By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

HR 857, the “California Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act,” expands some wilderness designations but prohibits the secretary of the interior from closing any roads or trails that are currently open for motorized recreational access.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed SEMA-supported legislation that would permanently designate six existing OHV areas comprising 300,000 acres in San Bernardino County: Johnson Valley (expanded by 11,000 acres), Spangler Hills, El Mirage, Rasor, Dumont Dunes and Stoddard Valley. HR 857, the “California Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act,” expands some wilderness designations but prohibits the secretary of the interior from closing any roads or trails that are currently open for motorized recreational access. The bill now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. 

SEMA requests your help in asking your U.S. senators to support the bill. For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

HR 857, the “California Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act,” expands some wilderness designations but prohibits the secretary of the interior from closing any roads or trails that are currently open for motorized recreational access.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed SEMA-supported legislation that would permanently designate six existing OHV areas comprising 300,000 acres in San Bernardino County: Johnson Valley (expanded by 11,000 acres), Spangler Hills, El Mirage, Rasor, Dumont Dunes and Stoddard Valley. HR 857, the “California Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act,” expands some wilderness designations but prohibits the secretary of the interior from closing any roads or trails that are currently open for motorized recreational access. The bill now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. 

SEMA requests your help in asking your U.S. senators to support the bill. For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

HR 857, the “California Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act,” expands some wilderness designations but prohibits the secretary of the interior from closing any roads or trails that are currently open for motorized recreational access.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed SEMA-supported legislation that would permanently designate six existing OHV areas comprising 300,000 acres in San Bernardino County: Johnson Valley (expanded by 11,000 acres), Spangler Hills, El Mirage, Rasor, Dumont Dunes and Stoddard Valley. HR 857, the “California Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act,” expands some wilderness designations but prohibits the secretary of the interior from closing any roads or trails that are currently open for motorized recreational access. The bill now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. 

SEMA requests your help in asking your U.S. senators to support the bill. For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions’ “Wrap Like a King” Challenge is now open.

Avery Dennison “Wrap Like a King” Challenge Opens for Vehicle Wrap Submissions

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions has announced the opening of its annual “Wrap Like a King” Challenge. This year’s vehicle wrap competition will run July 9–September 14, and will again include Regional Wrap Kings, Continental Wrap Kings and the crowning of the “King of the Wrap World.” Wrap installers from 53 countries across the globe can submit commercial, full-print or color-change wrap projects to be judged to win thousands in prizes. The prize packages for 2018 are worth a combined total of more than $30,000, available to Regional Wrap Kings, Continent Wrap Kings and the “King of the Wrap World.” Car wrap installers can enter a vehicle wrap project online.

Jason Shatrowskas

Motovicity Distribution Welcomes Jason Shatrowskas as Vice President of Purchasing

Motovicity Distribution has announced that Jason Shatrowskas will join the company to fill the newly created role of vice president of purchasing. Shatrowskas brings more than 18 years of automotive aftermarket experience to Motovicity with a proven track record in purchasing, merchandising, category management and vendor relations.

Truck Hero CEO and President Bill Reminder Wins EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award

Truck Hero Inc. CEO and President Bill Reminder was recently selected to receive the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award in Consumer Products. The award recognizes entrepreneurs who excel in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. An independent judging panel made up of previous award winners, leading CEOs, investors and other regional business leaders selected this group of entrepreneurial leaders. As a Michigan and Northwest Ohio award winner, Reminder is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 National Awards. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, November 10.

SpeedVideo and Duck X Productions have announced a multi-year agreement to live broadcast the No Mercy, Lights Out and Sweet 16 drag-racing events.

SpeedVideo and Duck X Productions Announce Multi-Year Live Broadcast Agreement for No Mercy, Lights Out, Sweet 16 Radial Events

SpeedVideo and Duck X Productions have announced a multi-year agreement to live broadcast three of the most popular drag-racing events of the year: No Mercy, Lights Out and Sweet 16. In addition to the live HD broadcast on SpeedVideo.com, the high-definition coverage will be broadcast via Facebook Live, YouTube and Dragzine.com. The official schedule for the new events will be released soon.

DENSO Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million in STEM Education Grants to 25 North American Colleges and Universities

DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF) has announced it will donate nearly $1 million in overall funding to 25 institutions of higher learning across North America to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational programming. These grants help achieve DENSO’s goal of exposing students to the rewarding careers available in manufacturing and advance the industry forward by enhancing programs that will produce the next wave of highly skilled problem solvers. The DNAF board confirmed its 2018 North American college and university grants June 13. This year’s grant recipients, which play key roles in training the future automotive workforce, include: Arkansas State University Jonesboro, California State University Long Beach, California State Polytechnic Pomona, Cleveland State Community College, CONALEP Technician National Education, Conestoga College, East Tennessee State University FIME Mechanical and Electrical Engineer College, Kettering University, Lawrence Tech University, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, North Carolina State, Northeast State Community College, Oakland University, Ohio State University, Pellissippi State Community College, Tennessee Tech University, University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, University of Guelph, University of Michigan Dearborn, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, University of Tennessee Knoxville, West Virginia University and Western Michigan University.

Salvatore Coniglio

LIQUI MOLY Hires New Export Director

LIQUI MOLY has hired Salvatore Coniglio as its new export director. He joined LIQUI MOLY in 2001, and was previously the deputy export director for more than 10 years. In his new position, he follows CEO Ernst Prost, who provisionally took over management of the export department in 2016.

JohnDow Industries Launches New Branding, Website and Social Media Channels

JohnDow Industries has announced the launch of its new branding campaign, including its new JohnDow.com website, product branding, cataloging and the launch of multiple social media channels. The website and social media channels include JohnDow’s new branding strategy designed to communicate the strength of the multiple product lines marketed and sold under the JohnDow brand name. JohnDow.com is relaunched with multiple benefits, including a mobile-responsive design, related parts listings, constantly updated news and events information and product user manuals. JohnDow also launched its Facebook and Twitter channels to permit its customers to stay up-to-date with the latest product information and industry news.

Chris Whitworth

Wiseco Names Chris Whitworth Automotive Product Manager

Wiseco Performance Products has hired Chris Whitworth as the organization’s automotive product manager. Whitworth arrives at Wiseco and its parent company Race Winning Brands (RWB) with more than a dozen years of automotive industry experience following stops at Raybestos Powertrain, Transtar Industries, Accel Performance Group and Wellman Products Group. Whitworth will focus his efforts on managing the development of the Wiseco Automotive and K1 Technologies automotive product lines while working alongside both divisions’ product development, supply chain and quality teams to ensure new products are developed to specification and delivered on-time.

National Auto Parts Warehouse Acquires San Diego Location of APW Knox-Seeman Warehouse

National Auto Parts Warehouse Companies (NPW) has announced that it has agreed to acquire the San Diego location of APW Knox-Seeman Warehouse, expanding its presence in Southern California. The San Diego location is the second NPW acquisition in the Southern California market, and joins three other NPW locations in the state of California. The San Diego location has been in business there since 2010. 

Classic Instruments, in conjunction with Kindig-It Design, raised $3,000 to donate to the MSRA Scholarship Foundation.

Classic Instruments and Kindig-It Design Raise $3,000 for MSRA Scholarship Foundation

Classic Instruments, in conjunction with Kindig-It Design, raised $3,000 to donate to the MSRA Scholarship Foundation during the Twin Cities Classic Car Auction at the MSRA Back to the ’50s weekend. The two companies collaborated on the design and production of a one-off set of gauges that was donated to the cause. Dave Kindig designed the gauges while Classic Instruments handled the production. The gauges were auctioned off for $3,000, all of which went directly to the MSRA Scholarship Foundation.

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.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Jeff and Eric Fredette Win the 2018 Great Race

Jeff and Eric Fredette were named the overall winners of the 35th annual Great Race.

The winners of the 2018 Hemmings Motor News Great Race, presented by Hagerty and sponsored by Coker Tire, have been announced. Jeff and Eric Fredette were named the overall winners of the 35th annual time/speed/distance endurance rally, which concluded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, July 1. The father-and-son team from Illinois piloted a Flathead V8-powered ’33 Ford pickup to victory, earning more than $50,000. In addition to the Grand Champion, other class winners are included:

• Grand Champion Division
  Jody Knowles and Beth Gentry
  ’32 Ford Cabriolet
• Expert Division (and overall winners)
  Jeff Fredette and Eric Fredette
  ’33 Ford Pickup Truck
• Sportsman Division
  Keith Wallace, Rick McIntosh and Brent Powley
  ’30 Ford Model A Speedster
• Rookie Division
  Kari Schives and Kaitlyn Stahl
  ’65 Ford Mustang
• X-Cup Division
  Tom Littrell, Nathaniel Donley and Jed Diamond
  ’59 Plymouth Belvedere

The Great Race also announced its plans to rally along the West Coast of the United States for its entire 2019 event—a first for this rally. The 2019 Great Race will start Saturday, June 22, in Riverside, California, and will conclude in Tacoma, Washington, Sunday, June 30. The antique automobiles will stop in 18 cities in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Matt Hagan powered to the winner’s circle with a run of 4.156 seconds at 292.01 mph in his Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T.

Hagan, Torrence and McGaha Emerge Victorious at NHRA New England Nationals

Matt Hagan won his second straight event of the season at the sixth annual NHRA New England Nationals last weekend. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel) and Chris McGaha (Pro Stock) were also winners in their respective categories at the 13th of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Hagan powered to the winner’s circle with a run of 4.156 seconds at 292.01 mph in his Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T to take down Tim Wilkerson’s 4.181 at 287.35 in his Levi, Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang. Torrence notched his fifth victory of the year by beating Antron Brown in the final round with a 3.909 at 320.74 in his Capco Contractors dragster to Brown’s 3.948 at 315.12 in his Matco Tools/U.S. Army dragster. McGaha took home the win in the Pro Stock class with a 6.570 at 211.10 in his Harlow Sammons Chevrolet Camaro during the final round to take down Erica Enders, who red-lit. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Bandimere Speedway in Denver, July 20–22.

The 671hp, fully electric I.D. R Pikes Peak, driven by Romain Dumas, outran cars powered by conventional drivetrain technology at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Volkswagen Shares Footage From I.D. R Pikes Peak Record-Breaking Run

Volkswagen made motorsports history on June 24 at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The 671hp, fully electric I.D. R Pikes Peak, driven by Romain Dumas, outran cars powered by conventional drivetrain technology and, with a time of 7:57.148 minutes, not only beat the previous electric-car record, but also bested the all-time record set in 2013 by Sébastien Loeb by 16 seconds. View footage of Dumas’ record-breaking, sub eight-minute run.

Jimmy Ålund scored victories in Pro Mod and Pro Stock at the Finland Hot Rod Association (FHRA) Nitro Nationals in early July.

Jimmy Ålund Wins European Pro Mod and Pro Stock at the FHRA Nitro Nationals

Jimmy Ålund scored victories in Pro Mod and Pro Stock at the third race of the 2018 European FIA Drag Racing season—the Finland Hot Rod Association (FHRA) Nitro Nationals—in early July. It marked the first time ever that one driver has won both FIA Pro Mod and FIA Pro Stock on the same afternoon. The Pro Mod win extended Ålund’s points lead in the 2018 FIA Pro Mod championship. In Pro Stock, Ålund won the quarter- and semifinals, running the quickest ETs and fastest speeds in both rounds. And like in Pro Mod, Ålund went up against the reigning class champion in the finals, winning the race over Bengt Ljungdahl. The next event on the FIA European Drag Race Series schedule is the NitrOlympX, August 17–19, at the Hockenheimring in Hockenheim, Germany. Ålund will drive The Old 51 in Pro Mod, and leaving the Pro Stocker at home.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.

By SEMA Editors

The “IDEAS Collide Showcase (IDEAS Collide), Visionary Disruption and Solution in the Collision Repair Industry” will be an extension of the association’s Repairer Driven Education series.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has announced the introduction of a new event, Friday, November 2, during the 2018 SEMA Show.

The “IDEAS Collide Showcase (IDEAS Collide), Visionary Disruption and Solution in the Collision Repair Industry” will be an extension of the association’s Repairer Driven Education series. The two-hour-long session will run from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and feature 10 presentations designed to stimulate thought, innovation and resolution of business challenges with concepts from thought leaders both in and out of the industry.

IDEAS Collide is designed for captivating individuals, concept-driven startups or tenured companies with an eye on the future to take center stage and present innovative ideas, business models and concepts that have the potential to revolutionize the future of the collision-repair industry.

SCRS aims to explore concepts and business solutions that have the potential to create paradigm shifts in the businesses it serves. Proposed concepts should focus on either Industry Disruption or Industry Solution:

• Industry Disruption will rattle the status quo with ambitious ideas that have a transformative effect on the industry, including conceptual alternatives to existing business models, technological advancements that will shake up the automotive aftermarket landscape and changing the consumer expectation of what is possible.
• Industry Solutions will offer conceptual keys to resolving existing market challenges, business considerations, resources and solutions that stem from, or can be implemented by, great minds within the industry.

SCRS is accepting applications from thought leaders through July 31.

Presentations for the IDEAS Collide Showcase will be based on submissions of the completed entry information and a five-minute (or less) video pitching your ideas. To submit an application, email info@scrs.com with the following information in the body of the message, or in an editable document containing:

• Session title.
• Session description (this will be used to promote the presentation, if selected).
• Presenter name, title, company, email address and phone number.

The video submission should highlight your comfort in conveying your message. Consider your content and delivery, thinking outside the box as you put together the proposal. The proposal should “sell” the selection committee on your concept, and ultimately, on the unique experience audience members will receive during your session.

Submissions chosen will receive a maximum of 10 minutes on stage during the 2018 SEMA Show to present their ideas. Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite presentation and crowd favorites will receive in-depth interviews in Repairer Driven News. 

For more information contact SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg at aaron@scrs.com.

By SEMA Editors

The “IDEAS Collide Showcase (IDEAS Collide), Visionary Disruption and Solution in the Collision Repair Industry” will be an extension of the association’s Repairer Driven Education series.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has announced the introduction of a new event, Friday, November 2, during the 2018 SEMA Show.

The “IDEAS Collide Showcase (IDEAS Collide), Visionary Disruption and Solution in the Collision Repair Industry” will be an extension of the association’s Repairer Driven Education series. The two-hour-long session will run from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and feature 10 presentations designed to stimulate thought, innovation and resolution of business challenges with concepts from thought leaders both in and out of the industry.

IDEAS Collide is designed for captivating individuals, concept-driven startups or tenured companies with an eye on the future to take center stage and present innovative ideas, business models and concepts that have the potential to revolutionize the future of the collision-repair industry.

SCRS aims to explore concepts and business solutions that have the potential to create paradigm shifts in the businesses it serves. Proposed concepts should focus on either Industry Disruption or Industry Solution:

• Industry Disruption will rattle the status quo with ambitious ideas that have a transformative effect on the industry, including conceptual alternatives to existing business models, technological advancements that will shake up the automotive aftermarket landscape and changing the consumer expectation of what is possible.
• Industry Solutions will offer conceptual keys to resolving existing market challenges, business considerations, resources and solutions that stem from, or can be implemented by, great minds within the industry.

SCRS is accepting applications from thought leaders through July 31.

Presentations for the IDEAS Collide Showcase will be based on submissions of the completed entry information and a five-minute (or less) video pitching your ideas. To submit an application, email info@scrs.com with the following information in the body of the message, or in an editable document containing:

• Session title.
• Session description (this will be used to promote the presentation, if selected).
• Presenter name, title, company, email address and phone number.

The video submission should highlight your comfort in conveying your message. Consider your content and delivery, thinking outside the box as you put together the proposal. The proposal should “sell” the selection committee on your concept, and ultimately, on the unique experience audience members will receive during your session.

Submissions chosen will receive a maximum of 10 minutes on stage during the 2018 SEMA Show to present their ideas. Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite presentation and crowd favorites will receive in-depth interviews in Repairer Driven News. 

For more information contact SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg at aaron@scrs.com.

By SEMA Editors

Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media.

Applications to be included on the official SEMA Show press conference schedule are available. Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media; however, they do require a great deal of time and effort, and are not suited for every type of news announcement.

Here are a few tips for exhibitors who are interested in hosting a 2018 SEMA Show press conference:

• The application deadline is Friday, July 27. Upon submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email. Be sure to follow up if you do not receive an email confirmation.
• All applications will be reviewed, and the final schedule will be announced in September. Note that submitting an application does not guarantee inclusion on the official schedule.
• The success of your press conference is based on a variety of different factors, one of the most important being the amount of outreach to the media done prior to the Show. Be prepared to invest a considerable amount of time and effort into the planning of your press conference.
• Press conferences are just one of the many ways exhibitors can attract media and generate coverage at the SEMA Show. Other ways include entering the New Products Showcase, posting a release to the Online Media Center and participating in social media using the hashtag #SEMA2018—all at little to no cost!
• View the full list of all the SEMA Show PR opportunities.

Press conference applications will be accepted until Friday, July 27. If you have questions, contact SEMA PR.

By SEMA Editors

Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media.

Applications to be included on the official SEMA Show press conference schedule are available. Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media; however, they do require a great deal of time and effort, and are not suited for every type of news announcement.

Here are a few tips for exhibitors who are interested in hosting a 2018 SEMA Show press conference:

• The application deadline is Friday, July 27. Upon submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email. Be sure to follow up if you do not receive an email confirmation.
• All applications will be reviewed, and the final schedule will be announced in September. Note that submitting an application does not guarantee inclusion on the official schedule.
• The success of your press conference is based on a variety of different factors, one of the most important being the amount of outreach to the media done prior to the Show. Be prepared to invest a considerable amount of time and effort into the planning of your press conference.
• Press conferences are just one of the many ways exhibitors can attract media and generate coverage at the SEMA Show. Other ways include entering the New Products Showcase, posting a release to the Online Media Center and participating in social media using the hashtag #SEMA2018—all at little to no cost!
• View the full list of all the SEMA Show PR opportunities.

Press conference applications will be accepted until Friday, July 27. If you have questions, contact SEMA PR.

By Jason Catullo

Participating in SEMA’s Show publications is a simple, no-cost process that begins by submitting a press release to the SEMA Show Online Media Center.

From now until the opening of the 2018 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to highlight their Show plans through SEMA’s Online Media Center. Announcements about new product releases, celebrity appearances, demonstrations and unique booth attractions are just some examples of what companies submit. As the database of information grows, it serves as a beneficial, one-stop resource for buyers and media leading up to the Show. There is no cost to upload press releases and related images.

An additional benefit of using the Online Media Center is that many of the releases and announcements are used in SEMA Show publications, both electronic and print materials, prior to and during the Show. SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business. 

There are three content types that are relevant for both the October and November issues of SEMA News and the four-issue SEMA Show Daily: new product announcements, Show-related activities and custom-vehicle premieres.

SEMA News Magazine

October SEMA News
Commonly known as the “pre-Show” issue, the October issue features a dedicated section previewing the products to be unveiled during the Show. The deadline for submissions is August 1.

November SEMA News
As the “Show” issue, November includes a preview of some of the world’s most impressive, innovative project vehicles and rare builds, as well as a Show map, schedule of celebrity appearances, Show educational seminars schedule and more. The deadline for submissions is September 1. The issue also contains a sneak peek of several vehicles that are taking part in the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. More information is available at www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

SEMA Show Daily

There are four issues of the SEMA Show Daily, three of which are distributed at the Show on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• The first issue has a circulation of 40,000 and mails September 7, providing a sneak peek of the SEMA Show’s major attractions and can’t-miss features. The deadline for the first issue is July 31.
• Show Daily #2 will be distributed Tuesday, October 30—the first day of the 2018 SEMA Show. It has a circulation of 10,000 and will be distributed at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The deadline is August 31.
• Show Daily #3 and #4 also have a circulation of 10,000 each. They will be distributed Wednesday, October 31, and Thursday, November 1. The deadline for both issues is September 14.

The November issue of SEMA News and all issues of Show Daily feature press releases regarding celebrity appearances and related Show activities. Exhibitors should closely monitor editorial deadlines to finalize their Show promotions. To submit a release for consideration, upload it directly to the Online Media Center.

Editorial content is chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, once you do have a release and image ready, submit it, even if it is after the deadline. Journalists from around the world access this library for potential stories. When additional space becomes available, SEMA’s editorial team will continue to utilize the Online Media Center for new stories.

In terms of releases, oftentimes there is only space for 100–200 words. Our editorial team will shorten a longer release given space constraints. When it comes to images, the art department is looking for high-resolution images. That means 300 dpi and in one of the following file types—JPG, EPS or TIF. It is also perfectly acceptable to submit renderings of new products or a picture of a car while it’s still being built.

Key contacts for SEMA’s Online Media Center and SEMA’s editorial department:

Della Domingo
Public Relations Director
dellad@sema.org

John Stewart
Vice President/Editorial Director
johns@sema.org