For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	By attending the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, you can be a part of a national TV taping that will air in the spring of 2016.

1. The SEMA Show gives you exclusive access to more than 2,000 new products, keeping you at the forefront of the industry and ahead of the trends.
2. The SEMA Show is an exclusive trade-only event, and your gearhead friends will be envious of you.
3. The early discounted fee of just $25 will increase after October 16.
4. Top experts, including Ryan Friedlinghaus and the West Coast Customs team, will conduct hands-on training and demonstrations throughout the week.
5. You will be able to meet, get autographs and take pictures with celebrities, such as the stars of CBS Sports’ “Mobsteel,” Chip Foose and more.
6. Your SEMA Show credential gives you free access into SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—where you’ll be able to see live drifting demos by top Formula Drift drivers.
7. Buyers from the United States who register before October 16 will have their badges mailed to them in advance of the SEMA Show.
8. You can be a part of a national TV taping for the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition that will air in the spring of 2016.
9. You will be able to learn from top industry experts, including Scott Ginsberg—the famed author who wore a name tag 24/7, even to bed, for 15 years.
10. One trip to the SEMA Show allows you to meet with executives from more than 2,400 manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories.
11. Many exhibitors are offering SEMA Show specials that will save your business money.
12. It’s the only trade show that represents the entire automotive specialty-equipment market, making it easy to discover cross-marketing opportunities and expand your business.
13. You will see the most talented vehicle builders in the country compete in the second annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
14. Las Vegas is a great place for a business trip, with airports that are easy to navigate, lots of hotel and restaurant options and great entertainment.
15. This year’s Show includes new features, including the Racing Annex, Performance Pavilion and 500+ manufacturers that are exhibiting for the first time.
16. After the October 16 deadline, the price increases to $75, and you won’t have your badge mailed prior to the Show.

Register today! For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	By attending the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, you can be a part of a national TV taping that will air in the spring of 2016.

1. The SEMA Show gives you exclusive access to more than 2,000 new products, keeping you at the forefront of the industry and ahead of the trends.
2. The SEMA Show is an exclusive trade-only event, and your gearhead friends will be envious of you.
3. The early discounted fee of just $25 will increase after October 16.
4. Top experts, including Ryan Friedlinghaus and the West Coast Customs team, will conduct hands-on training and demonstrations throughout the week.
5. You will be able to meet, get autographs and take pictures with celebrities, such as the stars of CBS Sports’ “Mobsteel,” Chip Foose and more.
6. Your SEMA Show credential gives you free access into SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—where you’ll be able to see live drifting demos by top Formula Drift drivers.
7. Buyers from the United States who register before October 16 will have their badges mailed to them in advance of the SEMA Show.
8. You can be a part of a national TV taping for the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition that will air in the spring of 2016.
9. You will be able to learn from top industry experts, including Scott Ginsberg—the famed author who wore a name tag 24/7, even to bed, for 15 years.
10. One trip to the SEMA Show allows you to meet with executives from more than 2,400 manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories.
11. Many exhibitors are offering SEMA Show specials that will save your business money.
12. It’s the only trade show that represents the entire automotive specialty-equipment market, making it easy to discover cross-marketing opportunities and expand your business.
13. You will see the most talented vehicle builders in the country compete in the second annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
14. Las Vegas is a great place for a business trip, with airports that are easy to navigate, lots of hotel and restaurant options and great entertainment.
15. This year’s Show includes new features, including the Racing Annex, Performance Pavilion and 500+ manufacturers that are exhibiting for the first time.
16. After the October 16 deadline, the price increases to $75, and you won’t have your badge mailed prior to the Show.

Register today! For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	The 4th Annual Energy Suspension NMCA WEST Street Car Nationals welcomed racers to Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California, September 18–20.

4th Annual Energy Suspension NMCA WEST Street Car Nationals Race Wrap

As the NMCA WEST VP Racing Fuels Street Car Nationals season continues, the 4th Annual Energy Suspension NMCA WEST Street Car Nationals welcomed racers to Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California, September 18–20.

Garrett Turbo Pro Mod: With a 6.27 at 217 mph run, Rick Snavely defeated Greg Seth-Hunter’s 6.40 at 227.

ProCharger Street Outlaw: With a 5.21 at 146, Ryan Jones in his ’65 Chevy Nova beat Armen Maghdessian’s ’57 Chevy, which clocked a 5.25 at 146.72.

2015 Lucas Oil NA 10.5 Championship: Tony Aneian's 8.13 at 167.97 mph over Vic Brum's 10.31 at 96.30 secured his victory celebration in the Aerospace Components Winner's Circle.

ARP Outlaw 8.5: With a 5.24 at 144, Dan Hale, in his ’89 Fox-body Mustang, got to the stripe sooner than Erick Aldrich's 5.60 at 140 mph.

Top Sportsman: The ’00 Firebird of Anthony Matassa prevailed over Ricky Deuschle and his ’02 Camaro. Matassa went 7.958 on his 7.91 dial-in, while Deuschle was 8.023 on his 7.99 dial in.

Champion Cooling Pro Comp: Dave Gotts and his ’67 Camaro faced Hank Pramov and his ’72 Vega in the final round. Gotts went on to take the win, running 9.91 on a 9.90 index while Pramov was 9.94 on the same.

Scat Crankshafts Open Comp: Justen Spencer ran a 9.753 on a 9.74 index versus Mike Nordahl's 10.566 on a 10.54.

MMR Mustang Madness: Ron Mihld piloted his classic ’67 Mustang to a winning 13.114 against a 13.12, which edged out Greg Dreher and his ’84 Mustang’s 10.702 on a 10.72.

Hedman Headers Nostalgia Street Car: James Ferguson let his ’66 Malibu loose .001 seconds too soon, handing the win and trip to the Aerospace Components Winner's Circle to Charlie Jorgensen and his ’72 Chevy Nova.

Edelbrock Super Quick: Dustin Lee ran a 7.970 on his 7.96 dial-in compared to Katelyn Whynaught's 7.810 on a 7.82 bid.

The Calvert Racing Quick Street: Jeff Interlicchia's Mopar’s 10.672 on a 10.67 dial-in beat the pro street Camaro of D.J. Houmard’s 9.505 against his 9.52 dial in.

Vortech Superchargers True Street: Bryan Corey took home the win behind the wheel of his Chevy Nova with a three-run average of 9.61 seconds. Dan Geis was close behind in the runner-up spot with a 9.97.

Edelbrock Bracket Showdown: Mark Miyashiro was victorious over Kevin Houmard in B1's battle of the open roadsters. In B2, it was Kevin's son, Ryan, who took the win behind the wheel of a ’93 Camaro after defeating Jeff Interlicchia, and Willie Hoefer took the B3 win over Jack Swanson.

Hotchkis Performance Autocross presented by Nitto Tire: Ryan Thacker raised the Hotchkis Cup with a 32.162-second average.

DynoMax Driver Clay Gilstrap Earns First Career Win at ULTRA4 Hot Springs Race

DynoMax driver Clay Gilstrap finished more than three minutes ahead of the competition and earned his first ULTRA4 victory in the ULTRA4 Hot Springs Race. Other Team DynoMax drivers also posted top-10 finishes: Levi Shirley finished second; Wayland Campbell, fourth; Bailey Campbell, sixth; and Shannon Campbell, eighth. Rob Matzell finished second in the 4500 Modified series race. This was the third annual race at Superlift Off Road Vehicle Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the last of the 4WD Hardware Eastern Regional Series.

	Rod Hodson set a new lap record of 114.55 mph.

Isle of Man Manx GP Racer Breaks Record

Rod Hodson, 28-year-old Wigan rider, took on the Isle of Man mountain course on his JGH Racing Kawasaki ER-6f with Avon’s 3D Ultra Xtreme tires and set a new lap record of 114.55 mph. Competing in Supertwin, this was the first win for both Hodson and the Xtremes on this mountain course. Hodson also beat the overall race record, finishing the 150-mile race in just over an hour and 20 minutes with an average speed of 113.057 mph.

Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Rounds 15–16 Results

Check out the race results from rounds 15–16 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series, September 18–19, at Las Vegas Motorsports Park.