Compiled by SEMA Editors

Lucas Oil Extends NHRA Sponsorship Agreement

Lucas Oil Products has announced that the organization is renewing its longstanding sponsor partnership with NHRA. This multi-year agreement includes Lucas Oil’s recent decision to sign on as the title sponsor for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series opener, the 58th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com. Most notably, Lucas Oil sponsors NHRA’s premier sportsman series, the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, in which more than 30,000 sportsman drivers compete each year at venues across the nation. Additionally, this agreement includes Lucas Oil’s designation as the Official Oil of NHRA.

TOPP Performance Race Parts and TOPP Motorsports have announced a new 2018 partnership with The Bow Foundation.

TOPP Performance Race Parts/TOPP Motorsports Partners With Rare Disease Charity for 2018 Season

TOPP Performance Race Parts and TOPP Motorsports have announced a new 2018 partnership with The Bow Foundation. The charity is focused on supporting medical research and increasing awareness for patients with GNAO1, a rare genetic disorder with no common name. TOPP will donate a portion of their winnings to the Bow Foundation, in addition to partnering with the foundation for fundraising events throughout the season. Seasoned sprint car veteran Justin Grant will sport the Bow Foundation’s logo on the TOPP Motorsport’s number 4 car throughout the 2018 season.

Formula DRIFT Announces Two-Year Title Sponsorship With Link Engine Management for PRO2 Championship

Formula DRIFT has announced a two-year sponsorship agreement with Link Engine Management for the Formula Drift PRO2 Championship. The sponsorship will allow expanded Livestream coverage and dedicated social media for the PRO2 Championship.

Hercules Tire will continue its partnership with Greg Wilson Racing in 2018.

Hercules Tire to Sponsor Greg Wilson Racing for 2018 World of Outlaws Tour

Hercules Tire has announced that the company will continue its partnership with Greg Wilson Racing in 2018. This announcement follows Wilson’s commitment to run once again with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series on the 2018 tour. As in past years, Hercules Tires’ Strongman logo will be featured prominently on Wilson’s #w20 car, as well as his racing suits, crew uniforms, trailer and driver’s merchandise. In turn, Wilson was recently the subject of a series of videos produced by Hercules Tires to give race fans a glimpse of Wilson as a competitor. 

The Permatex/Follow A Dream Race Team finished a successful 2017 season in the Top Alcohol Funny Car NHRA Series.

Permatex Follow A Dream Team Finishes Season as Top-Ranked Team in NHRA East Region

The Permatex/Follow A Dream Race Team, sponsored by Permatex, finished a successful 2017 season in the Top Alcohol Funny Car NHRA Series. Jay Blake’s Permatex/Follow A Dream Team finished the year ranked sixth in the nation and first in the East Region. The Permatex/Follow A Dream Race Team collected a pair of back-to-back wins during the 2017 season, capturing the NHRA Division 1 (Northeast) regional events at the team’s hometown track, New England Dragway, July 22, 2017, and at Atco Raceway in Atco, New Jersey, August 5, 2017. The 2017 season was the second year that the Permatex/Follow A Dream Team car was helmed by driver Phil Burkhart and tuned by Anthony Terenzio.

Magnus Walker speaks on his new book about his life journey to America and his enthusiasm towards the automotive industry.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Samantha Hart

Samantha Hart Joins PRI

A part-time contractor since late August, Samantha Hart signed on full-time as PRI’s new marketing and media coordinator on November 20. Her responsibilities include managing and implementing PRI’s marketing and social-media efforts. She brings a wealth of experience to PRI having run her own social media/marketing business and managed campaigns for several high-profile consumer brands.

“ToyMakerz” Television Show Launches New Digital Experience

“ToyMakerz” has partnered with Source Digital to launch a “ToyMakerz” companion app and website that connects fans to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, specs about builds and deals. Available now in the iTunes and Android stores, the “ToyMakerz” app enables fans to interact with the cast, score exclusive deals on anything they see on the screen while they are watching the show live, and share pictures of their own rides, along with a chance for viewers’ photos of their toys to appear on the show this season. With the sync feature, the app can be used simultaneously while watching the show, to recognize specific scenes or anytime when not in sync. Viewers can engage with brands and products they see on screen by pressing “sync,” or by looking in the “Meet the ToyMakerz” section.

Lumileds presented its 2017 Manufacturer’s Rep of the Year Award to Cody Hooper (second from left) of Red Line Marketing & Media for the excellent sales support and customer service delivered during 2017.

Lumileds Names Cody Hooper Its 2017 Manufacturer’s Rep of the Year

Lumileds presented its 2017 Manufacturer’s Rep of the Year Award to Cody Hooper of Red Line Marketing & Media for the excellent sales support and customer service delivered during 2017. Hooper accepted the award on behalf of Red Line Marketing & Media, noting that the accomplishments in 2017 were the result of a solid team effort and made possible only by the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. Hooper has represented Lumileds since 2015, serving the company’s traditional aftermarket distribution in the Southern California region. In addition to opening new accounts and launching local promotions, Hooper has conducted extensive fieldwork with WD sales personnel in the technician/installer channel.

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.

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for two seats in the Manufacturers category, two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category and one seat in the Services category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturers category
• Two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category
• One seat in the Services category

Nominations for the 2018 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 4, 2018. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO