By Chad Simon

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SEMA has redesigned its Market Research landing page. In addition to the new look and a more user-friendly format, it’s easier than ever to download reports; no shopping cart is necessary. Users simply fill out a short form to receive an immediate email response with a link to download the report.

Featured reports include:

• Advanced Vehicle Technology Opportunity Study: The report identifies $1.5 billion in business opportunities for retrofitting vehicles with Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) and Connected Vehicle Technology (CVT) products.
  
  
• SEMA Industry Indicators: The monthly snapshot of the U.S. economy and specialty-equipment market highlights trends that can effect SEMA-member businesses.
  
  
• Market Report: The detailed overview of the specialty-equipment market includes market segment sizes, customer profiles and economic trends.

Visit www.sema.org/market-research.

Teaching science, technology, engineering and math skills to middle schoolers through highlighting the exciting world of the automotive industry.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2018/06/kids-cars-and-stem-careers

Teaching science, technology, engineering and math skills to middle schoolers through highlighting the exciting world of the automotive industry.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2018/06/kids-cars-and-stem-careers

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Christian Castro (center) has been named the grand-prize winner of FCA’s 2017 National Sweepstakes. His prize was the all-new redesigned ’18 Jeep Wrangler.

FCA 2017 National Sweepstakes Entrant Wins All-New ’18 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

FCA US LLC has announced that Christian Castro has been named the grand-prize winner of its 2017 National Sweepstakes. He was one of more than 630,000 registrations in the annual sweepstakes. As the winner, Castro received a $45,000 voucher to put toward his choice of any Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM or FIAT brand vehicle. He selected the all-new redesigned ’18 Jeep Wrangler, which is pre-configured with a black exterior and matching black interior, paired with red accents in the stitching and seat belts. Champion Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Downey, California, delivered the prize vehicle to its new owner. The ’18 Jeep Wrangler was featured at the 2017 SEMA Show, where it was named “Hottest 4x4-SUV” for the eighth consecutive year. Eligible consumers have until December 31 to enter the 2018 FCA US LLC National Sweepstakes. Purchase is not required to enter or win.

Brian Norko

NGK Spark Plugs Appoints Brian Norko Vice President of Aftermarket

NGK Spark Plugs Inc. has announced changes in its executive management team. Senior Vice President of Aftermarket Mike Schwab will assume a more global leadership role in developing targeted initiatives for the Pan-American or “PAMA” Aftermarket regional headquarters. As vice president of aftermarket sales and marketing, Brian Norko will expand his responsibilities leading all growth initiatives within the brand marketing, product management and category management functions, in addition to his current sales leadership role. Since joining NGK Spark Plugs in 2016 as vice president of sales, Norko has implemented a more streamlined sales structure, re-aligning sales territories to allow for improved customer service and engagement. This includes added marketing and technical training support. Norko was previously the global director of business and product development at Federal-Mogul Corp. With more than 29 years of experience in the aftermarket industry, Norko is also a member of the Automotive Sales Council. He will continue to report to Schwab.

Jeff Paz from Franklin, Tennessee, is the grand-prize winner of its AVS Supercharged All-American Car Sweepstakes, with his ’17 Dodge Challenger, built by Sam Mahdavi.

Winner of the AVS Supercharged All-American Car Sweepstakes Selected at 2018 Hot Rod Power Tour

AVS has announced that Jeff Paz from Franklin, Tennessee, is the grand-prize winner of its AVS Supercharged All-American Car Sweepstakes. The winner was chosen and presented with the keys to the car at the final stop on the 2018 Hot Rod Power Tour at the zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina. Three randomly selected finalists were chosen to make the trip to Concord for the final stop of the 2018 Hot Rod Power Tour. Runner-ups Chris Vogel and Matt Moss each received a $1,500 gift card for their choice of products from Lund International. The ’17 Dodge Challenger was built by Sam Mahdavi, host of the “Sam’s Garage” TV show. The 550hp Challenger Hemi Scat Pack Shaker Edition is equipped with a body kit that included AVS fender flares, rocker panel extensions, rear spoiler and front splitter. It also features an AVS Aeroskin hood protector and blackout taillight covers. Additional power comes from an Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger and improved sound comes from a MagnaFlow stainless exhaust system. The Challenger sits on MHT Rotiform 22-in. forged wheels wrapped in Toyo Tires, covering a set of high-performance StopTech brakes. A Hellwig Suspension Products front sway bar and Ringbrothers custom hood pins were added. Additional exterior upgrades include an AMP Research fuel door, custom undercar lighting and a billet grill. The interior received custom Katzkin Leather upholstery.

Gloria Moreno

Marx Group Promotes Gloria Moreno to Digital Technology Manager

Marx Group has promoted Gloria Moreno to digital technology manager. Moreno joined Marx Group in 2006 with a focus on digital marketing. Throughout her career at Marx Group, Moreno has been involved in the design and development of client websites, led successful social media campaigns from strategy and planning through execution and launched dozens of digital advertising campaigns. More recently, Moreno has guided the digital team to optimize content and tracking to target specific audiences with an expertise in SEO, content development, email marketing and analytics. In this new role, Moreno will continue to work on web development and integrated digital strategies with a special focus on SEO and PPC. She also will play a significant role in Marx Group’s analytics and performance analysis services, to help clients understand the full range of their paid, owned and earned media to grow their audience and more effectively measure ROI.

Erika Klein

Global Shop Solutions Celebrates 25-Year Anniversary of Vice President of R&D Erika Klein

Global Shop Solutions celebrates the 25-year annivesary of Vice President of R&D Erika Klein. As the daughter of Dick Alexander, founder of Global Shop Solutions, Klein has been involved with the company since she was a young girl. Her journey as an employee started in the service department, helping customers navigate software, before transitioning into the role of chief software designer. During her tenure, she led the release of dozens of applications that simplified manufacturing.

National Auto Parts Warehouse to Acquire 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 NPW’s presence in Southern California. The transaction is expected to close before the end of June. The San Diego location is the second NPW acquisition in the Southern California market, and joins three other NPW locations in California. The San Diego location operates in a 10,000-sq.-ft. warehouse and has been in business since 2010.

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

Tony Schumacher powered to the Winner’s Circle with a run of 3.946 seconds at 313.58 mph in his U.S. Army dragster to take down Mike Salinas in the final round.

Schumacher, Capps and Coughlin Jr. Emerge Victorious at Fitzgerald USA NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

Tony Schumacher locked down his first Top Fuel victory of the season last Sunday as he emerged victorious at the 18th annual Fitzgerald USA NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) were also victorious in their respective categories at the 11th of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Schumacher powered to the Winner’s Circle with a run of 3.946 seconds at 313.58 mph in his U.S. Army dragster to take down Mike Salinas in the final round. This was Schumacher’s third final round of the season and the 150th of his career, as he now has six career victories in Bristol in eight career final rounds at the facility. Capps secured his first victory of the season and 59th of his career as his 4.234 at 296.37 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T was enough to take down Bob Tasca III in the finals. Coughlin Jr. brought home the Pro Stock victory after driving to a 6.709 at 205.10 in his JEGS.com/Elite Performance Chevrolet Camaro to take down points leader Greg Anderson in the final round. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, June 21–24.

Brian Brown

Brian Brown With Champion Racing Oil Wins Sixth Victory of the Year at Knoxville  

Brian Brown is off to the hottest start of his career at Knoxville Raceway, where he captured his sixth feature victory in seven A Main starts last Saturday. He opened the event by qualifying fourth quickest. He then advanced from fifth to third place in a heat race, which lined him up on the inside of the second row for the 20-lap A Main. Brown will continue to ride his momentum into his debut at Farley Speedway in Farley, Iowa, on Friday with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series before he returns to Knoxville Raceway on Saturday.

Audrey Worm

Audrey Worm Joins Team Edelbrock Racing

Edelbrock has announced Audrey Worm as the latest addition to Team Edelbrock Racing. She started her racing career in her dad’s Slingshot Dragsters shop’s nostalgia front-engine dragster at the age of 16, and competed in nostalgia drag races nationwide for more than eight years. She earned her Top Fuel license on Labor Day weekend in 2017, and made her NHRA debut at Maple Grove Raceway in September 2017 during the Dodge NHRA Nationals. Audrey is one of the only modern-day NHRA drivers to move from Nostalgia dragster directly into Top Fuel racing. She is currently driving the Leverich family dragster that is wrapped in Team Fox and OutrunPD. She will compete in at least eight NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel races this year. Worm was named by Drag Illustrated in 2015 as one of their “30 Under 30” most influential people in drag racing. She is a rookie driver in the running for the NHRA Auto Club Road to the Future Award.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Tony Schumacher powered to the Winner’s Circle with a run of 3.946 seconds at 313.58 mph in his U.S. Army dragster to take down Mike Salinas in the final round.

Schumacher, Capps and Coughlin Jr. Emerge Victorious at Fitzgerald USA NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

Tony Schumacher locked down his first Top Fuel victory of the season last Sunday as he emerged victorious at the 18th annual Fitzgerald USA NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) were also victorious in their respective categories at the 11th of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Schumacher powered to the Winner’s Circle with a run of 3.946 seconds at 313.58 mph in his U.S. Army dragster to take down Mike Salinas in the final round. This was Schumacher’s third final round of the season and the 150th of his career, as he now has six career victories in Bristol in eight career final rounds at the facility. Capps secured his first victory of the season and 59th of his career as his 4.234 at 296.37 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T was enough to take down Bob Tasca III in the finals. Coughlin Jr. brought home the Pro Stock victory after driving to a 6.709 at 205.10 in his JEGS.com/Elite Performance Chevrolet Camaro to take down points leader Greg Anderson in the final round. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, June 21–24.

Brian Brown

Brian Brown With Champion Racing Oil Wins Sixth Victory of the Year at Knoxville  

Brian Brown is off to the hottest start of his career at Knoxville Raceway, where he captured his sixth feature victory in seven A Main starts last Saturday. He opened the event by qualifying fourth quickest. He then advanced from fifth to third place in a heat race, which lined him up on the inside of the second row for the 20-lap A Main. Brown will continue to ride his momentum into his debut at Farley Speedway in Farley, Iowa, on Friday with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series before he returns to Knoxville Raceway on Saturday.

Audrey Worm

Audrey Worm Joins Team Edelbrock Racing

Edelbrock has announced Audrey Worm as the latest addition to Team Edelbrock Racing. She started her racing career in her dad’s Slingshot Dragsters shop’s nostalgia front-engine dragster at the age of 16, and competed in nostalgia drag races nationwide for more than eight years. She earned her Top Fuel license on Labor Day weekend in 2017, and made her NHRA debut at Maple Grove Raceway in September 2017 during the Dodge NHRA Nationals. Audrey is one of the only modern-day NHRA drivers to move from Nostalgia dragster directly into Top Fuel racing. She is currently driving the Leverich family dragster that is wrapped in Team Fox and OutrunPD. She will compete in at least eight NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel races this year. Worm was named by Drag Illustrated in 2015 as one of their “30 Under 30” most influential people in drag racing. She is a rookie driver in the running for the NHRA Auto Club Road to the Future Award.

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

Angela Schoof explains her involvement with SEMA and the different functions of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA).

Angela Schoof explains her involvement with SEMA and the different functions of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA).

Angela Schoof explains her involvement with SEMA and the different functions of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA).

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for publication on a first-come, first-served basis.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 5 and $150 per entry thereafter.